Carson and Lauren Scheller Get Off To A Great Start

After suffering some valuable time loss as a result of Carson using more than the pavement as a road course (Meaning he went off) the #433 Ford had lost a big lead in Original Panamericana Class. They did get the car repaired and back into the race but it still needed some more parts. Based on what I am calculating the times for the top four cars in his class this is summing up to one hell of an exciting finish. All of them are friends and some of the greatest LCP friends on the face of the planet.

This is what Lauren posted on her blog this morning...

"I don't want to talk about yesterday.

Fast forward to 6am this morning. More phone calls to find the ball joint that we need (ours broke when we crashed 2 days ago, among the other things).

7am. We find the part from Renee from Tumbaburros Racing. Renee is awesome!!! Part put in.

7:45 take off following taxi to get to starting arch. Stuck in traffic to get to arch. Ran up hill with car chip to get time card. 1 km at 8000 ft is not fun!

Just finished La Bufa and passed the two cars ahead of us. The old Vicky is feeling good again!

And my odometer is working again and that makes me a happy girl!"

Based on my personal opinion, Lauren is indeed a lady but she may have started this race as a girl but by the time she reaches the finish line she will be a woman. ;)

#433 Carson and Lauren Scheller On Side Of Road

I just got a phone call and my very good friends Carson and daughter Lauren in the #433 Ford got a little too hot into a corner and ended up stuck on a rock. There appears to be some possible suspension/brake damage but the car is stuck in such a way that they are not able to see how much damage there is. The service crew is in route as I type. Lauren and Carson are safe now but they came very close to being hit by the #116 Studebaker driven by Michel Jourdain Jr. Carson and Lauren had ran up the road with their red flag to warn race cars but when Michel Jourdain Jr. came around the corner he almost hit them and lost control of his car and ended up spinning out. Fortunately he was able to get going again. In the mean time a the Federally is now waiting with Lauren and Carson until Tom and crew arrive. They are hopeful that they can get the car repaired and back in the race. Up until now they were leading the Original Panamericana Class.

This photo wont show you but they are high-centered on the gutter while trying to get out.

Lauren also said the Federally had mentioned that somewhere behind them a Volvo had gone off the road on what he described as a "Not so bad hill side." but we do not know which Volvo or how much damage at this time. More later.

Photos From 2009 Chihuahua Express

I would like to give a HUGE special thanks to Lauren Scheller for making these awesome photos available for everyone to enjoy. How so very wonderful that on top of all her duties that she would take the time to make this happen.

Be sure to click on this first photo to enlarge it so you get a good look at this awesome shot.


CLICK HERE for some amazing trivia about Copper Canyon.


Yes Daddy... I brushed my teeth this morning. Besides, that tequlia mixed with brake fluid leaves a nasty tatse.


The Chipendales dancers after they retired.


Don't worry baby. I'll have you looking better than new when we get home.











I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,
Won't my mommy be so proud of me,
I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,
Ouch! It stung me!
I'm squishing up the baby bumblebee,
Won't my mommy be so proud of me,






What do you mean there's no place to pee. How do you think my headlights got this color?



Things were going just fine until we got caught in that sand storm. Now just look at our new candy apple red paint job.




Lauren showing us how big of a diamond she wants.




So how do all of you plea to the charge of speeding?




Carson demostrating what to do if banditos hold you up.




She'll be coming round the mountain
When she comes
(Toot, toot!)
She'll be driving six white horses
When she comes
(Toot, toot!)

Job Well Done

Today I was thinking about Lauren and Carson Scheller as they are on their way home. I couldn't help but remember the drive home with my son Will after our first La Carrera Panamericana. It's a long drive especially after such an action packed event and the adrenaline keeps your heart racing for a good long while. Even though we were exhausted the return trip seemed to whisk right by as we reminisced so many what ifs, humorous, dangerous, and spectacular moments that we had. It seemed like every other sentence began with 'And do you remember... " As a matter of fact just a week ago my son and I were having the exact same conversation and we laughed about how it doesn't take much to start reliving that awesome rush of adrenaline created my memories of La Carrera Panamericana and what's better is having done it as father and son.

