Showing posts with label Gerie Bledsoe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gerie Bledsoe. Show all posts
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Leningrad Cowboy Photos
Photography by Dirk Behlau. I must say, I feel as if these are some of the very best shots Dirk has posted during the race. This one of Gerie Bledsoe's Nova attacking La Buffa is priceless!
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Real Gentleman Of La Carrera Panamericana
For as long as I have known Gerie Bledsoe he has proven himself time and time again to be one of the finest gentleman racers I have ever know. Gerie will spend day, weeks and months helping a rookie or veteran alike get signed up and ready to roll on their merry way to La Carrera Panamericana. But his attention to detail doesn't end there. Not only will he offer advise and take care of all the paperwork ahead of time but in fact he will literally walk your ass across the border to make sure all the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted. As if that isn't enough he leads the convoy to the south of Mexico like a mother hen leads her chicks and believe me, he's just as attentive as any old mother hen too.
Gerie always has time to make a difference in a childs life.
Photo Courtesy Of WTF Blog
Speaking of chickens... While everyone else is running around like a chicken with it's head cut off getting their cars teched, and prepared and everything else that has to be done before the first day of qualifying, you will not find Gerie ignoring people so that he can work on his car. But what you will see is Gerie walking around introducing himself to everyone and making sure they have everything they need and answering any of their hundreds of questions that come with rookies. Then he will personally walk them to see whomever they need to see to deal with whatever issues or concerns they may have.
And dont forget all the time and attention Gerie donates toward helping fund raisers for very worthy causes in Mexico.
The bottom line is... Gerie is so concerned with making sure everyone is having a good time (and a safe one) that it leaves him little or no time to deal with his own concerns. So when you come to La Carrera Panamericana stop for just a moment and take a look around and when see some one greeting someone with a smile and a handshake you can bet your self your last dollar it's Gerie Bledsoe.
Gerie always has time to make a difference in a childs life.
Photo Courtesy Of WTF Blog
Speaking of chickens... While everyone else is running around like a chicken with it's head cut off getting their cars teched, and prepared and everything else that has to be done before the first day of qualifying, you will not find Gerie ignoring people so that he can work on his car. But what you will see is Gerie walking around introducing himself to everyone and making sure they have everything they need and answering any of their hundreds of questions that come with rookies. Then he will personally walk them to see whomever they need to see to deal with whatever issues or concerns they may have.
And dont forget all the time and attention Gerie donates toward helping fund raisers for very worthy causes in Mexico.
The bottom line is... Gerie is so concerned with making sure everyone is having a good time (and a safe one) that it leaves him little or no time to deal with his own concerns. So when you come to La Carrera Panamericana stop for just a moment and take a look around and when see some one greeting someone with a smile and a handshake you can bet your self your last dollar it's Gerie Bledsoe.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
CARRERA NEWS -- RACE RESULTS AND DATES FOR 2009
CARRERA NEWS
November 11, 2008 Veteran's Day Edition
**NEW CHAMPION CROWNED – BILL BEILHARZ
**OTHER RESULTS OF NOTE
**CARRERA CARS INVITED TO ROAD AMERICA
**CARRERA ENTRIES -- 2009
**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS, MARCH 27-29, 2009
**HERSHEL MCGRIFF – STARS IN SAN MIGUEL
**REQUISITE WARNING
**CONTACT INFORMATION
**NEW CHAMPION CROWNED – BILL BEILHARZ
Two new names have been added to the list of Pan Am Champions – piloto Bill Beilharz of Phoenix, Arizona, and his navigator, Jorge Ceballos of Mexico. Driving his black ’54 Studebaker, “The Batmobile,” Beilharz sent a shot across everyone’s bow when he finished second in qualifying on Thursday, only one second behind local Chiapas hero Jorge Pedrero.
On the first day of competition, Beilharz again ran second to Pedrero by 2:26, but on the second, third, and fourth days, he finished first each day, slowly erasing Pedrero’s lead. By the end of the fourth day, Beilharz was the overall leader by 51seconds. The question was -- could he protect such a small lead over the next three days?
On day five, Stig Bloomquist, former WRC champion, won the day, but Beilharz still finished 5 seconds ahead of Pedrero. On the 6th day, Beilharz gained another 14 seconds on Pedrero. Bloomquist, who had problems the first day, lost too much time to make up to challenge seriously for the top spot.
On the seventh and final day, Pedrero made an all out effort to win, clocking 16:55 for the day, but Beilharz followed in second place with a 17:08, enough to win the championship by 57 seconds -- one of the closest victories ever. Pedrero, it should be noted, was running in Turismo Production, which is limited to 305 cubic inches displacement, compared to Beilharz’s Turismo Mayor car with 366 c.i.
Last year Beilharz crashed out on the first day, but in 2000 he and Paul Jenkins won Turismo Production and finished 4th overall. To his credit, Bill fabricated the “Batmobile” in his own garage. Congratulations Bill and Jorge, our new champions!
**OTHER RESULTS OF NOTE
THE LEADERS
Pre-race favorite Stig Bloomquist, the World Rally Champion of 1984, and his copiloto Ana Goni, driving a new Studebaker prepared by Mats Hammarlund, unfortunately had problems the first day and was unable to overcome the deficit. However, on days two and four he was second, and on day five and six he finished first. At the end of the race, he was 4th overall and third in Turismo Mayor. Lars Stugemo, also from Sweden and also driving another Hammarlund Studebaker, finished 5th overall.
Our other pre-race favorites, Doug Mockett and his navigator Angelica Fuentes finished 3d the first day, but dropped to 6th on day two and fourth on day three and four. By day five and six Doug and Angie were back on the podium in 2d, but then fell to fifth on the final day, or second in class and third overall. (Obviously, their problem was a neglected windscreen.)
Gabriel Perez and Horacio Chousal (who compiled the route book) were early contenders, driving a Turismo Production Ford, but were forced out on day four because of engine problems.
HISTORIC C
In the highly competitive Historic C class (eight cylinders, 1955-1965) Richard Tyzack (Wales) driving a Mustang prepared by Todd Landon finished 6th overall and first in class. He was followed in Historic C by Bill Shanahan (Falcon) and Marc Davis (Mustang) in second and third, respectively. Bill edged Marc by only 20 seconds. David Geldreich and Wilhelm Ostrop, driving a ’64 Chevelle, finished a respectable 4th in class in their first Carrera together.
HISTORIC B AND OTHER CLASSES
Brain DeVries and Marc Noordeloos won Historic B (six cylinders, 1955-1965) in their Porsche 911 and finished in 11th overall. We will look forward to Marc’s report on the event in a future issue of Automobile magazine, where he is an editor.
Richard Clark and Andy Prill repeated as Sports Menor Champs in their highly-modified Porsche 356. Sam Burg and Dyana Marlett, avoiding bridges at all cost, coasted to another championship in Sports Mayor in their Chevy powered LT Special-- finishing 20th overall, and seven minutes ahead of Byron DeFoor and David Hinton in their beautiful Jaguar. Sam says the LT is for sale; some say it has the potential to win the event.
In Historic A+, Ulrich Lanius and Trevor Smyth finished 1st in class and 17th overall -- a great showing for their little Alfa sedan.
In Original Pan Am, which boasted twelve entries, Carson Scheller and Shields Richardson edged Formula 1 driver Jan Lammers in a Porsche 356 by 25 seconds on the last day to repeat as champion and to finish 21st overall, a great showing for this class. Rich Morrison and Rick Hamlin, in their red and yellow Mercedes, finished third (49th overall).
BUMPS AND DENTS ALONG THE WAY
This was a year without serious injuries, but there was on spectacular crash that collected three cars – one Studebaker and two Mustangs from one team -- in one corner on a particularly treacherous, poorly marked stretch of road outside of Aguascalientes.
A pretty Sunbeam Tiger was also destroyed in a ravine the first day on a wet, mossy road in the mountains of Chiapas. Other casualties included the ’54 Stude of Mat and Jacob Gregory, the sons of John and Chrislana. Mat and Jacob returned to drive their parent’s OPA Studebaker. (Mothers and fathers make these sacrifices.). Sadly, Gerald Johnson’s regal white Jaguar 150 found its way into a deep ditch outside of Aguascalientes.
Mechanical problems claimed the following: Helge Nyland and Chris Cochrane, Gerie Bledsoe and Chris Cooper, Ron Lee and Jack Heydorff, James Oster and James, Jr, Herve Williams and Michael Kruch, Clyde Morter and Carl Jensen, Tony Bogovich and Chris Schaffer, Dennis Varni and Dick DeLuna, and others.
OTHER NORTH AMERICAN RESULTS
Apple farmers Richard Bailey and Nate Wilson finished a respectable 3d in class and 39th overall in their Volvo and even passed a car or two on La Bufa. Michel Sharp and Jon LeCarner finished 8th in class and 37th in their new, classy Falcon.
Respectable finishes were posted by: Rusty Ward, (26th), Jon Gross (34th), Steve Waldman (38th), and Bob Summerour (40th), and Neville Sonner (42d). Steven Walters and Janet McFarland, who are about the only ones who drive their racecar from their home (in Virginia) to the race and back, finished 41st. Well done!
Other running at the end of the race and wearing a big grin were: David Gussack and Nate Munday survived a bump and spin the first day to finish 4th in class in TP and 24th overall. John Daniels and Bob Youndahl also survived a suspension failure the first day to finish 29th overall in the famous Blue Whale (’49 Caddy). Stanley Bauer, now a seasoned Carrera vet, finished 43th and 4th in Historic A+ in his beautiful Porsche 356. Stanley is already preparing for a return next year!
Other US and Canadian entries – some with an international flavor – who finished were Guenter Sundag and Barbara Hernandez (50th, Mercedes), Tom and Jimmy (“Happy”) Davies (52d, Austin Mini), Brad Kaplan and Derek Dwyer (51st, Lincoln). Another OPA Lincoln, driven by everyone’s favorite, Dr. Christian Reichardt and Daniel Roche finished 67th. Christian, a chiropractor to Hollywood stars, also helped some competitors contend with back pain or assorted aliments along the way.
