The La Carrera Panamericana...

Part 2 2011 LCP Video

2011-12-11T16:48:00.001-08:00

I agree with my good friend Ralf, Mil Cumbre is my favorite.

A Good Video From 2011 LCP

2011-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AWqTbzdi0y8

It's Just A Rally, Not Really A Race... WRONG!

2011-11-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

I was impressed with several of the good sites with respect to this years LCP coverage. That said, it's hard to have a good/accurate understanding of the grand scope of things going on and even made worse by never having any daily updates as to the standings of each team. For those of us watching the race from afar, it would be exciting if we knew who was moving up or back in each class.

There have been so many times that I have heard someone say, "Oh, the La Carrera Panamericana. From what I hear it's just a bunch of people who don't really race. They just drive from party to party." I got two words for you folks... Bull Shit.

Carrera News October 2011

2011-10-06T08:43:00.001-07:00

**THE ENTRIES FOR 2011

**ISO DIVERSITY: SELECTING A CAR

**REVIVING ORIGINAL PAN AM

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS, March 23-25, 2012

**COYOTE CONVOY

**SHORT ITEMS

**PAN AM RULES ISSUED

**LEGAL MUMBO

**CONTACT INFORMATION

**THE ENTRIES FOR 2011

At last count, over 100 cars have been accepted into the 24th modern Pan Am event This year. According to Eduardo “Lalo” Leon, the Organizer of the race, 45 cars remain on the wait list.

Why the great influx in participation in recent years? It’s primarily due to a huge increase in Mexican entries, plus a smaller increase from Europe. Entries from the U.S. and Canada (44 applications, 38 accepted) are down from their high of 54 entries in 2005, probably because of the bad press Mexico gets in the U.S. and the overall economy, plus the pressure from Mexican hopefuls.

Mustang-Falcons and Porsche 911s will dominate the event numerically this year. At last count there are 22-24 Mustang-Falcons and 15-17 Porsche 911s registered. Over one-third of all entries will be these models.

Oh, where did all the Chevys go? Fortunately, there are three or four midyear Corvettes enrolled, plus one funky blue Chevy II Nova 400 and perhaps, a Chevelle.

Sadly, one of the three ’55 Chrysler 300s being prepared by Mr. Kevin Kelly in North Carolina had to drop out. But the entry list includes four VWs running in Exhibition and Hayden Groendyke’s beautiful ’49 Cadillac, sporting a “built” Corvette 427 under the bonnet.

Stafford Galen and Kaminc Ko will represent Mopar enthusiasts in a ’65 Dart that made a big impression on the track in Aguascalientes last year. The car will also pay special tribute to Loyal “Tio” Truesdale, reputedly one of the founders of the Pan Am and long-time guru for American racers. Truesdale passed away a year ago, and will be remembered as one of the great raconteurs of all time.

Competitors to watch? Aficionados are eagerly awaiting the rematch between los norteamericanos Taz Harvey and Rudy Vajak in their Datsun 510, against Martin Lauder and his ace co-driver/mechanico Conrad Stevenson in a Alfa sedan, a.k.a. ”Taxi Perdido,” in Historic A+.

Last year the two cars were only seconds apart on most speed stages. After giving up 20 minutes the first day, Harvey was faster three of the following six days and tied Lauber-Stevenson one day. At the end, Harvey finished only 4 minutes behind the Taxi. Lauber was first in class and 8th overall. This year, expect to see two of the Historic A+ cars in the top ten. Not bad for under 2000 c.c.

Overall winner this year? The favorite is Michel Jordain, Jr. (Mexico), the LCP runner up in 2010 and victor in the Chihuahua Express last April. Jordain’s Studebaker will be prepared by Mats Hammarlund Racing, whose cars have won the last two Carreras and the recent Patrio Rally. Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes in their ’54 “Oldsmobile” will be strong challengers. There are several other Mexican crews capable of pulling off an upset, including the Pimentel boys.

In the huge Historic C class, The Pony Car Derby, look for former F1 driver Jochen Mass, driving a non-FIA Mustang, to lead the herd of ‘Stangs to victory, if Ralph Christensson falters in his Rally Falcon. Of course, there may be a sleeper among the Corvettes, and Bill Shanahan should return to the top ten in his well-prepared FIA Rally Falcon.

**ISO DIVERSITY: SELECTING A CAR

As noted above, about one-third of this year’s entries are Ford Mustang-Falcons and Porsche 911/912s. Given this situation, the Organizing Committee is encouraging future competitors to select a different brand of automobile to ensure diversity and increase spectator interest.

The new Historic A+ class should be of interest to potential rookies. It includes all four-cylinder sports cars and sedans made from 1965-1972 with engines of up to 2 liters. Cars made after 1972, which offer no mechanical advantage over the ‘72 model may participate. These cars may use a modern engine of up to 1600 cc. Right now, the class enrolls mostly Volvos, Alfas, Datsun 510s, and two Porsche 914s, one driven by Carrera book author Johnny Tipler and his beautiful and skilled co-driver Sarah Bennett-Baggs.

What to earn a trophy by just finishing? Enter Sports Mayor and Sports Menor. Given the fact that there are only three or four cars in each class, there’s a good chance if you just finish the race, you will be on the podium. Some replicas are accepted in each class, too.

The Organizers also like the Datsun Z cars and have amended the rules to allow them to participate in Historic B. Two are entered this year.

**REVIVING ORIGINAL PAN AM

Original Pan Am is another class that is vastly under-subscribed this year. This class enlists cars made from 1940-1954, as did the original race in 1950. By rule, the cars should be prepared like they ran in 1954, that is, “pretty much stock.”

OPA cars may use disc brakes, dual master cylinders, 12 volt electronics, modern ignitions, and aluminum radiators/updated cooling systems. The Organizers want these cars to be dependable, safe, and fast enough to keep up with the pack. The gap between OPA and Historic C is a becoming a little blurry.

In this class a ’54 Ford V8 with manual transmission and overdrive--think six speeds--seems to be the pick of the class. Other popular cars include: ’54 Lincolns, ‘54 Studebakers, ’54 Olds, and ’54 Hudsons.

Because the moving parts of engines in the Pan Am are “free,” some of these older engines produce significantly more power than they did in 1954. Unfortunately, most of these cars were not available in ’54 with manual transmissions, so some drivers have a problem finding an automatic box that will perform well in the mountains of Mexico and survive the heat for seven punishing days.

Personally, I would like to see a Nash with a big straight six run the event, like the car used by NASCAR founder Bill France and Curtis Turner, NASCAR piloto, back in the ‘50s. There’s a rumor that someone is building such a car in Northern California. And where is that “fabulous” Hudson Hornet that was supposed to return to Mexico!?

Like Bobby Johnson once said, “we need more of these original cars to restore the Pan Am as a true vintage event, and not just a race dominated by hot rods that only look old.

In fact some have argued that the rules should be altered to allow more entries from the large number of historic cars racing in vintage leagues in the U.S.

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS, March 23-25, 2012

The next Express is scheduled for March 23-25, 2012, Chihuahua City, Mexico. It will three days of exciting racing over 1000 miles of paved, excellent roads, with about 300 miles of speed stages. The registration fee is $2400 USD, but there will a discount if paid before December 1. Accommodations at the luxury Soberano Hotel are extra.

The event is open to modern and classic cars. Pan Am cars will race in their respective classes.

Don’t want to put a six-point cage in your C Jag or Maybach? OK, you may also enroll in the regularity (TSD) rally, bracket racing, or the Express Tour for a much lower fee. All things considered, this event is clearly more bang for your buck. Driving these roads, across these impressive landscapes at any decent speed, is just plain fun.

If you are interested, please request the three-page brochure about the Express by hitting the reply button, and go to the official web site, www.chihuahuaexpress.com.

The Express is highly recommended for competitors who want to learn how to stage rally in Mexico before the LCP in October, since both events use the same rules. Also, the Express offers an excellent opportunity to test your car at speed, on a twisty Mexican road. It also will take only a week or less of your time.

After all, we get to return to the same hotel each night and sleep in the same bed. No hunting for the hotel or driver’s meeting each night, or toting suitcases across town. What could be sweeter, the maids?

What are you waiting for?

Visit the famous Copper Canyon during the Chihuahua Express

**COYOTE CONVOY

Competitors towing their cars or having them transported to Huatulco in October and other interested parties are invited to participate in the 10th Annual Coyote Convoy. The Convoy will leave Laredo, Texas on Friday, October 14, a day earlier than usual. It will again stop for two nights in San Miguel de Allende for a little R & R, before going on to Oaxaca on Sunday and Huatulco on Monday, October 17. Registration and inspection do not open until the next day around 10:00 AM.

Most of the competitors will import their race cars and tow vehicles with temporary tourist vehicle permits. The permits cost around $42 USD, plus a deposit of from $200-$400 USD to ensure the vehicles are exported from Mexico after the race. The deposit may be paid in cash or by credit/debit card. When the vehicle is properly exported, the deposit will be refunded.

It is also possible to use the services of a Mexican Customs Agent (broker.)

Following the end of the race in Zacatecas, the convoy, or portions of it, will return to Nuevo Laredo on Friday, October 28, at 08:00. Some of the competitors plan to return to the West coast via El Paso, Texas.

The convoy is open to all competitors and spectators. It is a service provided by the North American Coordinator. According to the rules, however, competitors are solely responsible for getting their cars to the start of the race.

**SHORT ITEMS

Guanajuato Crowds – this city will be crowded not because the Carrera will stop there for the night, but during this period, the city (and San Miguel de Allende) is the site of the famous Cervantino, one of the biggest music festivals in the world. Too bad we won’t have time to take in a concert. Bring your viola and join the fun!

Pan Am Pre-Race Tour – nine racers, including several spouses, attended the first Pan Am Pre-Race Tour in San Miguel de Allende in early September. The tour included training in stage-rally navigation, plus visits to several key speed stages in the area, plus the cities of Morelia and Guanajuato. Some spouses made the best of San Miguel’s cultural attractions and spas. The tour will be offered again next year in late August or early September.

Carrera Panamericana Museum Opens – in Cancun. It may not be in the center of the country or in one of the cities along the usual route, but LCP now has its own museum. Check out the official LCP home page for a nice photo.

Carrera Fiesta in Carmel-- thanks to the hard work of host Bill Hemmer (Historic A+) the annual fiesta in conjunction with the historic races at Laguna Seca was an unqualified success. Around 85 people attended, along with ten Carrera cars on display. Hemmer had souvenir hats specially made for Eduardo Leon and Monica Grossman Leon, the Organizers of the Pan Am. Although they were unable to attend, the hats were presented to them during the Patrio Rally in Morelia on September 17.

Guanjuato Capital

**PAN AM RULES ISSUED

Promised way back in February, the rules for the 2011 LCP were finally posted on the official web site in Spanish late last month and were issued in English a week or two later.

The primarily change in the rules, a concept first announced officially in June, is the limit on speed for these classes: Turismo Production, Turismo Mayor, Sports Mayor, and Historic C. The first three classes are from the highly modified Panamericana Group (1940-1954), while the Historic C cars (with V8 engines) belong to the Historic Group (1955-1965).

Each car in these classes must use an electronic ignition system, like MSD or Mallory, that allows the engine’s RPM to be limited. The maximum RPM depends on the rear-gear ratio (differential) and the diameter of the tires. (The ratio of the top gear in the transmission must be 1:1.)

The limits on speed are: Turismo Production (144.6 MPH), Turismo Mayor (146.6 MPH), Sports Mayor (142.8 MPH), and Historic C (142.8 MPH). 144.6 MPH=232.6 KPH, and 142.8 MPH=229.8 KPH, according to the information provided by the committee.

Given the fact that there are few long straights in the current Pan Am’s route, the limit on top speed is not considered by some vets to be a significant in the outcome of the race, although it does limit the playing field (track?) somewhat, giving Historic C and, perhaps, Historic B cars (like Porsche 911s) a better chance at an overall win.

This race is mostly about the amount of torque the engine produces and how it is applied. In this race, the most successful cars produce a lot of torque in the lower and mid-ranges for climbing the hills and mountains. An engine that produces most of its torque at redline, like a track car, is just about useless in this event.

The new rules go into much greater detail about the modifications allowed, especially In Historic C. A special report on new the Historic C rules will be provided in the next CARRERA NEWS.

**LCP 2012? – APPLY IN NOVEMBER

Proposed North American entries for the 25th Anniversary Carrera Panamericana next year will be accepted by the North American Coordinator (NAC) in November, shortly after the dust settles from this year’s event. Application forms will be provided to this list by the end of the first week in November. Based on last year’s experience and anticipated demand, North Americans should expect between 35 and 40 slots.

Applicants should remember that the Organizers, who will make the final selection, will seek to provide a diverse field. Rookies should choose their car accordingly.

Mercedes 300SL on La Bufa, 2010

**LEGAL MUMBO

The views expressed in CARRERA NEWS are those of the author and may not (probably don’t) represent the views of the Organizing Committee. The author is a competitor and any advice he offers may constitute a conflict of interest.

All forms of motor sports are inherently dangerous, and La Carrera Panamericana is no exception. It is a long, hard endurance race at high speeds mostly along mountain roads. Mechanical failures are common, accidents not uncommon, and serious injury and even death are possible. Crews will sign a waiver holding the Organizers harmless.

Cars should be carefully prepared, with an emphasis on safety (brakes, seat belts, roll cage, etc.), and driven prudently. Drivers and navigators should remember that the most important goal is to finish. Unless you finish, nothing else counts.

**CONTACT INFORMATION

Gerie Bledsoe, North American Coordinator (U.S. and Canada)

La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express

USPO address:

220 N. Zapata Hwy Ste 11

PMB 68B

Laredo, TX 78043

1-650-525-9190 (Home office)

Mexican phone number +52-415-185-8470

Mailing Address in Mexico (FedEx, UPS only):

La Quinta Prolong. 5-A

Centro-Ojo de Agua

San Miguel de Allende

37700 GTO

Mexico

Email: gbledso@aol.com, Skype: gerie.bledsoe

www.panamrace.com

www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

www.chihuahuaexpress.com

Carrera car number 395, Chevy II Nova, Historic C (1999-2011)

©Gerie Bledsoe 2011

From the Desk of Bill Hemmer:

2011-09-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

On behalf of Lupita Hernandez, our Mexican Red Cross Nurse, I want to thank all of those who attended the 5th Annual Carrera Fiesta during the Monterey Historics. A great time was had by all and the event raised new funds to forward to Lupita. Again, thank you very much.

A special thanks to those who took the time to bring their Carrera cars. The Baja Cantina enjoys hosting our event and is looking forward to seeing us all again. We have been promised even more parking spaces for next year..... so plan on dusting off the race car and joining us next time !

Sincerely,

Bill

Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinetta

2011-07-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Alberto Ascari was a man in a hurry. In a relatively short Grand Prix career between 1948 and 1955, he became Formula One World Champion in 1952 and 1953, winning nine consecutive races on his way to the 1952 title.

Ascari also finished second in Mexico’s La Carrera Panamericana in 1951, teamed with Luigi Villoresi in the second of two factory Ferrari 212 Inter Berlinettas. After eight stages totaling 2,096 miles, on road conditions best described as wretched, the pair were only eight minutes behind winners Piero Taruffi and Luigi Chinetti. Ferrari had achieved a one-two finish, ahead of 33 American sedans, with varying degrees of factory support.
Carrera Panamericana in 1952

Clearly, 1952 was going to be a factory fight to the finish, and Ferrari built four cars specifically for the event. That year, the race was divided into sports and stock classes, with 26 cars entered in the European sports-car category. Mercedes would bring two 300 SL Gullwing coupes and a roadster, and there were entries from Jaguar, Gordini, Lancia and Porsche.

The factory Ferraris were named “Mexico” for the event. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti for Vignale, the 77.5-inch hood was one of the longest ever to grace a Ferrari, while the unique fenders extended beyond the oval grille in what is one of the most wildly attractive Vignale designs to date. Built as lightweight “340 America models,” with a small-diameter Tuboscossia chassis, the cars were powered by the Lampredi-designed, 4.1-liter, V-12. With 280 horsepower on tap, the Mexicos were capable of 0-60 mph in six seconds and had a top speed of 174 mph – extraordinary performance both then and now.

Enzo Ferrari pinned his hopes on Alberto Ascari/Giuseppi Scotuzzi, Franco Cornacchia/Luigi Villoresi and Luigi Chinetti/Jean Lucas, who represented Ferrari’s American operation. Giovanni Bracco was entered in a lighter 250 MM Berlinetta and very nearly pulled off a win. A 340 Mexico Barchetta roadster was entered for American Bill Spear, but he did not start.

Designed by Giovanni Michelotti for Vignale, the 77.5-inch hood was one of the longest ever to grace a Ferrari, while the unique fenders extended beyond the oval grille in what is one of the most wildly attractive Vignale designs to date.

Ascari and 0226 AT

The Mexico Berlinetta presented here – s/n 0226 AT – is remarkable for its matching-numbers originality and the comprehensive provenance that accompanies it. S/n 0226 AT was originally sold by Luigi Chinetti to Allen Guibertson of Dallas, Texas for the princely sum of $14,500. Chinetti also arranged for Ferrari team drivers Ascari and Scotuzzi to race the car in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana. The intensely competitive Ascari had been a runner-up the year before and had already disobeyed team orders to make certain of his first Formula One World Championship. He was a fiercely competitive and highly talented driver, to say the least.

Starting in 14th position, Ascari set a blistering pace and worked his way up to sixth by the 50-mile mark, where he passed Speed Age magazine writer Vince McDonald, camped by the side of the road. Here’s what McDonald saw:

“50 miles out (from the start), just over the first series of hills, the road wound down into a valley, across three narrow bridges, then back up into the hills. A blinding blanket of fog lay over the valley and it was here that we awaited the racing pack.

“At 7.25 a.m. the first car could be heard, as it screamed through the turns and down into the soup, hit the first, second and last wooden bridge with a deep rumble and disappeared. The fog was so thick that only by standing on the edge of the road and straining hard could the first car be distinguished – a Mercedes.

“Almost immediately the other two Mercedes-Benz went through, then the fog began to lift and the next car came off the bridge, a Ferrari driven by Efrain Ruiz Echeverria of Mexico City. Santos Litona Diaz in a Jaguar was next, with Alberto Ascari, who had started in 14th place trying desperately to pass on a bridge that was hardly wide enough for one car.”

The pace was clearly fast and furious. In a race that claimed more lives than would be acceptable by any modern standards, Ascari passed nine competitors at blistering speeds before his race came to an end prematurely as he lost control over loose stones and collided with a rocky ledge.

With John Fitch disqualified in his Mercedes, the Chinetti/Jean Lucas Ferrari Mexico salvaged third place for Ferrari, while Jack McAfee finished fifth and Phil Hill and Arnold Stubbs were sixth. In all, there were only 39 finishers from 92 starters.

Ascari’s car, s/n 0226 AT, was shipped back to Ferrari and Vignale for repairs, then returned to Guibertson in Dallas in the spring of 1953. Guibertson sold it to A.V. Dayton, who entered it in the July 4th SCCA race at Offut Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, driven by Carroll Shelby and Jack McAfee, who finished second. Just one year old, 0226 AT had already been driven by some of the greatest international racing legends in the world.

On October 25, Dayton entered the car in the Sowega SCCA races in Atlanta, Georgia, where, driven by a Mr. Duncan, it was sidelined by electrical problems. Dayton sold the car back to Chinetti before the end of the year.

Subsequent history

Throughout the rest of the decades, 0226 AT traded hands between several known owners on the East Coast and in Detroit until 1958, when Richard Londergran showed the car at the 1958 Detroit Auto Show. The following year he sold it to General Motors designer and Ferrari Club of America co-founder Larry Nicklin of Indiana.

