RALLY MEXICO BULLETIN
HOLIDAY EDITION 2009

***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS DEADLINE – JANUARY 1
***LA CARRERA NEWS AND SPECULATION
***PIKES PEAK 2010—LIMITED TO 20 VINTAGE CARS
***CLASSIFIEDS
CARS FOR THE EXPRESS – READY TO RACE
***CONTACT INFO

***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS DEADLINE

The entry fee for the fourth annual Chihuahua Express is $2000 until January 1, when it goes up another $500.

In addition to the twenty competitors who have signed up thus far, another fifteen from the U.S. and Canada have made the commitment. And 15-20 more from Mexico and Europe as expected to sign up as well.

As I stated at the race of the event last year, this is truly a world-class event. The roads, scenery, race organization, civil and popular support, timing and scoring, and other aspects of the race were just excellent. It is nearly 325 miles of top-speed stages in only three days with no complicated handicapping system or navigation problems.

It’s a racer’s race. So tell your friends to come on down and check it out.

New to the fine art of a “stage rally?" We’ll teach you in the Rally Master Program, a combination of classroom instruction, audio-visual aids, and driving the actual course under supervision. Any (safe) car will do, and you do not need a roll cage, only a helmet. The fee is only $900 until January 1.

Worried by the reports of violence in Mexico? Do not let these reports keep you away. I just finished my 12th year and 17th race in Mexico, and I have never seen an act of violence against one of our racers down there. Besides, the Mexican Federal, Para-military, and State police watch over us along the whole route.

***CARRERA NEWS

The Carrera Office in Mexico City has been mostly closed since the event, and the Leon family has been on a much-deserved vacation, recovering from the Pan Am. Now it is the Christmas season; announcements about the 2010 event are not expected soon.

However, here are several unofficial speculations:

1) the dates of the race will probably be October 22-28, with qualifying on October 21.
2) the race will start, more than likely, in Tuxtla Gutierrez
3) the race will not stop for the night in Mexico City, rain or shine
4) the race will probably end in Nuevo Laredo
5) there will probably be a modest increase in the entry fee
6) it is unlikely that there will be a change in the North American Coordinator
7) there will be likely be a change in the chief timer and score keeper
8) the Coyote Convoy will roll from Laredo, Texas on October 16, 2010

Determining the exact route of the Pan Am normally takes weeks of planning, discussions, and even neogotiations with the cities and authorities along the way. Anything speculated above is subject to change.

***PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB -- JUNE 27, 2010

Just twenty vintage and Pan Am cars are being invited back to Pikes Peak this year. The date has been moved up to June 27 to accommodate the paving plan on the mountain. This will be the last year to race the upper mountain’s dirt course.

In 2009 six Vintage Division drivers added their names to the record books as hill climb rookies. Ten vintage autos ran including three Mustangs, three Falcons, a Corvette, a Oldsmobile Super 88, a Desoto Firedome 8 and a '71 'Cuda. A Falcon set a new course record of 13:56 for the Vintage Division, narrowly edging out defending vintage champions Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes in their ’54 Pan Am Oldsmobile.

In addition to the hill climb, the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing club sponsors a car show in Manitou Springs featuring vehicles from vintage car and motorcycle groups, as well as local residents' private vehicles. Manitou is a resort city nestled in the foothills just west of Colorado Springs. The setting for the show is in a park with plenty of shade, grass, music and food vendors. The '52 Desoto Hemi of Dean Smith and Frank McKinnon was the show favorite in 2009, taking home a trophy for Best Racecar. The car show will again take place in 2010, on June 26, the day before the race up the mountain.

The early entry fee until January 31 is $900. After that, it goes up $100-200. If more than 10 cars sign up, a rebate from $100 to $400 will be to each entrant.

For more information, go to http://www.rmvr.com/ or call race chairman Keith Davidson at 303-526-2807 or Gerie Bledsoe at 650-726-9890 or email gbledso@aol.com.

***CLASSIFIEDS

’93 Camaro Z-28 -- ready for the Chihuahua Express. This track car finished first in class and sixth overall in the 2008 Express. $5,900 (firm). Stock fuel injected 350 engine, six speed, big brakes, sub-frame connectors, new adjustable Panhard rod, 800# front springs, upgraded shocks, PS/PB, P/S cooler, newer set of Toyo tires, full roll cage, Kirkey racing seats, current seat belts, interior stripped, fire extinguisher, window nets, no glass in front doors, windshield and rear window excellent shape, tow hooks, slate gray, etc. Rear bumper has scuffing. Car is set up for NASA’s Camaro-Mustang Challenge series. Easy to drive and dependable. Prep for the Express, repainting, and delivery possible. Contact Gerie Bledsoe @ gbledso@aol.com

Transport to La Carrera. Duane Wilcoxon has room on his truck for one more car next October. Contact him at cri59@msn.com or 425-418-3680.

Chihuahua Express. Dean Smith needs a funded co-driver for the Chihuahua Express.
Dean offers an unforgettable ride in his ’52 DeSoto hemi that won the prize for best racecar at Pikes Peak last year. Contact Dean in Las Vegas at mexicoracerdean@embarqmail.com or 702-438- 3445. Dean has mucho experience in Mexican racing.

Mustang Support. Todd Landon, who fabricates Mustangs and Falcon’s for the Chihuahua Express, La Carrera, Pikes Peak, and other events, has cars ready for these adventures now, at different price points. He also provides race support. Contact him at TALandon@landolakes.com or 952-250-7948.

Studebakers Unlimited. Mats Hammarlund, MHRacing, is looking for partners/drivers to build a Falcon or Studebaker for the Chihuahua Express or La Carrera. Last October cars from his shop took four of the top six spots in La Carrera, including first and second overall and in Turismo Mayor, plus first in Sports Mayor. Contact Mats in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, at 213-291-1840 (U.S. number) or mhracing1960@gmail.com.

Coyote Convoy T Shirts. I have the XXXL Convoy T 2009 shirts for sale. $13.00 plus $3.00 postage. Proceeds go to Lupita Hernandez. gbledso@aol.com. Also 2008 Convoy shirts (same design), 3 small, 3 med, 1 XL, and 3 XXXL. The shirts are all $10.00 except XXXL, which is $13, plus postage.

***‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE GENEROUS – HELP LUPITA

Your personal contribution is needed to build a trust fund for Lupita Hernandez, the Mexican nurse who lost both of her legs at the hip in 2003 in a Carrera accident.

Lupita was standing by an ambulance when a Carrera car hit a pool of oil and slid off the road during a speed stage. Lupita was pinned against the ambulance. Given the massive trauma and loss of blood, no one expected her to survive. But after three weeks in intensive care, she pulled through. Today she remains confined to a wheel chair in a small town outside of Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Since the accident Lupita has been supported by her parents and siblings, and her friends from La Carrera. This support paid for her physical therapy, rehabilitation, continuing education, and opening of a “micro-business.” A generous benefactor also purchased and refurbished a small house for her.

Today we need to build a trust fund for Lupita that will generate enough interest income to support her in poor economic times, as well as good times.

Please help us this Holiday Season. Checks may be sent to:

Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez
c/o Ms. Fanny Davila
South Bay Bank
2200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501

The Friends of Lupita would like to thanks Ralph Carungi, Stewart and Linda Robertson, and Kim Watkins, plus others for their recent contributions.

The trustees of Lupita’s account are: Doug Mockett, Oscar Carillo, and Gerie Bledsoe.

The photo above is of Lupita in front of her house. Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, Mexico. 2008.

Thanks for the consideration, and many Happy Holidays!

Gerie

P.S. The accident that crippled Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez happened in the second speed stage of the very first day of the Pan Am in 2003, just outside of the starting city, Tuxtla Gutierrez. I remember the morning clearly.

My '64 Chevy Nova had blown its engine during the first speed stage, so my navigator, Mike Goble, and I were standing on the side of the road waiting for our support guy, Logan, to come by and pick us up. After an hour or so, we noticed a medivac helicopter flying low, following the road. In twenty minutes it returned at full speed.

We assumed, of course, that a Carrera car had crashed and someone was badly injured. Later that evening it was reported that a 22 year old Mexican nurse had been killed when a Mustang hit a puddle of oil dropped by another Carrera car. The Mustang, driven by Frank Currie, spun off the road and into a parked ambulance. Two or three people were standing by the ambulance, but only Lupita was struck. A doctor sitting in the driver's seat of the ambulance suffered a broken leg.

Later during the race we learned that the nurse was still alive but not expected to live. But three weeks or so after the event was over, I found out that Lupita had miraculously survived, and our efforts to help her soon began.

Months later we also discovered that, while the emergency workers were tending to Lupita, another Carrera car lost control and almost hit the ambulance again -- a scene caught on video.