Dan Landon and Greg Shaw drove their mostly stock ’65 Corvair-- with a “Nader for President” bumper sticker -- down from Laredo with the Coyote Convoy and survived the race in style, finishing 70th.
Tom Boes and George Sullivan finished 76th in their Volvo. Joel Eisenberg and Marcia McCraw, styling in a red XKE Coupe, were 79th, and Joe Brubaker and Michael Emery (80th). Rumors abounded that the Brubaker/Emery Datsun Fairlady, boasting all of 95 HP, was being powered by premium tequila, at least after it was extracted from a narrow street in San Miguel de Allende. Few competitors seemed to have more fun that Joel and Marcia, which saying a lot, because Joel made the trip a cast on his left foot!
Given the fact that several cars listed above these in the overall standing did not finish the race (see below), they can argue that their overall position should be higher than indicated on the official results. A curious thing about the overall Carrera results is the fact that cars that drop out or crash during the race, cars that do not actually finish the race, may be posted higher in the final results than some cars that actually finish. Most of the cars in listed in the overall positions from 60-85, it would appear, could be moved up seven or eight places in the absolute results because of the number of cars that were “DNF.”
EXHIBITION
Six cars ran the event in Exhibition, a class that was won easily by Charles Breed and Bernard-Michel Rumpf in their powerful, sleek 600+ HP Chevy Lister replica. This powerful car greatly assisted by a ’89 Ford Taurus radiator fan salvaged from a ’63 Nova that self-destructed in the qualifying run. Assisted by suction of that fan, which must have created some ground effects, Charles and Bernard finished 6th in the overall standings (unofficially). Now the big question is will they return in a real Lister?
OTHER VIPS
Finally, it should be noted that a good friend from the Netherlands, Roel Mulder, and his navigator Marcus van Tol, Belgium finished 31st in their Mercedes 230 SL. Roel, it should be noted, is the European and German Formula V Champion, and has waiting for years to drive the Pan Am.
And thanks to Duane Wilcoxon and Tom Dragoun (7s Only) and family for transporting cars to the event and helping the owners deal with mechanical problems along the way.
THE QUESTION OF ATTRITION
Carrera cars are not only getting faster, but seem to be much more dependable and durable. For example, Eduardo “Lalo” Leon announced in Nuevo Laredo that “83 cars had crossed the finish line in Nuevo Laredo, the highest number ever.” If accurate, that would be an amazing number, given the attrition along the way.
Here are the numbers. There were 106 official entries listed before the race. Of these, six did not start the race on October 24.
Around fourteen cars were known to be on their trailers at the end of the race, so if 83 of 100 starters actually finished the event, it was a high percentage indeed. Some cars were actually towed to Nuevo Laredo and taken off the trailer to limp across the finish fine.
Sadly, at the end of the event, there was still no news about the fate of the first bio-diesel entry, Kip Moncrief and Mike Devine (’59 Mercedes 190D), who reported that both racecar and tow vehicle had broken down the first day! They surely have stories to tell!
**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS, MARCH 27-29, 2009
Haven’t got enough of open-road racing in Mexico? Applications for the 3d Chihuahua Express are being accepted. The Express follows the same rules as the Pan Am, except that modern cars are welcome. There are 325 miles of speed stages out of a total distance of only 1000 miles. (The Pan Am has around 350 miles of speed stages out of a total of 2000 miles.)
Each night the competitors return to the same hotels in Chihuahua City, which is only 143 miles from Texas. Most competitors will stay in town from Wednesday, March 25 through Sunday, March 29.
The Express Convoy will depart from the Holiday Inn at 8 AM, March 25 for the 220 mile trip to Chihuahua City. It will pass through Mexican customs at Santa Teresa, New Mexico that morning, and arrive at the headquarters hotel in the early afternoon.
The early entry fee is $1800 USD. Hotels are extra. Entries in the touring or bracket class (no roll cage) pay only $1200. Prices increase $200 on January 1, 2009.
Contact the North American coordinator for an entry form, multi-colored brochures, or more information at gbledso@aol.com. Also click on www.chihuahuaexpress.com.
The Chihuahua Express is part of the Silver State Classic Challenge’s International Series. For more information go to www.sscc.us or www.silverstateclassic.com.
**CARRERA CARS INVITED TO ROAD AMERICA
All Carrera-eligible cars are invited to enter the SVAR vintage race at Road America, Elkhart Lake (WI), May 15-17, 2009. The Carrera cars will have their own dedicated run group. The weekend will include three practice sessions, a qualifying race on Saturday, and a feature race on Sunday. The entry fee is $475. The cars are also eligible to participate in the longer enduro race. Entrants must hold a current racing license from a recognized racing association.
Check the web site at SVRA.com or call Cal Jensen, SVRA Competition Director at 561-379-7751. Transport of cars from the Left Coast will be arranged.
Carrera cars are also invited to return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in July.
**CARRERA ENTRIES 2009
The dates for the 2009 Pan Am are October 23-29. The final route has not been announced.
Applications/entries from North America will start being processed on December 1. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 will hold a spot until the balance is due on March 31. The amount of the entry fee has not been established, however.
All entries are provisional until a complete registration has been made, which includes photos of the car. Cars new to the Carrera must include a full set of photos of the roll cage or the detailed plans for the cage. An insufficient cage may cause the car to be disqualified at the start of the race; there will be no refund of any fees paid.
The Organizers retain the right to deny entry to any applicant. North America is initially limited to 40 entries. Entrants in 2008 also have a priority.
**HERSHEL MCGRIFF – STARS IN SAN MIGUEL
Hershel McGriff, who won the first Pan Am in 1950, and his wife, Sherrie, were the guests of the Concurso de Motor Sports in San Miguel de Allende on Oct. 18. Over 40 participants in the Coyote Convoy were able to share the evening with McGriff at a gala banquet. McGriff recounted some great stories about the original race, including clipping a horse with his car after the poor beast had been “beaned” and knocked down by a stone tossed by a Mexican policeman trying to scare it off the road.
In 1950 it was widely reported in the press that Hershel was a nice, well-mannered, unassuming young man when he stepped forward to collect the $17,000 first prize. Now 58 years later the same adjectives apply. Youthful and active, McGriff continues to be a true champion.
At the end of his presentation, McGriff wowed the audience and the event sponsors by delivering a check for $10,000 from a local family foundation to advance the work of C.A.S.A., the main charity supported by the Concurso this year. For twenty-five years, C.A.S.A. has provided medical care, early childhood education and nutrition, midwife programs, and a host of other programs to improve the lives of children and families in San Miguel and surrounding areas. Currently, its program for training midwives is being replicated in the Mexican state of Chiapas and Guatemala.
McGriff and his wife spent most of the day on Sunday in the main square of San Miguel at the Pan Am Car show, talking with Carrera drivers and crews. The car show was attended by thousands of local citizens who welcomed the Coyote Convoy.
This year the Coyote Convoy included 100 participants and 35 cars.
**NEW CARRERA BOOK
There’s a new Pan Am book for coffee tables everywhere. Johnny Tipler, “La Carrera Panamericana, The World’s Greatest Road Race” is the first book (272 pp) to cover the original race and its modern revival. The graphics, 350 photos, and contents are great. Published by Veloce Publishing in September 2008. For more info go to www.veloce.co.uk. The introduction is by Jo Ramirez and our favorite navigator, Angelica Fuentes, provided much assistance to the author, including many photos from the original era.
**REQUISITE WARNING
La Carrera Panamericana is a long, hard endurance race. Like other forms of motor sports, it is extremely dangerous.
**CONTACT INFORMATION
Gerie Bledsoe
North American Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana
677 Highland Ave.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650-726-9890 (home office)
650-726-9599 (fax)
650-867-9488 (mobile)
gbledso@aol.com
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thank You!
I can't list you all but I would like to take time to thank those who allowed me to use their photos and give them proper credit for their awesome shots. Without them events that take place would be difficult to describe.
Thank you very much to fellow writer, artist, photographer and co-piloto, Coop. Be sure and visit COOPSTUFF.COM and buy something dammit!
I would also like to thank Tach'O from GO FAST ENERGY DRINK not only for his awesome photos but for his above and beyond the call of duty as well as his friendship. THANK YOU!
A very special thank you to my good friends Hershel and Sherrie McGriff for helping make this years La Carrera a very special one for may of us.
Thank you to Mary Murrel and the rest of the directors of CONCURSO MOTOR SPORTS SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE that made us feel so welcome and whom went so far out of her way to ensure our visit to their beautiful city such a wonderful one. And don't forget all that you do to help those who need it. It is a pleasure to be a small part of what it is you dedicate so much love and hard work too.
Again this year I can't begin to thank Gerie Bledsoe enough for all he does to promote an event that is so amazing that there are not enough adjectives to do the job. His tireless efforts and dedication to La Carrera Panamericana and racing in general is a tribute to to racing all by it's self. His unselfishness in helping others obtain their dream should never go without the praise it deserves. Thank You Gerie.
Last but not least, I want to thank Jerry Churchill. Gerie, I know you're listening... Thanks for the memories and the example of what a fine gentleman racer is all about. I really missed seeing you this year and your presence was sorely missed.
Thank you very much to fellow writer, artist, photographer and co-piloto, Coop. Be sure and visit COOPSTUFF.COM and buy something dammit!
I would also like to thank Tach'O from GO FAST ENERGY DRINK not only for his awesome photos but for his above and beyond the call of duty as well as his friendship. THANK YOU!
A very special thank you to my good friends Hershel and Sherrie McGriff for helping make this years La Carrera a very special one for may of us.
Thank you to Mary Murrel and the rest of the directors of CONCURSO MOTOR SPORTS SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE that made us feel so welcome and whom went so far out of her way to ensure our visit to their beautiful city such a wonderful one. And don't forget all that you do to help those who need it. It is a pleasure to be a small part of what it is you dedicate so much love and hard work too.