Mr. Nicklin is well known to enthusiasts as he subsequently also owned chassis 0224 AT, one of the two sister cars to this car. 0226 AT, however, was one of the two Mexicos he owned. Years earlier, as a student in California, he saw such a car pictured in a magazine. As only three cars were ever built, it was surely unlikely he’d ever bump into one accidentally. But that’s precisely what happened – years later, while driving down the famed Woodward Avenue in Detroit, he spotted distinctive fenders poking out of a garage. As luck would have it, this 340 Mexico was 0226 AT. The talented young car designer acquired the car almost immediately and enjoyed it for about a decade, before parting with it to Art Jacobs of Mineola, New York in 1969. Jacobs kept the Berlinetta for only one year before passing it on to Theodore Pratt in New York City. There it stayed for five years until bought by David Carroll of Boston, Massachusetts, who would keep it for another ten years.

Restoration

When Carroll did sell s/n 0226 AT in 1985, it was due for some work. New owner and prominent Ferrari collector J. Willard Marriott Jr. of Chevy Chase, Maryland commissioned a ground-up, three-year restoration by David Carte and Skip Hunt. Having restored s/n 0226 AT to its correct 1952 Carrera Panamericana specifications and livery, Marriott set out on the concours circuit in 1988.

He was immediately successful, winning Best of Show at the 1988 Ferrari Club of America’s Concours at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin and also the Phil Hill Award for Best Competition Car. He collected the Honorary Chairman Award at the Ferrari National Meet at Lake Lanier Island, Georgia in 1989 and followed that with the Peter Helck Award for Best Race Car at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance in Michigan. Marriott wrapped up the year with a Best in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, California. Without exaggeration, these awards constitute some of the most desirable honors the car could have secured in the late 1980s. Distinction at Pebble Beach and Meadow Brook certainly speaks for itself, but winning Best of Show at an FCA event signifies very positive recognition from the largest Ferrari club in the world. Such was the outstanding quality of this 340 Mexico.

After this, Marriott enjoyed s/n 0226 AT for almost 10 years, until he sold it to Carlos Monteverde in London in November 1997. Monteverde owned the Berlinetta for two years, selling it to the current owner in 1999, who like the preceding caretakers, is a prominent collector of the finest GT and racing machinery.

Since that time, 0226 AT has been back at home in competition, participating twice in the Colorado Grand (2001 and 2007) and competing energetically in the Monterey Historic Races at Laguna Seca in 2002, 2005 and 2006. In 2007, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the Ferrari Competition class for exhibition only.

This featured 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinetta, chassis number 0226 AT, will be offered for sale at the RM Auctions Monterey auction, scheduled for August 19-20, 2011 at the Portola Hotel in Monterey, California.

With only three Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinettas built, this aggressive Vignale coupe would be welcome at events anywhere, be it the Mille Miglia Storica or any concours event around the world.

Furthermore, the car was recently inspected by Brooke Betz, who confirms that “all stampings and numbers appear original and match those on the Ferrari build sheets.” Betz, a highly respected Ferrari authority summarized the car best: “it is likely the best 340 Mexico in existence.”

Carrera News

2011-07-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

CARRERA NEWS

JULY, 2011

A Midsummer Night’s Edition

**CARRERA CITY: SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

**JOIN THE PRE-RACE TOUR , SEPT. 8-13

**COYOTE CONVOY

**CARRERA FIESTA, MONTEREY, AUG. 20

**ENTRIES

**LCP RULES – PENDING

**CLASSIFIEDS

**LEGAL

**CONTACT INFORMATION

**CARRERA CITY: SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

It is official: the 2011 Pan Am race will stop for lunch and service in beautiful San Miguel de Allende on October 25. The city will welcome the 120 race cars with open arms.

Picked by Condé Nast magazine as one of the top ten places to visit in the world, San Miguel de Allende remains a unique city in Mexico and, indeed, the world. It is a mix of quaint Spanish colonial architecture and a hip, artistic culture. A recent article in a influential art magazine picked it as one of the top ten art centers of the world. The only question is: will all this success spoil the nature of this special place?

Founded in 1542, San Miguel de Allende (SMA) was a key stop on the famous silver road from the mines in northern Mexico to the capital in Mexico City and a trading center. Centuries later its citizens also played a key role in the beginning of the Mexican Independence movement in 1810, earning the city enduring fame.

The city was declared a national monument by the Mexican government in the 1920s, but it was facing hard times during this period, evidenced by a serious loss of population. Fortunately, because of its location and topography parts of the historic center city were not demolished to build modern highways through the city. Today its cobblestone streets look (and feel) pretty much as they did in prior centuries.

With the help of some adventuresome Americans the city was slowly revived in the 1940s and 1950s as a center for the arts. These Americans and their Mexican counterparts recognized the unspoiled beauty of the place. Its growth accelerated in the ‘80s and ‘90s as it because not only a major art center, but a retirement community for norteamericanos (Americans and Canadians), a trendy weekend retreat for wealthy citizens from Mexico City, and tourist destination. Recently, the city was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Situated at 6200 feet above sea level, SMA offers a moderate year-round climate --- average temperature in the 70s (F.) sunny, dry, and unpolluted by factories and foundries. Snow has never been seen by most natives, and the rain usually falls only in the summer months.

The Pan Am cars will approach SMA from the south, coming north from Morelia via Celaya. When they reach the city, they will go around the east side of town up the mountain and then enter the city down the Calle San Francisco. They will park for 15 minutes in the main square, directly front of the iconic church “La Parroquia,” to be saluted by city officials and citizens. After a brief ceremony the cars will exit via Aldama Street to the new city parking ramp on Calle Cardo for lunch and service.

After lunch the Pan Am will head north to Dolores Hidalgo to run speed stages on the mountain highway to Santa Rosa and their destination for the night, the university city of Guanajuato. (See last month’s edition.)

**JOIN THE PAN AM PRE-RACE TOUR, SEPT. 8-13

Never raced in Mexico? Concerned about public safety and security, the food, and ambience? Join us for the Pan Am Pre-Race Tour, Sept. 8-13 in San Miguel de Allende. We will spend three or four days talking about the event and its unique protocols, and visiting some of the most famous speed stages. Above all, we will check out at least five of the cities along the route. Want to show your significant other a good time? Bring her/him along. SMA is a great spa and shopping town, too. The registration fee is only $450. A deposit of $300 by August 1 will hold your place. You may also participate Sept. 9-12, if you are pressed for time. A schedule and info regarding hotels are available. gbledso@aol.com or call 1-650-525-9190 .

**COYOTE CONVOY

Competitors towing their cars or having them transported to Huatulco in October and other interested parties are invited to participate in the 10th Annual Coyote Convoy. The Convoy will leave Laredo on Friday, October 14, a day earlier than usual. It will again stop for two nights in San Miguel de Allende, before going on to Oaxaca on Sunday and Huatulco on Monday, October 17.

Each competitor will be asked to fill out papers to have their race car and tow rig brokered across the border, instead of using temporary tourist permits. A procedure and forms for obtaining the necessary permits will be sent to all competitors soon.

Following the end of the race in Zacatecas, the convoy or portions of it will return to Nuevo Laredo to be brokered back across the border to the U.S. The convoy is open to all competitors and spectators.

**CARRERA FIESTA, MONTEREY, AUG. 20

The fifth annual Carrera Fiesta will be held August 20 at the Baja Cantina in Carmel, California, 5:30-8:00 PM in conjunction with the Historic Races and the various car shows and auctions. Tickets are $25 or $30 at the door. Our gracious host again will be Bill Hemmer, who will be driving a Porsche 914 in the event this year. Reserve a place by emailing Bill at bekgroup@gmail.com.

This Fiesta has become a major reunion of Carrera vets and those interested in the event. Normally, there’s a brief, informal program, maybe a short film, and a Q and A session about this year’s event.

**ENTRIES

Around 120 cars are expected to start the Pan Am this year in Huatulco. Of these, about 1/3 will suffer mechanical failure or an accident along the way, but most will eventually cross the finish line (meta) in Zacatecas seven days later.

Mustangs, Falcons, and Porsche 911/912s will again dominate the event. At last count there are 22-24 Mustangs-Falcons and 15-17 Porsche 911/912s registered. So about 1/3 of the entries will be these models. Oh, where did all the Chevys go?! Fortunately, there will be three or four midyear Corvettes in the event.

Of special interest are the three Chrysler 300s being prepared by Mr. Kevin Kelly in North Carolina. These cars are being prepared as a tribute to the 300s that dominate NASCAR , ending the Lincoln’s reign, and were to run in La Carrera. Unfortunately, the Pan Am was cancelled in 1955, depriving the Chryslers a chance to show their stuff in Mexico. The identically-prepared cars will be driven by Mr. Kelley (USA), Mr. Marc Noel (Belgium/USA), and Mr. Roberto Quiroz of Mexico.

The Chryslers are schedule to compete in Historic C, but depending on their engines, they could be allowed to run in the Original Pan Am class, just as the Mexican LT Special, which was built for the 1955 Pan Am and never ran, was allowed to compete in Sports Mayor, which is limited to cars built from 1940-1954.

**LCP RULES – PENDING

The final, complete set of rules (“reglamento”) for the 2011 La Carrera Panamericana has not yet been promulgated. An early version of the rules that apply to the preparation of the cars was released in June, but we yet await the final rules.

As posted last month in CARRERA NEWS, the speed of five classes will be limited by two specified combinations of tire size, rear end gear ratio (differential), and RPM rev limiter chip. The resulting limits on top speed are: Turismo Production (144.6 MPH), Turismo Mayor (146.6 MPH), Sports Mayor (142.8 MPH), and Historic C (142.8 MPH). 144.6 MPH=232.6 KPH, and 142.8 MPH=229.8 KPH, according to the information provided by the committee.

According to the preliminary rules, the cars must use either:

a) a 3.50 rear gear, 26.2” tires, and a 6600 RPM chip = 144.1 MPH/231.9 KPH, OR

b) a 3.70 rear gear, 26.2” tires, and a 7000 RPM chip =144.6 MPH/232.6 KPH

The Organizing Committee has been asked to permit any combination of rear gear, tires, and RPM chip that limits the speed to the maximum set for each class. The Committee is also expected to issue penalties for violations of these new limits.

**CLASSIFIEDS

Bag O Nails, 1966 Mustang GT 350 R

“Bag O Nails” is a 1966 Mustang GT 350 R clone maintained by Mustang guru Todd Landon with the intention of winning the Historic class on La Carrera and other events. The car was built from a bare shell in 2007 utilizing the very best of everything, and with the possibility of reverting to FIA homologation spec after the event. This car is simply the best prepared, fastest (420BHP) and most reliable Historic C Mustang alive, and is now for sale to a serious competitor. A lot of work has been done (weight reduction operation) to bring it to the highest standards.

Results:
2007: La Carrera Panamericana : 6th overall and 2nd in Historic C
2008: La Carrera Panamericana: 6th overall and 1st in Historic C
2010: Chihuahua Express: 5th overall and 1st in Historic C
Pikes peak: 2nd in Historic class (just beyond Doug Mockett)
La Carrera Panamericana: 4 times on the daily podium with at the end the 4th place in Historic C. Despite the very high level of competition this year, most of the time we finished in the top 15 overall

For more detailed info please phone or email.
Phone : +32497495495 or email tdl@panini.be

’53 Studebaker Commander. $120,000. Finished to your specifications: color and FIA seats and racing harness fitment. This car won the La Carrera Panamericana championship in 2008 and qualified first in 2010. Finish will be as good/better than 2010.

The car has been re-bodied and completely rebuilt since the 2010 event. It is now even faster and safer. The price includes a spares package and delivery/service is available. A build sheet is available. Completely Carrera-legal in all respects and guaranteed to pass all tech inspections. Needs nothing but you to win again. A rental arrangement for 2011 is a possibility. Contact Bill Beilharz, bbeilharz@aol.com or 602-320-5173 (Phoenix).

’68 Porsche 911. Guards Red 2.0L. Full Cage, Fire System, Kirkey Seats, 5 Point Belts, 27 gal Fuel Cell, MSD, Fender Mounted Extra Oil Cooler, Smart Racing and Elephant Suspension. Fully sorted – Porsche Racing Ready. Built 2 cars at once, the sister car to this one in 2003 finished 9th overall. Call 512-346-1880 or email alg@texcpa.com
Over $55,000 invested– asking $26,500.

‘66 Sunbeam Tiger. Ford 302 .060 over. High flow head . Roller rockers. Heavy-duty valve springs. Racing pistons, 10.5 to 1 compression. Racing cam. Heavy-duty oil pump . Edelbrock F4B manifold . Single wire chrome alternator. MSD distributor, coil, and ignition. High flow water pump. Fluidyne aluminum radiator. Aluminum oil cooler. Braded stainless steel fuel and oil lines with Aeroquip fittings. Holley 650 cfm Double pumper with regulator. Headers from Sunbeam Specialties. Remote oil filter. Heavy duty racing clutch lightened flywheel. Engine was totally rebuilt and computer balanced with the flywheel and harmonic balancer, approximately 8 hours on the engine. Ford top loader transmission, Rebuilt by "Toploader Heaven". Custom made heavy-duty drive shaft . Welded rear end. Custom made Mark Williams one-piece solid rear axles. Dual Holley Blue fuel pumps with relays. ATL 15 gal. fuel cell. Dual inline filter screens, Summit racing canister type fuel filter. Stainless steel fuel flex lines with Aeroquip fitting. $33,000 or b/o. Contact: Ed (415) 341-4965; ehugo@bhplaw.com

Photos and additional information are available at www.panamrace.com. Click on Classifieds. The advertisers assume all responsibility for their ads.

CARS MAY BE ADVERTIZED HERE AND ON THE WEB SITE WWW.PANAMRACE.COM FOR $35. ISO ADS FOR CO-DRIVERS, CREW, AND STUFF ARE POSTED HERE AT NO COST.

**LEGAL (SMALL PRINT)

The views expressed in CARRERA NEWS are those of the author and may not (probably don’t) represent the views of the Organizing Committee. The author is a competitor and any advice he offers may constitute a conflict of interest.

All forms of motor sports are inherently dangerous, and La Carrera Panamericana is no exception. It is a long, hard endurance race at high speeds mostly along mountain roads. Mechanical failures are common, accidents not uncommon, and serious injury and even death are quite possible.

Cars should be carefully prepared, with an emphasis on safety (brakes, seat belts, roll cage, etc.), and driven prudently. Drivers and navigators should remember that the most important goal of this event is to finish. Unless you finish, nothing else counts.

**CONTACT INFORMATION

Gerie Bledsoe, Coordinator

La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express

USPO address: 220 N. Zapata Hwy Ste 11

PMB 68B

Laredo, TX 78043

1-650-525-9190 (Home office)

Mexican phone number +52-415-185-8470

Mailing Address in Mexico (FedEx, UPS only):

La Quinta Prolong. 5-A

Centro-Ojo de Agua

San Miguel de Allende

37700 GTO

Mexico

Email: gbledso@aol.com, Skype: gerie.bledsoe

www.panamrace.com

www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

www.chihuahuaexpress.com

Carrera car number 395, Chevy II Nova, Historic C (1999-2011)

Memories From 2007 LCP In Mexico City

2011-07-09T19:12:00.001-07:00

Gary Faules and Jon Emerson crusing downtown Mexico City during peak traffic at 150 miles per hour.

During the 2007 LCP there were many times that I heard officials and media speak out about how lucky us pilotos were that we would be able to race at speeds well over 100 miles per hour through downtown Mexico City. The most common statment was, "It's equivelent to Los Angeles closing down the Interstate 405." Well, guess what... Los Angeles is bracing for the upcoming 405 Freeway Closure. Yep, it's true.

The upcoming closure of Los Angeles’s 405 Freeway from July 15 to 17 seems to have triggered a unique survival instinct in Angelenos, report media outlets.

“Carmageddon” has put L.A. drivers on high alert with celebrities tweeting about the impending calamity and hospitals bracing for disruptions in staffing.

The 53-hour closure is part of an upgrade that will widen the freeway and add carpool lanes. During the shutdown, construction crews will tear down the south side of a bridge, making way for the improvements. The bridge will be rebuilt and the upgrades implemented during the following 11 months, then the process will be repeated on the north side of the bridge.

Backups of 32 miles in both directions are being predicted during the shutdown, with projections of 50-mile traffic jams in a worst-case scenario. Surface roads are expected to be packed.

Authorities have been warning motorists to avoid the area, but because that will not be possible for everyone, police are prepping for some very challenging traffic situations.

I think they should just do what they lety us do in Mexico City... Pay an entry fee and let them go like hell!!!

From The Desk Of Gerie Bledsoe

2011-07-04T16:04:00.001-07:00

Carrera Driver
Third Edition -- July 2011

**PAN AM PRE-RACE TOUR
**PAN AM ROUTE
**LCP RULES
**ROLL CAGES, SEATS, AND BELTS
**OTHER SAFETY ITEMS
**PRACTICE SAFETY
**TIRE TALK
**ENTRY FEE DUE NOW
**CANCELLATION POLICY
**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS, MARCH 23-25, 2012
**CONTACT INFO

Special Edition for Carreraistas!

**PAN AM PRE-RACE TOUR

The first annual Pan-Am Pre-Race Tour is scheduled for September 8-12 in San Miguel de Allende. Three couples have signed up for this introduction to central Mexico and stage-rallying Mexican style.

San Miguel was the subject of a recent, extremely favorable article in Vogue magazine. CLICK HERE

Two weeks ago members of the San Miguel Moto Classico Club rode their motorcycles over the mountain to the city of Guanajuato for lunch at the main market. We traveled up the same winding road that will be used for the last speed sage on day #5 of LCP. This is a magnificent road for a speed stage. The Pre-Race Tour will visit this road in September, along with the speed stages known as “Mil Cumbres” outside of Morelia and Los Lobos near the city of Leon.

**PAN AM ROUTE

Not a many details have been published officially about this year’s route. However, it is official: the race will pay a visit to the main square (El Jardin) in San Miguel de Allende and then stop for service in our lovely city on day #5, October 25, during the transit from Mil Cumbres, outside of Morelia, to the last speed stage before entering the city of Guanajuato. Yes, this means we will race up Mil Cumbres around 9:30 AM upon leaving Morelia.

Leaving Huatulco on the first day, we will race south along the coast to Tehuantepec, before turning back north towards the city of Oaxaca on the old Pan Am Highway.

As far as I can tell, we will race on the same track in Queretaro and on the new NASCAR track in Aguascalientes as last year…..yes, the one that had a pile of gravel in the acceleration lane. Perhaps the gravel has been relocated?

With Gael Rodriquez making the route book this year, expect mostly uphill speed stages and conservatively-rated corners. Mr. Rodriquez prefers to keep us safe.

**LCP RULES- A “MAGNUS OPUS” IN PROCESS?

Last month the LCP Organizing Committee released a preliminaryset of rules governing most of the classes of Pan Am cars. This edition of the rules was forwarded to the competitors from the U.S. and Canada in CARRERA DRIVER.

On page 39 of these rules there is a new section stipulating the two options the Organizing Committee intends to use to limit the speed of cars in Turismo Production, Turismo Mayor, Sports Mayor, and Historic C. Speeds will be limited by two combinations of tire diameter, rear gears (differential ratios), and RPM chips. This assumes, of course, a 1:1 top gear in all cars.

After considering these new rules and discussing them with a few competitors, I have recommended the following to the Organizing Committee:

1. That each competitor in these four classes be permitted to select any combination of tire diameter, differential gear, and RPM chip that limits the car’s top speed to that specified in the rules.
2. That all competitors sign a statement that (1) their car is in compliance with the rules and (2) they will not change this set up during the race, and (3) they will accept immediate disqualification from the event if an unauthorized change is made to this set-up before or during the event.
3. That the inspectors will seal the transmission, differential case, and RPM chip into the car, and reserve the right to substitute a replacement chip in the ignition module.
4. That while in competition the cars be subjected to radar checks and random inspections, and
5. That the top four cars in each class be presented for inspection at the end of the event for compliance to these limitations and other rules. (Current practice.)

These changes are intended to allow competitors to use their current differential gear, and to avoid longer lines at the inspection tent in Huatulco by not checking each differential.

I also suggested that the penalties for exceeding the limit on speed for each class be stipulated in the rules.