But today it's all about Lauren and Carson, father and daughter, as now it's their turn to talk about the same moments and for a father to see the excitement in his child's face and then for the child to share the same feeling of pride and accomplishment that keeps bringing the father back time and time again. This was Laruen's first time taking on the demanding responsibilities as co-Piloto and there had to be some reservations but in the end, she really stepped up to the plate. She's not even my daughter and yet I couldn't be more proud.



There are a couple things about Lauren's adventure that really pleased me and one of them was the awesome blog she kept up to date which in turn helped keep all of us so well informed. Anyone that has been involved with these knows exactly how difficult it is to do. There is so much to do and so little time that a team barley has time to get anything done let alone find time to maintain a blog. And that's even IF you can find a computer with any speed to do it on. Regarding Lauren's blog, one could really feel her enthusiasm, excitement and so much more which really made for excellent reading.



The other thing I loved was Lauren's great outlook on every single turn of events which were not all positive ones at that. Regardless she made the very best of each situation and was a team player doing everything in her power to help turn a negative into a positive. From where I'm sitting, that's exactly what she did and the bottom line was they are coming home having shared what will most certainly be a memory her and her father will never forget. How cool is that? Lauren said it best when she wrote... "FRICKIN' AWESOME!!!"

Thanks Lauren.

Was It Good For You?

Whats the ultimate finish to winning your class in La Carrera Panamericana?

Its a well known tradition that when you're finished doing something exciting that really gets your juices flowing there's only one thing left to do and that's enjoy a great cigar. And there's not many things that can get your juices flowing more than La Carrera Panamericana let alone winning your class (again) as Carson Scheller would know.

Is this a cool photo or what!

What Could Possibly Be Better Than Father And Son In LCP?

Having been so very fortunate and to be able to look back at so many awesome adventures and experiences in my lifetime it can often be overwhelming. But one of the very best adventures of all was competing in La Carerra Panamericana. Most of us know why and it is so much more than just another race. It's a tradition, it's exciting, it's all about becoming part of a legendary race, one of the most recognized in the world, it's about making some of the most unforgettable friends in your lifetime and if nothing else, it's an honor just having been involved. Combine this with the facts that I got to do it with one of best friends and teammate Jon Emerson and not to mention we finished so well especially considering it was our first time in LCP and it makes it all the more rewarding.




As exciting as all of the above was and still is, all that aside, one of the very best parts of the entire journey was being able to do it with my son Will. From the time Will was a very little boy he was driving/racing something. We have more battle scared walls, furniture, ankles and yes even a few cars, than most people will ever encounter. The point is, it truly has been a special journey of it's own having a son like him to watch grow up let alone remembering all the smiles he has put on our faces and memories I am sure to take to the grave with me.



Not only was Will an intricate part of Team California's Best which was an asset in helping us obtain such a great finish and helping us find our place in the history books but he was so much more. He was my best friend, my confidant, traveling companion for such a long and arduous trip, but best of all WE did the La Carrera Panamericana as father and son. Only a father and son, especially one who has raced as many years as we have, can completely understand the merits, satisfaction, self esteem, and rewards of such an adventure.



While in Mexico I saw a side of my son I had not seen before. He never ceases to amaze me. He spoke Spanish like an old pro which was something I didn't know he could do. For the first time in our lives he was the one playing the roll of being the supporter saying things like, "Now just don't worry about it. Go to your room and get some rest and I'll fix it for you. You just focus on the things you're supposed to." We raced together, we drank together, we laughed together and we even chased a few gals together. Unfortunately for the latter he always got to them ahead of me.