I will always remember that sick feeling in my stomach when I watched the helicopter return to Tuxta that morning in October 2003, knowing that someone was seriously injured. It could have been any of the racers, instead it was a young Mexican nurse who had volunteered to help any of us who might be injured. Now, I knew, it was our turn to help her.

GB

First Entry for 2010 Race Received

Yesterday I received the first entry for next year's edition of La Carrera Panamericana. I had to explain to the guy that I was missing some important details about the race in 2010, like the exact dates, the route, the starting city, and the amount of the entry fee. But he was insistent that he was going to be in the event, so he took the first of the 40 entries available to Canada and the U.S.

At this point, my best guess is that the official dates will be October 22-28. These dates would be consistent with past practice.

I am also predicting that the route will be about the same as last year. Some people will be very happy, however, if we do not stop in Mexico City or make the trek to Guadalajara.

Most of us will be pleased if the event ends in Nuevo Laredo.

Next year the start may well be in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the traditional starting city, down in Chiapas. Reportedly, the major highway construction outside the city has been completed.

The vets, like me, like Tuxtla because it has the Carrera tradition and the fairgrounds are just right to prepare for the event. The people are very friendly and supportive, too.

With the economy improving, I expect a major turn out for the 2010 Pan Am. Last year we had 107 entries, with 99 starting the race. And in 2008, we had 105 entries, with 100 starting.

Next year I suspect many old friends to return to the event. They have been out knocking off other adventures from their bucket list, like Paris-to-Peking or the Targa, but they will be coming back to the Pan Am because there is nothing really like it in the world.

Why is it so special? It's really about the people, like our many friends in the Carrera Fraternity. And where else can you drive as fast as you want every day for seven days, through beautiful county, surrounded by adoring fans and friendly cops?

It's an adventure, with tradition!

Ready for the Chihuahua Express?

The Chihuahua Express--now in it fourth year--is a condensed version of La Carrera Panamericana, with a few advantages:

1. modern, classic, vintage, and Panamericana cars are featured

2. cars without roll cages are welcome

3. there's a Rally Master school to teach rookies how to rally properly

The Chihuahua Express was designed to be:

1. a weekend event

2. close to the USA

3. in the same hotel each night

4. relatively inexpensive

5. staged on good paved roads

6. surrounded by beautiful scenery

7. remembered for large amounts of challenging speed stages

The Express comprises nearly 1000 miles of driving, including about 325 miles of speed stages, mostly in the mountains around Chihuahua, which is only 145 miles from Texas. By contrast the Panamericana offers around 350 miles of speed stages over seven days and 2000 miles or more.

Until January 1, the Express entry fee is $2000, when it goes up to $2200. This does not include the hotel rooms. Rooms at the luxury HQ hotel are $165 per night (tax included), while rooms in nearby "racer" hotels go for as little as $55.

Where else in the civilized world can you race on closed public roads for three days under the protection of the Federal Police?

To race at full speed, you will need a car with a six-point roll cage and all the usual racing gear. All cars are subject to a safety and technical inspection.

If you do not have a roll cage, you may participate in bracket competition (limited speed), or a time/distance rally. You may also select the Express Tour and optional Rally Master program. Only helmets are required. The entry fee for the Tour and the Rally Master program is only $900. The cars in the Tour will run the same course as the racecars.

The Express visits the famous Copper Canyon of Northwest Mexico, a canyon that rivals the Grand Canyon in Arizona for beauty. You will have lunch on the northern rim of the canyon, so you'll have a good view.

Race or drive it as part of the Express Tour, it is beautiful country. Join us in El Paso, Texas on March 16 for the trip down to Chihuahua City in the Express Convoy. If you are interested, please let me know and I will send you a detailed FAQ. gbledso@aol.com 650-726-9890.

Check out http://www.chihuahuaexpress.com/ for a detailed map and additional information.

EVENTS IN 2010

RALLY MEXICO BULLETIN
EVENTS DURING 2010

CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 19-21
Soberano Hotel, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
325 miles of speed stages in three days!
Vintage, classic, and modern cars eligible.
www.chihuahuaexpress.com

DREAM MACHINES – APRIL 25
Half Moon Bay Airport, CA (10 AM-4 PM)
Carrera Corral/Fiesta, Car and Plane Show

TARGA CANADA WEST -- MAY 24**
53d Knox Mountain Hill Climb, May 22-23
British Columbia
www.taracanadawest.com

SONOMA HISTORIC MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL – JUNE 5-6*
Infineon Raceway, Sears Point, CA

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB – JUNE 27
Registration-Tech -- June 22
Practice -- June 23-24-25
R & R -- June 26
Carrera cars race with Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Club

MONTEREY HISTORIC RACES – AUGUST 13-15*
Lagunda Seca, Monterey, CA
Carrera Corral and Fiesta – August 14

TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND – SEPTEMBER 11-18
www.targanewfoundland.com

LA CARRERA PANAMERICANA – OCTOBER 22-28 (TENT.)
Huatulco—Nuevo Laredo (tent.)
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

*By invitation only.
**One day rally in 2010; five days in 2011. The hill climb is a different
event, but close by. It's a climb of 800 feet in 2.2 miles.

ANOTHER POST-CARRERA COMING HOME

It was good to return home to the rocky coast of Northern California after three weeks on the road. It was also good that the locks had not been changed and the pool boy's rusty truck was not in my spot in the garage. Seriously, it is great to have a supportive spouse, who understands, if not fully appreciates, my other great passion in life.

It usually takes me two weeks of moping around the house to recover from the Carrera. I have called it both “accelerator deprivation” and “post-Carrera stress syndrome.” Why do I wake up at 6 AM with an urge to drive 80 MPH to the local gas station?

I do miss the open roads, the kids, colors, and even the smells of Mexico. Of course, I do not miss our leaky exhaust, stinky driver's suit, or those who wanted to natter on about their personal problems while I was urgently trying to find the WC in Jalpan.

As ever, it was great to see everyone down in Mexico. Well, at least everyone from this hemisphere. Ours is truly a unique club, blessed by only one annual (seven-day) meeting each year. The dues are a bit steep but the memories are priceless.

We were all pleased by our new class of rookies. They seemed to be good sports and having fun. We hope they felt welcome and will return in the future. Some, like Martin Lauber and Ed Hugo, did exceptionally well, too.

My apologies for leaving out the results in Sports Mayor and Original Pan Am from my "initial" press release. I was under pressure from magazines in Europe to get them something yesterday and my short-term memory was not improved by ten straight days of driving. Apparently, the Carrera Office is closed.

Congratulations to John and Chrislana Gregory for their victory in OPA. Clearly, they also should get a prize for "most improved" and most wonderful attitude. It was also good to see Ed Hugo wring more of the potential out of the LT-Chevelle Special as he won the Sports Mayor class. Too bad there is not more cars in that class, but Ed did well against the Turismo Production and Turismo Mayor cars, finishing right behind former SCCA rally champ Karl Scheible and his new co-piloto, Lady Di Marlett.

My "final" report on the race will be more inclusive. And yes, Mats Hammarlund builds ’54 Studebakers (not ’64 Larks) for his Swedish clients and others. Winning LCP with one of his cars has been Mats’ ambition for many years. Congratulations to all at MH Racing! http://www.mhracing.com.mx/

THE COYOTE CONVOY

Again the Coyote Convoy seemed successful, even after a few ominous warnings before we crossed the border. For the eighth year, we got everyone to the start of the race and had some fun along the way.

But the story started with bad news. Two Carrera trucks had tried to penetrate the border at the Columbia Bridge on Friday (the day before the Convoy was due at the border) but were forced to turn back to the U.S. They were towing two race cars with tourist stickers, but the car owners were not present.

The news caused me to have a major bout of indigestion, especially since the Carrera Office had warned me a week earlier of potential problems with the Mexican Customs authorities, too.

But we came up with a plan for the Convoy that was ultimately well executed, and everyone eventually got across the border.

The two trucks that failed to cross the border at the Columbia Bridge slipped across at Nuevo Laredo in the early morning hours just before the Convoy.

Before next year's border crossing we will develop a new procedure for crossing the border with our trucks, racecars, spares, chattels, and assigns. To do so will require the participation of all those hauling cars into Mexico—big trucks and little trucks.

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, THE CAR SHOW, AND MEXICAN CHARITIES

I would like to thank those who unloaded their cars to display them in the Jardin, the central square, in San Miguel de Allende. The participation of the Predator group was especially appreciated. We had about 20 cars and lots of kids and local citizens, both Mexican and gringo. It was a fun day in a lovely city.

I also must thank all of those who contributed to our favorite Mexican charity, C.A.S.A. It is a magnificant organization that does so much good for the children and families in San Miguel and the surrounding areas. http://www.casa.org.mx/

We also raised $1095 from Coyote Convoy T shirt sales for our Mexican nurse Lupita Hernandez, who lost both her legs at the hip in 2003 in a Carrera racing accident.