Again this year I can't begin to thank Gerie Bledsoe enough for all he does to promote an event that is so amazing that there are not enough adjectives to do the job. His tireless efforts and dedication to La Carrera Panamericana and racing in general is a tribute to to racing all by it's self. His unselfishness in helping others obtain their dream should never go without the praise it deserves. Thank You Gerie.
Last but not least, I want to thank Jerry Churchill. Gerie, I know you're listening... Thanks for the memories and the example of what a fine gentleman racer is all about. I really missed seeing you this year and your presence was sorely missed.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Leader Of The Pack (Or Coyote Convoy)
Tomorrow morning Gerie Bledsoe the North American La Carrera Panamericana Director, towing his brand new Durango Duece II number 395 will be pulling out from Half Moon Bay California on his way to Laredo Texas where again this year he will be the leader of the Coyote Convoy. Gerie's co-piloto again this year will be Chris "Coop" Cooper and riding along as team support and crew chief will be our best friend Canadian Al Cox. Boy are we going to miss being with Al on the drive.
If I had any regrets at all there would be two. One would be that Jon, Will and I are not running this year and the other is that we are not going to be on the road with the Convoy and all that that journey encompasses. If it were not for Gerie, we may not have ever made the journey to take part in La Carrera Panamericana an adventure that will last us a lifetime. If it were not for Will the adventure would never have been as successful of pleasurable as it was and if it were not for Jon Emerson my navigator and friend we would never have been as successful as we were. Yes, we are the Three Amigos and I am so fortunate to have shared this adventure with them.
I can already feel the lump forming in my throat that will surely lodge as I watch the Convoy Convoy leave the hotel on their way to the south of Mexico for the beginning of the race and there I will stand for the most part all alone. It's not at all unlike watching your kids move away except these will not be coming back.
If I had any regrets at all there would be two. One would be that Jon, Will and I are not running this year and the other is that we are not going to be on the road with the Convoy and all that that journey encompasses. If it were not for Gerie, we may not have ever made the journey to take part in La Carrera Panamericana an adventure that will last us a lifetime. If it were not for Will the adventure would never have been as successful of pleasurable as it was and if it were not for Jon Emerson my navigator and friend we would never have been as successful as we were. Yes, we are the Three Amigos and I am so fortunate to have shared this adventure with them.
I can already feel the lump forming in my throat that will surely lodge as I watch the Convoy Convoy leave the hotel on their way to the south of Mexico for the beginning of the race and there I will stand for the most part all alone. It's not at all unlike watching your kids move away except these will not be coming back.
Gerie Bledsoe article in SM's Atencion
Entering the Pan Am
By Gerie Bledsoe
The same entry fee applies to the three unofficial levels of participation in the Pan Am. First, a crew may participate at the “tourist” level.
They buy an old car (1965 or older), add some required safety features and come down to cruise the route just to have fun. It’s the “no pressure” approach. Finishing this test of car and driver, even at this level, is a significant accomplishment. It is, of course, the best way to learn about the event.
The second level, “competition,” requires investing more in a car and running it hard. These competitors may not expect to finish first in class, but they intend to extract the most from the car—while being safe. Even at this level, an impressive finish is possible.
A significant minority of participants moves eventually to the third level, “champion” or full competition. They will spend inordinate amounts, up to US$175,000 on a thoroughly prepared vintage hot rod in an effort to finish first in class or high in the overall standings. The stress and expense involved in this approach to the Pan Am should be obvious. These cars will reach 200 mph and are built to last. Reliability is an important factor in this long endurance race.
No one will ask the specific level of participation a crew intends to pursue, but the “tourist” level teams seem to be smiling more often.
Few drivers have won their class or finished high in the overall standing during their first year. Some get hooked on the race and return for several years in an effort to win.
Rookies should come to this event the first time expecting to learn about the problems of endurance racing at high altitude in a vintage car. They should take the time to appreciate the magnitude of the overall experience, as the learning curve is as steep as the road up Mil Cumbres outside Morelia.
Pan Am expenses vary greatly from entrant to entrant. Preparing a vintage car, traveling to Mexico and back, and the entry fee are the basic expense categories. Some make it on US$10,000, while others spend a small fortune. The entry fee set by the organizers of the race covers the expense of staging the race over 2,000 miles. It also includes one room for eight nights in first-class hotels, plus a number of receptions, fiestas and souvenirs.
By Gerie Bledsoe
The same entry fee applies to the three unofficial levels of participation in the Pan Am. First, a crew may participate at the “tourist” level.
They buy an old car (1965 or older), add some required safety features and come down to cruise the route just to have fun. It’s the “no pressure” approach. Finishing this test of car and driver, even at this level, is a significant accomplishment. It is, of course, the best way to learn about the event.
The second level, “competition,” requires investing more in a car and running it hard. These competitors may not expect to finish first in class, but they intend to extract the most from the car—while being safe. Even at this level, an impressive finish is possible.
A significant minority of participants moves eventually to the third level, “champion” or full competition. They will spend inordinate amounts, up to US$175,000 on a thoroughly prepared vintage hot rod in an effort to finish first in class or high in the overall standings. The stress and expense involved in this approach to the Pan Am should be obvious. These cars will reach 200 mph and are built to last. Reliability is an important factor in this long endurance race.
No one will ask the specific level of participation a crew intends to pursue, but the “tourist” level teams seem to be smiling more often.
Few drivers have won their class or finished high in the overall standing during their first year. Some get hooked on the race and return for several years in an effort to win.
Rookies should come to this event the first time expecting to learn about the problems of endurance racing at high altitude in a vintage car. They should take the time to appreciate the magnitude of the overall experience, as the learning curve is as steep as the road up Mil Cumbres outside Morelia.
Pan Am expenses vary greatly from entrant to entrant. Preparing a vintage car, traveling to Mexico and back, and the entry fee are the basic expense categories. Some make it on US$10,000, while others spend a small fortune. The entry fee set by the organizers of the race covers the expense of staging the race over 2,000 miles. It also includes one room for eight nights in first-class hotels, plus a number of receptions, fiestas and souvenirs.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
CARRERA NEWS -- ANNUAL HANDICAPPER'S EDITION
Carrera News
September 2008
The Annual Handicapper’s Edition
***105 ENTRIES HOLDING FOR 2008 PAN AM
***LOOKING OVER THE GRID: PLACE YOUR BETS
***THE ENTRIES FROM NORTH AMERICA: A CLOSER LOOK
***ENJOY SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
***PAN AM TOUR: GET CLOSE TO THE ACTION
***LUPITA HERNANDEZ FUND GROWS
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 27-29, 2009
***REGISTRATION FOR LCP 2009 -- DECEMBER 1
***PIKES PEAK VIDEO
***CONTACT INFORMATION
***105 ENTRIES HOLDING FOR 2008 PAN AM
There has been a little turnover in entries recently, but the official web site continues to show 105 entries for 2008.
A breakdown by county shows:
USA and Canada = 57
Mexico = 22
Germany = 10
Belgium = 4
Netherlands = 4
Sweden = 2
Britain = 2
Austria, Spain, Italy, and Monaco = 1
Many entries and crews are international--driver from one country and co-driver from another. Several entries from North America include citizens of other countries, both as pilotos and co-pilotos, who may live and work in the USA or Canada.
***LOOKING OVER THE GRID: PLACE YOUR BETS!
It’s always fun looking down the list of entries to see who is returning and trying to predict how they will do this year. Here is a little handicapping by classification.
Turismo Mayor. Who do you like for the overall championship? Missing from the official entry list this year is Pierre de Thoisy (FR), who has won the modern Pan Am more times (6) than anyone, including last year. De Thoisy has changed jobs and decided to take the year off. Filling his shoes, perhaps, is Stig Blomqvist (Sweden). Blomqvist is a former WRC Champion, many times the national champion of his county and victor in international competition. He will drive a beautifully prepared ‘54 Studebaker fabricated in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico by his countryman, Mats Hammarlund.
Given the absence of de Thoisy and former Mexican champions, like Carlos Anaya and Juan Carlos Sarmiento, the pre-race favorites must be Doug Mockett (USVI), Blomqvist, and Gabriel Perez. Both Mockett and Perez are former champions. Perez drives a less powerful car in Turismo Production, but handles it well. He also has a not so secret weapon—his co-driver reportedly compiles the route book. (Only in Mexico!) Other serious contenders for overall champion include: Lars Stugemo (Sweden), Bill Beilharz (USA), and John Daniels (USA). All have extensive Pan Am and racing experience.
Historic C (1955-1965 V8s). The favorites in Historic C, which has the largest number of entries, will again be veteran Bill Shanahan (CT), who won last year, and Richard Tyzack (Wales), who finished 5th and 6th overall, respectively last year. Tyzack will be back in the same Mustang prepared by Todd Landon. Shanahan reportedly has moved to a Falcon from his Corvette, and has already lowered his best practice time at Lime Rock.
Other contenders in Historic C, Ralp Christensson (Sweden) and crew are reportedly taking a break this year, so we will not get to see newly married Anna. The Tropical Gangsters, everyone’s favorites (Matt Hamilton, James Gublemann et al) have retired their ’57 Chevy to an auto museum. This colorful crew will be missed!
The ranks of Historic C will also be short another new star: Gary Faules (CA), an accomplished endurance racer who finished 9th overall last year in his beautiful Shelby. This was a significant accomplishment for his first trip down. Faules intends to return, maybe next year. Also missing is Carrera vet Joe Harding (CA), who crashed his Falcon in the Chihuahua Express, and Richard Row (CA), whose Chevelle did well last year. However, the Chevelle will be in the hands of David Geldreich (Canada) and Wilhelm Ostrop (GR) this year. Carrera survivor Gerie Bledsoe (CA) will be celebrating his 10th anniversary at the Carrera by introducing a new Chevy II Nova to the event. Mike Sharp and Jon LeCarner, both from So Cal, will look sharp in their little red Falcon, too.