Also note that the preliminary rules released last month incorrectly extended eligibility to any car in Historic B and C up to 1972. I have been informed by the race director that this was a mistake. These rules also contained several typos and organizational problems that have been highlighted for the race director. One rule which bears watching applies only to Historic C – that cars that weighed less than 2800 pounds upon manufacture must use a 2 barrel carb. This rule is not clearly stated in the written rules.

I also proposed the addition of a rule like found in the SCCA rulebook that says: if a modification is not specifically authorized by the rules, then it cannot be made. In Spanish it goes like this: “Lo no especificado esta prohibido.” The rule is borrowed from the competition rules of the Queretaro Racing Club.

**ROLL CAGES, SEATS, AND BELTS

Other than the limit on speed, the partial set of rules circulated three weeks ago did not appear to change much in the way our cars are fabricated and prepared. However, the Pan Am still does not have a clear set of instructions and diagrams for roll cages, seats, and belts.

Here is what the inspectors seem to be looking for:
a. All bars in the cage should be welded together, including all door bars (no Clevis pins). (FIA actually allows some bars to be bolted in.)
b. Each cage must have at least one support bar across the ceiling/roof of the car, if not a full “X” brace.
c. Seat belts (less than five years old) should be attached to the floor and cage properly.
d. There should two door bars; neither can swing open for entry.
e. Racing seats (one piece) are required. No seats on sliders, nor seats that fold or recline.
f. There should be at least one diagonal support bar under or behind the mail roll hoop, in addition to the two rear support legs.
g. The rear support bars for the main roll hoop should go back at a proper angle.
h. Cars that have wide front doors, like big American coupes, should have more bracing for the front of the cage (by the “A” pillar).
There is some understanding that a cage approved by the SCCA or FIA is OK, except perhaps for the bar(s) across the roof.

At least one car was not allowed to compete in the Chihuahua Express because its cage was ruled not acceptable, and other competitors were forced to modify their cages, seats, and/or belts to pass inspection.

**OTHER SAFETY ITEMS

Driving Suits --- expect the FIA limit of five years for a suit to be enforced. Check your suit for a tag or FIA label with a date on it. If you buy a new one, make sure you are getting the whole five years.

There is no rule requiring a two- layer suit or any level of SFI protection, but inspectors have been known to insist on them. A one-layer suit with Nomex undies may be acceptable. The wearer’s name, blood type, Rh factor and any allergies must be listed on the front of the suit and on the back of your helmet. I recommend a two-layer suit.

Drivinh Gloves and Shoes – Nomex/fire resistant gloves and shoes were checked and sealed in LCP last year and the Express in April, although there seems to be no written rule requiring them.

Helmets – Snell SA2005 or the European equivalent is required. Make sure the helmet has the proper tag inside. Closed-face helmets should be used in open cars. Absolutely no M/C (DOT) helmets are allowed. (I assumed that Snell1020 helmets are OK.)

HANS Device -- a HANS device or other approved form of head and neck restraint, like a Defender or Leatt Brace, is required. You cannot race without one. You may use 2” belts with the HANS, too.

Fire systems – cars should be equipped with a fire-suppression system (a bottle and two or more nozzles). Although not required by rule, having a couple of hand-held ABC fire extinguishers in the car might come in handy, too.

Power-Off Switch -- each car should have a switch that turns off all power to the car. This switch, by rule, should be mounted on the outside of the car. Some cars also have a switch inside the car within reach of the driver or navigator.

This may not be a complete list. Read the rules, again.

**PRACTICE SAFETY

Serious racers know that all safety gear must be worn properly.

Helmets should fit snugly, and the straps should be worn tight. In several recent wrecks, including one fatality, the helmet popped off the navigator’s head upon initial impact. Auto-racing helmets are constructed to take successive impacts and be fire resistant. Obviously, your helmet must stay on to serve its purpose.

Seat belts should also be tightened until they hurt, and then tightened a little more. After the first speed run, the harness should be tightened again. Competitors should NOT use a cushion to move themselves closer to the steering wheel. A specially made foam insert or dense foam padding (like that used by backpackers) is recommended.

Some European racing organizing require that the driver/co-driver have access to a knife or sharp implement (belt buster) to cut the harness in case of an emergency. Sometimes, in a roll-over, when the car lands belly up, the cam lock belts are impossible to open because of the weight of your body on the lock. Latch-type belts usually do not have this problem. Belt busters are recommended, but not yet required.

Practice emergency exits. All competitors, especially those who are not involved in racing on a regular basis, should practice quick escapes from their car several times, including through the window, starting with their helmet and belts tight, window nets up. This exit routine should also be practiced blindfolded--to simulate a cockpit filled with black smoke. Be able to get out in 10-15 seconds! Drivers should also be able to exit through the co-piloto’s window, too, and vice versa. The fire suppressions system and Nomex suit are designed only to give you a few precious second to get your fanny out of the car.

Rookies should also practice getting into their car with their HANS device on, raising the window net, locking their belts, putting on their helmet, connecting the HANS, putting on their glasses inside the helmet, gloves, tightening their belts, and using their toes to turn on switches on the dashboard. (Really, that advice is not always a joke.) Do not wait until Huatulco to learn this one minute routine.

Even if competitors intend to exercise moderation behind the steering wheel, as we all know, “poop happens.” Be prepared when that twenty pound bag of burro dung or felled tree drops on your head outside of Morelia. (Yes, the latter has happened.)

**TIRE TALK

The old, written rules continue to say in several places that 55 series tires or taller must be used in several classes, including the most popular class, Historic C. However, the tabular version of the rules says 50 series or taller. For the last many years competitors in most classes have used 50 series tires, since it is hard (impossible) to find DOT competition tires in taller sizes.

The most popular tires for the Carrera are Toyo RA-1, Toyo A-888, and Yokohama A-048 in the 225-255/--50--/15-16” sizes. It would seem that most competitors inflate them to around 30 pounds, although the RA-1s do not reach their maximum adhesion until they heat up to around 40 pounds, which is not likely in the Pan Am.

Toyo RA-1, A-888, or Yoko? Based on my experience with all three, the RA-1 seems to have a little stronger sidewall than the Yoko, but all are excellent. The A-888 puts more rubber on the road, but at full tread gets really slick on hot pavement when new. Some track racers have complained about the tire’s lack of longevity, but using them in Mexico for two years now, I have no complaint. Being a slow, cautious budget racer, one set of any of these tires lasts me for the whole Pan Am and maybe a Chihuahua, too. Then I have them recapped. ;)

As most serious racers know, these tires are fastest when the tread is just about gone. However, it is illegal to shave tires for this race. Unshaved race tires tend to be greasy and prone to chunking when raced at full tread. They may be OK as rain tires, but on hot pavement, at top speed, exercise a tad of caution until you get used to them.

Thus all DOT competition tires should be scuffed up good before using them in Mexico. “H” rated M+S tires will work fine for some, perhaps less competitive, drivers. Just remember that a well-functioning brake system, solid rims, and proper tires are critically important to your safety.

**CANCELLATION POLICY

As announced earlier, once the entry fee or the hotel rooms are paid, the following policies of the Organizing Committee apply:
50% cash refund on the entry fee until July 31st.
50% credit for the entry fee for 2012 event from August 1st until September 1st.
From September 2nd, no credits or refunds on the entry fee
For hotels, once paid, there will be no refunds, and the rooms are not transferable.

Have you made your request for your hotels in Huatulco for October 17-20, or whenever you and your crew will arrive? Ask about the all inclusive deals, too. Contact monica.grosmann@yahoo.com.mx about your hotel needs.
The Coyote Convoy will arrive in Hautulco on Monday, October 17.

**CONTACT INFO
Did I say that auto racing is extremely dangerous and that includes La Carrera Panamericana?
Adelante muchachos y muchachas!

Gerie
650-525-9190 (a Vonage phone, a free call to me)
Local Mexican phone: +52-415-185-8470

© Gerie Bledsoe 2011

Morning Qualifying – Whatsa Motto You?

2011-07-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

By Jennings R. Scroggs, Jr.

Jean Trevoux's Motto-bodied Packard during the 1953 Carrera Panamericana.

In yesterday’s MQ comments, the topic of big cars, generally, and Packards, in particular, came up with respect to the original Carrera Panamericana. As it turned out, the driver of yesterday’s Monte Carlo Rally winning Delahaye, Jean Trevoux, also campaigned a custom bodied Packard in the 1953 and 1954 Carrera Panamericana. Both, the driver, and his car, have interesting stories.

Trevoux, an engineer by trade, was the top test driver for the French manufacturer Hotchkiss in the 1930′s. Trevoux was also a gifted race car driver, and a regular competitor at Le Mans during the era; However, he was even better on the rally stages, winning the highly challenging Rallye du Maroc twice, and the Monte Carlo Rally four times; Most notable of which were Trevoux’s wins in 1939 (the last rally before the war) and 1949(the first rally after the war) in the same car, a Hotchkiss 686GS with the same co-driver, Marcel Lesurque.

In 1940, Trevoux and Luigi Chenetti came to the US to prepare a pair of Maserati 8CLTs for the Indianapolis 500. Both men found themselves stranded in the US by the quickly shifting geopolitics of the day. While Chinetti spent the war years wining and dining with the top of the social registry building the personal relationships that he’d later use to sell Ferraris in America, Trevoux used his engineering skills in the defense industry building drive trains for tanks. After the war, Trevoux went to Mexico, met and married his wife, and opened a bar and restaurant, “La Cucaracha”. With the French auto industry’s slow post-war recovery, Jean was able to meet his obligations as Hotchkiss’s top test driver, compete in a few rallies, and still be a successful club owner in Mexico City. When Enrique Martín-Moreno organised the first Panamericana in 1950, Trevoux purchased a Motto bodied Delahaye 175s. Trevoux finished 9th in the 1950 Carrera then shipped it to Europe, where he used it to win the 1951 Monte Carlo Rally.

Trevoux and co-driver, Jean Bachereaux, in their Packard Motto Special.

In 1952 and 1953, Trevoux competed in the Carrera with a standard Packard 200 coupe. He liked the solid build and engineering of the Packard and the power that its 327 cubic inch made. Trevoux realized that a lighter car, based on the Packard chassis and running gear could be a serious challenger for the next Carrera. So, he shipped a Packard 200 chassis to his old friends at Carrozzeria Rocco Motto in Turin. While no one has seen the car or Motto’s plans, it is believed that car had tubular steel frame supporting its aluminum body panels.

Motto narrowed the Packard’s track by 4 inches, removed a foot off each end of the chassis while leaving the wheelbase unchanged, and significantly lowered the car’s stance. The drastic reduction in the chassis size, coupled with its snazzy aluminum clothes made the Motto Special 400 pounds lighter than a standard Packard 200.

Trevoux sent the Packard’s straight eight to legendary drag racing pioneer, Howard Jahanson for a mild upgrade. Johanson slightly over bored the Packard’s eight, and added a custom 3/4 Howard camshaft. Johanson built a log-style, custom manifold for its four Stromberg carburetors. When completed, Johanson’s engine made over 300 hp. That power was fed via a Borg-Warner T85 3 speed transmission with overdrive to a 3:91 rear end. The front suspension had twin shocks at each corner and a stabilizer bar added to the stock front suspension. The larger, drum brakes from a Packard 400 boosted its stopping power.

The interior was comfortable space working space for Trevoux and his co-drivers, Bachereaoux and Gonzalez. The dashboard is stock from a 1952 Packard 200, with a Nardi wheel, and padded, custom aluminum seats. Naturally, the back seat was removed. The Motto Special failed to finish in 1953 due to cracked oil pan, but returned with a strong, 13th place finish the following year.

Trevoux retained ownership of the Motto Special for several years, before selling it to an unknown collector in Mexico City. It is believed that the car remains in “as raced” condition. His restaurant, “La Cucaracha” was ultimately sold to Don Pedro N. Rodríguez, father of Ricardo and Pedro. Trevoux actively supported the Rodriguez brothers and Moises Solana in their racing careers. Jean continued to race and rally for the rest of the decade. Trevoux and Enrique Martín-Moreno formed Autos Francia, who imported Peugeots to Mexico. Trevoux passed away in 1981.

The Motto Special, with Trevoux and Jean Bachereaux, during the 1953Carrera Panamericana

Trevoux and Armando Gonzalez during the 1954 Carrera Panamericana.

Some New LCP Photos of The Canada Shoe Porsche.

2011-06-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

My very good friend Reno from Mexico has been invited to dinner by the relatives of the former Panam racer Salvador Lopez Chavez was was owner of the Canada shoe factory and the Porsche Spyder 550/001 shown in these never before made public photos. I have high expectations of being able to post more for my readers in the future. Gracias Reno!

Let's Get Ready To Party!!!

2011-06-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

Each year the La Carrera Panamericana get together during the Monterey Historics weekend is a must do for anyone who has any interest whatsoever with LCP. Viva LCP!

La Carrera News

2011-06-07T20:38:00.001-07:00

CARRERA NEWS

JUNE 6, 2011 D-Day Edition

**CARRERA CITY: GUANAJUATO

*JOIN THE PRE-RACE TOUR

**COYOTE CONVOY

**PAN AM CARS AT PIKES PEAK, JUNE 26

**LCP RULES – SLOW DOWN!

**TWO SLOTS OPEN FOR LCP 2011

**CLASSIFIEDS

**LEGAL

**CONTACT INFORMATION

**CARRERA CITY: GUANAJUATO

The new city on the Carrera route for 2011 is Guanajuato (gwah-nah-HWAH-toh). Guanajuato is the capital of the Mexican state of the same name, which means “a place of frogs.” The city’s population is 76,900.

Founded in 1548, the city of Guanajuato was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The wealth of the city was based on extensive silver mines found under and around the city.

In 1732, the Jesuits established a university in Guanjuato, thus establishing the city as a place of learning and culture.

This area is known as the “cradle of Mexican Independence,” because the revolution against Spanish monarchy started here in 1810 in Delores Hidalgo, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato.

Guanajuato will be a challenge to Pan Am drivers because it is located in a steep valley. The streets follow the terrain rather than the normal Spanish grid pattern. In fact, the city features a maze of streets underneath the city that were built in old river beds.

Reportedly, the Pan Am will stop one night in the city, and the race cars will be serviced in the parking lot of the Convention Center. Finding our way around this unique city will be a challenge. Yet, most Pan Am vets were pleased to see Guanajuato replace Guadalajara as a stop on the route. Who can forget last year’s “Day of 1000 Topes?”

**JOIN THE PRE-RACE TOUR

Participants in the first “Pan-Am Pre-Race Tour” will tour Guanajuato and nearby speed stages on Sunday, September 11. The Tour will focus on the entrance and exits to the city, and provide participants with an opportunity to check out the service area and learn how to get from the service area to the hotels after two or three margaritas.

The Tour will also visit the famous speed stages on Mil Cumbres, have lunch in the Zocalo in Morelia, and be introduced to Queretaro, another city on the route. In addition to visiting Morelia, Guanajuato, and Queretaro, the Tour will include a relaxed introduction to San Miguel de Allende, and some of its race-car shops.

The Pre-Race Tour is planned for September 8-12. The registration fee is $450 per person.

Participants are expected to select their own airline flights, hotels, and airport transfers.

Registration is open to anyone with an interest in La Carrera Panamericana or San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding area. Special training in Mexican stage-rally timing and rules will be offered on Friday, September 9.

A detailed schedule and brochure is available upon request. gbledso@aol.com

**COYOTE CONVOY

Competitors towing their cars or having them transported to Huatulco in October and other interested parties are invited to participate in the 10th Annual Coyote Convoy. The Convoy will leave Nuevo Laredo on Friday, October 14. It will stop for two nights in San Miguel de Allende, and will go on to Oaxaca for one night, before arriving in Huatulco on Monday, October 17.

Each competitor will be asked to fill out the papers to have their race car and tow rig brokered across the border, instead of using temporary tourist permits. A procedure and forms for obtaining the necessary permits will be sent to all competitors soon.

Following the end of the race in Zacatecas, the convoy will return to Nuevo Laredo to be brokered back across the border to the U.S.

** PAN-AM CARS AT PIKES PEAK, JUNE 26

Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes will return to Pikes Peak outside of Colorado Springs to defend their championship on June 26 in the famous “Race to the Clouds.” They will resume their friendly rivalry with local favorite Keith Davidson in his Falcon. Todd Landon and father-in-law, Vance Stewart, will also challenge the mountain in “Phatt Man,” a new purpose-built GT-350 Mustang. Pan Am/Chihuahua vets Jake Shuttlesworth and Tony Bogovitch will make the 12.4 mile run in their ’65 Ford Fairlane, while Jack Rogers, a Chihuahua and Bonneville vet will also have a run in a Mustang GT-350. Last but not least will be Hayden Groendyke in his fantastic ’49 Caddy sporting a FI 427 engine and modern running gear in the modified vintage class.

Only a short stretch of the course is gravel. Suerte, y’all!

**LCP RULES – SLOW DOWN!

The Organizing Committee issued the rules governing the race cars last week. The rules remain mostly the same as 2010, except that the fast classes will have their top speeds limited by requiring a combination of tires, transmissions, and rear end (differential) gears.

The limitations apply to these classes: Turismo Production (144.6 MPH), Turismo Mayor (146.6 MPH), Sports Mayor (142.8 MPH), and Historic C (142.8 MPH). 144.6 MPH=232.6 KPH, and 142.8 MPH=229.8 KPH, according to the information provided by the committee.

These restrictions seem to favor classes whose top speed is not limited, such as Historic “B.” However, since the Pan Am is more about using torque to climb the mountains rather than top speed, the new limits are not expect to alter the overall outcome of the event. As few people know, the cars in the Historic classes have not been deemed eligible to win the overall trophy, since that honor has been reserved by convention, if not rule, to the “Grupo Automobiles Panamericanos,” that includes TP, TM, Sports Mayor and Sport Menor. (See Rules 10.2-3.)

**TWO SLOTS OPEN FOR 2011 LCP

Two slots have opened up for the 2011 event. These slots entailed renting a car from a shop in San Miguel de Allende. Full service is also provided. If interested let me know soon. gbledso@aol.com

**CLASSIFIEDS: CARS FOR SALE

Bag O Nails, 1966 Mustang GT 350 R

“Bag O Nails” is a 1966 Mustang GT 350 R clone maintained by Mustang guru Todd Landon with the intention of winning the Historic class on La Carrera and other events.

The car was built from a bare shell in 2007 utilizing the very best of everything, and with the possibility of reverting to FIA homologation spec after the event.

This car is simply the best prepared, fastest (420BHP) and most reliable Historic C Mustang alive, and is now for sale to a serious competitor.

A lot of work has been done (weight reduction operation) to bring it to the highest standards.

Results:
2007: La Carrera Panamericana : 6th overall and 2nd in Historic C
2008: La Carrera Panamericana: 6th overall and 1st in Historic C
2010: Chihuahua Express: 5th overall and 1st in Historic C
Pikes peak: 2nd in Historic class (just beyond Doug Mockett)
La Carrera Panamericana: 4 times on the daily podium with at the end the 4th place in Historic C. Despite the very high level of competition this year, most of the time we finished in the top 15 overall

For more detailed info please phone or email.
Phone : +32497495495 or email tdl@panini.be

’53 Studebaker Commander. $120,000. Finished to your specifications: color and FIA seats and racing harness fitment. This car won the La Carrera Panamericana championship in 2008 and qualified first in 2010. Finish will be as good/better than 2010.

The car has been re-bodied and completely rebuilt since the 2010 event. It is now even faster and safer. The price includes a spares package and delivery/service is available. A build sheet is available. Completely Carrera-legal in all respects and guaranteed to pass all tech inspections. Needs nothing but you to win again. A rental arrangement for 2011 is a possibility. Contact Bill Beilharz, bbeilharz@aol.com or 602-320-5173 (Phoenix).

’68 Porsche 911. Guards Red 2.0L. Full Cage, Fire System, Kirkey Seats, 5 Point Belts, 27 gal Fuel Cell, MSD, Fender Mounted Extra Oil Cooler, Smart Racing and Elephant Suspension. Fully sorted – Porsche Racing Ready. Built 2 cars at once, the sister car to this one in 2003 finished 9th overall. Call 512-346-1880 or email alg@texcpa.com
Over $55,000 invested– asking $26,500.