I still have lots of Coyote Convoy T shirts from last year and this year. The suggested contribution is only $10, plus $3 in postage. Add another $3 for 2XL and 3XL.

A special thanks to Kim Watkins and Ralph Carguni for their generous donations to our causes, and to the other donors who remain anonymous.

It's good to give back a little to a country that has so little, but is so rich in spirit!

THE ROUTE INTO MEXICO

The big news this year was the opening of the Arco Norte, the new toll road completely around Mexico City. Our prayers have been answered. The road is 104.5 miles long and we averaged around 70 MPH. It cut about 3 hours off the drive from San Juan del Rio to Puebla and Oaxaca. How cool is that? The cost was 484 pesos ($38) -- cheap at any price.

I thought a lot about Jerry Churchill as we rumbled down that fine super highway and the many years he and I struggled to lead our convoy cross Mexico City or to go around it on the old truck route. He would have been more than pleased.

PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR – EXPRESS YOUR OPINION ON THREE ISSUES

On these items you should make your personal views known to Eduardo Leon at lalo@lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. Feel free to give him your brief, unvarnished opinion on each.

NUMERO UNO. Right now the Carrera Office (Eduardo Leon) is inclined to start the race again in Huatulco. Do you want to start the race there next year?

The other option is Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Personally, I favor Tuxtla, since it is part of the original race and it is a real Mexican town, mostly populated with Mayan descendents. But I can understand the allure of the beach in Huatulco, and can certainly endure the heat and humidity a second time.

NUMERO DOS. How about the drive to Guadalajara to visit the village of Tequila?

Personally, I thought it was a very long day in the saddle, just for a nice dinner and fiesta. It was great to have a Mexican band sing “Under the Board Walk” a capella. (Only the bride and groom were missing!)

NUMERO TRES. Do you want to return to Mexico City next year?


GOOD MEMORIES, TRIALS, AND TRAVAILS

Many times this year we witnessed examples of the Carrera Spirit – helping and supporting our friends and competitors with spare parts, labor, PBJs, fix-a-flat, and even short-term financial assistance. Heck, my spare motor mounts helped the Leningrad Cowboys get their ’58 Corvette back on the road, and I even forgot to get an autograph.

We will long remember the gigantic traffic jam at the first speed stage the afternoon of the first day, as well as the big, friendly crowd in Tehuacan. My co-piloto had to climb out the window, since he could not open the door, given the human crush.

How about the deluge in Mexico City when we arrived from Oaxaca? (Our wiper motor failed, along with the Rain X, and directions in the route book.) Do we really need to venture into Mexico City next year? And then there was the long wait the next morning to find out our marching orders for the day, after our laps on the track were canceled. Does anyone have a Plan B, I asked? Then there were the persistent rumors about how to calculate the next time for the first Control Z that day. (Sadly, we got our Z time wrong and got max times for the rest of the day!)

We shouldn’t forget the magnificant canyons on the way to Jalpan, or the beautiful descent into that city from the mountain top. It rivals the Swiss Alps. The well-organized entrance to San Luis de Potosi should be remembered, too. It was a gem. Friendly crowds, too, in the main square. It was too wet to appreciate SLP last year.

Of course there was the big wedding tent in Tequila, and more vividly, the drive back to our hotels in Guadalajara – some did not have enough (any?) headlights or wipers, but most had enough tequila to help us relax for the trip. And wasn’t the departure from Guadalajara special, too?

We were impressed by the large number of police, Federales, and guys cald in black kevlar, helmets, ski masks, and M16s. Wow! You might think someone important was racing with us. BTW, did you detect the squad of private bodyguards in their “ambulance” hot on the tail of the team of Mexican Porsches?

Zacatecas was cold and windy, but the locals were out in force. The parade following the little band and burro was fun as ever, and after a few cups of agave brew, who cared about the cold? Oh, how we should return to the days when we spent two nights in this wonderful city.

We may soon forget the long drive (426 miles) from Zac to Nuevo Laredo, but we won’t soon forget the crowds that welcomed us. For me the entry into N.L. was extremely special this year because it was the first time since 2002 that I finished the race in my own car. I also had a lump in my throat when I raced down that hill in La Bufa that wrecked our car and a friendship back in 2005.

Thanks to my special crew (Todd, Kristin, and Fernando) and many friends, like Roger, Rick, Ernie and the guys at North Bay Bavarian in Santa Rosa, CA, who helped and encouraged me. It was a good year, even if we finished way down the list. Most importantly, we finished……. unscathed.

To be sure, the passion and spirit of the Carrera lives.

CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS AND RALLY MASTER PROGRAM

My body is not responding well to random thoughts about driving back down to Mexico in March for the Chihuahua Express. But I plan to be there.

There was a lot of good talk about the Express during the Carrera, so we hope that many of you and others will join us in El Paso on March 17 for the short trip down to Chihuahua.

In the “news” category, I am considering hosting a special “Rally Master” program in Chihuahua to teach gringos about stage rallying in Mexico – from learning the rules, including timing and scoring, as well as the art of dodging burros on the open road.

There would be some classroom time, as well as “lead-follow” instruction on the open road, while following the race cars, at increasing speeds over the course of the three days.

If you know of anyone who might benefit from such a program, please let me know. Please do not nominate your spouse anonymously. Participants will only need a (safe) car (a rental would do), a modest tuition fee, and a helmet to participate.

Onward!

Gerie

Last Minute Information

Photo-Fiesta in Tehuacan 2003

Carrera Driver
September 29, 2009

**Day 1 -- Running the Old Pan Am Highway
**Report from Mexico
**Obtaining Your Car Permits
**Tourist Visa
**Coyote Convoy
**Maps
**Calibrate Your Rally Computer
**Mexican Car Insurance
**Hotels in Huatulco
**Communications
**Service Crews
**Cars and Slots Available

**DAY 1 -- RUNNING THE OLD PAN AM HIGHWAY

On the first day of competition, in the afternoon, we will run the old Pan Am highway from Tehuantepec to Oaxaca. This is one of the last original stretches of the original Pan Am Highway that exists, on which we will race. It's around 250 KM long.

This highway cuts through the mountains, starting near sea level and steadily climbs to over 6000 feet in places, before we get to Oaxaca at a little over 5,000 feet. We'll pass through some great river valleys and small towns. Finding premium gas has been a problem in the past. Make sure you fill up -- completely at the service stop at lunch, and if you must have gas, buy a little regular.

This route means that in the morning of the first day, we will run speed stages on the coastal highway going eastnortheast out of Huatulco.

**REPORT FROM MEXICO

I spent five days down in Mexico last week and saw little evidence of swine flu. In fact, on the way back to the airport, I learned from a doctor's wife that a higher percentage of people in Texas (the Houston area) had the flu than in central Mexico. She said that some of the hospitals there were not even testing for it.

I did note that travelers were being checked with thermal sensors when arriving in Mexico City for fever. And traveler's were required to fill out a health questionnaire.

About the violence: so far, all episodes of violence have been drug related, except for one American family that got kidnapped AT NIGHT in northern Mexico pulling a racing trailer with a fancy SUV. Lesson? Do not travel at night. The biggest threat are cows on the road, however. If you must travel at night, drive slower or equip your vehicle with powerful lights, and do not stop for anyone, even if they have a blinking red light on their car. Head to the next PEMEX station.

**OBTAINING CAR PERMITS

I am getting mixed reports about obtaining permits over the Internet from http://www.banjercito.com/. I just went through the process for my racecar and got the permit and sticker for my car in four days.

In most parts of the country they should be able to get the documents to you within 10 days.

Please let me know if you are having problems. We will get them at the border, if necessary.

**TOURIST VISA

Everyone must have a tourist visa (FM-T) to go more than 30 KM into Mexico, whether you are importing a car, truck, m/c, or not. You must also pay $22 at any bank for the visa, because you will stay in the country for more than one week. You can pay this in Huatulco or anywhere along the race route.

If you want to come back to Mexico later, stop at the border (the Migracion desk) and surrender your visa before you leave. This is a major pain in the butt, but try to do it on Friday, Oct. 30, before you leave.

You should turn in your car permit and sticker, too, before you leave Mexico, unless you plan to come back for the Chihuahua Express. You may keep it until March (it is good for 180 days), but if you replace your windshield, make sure you bring back the glass with the old sticker on it! (Not kidding.)

**COYOTE CONVOY

We have around 20 cars and 40 people signed up for the convoy. Some more Carrera people will meet us in San Miguel for the pool party.

If you have not paid for your room in SMA and Oaxaca, please send me a check or PayPal to my email address: gbledso@aol.com. You may also charge it on a credit card via PayPal, if I send you an invoice.