A couple of rookies in Historic C, driving hot Mustangs, with mucho racing experience in the U.S. look strong in this class and may surprise some vets. Historic C includes a dozen Mustangs and several “Monte Carlo” Falcons (pumped up “Atlanta birds” with fiberglass body panels). Do they have FIA papers and real rubber bushings? Also, is it time to hand out The Best Shelby Clone Award, based on performance and looks?
“Styling” awards also must go to Miles Jones (CA) in his SunbeamTiger and Gary Hassler (EU) in his ’55 T-Bird roadster, which has competed in the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. (Wanna bet?) These two cars will add an extra touch of class to Historic C
Original Pan Am. Once the bane of the Organizers, with a little encouragement, this group has grown to a dozen beautiful, fast cars. Carson Scheller (CA) will return in his ’54 Ford Vicky to defend his 2007 title in Original Pan Am (OPA). Herve Willems (CA), returning to the event after ten years, will challenge in a ’54 Chrysler hemi that claimed the title several years ago. Other challengers include Rich Morrision (KS), Brad Kaplan (CA), and everyone’s favorite doc, Christian Reichardt (PRSM).
While OPA cars are not exactly equipped like they were in 1950, they are a diverse selection of sedans and sports cars, all competing in one class. And they are a fun group of guys and at least one gracious woman. Sadly, we must announce the withdrawal of the only “original-original” Pan Am car, the ’49 Lincoln of Terry O’Reilly. Terry was kind enough to bring his car, old number #54 in the 1950 Pan Am, down to the event in 2006, but experienced terminal mechanical problems before the race started. This year he was forced to withdraw because of personal reasons. Terry, his brother, and the Cosmo flathead will be missed.
In the other classes we also see a resurgence of the Porsche 356. Depending on their engine and state of trim, the little Porsche will appear in Sports Menor, Historic A, or Historic A+. With a small engine, an early 356 could also run in OPA.
The distinction between A and A+ is increasingly difficult to determine and explain. For some reason steely-eyed Volvo fanatics tend to show up in A+. It is understood, however, that four-cylinder cars made up to ’72 are eligible, which includes the BMW 2002. (The rules also allow ’68 Mustangs and ’68 Barracudas, but not Camaros. Go figure.)
Richard Clark (Monaco) and Andy Prill should continue to dominate Sports Menor (under 2000 c.c.) in their specially built 356. Sam Burg may well repeat in Sports Mayor, the class with the smallest number of entries, (over 2000 c.c.). If Diana can get them safely across the bridges this year, they will finish well. Burg drives the Mexican “L.T. Special” with a Chevy 305 under the bonnet, another Hammarlund creation, which has the potential to be a top-five car.
Historic A and A+ should offer some exciting competition for Alfaistas, Datsunites, Volvoites, other four-bangers, including our dynamic duo of Mini maniacs, Tom and Jimmy Davies (TX). Fortunately, Tom has a business in Jolly Old England so he can smuggle mini parts back to Texas in his shave kit.
Historic B, six cylinder cars (1955-1965), should belong to Brian DeVries in his 911. Other 911s should be competitive, too. And everyone should be aware that, our old friend, Roel Mulder, running a mild-mannered MB 230 SL, is the Formula V champion of Europe. We never know who will show up from Europe and whether or not anyone has explained the rules to them, especially for Historic C where alloy cylinder heads are not allowed. Sadly, the entry list does not include our good friend, the beautiful Elke Middledorp and her co-piloto, Leila Lesche, from Germany, the last all-woman team to participate in this event.
In Exhibition the car to watch is a Lister Chevy powered by a ZR1 engine that probably has the best HP to weight ratio in Pan Am history, even more than Roger Ward’s Henry J. The big question is, can Charles keep all that power stuck to the tarmac? We hope so.
Never forget that the greatest variable in the Pan Am is mechanical dependability. Blow a speed stage because of a mechanical and you are off the podium, no matter how fast the car or how good the driver. McGriff and Fangio won the race without winning a speed stage, because they conserved their equipment. Anything can happen on the road from Tuxtla Gutierrez to Oaxaca (326 long miles), and it usually does!
***THE ENTRIES FROM NORTH AMERICA: A CLOSER LOOK
By the rules of the event, entries from the U.S. and Canada are combined. Of the fifty-seven entries from North America, five are from Canada. Of the norteamericanos, twenty-one are rookies going down for their first Pan Am. Several have already participated in the Chihuahua Express. Twenty-two of the fifty-seven survived the Pan Am last year and are returning. Fourteen are veterans of races in the past three years, while two are vets of the ’90s.
A 63% return rate is excellent for an event like this. It gets under your skin!
Several of the cars coming from the U.S. and Canada have bi-national crews, in that the driver or co-driver is from another country, such as Germany, Britain, or Mexico. At least three cars have Mexican citizens as co-pilotos. (Think they know something?)
Eighteen states in the U.S. are represented. California leads with 17, followed by New York (4), Texas (3), Washington State (3), and VA (3). Other states with one or two entries are: AZ, FL, MA, MN, MI, NH, OK, PA, NE, KS, IL, NV, and GA, plus one U.S. territory, the U.S.Virgin Islands.
As noted in an earlier CARRERA NEWS, a dozen of these entries were members of the Carrera Class of ’99: Beilharz, Bledsoe, Daniels, DeVries, Mockett, Nyland, Shanahan, Sharp, Varni, Waldman, and Rusty Ward. Two members of this class, T. Landon and M. Hammarlund, car fabricators extraordinare, will be back supporting their creations. This group is the core of the Carreraista fraternity in the U.S. A few of these stalwarts have been running the event since the early ‘90s.
In the rookie category, Kip Moncrief (CT), a recent Hobarth and Wm Smith grad, will be the first person to attempt the Pan Am in a vehicle fired by McDonald’s grease (or Pollo Loco).
Ron Lee is working assiduously to finish his Carrera “special” (El Correcaminos) in the same vein as AK Miller’s famous Caballo de Hierro from the ‘50s. Lee, well known for his beautiful hot rods, is fabricating one of the most exotic cars ever to compete in the event—a Ford Model T with a period-correct flathead engine If he can’t finish it on time, he might be forced to bring his ’55 Kurtis coupe, which was build especially for the Carrera in ‘54. Oh, darn, what a fallback position!
Dan Landon in his long ton Corvair, with ample horsepower, might be a sleeper in Historic B. (Maybe Ralph Nader will come down to bless personally the car that almost repelled the invasion of Beatles. Of course, he may be too busy bleeding votes away from Barry O’Bama to visit Mexico.)
Finally we must acknowledge the couples—at least those known to us—who have enough confidence in their relationships to put it into a cockpit of a racecar. Suerte!
***ENJOY SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE AND HELP THE CHILDREN
Want to sample a little Pan Am fun in a really special place? Come on down to San Miguel de Allende for the Concurso de Motor Sports, Oct. 17-19. Participate in the car shows, gala banquet, poker rally, and display of Carrera cars in the main square of town. It is easy to do.
San Miguel is a jewel of a city of 140,000 located about 1 hour from the Leon (BJX) and Querétaro airports. American and Continental airlines serve Leon, as well as Mexican carriers. A ticket is around $476. From Leon, you travel by shuttle to San Miguel. You may also fly into Mexico City and take an airport bus to Querétaro and then to San Miguel. Of course, you can always land your Citation at Querétaro’s airfield.
The highlight of the weekend is the gala Panamericana banquet on Saturday night, Oct. 18, 7:30 PM at the Hotel Refugio del Molino. An international team of chefs is preparing a special dinner of modern Mexican cuisine. The evening will pay tribute to Pan Am heroes, such as Herschel McGriff, who won the first race in 1950 and went on to a NASCAR career. McGriff and his wife are making the trip down from their home in Arizona.
All proceeds of the gala will go to support two local organizations that provide assistance to children and families in San Miguel and the immediate area: CASA and Casita Linda. Tickets are $150. If you want a ticket or want to sponsor a local child, please mail a check payable to “CASA” to Gerie Bledsoe. CASA and Casita Linda are recognized as tax-exempt, non-profit organizations by the IRS, so your contribution is tax-deductible, if your CPA agrees.
Clink on www.concursosanmiguel.org for more information about this attempt to bring a little Pebble Beach to central Mexico, without the salt air, to be sure. (Cars will survive a lot longer in SMA than the shores of Monterey.)
***PAN AM TOUR: GET CLOSE TO THE ACTION
Want to experience the whole enchilada? Take the Pan Am “tour” with Rosa Maria Mondragón Fiesco. Rosa Maria, who been a co-piloto in the Pan Am several times and has served as its public relations director until this year, is taking time anyway from her new job to show people around the event. Rosa Maria knows literally everyone involved in this event and how to get you close to the action. She has a couple of seats left in her Ford Expedition, and can pick you up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, or Tuxtla Gutierrez, for the trip back to Nuevo Laredo. This is a difficult race to watch, given the logistics and distances, and it is great that Rosa Maria is making this offer.
Email Rosa Maria at: racecarmedia@yahooo.com.mx.
***LUPITA HERNANDEZ FUND GROWS
Over $2600 has been collected in recent weeks for our favorite Mexican nurse, “Lupita” Hernandez Ramirez, with a big boost from two generous donors in Canada. As most of you know, Lupita lost both her legs at the hip in a Carrera accident in 2003, while serving as a volunteer nurse with the Mexican Red Cross.
Contributions should be mailed to:
Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez
C/o Ms. Fanny Davila
South Bay Bank
2200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501
To wire the funds:
Acct. #: 009400710
Wire routing #: 122237308
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 27-29, 2009
Interest in the Chihuahua Express seems high. It is a 1000 mile stage rally (325 miles of speed stages) through the glorious countryside of northern Mexico, in the state of Chihuahua. The City of Chihuahua is only 145 miles from Texas, so the logistics are relatively easy. The early entry fee (if paid by November 31) is $1800; hotels are extra. The Express Convoy will leave El Paso for the short drive to Chihuahua City on March 26.