‘66 Sunbeam Tiger. Ford 302 .060 over. High flow head . Roller rockers. Heavy-duty valve springs. Racing pistons, 10.5 to 1 compression. Racing cam. Heavy-duty oil pump . Edelbrock F4B manifold . Single wire chrome alternator. MSD distributor, coil, and ignition. High flow water pump. Fluidyne aluminum radiator. Aluminum oil cooler. Braded stainless steel fuel and oil lines with Aeroquip fittings. Holley 650 cfm Double pumper with regulator. Headers from Sunbeam Specialties. Remote oil filter. Heavy duty racing clutch lightened flywheel. Engine was totally rebuilt and computer balanced with the flywheel and harmonic balancer, approximately 8 hours on the engine. Ford top loader transmission, Rebuilt by "Toploader Heaven". Custom made heavy-duty drive shaft . Welded rear end. Custom made Mark Williams one-piece solid rear axles. Dual Holley Blue fuel pumps with relays. ATL 15 gal. fuel cell. Dual inline filter screens, Summit racing canister type fuel filter. Stainless steel fuel flex lines with Aeroquip fitting. $33,000 or b/o. Contact: Ed (415) 341-4965; ehugo@bhplaw.com

Photos and additional information are available at www.panamrace.com. Click on Classifieds. The advertisers assume all responsibility for their ads.

**LEGAL

The views expressed in CARRERA NEWS are those of the author and may not (probably don’t) represent the views of the Organizing Committee. The author is a competitor and any advice he offers may constitute a conflict of interest.

All forms of motor sports are inherently dangerous, and La Carrera Panamericana is no exception. It is a long, hard endurance race at high speeds along mountain roads. Mechanical failures are common, accidents not uncommon, and serious injury and even death are quite possible.

Cars should be carefully prepared, with an emphasis on safety (brakes, seat belts, roll cage, etc.), and driven prudently. Drivers and navigators should remember that the most important goal of this event is to finish. Unless you finish, nothing else counts.

**CONTACT INFORMATION

Gerie Bledsoe, Coordinator

La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express

USPO address: 220 N. Zapata Hwy Ste 11

PMB 68B

Laredo, TX 78043

1-650-525-9190 (Home office)

Number in Mexico +52-415-185-8470

Mailing Address in Mexico (FedEx, UPS only):

La Quinta Prolong. 5-A

Centro-Ojo de Agua

San Miguel de Allende

37700 GTO

Mexico

Phone: 415-185-8470

Email: gbledso@aol.com

Skype: gerie.bledsoe

www.panamrace.com

www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

www.chihuahuaexpress.com

Carrera car number: Chevy II, Nova, #395, Historic C (1999-2011)

Pan Am Pre Race Tour

2011-05-13T19:41:00.001-07:00

Hola!

Three competitors who have signed up for the 2011 LCP have responded favorably to my proposal of a Pan AM Pre-Race Tour. We can make it work with only three or four. Having eight-ten would be better, of course.

The components of the tour would be:

(1) four/five days, three/four nights double room at a five star hotel in San Miguel de Allende.
(2) guided tours to the four speed stages on Mil Cumbres, plus the stages at Santa Rosa and Sierra de Lobos in Guanajuato.
(3) guided tour of San Miguel and Guanajuato (the new city on the route)
(4) airport pick up and drop off at the Leon-Guanjuato International Airport (BJX)
(5) training in stage-rally timing, including a mock speed stage with all timing check-points
(6) shopping opportunities for spouses and friends who may not want to tour the speed stages
(7) welcome reception and final dinner
(8) a DVD -- including video of the speed stages

Options: Fly in on Thursday and back home on Monday, or fly in on Friday and back home on Monday.
If you can be in San Miguel only three nights, we can make it work for you.

If we have time, we will also visit Queretaro, which is only 35 miles from San Miguel. Guanajuato, near the Leon airport, is 60 miles away. Morelia is about two hours. SMA is very centrally located.

Right now, the best weekend for the Tour would be September 23-25, since the preceding weekend is Mexican Independence Day. September 9-10-11 is also open.

Which weekend would be best for you? Please give me your first and second choice among these three.

Hasta pronto!

Gerie
650-525-9190

From The Desk Of Gerie Bledsoe

2011-05-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Carrera News

May 1, 2011

**CARRERA ROUTE ANNOUNCED
**CARRERA CITY: MORELIA
**STATUS OF ENTRIES
**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS RESULTS
**COMING EVENTS

NEVADA OPEN ROAD CHALLENGE, MAY 12-15
PIKES PEAK ENROLLS PAN AM CARS, JUNE 26
INVITATION TO TRANS AM RACE, JUNE 11-12

**COYOTE CONVOY
**LCP RULES PENDING
**CLASSIFIEDS
**LEGAL
**CONTACT INFORMATION

**CARRERA ROUTE ANNOUNCED
Eduardo “Lalo” Leon, the founder and President Emeritus of La Carrera Panamericana, has announced the official route of the event for 2011. These are the cities where the race will start, finish, or spend the night.

Huatulco – Oct. 18-20 registration-inspection; race starts Oct. 21
Oaxaca City – Friday, Oct. 21
Puebla – Saturday, Oct. 22
Querétaro – Sunday, Oct. 23
Morelia – Monday, Oct. 24
Guanajuato – Tuesday, Oct. 25
Aguascalientes – Wednesday, Oct. 26
Zacatecas – Thursday, Oct. 27, finish

For a map go to: http://lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx/ruta_2010.asp

**CARRERA CITY: MORELIA
For the first time in a several years the Pan Am returned to the beautiful colonial city of Morelia last year. Thousands turned out in the main square on a sunny afternoon to take photos, collect autographs, and view the 100+ race cars.

Morelia features perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in Mexico in its “double” main square or Zócalo. The church’s interior is as impressive as the magnificent exterior. The interior includes one of the most outstanding organs in the world, and is the main reason that the city hosts an international convention devoted to organ music.

Morelia is the capital of the state of Michoacán, which is a largely
mountainous state that stretches from near the capital of Mexico
west to the Pacific Ocean. Its forests provide much of the lumber
for central Mexico and offer a famous winter home for the Monarch butterfly. It is also home of the President of Mexico Felipe Calderon.

A few miles east of Morelia is the famous mountain road known as “Mil Cumbres,” a thousand peaks. From the top of the mountain to the bottom are 317 turns. La Carrera will race down this road again this year, and may race back up the next morning before heading to San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato.

Next month we will learn about the race’s first stop in the fantastic historic city of Guanajuato (Frog Mountain).

***STATUS OF ENTRIES
Over 120 entries have been received by the Carrera Office in Mexico City, and the event now has a waiting list. If a competitor drops out, a name from the waiting list will be given an opportunity to submit an application.

The deadline for paying the discounted entry fee ended April 30.

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS RESULTS
The fifth annual Chihuahua Express ended on April 10 with Mexican driver Michel Jourdain, Jr., who finished second in the Pan Am, edging out American Doug Mockett and his navigator Angelica Fuentes, for overall honors in the three-day event. Both Jourdain and Mockett were competing in the Turismo Mayor class. Third place in class went to Stewart and Linda Robertson.

Jourdain’s ’54 Studebaker was built and prepared by Mats Hammarlund Racing in San Miguel de Allende.

In the largest class, Pan Am Historic “C” (V8s 1955-1965), the surprise winners were:

Gerie Bledsoe and Fernando Garcia, ’63 Chevy Nova; followed by Jack Rogers and C.J. Strupp, ’65 Mustang 350-GT, and John and Chrislana Gregory, in their “new” ’65 Chevy Nova.

Bledsoe and Garcia also finished tenth overall. Todd Landon and Vance Stewart, fourth in a Mustang, would have finished on top of the podium but ran short of petrol the first day, missing one speed stage.

Other North American competitors doing well were: Jake Shuttlesworth and Tony Bogovich, ’65 Ford Fairlane; Paul Fruchbom and Ray Stephens (Porsche 911), Hayden Groendyke and Charles Samples, ’49 Cadillac, and Robert Curry and Ricky Shaw (Porsche 356). Silver State organizer Steve Waldman and Felipe Arguelles turned in some impressive times in their Evo.

As usual, timing and scoring was not an issue and the race organization was excellent. About the only complaint was about the technical inspection by the Mexican racing federation and some “surprise” requirements. There were only a few racing “incidents” but no serious injuries during the event. Felicidades, Chacho!

**NEVADA OPEN ROAD CHALLENGE, MAY 12-15
There is still time to sign up for this unique event! Steve and Gail Waldman, Pan Am and Chihuahua regulars, are inviting all their Mexican racing buddies to join them in Las Vegas and Ely on May 12-15. Pan Am cars may participate in one of several classes, based on desired average speed and safety equipment. For more info go to: www.sscc.us.

**PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB ENROLLS PAN AM CARS
For the fourth year, Pan Am cars are invited to participate in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, June 26, with the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing (RMVR) entries. Thus far the following Pan Am competitors have signed up: Doug Mockett, John Rogers, Todd Landon, Ralf Christensson, and John Groendyke. Another two or three are expected to join. Navigators in this event are options. After all, there are 157 corners in the 12.4 miles to the top. Who can keep them straight? (Maybe Angie?) Mockett and local Keith Davidson are expected to continue their friendly rivalry as vintage king of the mountain, even if Mockett’s modern engine produces a few more pounds-feet of torque than Keith’s power plant.

**PAN AM CARS INVITED TO TRANS AM RACE
Keith Davidson, who is also the Chairman of the RMVR Trans-Am Invitational, has invited all Pan Am cars to participate in this event on June 11-12, 2011, as a way to prepare for PPIHC. The Trans-Am event is schedule for the Pueblo Motorsports Park in Pueblo, CO, about 50 miles south of Colorado Springs. It’s a 2.2 miles track with 11 turns. Elevation is “only” 4900 feet.

Pan Am cars will run in the most appropriate class for each of them, and if there is no appropriate class, they will run in Exhibition.

**KELLOGG AUTO ARCHIVES PAN AM VIDEO
The Kellogg Auto Archives in Los Angeles is planning a multi-DVD release on the original La Carrera Panamericana, 1950-1954. Stephen Mitchell is the director of the project. Most of the material for his project is coming from the seventeen hours of restorable film provided by the family of Ray Crawford, who raced the original event each year, finally winning his class (Big American Sedans) in 1954. Interviews with surviving racers are being included.

A short snippet of Crawford’s unique (16 mm color) film was shown at the Pan Am driver’s meeting in Tuxtla Gutierrez last year. The film is now being developed into a documentary by, and may soon be available for purchase. Several teaser’s for the project have been released to various web sites. Here are two: http://www.youtube.com/user/GTO3987 and http://vimeo.com/20908790.

The project needs additional film, especially from the races in 1950and 1952. Please let me know if you have film you would like to contribute to this project. gbledso@aol.com.

**CARRERA ARCHIVES 2011
Please send copies of your 2011 Carrera videos and photos to me on a DVD so they can been preserved in the Carrera archives. Please mail them to my address below in the Contact information. Thanks!

**MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE
All competitors must show proof of Mexican auto insurance on their service vehicles for the Carrera. In fact, it is a good idea to carry third-person liability insurance on the race car -- for when it is not racing.

Go to www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace and shop for an insurance company and an appropriate level of coverage for your service vehicle and race car. Bajabound is one of the few brokers that will issue policies on older (pre-1981) cars. You can pay by credit card and receive your policy via email. They are also helpful on the telephone, especially because they understand racing in Mexico—from the Baja 500 to the Chihuahua Express.

Please note that the liability insurance is only valid on a rally car when it is not involved in the rally. While racing, the car is covered by a policy issued to the Organizing Committee.

All competitors should understand their rights and responsibilities while engaged in stage rally in Mexico.

**THE COYOTE CONVOY: A DIFFERENT APPROACH
Towing or driving a race car to Mexico? Join the Coyote Convoy. The convoy of twenty or more trucks, trailers, and race cars will leave Laredo, Texas on October 14, 2011 for the trip across the border and down to the start of the race. The convoy will stop for two nights in San Miguel de Allende, before heading on to the start of the race. It will arrive in Huatulco on October 17. Registration and inspection starts on October 18.

Participants in the convoy will be encouraged to use a Mexican Custom Agent (broker) to bring their vehicles, equipment, and spares across the border. Details will follow.

**LCP RULES PENDING
The official rules or “Reglamento” for the Pan Am are still being revised for 2011. Some changes are expected. These changes should be announced soon.

Please note that a HANS devices or other approved (FIA or SFI) head and neck protection system will be required again in all classes this year. Racing suits should be no older than five years, too, and that’s a new one.

FIA approved or SCCA homologated racing seats may also be required. There has been extensive speculation about restrictions to slow the cars down a tad, like: spec carburetors, spec differential gear ratios, and a limit on RPM, but nothing has been announced yet.

Owners of cars being built now for the Pan Am should have the design for their roll cages reviewed before the cage is installed. All roll cages and safety equipment are subject to inspection and final approval at the start of the event. Warning: just because a cage has been approved by SCA or NASA, if may not be accepted by the inspectors in Mexico, who are far more oriented toward rally cars, rather than track cars.

**CLASSIFIEDS: CARS FOR SALE
’53 Studebaker Commander. $120,000. Finished to your specifications: color and FIA seats and racing harness fitment. This car won the La Carrera Panamericana championship in 2008 and qualified first in 2010. Finish will be as good/better than 2010.

The car has been re-bodied and completely rebuilt since the 2010 event. It is now even faster and safer. The price includes a spares package and delivery/service is available. A build sheet is available. Completely Carrera-legal in all respects and guaranteed to pass all tech inspections. Needs nothing but you to win again. A rental arrangement for 2011 is a possibility. Contact Bill Beilharz, bbeilharz@aol.com or 602-320-5173 (Phoenix).

‘65 Mustang GT350R. “The Gypsy Wind.” Ready for the world famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb June 26, 2011. It knows its way to the top. 400+ HP. Prepped for hill climb altitude and suspension. Rally computer and intercom system. Coaching and in-car video available to pre-run the hill in its entirety. Full support offered by experienced car builder and vet of the Hill Climb. Contact Todd Landon at TALandon@landolakes.com. Deadline is June 1.

’72 2002 BMW. SOLD Finished 25th overall in 2009 LCP, third in class. Balanced and blue printed engine. 10.5-1 pistons, dual Mikuni carbs. Full Roll Cage, Fire suppression system, Terra-Trip, Intercom, Fuel Cell. Custom Coil over Suspension, Wilwood Brake Master Cylinder and disc brakes front and rear, Limited slip rear end. Ready to race.

Email for more information and specs. Rick Row northbaybavarian@yahoo.com

’68 Porsche 911. Guards Red 2.0L. Full Cage, Fire System, Kirkey Seats, 5 Point Belts, 27 gal Fuel Cell, MSD, Fender Mounted Extra Oil Cooler, Smart Racing and Elephant Suspension. Fully sorted – Porsche Racing Ready. Built 2 cars at once, the sister car to this one in 2003 finished 9th overall. Call 512-346-1880 or email alg@texcpa.com
Over $55,000 invested– asking $26,500.

’65 Falcon. Built and prepared by MHRacing in San Miguel de Allende. Exactly the same as the two cars that came in first and second in Historic C in the Panamericana 2011. 302 Ford Motorsport engine with Dart heads, Air gap intake, 600 Holley and Canton Oil pan. Brand new Top Loader transmission. Ford 9 inch full floater rear end. Wilwood brakes all around. Tig welded roll cage, Fuel Safe fuel cell and Cobra carbon fiber seats. Apart from the body, there is not one single old part in this car, everything is brand new! Very fast, reliable and easy to drive. Email mats@mhracing.com.mx

‘66 Sunbeam Tiger. Ford 302 .060 over. High flow head . Roller rockers. Heavy-duty valve springs. Racing pistons, 10.5 to 1 compression. Racing cam. Heavy-duty oil pump . Edelbrock F4B manifold . Single wire chrome alternator. MSD distributor, coil, and ignition. High flow water pump. Fluidyne aluminum radiator. Aluminum oil cooler. Braded stainless steel fuel and oil lines with Aeroquip fittings. Holley 650 cfm Double pumper with regulator. Headers from Sunbeam Specialties. Remote oil filter. Heavy duty racing clutch lightened flywheel. Engine was totally rebuilt and computer balanced with the flywheel and harmonic balancer, approximately 8 hours on the engine. Ford top loader transmission, Rebuilt by "Toploader Heaven". Custom made heavy-duty drive shaft . Welded rear end. Custom made Mark Williams one-piece solid rear axles. Dual Holley Blue fuel pumps with relays. ATL 15 gal. fuel cell. Dual inline filter screens, Summit racing canister type fuel filter. Stainless steel fuel flex lines with Aeroquip fitting. $33,000 or b/o. Contact: Ed (415) 341-4965; ehugo@bhplaw.com

Photos and additional information are available at www.panamrace.com. Click on Classifieds. The advertisers assume all responsibility for their ads.

**LEGAL
The views expressed in CARRERA NEWS are those of the author and may not (probably don’t) represent the views of the Organizing Committee. The author is a competitor and any advice he offers may constitute a blatant conflict of interest.

All forms of motor sports are inherently dangerous, and La Carrera Panamericana is no exception. It is a long, hard endurance race at high speeds along mountain roads. Mechanical failures are common, accidents not uncommon, and serious injury and even death are quite possible.

Cars should be carefully prepared, with an emphasis on safety (brakes, roll cage, etc.), and driven prudently. Drivers and navigators should remember that the most important goal of this event is to finish.

**CONTACT INFORMATION
Gerie Bledsoe, Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express
USPO address: 220 N. Zapata Hwy Ste 11
PMB 68B
Laredo, TX 78043
1-650-525-9190 (Home office)
1-650-867-9488 (mobile, only in US)
Number in Mexico +52-415-185-8470
Mailing Address in Mexico (FedEx, UPS only):
La Quinta Prolong. 5-A
Centro-Ojo de Agua
San Miguel de Allende
37700 GTO
Mexico
Phone: 415-185-8470
Email: gbledso@aol.com
Skype: gerie.bledsoe
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
www.chihuahuaexpress.com
Carrera car number: Chevy II, Nova, #395, Historic C (1999-2011)
Carrera Office, Mexico City 1-310-6959
Email info@lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
© Gerie Bledsoe 2011

Leningrad Cowboys Go Mexico 2010 - Trailer II

2011-04-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Gang At 2011 Chihuahua Is Ready

2011-04-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

The New 2011 LCP Route Map

2011-04-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE for the 2011 Route Map.

New Blog To Follow

2011-04-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

Team Pan-Am Motorsports is set to run the 2011 La Carrera Panamericana and is well positioned to expose the teams sponsors internationally.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Viva Carrea Magazine

2011-03-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

Photo in this recent edition of Frank Ruppert and Gary Faules with the 1951 race trophy made of silver

Anyone who has an appitite for anything of historical signifgicance with respect to La Carrera Panamericana should absolutely become a member and subscribe to the Road Race Lincoln Register. While it does cater primaraly to Lincolns, there is a wealth of information and amazing photographs and feature articles about the race it's self. In this month's edition of VIVA CARRERA there is the first installment of an interview with my very dear friend, the late Frank Ruppert who is without a doubt one of La Carrera Panamerican's most significant caracters and contributers.

Founded in 1972, the Road Race Lincoln Register was created to recognize the very special breed of Lincolns manufactured in 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955, now known and revered as the "Road Race Lincolns," a rare breed of luxury car that became legendary for its prowess and durability in the "Mexican Road Race" in the early 1950's.

The club is international, with members in seven countries outside the United States. The club was expanded to include the 1949-1951 Lincolns, and then later assimilated 1956 and 1957 Lincolns into its ranks. It currently has approximately 250 members in the U.S. and seven other countries, and is an excellent source of information, parts and technical assistance for these cars.