**MAPS

I will send out a set of my chart-maps for the trip down to Huatulco. The big news is the new toll road completely around Mexico City known as the Arco Norte. The entrance to the Arco is at the KM 90 marker on highway #57 between San Juan del Rio and the last toll booth before Mexico City. The exit is poorly marked, I have been told.

If you are driving down alone--not in the convoy--do NOT drive into Mexico City, except maye between 11 PM and 5 AM, and then be careful where you go. Do NOT go on the Viaducto -- an elevated highway -- at anytime.

We also may have a new toll road around Monterrey towards Saltillo that will eliminate a short, but dangerous, stretch of road with heavy truck traffic.

Mexico Maps software for your Garmin GPS is recommended only for entering and exiting the larger cities, not for use while racing. Mexican software for a GPS does not have anywhere near the precision of North American software, but they are making progress.

**CALIBRATE YOUR RALLY COMPUTER

If you have a rally computer in your car, calibrate it before you leave for mexico or learn how to do it. Find a measured mile or KM and get it set right.

A rally computer is primarily useful for the navigator to find her/his place in the route book during a speed stage. (Yes, we all lose our place at high speed.) The timer on the computer will also track the amount of time left for a section in the route book. The route for the day is divided into sections, and each section, which starts with a speed stage, is allocated a certain amount of time. At the end of that allocated time, you are supposed to report to the next speed stage (Control Z). Got it?

**MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE

Did you get your service truck and race car insurance from Baja Bound at www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace. It is easy with a VIN and credit card. It is required for your service truck, and only recommended (by me) for your racecar. Rememeber, regular car insurance is not valid while you are engaged in racing or a competition event, but before the race or at night, it might be useful.

**HOTELS IN HUATULCO

Apparently, some competitors have not yet made arrangements for hotel rooms in Huatulco before the race begins. If you need a room call Monica or Karen at 1-310-860-6959 or email monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx.

**COMMUNICATION

CB radios are recommended in service vehicles. They are cheap. The smaller, hand-held CBs have a shorter range, but are better than nothing. If the two trucks are close together, you can be heard. They can also be used the paddock and some hotels. Cell phones work pretty good in most of Mexico. Don't know about Huatulco. The sure-fire telcom instrument is an Irridium sat phone. If you want one, contact All Roads Communication in San Diego and mention the Pan Am for a discount. I am getting mixed reviews about the pre-paid Mexican sim cards, but I will try one in my tri-band phones. Walgreen's is supposed to have some cheap sim cards for LD around the world, too.

I do not know if the racecars will be tracked by the much flawed GlobalStar system. It only works in real time when their "birds" are in the right position. Someone told me that the race will be reported daily on FaceBook and/or YouTube.

**SERVICE CREWS

Does anyone need a extra service crew person or have a extra seat in their truck? The ideal is two people in each truck -- driver and navigator, just like the racecar. A route book will be given to each registered truck. It is not nearly as detailed as the book for the racecar, however.

Service crews should find another crew, maybe supporting a similar class of racecar, to work with. I will push this concept in Huatulco. We should be helping each other.

The first day will be the day we will lose the most cars. Some of the route is pretty remote, so make sure you have a recovery plan for your car.

There will be mechanics and welders following the race, too.

**CARS AND SLOTS AVAILABLE

There are still fully prepared racecars out there for purchase or rent. I was told that I have one entry for North America left, too. My theory continues to be that the organizers will not turn down a properly prepared car and mucho greenbacks en la mesa in Huatulco.

Viva La Carrera!

TWO WEEKS TO GO!

CARRERA NEWS
HANDICAPPER’S EDITION
October 1, 2009

**MY LIST OF FAVORITES
**THE SWEDES
**WHAT’S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?
**GET READY FOR NEXT YEAR
**RACING ON THE OLD PAN AM HIGHWAY
**REMEMBERING BOBBY JOHNSON
**DISCOVERY CHANNEL DVD AVIALABLE
**CARS FOR SALE

**MY LIST OF FAVORITES

A few weeks ago I sent out the first paragraph of my Handicapper’s Edition of CARRERA NEWS as juicy bait. In that snippet, I opined that Gabriel Pérez Torres had to be considered the early favorite. Several competitors rose to the occasion to disagree politely with my initial assessment.

The purpose herein is to survey the field more comprehensively.

In addition to Mr. Perez, contenders to the title this year include everyone’s favorites Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes. They will return in their wind-tunnel tested ’54 Oldsmobile (“in name only”). But not even testing in a wind tunnel can do much to mitigate A '54 Studebaker’s drag coeficeint advantage. However, Doug has assured me that Phil Denny has changed the oil and spark plugs in his car for this year’s attempt to repeat his prior triumphs.

At one point it was rumored that Mockett was buying a yellow Studebaker from coffee king Juan Valdez to replace his Olds, but Doug denied the rumor emphatically, denouncing it as “vicious hearsay.”

Looking down the list, Jorge Roberto Pedrero must also be considered a viable contender for the title. Of course, with the race starting in Huatulco this year, Jorge – who hails from from Tuxtla Gutiérrez – loses his advantage the first day in the mountains of Chiapas. Look to Jorge to squeeze as much power as possible form his Ford’s Boss 302 cubic inch Turismo Production engine.

**THE SWEDISH CONTINGENT

Another pre-race favorite is the venerable leader of the Swedish contingent -- “the Stig.” Mr. Stig Blomquist is a former WRC champion, Swedish champion many times over, and now a veteran of Mexican road racing, with one Carrera and one Chihuahua Express under his belt. Mr Blomquist and his generous co-pilota must be considered heavy favorites, too.

Reportedly, MH Racing in San Miguel de Allende, the Stig’s shop, has changed engine builders in an effort to avoid the gremlins that have fustrated this team over the past couple of years. In the Chihuahua, Stig’s car suffered from serious overheating problems, but his car builder, Mats Hammarlund, has done everything humanly possible to ensure that Stig has a dependable car this year.

Following Stig closely will be the dashing Lars Stugemo in another Studebaker built by MH Racing. Lars is another Carrera vet, who has the requisite skill and experience skill to win this event. But does he have the patience? He certainly has the looks and charm to send the ladies into a swoon.

Last, but certainly not least, on my list of contenders is another car from the MH Racing stable--a Volvo Amazon driven by Karl Schieble. Karl lives in Texas, not Sweden, and he has placed as high as fourth overall in this Hammarlund Volvo in two prior years. While the Volvo runs in Turismo Mayor, the top class, it has 100 horsepower less horepower than TM Studebakers and Mockett’s Olds.

On the other hand, Karl was the U.S. and Canadian SCCA rally champion for several years and knows his way around a mountain corner or racetrack. Rumor has it that the Amazon sports a new engine fresh from Sweden with a little extra horsepower. Carl has teamed up with co-piloto Dyana Marlett, a seasoned navigator, who certainly has enough experience and competitiveness to make the trip a success, regardless of the ultimate prize.

**WHO WILL WIN?

Who among this group of highly talented drivers and their trusty companions will win the event overall this year? That answer is easy. The crew and car with the least mechanical misfortune and the most luck will win. All of the leading cars, like the rest of us, are destined have at least one non-trival mechanical problem. That’s the nature of endurance racing.

This race will be decided by exactly when those mechanical failures occur: during a speed stage, a transit stage, or driving into the hotel’s parking lot at night. If one of the leaders misses a speed stage or loses significant power during a speed stage, it is pretty much out of the running for the top prize. After all, this is a long, arduous race, and the top drivers push their cars at 10/10s much of the time. Even a certain percentage of new, expensive racing parts will fail under these conditions. The question is – when and where the failure will occur? Being lucky, thus, will probably decide the outcome.

**WHAT’S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Last year, Bill Beilharz, who won the 21st La Carrera in his black “Batmobile” Studebaker, missed a corner, went off the road, and skidded down into a shallow ravine. Instead of stopping to assess the damage and find a safe way out, Bill just kept on going. He spotted a footpath going up the other side of the gully and followed it full bore to get back on the road.

Others would have never been able to exit the gully because of a tire or suspension problem, or having their belly pan ripped off, but Bill was lucky. He knew that to remain in contention he could not stop in that gully.

Sadly, Bill is not able to return to defend his title this year, but he promises that he will be close by in Huatulco, basking on his sailboat, sporting a bevy of bikini-clad hotties on the bow.

**RACING ON THE OLD PAN AM HIGHWAY

As most of you know, the Carrera was started by the Mexican government in 1950 to promote the use of the Pan-American Highway, a paved (mostly) two-laned highway that went from Ciudad Juarez, MX (El Paso, TX) down through the middle of the country to the border with Guatemala.