The Chihuahua Express is the best way to test your car and learn rally timing and navigating for those who plan to enter the Carrera in 2009. Any car may participate, but to run in open competition a six-point roll cage is mandatory.
Email gbledso@aol.com for an entry packet and click on www.chihuahuaexpress.com for more information.
***PRE-REGISTRATION FOR LCP 2009 -- STARTS DECEMBER 1
Given the Organizers’ early decision date of April 1, pre-registration for LCP next year will start on December 1. The forty slots reserved for the U.S. and Canada should sell out quickly. More may be allocated, but we never know. This year we could have filled over sixty slots.
Those who raced this year will have priority for 2009. Consideration will be given to those with a new car under construction. After that, it’s “first come,” assuming a proper registration form and a car that conforms to a class. The Organizers retain the right to refuse any application and are interested in a diverse field, with outstanding cars in all the classes.
To pre-register, be prepared to send an entry form and a non-refundable $500 deposit to the North American Coordinator (address below) anytime after November 30. Your entry will be confirmed no later than April 1, 2009, if your pre-registration is complete.
The keys to preparing a car properly are the roll cage, safety equipment, and engine family and capacity. If you have any doubts about the rules, especially the requirements for the roll cage, please consult the North American Coordinator.
STORAGE IN MEXICO? Mats Hammarlund Racing in San Miguel de Allende will keep your car at his shop and have it ready for the Chihuahua Express or the Pan Am next year at very reasonable rates. Mats, a car builder and contractor, and his partner, Eva, will also build you a garage, stable, or home in San Miguel. Contact Mats at mats@mhracing.com.mx. Call this number in the U.S. 213-291-1840.
***LEGAL STUFF
La Carrera Panamericana, like all motor sports, is dangerous. Your and your car can get seriously hurt or totaled. It involves racing nearly 2000 miles through mostly mountain roads and long transits in scary regular traffic. Danger lurks around every corner, especially in a forty-year old car, and in open-range country, where cattle and horses graze by the roadside.
Make sure your car and body are sufficiently prepared for the rigors of this race. The starting city, Tuxtla Gutierrez, may be extremely hot and humid. Tropical storms may disrupt the event with wind, rain, and floods. Drink plenty of water, avoid the dengue fever, malaria, “turistica,” and jungle parasites. Never leave polite company to meet someone’s sister, even at a steep discount.
Dangerous? Yes. Fun? Hell yes! But ask about “STS,” the Secret Tortuga Society.
***CONTACT INFORMATION
Gerie Bledsoe
Car #395 “Durango Deuce Dos”
North American Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana
677 Highland Ave.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650-726-9890 (home office)
650-726-9599 (fax)
650-867-9488 (mobile)
gbledso@aol.com
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
To make hotels reservations for the event: e-mail monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx
September 2008
The Annual Handicapper’s Edition
***105 ENTRIES HOLDING FOR 2008 PAN AM
***LOOKING OVER THE GRID: PLACE YOUR BETS
***THE ENTRIES FROM NORTH AMERICA: A CLOSER LOOK
***ENJOY SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
***PAN AM TOUR: GET CLOSE TO THE ACTION
***LUPITA HERNANDEZ FUND GROWS
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 27-29, 2009
***REGISTRATION FOR LCP 2009 -- DECEMBER 1
***PIKES PEAK VIDEO
***CONTACT INFORMATION
***105 ENTRIES HOLDING FOR 2008 PAN AM
There has been a little turnover in entries recently, but the official web site continues to show 105 entries for 2008.
A breakdown by county shows:
USA and Canada = 57
Mexico = 22
Germany = 10
Belgium = 4
Netherlands = 4
Sweden = 2
Britain = 2
Austria, Spain, Italy, and Monaco = 1
Many entries and crews are international--driver from one country and co-driver from another. Several entries from North America include citizens of other countries, both as pilotos and co-pilotos, who may live and work in the USA or Canada.
***LOOKING OVER THE GRID: PLACE YOUR BETS!
It’s always fun looking down the list of entries to see who is returning and trying to predict how they will do this year. Here is a little handicapping by classification.
Turismo Mayor. Who do you like for the overall championship? Missing from the official entry list this year is Pierre de Thoisy (FR), who has won the modern Pan Am more times (6) than anyone, including last year. De Thoisy has changed jobs and decided to take the year off. Filling his shoes, perhaps, is Stig Blomqvist (Sweden). Blomqvist is a former WRC Champion, many times the national champion of his county and victor in international competition. He will drive a beautifully prepared ‘54 Studebaker fabricated in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico by his countryman, Mats Hammarlund.
Given the absence of de Thoisy and former Mexican champions, like Carlos Anaya and Juan Carlos Sarmiento, the pre-race favorites must be Doug Mockett (USVI), Blomqvist, and Gabriel Perez. Both Mockett and Perez are former champions. Perez drives a less powerful car in Turismo Production, but handles it well. He also has a not so secret weapon—his co-driver reportedly compiles the route book. (Only in Mexico!) Other serious contenders for overall champion include: Lars Stugemo (Sweden), Bill Beilharz (USA), and John Daniels (USA). All have extensive Pan Am and racing experience.
Historic C (1955-1965 V8s). The favorites in Historic C, which has the largest number of entries, will again be veteran Bill Shanahan (CT), who won last year, and Richard Tyzack (Wales), who finished 5th and 6th overall, respectively last year. Tyzack will be back in the same Mustang prepared by Todd Landon. Shanahan reportedly has moved to a Falcon from his Corvette, and has already lowered his best practice time at Lime Rock.
Other contenders in Historic C, Ralp Christensson (Sweden) and crew are reportedly taking a break this year, so we will not get to see newly married Anna. The Tropical Gangsters, everyone’s favorites (Matt Hamilton, James Gublemann et al) have retired their ’57 Chevy to an auto museum. This colorful crew will be missed!
The ranks of Historic C will also be short another new star: Gary Faules (CA), an accomplished endurance racer who finished 9th overall last year in his beautiful Shelby. This was a significant accomplishment for his first trip down. Faules intends to return, maybe next year. Also missing is Carrera vet Joe Harding (CA), who crashed his Falcon in the Chihuahua Express, and Richard Row (CA), whose Chevelle did well last year. However, the Chevelle will be in the hands of David Geldreich (Canada) and Wilhelm Ostrop (GR) this year. Carrera survivor Gerie Bledsoe (CA) will be celebrating his 10th anniversary at the Carrera by introducing a new Chevy II Nova to the event. Mike Sharp and Jon LeCarner, both from So Cal, will look sharp in their little red Falcon, too.
A couple of rookies in Historic C, driving hot Mustangs, with mucho racing experience in the U.S. look strong in this class and may surprise some vets. Historic C includes a dozen Mustangs and several “Monte Carlo” Falcons (pumped up “Atlanta birds” with fiberglass body panels). Do they have FIA papers and real rubber bushings? Also, is it time to hand out The Best Shelby Clone Award, based on performance and looks?
“Styling” awards also must go to Miles Jones (CA) in his SunbeamTiger and Gary Hassler (EU) in his ’55 T-Bird roadster, which has competed in the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. (Wanna bet?) These two cars will add an extra touch of class to Historic C
Original Pan Am. Once the bane of the Organizers, with a little encouragement, this group has grown to a dozen beautiful, fast cars. Carson Scheller (CA) will return in his ’54 Ford Vicky to defend his 2007 title in Original Pan Am (OPA). Herve Willems (CA), returning to the event after ten years, will challenge in a ’54 Chrysler hemi that claimed the title several years ago. Other challengers include Rich Morrision (KS), Brad Kaplan (CA), and everyone’s favorite doc, Christian Reichardt (PRSM).
While OPA cars are not exactly equipped like they were in 1950, they are a diverse selection of sedans and sports cars, all competing in one class. And they are a fun group of guys and at least one gracious woman. Sadly, we must announce the withdrawal of the only “original-original” Pan Am car, the ’49 Lincoln of Terry O’Reilly. Terry was kind enough to bring his car, old number #54 in the 1950 Pan Am, down to the event in 2006, but experienced terminal mechanical problems before the race started. This year he was forced to withdraw because of personal reasons. Terry, his brother, and the Cosmo flathead will be missed.
In the other classes we also see a resurgence of the Porsche 356. Depending on their engine and state of trim, the little Porsche will appear in Sports Menor, Historic A, or Historic A+. With a small engine, an early 356 could also run in OPA.
The distinction between A and A+ is increasingly difficult to determine and explain. For some reason steely-eyed Volvo fanatics tend to show up in A+. It is understood, however, that four-cylinder cars made up to ’72 are eligible, which includes the BMW 2002. (The rules also allow ’68 Mustangs and ’68 Barracudas, but not Camaros. Go figure.)
Richard Clark (Monaco) and Andy Prill should continue to dominate Sports Menor (under 2000 c.c.) in their specially built 356. Sam Burg may well repeat in Sports Mayor, the class with the smallest number of entries, (over 2000 c.c.). If Diana can get them safely across the bridges this year, they will finish well. Burg drives the Mexican “L.T. Special” with a Chevy 305 under the bonnet, another Hammarlund creation, which has the potential to be a top-five car.
Historic A and A+ should offer some exciting competition for Alfaistas, Datsunites, Volvoites, other four-bangers, including our dynamic duo of Mini maniacs, Tom and Jimmy Davies (TX). Fortunately, Tom has a business in Jolly Old England so he can smuggle mini parts back to Texas in his shave kit.
Historic B, six cylinder cars (1955-1965), should belong to Brian DeVries in his 911. Other 911s should be competitive, too. And everyone should be aware that, our old friend, Roel Mulder, running a mild-mannered MB 230 SL, is the Formula V champion of Europe. We never know who will show up from Europe and whether or not anyone has explained the rules to them, especially for Historic C where alloy cylinder heads are not allowed. Sadly, the entry list does not include our good friend, the beautiful Elke Middledorp and her co-piloto, Leila Lesche, from Germany, the last all-woman team to participate in this event.