Knowing how exciting all this was for me and other father and son teams before us, I began thinking about my good friend Carson Scheller and a similar journey he is about to embark upon with his beautiful daughter Lauren. That's right... Father and Daugther team. How cool is THAT! It's one thing to take part in a race like this as a husband and wife team and like I already made clear, doing it with your son is something else but when I heard Carson's daughter was Co Piloto for him this year I damn near fell off the stool I was sitting on at the time. To be honest with you, since I have an amazingly beautiful daughter too and one that drives as crazy as Will, (well almost) and having a perfectly good understanding as to all that goes on in LCP, I just can't fathom what must be going on in Carson's mind. Sweet Jesus!


Lauren is the one without the mustache.

What I do know is that Carson and his wife have done a simply amazing job raising what is an amazingly beautiful, extremely smart, multi-talented and wonderfully charming young lady. I have no doubt Lauren will be an awesome co-piloto. I am also sure Carson's car will be surrounded by more autograph seekers and photographers than any other car along the way and justifiably so. If Carson ask me to be a body guard... I'm there.


Unlike most young lassies, pressure of competition is something Lauren is not unfamiliar with not to mention horsepower.


Will Carson's daughter be able to deal with all the craziness during La Carrera Panamericana. Check out this photo and you tell me.


Carson and Lauren's upcoming LCP adventure without a doubt will be one of my top priorities to stayed tuned to and I hope to be able to keep everyone up to date along that journey. I can just hear it all now, "Ok Dad... Right 4..... Left 2.... Long straight.... Flat over crest.... Right Zero... HEY LOOK AT THAT DONKEY OVER THERE!" SCREEEEEEEAAAAACCCCHHHHHHHHHH. LOL! Just kidding. What I would give to be a fly on the wall in that car.


The Scheller Family.

I wonder what the odds are that Will and Lauren could do the LCP as Piloto and Co-Piloto. I can dream can't I.

La Carrera Panamericana Sportsmanship alive and well in Mexico

Websters defines SPORTSMANSHIP as; conduct (as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.


One of the best things about racing is the amazing stories of sportsmanship. In the world of sports today, sadly, sportsmanship is something that has seemed to gone by the wayside. With high paid athletes comes the attitude that somehow many of them think, "It's all about ME." The good news is, that's not the way it is in La Carrera Panamericana.


One such example of sportsmanship at it finest was when Carson Scheller and Shields Richardson in the #433 Ford Victoria saw the #405 Porsche of Jan Lammers and Chris Zeggers in trouble. Even though Carson and Shields both knew that Jan and Chris were not in any immediate danger they felt the need to help their fellow competitors. They also knew damn good and well that by helping them they were making it possible for the world class driver, Jan Lammers, who had been on their tail all week long, to catch them but that still didn't stop them from going way out of their way to help.

It was right after the last speed run out of the mountains and onto the looong flats before Laredo. Carson stopped at a Pemex for refreshments as Carson wrote "our friends Jan + Chris in the #405 Porsche pulled in needing fuel." But the Pemex didn't have any fuel and the next station was 50 kilometers further up the road. Carson looked around and found a old garden hose and offered to siphon gas from his tank to theirs but when he tried the hose was so full of holes and kinks that he couldn't make it work after numerous try's. So Carson slowed way down and followed Lammers car up the road for the next 50 kilometers doing only 55 mph hoping to help them conserve fuel. He told them in case they ran out "he could tow'em in". Kidding and in true racing spirit Carson said, "I would have loved that."

As a result of their sportsmanlike behaviour they were 35 minutes late to the Z stop. Because of Shields carefully written note on the back of the card explaining why they were late (helping a competitor) the officials saw fit not to inflict a penalty. Carson wrote, "Beating them on the track and helping them get to the finish was the right thing to do. The spirit lives on."

Untimely they ended up only beating them by 3 minutes but in reality they finished up light years ahead as true gentlemen racers, something that La Carrera Panamericana is all about.