After 59 years there is not much of the original highway left. Much of the original road has been replaced by four-lane super highways and toll roads. But one lengthy stretch of the two-lane road remains suitable for racing down in the state of Oaxaca, and it very special to those with the Carrera spirit. For a while, we though we might miss it this year.

On the first afternoon of competition, we will run the old Pan Am highway from Tehuantepec to Oaxaca. This is one of the last stretches of the original Pan Am highway that to be completed. They raced on it in 1950 and we have returned many times since them. It's around 250 KM long and it’s exciting, especially when the afternoon sun makes it hot and slick.

This highway cuts through the mountains, starting near sea level and climbing to over 6000 feet in places, before it gets to Oaxaca -- at a little over 5,000 feet. We'll pass through some spectacular river valleys and quaint villages. It’s a poor, sparely populated area, but the people are friendly and wave when we pass through their lives annually.

This road is being replaced by a new toll road to the east, so we expect the old Pan Am highway to stay pretty much the same, even with its Hotel California (!), for racing in future years. Amen!


**REMEMBERING BOBBY JOHNSON

Yesterday I was talking about the Pan Am with a good friend who has been a little under the weather. He looked at me with a glint in his eyes, and said, “Gerie, I enjoy the racing but I really want to go back to Mexico to see all my friends.” He went on to explain that they are (mostly) guys and “rachetheads” like him, who love the old cars and the adventure.

For me, too, our circle of Pan Am friends is the most important thing now. If I did not go, I would really miss seeing them. Many I will see only this one week out of the year, when we are together, catching up on our lives, suffering together, while we share our passion for this great event.

Sadly, we won’t be able to share this passion this year or ever again with a special Carrera friend, Bobby Johnson. Like many of my Pan Am buddies, I did not much about Bobby, but I knew he was a good guy. We spent a lot of time back in 2002-2004 discussing how to revive the Original Pan Am class. In those years, only two or three OPA cars started the event, and about none finished it. In particular, we agreed that OPA should be a featured, competitive class, and not just a bunch of rusty relics. So I starting promoting it, and Bobby rebuilt his Hudson.

Bobby would compete in his Hudson several times and would remain a true purist. He did not like the fact that the organizers were allowing disc brakes and many other concessions to the modern world, like electronic ignition. Now, he said, there is not much difference between OPA and Historic C, but the OPA cars look good!

Sadly, Bobby, a young man, died last month of a head injury sustained I was told --believe it or not—in a bicycle race. His beautiful wife, Zoya, is devestated, of course. We wish her well.

I last saw Bobby at the Chihuahua Express in 2007. He was quietly there, with a smile on his face, helping Todd Landon’s crew work on Mustangs. I regret only never having a chance to say goodbye after than race. I miss his smiling face and his purist passion for La Carrera! But I look forward to seeing those who will keep the passion alive this year. (His photo is above.)

**DISCOVERY CHANNEL DVD AVAILABLE

The Discovery Channel has been showing a series called “GT Racer” that is focused on some of the great historic auto races. The fourth in the series this year was the Panamericana, which aired last weekend (Sept. 25-27).

The four-DVD Box Set—the first two seasons--is available on Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com/GT-Racer-Gregoire-Audi/dp/B002O0QPVW
and through the Discovery Channel Store:
http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=109167&v=discovery

At the Discovery Channel Store the DVD Box Set can also be phone ordered by calling 1.800.627.9399
Trailers: www.GTRacerTV.com
LeMans: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeBqcwldxxY
Nordschleife: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGGyekPdjaQ
Magny Cours: www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4swAYX_Edw
Carerra Panamericana: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuEH9f7XdLM

John Galt Films, Inc. is the New York City based boutique production company behind the program. Owner Alexander Davidis writes, directs and produces the GT RACER TV-series. He can be reached at info@johngaltfilms.com or by phone: +1 (212) 744.7441.

The Pan Am show focused on the two Mustangs and a Falcon fabricated and prepped by Todd Landon up in Minnesota. Contact him to rent a 'Stang or Falcon at aoldb://mail/write/TALandon@landolakes.com.


**GET READY FOR NEXT YEAR

Next year – 2010 – is the “reunion” year for La Carrera. It is time to get that old Carrera car out of the garage, update the rollcage and engine, and get it ready for the race. And if you are thinking about entering a new car, get it ready and tested early in the year.

Do not hesitate. The time available to complete your buckwet list is not increasing.

With the economy improving, now is the time for all good men (and women) to rekindle the passion of the Pan Am before it is too late.

Let’s fill the grid from North American next year and revive old friendships. Who knows, we may never have another chance.

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS

Can’t get it together for the Pan Am this year? Need to sample a little of Mexico before taking the Carrera plunge? Try the Chihuahua Express.

As the name suggests, this is the quick and easy way to test your car and learn how to stage rally without devoting three weeks of your life and mucho dinero to an expediton into the Mexican jungle and hopefully back.

The Express packs 1000 miles of racing and around 325 miles of top speed stages into three days—only 145 miles west of Texas. On top of that, the racers return to the same bunk each night. How cool is that!

Contact organizer Chacho Medina if interested at chachomedina@sporcar.com or gbledso@aol.com. The Express is also affiliated with the Silver State Classic. The entry fee is only $2000, which does not include hotels.


**FOR SALE

Todd Landon, up in Minnesota, has a couple of really nice Mustangs for sale or lease for the race. Todd’s cars have finished in the top five overall on a regular basis.

Mats Hammarlund, down in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is opening a huge shop, and plans to build more Studebakers for the Pan Am and the Chihuahua Express. Mats is looking for qualified driver-partners for these cars.

Will Kendall, in L.A., has a great ’64 Ford Falcon with Carrera history for sale. Will says it is ready to race this year. Ring him at 310.740.2100 or email him at info@paix.com. Will’s summary follows:

• Professionally built, RACE-READY Ford Falcon -- one of the most beautiful, best prepared, and seriously fast (475+ bhp) Historic C-class Falcons in existence.
• 20th Anniversary La Carrera Panamericana competitor. Passed tech that year. Ready to take the podium this year!
• Historic U.S. open-track racer (home track: Laguna Seca).
• Recently completed extensive professional rebuild by MAECO Motorsport -- the premier U.S. specialist in performance modifications and vintage race preparation for V8 powered American Pony Cars.
• Less than 100 miles on NEW Ford Racing, Maeco built 302 c.i. engine and mechanicals.
• Street legal: set-up for high-test pump OR race gas to enable multiple race/rally event entries.
• Full spec sheet, documentation, professional build records, and race history available to serious buyers.
• Over $75K invested. Selling for close to half of car's replacement cost, not including significant build-time and multiple Carrera experts' knowledge and input guiding build.
• Privately for sale and viewable in Los Angeles area @ $45K/BO. (For the 2009 Pan Am only, Will is offering a one-time 10% discount to Carrera race veterans.)

**OUR FAVORITE CHARITY GIRL

Guadalupe “Lupita” Hernandez Ramirez, a Mexican Red Cross nurse, lost both legs at the hip in 2003 when a Pan Am car hit a puddle of oil and spun off the road, pinning Lupita to an ambulance. Since then North American and Canadian competitors have vowed to support her. Right now, her trust fund, monitored by Doug Mockett and Oscar Carillo, only produces about $50 in interest every eight weeks. We need to increase the balance. Please send your contributions to:

Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez
c/o Ms. Fanny Davila
South Bay Bank
2200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501

Be generous!

**LEGAL STUFF

Auto racing in any form is dangerous, the Pan Am is no exception. Make sure your car and your body are well prepared, and use them carefully.

Anyone who enters the race is obligated to read and agree to abide by the official rules of the race. Go to http://www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx/ and click on English and Rules.

Also, all competitors are solely responsible for getting their cars into the county and down the starting line.


**CONTACT INFORMATION

If you change email addresses, please let CARRERA NEWS know. Once you register for the race, you will also receive CARRERA DRIVER, which contain much more detailed information about the race and how to prepare your car.

Feel free to send CARRERA NEWS to your friends and racing buddies. This newsletter is posted on the web site http://www.panamrace.com/.

At this point, I have no firm information about the event in 2009, but I will start accepting applications and deposits of $500 on January 1. No, I do not know what the entry fee will be next year.

Saludos,

Gerie Bledsoe

North American Coordinator

There is still time to enter!

Carrera News

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 Labor Day Special

**THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER

**PRE-RACE FAVORITE

**TRAVELING WITH THE COYOTE CONVOY

**SAFETY AND SECURITY IN MEXICO

**CARRERA FIESTA IN SEATTLE, SEPT. 27

**CARRERA CARS ON TV

**SILVER STATE CLASSIC

**NEW DVD FOR SALE

**MUSTANG AVAILABLE FOR THE RACE

**CAMARO FOR SALE

**CONTACT INFO

**THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER

President Eduardo “Lalo” de Leon continues to project a starting grid of nearly one hundred cars for the 22d running of La Carrera Panamericana, despite the worldwide recession. However, he is still accepting selected entries.

