“HOKA HEY” (translated) It’s a Good Day to Die

I hope everyone will join me in wishing my very good pals Kevin Jones and Mark Williams who raced with us in the 2007 La Carrera Panamericana all the best luck as they embark on one hell of an awesome Harley Davidson adventure. One thing I feel compelled to say is for those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting these two awesome individulas I can't begin to tell you what a couple of standup personalities they truly are and I can'y help but hope the very best for them.

CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY REPORT FROM KEVINS BLOG

On June 20th, 2010 some of the world’s most fearless riders will come together for a 7,000+ mile run from Key West, FL to the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Across two countries we will ride and test our will as warriors in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge!

Many are called but few will be chosen. Only 1,000 chosen individuals – those who can hear 10,000 horses hooves thunder across the prairie as they ride into battle – will be counted among the most elite riders to ever straddle a steel horse.

In the same manner as the finest military organizations, the chosen few will receive a numbered challenge coin, minted with the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Logo. And, at the end, there lies a HALF MILLION DOLLARS in ALASKAN GOLD for whoever reaches the final checkpoint first. There is no prize in a warrior society for second place.

Every Harley-Davidson™ dealership in the world has been invited to participate so riders should prepare to be challenged not only by the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Organizers but by riders from around the globe!

You Know What They Say About Old Soilders...

When General Douglas MacArthur made his famous quote, "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away." he very easily could have been talking about old race cars as well. Not all race cars are fortunate enough to withstand the beating or consequences dealt them while racing long enough to think about retirement but for those few lucky enough to endure nothing can make me happier than to see them in some sort of arena for others to enjoy.

One such arena is none other than the NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE AND TRUCK MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES (NATMUS) which is located in Auburn Indiana. NATMUS is a non-profit museum with emphasis on post World War II cars and trucks but with vehicles on display from 1908 “high wheelers” to current production pick ups. Also you will find inside the doors of NATMUS a Model Car / Truck & Toy Museum (NATMATMUS).

Currently on display they have three wonderful cars that have competed in La Carrera Panamericana. There site says, "The three original La Carrera vehicles on display are believed to be the most currently on display in a single place in America." They may be right since the big display at Petersons Museum was only there for a short time.




Car #120, a 1954 Mercury Monterey, driven by Piloto Peter Frank and Co-Piloto Mark Williams ran three different LCP races (91, 91, 97) and won overall in 1992. It's interesting to point out Mark Williams is one of the most sought after co-drivers in North America. CLICK HERE FOR RESUME.
Built to compete in Turismo Mayor Class, beneath the stock bodywork you will find everything found in a NASCAR Nextel Cup car. During it's last race in 1997 the blueprinted 351 blew up during the race and was replaced with a 302 in a parking lot to finich the race. This car was donated to NATMUS by owner Dr Peter Frank of Bluffton, SC.

Seen here with 1992 overall trophy.






Car #313, a 1954 Ford, driven by Piloto Argentine team mate Americo Guzzini and Co-Piloto Bernardo Guzzini finished 77th overall in the 1954 LCP. Some interesting trivia was that because Argentineans led the roster with 74 cars compared to 47 Mexicans, 39 Americans, 9 Italians and 4 Germans. The number of Argentines was so high because President Juan Peron granted a special permit which exempted participants from paying standard import duties, so it was possible to import a large American car at a much lower cost if it had taken part in La Carrera Panamericana. Coincidentally the name PERON was painted on all of the Argentine cars to pay tribute to Eva Peron, the wife of the Argentine dictator who had recently died. According to the original mileage on the odometer, this car only ran the LCP race and that was it. This care was set up bi the famous Ford guru Bill Stroppe himself and is owned by Howard Singer of La Jolla California.