The club publishes its magazine VIVA CARRERA! on a quarterly basis, with full color printing on the outside and inside covers. Dues are $36/year, U.S. and outside U.S.

The club may be contacted through its Editor:
Bill Culver - 640 Homestead Avenue - Metairie, Louisiana 70005, or bigeasy3@msn.com

Upcoming LCP Documentery

2011-03-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying correspondence with Stephen Mitchell and here is a preview of his documentary about the famous Mexican road races in collaboration with Ron Kellogg (whose extensive archive of original footage was the catalyst for the documentary) and Jeanetta Dumouchel.

From The Desk Of Gerie Bledsoe

2011-03-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

CARRERA NEWS
March 2011

**STARTING CITY: HUATULCO?
**STATUS OF ENTRIES
**CARRERA EXPENSES
**THE COYOTE CONVOY
**RULE CHANGES: PENDING
**FUTURE EVENTS
**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS, April 8-10
**SILVER STATE, May 12-15
**PIKES PEAK, June 26
**CLASSIFIED: CARS FOR SALE
**LEGAL
**CONTACT INFORMATION

**STARTING CITY: HUATULCO?
The official route of the Pan Am, October 21-27, 2011 has not been officially announced, but for only the second time the starting city is expected to be Huatulco, a resort area on the Pacific in the state of Oaxaca. Normally, the event starts in Tuxtla Gutierrez, in the state of Chiapas.

Huatulco is six or more long hours southeast of the city of Oaxaca by car and is served by a small airport. There is really no city of Huatulco. It is a series of small towns, nine bays, thirty-six beaches, and numerous lagoons featuring low-rise hotels. The coastline is rocky like Northern California’s, but the vegetation is tropical, like Hawaii’s.

Be prepared! Because there is no big city in this area, it is impossible to find racing supplies. It is also difficult to find a qualified shop to weld up your roll cage or make other repairs. Just make sure that you have what you need and your car is ready before you arrive.

If the starting city is Huatulco, we may assume that the race will spend the first night in the city of Oaxaca. Huatulco is well off the original Pan Am highway, but it is possible that the cars will again run south down the coast to Tehuantepec before racing north toward Oaxaca on the old Pan Am highway.

Expect it to be hot, muggy, and buggy in Huatulco, with the threat of tropical storms. The ending city this year is expected to be Zacatecas again.

**STATUS OF ENTRIES
For the third straight year the Pan Am will probably be over-subscribed. Of forty-four proposed entries from the U.S. and Canada, only 36 were admitted, and some of those have not received final confirmation. In past years, there have been as many as 54 entries from “North America.”

The big increase in entries recently has actually been from Mexico. Eduardo “Lalo” Leon, the president of the LCP Organizing Committee, said that he expected at least 57 entries at least from his home country, which is more than double what it was six years ago, for example.

At this time about 60 entries have been posted on the official web site www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx.

**CARRERA EXPENSES
The only mandatory fees are:

1. Entry Fee. The entry fee for 2011 will be $750 more than last year’s. The fee covers the driver, co-driver, and the car. For the first time, there will also be a substantial, additional fee to register more drivers or co-drivers.

2. Rally license. All drivers and navigators must purchase a Mexican rally license. Expect it to cost around $280-300 USD (paid at the start of the event). The license includes a modest amount of medical insurance.

Contrary to what the rules clearly stipulate, it seems that one does not need to have a racing license from their home country to acquire the Mexican license. However, racing experience, training, and/or practice are highly recommended. Drivers and co-drivers will also be given a quick, but free, medical exam before the race.

3. Mexican Car Insurance. Competitors must provide proof of insurance on their service vehicles at registration. The cost usually runs between $12-25 a day. There are several vendors, including my favorite Baja Bound in San Diego, that broker these policies.

Go to www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace and shop for a company and an appropriate level of coverage. They are also one of the few companies that will issue policies on older cars. You can pay by credit card and download your policy via email. They are also helpful on the telephone. They understand racing in Mexico—from the Baja 500 to the Chihuahua Express.

Mexican insurance coverage works just like insurance in the USA. Having liability insurance on the race car is also recommended, but not required, if you plan to test it before the race begins or drive it at night. Such insurance coverage would not be valid while the car is in competition, of course.

During competition the race car and its crew are covered by the event’s insurance third-party liability policy. However, this policy may not cover a driver found guilty of gross negligence or driving under the influence. This policy also may not cover any damage inflicted by the race car on bridges, trees, buildings, guardrails, burros, cattle, or other impediments to racing.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

The Pan Am entry fee covers admission to the race and one double hotel room (two beds) for two people for eight nights, October 20-27. If additional rooms are needed, they cost $160 per night, please send an email with your hotel needs to: info@lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. The luxury hotel rooms have been filled, so there’s no need to ask about that option.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE
The expense for food and beverage during the Pan Am varies enormously with individual budgets, tastes, and selections of restaurants. One may eat very cheaply in Mexico or pay hotel prices, which are still less expensive than Europe or U.S. Most racers budget about $60 dollars a day for food, but some hotels will charge $25 just for the buffet breakfast. The fall in the value of the peso will help in this category. It is currently around 11.7 peso for one U.S. dollar.

FUEL EXPENSE AND TOLLS
PEMEX gasoline costs $2.80-3.00 USD a gallon. Plan to pay in pesos, but more stations are accepting credit cards. The race covers normally around 2000 miles counting wrong turns and side trips. Diesel fuel (black handle) is generally available, but it is the old-fashioned high-sulfur kind. Much of the gasoline sold in Mexico, especially premium, is refined in the U.S. and tends to be OK. Octane levels are 87 (Maga-green handle) or 91 (Premium-red handle). Racing fuel is not allowed, but you may use octane booster.

The race uses a lot of toll roads, and they are relatively expensive. Budget $200 for the racecar and $400 for the tow truck and trailer for the trip down and back to Laredo. (Pesos only.)

IMPORTING VEHICLES INTO MEXICO
Importing a vehicle on a temporary tourist permit costs around $35 USD (at the border or certain Mexican consulates) or around $56 USD on the Internet (credit card only). Importing a car with the services of a Mexican customs broker will cost $300-1200. This fee is highly negotiable.

A special brokering arrangement in Nuevo Laredo for the Coyote Convoy will be offered, if there is sufficient interest. A customs broker is recommended if (1) all the owners of the vehicles are not present at the border, (2) the truck and race car are in one person’s name, (3) the race car has no title, and/or (4) the team is carrying a lot of pare parts, extra tires, engines, welders, etc. If you are willing to pay the extra money, it is the stress-free way to enter Mexico.

More information on the importing of vehicles for the Pan Am will be sent to registered competitors.

TRANSPORTING RACE CARS TO MEXICO
Seven’s Only, a race shop in Buttonwillow, California, will transport your race car to Mexico and back to the truck’s headquarters in California for around $5,000 plus document fees, and will provide mechanical support on an hourly basis.

Unfortunately, there is no big truck coming from the Midwest or East Coast.

Most Europeans ship their cars to the Mexican port of Veracruz. Others ship their cars to an American port (Houston or New Orleans) and drive or tow them down to Mexico. Tow trucks and vans may be rented in Texas for the trip into Mexico.

MECHANICAL SUPPORT
Competitors may arrange mechanical support in Mexico for $1500-3000, or they can pay local mechanics by the hour. Some of the U.S. transporters will provide mechanical support for an additional fee. Towing within Mexican can also be arranged. One team of Mexican mechanics and welders usually follow the race. They will repair cars on a retainer basis or by the hour.

**THE COYOTE CONVOY: ITS TENTH YEAR
Towing or driving a race car to Mexico? Join the Coyote Convoy. The convoy of twenty or more trucks, trailers, and race cars will leave Laredo, Texas on October 14, 2011 for the trip across the border and down to the start of the race. The convoy will stop for two nights in the Mexican resort city of San Miguel de Allende, before heading on to the start of the race. It will arrive in the starting city on October 17. Registration and inspection starts on October 18.

**RULE CHANGES
The official rules or “Reglamento” for the Pan Am are being revised for 2011. Some changes were made in an effort to slow the fastest cars down somewhat. These changes should be announced soon.

Please note that a HANS devices or other approved (FIA/SFI) head and neck protection system will be required in all classes this year.

FIA approved racing seats may also be required, along with things like: spec carburetors, spec differential gear ratios, and a limit on maximum RPM.

Owners of cars being built now for the Pan Am should have the design for their roll cages reviewed before the cage is installed. All roll cages and safety equipment are subject to inspection and final approval at the start of the event.

**FUTURE EVENTS
Chihuahua Express, April 8-10 (There is still time to sign up!)

Silver State Classic, May, May 12-15. 702-631-6166, www.sscc.us

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, June 26 (www.rmvr.org)

Monterey Historics, Carrera Fiesta, August 16 -- 650-726-9890

CLASSIFIEDS
65 Mustang GT350R. “The Gypsy Wind.” Ready for the world famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb June 26, 2011. It knows its way to the top. 400+ HP. Prepped for hill climb altitude and suspension. Rally computer and intercom system. Coahing and in-car video available to pre-run the hill in its entirety. Full support offered by experienced car builder and vet of the Hill Climb. Contact Todd Landon at TALandon@landolakes.com.

’72 BMW 2002. Finished 25th overall in 2009 LCP, third in class. Balanced and blue printed engine. 10.5-1 pistons, dual Mikuni carbs. Full Roll Cage, Fire suppression system, Terra-Trip, Intercom, Fuel Cell. Custom Coil over Suspension, Wilwood Brake Master Cylinder and disc brakes front and rear, Limited slip rear end. Ready to race.

Email for more information and specs. Rick Row northbaybavarian@yahoo.com

’68 Porsche 911. Guards Red 2.0L. Full Cage, Fire System, Kirkey Seats, 5 Point Belts, 27 gal Fuel Cell, MSD, Fender Mounted Extra Oil Cooler, Smart Racing and Elephant Suspension. Fully sorted – Porsche Racing Ready. Built 2 cars at once, the sister car to this one in 2003 finished 9th overall. Call 512-346-1880 or email alg@texcpa.com
Over $55,000 invested– asking $26,500.

’65 Falcon. Built and prepared by MHRacing in San Miguel de Allende. Exactly the same as the two cars that came in first and second in Historic C in the Panamericana 2011. 302 Ford Motorsport engine with Dart heads, Air gap intake, 600 Holley and Canton Oil pan. Brand new Top Loader transmission. Ford 9 inch full floater rear end. Wilwood brakes all around. Tig welded roll cage, Fuel Safe fuel cell and Cobra carbon fiber seats. Apart from the body, there is not one single old part in this car, everything is brand new! Very fast, reliable and easy to drive. Email mats@mhracing.com.mx

66 Sunbeam Tiger. Ford 302 .060 over. High flow head . Roller rockers. Heavy-duty valve springs. Racing pistons, 10.5 to 1 compression. Racing cam. Heavy-duty oil pump . Edelbrock F4B manifold . Single wire chrome alternator. MSD distributor, coil, and ignition. High flow water pump. Fluidyne aluminum radiator. Aluminum oil cooler. Braded stainless steel fuel and oil lines with Aeroquip fittings. Holley 650 cfm Double pumper with regulator. Headers from Sunbeam Specialties. Remote oil filter. Heavy duty racing clutch lightened flywheel. Engine was totally rebuilt and computer balanced with the flywheel and harmonic balancer, approximately 8 hours on the engine. Ford top loader transmission, Rebuilt by "Toploader Heaven". Custom made heavy-duty drive shaft . Welded rear end. Custom made Mark Williams one-piece solid rear axles. Dual Holley Blue fuel pumps with relays. ATL 15 gal. fuel cell. Dual inline filter screens
Summit racing canister type fuel filter. Stainless steel fuel flex lines with Aeroquip fitting. $33,000 or b/o. Contact: Ed (415) 341-4965; ehugo@bhplaw.com

Photos and additional information are available at www.panamrace.com. Click on Classifieds.

**LEGAL
The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not (probably not) represent the views of the Organizing Committee. The author is a competitor and any advice he offers may constitute a conflict of interest.

All forms of motor sports are inherently dangerous, and La Carrera Panamericana is no exception. It is a long, hard endurance race at high speeds along mountain roads. Mechanical failures are common, accidents not uncommon, and injury, even death, are possible. Cars should be carefully prepared, with an emphasis on safety (brakes, roll cage, etc.), and driven prudently. Drivers and navigators should remember that the most important goal is simply to finish this race.

**CONTACT INFORMATION
Gerie Bledsoe, Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express
USPO address: 220 N. Zapata Hwy Ste 11
PMB 68B
Laredo, TX 78043
1-650-525-9190 (Home office)
1-650-867-9488 (mobile, only in US)
Number in Mexico +52-415-185-8470
Email: gbledso@aol.com
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
www.chihuahuaexpress.com
Carrera car number: Chevy II, Nova, #395, Historic C (1999-2011)
Carrera Office, Mexico City 1-310-6959
Email info@lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

Wish I Spoke Spanish

2011-03-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Enjoy these lengthy Spanish-language films of each of the 1950-1954 Carreras Panamericana that show many famous racers – Mickey Thompson, Phil Hill, Bill Vukovich and more. WARNING: You're going to need a long afternoon to enjoy all these.

I Killed Myself When I was Young

2011-02-27T13:52:00.000-08:00

A look at how far racing saftey devices have come.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

A Future LCP Documentry In The Works

2011-02-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Chihuahua Express, April 8-9-10, 2011

2011-02-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

Hola!

In only two months the fifth annual Chihuahua Express will depart from the main square of Chihuahua City to race across the beautiful ridges, mountains, and valleys of Northern Mexico. The Express offers three days of racing -- nearly 1000 miles, including about 325 miles of top-speed, open-road racing.

Join us this year! There is still time to shovel out the driveway and come on down to sunny Mexico!

The roads in Northern Mexico are excellent for this type of racing. In this sparsely settled part of the county, villages are few and far between. The pavement is smooth, well banked, and uncluttered by speed bumps ("topes").

The people are friendly and excited by seeing our cars speed by, even the local Amish families come out to wave as we pass their well-ordered farm communities.

After our ceremonial departure from Chihuahua City the first day, we will race across the mountains and ridge lines to the rustic city of Madera, where we stop for lunch and service. Then we race back on the same roads. The first speed run of the day, for example, is an exceptional fourteen miles though the mountains.

On the second day, the Express races up into the famous Copper Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Mexico, and stops for lunch at a hotel hanging over the rim of the Canyon. The views are impressive. Then we get to race back the way we came. Your friends can even ride the train up to meet us for lunch.

On the final day, the Express heads 145 miles east towards Texas across ridges and into valleys not unlike the Moon. When we reach the border with Texas, we stop for lunch and fuel, and turn around and race back to Chihuahua City and the awards banquet.

Need more reasons to join us?

==It's 325 miles of open-road racing in only three days (no race offers as much in three days).
==Chihuahua City is only two hours from Texas.
==We return to the same luxury hotel each night.
==The hotel is easy to find and in a very safe area of town, with lots of nearly stores and restaurants.
==The hotel has a huge parking lot with plenty of room for the largest trailers.
==The weather is usually great in April.
==It's an easy introduction to rallying in Mexico.
==The race staff and Organizer, Mr Chacho Medina, know their business. Contact Mr Medina at chachomedina@sporcar.com, if you have questions of him.

Don't have a race car with a full roll cage? Not to worry. You may rent a proven race car with all the safety equipment in some cases for less than $10,000. It's a true "arrive and drive" deal offered by American and European fabricators who have been building cars for this type of racing for twelve years. Where else in the world can you find a deal like this? Contact information is included below.

Want to drive your own car, but it does not have a full roll cage? OK, the Express offers three more options:
1) time/distance "regularity" rally -- run the same course and earn points by being on time.
2) bracket class -- run the course but not all full speed.
3) tour -- run the course, but with no passing. It's great for rookies.
The entry fee for these three options are significantly less than full competition.

Don't know how to handle the timing and scoring in a rally? A two-hour orientation is provided, and the race organizers are committed to teaching you how to get it right. Hint: the Express is much easier than comparable stage rallies, because the distances between speed runs are much shorter.

Worried about your security in Mexico? Well, I have been racing 13 years in Mexico and I have never, ever had or seen a problem. In fact, I now live in Mexico.

But to make sure, over 340 Federal, State, and local police are scattered along the race route each day to look after us. Doctors and ambulances travel with us, too. Chihuahua City also has first tier medical facilities.

We have a convoy of trucks and trailers leaving Santa Teresa, New Mexico on April 6. The convoy goes completely around El Paso and the troubled city of Juarez on its way to Chihuahua City.

Cost? The entry fee is only $2200 dollars. The only other required cost is the price of a Mexican rally license, which provides medical insurance ($260 dollars). It also costs only $35 to get your vehicles across the border with a Temporary Tourist Permit. A Mexican tourist visa for each traveler is also required (you get it at the border), but it is free, because you are staying less than a week. Additional information about permits, visas, and the border crossing will be provided.

Bottom line? For the investment of money and time, the Chihuahua Express is the most bang for the buck in racing. It's truly a racer's race. After the first speed stage the first day, you will understand why most of us return each year.

Please call or email for an short entry form and more information. There are lots of video on YouTube, too.

Hasta pronto,

Gerie Bledsoe
1-650-525-9190
www.chihuahuaexpress.com

Race cars for rent with full service ('64-66 Mustangs and Falcons):

Todd Landon (Minnesota) 1-952-250-7948 or email TALandon@landolakes.com

Mats Hammarlund (Mexico) +11-52-415-1010308 or email mats@mhracing.com.mx

Don Arturo Perez RIP

2011-01-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

It is with heavy heart that I report that I just recieved word that yesterday Don Arturo Perez has passed away. It was was his son Gabriel that won the Carrera with Angelica Fuentes in 2006 in a Turismo Produccion Ford.

I consider myself blessed to have met him in person and spent some quality time one fine afternoon getting to know him while at the La Carrera Panamericana get together at Tarpys during the Monterey Historics weekend.

He will be missed by many who loved and respected him. My sincere condolences to his family and those who loved him. Gods speed Don Arturo Perez.

From The Desk Of Gerie Bledsoe

2011-01-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

CARRERA NEWS
JANUARY 2010 – TENTH YEAR OF PUBLICATION

**INTEREST HIGH IN 2011 CARRERA
**ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW RULES
**UNOFFICAL ADVICE ABOUT CAR SELECTION
**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS: FIFTH YEAR
**THE CARRERA ROUTE (La Ruta)
**PIKES PEAK
**CLASSIFIEDS
**CONTACT INFORMATION

**INTEREST HIGH IN 2011 CARRERA

Forty-four North Americans (Canada and the USA) have applied to participate in La Carrera Panamericana 2011. Each has made a non-refundable deposit of $500. The names of these competitors and their cars have been provided to the Organizing Committee.

At this point in time, the route, the entry fee, and the number of entries allocated to North America have not been announced.

The Pan Am, the Mexican Road Race, has been over-subscribed for the past two years. In fact, last year the number of entries from North America was limited to only thirty-one. In some years, it had been as high as 54.

**ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW RULES

An advisory committee will review the rules and policy of the Carrera at a two-day meeting this week in Queretaro. For the first time, this committee will meet with car builders. The speed and safety of the cars will be discussed. The council will then make recommendations to the Mr. Eduardo Leon and the Organizing Committee.

The top class of Carrera cars—Turismo Mayor—often reach speeds of over 185 MPH. Even Turismo Production and Historic C cars regularly reach speeds of over 170 MPH. The Organizing Committee is concerned about the safety of the competitors and spectators, and apparently wants the advisory group to discuss ways to slow the cars down. Many, if not most, race organizations have ways to limit top speeds, including NASCAR on certain tracks and the WRC.

**UNOFFICAL ADVICE ABOUT CAR SELECTION

Because the event has been over-subscribed for the past two years, it is possible that for the first time the Organizing Committee may begin to select cars on the basis of interest, rather than “first come, first serve.” Please note the word “possible.”

Therefore, if you are trying to decide what type of car to enter in the event, here are some ideas that might facilitate your entry.