North America (the USA and Canada) will contribute 40-42 cars to the starting grid. Two or three more guys say they are going to make it if their cars are ready. In most years, the North American contingent makes up about 50% of the grid. If this trend persists, the starting grid in 2009 could be less than ninety.

Bottom line? Entries are still being accepted at a slightly discounted rate. Now that the market has recovered, there is still time to check the Pan Am off your bucket list!

Need a car? Check below for Mustangs for rent or lease.

**LOOKING OVER THE FIELD

Bill Beilharz, the 2008 Carrera Champion, has been unable to find a sponsor for this year and will not be returning to defend his title. Pierre d’Thoisy will also not be returning, and rumors of his retirement from racing are circulating widely. Pierre competed in over 400 endurance races, including vintage Le Mans, and won the Pan Am several times, both as a piloto and co-piloto.

The pre-race favorite this year must be Gabriel Pérez Torres in his new Turismo Mayor Studebaker. Not only does he have the advantage of a new car and a recent victory in Chihuahua, but his co-piloto, Horacio Chousal, also compiles the route book for the Pan Am.

It’s difficult to bet against this combination of power, skill, experience, and inside knowledge. Yet there are several others capable of winning. My annual handicapper’s edition of CARRERA NEWS will be out soon.

**TRAVELING WITH THE COYOTE CONVOY

By October 14 the forty or so Carrera cars from the U.S. and Canada will be heading towards Mexico. About half of these cars will convene in Laredo, Texas, on October 16 to form the Coyote Convoy for the trip down to Huatulco, the start of the Pan Am. The other half will be bumping along on large car haulers.

The Coyote Convoy is open to anyone with an interest in traveling down for the race, whether competitor, support crew, or spectator. A few seats in service vehicles are available, too, if you want to leave your Galardo at home.

The convoy will cross the border on October 17 and stop 540 miles down the road in San Miguel de Allende for two nights of R and R. The Carrera cars will be displayed in the main square in the main square of this beautiful colonial city to help raise funds for children’s charities on the 18th.

The caravan will then drive around Mexico City on a new toll road to stop for the night in the city of Oaxaca, October 19, in time to explore the city a little. It will arrive in Huatulco, our Pacific resort destination, on October 20.

If you are interested in traveling with the convoy, email me at gbledso@aol.com for more information. It’s a great way to see Mexico and meet the guys (and a few neat gals) who make this race happen.

**SAFETY AND SECURITY IN MEXICO

The Coyote Convoy is one of the ways that risk can be managed before and during La Carrera Panamericana. In addition to traveling together during the day and avoiding rough 'hoods at night, most of the rest is exercising common sense or “street smarts,” like staying out of “Boys Town” and dark cul de sacs.

Public security in Tuxtla Gutierrez last year was very high, as paramilitary forces with automatic weapons guarded the paddock area. Mexican state troopers, the Federales, along with local cops were stationed all along the race route. We expect the same level of protection this year.

The violence in Mexico is almost exclusively the result of the government’s attempt, at the behest of the U.S., to suppress the drug traffic across the border. This has sparked pitched battles between the Mexican police, army, and cartel gunman, but also to fighting among cartel lieutenants over control, after their bosses are killed and captured. In a few rare cases, the gunfire has killed innocent bystanders.

While there are no guarantees, the Carrera has been able to avoid any problems like these, simply because of its nature. It’s a quasi-organized horde of 300 racecars, support vehicles, police cars, and hangers-on moving quickly from one town to another, usually with a certain amount of fanfare. This is not a conducive situation for the criminal element, except perhaps a few pickpockets who might work the crowds when this colorful horde arrives in the next city.

Of concern this year is the return of swine flu. So far this form of the flu does not seem to pose a danger to healthy people, but certain precautions should be taken – like surgical masks and hand sanitizing jell in each racecar and support vehicle. If the flu returns with a vengeance in Mexico, we can also expect the government again to ban large crowds and public festivities, other than a race like LCP. Thus the competitors won’t be “wet” kissing many babes – of any age – this year.

**PAN AM TOUR

Another way to travel smart in Mexico is to ride someone who knows her way around. Señora Rosa María Mondragón has seats in her car open for the Pan Am Tour.Rosa María was the P.R. director for the event for years and has been a competitor, too. She charges $1350 for the Tour—the 1900 miles and seven days of the race. Her services are especially recommended for photographers and others who want to get close to the action. Contact her at racecarmedia@yahoo.com.mx. She will also meet you in San Miguel de Allende if you are traveling with the Coyote Convoy.

The alternative is leaving your wife home for two weeks with the club’s pro and all your credit cards.

**CARRERA FIESTA IN SEATTLE, SEPTEMBER 27

Carreraistas in the Northwest will gather on Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 PM to celebrate the race. The site is an Irish pub (!) near SEATAC, which specializes in green tacos. The organizer of the event is Carrera veteran and blogger Marcia Blas. For more info, email her at mjb@roadrallyrhythms.com. The group will also watch GT Race at 5:00 PM that evening (see below).

**CARRERA CARS ON TV

The Discovery Channel has a new series called “GT Racer.” The series will start on September 4 and features historic racing venues, like Le Mans. On September 25, at 8 PM, the series will focus on La Carrera Panamericana and one of the cars and crew in the 2008 race.

If you live in or near the Rockies, you may also watch the awesome run by Carrera cars up Pikes Peak back on July 19 on Altitude TV this month. Altitude TV – as the name suggests – is seen primarily in the Rockies, plus Kansas, Nebraska and parts of Nevada. It's available on Comcast cable and Dish TV in this region. Good vids are also available on YouTube.

Sept 6 at 1:00pmMTSept 6 at 8:00pmMTSept 7 at 5:00pmMTSept 11 at 12:00pmMTSept 13 at 6:00pmMT

**CARRERA VIDEO AVAILABLE

A professional quality DVD on the 2007 Pan Am is available in “Rebirth of a Legend: The Story of La Carrera Panamericana.” The disc has some great historical footage of the original race, but primarily tells the story of Gary Faule’s adventures in the race in 2007 in his Mustang “Lucky.” To view a teaser and order a copy for $29.95 go to:

http://www.strangemedia.com/Strange_Media/Shop_-_Rebirth_LCP.html

Unlike so many videos of this race, this one has a happy, Hollywood ending when Gary finishes in the top ten overall and on the podium in Historic C—no mean feat for a “rookie.” It also explains how the race really works and the importance of the relationship between the driver and navigator.

Perhaps because the producer-writer-editor was the navigator and a racecar driver, you are made to understand and fully appreciate the fundamental role of the navigator in a rally car.

The DVD offers extensive footage of the Mustang and other cars racing down the mountains, and a lengthy tribute to Will Faules, Gary’s son and Carrera crew of one.

A few pithy comments by the somewhat garrulous but always officious North American Coordinator managed to avoid ending up on the cutting rooms floor, too. (Thanks for the soft light and fuzzy resolution, Mr. Director.)

**MUSTANG AVAILABLE FOR THE RACE

Todd Landon has a hot Mustang GT fastback available to rent or lease for the race. Last year, one of Todd’s cars, driven by Richard Tyzack, finished 1st in class and 6th overall. In 2007 that car was 2d in class and 4th overall.

Todd can deliver the car in Ft. Worth, Texas, or even at the start of the race for someone who wants to “arrive and drive” -- at a very reasonable cost.

Email Todd at TALandon@landolakes.com or call him at 952-250-7948.

**OUR FAVORITE CHARITY

Guadalupe “Lupita” Hernandez Ramirez, a Mexican Red Cross nurse, lost both legs at the hip in 2003 when a Pan Am car hit a puddle of oil, spun off the road, and pinned Lupita to a Red Cross ambulance.

Since then North American and Canadian competitors, with the support a Mexican racing club, have vowed to support her. Currently, her trust fund, monitored by Doug Mockett and Oscar Carillo, produces less than $50 in interest every eight weeks. We need to increase the balance. Please send your contributions to:

Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirezc/o Ms. Fanny DavilaSouth Bay Bank2200 Sepulveda Blvd.Torrance, CA 90501

**SILVER STATE CLASSIC SET TO GO

The next Silver State Classic from Ely to Las Vegas is scheduled for September 17-20, 2009. For more information go to http://www.sscc.us/. The organizers of the Silver State are Carrera competitor Steve Waldman and his bride, Gail. The Silver State is also linked to the Chihuahua Express.

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS

Can’t get it together for the Pan Am this year? Need to sample a little of Mexico before taking the Carrera plunge? Try the Chihuahua Express, March 19-21, 2010.