Car #107, a 1954 Lincoln Capri was driven by piloto Court Whitlock and Co-Piloto Charlie Weber. This car has had some customizing work done such as rear quarters extended 6 inches with 55 Packard taillights, Frenched antenna, 55 Olds headlight rims, moulded Continental kit, Frenched lake pipes, scooped quarters, recontoured fenders and quarters, 53 Lincoln bumpers which are narrowed 6 inches and then the car was lowered 6 inches. (Don't ask me why.) This car is owned by Rob and Deb Butler of Fort Wayne IN.





A special thanks to Don Grogg at NATMUS for taking the time to take these awesome photos and sending them to me and thank you to NATMUS and other orginizations as well as those who donate their cars so that they will be around for many future generations to enjoy.

Things Kevin & Mark said while doing 190MPH thru Mexico City

Kevin said, "Holly crap, I still have another gear!"

Mark said, "I was just wondering.... did anyone see what in the hell Mexico City looked like? I seemed to have missed it."

I was just kidding. What was really said was this.... "Hey Mark, it says here in the route book that there is a new Hooter's opening in down town Mexico City. If we hurry we can catch the grand opening."

Kevin asked if anyone had any video of him driving thru downtown Mexico City....... All I can say is, "DON'T BLINK."


If you think this is good just wait until the new HD DVD comes out. A special thanks to Steffan Shultz for his amazing ability to capture such a thing of beauty at that speed.

Two Wiiild And Craaaazy Guys

Kevin and Mark before Mark grew a beard. (Honest it's them.)

Ever notice how some people leave a more lasting impression on people than others? Having met Kevin Jones and co-piloto, better known as "partner in crime" Mark Williams we found them to be the kinds of guys we are proud to call our friends. Hey, I don't know what in the hell to say about them owning a pink iPod but some question are better left unasked. Besides, what goes on in Mexico stays in Mexico or so I'm told.

Check out the video Kevin and Mark shot as they traveled thru parts of Mexico on their way to race the Chihuahua Express. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO. After leaving Chihuahua every Chihuahua in the city of Chihuahua had been "sand proofed" at the request of the Subaru team. Some say they saw Mark and Kevin holding down the dog in the photo while saying, "It's the least we can do for the people of Chihuahua. Besides, what else can we do since there are no pigeons here?"

All Points Bulletin For Mark Williams

There is a rumor that after winning the Chihuahua Express Kevin Jones began celebrating and shortly afterwards disappeared. He was last seen by Mark Williams leaving some cantina with a bunch of senoritas. When asked if we would ever see Kevin again Mark replied, "Just be ready when they open the road to the top of Pikes Peak."

Yesterday the Mexican Paparazzi sent us the following photo that was taken 250 miles south of Chihuahua.

Californian's Kick Chihuahua's butt

Photo courtesy of Bret Haller The Unlimited Class

I just talked to Gerie Bledso and even though Gerie was rushing off to dinner/awards ceremony I was able to get a few quick results.

High overall was taken by Californians Kevin Jones and Mark Williams! All Hail Technoviking! Congratulations guys.

Another Californian team of John & David Magnuson who run with us in NASA took 2nd place overall.

Another awesome Californian performance was none other than Gerie Bledso. Not only did Gerie win first place in the demanding Historic C class but took 6th place overall honors as well.

What a way to represent guys! Hurry safely home and finish filling us all in with "The rest of the story."

A few other quick notes are Doug Mocket and Angélica Fuentes are doing OK in spite of having a serious run in with a guardrail which took them out of contention. Richard Tyzack's car lost a water pump and he too became yet another statistic of attrition. There is still no official medical report on Joe Harding's ankle and he is on his way home as I type this so as soon as I hear anything I will post it here. Joe is one tough competitor but one we want to see around for a lot of years so let's all say a prayer for Joe and keep him in our thoughts. As for the rest of the results as soon as I hear what they are I will get them posted. As far as the reports of the teams who were burnt as a result of a crash as soon as I get more accurate information on them I will popst that as well. In the meantime let's hope and pray that was not serious.