In Exhibition the car to watch is a Lister Chevy powered by a ZR1 engine that probably has the best HP to weight ratio in Pan Am history, even more than Roger Ward’s Henry J. The big question is, can Charles keep all that power stuck to the tarmac? We hope so.
Never forget that the greatest variable in the Pan Am is mechanical dependability. Blow a speed stage because of a mechanical and you are off the podium, no matter how fast the car or how good the driver. McGriff and Fangio won the race without winning a speed stage, because they conserved their equipment. Anything can happen on the road from Tuxtla Gutierrez to Oaxaca (326 long miles), and it usually does!
***THE ENTRIES FROM NORTH AMERICA: A CLOSER LOOK
By the rules of the event, entries from the U.S. and Canada are combined. Of the fifty-seven entries from North America, five are from Canada. Of the norteamericanos, twenty-one are rookies going down for their first Pan Am. Several have already participated in the Chihuahua Express. Twenty-two of the fifty-seven survived the Pan Am last year and are returning. Fourteen are veterans of races in the past three years, while two are vets of the ’90s.
A 63% return rate is excellent for an event like this. It gets under your skin!
Several of the cars coming from the U.S. and Canada have bi-national crews, in that the driver or co-driver is from another country, such as Germany, Britain, or Mexico. At least three cars have Mexican citizens as co-pilotos. (Think they know something?)
Eighteen states in the U.S. are represented. California leads with 17, followed by New York (4), Texas (3), Washington State (3), and VA (3). Other states with one or two entries are: AZ, FL, MA, MN, MI, NH, OK, PA, NE, KS, IL, NV, and GA, plus one U.S. territory, the U.S.Virgin Islands.
As noted in an earlier CARRERA NEWS, a dozen of these entries were members of the Carrera Class of ’99: Beilharz, Bledsoe, Daniels, DeVries, Mockett, Nyland, Shanahan, Sharp, Varni, Waldman, and Rusty Ward. Two members of this class, T. Landon and M. Hammarlund, car fabricators extraordinare, will be back supporting their creations. This group is the core of the Carreraista fraternity in the U.S. A few of these stalwarts have been running the event since the early ‘90s.
In the rookie category, Kip Moncrief (CT), a recent Hobarth and Wm Smith grad, will be the first person to attempt the Pan Am in a vehicle fired by McDonald’s grease (or Pollo Loco).
Ron Lee is working assiduously to finish his Carrera “special” (El Correcaminos) in the same vein as AK Miller’s famous Caballo de Hierro from the ‘50s. Lee, well known for his beautiful hot rods, is fabricating one of the most exotic cars ever to compete in the event—a Ford Model T with a period-correct flathead engine If he can’t finish it on time, he might be forced to bring his ’55 Kurtis coupe, which was build especially for the Carrera in ‘54. Oh, darn, what a fallback position!
Dan Landon in his long ton Corvair, with ample horsepower, might be a sleeper in Historic B. (Maybe Ralph Nader will come down to bless personally the car that almost repelled the invasion of Beatles. Of course, he may be too busy bleeding votes away from Barry O’Bama to visit Mexico.)
Finally we must acknowledge the couples—at least those known to us—who have enough confidence in their relationships to put it into a cockpit of a racecar. Suerte!
***ENJOY SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE AND HELP THE CHILDREN
Want to sample a little Pan Am fun in a really special place? Come on down to San Miguel de Allende for the Concurso de Motor Sports, Oct. 17-19. Participate in the car shows, gala banquet, poker rally, and display of Carrera cars in the main square of town. It is easy to do.
San Miguel is a jewel of a city of 140,000 located about 1 hour from the Leon (BJX) and Querétaro airports. American and Continental airlines serve Leon, as well as Mexican carriers. A ticket is around $476. From Leon, you travel by shuttle to San Miguel. You may also fly into Mexico City and take an airport bus to Querétaro and then to San Miguel. Of course, you can always land your Citation at Querétaro’s airfield.
The highlight of the weekend is the gala Panamericana banquet on Saturday night, Oct. 18, 7:30 PM at the Hotel Refugio del Molino. An international team of chefs is preparing a special dinner of modern Mexican cuisine. The evening will pay tribute to Pan Am heroes, such as Herschel McGriff, who won the first race in 1950 and went on to a NASCAR career. McGriff and his wife are making the trip down from their home in Arizona.
All proceeds of the gala will go to support two local organizations that provide assistance to children and families in San Miguel and the immediate area: CASA and Casita Linda. Tickets are $150. If you want a ticket or want to sponsor a local child, please mail a check payable to “CASA” to Gerie Bledsoe. CASA and Casita Linda are recognized as tax-exempt, non-profit organizations by the IRS, so your contribution is tax-deductible, if your CPA agrees.
Clink on www.concursosanmiguel.org for more information about this attempt to bring a little Pebble Beach to central Mexico, without the salt air, to be sure. (Cars will survive a lot longer in SMA than the shores of Monterey.)
***PAN AM TOUR: GET CLOSE TO THE ACTION
Want to experience the whole enchilada? Take the Pan Am “tour” with Rosa Maria Mondragón Fiesco. Rosa Maria, who been a co-piloto in the Pan Am several times and has served as its public relations director until this year, is taking time anyway from her new job to show people around the event. Rosa Maria knows literally everyone involved in this event and how to get you close to the action. She has a couple of seats left in her Ford Expedition, and can pick you up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, or Tuxtla Gutierrez, for the trip back to Nuevo Laredo. This is a difficult race to watch, given the logistics and distances, and it is great that Rosa Maria is making this offer.
Email Rosa Maria at: racecarmedia@yahooo.com.mx.
***LUPITA HERNANDEZ FUND GROWS
Over $2600 has been collected in recent weeks for our favorite Mexican nurse, “Lupita” Hernandez Ramirez, with a big boost from two generous donors in Canada. As most of you know, Lupita lost both her legs at the hip in a Carrera accident in 2003, while serving as a volunteer nurse with the Mexican Red Cross.
Contributions should be mailed to:
Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez
C/o Ms. Fanny Davila
South Bay Bank
2200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501
To wire the funds:
Acct. #: 009400710
Wire routing #: 122237308
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 27-29, 2009
Interest in the Chihuahua Express seems high. It is a 1000 mile stage rally (325 miles of speed stages) through the glorious countryside of northern Mexico, in the state of Chihuahua. The City of Chihuahua is only 145 miles from Texas, so the logistics are relatively easy. The early entry fee (if paid by November 31) is $1800; hotels are extra. The Express Convoy will leave El Paso for the short drive to Chihuahua City on March 26.
The Chihuahua Express is the best way to test your car and learn rally timing and navigating for those who plan to enter the Carrera in 2009. Any car may participate, but to run in open competition a six-point roll cage is mandatory.
Email gbledso@aol.com for an entry packet and click on www.chihuahuaexpress.com for more information.
***PRE-REGISTRATION FOR LCP 2009 -- STARTS DECEMBER 1
Given the Organizers’ early decision date of April 1, pre-registration for LCP next year will start on December 1. The forty slots reserved for the U.S. and Canada should sell out quickly. More may be allocated, but we never know. This year we could have filled over sixty slots.
Those who raced this year will have priority for 2009. Consideration will be given to those with a new car under construction. After that, it’s “first come,” assuming a proper registration form and a car that conforms to a class. The Organizers retain the right to refuse any application and are interested in a diverse field, with outstanding cars in all the classes.
To pre-register, be prepared to send an entry form and a non-refundable $500 deposit to the North American Coordinator (address below) anytime after November 30. Your entry will be confirmed no later than April 1, 2009, if your pre-registration is complete.
The keys to preparing a car properly are the roll cage, safety equipment, and engine family and capacity. If you have any doubts about the rules, especially the requirements for the roll cage, please consult the North American Coordinator.
STORAGE IN MEXICO? Mats Hammarlund Racing in San Miguel de Allende will keep your car at his shop and have it ready for the Chihuahua Express or the Pan Am next year at very reasonable rates. Mats, a car builder and contractor, and his partner, Eva, will also build you a garage, stable, or home in San Miguel. Contact Mats at mats@mhracing.com.mx. Call this number in the U.S. 213-291-1840.
***LEGAL STUFF
La Carrera Panamericana, like all motor sports, is dangerous. Your and your car can get seriously hurt or totaled. It involves racing nearly 2000 miles through mostly mountain roads and long transits in scary regular traffic. Danger lurks around every corner, especially in a forty-year old car, and in open-range country, where cattle and horses graze by the roadside.
Make sure your car and body are sufficiently prepared for the rigors of this race. The starting city, Tuxtla Gutierrez, may be extremely hot and humid. Tropical storms may disrupt the event with wind, rain, and floods. Drink plenty of water, avoid the dengue fever, malaria, “turistica,” and jungle parasites. Never leave polite company to meet someone’s sister, even at a steep discount.
Dangerous? Yes. Fun? Hell yes! But ask about “STS,” the Secret Tortuga Society.
***CONTACT INFORMATION
Gerie Bledsoe
Car #395 “Durango Deuce Dos”
North American Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana
677 Highland Ave.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650-726-9890 (home office)
650-726-9599 (fax)
650-867-9488 (mobile)
gbledso@aol.com
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
To make hotels reservations for the event: e-mail monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Learn To Give Back. It Feels Good and Makes You A Champion.
Merriam-Webster defines CHAMPION as;
1: warrior, fighter
2: a militant advocate or defender
3: one that does battle for another's rights or honor
4: a winner of first prize or first place in competition; also : one who shows marked superiority.
I like number three as it best reminds me of two of my favorite champions for a cause or rights that I know. They would be my friend Gerie Bledsoe and my daughter Charmagne Faules.
Each year when the Coyote Convoy arrives in San Miguel de Allende good things begin to happen. Not only do the La Carrera teams get a reprieve from the long arduous drive which for some begins as far away as Canada, but something even more special happens as well.