As the name suggests, this is the quick and easy way to test your car and learn how to stage rally without devoting three weeks of your life and mucho dinero to an expediton into the Mexican jungle.

The Express packs 1000 miles of driving, including around 325 miles of top speed racing, into three days. And we are only 145 miles west of Texas. Importantly, the racers return to the same bunk each night. How cool is that!

Contact organizer Chacho Medina if interested at chachomedina@sporcar.com or gbledso@aol.com. The Express is also part of the Silver State Classic’s International Series.

**CAMARO FOR SALE

’93 Camaro Z-28 for sale. $4900. Slate gray. This is a road course track car--built for NASA’s Camaro-Mustang Challenge. It has a stock LT1 injected engine (de-smogged), upgraded suspension, and brakes. Full roll cage and two competition seats, with current belts.

In 2007 this car finished 6th overall in the Chihuahua Express. It’s a great car for a beginner. Recently serviced. Contact gbledso@aol.com.

**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

http://www.panamrace.com/

http://www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx/

Car #395, 11th Year

To call the Carrera Office in Mexico City dial 1-310-860-6959. That is a Vonage number via Santa Monica, California.

To make hotel reservations for the Carrera, Oct. 20-29, contact Monica Grossman at monica.grossman@yahoo.com.mx.

Monterey Historics
Carrera Corral 2009

For the third consecutive year Bill Hemmer and Adriana Robles hosted the Carrera Panamericana Corral at the Historic Races in Monterey, CA. For the second time we gathered at Tarpy’s Road House, an excellent venue. Except for a little early morning smoke from the forest fires to the north, the weather was again perfect.

This year Bill worked out a creative arrangement with the Ventana winery shop next to Tarpy’s that including a wine tasting and additional parking for our Carrera cars. He also arranged a super audio-video set up independent of the restaurant’s system so we could both see and hear the videos.

This was a special year for Bill and Adriana because the featured marque of the Historics was Porsche. Bill and Adriana have competed in two Carreras in Porsches, including their last Pan Am in 2007 in a Porsche 550 carrying the livery of a Mexican car in 1953. Adriana, as co-piloto, is always quite the hit with young Mexican girls.

Bill was also working hard to arrange a tour and corral of Porsches in the city of Monterey on Saturday evening.

The Carrera corral also took on a special purpose this year when we decided to include a $5 contribution to Lupita Hernandez, the Mexican nurse who lost both her legs in a Carrera accident in 2003. This bumped the price of a ticket from $35 to $40, which still reasonable for the setting, three drinks, lots of good food, a neat set of souvenirs, and the a-v set up.

Lupita appreciates your generosity and Bill and Adriana’s hard work.

For a variety of reasons, ticket sales and attendance at the corral were somewhat less than we had planned. The races at Laguna Seca were running way behind schedule, so some participants, including an original Pan Am Porsche, were tied up all day at the track. Others simply dropped by to say hello and bought a drink at the bar, rather than buying a corral ticket and making a contribution. All told we probably had about the same number of people attend as last year, but cash receipts were down a bit.

Regardless, the event was a success for the true Carreraistas who attended. It was great being able to see old friends and view some nice video and photos, including the teaser—with sound—of Gary Faules’ Pan Am expedition in 2007. Contact Gary at faules44@ aol.com, to buy a copy of his first-rate DVD.

All of this would not have been possible without the hard work of Bill, Adriana, and their friends like Don. We salute them today for demonstrating the true “Spirit of La Carrera.”

Bill is already making plans for the Carrera Corral next year – get this – at Laguna Seca racetrack. With the change in management, maybe we will be able to arrange a tent and corral at the track, plus a few exhibition laps on track for our Carrera cars. Perhaps the Carrera organizers in Mexico will even participate. Wouldn’t that be special!

Thanks again Bill and Adriana!

Carrera Driver -- End of Summer Edition

CARRERA DRIVER

August 27, 2009

**COYOTE CONVOY PLANS
**AVOIDING MEXICO CITY
**NOTES ON THE PAN AM ROUTE
**RACING IN MEXICO CITY
**H.A.N.S REQUIRED
**MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE
**ZACATECAS—JEWEL OF THE ROUTE
**COOP POSTS PHOTOS OF 2008


**COYOTE CONVOY PLANS

The Coyote Convoy will gather at the Residence Inn del Mar in Laredo, Texas, at 9:00 PM, Friday, October 16. After an orientation, a group will wander across the border to obtain visas and car importation permits.

Walking across the border at night is always an adventure. Last year heavily armed Mexican army troops were guarding the Mexican Customs house in their armored personnel carriers, .50 cals at the ready, while young men—stripped to their shorts and carrying their clothes (?) in black plastic bags—jumped in the Rio Bravo to swim to the U.S. side.

On Saturday, October 17 the convoy will line up in the parking lot of the Residence Inn to drive across the border at 6:00 AM and around downtown Nuevo Laredo. The convoy will pause to re-group before going through the final Mexican Customs checkpoint about 18 miles outside of town.

From that checkpoint it should be smooth sailing down to San Miguel de Allende. Participants in the convoy may run ahead of the lead truck and set their own pace. There are now plenty of PEMEX gas stations and rest stops along this highway (#57).

The city of San Miguel de Allende--named a top-ten location to visit by Condé Nast magazine--is located only 20 miles off the main highway to Mexico City.

Those signing up from the convoy will receive a complete set of maps and instructions about the trip and what to expect. Anyone may join the convoy with prior approval, but the convoy is not responsible for anyone’s safety while traveling in Mexico.


**AVOIDING MEXICO CITY

As those who have towed their race cars to the start of the Pan Am know, the categorical imperative has been – STAY OUT OF MEXICO CITY!

There were several good reasons to find a way around this sprawling megapolis:
--22 million people, plus that many cars, trucks, motos, and wagons
--restrictions on when one may drive into the city (never in the AM)
--a highway system from the 18th century
--voracious, underpaid traffic police (who devour their young)

For several years the Coyote Convoy has followed the old truck route around Mexico City, a long tedious road. This route, a combination of two-lane highways and small cities, was literally a pain in the butt.

But our prayers and virtuous living have been rewarded: the Mexican government has just opened a new toll road (cuota) around Mexico City called the “Archo Norte.”

The new toll road starts near Tula (just north of Mexico City) and curves around Mexico City to the east and southeast to join the toll road to Puebla. Instead of four hours on the old truck route, it should take the Convoy about 1.5 hours to cover this distance.

Thus the convoy should arrive in Oaxaca City in time to see the famous sites in this beautiful colonial city, including the glorious Indian ruins of Monte Albán, just five miles outside of town.

**NOTES ON THE PAN AM ROUTE

Detailed information about the 2009 Pan Am route--hotels and such--remains difficult to obtain. If we are lucky the Carrera Office will send out a list of our hotel assignments before we leave home for the border. A little more information was recently posted in the official rules. Here are a few gleanings:

1. Huatulco – the navigators’ meeting is in the Hotel Barcelo. The parc fermé or paddock will be at the “Kiosko Parque Hundido Chahué,” which we believe is the old municipal parking lot near the marina and where the cruise ships dock at Hautulco-Chahué-Santa Cruz.

2. Oaxaca City – on the first night of the race, the driver’s meeting will be at the famous Hotel Camino Real in the old part of town. It’s a spectacular old convent, restored as a luxury hotel.

3. Mexico City – the race will end Saturday at the Santa Fe shopping center away from downtown in the chic ‘burbs. The driver’s meeting will be at the nearby Camino Real Santa Fe Hotel.

4. Queretaro – the usual hotels will probably be used, such as the two downtown Holiday and Fiesta Inns.

5. San Luís de Potosí – the driver’s meeting is at the Westin Hotel. Most of the hotels will be outside of the Centro Historico.

6. Guadalajara – the driver’s meeting will be at the Tequila Center (Cool! Bring your glass.)

7. Zacatecas – the drivers’ meeting will be back at the fabulous Quinta Real or bull ring hotel. (See story below. Keep your tequila cup handy.) Some of us will stay at the classic Emperio, as well.

8. Nuevo Laredo – the driver’s meeting will be at the Civic/Cultural Center outside of town. Last year we had a small SWAT team in the parking lot.

The route book should be posted on the official web site soon. Some sharp navigators print it out, and then divide it by days into separate binders that are easier to handle at high speed. (Thanks, Dy.)

**RACING IN MEXICO CITY

For the past two years the Pan Am cars have been invited by the mayor of Mexico City to race on the main freeway in his city, the Períferíco. Although they only closed 3.5 miles of this major highway for us, some Carrera cars reached speeds over 170 MPH. It was scary, but sorta cool. It also gave the race significant exposure on Mexican television.