So ask yourself... If you saw a world class formula one driver racing in your class who was running on fumes, and you knew that if he run out it would only help your chances of winning the famous Original PanAm class, would you stop and help or doing your best Clint Eastwood imitation, roll down your window and say, "I know what you're thinking. "Does he have six gallons or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a 1954 Ford Victoria, the most powerful Ford in the Original PanAm class, and would blow your Porsche clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?"

The Original PanAm Class

When you get right down to it, how much more rewarding can it be than to win the Original PanAm class in the world famous La Carrera Panamericana? Afterall, this is the class that started the whole enchilada some 58 years ago. These cars have so many restrictions which do not allow teams to use any late model technology and they are forced to drive them in exactly the same manner as they did back in the 50's. Anyone who have ever built and raced cars with any success will find this simply amazing.



My hat is off to all the Original Pan Am competitors that dared challenge La Carrera Panamercana but I am especially honored to know and to have raced with Carson Scheller and his team. Congratulations on a very special win. I am sure a lot of the legends are looking down and smiling at Carson this day and when you consider he beat a world class F1 driver in the process I am sure Juan Fangio would be especially proud.

Another Very Exciting Battle in Original PaAm

One of the battles I have been really enjoying is between my good friend Carson Scheller and F1 driver Jan Lammers.

We first met Carson during the 2007 La Carrera Panamericana and have been friends ever since and have stayed in touch as well as seeing each other once in a while at various get-togethers. Besides the likable personality another reason I like Carson so much is when he races he's there to win come hell or high water. Gotta like a guy with that attitude.



One of the drivers who is trying to teach Carson how it's done is Jan Lammers. Here's a small piece of Jan's resume... He participated in 41 Formula One Grand Prix races, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988 and is the seatholder of the Dutch A1 Grand Prix team. After winning the 1978 European Formula 3 Championship he
began his F1 career. In 1982 he tried IndyCar racing before turning to sports car racing. In 1988, Lammers, together with Andy Wallace and Johnny Dumfries, wrote history at Le Mans. In a Jaguar he drove 13 out of the 24 hours, and beat the Porsche team who had remained unbeaten since 1982. Lammers and the team managed to finish first despite a broken gearbox. It was the first victory for Jaguar since 1957. For this feat he received the title Honorary Member of the BRDC a title rarely awarded to non-British residents. Enzo Ferrari and Juan Manuel Fangio have also received the award. In 1990 Lammers won the 24 Hours of Daytona driving a Jaguar XJR-12 along with Davy Jones and Andy Wallace.




The next time you read where someone has written that the La Carrera Panamericana is just a bunch of fat old CEO types do me a favor and send me a note so I can contact them.

Anyway, here's Carson driving his beautiful Ford Victoria #433 and co piloted by Shields Richardson battling against world class Formula One driver Jan Lammers in a beautiful, nibble footed #405 Porsche and a battle it's been. Jan has taken 1st in class numerous days but as any good endurance racer knows it's all about consistency and consistency has been Carson's middle name for the last 6 days. All he has to do tomorrow is maintain. Take care of his car, don't be stupid and make mistakes and pray there are no donkys and he'll bring home 1st place.


Oh by the way, did I mention that Lammers co-piloto is a rockstar and has been to stunt driving school among other things? No kidding. (I wonder what Shields has done lately? LOL)

Check out this great blog

This blog is the creation of Carson Scheller's daughter. Carson raced with us in the 2007 La Carrera Panamericana but as is the case with some many of us, he just didn't get enough. In an attempt to feed his racing appetite he made the mad dash down to Chihuahua to run the three day event only this time he was accompanied by his daughter. After reading her blog it seems as if she is suffering from the same need for speed as Carson and the rest of us. Her blog is titled THE CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS and without a doubt it is one of the top blogs dedicated to this event and if she finds time to do as awesome job reporting on this years La Carrera Panamericana I know where I will be reading.

For some great reading about La Carrera style racing and the many adventures that ensure be sure to read her blog. Not only does she give a good overall feeling of what to expect regarding this type of format but in fact she does an awesome job of reporting about many the racers and teams we all consider our great friends.