First, try to select a car that could run in one of the under-subscribed classes, like Sports Mayor or Sports Menor. These two classes—for highly modified sports cars made 1940-1954—with engines of more than 2000 c.c. or less than 2000 c.c., respectively, tend to have only three or four entries each years. These are also classes in which certified replicas may be entered.

The class “Original Pan Am” – mostly stock sedans and sports cars from 1940-1954 – has also be under-subscribed of late. Cars in this class are allowed four-wheel disc brakes, modern ignition systems, and cooling systems to make them safer and more dependable.

Historic A and Historic A+ are two other classes for four-cylinder sedans and sports cars with under two liter engines that are likely to be favored by the Organizing Committee. These are colorful, small bore cars that do not attain the speeds of the big American V8s. Volvos and Alfas are popular here. Historic A+ cars (1965-1972) may also use modern engines up to 1600 cc.

It is logical, therefore, to think twice about trying to enter another Mustang or Falcon in Historic C, for example. Last year there were 17 Mustangs and Falcons among the 31 cars in Historic C. The same may be true of Porsche 911s in Historic B, which has seen a large influx of 911s recently from the Hispanic TV channel Televisa over the past two years.

Please do not read this to mean that another Mustang or another 911 will not be accepted. Heck, if you are a former F1 piloto, you can drive almost anything you want!

Second, try to have your car ready to photograph by January or February, so the Organizing Committee can actually see its livery and check out its roll cage and safety features.

Third, get yourcomplete entry in early.

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS : YEAR FIVE

Twenty North Americans have committed to the fifth year of the Chihuahua Express, April 8-10, 2011. Another ten or so Europeans and twenty-four Mexican racers are expected to join the fun. Virtually all of the competitors have experience in La Carrera or have run the Express before. A few have signed up for the bracket class and the regularity T/S/D rally.

The Chihuahua Express is open to modern and vintage race cars with six-point roll cages. A roll cage is not required for the tour or T/S/D “regularity” rally classes.

The Express comprises three days of racing – around 325 miles of top speed stages -- across some of the most remarkable landscapes in the world. It is open-road racing at its finest; only 145 miles from Texas. Go to www.chihuahuaexpress.com and click on English for more info, or click on gbledso@aol.com to receive a three-page FAQ via email.

Registration and technical inspection are a snap, the cost is low, the time commitment is minimal, just about any car may be enrolled, and the race organization is professional. In only four years, it’s become a world-class event. It may not have the history of the Carrera, but it packs just about as much racing into three days, much closer to Uncle Sugar.

The Express Convoy will leave Santa Teresa, New Mexico (El Paso, Texas) on April 6 for the short drive across the border and down to Chihuahua City.

The Express is an excellent way to learn how to stage rally Mexican style, because it uses the same rules as La Carrera Panamericana. It is also open to most cars that may not be eligible for the Carrera.

**THE CARRERA ROUTE (La Ruta)

Last year the Pan Am started in Tuxtla Gutierrez and ended in Zacatecas. Over-night stops along the way included the cities of: Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Morelia, Guadalajara, and Aguascalientes.

The route for 2011 has not been announced, but it should be about the same. However, there has been a persistent rumor that the event may start again in the Pacific resort town of Huatulco. Last year was the first time, at least in 12 years, that the race ended in Zacatecas. In previous years, such as 2000-2006, the race had stopped for two nights in this lovely city, before ending in Nuevo Laredo. However, last year the Organizers decided to end it in Zacatecas because of the troubles along the border in and around Nuevo Laredo.

Included in the entry fee—not decided at this time--is one double room for the eight nights of the event--from the starting city to the end.

**PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Carrera cars and other vintage cars up to 1981 models with roll cages are welcome to participate in the 89th running of this great event on June 26, 2011. Carrera cars will participate in a Vintage Division administered by the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing organization (www.rmvr.org). The entry fee is $900 by February 1. It then goes to $1000 through March 31, and then to $1000 from April 1 to June 1.
If enough entries are received, a rebate of up to $100 will be made prior to the event. A complete application, including photos is needed to meet the deadlines. Co-drivers or navigators cost a little extra. If you would like an entry form, please email gbledso@aol.com. Only a few miles of the 12.4 mile "Race to the Clouds" remain unpaved.

**CLASSIFIEDS

Need a race car for the Chihuahua Express, Pike’s Peak, or the Pan Am, and don’t want to build your own? Check with the following two good friends of mine who build great cars and provide exceptional “arrive and drive” service:

Todd Landon. Contact Todd in Minnesota at +1-952-250-7948 or TALandon@landolakes.com. Todd’s Mustangs have won the Historic C class and finished in the top ten overall. He has also supplied cars for the past the Pikes Peak event.

Mats Hammarlund. Contact Mats at +011-52-415-1010308 or mats@mhracing.com.mx. Mats’ cars have won the overall championship for the past two years, and last year two of his Falcons won first and second place in Historic C. MHammarlund Racing is located in San Miguel de Allende, which is 179 miles north of Mexico City, near Leon and Queretaro.

Have a car for sale? You may advertise on www.panamrace.com for $35 for the year, or $45 with a photo. Contact the webmaster, lauracox@austin.rr.com, to make the arrangements. I will also feature your ad three times in CARRERA NEWS. You may also advertise on the official web site www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx at no cost.

There is no charge to post an ad here for those ISO a co-driver, crew members, or a ride.

**LEGALISMS

The views expressed in CARRERA NEWS are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Organizing Committee of La Carrera Panamericana. Furthermore, the author of CARRERA NEWS has been a competitor in this event for thirteen years, normally in Historic C (car #395), and therefore his opinions may constitute a blatant conflict of interest.

Finally, motor sports, including La Carrera Panamericana, are dangerous, and can lead to serious injury or even death. Competitors are urged to prepare their cars carefully and to drive them prudently. Competitors will sign a waiver holding the Organizers and their agents harmless.

**CONTACT INFORMATION

Gerie Bledsoe, North American Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana and The Chihuahua Express
gbledso@aol.com
1-650-525-9190 (dial as a U.S. number)
www.panamrace.com

U.S.P.O. address:

PMB 68 B
220 N Zapata Hwy Ste 11
Laredo, TX 78043

Mexican address:

La Quinta Prolong. 5-A
Centro
San Miguel de Allende
37700 GTO
Mexico

CARRERA OFFICE IN MEXICO CITY
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
1-310-860-6959

Chihuahua Express
www.chihuahuaexpress.com

Copyright Gerie Bledsoe 2011

Part 3 2010 State of The Art

2011-01-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

LCP Photos From Early 50's

2011-01-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

Juan Fangio

Two Parts Of Three LCP Videos

2010-12-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

New Team Tortuga Video

2010-12-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today when I got an email from Dan Brubaker the nephew of Joe and Brent Brubaker in the little black Volvo, he said, "Here is a low resolution version of the video footage I shot in Mexico. Not bad for my first attempt at making a movie. Let me know what you think."

Well after watching it I have to agree with him 100 percent and I'm sure anyone elese affiliated with LCP faternity will agree as well. Good job Dan!

Brent Zerull and Joe Brubaker race a 1966 Volvo Amazon in La Carrera Panamericana 2010. Film by Dan Brubaker and Scott Ayers.

Racing a '66 Volvo through Mexico (low resolution) from Team Tortuga on Vimeo.

From The Desk Of Gerie Bledsoe

2010-12-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

CARRERA NEWS
December 2010

HOLIDAY EDITION

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS GEARING UP
**LCP 2011 – FILLING UP QUICKLY
**SELECTING A CAR FOR THE PAN AM
**ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE AT HIGH ALTITUDE
**TIRE AND RIM SELECTION
**CLASSIFIEDS
**CONTACT INFORMATION

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS GEARING UP
Twenty North Americans have committed to the 4th annual Chihuahua Express, April 8-10, 2011. Most of the competitors have experience in La Carrera or have run the Express before. Thirty or more Mexicans and Europeans are also expected to participate.

Some rookies to rallying in Mexico use the Express to learn the ropes south of the border.

The Express is three days of open-road racing—about 325 miles of top-speed stages--across some of the most remarkable landscapes in the world. It’s a stage rally at its finest--only 145 miles from Texas.

Go to www.chihuahuaexpress.com and click on English for more info, or click on gbledso@aol.com to receive a three-page FAQ and entry form via email.

Registration and technical inspection are a snap, the cost is low, the time commitment is minimal, just about any car may be enrolled, and the race organization is professional. In only three years, it’s become a world-class event.

The Express Convoy leaves Santa Teresa, New Mexico (near El Paso, Texas) on April 6 for the short drive across the border, around Juarez, and down to Chihuahua City. Detailed instructions for the border crossing are provided, along with other news and information, to those on the CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS NEWS email list.

**LCP 2011 – FILLING UP QUICKLY !!

According to the published rules of La Carrera Panamericana, thirty of the one hundred entries are reserved for North America (Canada and the United States). As of this date, 26 entries have been received from these two countries.

Prior to 2010, it was normal to have a North American contingent of forty or more, but that was not the case last year when North American participation was limited to thirty, mainly to accommodate fifty entries from Mexico and a good turn out from Europe.

Bottom line: if you are living in the Canada or the U.S. and want to guarantee a place on the grid for 2011, send in your entry form and a non-refundable deposit of $500 payable to La Carrera USA…ASAP. (See Contact Info for the address.) If for any reason your entry is not accepted by the Organizing Committee, your deposit will be refunded promptly. There has been no announcement about the fee schedule. Deposits may also be transferred.

If you am planning to participate in the race this year, keep wrenching on your car, because we will try to enroll as many North Americans as possible, and it is likely that one or two of those who have made a deposit will ultimately decide not to participate this coming year.

**SELECTING A CAR FOR THE PAN AM

The basic criteria are:

1. Interest – what type of car do you like? English sports cars, German sedans, or GM?

2. Ambition – are you out to win or just want to have some fun?

3. Budget – you need one, of course.

Over the past decade, the nature of LCP has changed significantly. Today, there are more professional racers involved, and the cars are better prepared and faster. There are far fewer drivers who are “tourists,” participating “just for fun.” Instead of rumbling down a mountain road racing against the clock, now novices may find themselves speeding around a Mexican NASCAR track with drivers who will push their cars to the limit. More than ever before, racing experience or driver training on a track is imperative

Want a better chance of climb onto the podium? Build a car for these under-represented classes: Original Pan Am or Sports Mayor (+2000 cc) or Sports Menor (-2000 cc). In these classes, replicas are generally accepted. The Sports class cars—1940-1954—may be highly modified. Even in Original Pan Am a lot of modern parts are permitted.

**ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE FOR ALTITUDE

For years I have warned rookies about the effect of the high altitudes in Mexico on their engines and drive trains. My refrain has been: we lose up to 1/3 of our compression in the mountains and high plains of Mexico. This notion was based on some research Mike Goble and I did in the mountains of California preparing for the race in 2001.

Contrary to what you may think about Mexico, most of the country, especially the central part where we race for six days, is a plateau over 5000 feet in altitude, with lots of rugged mountains and mostly dormant volcanoes. In some places, like outside of Zacatecas, we race at 8500 feet or higher. Too many people think of Mexico in terms of the seaside resorts like Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta. But most of Mexico is at high altitude, and it is much cooler at 8500 feet, even in the summer months.

Even in the Chihuahua Express, we reach some lofty altitudes, especially the day we race into the famous Copper Canyon.

A recent note in Road and Track (November, 2010, p. 108) finally provided me the scientific formula: for each 1000 feet gain in altitude, the air pressure (thus oxygen) is reduced by 3.5%, so in Oaxaca we are down by 18.55%. In Puebla or in Zacatecas, we drop to 31.5%. Thin air and the reduction in oxygen robs our engines of power.

As air pressure drops, so does the ability of the air to carry gasoline. Less petrol vapor = less power. Ask any drag racer who tunes for Denver or even Atlanta.

In addition, engines like cool, dense air, especially when accelerating. Cold-air or ram-air induction is essential to crisp performance, especially “getting off the line.” It is true that air temperature drops three degrees for each 1000 feet in altitude and this helps, but our engines do run hotter up there in the mountains. Why?

Engines do not cool well at high altitude because the thinner air simply does not absorb and dissipate heat as efficiently the thicker air at lower altitudes. Larger radiators, “Water Wetter,” high flow water pumps, and more powerful fans are necessary. (You may use coolant in Carrera race cars.)

Hot engines also tend to vapor lock, especially those with mechanical fuel pumps. Extra insulation around the gas line and carb helps, but the only proven cure is a re-circulating fuel system, where the gas never stops circulating between the tank, carb, and back to the tank.

Some car builders have used two fuel pumps on the gas line, one pushing and one pulling, with success, but the recirculating system is best. Worried about the dependability of an electric pump? Use two of them – in line or separately wired. Electric pumps should not be located in the trunk with the fuel cell.

Good news? Because our engines are down on power at altitude, there is much less stress on the drive train: transmission, clutch, differential, and rear axles. If you want to save a little un-sprung weight, substitute a Ford 8.8” differential for the traditional Ford 9” or a “built” GM ten bolt, rather than the expensive, heavier 12 bolt.

**TIRE AND RIM SELECTION

The rules of the Carrera say that competitors cannot use tires made for competition. The rules also specify a DOT approved tire (or European equivalent), a minimum tread wear rating of 60, and in most classes, an aspect ratio of 50 or higher. The tires should not be “cut” (shaved).

Fortunately, both Yokohama and Toyo make tires that fit these specs. The Yokohama A048 (or the lastest iteration) is an excellent choice, or the Toyo A-888 or RA-1. Some competitors have found success with other, speed-rated (H or higher) summer tires.

You should pay attention to the maximum rim widths specified for each class, such as 6” Historic A and B, and 7” in Historic C. Turismo Mayor may run a 8” rim.

Normally, one set of (unshaved) tires is enough for this race. Maybe having an extra spare tire in your service vehicle is a good idea. All race cars must carry one spare—in the trunk or somewhere in or on the car.

Steel or alloy rims? In the old days, almost everyone ran steel rims. They are stronger and can be repaired by welding at most muffler shops. Now, many more people run alloy rims, again to save weight. If you decide on alloy rims, select strong ones, because few Mexican shops have the equipment to weld aluminum.

** ENTRY PROCEDURE AND HOTELS

North Americans have two ways to sign up for the Pan Am. They may print out the Entry Form from www.panamrace.com, fill it out, and send it to the N.A. Coordinator with a personal or business check. This form solicits information useful to providing competitors, especially rookies, with the best advice and assistance prior to the event.

Competitors may also sign up by going to the main web site: www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. Unfortunately, this format is not user friendly, and you must have your blood type info, car info, and digital photos ready to upload in order to complete the registration.

The race organizers in Mexico, not the N.A. Coordinator, make all decisions about the eligibility of cars. However, rookies or anyone with a new car should let the Coordinator review their roll cage design before lighting up the welding torch. Again, the final decisions about cages and other safety equipment are made by the tech inspectors at the start of the race.

Please note that the final rules of the race are usually not published until the spring, and even then they are subject to change. Stay loose!

Hotels. Registration for the race includes a double hotel room, two beds for two people, for eight nights (Oct. 20-27, 2011). However, the hotel package for 2011 has not been announced. But traditionally, those who enter the race first get the best hotels. Those signing up early, for example, have the best shot at scoring a room at the fabulous Quinta Real Hotel in Zacatecas, which costs $150 extra.

Hotel reservations should be made directly with the Carrera Office in Mexico (310-860-6959). Additional hotel rooms—for your crew or early arrival in the starting city—cost $150.

All participants should understand that all sales of hotel rooms are final. There are no refunds and the rooms cannot be transferred to another person.

**CLASSIFIEDS

Todd Landon (Minnesota) has a Mustangs and Falcons to rent for La Carrera and the Chihuahua Express. Todd has twelve years of Carrera experience as a racer and car builder. One of his cars finished first in class and fifth overall in the Historic C class in the Express in 2009, and in 2008 the same car won the Historic C class in la Carrera. Todd also offers an “arrive and drive” arrangement, with full mechanical support. Todd also regularly attends the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (June 27, 2010) and provides cars for that event. Contact him at TALandon@landolakes.com or 1-952-250-7948.

Mats Hammarlund Racing, Inc., down in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, has a variety of cars for rent and for sale. Hammarlund’s cars are all booked for the Carrera next year, but he has cars available for the Chihuahua Express. His two successive championships prove that his cars are fast and dependable. Mats will also store and prep cars from Europe and North America for the Carrera and Chihuahua Express. Why ship them back and forth across the ocean? Contact Mats at mats@mhracing.com.mx or 011-52-415-101-0308.

ISO CO-PILOT. Want to ride up Pikes Peak or navigate the Chihuahua Express in a unique style? Call Dean Smith 702-438-3445. Dean has a ’52 Desoto that made it up PP and the Virginia City Hill Climb already, and he needs a funded co-piloto for both events.

**CONTACT INFORMATION
Please note that the change in my postal address is effective December 12, 2010:
Gerie Bledsoe or La Carrera USA
220 N Zapata Hwy Ste 11
Pmb 68B
Laredo, Texas 78043

Phone: 1-650-525-9190
Email: gbledso@aol.com
Web site: www.panamrace.com
Web site: www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
Carrera Office (Mexico City): 1-310-860-6959

Video Harri Rovanperä 1953 Studebaker La Carrera PanAmericana

2010-12-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

Ralf Christensson's Misfortune in 2010

2010-11-30T15:47:00.000-08:00

Since Ralf Christensson from Sweden is a very good friend of mine and knowing he suffered some terrible misfortune while driving a Mats Hammarlund rental at this years La Carrera Panamericana I asked him for a summary of all that took place and here is his reply...

To give you the short story:

As so many others, when we arrived in Mexico City for our connecting flight to Tuxtla we found out that Mexicana didn't fly anymore. So it was just to buy new tickets for us 2 the next day. Not a big problem if it wasn't for the fact that our families was to fly down the week after. In all we had 24 flights to rebook!

Finally in Tuxtla we meet up with Mats and the crew. And our yellow
Volvo. Specially since we had t-shirts and postcards with a yellow Volvo. We where a bit surprised to see red Volvo and after a while they told us that they had decided to repaint the car to red the week before. But they didn't remember to tell us. It hadn't matter since our stuff was already printed. But it was a surprise.

Since we had 4 days before the race our plan was to fix some minor stuff on the car and then just drive the car as much as possible. Like anything ever goes according to plan in Mexico. It turned out to be 4 days of working on the car and in total 3 hours test driving. It's not a good plan to do the Carrera in a car you never driven, and I consider 3 hours as nothing. To add to this, my co-pilot Kristian had never been a co-pilot before so some practice for him would be great. Not much to do but drive and take it as it comes.

After the qualification, which we considered a test drive for corners, we started the race something like in the middle of the cars. It was a great day and we had lots of fun. The car did well until 2 kilometers from finish in the last leg. A wheel bearing decided to quit on us. Standing at the side of the road, knowing that another 2 and we had finished all stages was no fun.
After about 5-6 hours the service team with spares showed up and fixed the car. It was night driving to town! Not the best start of the race. Anyway we where still in. As always, the results at the drivers meeting was a mess. Since we hadn't completed the day we did not have any times at all. So our start the next day wasn't even on the starting list. We managed to get a starting time somewhere among the last 10 starters. Lot's of passing
that day.

We made it the second day and I can assure you that we where as happy as the winner. Third day was a bit better. We started in a fairly good spot, perfect driving and doing good speed. Came to service and not much to fix. Leaving service and after about 20 minutes after, the car started to misfire and sounded like we lost one cylinder. Short after smoke came from the motor. Pulled over and just stated that this is it! Pulled a spark plug and noted that it was smashed. Not a good sign. Called the crew who showed up quick. At this point it was the end of the race for us.

Third day was with the crew in the van. Even if it's interesting to see a new side of the race, I didn't like it at all. And imaging having to do this the rest of the race too.

Luckily, for us, the other Swedish team crashed in Mil Cumbres, without injuries. But their car was gone. Same second I heard it, I thought about the motor. Trying to talk the crew in to it wasn't easy. It was late at night before Mats and the crew was on the same page. Some of Mats crew was on our side from start and really helped to convince the others. This was in Morelia It was decided that me and Kristian together with Erik, our assigned mechanic that did a great job during the week, and Luciane, probably not the correct spelling sorry for that. Luciane is from Morelia and have a "workshop" there that we could use.