Gerie Bledsoe, the La Carrera Panamericana North American Director, who leads the Coyote Convoy to San Miguel each year has a special place in his heart for the people of Mexico. He tells of small children coming up to get autographs, babies being photographed sitting in the driver’s seat of a race car and hundreds of people waving as the cars go roaring by.
He describes his commitment to helping children and families this way, “When we come here to race, all of us are touched by the faces of children we see as we travel across Mexico. People are so kind and warm and we just want to do something to give back to a country that is so welcoming to all of us.”
It is almost impossible for this need to give back to not rub off on other La Carrera members who in turn help make the same commitment in whatever way they can.
The Concurso de Motor Sports San Miguel de Allende is a result of this commitment. All of the profits from the events in San Miguel, from October 17-19, will all go to help children and families in need through the work of two exceptional nonprofit organizations located in San Miguel. One of the beneficiaries is CASA and the other is CASITA LINDA.
For those first time La Carrera teams who would like to help be part of this "giving back commitment" simply write either myself or Gerie Blesdoe to see how YOU can help. Don't panic... we all know that getting here was a big hit on the pocket book to begin with but you will be amazed how far a small donation can go. Many of us teams went to Walmart and picked up a few cases of paper or pens and pencils and while you might think that's not much... it was huge from their perspective. Ask Gerie how you can help by clicking here.
And while we are speaking of champions.... Giving Back is nothing new for Team California's Best but it is as rewarding and fulfilling for each of us as it was the first time we did anything regardless of how large of small the effort was. Another great champion that will in fact be in attendance at this years Concurso is none other than Hershel McGriff the first man to champion the Great Mexican Race.
While we are talking about Champions, recently Charmagne, our daughter and some of her co-workers made a trip to Mexico with an organization called CLUB DUST to help give back in the best way that they knew how. For Charmagne it was nothing short of life changing and I was proud to see the tears in her eyes as she attempted to tell me how good it feels to help others that have so little. It is equally rewarding when I see that my daughter and son have learned the values that have been passed down from my parents and their parents before them. The photos below pretty much sum up what Charmagne and her friends did while in Mexico and some of her experiences.
Charmagne and some of her new found friends in Mexico.
Charmagne and more new friends.
These are some of the homes that are to be replaced with new ones.
Charmagne and Co-Worker painting a new home.
A new family having fun helping to paint their new home and faces.
Charmagne and friends organizing and sorting shoes and clothing before families arrive.
Before anyone gets new shoes Charmagne and her friends washed their feet.
Making sure everyone gets a nice pair of shoes.
Sorting out healthy food to be divided up amongst the lovely families.
These are just some of the families many of whom walked miles to get in line in hopes of getting clothing and food their young children needed.
This young mother walked and carried her three children over 10 miles just to get there.
One day (or should I say in 15 minutes) Charmagne is taught how to cut hair.
WHOOPS! Charmagne grits her teeth hoping nobody would notice how close it was. But when all was said and done everyone including the young boy had a good laugh.
Finally a happy customer! Charmagne ask, "How do you say "NEXT" is Spanish?
Another new home for a lucky family. It's so wonderful to be part of these adventures especially when you see the humble smiles in each set of eyes and then we begin to realize how much we take for granted. It's also important to realize, these people are not the type that are used to asking anyone for anything. Pride... to see it first hand is priceless.
Hey, what's this? Possibly a future La Carrera Panamericana Champion?
1: warrior, fighter
2: a militant advocate or defender
3: one that does battle for another's rights or honor
4: a winner of first prize or first place in competition; also : one who shows marked superiority.
I like number three as it best reminds me of two of my favorite champions for a cause or rights that I know. They would be my friend Gerie Bledsoe and my daughter Charmagne Faules.
Each year when the Coyote Convoy arrives in San Miguel de Allende good things begin to happen. Not only do the La Carrera teams get a reprieve from the long arduous drive which for some begins as far away as Canada, but something even more special happens as well.
Gerie Bledsoe, the La Carrera Panamericana North American Director, who leads the Coyote Convoy to San Miguel each year has a special place in his heart for the people of Mexico. He tells of small children coming up to get autographs, babies being photographed sitting in the driver’s seat of a race car and hundreds of people waving as the cars go roaring by.
He describes his commitment to helping children and families this way, “When we come here to race, all of us are touched by the faces of children we see as we travel across Mexico. People are so kind and warm and we just want to do something to give back to a country that is so welcoming to all of us.”
It is almost impossible for this need to give back to not rub off on other La Carrera members who in turn help make the same commitment in whatever way they can.
The Concurso de Motor Sports San Miguel de Allende is a result of this commitment. All of the profits from the events in San Miguel, from October 17-19, will all go to help children and families in need through the work of two exceptional nonprofit organizations located in San Miguel. One of the beneficiaries is CASA and the other is CASITA LINDA.
For those first time La Carrera teams who would like to help be part of this "giving back commitment" simply write either myself or Gerie Blesdoe to see how YOU can help. Don't panic... we all know that getting here was a big hit on the pocket book to begin with but you will be amazed how far a small donation can go. Many of us teams went to Walmart and picked up a few cases of paper or pens and pencils and while you might think that's not much... it was huge from their perspective. Ask Gerie how you can help by clicking here.
And while we are speaking of champions.... Giving Back is nothing new for Team California's Best but it is as rewarding and fulfilling for each of us as it was the first time we did anything regardless of how large of small the effort was. Another great champion that will in fact be in attendance at this years Concurso is none other than Hershel McGriff the first man to champion the Great Mexican Race.
While we are talking about Champions, recently Charmagne, our daughter and some of her co-workers made a trip to Mexico with an organization called CLUB DUST to help give back in the best way that they knew how. For Charmagne it was nothing short of life changing and I was proud to see the tears in her eyes as she attempted to tell me how good it feels to help others that have so little. It is equally rewarding when I see that my daughter and son have learned the values that have been passed down from my parents and their parents before them. The photos below pretty much sum up what Charmagne and her friends did while in Mexico and some of her experiences.
Charmagne and some of her new found friends in Mexico.
Charmagne and more new friends.
These are some of the homes that are to be replaced with new ones.
Charmagne and Co-Worker painting a new home.
A new family having fun helping to paint their new home and faces.
Charmagne and friends organizing and sorting shoes and clothing before families arrive.
Before anyone gets new shoes Charmagne and her friends washed their feet.
Making sure everyone gets a nice pair of shoes.
Sorting out healthy food to be divided up amongst the lovely families.
These are just some of the families many of whom walked miles to get in line in hopes of getting clothing and food their young children needed.
This young mother walked and carried her three children over 10 miles just to get there.
One day (or should I say in 15 minutes) Charmagne is taught how to cut hair.
WHOOPS! Charmagne grits her teeth hoping nobody would notice how close it was. But when all was said and done everyone including the young boy had a good laugh.
Finally a happy customer! Charmagne ask, "How do you say "NEXT" is Spanish?
Another new home for a lucky family. It's so wonderful to be part of these adventures especially when you see the humble smiles in each set of eyes and then we begin to realize how much we take for granted. It's also important to realize, these people are not the type that are used to asking anyone for anything. Pride... to see it first hand is priceless.
Hey, what's this? Possibly a future La Carrera Panamericana Champion?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
It's Started!
The cars have arrived and here is a line-up of the cars running in the La "Carrera/Vintage" class all of whom are classified as rookies. While our La Carrera friends will not be charging up the hill like the above photo it's not to say there will be any less excitment. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! An important change is the re-scheduling of race day. In past years, that was held on Saturday. This year, however, it has been moved to Sunday.
Today was technical inspection day and since I have heard first hand from other friends who have run Pikes Peak in the past I can tell you these guys take tech inspection to a whole new level. I have realized however one thing about La Carrera Panamericana that beats the hell out of Pikes Peak.... During La Carrera at least you can sleep in until 5am. But to get up the hill for this event each day the toll Gate opens to Competitors at 3:30am. Do you have any idea what time that means you have to get up to get ready each morning? For those who think it's easy to take a drive up trhe hill, think again.
Driver/Co-Driver/Division/Vehicle#/Rookie/Vehicle/Year/Make/Model/Demographics
1 Allen Douglas Vintage 369 Y 1965 Ford Mustang Aspen, CO
2 Bledsoe Gerie Vintage 395 Y 1963 Chevy Nova Half Moon Bay, CO
3 Carungi, Ralph Richert, Bill Vintage 101 Y 1954 Lincoln Capri Phoenix, AZ
4 Cooper David Vintage 403 Y 1951 Chrysler New Yorker Southlake Tahoe, CA
5 Daniels David Vintage 145 Y 1949 Cadillac Sedanette Minneapolis, MN
6 Davidson Keith Vintage 163 Y 1963 Ford Falcon Golden, CO
7 Hill Bob Vintage 66 Y 1966 Ford M Colorado Springs, , CO
8 Jantzen Joel Vintage 656 Y 1965 Ford Mustang Colorado Springs, CO
9 Johns Chip Vintage 385 Y 1964 Ford Rally Falcon Santa Teresa, NM
10 Jones, Mike Coffey, Doug Vintage 220 Y 1966 Ford Mustang Colorado Springs, CO
11 Landon Todd Vintage 399 Y 1967 Ford Mustang Mound, MN
12 Linton Jim Vintage 816 Y 1969 Ford Mustang Parker, CO
13 Mockett, Douglas Garcia, Angelica Vintage 133 Y 1954 Oldsmobile Super 88 Christiansted, St. Croix USVI
14 Morrison, Richard Hamlin, Richard Vintage 422 Y 1958 Mercedes 220S Coupe Salina, KS
15 Neal Jess Vintage 42 Y 1971 Plymouth Cuda Colorado Springs, CO
16 Salyer, Christopher Wiley, Carlile Vintage 106 Y 1954 Chevy Corvette Oklahoma City, OK
17 Smith, Dean Akey, Ashley Vintage 351 Y 1961 Chrysler 300R Las Vegas, NV
Total 17
Here are the the cars from the "Time Attack" class and it's interesting to note the first car is NOT a rookie. This is the class Kevin Jones and Mark Williams are running in. I know my fingers are crossed. How about yours? GOOD LUCK YOU GUYS AND MAKE SURE YOU GET IT RIGHT!