Our red Volvo was still in Queretaro and the blue donor was on it's way to Morelia. Early bed and then we changed the motors the day after. Was some problems but nothing we couldn't fix. Strangely the blue motor had survived the crash. A hole in the oil sump was all. Except for the fire that took most soft parts a couple of days before.

After the motor change, we had plans on painting the car yellow again to get some good luck back, but we didn't have the time. At around 8 pm we started the drive to Guadalajara to be able to hook up with the rest of the gang and prepare for start the day after.

And lucky for us, the rest of the race, 2 days, was OK. Misfiring and stuff but nothing major. Needless to say, we didn't have the best Carrera. But if I sum it all up, meeting all the people, culture, food, mexicans, cars and driving, it was a great week and it will most likely be followed by more. But next time it's back to the old trustworthy Falcon.

So Gary, next year, come down and have a great time you and Jon too. I bet that Lucky is up for it.

Take care
Ralf

Frank Burany who drove in the 1951 Mexican Road Race Inducted Hall Of Fame

2010-11-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

Chris Economaki reported that Frank and Helen Burany celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary at their winter home in Fort Myers, FL. Frank is 95 and Helen is 93. Their summer home is in Wisconsin. Frank drove in one of the Mexican road races.

National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame Frank Burany Inducted into the Hall of fame in 2003.

Never one to go for titles he still won two track Championships at St. Louis, and single track titles at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kokomo, Indiana and Farmer City, Illinois. The Walsh Stadium Champion in 1948 and ’49 turned a smooth and steady driving style into a good living by picking his races and his travels.

Frank began racing midgets in 1935 and became respected by car owners as a man who would not bend the equipment and who would place in the money. Records show at least 80 victories throughout the Midwest, Southwest and Pennsylvania including 12 National Midget Championship features. He was 4th in AAA National points in 1949 and 6th in 51. He scored National points every year for 16 years from 1948 to 1963 and placed in the top 21 five times.

Frank also drove in the 1951 Mexican Road Race. He has thrilled fans from Gilmore Stadium California to Williams Grove, Penn-sylvania. Some of his better rides included Ashley Wright’s roadster and the # 2 upright which won three AAA titles with Hall of Fame Member Shorty Templeman at the wheel. Other fine car owners that used his talents were Fred Thomshe, Frank Podriznik, Joe Subjak and the Plaza brothers. Among his other pursuits Burany flew a helicopter for the Milwaukee NBC station for 9 years.

A Short Video Of La Buffa 2010

2010-11-26T18:42:00.001-08:00

Untitled from Gary on Vimeo.

A Very Good LCP Blog & Great Photos

2010-11-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

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CLICK HERE

Need A Mexico Race Fix?

2010-11-16T13:55:00.001-08:00

The 5th Annual Chihuahua Express!
Race the Wind -- Part of the Silver State International Challenge

What? Unlimited open-road racing on paved highways across northern Mexico.

When? April 8-9-10, 2011. Three days of racing with no limit on your speed.

Where? City and State of Chihuahua, Mexico

Why? Where else in the world can you race at top speed for three days on public highway and have lunch at one of the greatest tourist attractions in the world?

Location? Chihuahua City is only 145 miles west of Presidio, Texas.

Cost? $2000 entry free until November 1. Then it goes to $2200. Hotel accommodations are additional. The TSD “regularity” rally, bracket, and Express Tour classes are $1200, plus hotels. Training in stage rally timing is provided.

Eligible Cars? any car from any era is eligible for unlimited competition, if equipped with an acceptable six-point roll cage and safety equipment, such as five/six point seat belts, fire system, and HANS devices.

Classes? for unlimited competition the eight classes of modern cars are: normally aspirated engines: (1) up to 1.6 liters, (2) above 1.6 to 2.4 liters, (3) above 2.4 to 6.2 liters, (4) above 6.2 liters, (5) Specials, and (6) Unlimited. There will be two turbo classes: (7) stock turbo-charged cars up to 2.4 liter, (8) stock turbo-charged over 2.4 liter. Brake pads, shocks, springs, and certain other parts may be upgraded on “stock” cars. Vintage and Pan Am classes are also offered.

Length? The event includes nearly 325 miles of unlimited speed stages in a total of length of about 1,000 miles.

No cage? Cars without roll cages may participate in the TSD rally, “bracket” competition (min. and max. speed in the speed stages) or the Tour.
Car Crews? A driver and navigator are required in all cars, in all classes, and there can be no more than two people in any car during the event. Drivers should have sufficient training or racing/rallyexperience before attempting the unlimited competition.

Prizes? Daily awards by class for driver and co-driver and overall trophies at the final awards ceremony. There are no cash prizes.

Format? competitors follow detailed directions in a route book and line up eight or more times a day to drive “speed stages.” The cars are started in one-minute intervals over highways closed to traffic by the Mexican Highway Patrol. The fastest cars go first, but passing is allowed. The length of the closed road or speed stage will normally be five to fifteen miles. Electronic timing is used. Road surfaces in northern Mexico are generally excellent. After each speed stage, the competitors will drive a short “transit section” to the next speed stage. The cars must check in at the next speed stage within 59 seconds of their assigned time.

The cars with the lowest total elapsed time (E.T.) for the speed stages, plus any time penalties, will be declared the winner by class and overall each day and for the entire event.

Border Crossing? Mexican tourist permit for vehicles cost $35 at the border. Permits may be purchased at some Mexican consulates and at http://www.banjercito.com.mx/. Competitors also need a US passport and Mexican tourist visa (free for one week).

Police Services? Officers of the Mexican Highway Patrol accompany the event and work with 300 local police on clearing the roads and providing security. Rescue and medical crews, along with the timing and scoring staff, travel with the race.

Auspices? The Federation of Mexican Auto Sports (FMAD), an affiliate of FIA, sanctions this event. All individuals riding in a car, in all classes, must hold a FMAD rally license for calendar 2011 to participate ($260+ USD). The license provides personal medical, death, and dismemberment insurance.

Entry Payments? May be made by personal/business check, PayPal, credit card, money order, or wire transfer. Please contact Gerie Bledsoe gbledso@aol.com for details.

Hotel information will be provided upon request.

Warning: Auto racing in any form is dangerous and may lead to property damage, serious injury, or death. Competitors assume all risk, and hold the Organizers and their agents harmless.

For information on the Silver State Classic Challenge Events:
Steve Waldman (702) 631-6166
www.silverstateclassic.com or www.sscc.us
For Chihuahua Express Rules and Information:
www.chihuahuaexpress.com

A Great Car To Build For La Carrera Panamericana

2010-11-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

1954 Lincoln Capri PanAm Racer - price reduced to $12,500

This is a 1954 Lincoln Capri 2 door hardtop that was built to compete in the original class of the La Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico but only raced in the Nevada Silver Star race and in the Oregon road race. The car has a built up original motor and transmission and the original rear axle. It has an 8 point roll cage, fuel cell, full racing harnesses and upgraded suspension to handle the off road race course. The oil pan is steel strap protected and the car has racing tires and wheels.

The Lincoln has an automatic transmission with a shift kit, factory power steering and power brakes and has WORKING POWER WINDOWS! The car has a California title and license plates and is now STREET LEGAL with working headlights, ride lights, turn signals, horn, etc. The charging system, brake system, cooling system and exhaust system are all in great condition too. This is a turn-key 1954 Lincoln Capri PanAm inspired race car that you can drive on the street every day.

1954 Lincoln Capri PanAm Racer - price reduced to $12,500 - 650-348-8269

Update from Bill

2010-11-15T19:19:00.001-08:00

Just finished the 1st day of repairing the Stude'. The frame/roll cage is almost totally undamaged. The car will be back with a new VIN #, but it will be the same car, only faster and safer. The 60 lbs of lead ballast I was carrying this year will be spent on additional cockpit safety.

Mats Hammarlund Video

2010-11-15T19:18:00.001-08:00

What A Bummer

2010-11-09T20:33:00.001-08:00

Ride along with my buddy Ralf in the Mats Hammarlund Volvo. I believe this is when Ralf's chance at a good finish was ruined when the wheel bearing went bad.

Hjullager skär i La Carrera Panamericana from RCRacing on Vimeo.

A Narrow Bovine Miss

2010-11-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this in-car footage furnished by the Lauber/Stevenson Alfa Romeo team. Watch the 3:00 mark and you will see what many LCP teams often run in to. (no pun intended)

2010 Carrera Panamericana: La Bufa, Zacatecas -- view from the Taxi from bringatrailer on Vimeo.

The Co-PilotosJob Is To Say: "Just Haul Ass!"

2010-11-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

What Happens If You Hit One Of Those Cement Poles

2010-11-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

All this crazy racin got my juices flowing so I felt the need to revisit Mil Cumbre the day we on it.

Misc Battle Scars Courtesy Michael Emery

2010-11-03T16:58:00.001-07:00

A special thanks to Michael for all the photos he contributed during this years race. Thanks Michael!

Final Results For Each Class Posted

2010-11-03T16:47:00.001-07:00

La Carrera Panamericana organization saw fit to not post the daily results but at least they finally posted the results for each class. XXXXXXX CLICK HERE XXXXXXXXX

The Way John Nielsen Sees Things

2010-11-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

Report from John Nielsen driver of #369 Mustang

Hello again.. well its all over for 2010.. Another Carrera down.. The last 2 days unfolded with a throw out bearing going on the clutch so we weren't able to run the last speed stage of day 6, so we got a 10 min penalty and max time for the stage. Our crew was able to get the clutch fixed over night working till 5 in the morning, so the car was ready for day 7. Thanks to Steve and Mark for that!!. We ran all the stages fast and finished 2nd for the day in class,, and we were able to climb back to a 3rd in class over all for the event.. so not bad for having two divers for 4 days.. Im sure we would have won the class if I had of drove all the days, but jack needed to learn what La carrera was all about and that was what we really came down here to do, so all and all a great finish for the both of us.. But being a competitive as I am, I wish we had of won it.. we ended up with a 1st a 2nd and a 3rd daily finish and 3rd over all.. great!! The car was great ,, was every thing I thought it could be for this race,, so was a good choice to run it.. Next year everything willing.. I will run a 51 ford crow vic in Turismo production class.. and will have my wife Emine as Navigotor again and we should be able to win in I think.. So thats it folks another carrera in the record books.. cant wait till next year,, only 364 days to go... shit!

http://www.mexsport.com.mx/mexsport/imagenes_sub.php?id1=4712 photo pages.. were the white with blue strip mustang GT350 lots og good photos,, maybe they can be blown up larger some how,, didnt see how maybe some will let me know how..cheers to all John

This Blog Gets My Vote

2010-11-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Anyone that has taken part in LCP knows that there are just about a million reasons why it's impossible to get up to the minute reports posted for others to enjoy. Many times there is no computer access but more importantly, the last thing teams have is "TIME" to get on line and edit a photo and download photos.

Over the years I can also relate to the fact that when teams finally do reach the comfort of home they are simply exhausted and the very last thing they feel like doing is getting on line and talking about what they did for the last 14 days.

It's safe to say there are few people (if any) that see more LCP blogs than yours truly. But I have to say, this blog about Team Tortuga Racing has to be one of the best accounts of a "personal" adventure of LCP I have seen.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT

Doug Mockett Come In Just A Tad Hot (Pics & Video)

2010-11-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

There Are No Daily But Final Results Are Finally Posted

2010-11-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

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CLICK HERE

Before and After

2010-11-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

See if you can tell which is which.

Team Ricky-Bobby Tells Their Version Of LCP

2010-11-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

The following consist of several updates between Rob Curry of Team Ricky-Bobby and Paul Frame describing their La Carrera experience this year. It's quite a good read. Thank you Rob and Paul for sharing this with us.

In a message dated 10/27/2010 5:04:37 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,:

Things have been going well and overall much smoother than last year. However, this race is more than just about speed and driving fast, it has just as much to do with not getting lost, staying calm in high pressure situations (like a mule walking onto a race coarse while you are doing 120 MPH), not crashing, avoiding unmarked topes (speed bumps that exist in every town ) and etc. Even with great preparation and driving well, it comes down to a lot of luck. In a 2,000 mile race across a country with third world conditions, anyone's situation and ranking can turn at any time.

Accidents have been heavy with at least 20 cars crashing and probably another 20 cars in and out of the race due to mechanical failures. So far we have avoided both and at this point, we are one of the few cars to have completed all speed stages. Yesterday the race experienced one of the worse crashes of 2010 with a Studebaker's brakes failing on a speed section in the mountains. The brake failure resulted in the car rolling five times down a small cliff. They were lucky and walked away. The safety equipment in most accidents saves the lives of the driver and navigator. Another accident occurred yesterday in a transit section and the driver was taken to the hospital. Most of the time the accidents in the non-speed sections are more dangerous since safety equipment has been removed due to the heat.

Here is a recap so far:

Tech Inspection - very easy this year. We are very well known by the officials and they knew that we were the guys who were crazy enough to fly a windshield in a surf board box hand carried by my Dad to qualify for last year's race.

Qualification Race, Day 0: The race was on the track at Tuxtla Gutierrez and the condition of the track was horrible with gravel and unmarked corners. We were running well but dropped a tire off of the track which forced the car into the grass infield. Hitting the grass was like ice. I was able to keep the car from spinning but took out a good portion of their grass/weeds. I recently did some training at the Spring Mountain race track on a wet skid pad that saved us - Thanks Brad! Instead of spinning, we "fish-tailed" for a couple hundred feet and got back on the track.

Due to the off track excursion, it cost us some time and we qualified 4th in our class and 70 overall out of 120. Still better than last year's ranking 104 overall and 8th or 9th in our class. We are still confused about the actual cars in our class, it changes daily but we think we started with 6.

Day 1 Tuxtla to Oxaca:
We placed first in our class. Based on our learning curve being so step in the 2009 race, things went fairly smooth (based on La Carrera criteria). Other teams are actually asking us for advice and Rick has become the "godfather" of navigation. I may actually need to retire his nickname of "ever-lost Shaw". So far we have only received five seconds in penalties and last year we received at least five minutes during the race. Even with the five seconds, we think it is a mistake. Rules, time keeping, schedules are all flexible in Mexico. This year two brothers of the president of Mexico are in the race. The actual benefit to us is that one of the brothers drives a Porsche so we are able to stick close to the Mexican secret service and were guided quickly through the towns during the transit sections.

Day 2 To Puebla: We placed first in our class. Two cars in our class dropped out of the race due to mechanical issues and one lost a wheel one a speed section. Five major accidents with one of the German cars catching fire on a speed stage. This is the team that last year fought with each other on the side of the road and smoked constantly. We have a feeling that the fire was a result of trying to smoke during a race. While being escorted by a Federale into town, he took a wrong turn and asked us to reverse our car back to the missed corner, unfortunately, we did not see the drainage ditch and reversed into it. We hit our tailpipe while dropping into the ditch which damaged our exhaust manifold. John has attempted to re-weld it twice but we are still having problems, hopefully it will hold. Currently with the exhaust leaks, our Porsche sounds like a NASCAR race car which makes us sound a little faster. It really surprises the guys with the V-8s to hear us approaching and then realize that it is a four cylinder.

Day 3 To Queretaro: We placed second but remained on the first page of the overall cars. We got lost but we were able to correct quickly without losing too much time or receive a penalty.

Day 4 To Morelia: We placed second. Very tough day, as I mentioned, things can change quickly in this race. This race is really not decided until the last day and teams have a shot to either win or lose up until the very end. We started the day with a carburetor problem that would not allow our engine to drop below 4,000 RPMs, which makes it tough to stop the car. We got lost coming out of the city with five cars trying to follow us. Following other cars during transit sections on the way to speed sections (races) is always risky. We make it a rule only to follow Mexicans and typically Mexicans in Porsches. This time, following us did not help our competitors. While lost, I drove into a one way tunnel the wrong way and scared a couple of drivers going through the tunnel to death. Driving in Mexico is difficult but add the time pressure, the confusion of being lost while having a helmet on and it becomes a mess. We were able to get Rick to jump in a taxi that led us to our first race of the day. However when Rick jumped out our car to stop a cab, the timing chip (calculates our transit and speed sections) fell out of the car. Although we were able to call ahead and have John Benton (our crew chief) obtain a new timing chip, our times were confused by the officials and I think they are still not correct for the day. Although the morning was disaster, John met us during the service break to fix the carburetor problem and we were issued a new timing chip (after paying a $200 fine but at least it was not a time penalty). During the afternoon the speed sections were tight high speed corners on mountain roads which were perfect for a Porsche and we made up significant time.

My Dad arrived into town to travel with the crew through the end of the race. My Dad proved to be good luck in 2009 after saving us by transporting the new windshield to Hualtulco in a surfboard box.

Day 5 - To Guadalajara. We won our class and the main competitor in our class, the Volkswagen with the large engine broke down. Although the day went well, it was termed "the day of one thousand topes". We hit a tope doing 45 mph, thankfully it missed our engine case. So far at least three cars having been taken out of the race due to topes.

Great town and third largest in the country. This is the largest city that we will visit this year which is great after the disasters of Mexico City last year. The police escort picked us up 30 kilometers before the city and blocked the freeway during rush hour to bring us into downtown. I always miss racing in Mexico on days that I am sitting on traffic on the 405. Police escorts through the middle of a major city are pretty cool. The finishing arch was at a very modern shopping mall and it was nice to have dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. Although all the other races end in the plazas of great colonial cities with thousands of people cheering us, it was nice to have a mellow finish. The food has been great throughout Mexico but it was nice to get an Americano meal.

Today we start at 9 AM which is amazing since we have been starting a 7 AM which means getting up at 4 AM. The La Carrera schedule is tough. Based on the nightly driver's meetings that are scheduled at 8 PM that typically start at 10 or 11 PM (welcome to Mexican racing) and driving 10 hours a day, it makes for a very short night. Last year I slept for two days after returning home.

Although we have complaints about how the race in run and the delayed schedules, there is no place in the world that has a race like the La Carrera. Where else could we race 2,000 miles at high speeds across a country while under police and army protection and escort, all at the same time being treated like rock stars. Viva Mexico!

Off to Aguascalientes today. Five days down and two to go!

See you soon,

Rob

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

Re: Mexican Cliff Diving - Day 6 - La Carrera Panamericana

Regardless of the rumors we have heard that are on some of the racing blogs, we did not go over a 400 foot cliff and I did not sell Rick to drug cartels in order to bribe myself back into race after our crash. However the cliff rumor is partially true (but selling Rick to the cartel would have also made sense).

Day 5 leaving Guadalajara went smoothly, in fact a picture of our car crossing the finish line the previous day was on the cover of the local paper, El Informador. The car was running well and the engine had been tuned for leaving the higher elevations. During our first race of the day, we entered a series of corners and by the time we reach the final corner, that was supposed to lead to a straight away, the log book failed to mention that the straight away had a step downhill grade. Once in the corner, I realized that we had too much speed to make the corner and had a choice to put the car into the side of the mountain or lift slightly on the accelerator. I should have decided to put the car into the mountain. Knowing that a Porsche will spin if acceleration is dropped in a downhill corner, I tried to take it very easy. It didn’t work and resulted in a spin. It actually was a smooth spin and we finally rested backwards looking at the road. I knew that we went into a ditch and would need to be towed since the nose of the car was facing up at nearly a 45 degree angle. I turned off the power to the car, we took off our safety gear and started to climb out but as soon as I took my foot off of the brake, I started to roll backwards. Rick got out and cautioned me not to move since he nearly rolled down the top of the hill leading to a 400 foot drop. The good news was that it was a dangerous curve so 10 to 12 reporters ran to the car (they hang out after all the tough corners to catch crashes and they must have been happy about our spin). Half of the reporters put down their cameras and held the front of the car to stabilize us while the others continued to take photos (you have to love the press). Rick ran up to the corner to wave off the 50 race cars we knew would be passing the corner within the next twenty minutes. If another car crashed on the corner, they would surely hit us and force us down the mountain.

Initially I had to negotiate with the reporters not to rip me out of the car. I had to argue with them for a couple of minutes to leave me in the car. They saw blood on my face caused by a nose bleed I had just prior to the race and they thought that I had hit my head and that I was in either in shock or delirious. I was able to convince them after threatening their lives that I was OK and that if I removed my foot from the pedal, the car would go down the mountain. I told them that it was not about losing the car but I did not think that I would have enough time to get out once I released the brake. Also, I did not think that the five reporters could hold the car. I also knew that if we had a tow vehicle, they would be able to pull us out. I agreed to put on my safety gear and the reporters removed their belts and tied them in a chain and around my arm just in case they needed to pull me out.

I waited for twenty minutes for the remaining race cars to pass during which time I was interviewed by two European news crews (pretty ironic) all while needing to continue to press on the brakes. They finally brought up a Federale cruiser and connected the tow rope but as he was trying to pull us, he was positioned on the soft shoulder and was starting to slide backwards. The Federale probably would have pushed us both down the hill if Rick did not stop them. For those of you who know Rick, he does not worry about too much but the look on his face and when he told me to get ready to jump, I became concerned for the first time. The chase ambulance/medical crew in a Tahoe arrived and they pull us up. The Federale asked me to start the car to see if I could follow him down to the bottom of the speed section. I was amazed but the car started and we followed. As we were driving down, I was able to look at where we had been positioned and I finally comprehended the full scope of the situation. Since I never was out of the car and from my angle, I was not able see the size of the drop.

The car drove fine on the road and when we arrived at the end of the section, the time keeper was just packing up, we turned in our time card and they waved us on. The Federale gave us a “thumbs up” and we were off.

As we approached the next race, the 50 cars that passed us were shocked. We heard a lot of “Ricky Bobby” and “Shake and Bake” – We picked up the nickname “Ricky Bobby” in last year’s race. All were happy to see us and more amazed that the car was still running. On of the time keepers poured a bottle of tequila on the hood of the car for good luck.

John, Ian and my Dad were able to meet us at the service stop for lunch. Since we were now one of the last cars in the race, they had to hear all the stories as the other teams came into town. They were all happy to see us in one piece especially based on the various stories that they had heard. My Dad asked me to start looking for a new hobby such as golf. Surprisingly, after checking the car, John was able to find very little damage from our off road excursion.

We ran well the rest of the day but we received a 40 minute time on the section due to our rest break on the side of the mountain and a penalty for running late to the next race. The section should have taken around 10 minutes.

At the driver’s meeting and awards ceremony, the president of the race gave me the opportunity to speak to all the drivers and crews about the accident and to also thank the reporters, Federales and medical crew. Due to the number of reporters, they had put together to slide show of the accident.

As I mentioned in my previous message, in a 2,000 mile race, your luck can change at any time. Although we significantly dropped in position, we are obviously were very happy to be off the side of the mountain.

Rob

Day 7 & Final La Carrera Panamericana Results

Aguascalientes to Zacatecas

Day 7 & Final La Carrera Panamericana Results

Due to our spin on Day 6, we knew that we had to drive hard to make up time. At this point there were only three cars left in our class since the other five had either crashed or left the race for mechanical issues. At the beginning of the day we were ranked last due to the 40 minute time on the section where we had the spin. We successfully argued that the section where we crashed should be handled as missed section in the rule book as opposed to the actual time that we had to wait to re-enter the race course. Based on the rules, we hurt ourselves by finishing the section and turning in our time card. The officials gave us the slowest time of our class plus a 10% penalty which dropped our time from 40 minutes down to 13 minutes for the section. It still hurt us but much better than 40 minutes.

Day 7 went smooth and we did not have the issues that we experienced in Day 7 of 2009. We kept the shiny side up and stayed on the road.

We arrived into Zacatecas on time and we were met by my Dad and our crew (John and Ian Benton). The streets were packed with people watching the race. It took us 30 minutes after receiving our time to drive through the arch. Zacatecas is a colonial city with a section with cobble stone roads so it was a great place to end the race.

The officials greeted our car and asked us to drive to the city’s Nissan dealer to have our car inspected. This year we knew that it was a good sign since they “tech” the first and second car of each class. Our “tech” took an hour and we thankfully did not need to take apart the engine. Some of the other teams had to remove the engine heads and other parts to take measurements.

The day ended at the awards ceremony that did not start until 11:30 PM and went to 1:30 AM. Rick and I came in first place for the day and also first place for the entire race in our class beating the VW and the Porsche 912. During the race, we lost over 30 cars and five in our class. I think we were only one of the 25 cars that completed every section of the race out of the starting group of around 120. Based on the overall race, it was better that we completed the speed section where we had the spin and continued to race.

We leave this afternoon and hopefully will be back to LAX by 9 PM tonight.

Adios,

Team Ricky-Bobby

“Shake & Bake”

2010 LCP To Share With Friends

2010-11-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

More Misc Photos

2010-11-01T13:40:00.001-07:00

Misc Photos

2010-11-01T13:12:00.001-07:00

History Repeats It's self

2010-11-01T13:08:00.001-07:00

These are photos of Brad Kaplans car from several years ago.

These are from last week.

The bottom line is when Brad says he can fond a rest stop anywhere believe him.

Videos Of La Bufa

2010-11-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Porsche 911 Spin on La Carrera Panamericana from bringatrailer on Vimeo.

Stage 10 of Day 7: La Bufa (Return), Zacatecas, La Carrera Panamericana from bringatrailer on Vimeo.

Stage 8 of Day 7: La Bufa, Zacatecas, La Carrera Panamericana from bringatrailer on Vimeo.

Is It Really Over? Not Yet It Aint!

2010-10-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

Gerie Bledsoe reported: The Pan Am is over. We finished in top third. Great party in Zacatecas. Relaxing in San Miguel now."

But anyone who has taken part in La Carrera Panamericana knows there is still the long drive home and there will be trials and tribulations for many on the way home. Let's all pray that every team make a safe return back across the border and safely home. Teams and two rigs are tired after a hearty workout and everyone is tired which makes it all the worse for wear. Just getting across the border will be tough for some.

Anyone who wishes to share photos or their adventure or parts of it with our readers are encouraged to do so. Take time to get rested up and when you feel better send them to me at gfaules44@aol.com

Photos Courtesy Of Jamie Hamm And Others

2010-10-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

Courtesy Of Gustavo Robles

2010-10-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

Gerie's case of bad helmet hair. lol. But check out that smile. I was glad to see Gerie do so well considering the dark cloud that followed him that last few trys. Congrats Gerie!

Carson making sure everyone sees his sponsor's name.

Driver is saying, "Who's the idiot that built this damn rock wall here of all places?"

Another Video

2010-10-31T14:12:00.001-07:00

Nice Slide Show

2010-10-31T14:05:00.001-07:00

A Good Video

2010-10-31T14:03:00.001-07:00

Jose The Fire Fighter... I Will Fight Any Fire Cheap

2010-10-30T20:01:00.001-07:00

There was a wealthy Texas rancher who owned a lot of oil wells. One day while sitting on his front porch he noticed one of his oil derricks was on fire so he began making calls to get someone to put out the fire but they all wanted what he thought was way too much. He knew that this was one of his oldest oil wells and it most certainly would dry up before long so he felt it was not worth spend that much on. But then he began getting sentimental as he realized that was one of the first wells his grand pappy had given him so once again he began making some calls to find someone who would put out the fire.

Then he saw an add in the newspaper that said, "Jose the fire fighter... Will fight any fire cheap." so he picked up the phone and dialed the number. "Hello, Jose the fire fighter. I will fight any fire cheap. Can I help you?" The old man asked how much to fight an oil derrick fire and Jose replied, "Si, I will fight your oil derrick fire for 10,000 Pesos." Since the price was unbelievable he was excited and old man told him to hurry up and get over there. That afternoon as the old man was waiting on his front porch he looked up and saw a flatbed truck loaded with about 20 Mexicans on back and coming down a dirt road like a bat out of hell. Thinking he would greet Jose and his crew the old man walked out to the road and the truck didn't even slow down and almost ran him over.

After jumping out of the road the old man watched as the flatbed truck sped right out through the field weaving it's way amongst the other oil derricks until it got to the oil derrick that was on fire and crashed right into it! The old man hopped in his pickup and raced down to the oil derrick where he couldn't believe his eyes as he watched the workers beating the fire out with their sombreros and stomping the flames in their sandals until the fire was completely extinguished.

The old man walked over and asked which one was Jose. They all looked alike in their burnt and smoking clothes and scorched faces but one of them came up and said, "Hello Senior... I am Jose the fire fighter." The old man still excited from what he had just witnessed said, "Sweet Lord all mighty... Jose, that is the damndest thing I have ever seen. Here is your 10,000 Pesos. Now tell me what are you going to do with all the money?" Jose said, "Well Senior, the first thing I am going to do is fix those damn brakes on my truck."

You Paid The Insurance Bill... Right?

2010-10-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

Maybe it will just go out by it's self...

Then again... Maybe it won't.

With a little touch up paint it'll be good as new. I had my doubts about letting that guy that built that Corvette work on our car.

The Best Seat In The House

2010-10-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Having raced in LCP I was amazed how many fans there were but what impressed me even more was how far they would be from even the nearest town. On long stretches of road miles and miles and from nowhere I saw fans lining the road. Sometimes on hilly turns while others favored the long high speed stretches. Many times during the race and on countless videos I have seen large gatherings of friends and LCP fans who spend the entire day waiting along the blocked off roadways. Many of them have awnings, barbecue grills, lawn chairs and coolers to help them pass the time. I can't think of a better way for LCP fans to spend the day... The Best Seat In The House.

Photos courtesy of Fabricio de la Cajiga

The Latest On Bill Beilharz

2010-10-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

But before I tell you about the latest report on Bill CLICK HERE for some research we did a while back.

I just spoke to Bill Beilharz and already he's working on a new car for the next La Carrera Panamericana so I sent some spys to get a sneak peak. Check out the photos...

That's All That's Left... LCP Roadkill

2010-10-30T15:59:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of Jorge

From A Different Angle

2010-10-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt the most exciting and challenging stage of La Carrera Panamericana is Mil Cumbre. Just finishing it is exhilarating and something every driver in the world should envy but to do well in that stage is amazing and should you win that stage it is life changing. When I won the Mil Cumbre stage in Historic C class in 2007 I never completely realized how dangerous it truly was. Even after watching hundreds of videos including my own in-car video most drivers and teams never really realize how deep the canyons are there. Taking a look at these two beautiful photos of Mil Cumbre taken by my good friend Francisco Ortiz will definitely give one a different perspective of what we drove like a bat out of hell through. Some day I look forward to just going back for a nice leisurely drive to enjoy it all.

Mil Cumbre is so challenging for so many reasons. Besides the obvious cliffs and trees and lack of guard rails, there are spots with tight corners and loose gravel, donkeys, water crossing the road, the sun in in your eyes one moment and the fog can be thick the next, and there are even a few story's of locals who have placed logs across the road in places where they are least expected. I remember sliding sideways on one corner after driving thru the blood of a dead horse that ran across the road. It's safe to day this is not just another Sunday drive.

Before And After

2010-10-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

I'm glad Brad Kaplan and his navigator Derek Dwyer are ok and again happy to report that safety is a high priority in LCP and it was proven on numerous occasions this year.

Photos Courtesy Francisco Ortiz

2010-10-30T11:29:00.001-07:00

A special thanks to my good buddy Francisco

How Would You Define Orginization?

2010-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

organize; -ized , -izing , -izes To put together into an orderly, functional, structured whole.

organized; Functioning within a formal structure, as in the coordination and direction of activities.

organization; The act or process of organizing.

That said, it's 3 days after the end of the race and the overall results STILL have not been posted let alone the daily results from 5 days ago. Anyone can bake a cake but having the ability to present on complete with decorations and lit candles is the difference between being a cake decorator or some kids with a toy stove.

I understand and appreciate what a huge undertaking the LCP organization has each year. As a matter of fact I doubt many of us truly realize HOW big it is and all the behind the scenes work that goes on. But that does not make it excusable for any reason to not have accurate results available to both the teams, families, friends, sponsor and fans. The end results is it's just a damn a cake with no candles.

Thank You

2010-10-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

I would like to take the time to thank everyone from around the world for all your kind email and phone calls. But I would also like to take time to thank all those teams who made time even during their hectic schedule to send me updates and photos so that the rest of us can keep up to speed with all that's going on from the time the teams leave to head to Mexico until they have completed the race and are safely on their way home.

Another thing that gives me so much pleasure each year is the personal email I get from friends and family of teams who are still at home trying to find out bits and pieces. In return they also fill me in on how their team is doing, what adversities they might be encountering and the exhilaration when they are making a comeback or doing well. It's as if we are all family and all very rewarding indeed. Think you each and every one of you.

Now if the LCP organization could just learn how important it would be to get daily results and daily overall results made available each day so the rest of the world could experience the excitement as well. Being able to see that Jon Smith has moved up 10 spots and Mr Jones fell back 2 spots is a HUGE part of watching the race from afar. Being able to see where your team is running and how close each class is truly is the most exciting part of it and somehow hearing about a week two later really means nothing.

Good News For Teams Who Want Nice Photos

2010-10-29T18:47:00.001-07:00

This year the people at Mexsport Online were of no help whatsoever. The LCP photos on their site this year were posted in a way that you could not click on them to get a better look. If you wanted to take a good look at your car on their site there was a charge for it. Personally I think they would have been much smarter if they allowed teams to click and enlarge them to get a better look even if they had large watermarks across the photo. Then if someone liked a particular photo they could purchase it. Even smarter would have been to allow competitors to download them for free which I guarantee would have generated them thousands of more hits on their site.

But here's the good news.... If any teams wants to get some of those photos all they have to do is go to SPORTS CAR DIGEST by CLICKING HERE. At the bottom of the page is 10 pages of awesome photos of I believe every single car that raced in 2010 and not only can you click to enlarge them but you can download them as well for free. So check it out and tell your friends and lets watch Sports Car Digest hits climb off the charts. THANKS SPORTS CAR DIGEST!!!

If I Could Turn The Clock Back

2010-10-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

One of the nicest gentleman racers I know with respect to La Carrera Panamericana is Ralf Christensson from Sweden. Having raced against him in the fast Historic C class I can also reassure you that he is not only a great guy to be around but in fact he's one hell of a competitor with great driving skills.

I am most fortunate to have become friends with Ralf and we have stayed in touch since 2007 and I always enjoy hearing from him. Earlier this year when he told me he was not racing his awesome Monte Carlo Falcon but instead driving Mats Hammarlund's #104 Volvo I was really excited and knew he would do well. Unfortunately the red Volvo was not half the car his Monte Carlo Falcon was. It started out with a frozen wheel bearing and then lost a motor leaving Ralf without so much as a chance to turn in the kind of performance he is capable of. I have to tell you it just broke my heart.

Next Time... Los Vikingos

That said... I noticed Ralf in several videos that were taken after the car was again back on the road and from what I could see, it was the same Ralf I have come to know and respect. He was not walking around holding his head down and acting like a child. But instead he was right in amongst his friends and teammates with a big Swedish smile on his face and eager to get in the car and give'em hell. You just can't buy that kind of personality. It only comes from the heart of a very good gentleman.

The Fat Lady Has Sung

2010-10-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

La Carrera Panamericana 2010 was held October 22-28 over 3,200 kilometers and seven stages through 10 states in Mexico, with former World Rally Championship driver Harri Rovanpera and co-piloto Jouni Närhi taking overall honors in the #140 Studebaker.

Brakes... Please Don't Fail Me Now!

2010-10-29T18:02:00.001-07:00

Should I tip the Vallet?

I Love These Shots Of Carson's Hot Rod

2010-10-29T17:59:00.001-07:00

MH Racing Video

2010-10-29T12:08:00.001-07:00

A Testimony Of How Being Prepared Can Save Your Life

2010-10-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Watch this video of my friend Bill Beilharz's #108 Studebaker crash as he goes over a cliff and rolls down into a canyon. Bill reports, "I discovered I had no brakes about 3 seconds before I left the road." You can hear his co-piloto frantically calling his name while Bill lay unconscious. After a few moments of panic Bill comes back with us from his deep sleep. This video is absolute proof that a "well prepared" car and team can in fact save your life and knowing Bill well I know for a fact he left absolutely nothing to chance. To this day every time I watch videos like this I am amazed knowing there are those who cut corners to save a buck as they have the mentality of, "That will never happen to me." Instead, everyone should say to themselves, "WHEN that happens to me..." and in doing so they will be prepared. The end result is that Bill's car saved both the co-piloto and his life and they both walked away.

Update

2010-10-29T07:28:00.001-07:00

MH Racing reports:

Harri Rovanpera first place, 12 seconds before Michel Joirdain. 12 seconds difference after 7 days!!!!! We took also first and second in Historic C! The biggest class! Absolutely unbelievable work by EVERYBODY!!!

Evening In Zacatecas

2010-10-29T07:23:00.001-07:00

Courtesy Michael Emery

Results Overall Class Winners

2010-10-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

Micheal Emery sent me a photo he took of the results but they are very hard to make out so please forgive me if there are any mistakes. (Thank you Michael)

Turismo Mayor:

Harri Rovanperä and Jouni Närhi #140

Michelle Jourdain and Miguel Angel Diez #131

Stephan Meyers and Albert Demey #116

Turismo de Producción:

Jorge Pedrero and Marco Antonio Hernandez #10

David Gussack and Nathaniel Mundy #88

Carlos Castillo and Carlos Antonio Ramierez #51

Sport Mayor:

Carlos Anaya Marquez and Javier Marin Caballero #207

de Thoisy Pierre and Rivard Daniel #214

Phillppe Vandromme and Frederic Vivier #215

Original Panamericana:

John Gregory and Chrislana Gregory #425

Carson Scheller and Shields

Tom Overbaugh and Michael Emery #426

Sport Menor:

Eduardo Henkel Rojas and Ricardo Puente #189

Bob Gett and Bob Paltrow #153

Pedro Pablo Garcia and Jeusep Tunet #196

Historic A+:

Martin Lauber and Conrad Stevenson #254

Enrique Nava and José Luis Pérez #261

Taz Harvey and Rudy Vajdak #267

Histoic A:

Robert Curry and Ricky Shaw #289

Emilio Velazquez and Rivera Gustavo Toledo Fuentes #256

Adolfo Guerra Talayero and Adolfo Guerra Perez #268

Historic B:

David Jassan and Rosas Verónica Morelos Zaragoza #330

Lars Kroiss and Martin Rettenbacher #302

Andres Gomez and Emilio Azcarraga #333

Historic C:

Tomas Lopez Rocha and Luis Vàzquez Lecanda #367

Carlos Martinez de Campos and Roberto Mendoza #359

John Nielsen and John Rogers #369

Good Slide Show From Bring A Trailer

2010-10-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE Then click on FLICKER ALBUM SLIDE SHOW

Jorge Reports Unofficial Winner

2010-10-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

The last test was La Bufa in Zacatecas and Harri Rovanpera and Jouni Narhi have just won it to take the whole thing in their first try. They are the absolute champions for the XXIII edition of the Carrera Panamericana. Michel Jourdain is second and Jorge Pedrero third.

About 90 of 120 cars finished the race today.

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL LCP SITE

Update

2010-10-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Linda Butler Robertson reports: We finished!! We started this am in 16th position. I think we had a good day today so maybe we will end up finishing better than ever. The car was amazing, no breakdowns or issues. ;)

2010 La Carrera Panamericana Is Over

2010-10-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

First Report Overall Harri Rovanpera (unofficial).

The good news: The majority of teams are now in Zacatecas and the awards dinner will be tonight.

The bad news: Now it may take three weeks to get the results.

Update From Michael Emery

2010-10-28T15:34:00.001-07:00

On our trailer at last...We should be in Zacatecas soon.

More Spins & Turns Than Are In Log Book

2010-10-28T15:31:00.003-07:00