Driver/Co-Driver/Division/Vehicle#/Rookie/Vehicle/Year/Make/Model/Demographics
1 Fletcher, Brent Time Attack 4 N 2004 Mitsubishi EVO VIII Thousand Oaks, CA
2 Gerner, Jeff Time Attack 44 Y 1994 Audi S-4 Kansas City, MO
3 Jones, Kevin Williams, Mark Time Attack 43 Y 2005 Subaru WRX Sti South Gate, CA
4 Hine, Kelly Time Attack 25 Y 2006 Nissan 350Z Calabasas, CA
5 Kern, David Kern, Allison Time Attack 9 N 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Centennial, CO
6 Keeney, Melissa Keeney, Vicki Time Attack 69 N 1991 Honda CRX Colorado Springs, CO
7 Millen Rhys Time Attack 6 N 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP Huntington Beach, CA
8 Norman Roger Time Attack 8 Y 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reno, NV
9 Workum, Peter Time Attack 11 N 2004 Subaru STI Paradise Valley, AZ
10 Scott, Brian Dillon, John Time Attack 96 N 1971 Datsun 240 Z Coupe Pine, AZ
Total 10
Monday, July 14, 2008
How to get high on 97 octane
Gerie ready to take off for Pikes Peak.
I had to laugh when someone asked Gerie to tell them about his Nova. He said, "It's not your mother's Nova!" LOL.
Reports are already coming in about drivers who have either already arrived at or are on their way to Colorado Springs for three days of practice and a day of racing at the PPIHC. How exciting it will be to see a group of La Carrera Panamericana cars lined up to head up "the" hill.
Over the weekend my family and I drove over to Gerie Bledsoe's home in Half Moon Bay to give him a good luck send-off but Gerie's wife told us we had just missed him. (Bummer) But good luck none the less Gerie and all the rest of you La Carrera types as well.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
DURANGO DEUCE... The sequel?
Today California's Best got a little visit from North American La Carrera director, Gerie Bledsoe and his beautiful little Chevy. Gerie's "tribute" car is beautifully prepared and ready to run in the exciting and historical Pikes Peak event which is only a few days away. From there it will come home and then go to the 2008 La Carrera Panamericana. While Gerie calls it a plain Jane type of car I can assure you this car is in fact a no-frills race car and under his guidance it should do very well indeed.
Anyone who knows any history with regards to Gerie's last Chevy will get a chuckle as Gerie's great sense of humor comes to life when you read his new license plate frame.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Firecracker Edition Carrera News from Gerie Bledsoe
CARRERA NEWS
July 4, 2008 -- Firecracker Edition -- Happy Birthday USA!
Dates to Remember
***CARRERA CARS AT PIKE’S PEAK – July 15-20
***CARRERA RECEPTION - July 24
***CARRERA at MONTEREY HISTORICS – August 16
***CONCURSO -- SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE – October 18
***HERSCHEL McGRIFF – CONCURSO HONOREE
***IN MEMORIAM
***CLASSIFIEDS -- GPS MAPS FOR MEXICO!!
***COYOTE CONVOY NEWS
***CONTACT INFO
***CARRERA CARS AT PIKE’S PEAK
A dozen classic Carrera cars will challenge the 12.4 miles and 156 corners up the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 20. Two other Carreraistas will compete in other classes: Kevin Jones (Subaru, Time Attack) and Ed Gaven (FF Cobra, Exhibition).
Classic drivers and co-drivers are: Doug Allen, Gerie Bledsoe, Ralph Carungi (William Richert), David Cooper, John Daniels, Ron Davis, Chip Johns, Doug Mockett (Angelica Fuentes), Rich Morrison, Todd Landon (Kristin Stewart), Chris Salyer, and Dean Smith (and daughter). Six cars from the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing club will also participate in this group.
Ron Davis has designed a special souvenir patch for your Strand 21 driving uniform. The patches sell for $10. Proceeds go to the Lupita Hernandez fund. Email gbledso@aol.com if you want one.
Gerie Bledsoe is still in need of a navigator. A racing license, moral fortitude, and a financial contribution are required. Navigation skills are NOT necessary, but an appreciation of mountain scenery is.
***CARRERA RECEPTION – July 24
The program for the 2008 event will be presented to the public and media on July 24 in Mexico City at the annual Pan Am reception. This will be the 21st year of the modern event.
The route is expected to include an overnight stop in Mexico City – the first time in over a decade – plus one or more speed stages inside the city.
Last year Pan Am cars ran a speed stage on the main freeway through the city, reaching speeds of 180 MPH. Apparently, the mayor of Mexico City is a staunch supporter of the Pan Am. The media exposure was significant.
***CARRERA at MONTEREY HISTORICS - August 16
Our annual Monterey fiesta and corral will be at Tarpy’s Restaurant, Saturday August 16, 3:00-6:30 PM. Tickets are $35 per person for food and beverages. Tarpy’s is near the Laguna Seca racetrack.
Please pay for your ticket by August 1, so we can guarantee the event. See Contact Info for snail mail address. PayPal dough may be sent to gbledso@aol.com.
***CONCURSO -- SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE -- October 18
The kick-off of the Concurso de Motor Sports is scheduled for August 8 with a press reception and “Carrera de Margaritas” at the famous Allende Institute in San Miguel. Restaurants and bars in San Miguel will compete for the title “Best Pan Am Margarita 2008.”
The Concurso is scheduled for October 17-19 when the Coyote Convoy visits the city on the way to the start of the Pan Am in Tuxtla Gutierrez. The event includes classic car and motorcycle shows and the Pan Am gala banquet on Saturday. Our Carrera cars will be displayed in the main square on Sunday.
The Coyote Convoy and the Concurso are open to all. Discounted hotel accommodations are available. To fly into San Miguel, the airport at Leon-Silao-Guanajuato (BJX) is recommended. From there, you may take the shuttle bus for the 60 miles ride to San Miguel.
***HERSCHEL McGRIFF – FIRST CONCURSO HONOREE
The winner of the first La Carrera Panamericana in 1950, Herschel McGriff, will be honored at the gala Panamerican banquet at the Concurso de Motor Sports in San Miguel de Allende on October 18.
McGriff, who resides and runs a business in Arizona, was inducted into the Motor Sports Hall of Fame, in Novi, Michigan in 2006. He raced in the NASCAR Cup series and the Winston West series before retiring at age 74. He holds the record for the oldest person to win a NASCAR feature event at age 61.
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS DATES--March 27-29, 2009
Chacho Medina has set the dates next year for the Chihuahua Express – March 27-29. The dates are determined by two primary considerations: when Easter week falls each year and the dates of the Silver State Classic Challenge in May.
Given the event’s unqualified success during the past two years, it should continue to grow. The Express involves over 325 miles of open-road racing over a course of 1000 miles – in just three days. The format—a stage rally on closed, paved roads--is identical to the Pan Am. The big difference is – the racers return to the same hotel each night.
The event is open to all cars – modern and classic. Overall winners will be declared in each of these categories.
Click on www.chihuahuaexpress.com for more information.
***IN MEMORIAM
Two members of the Carrera fraternity passed away recently. Jerry Churchill, a Carrera regular, died after surgery three weeks ago, and Hokán Cederburg died in a car accident on May 22.
Jerry Churchill had participated in the last nine Carreras, and was looking forward to returning this year in his beautiful ’54 Studebaker. He won the Historic C class in 2003, and was committed to winning the overall title.
Jerry, who had a long history of auto and truck racing with ARCA, SCCA, and NASCAR, was a true believer in Mexican road racing – in La Carrera and the Chihuahua Express, which he helped to establish.
Jerry was also a staunch supporter of Lupita Hernandez, the Mexican nurse who lost both legs at the hip in a Carrera accident in 2003. Jerry’s sister, co-driver (Jim Roxbury), and friends believe that a contribution to the “Carrera Friends of Lupita Hernandez” would be the best way to pay our respects to Jerry. (See address below.) We also plan to present Jerry’s family a framed collection of Carrera photos and signatures.
Our Swedish friend, Hokán Cederburg, died in a traffic accident in Europe. Happily, his wife and child survived the wreck. Hokán won the Historic C title in a ’65 Corvette roadster in 2005. His son, Erik, said he would like to return the car to the Carrera eventually.
***Need companionship? That is driver, co-driver, navigator, mechanic, or just a pal? Let me know at gbledso@aol.com (I do not, however, arrange other forms of companionship in Mexico, nor do I handle divorces between pilotos and co-pilotos.)
***Cheap labor? I have the names of guys who will travel to Mexico to help wrench or drive the support truck – just for a place to stay.
***COYOTE CONVOY NEWS
The Coyote Convoy will assemble at the Marriott Residence Inn de Mar in Laredo, Texas at 9:00 PM, October 17. Call 956-753-9700 and ask for the Pan Am discount. Anyone will an interest in the Pan Am or Concurso may travel with the convoy. However, the Convoy, La Carrera, or anyone else is not responsible for your safety and security while in Mexico. The convoy leaves at 6:00 AM for San Miguel de Allende.
Please let me know if you need a room in San Miguel de Allende.
***CONTACT INFO
Gerie Bledsoe
North American Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express
677 Highland Ave.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650-726-9890 (home office)
650-726-9599 (fax)
650-867-9488 (mobile)
gbledso@aol.com (PayPal account)
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
www.chihuahuaexpress.com
www.concursosanmiguel.org
Carrera Friends of Lupita Hernandez
Account #1851509370
Comerica Bank
Attn: Ms. Cindy Duda
2200 W. Fort St.
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 222-4981
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