Closing down this road at 9:00 AM on a Sunday morning was the moral equivalent of closing down I-10 in Los Angeles during Friday rush hour. Sunday morning is when half of the folks in Mexico City leave town to find clean air, picnic, or visit their little mama in “el campo.”

This year the Pan Am will not race on the Periferico. But do not despair; you will be provided an adequate substitute. The Carrera cars have been invited back to race on the famous track – “Dos Hermanos Rodriquez” – the same track used by the NASCAR Nationwide series and NASCAR Mexico. In fact, the Carrera cars will be an early morning warm up for a Mexican NASCAR race that Sunday.

Bring your Garmin GPS armed with up the most up-to-date Mexican maps from Mark Walker, Mexico Maps at http://www.mexicomaps.com/. Navigating through both Mexico City and Guadalajara are two big reasons to put a Garmin in your racecar this year. Finding the right entrance to the track will be a special challenge.

This is only the second time in my eleven years that the Carrera has been to Dos Hermanos. In 2006 we got onto the track right just after it rained and the results were “entertaining.” Beware: you will not get even one warm up lap.

In 2006 the Pan Am cars were sliding all over the wet track, as few drivers had any idea about how many laps they were to run or how to enter and exit the track. Pierre de Thoisy, the great Pan Am champion, won a big trophy for the fastest time at the track. Of course, “Lucky” Pierre had been at the track the weekend before getting in several dozen practice laps. Most of us amateurs had no idea what to expect or where to turn, especially when we were unable to see anything but water spray. Let’s hope it does not rain this year, so we can enjoy this impressive track in the heart of Mexico City.

**H.A.N.S REQUIRED

Eduardo Leon, the President of La Carrera Panamericana, has reminded all competitors that head and neck restraints will be required in all classes this year. The two approved devices are the HANS and Leatt brace. Mr. Leon also mentioned that any device approved by the FIA would be acceptable. He also mentioned a HANS-clone, the “DefNder,” that might be acceptable since it is SFI rated, but he did not know about others sold in the U.S., including the Safety Solutions R-3.

The Leatt brace will be for sale in Huatulco.

**MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE

If you are driving a car or tow truck into Mexico, you need to purchase Mexican auto insurance. It’s easy:

All you need is a VIN and credit card. Go to http://www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace.

Bajabound.com, an insurance broker in San Diego, will offer you several insurance companies and various levels of coverage from which to choose. In some cases, you will decide how much your car and tow rig are worth for coverage purposes, if you buy comprehensive and collision.

Your Mexican coverage should start the day you cross the border, like October 16 or 17, and end on October 30, when most of us will cross the border back into the U.S.

In Huatulco, during registration, you must show proof of Mexican liability insurance in order to obtain the official decals for your service vehicle. This rule was firmly enforced for the past couple of years.

Although liability insurance is not required on your race car, if you plan on testing your car in Huatulco before the race starts, you might obtain Mexican insurance for it for those days. (I purchase liability insurance on my race car for the whole period, just in case.)
Mexican car insurance, like U.S. insurance, does not cover the car or driver when engaged in racing.


**ZACATECAS—JEWEL OF THE ROUTE

Of all the beautiful colonial cities along the route, Zacatecas remains the favorite of the great majority of Carrera drivers and their crew members. It is a pristine, world-class city in ever respect.

Underneath Zacatecas is the largest silver mine in the Western Hemisphere. It pumped tons of the precious metal into the coffers of the kings of Spain and the government in Mexico City. Today the mine is closed, except for tours and maybe a disco, but the city remains a beautiful monument to the accumulation of capital, not unlike Salamanca and Pienza.

Located on the side of a mountain at 8,000+ feet, Zacatecas can make you heart pump more rapidly after the slightest exertion. On the night of Oct. 28, the Carreraistas will follow a burro and small band through the city’s narrow streets, drinking cheap tequila until they crawl into the bullring patio of the famous Quinta Real Hotel, one of the top ten romantic places in the world, where dinner and trophies will be served. Bring your fur-lined banana hammocks boys, ‘cause it will be chilly. It is always a night to remember, regardless how the evening ends.

During the Pan Am races of 1999-2005, the Carrera stopped for two nights in Zacatecas, but under current management, our stay has been reduced, alas, to only one night.

**COOP’S 2008 PHOTOS POSTED

Chris Cooper, Los Angeles hot rod artist, illustrator, and photographer—navigator in car #395—has recently posted several hundred more photos of the 2008 race, including the Carrera Car Show in San Miguel de Allende. To check out Coop’s pics go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/coop666/3859370933/. Coop will be back in car #395 this year in Hautulco, with his cameras. One of his photos of the car show in the main square in San Miguel is above.

This email has been sent to those registered as competitors in the 2009 Pan Am race, crew members, and support services. Please do not post it on blogs or web sites, as it will be posted on http://www.panamrace.com/.

Only 57 days before the race starts! Are you ready?

© Gerie Bledsoe 2009



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Rally Mexico Bulletin

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS -- DISCOUNT ENDS SOON

You have until the end of this month (August) to take advantage of the discounted $1800 registration fee for the Chihuahua Express, March 19-21, 2010. Just hit the reply button to obtain an entry form and FAQ about this great event.

Express organizer Chacho Medina invites all his friends north of the border to return for the fourth year of this classic event.

The Express offers three days of racing over 1,000 miles, with about 325 miles of top speed stages. Just about any car -- year or model -- is eligible. Carrera cars run in their own classes, while modern cars are placed in appropriate classes based on engine size.

The event was just about as perfect as it could be last spring. The weather was spectacular. The roads were in great shape. The event organization was strong, and the electronic timing system worked well. Mr. Medina is open to suggestions to make the event even better, and he pledges to refund the entry of any competitor whose car is seriously damaged in the Pan Am race this October. Contact him at chachomedina@sporcar.com.

Chihuahua City is only 145 miles from Presidio, Texas, and 220 from Santa Teresa, New Mexico. And the route also includes racing into the famous Copper Canyon.

**CARRERA FIESTA -- MONTEREY HISTORICS, AUG. 15

More than forty-five tickets have been sold for the La Carrera Fiesta and Corral at Tarpy's Road House Restaurant in Monterey on Saturday, August 15, 2:30-6:30. Tickets will be sold at the door for $45, plus a $5 donation to our favorite worthy cause, Lupita.

A wide range of Carrera cars will be on display in the corral, including a 356 Porsche that participated in the original Carrera in 1953.

Tarpy's is located at 2999 Salinas-Monterey Highway #68 -- the road from Monterey to Laguna Seca.

All proceeds go to support Lupita Hernandez, the Mexican nurse who lost both legs as the result of a crash in 2004. If you cannot attend the Fiesta, you may make a contribution via http://www.paypal.com/. Just send your contribution ($10-100+) to gbledso@aol.com. All contributions will be proudly acknowledged.

**CELL PHONE SERVICE IN MEXICO

Making plans to attend La Carrera Panamericana in October and worried about staying in touch with your family back home? Here's a link to a handy guide to the use of a cell phone in Mexico. It's provided by our preferred insurance company Bajabound.

http://www.bajabound.com/before/aboutmex/phoneguide/cellphonebaja.php


**CAR INSURANCE IN MEXICO

All vehicles crossing into Mexico from the U.S. and Canada should be covered by Mexican car insurance. U.S. insurance is not valid in Mexico.

Mexican car insurance works just like U.S. insurance. You may choose among levels of liability coverage, as well as collision and comprehensive coverage. The insurance is sold by the day, week, month, or six-month period.

The easiest way to buy insurance on your tow vehicle and racecar is to go to http://www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace, and select from one of four or five insurance companies and level of coverage. All you need is the VIN and credit card. You may also call them for help at 1.888.552.2252.

Actually, most of these Mexican companies are owned by U.S. enterprises. Bajabound, located in San Diego, is one of the only companies that sells car insurance online for cars made before 1981.

Insurance on your tow or service vehicle is required by La Carrera Panamericana. Coverage on your racecar is not required, but recommended. The Mexican car insurance policy does NOT cover anyone while racing, but only when the car is being driven before or after the event, or by someone other than the registered driver and co-driver. When racing the car is covered by the event's liability insurance.


**GPS SOFTWARE FOR MEXICO

The latest software for Garmin GPS units is available from Mexico Maps of Santa Barbara, CA. Contact Mark Walker at 805-687-1011 or email mwalker@mexicomaps.com. Mark will guarantee that you will receive the latest update of this software. Other retailers cannot make this guarantee because the software is updated several times a year, and the GPS units offered by the larger companies are likely to have an older version installed.

Garmin GPS software is not particularly useful when you are racing in the speed stages, but it can be extremely useful when trying to find your way through Mexico City or Guadalajara. Each racecar and service truck should be so equipped. Garmin GPS units -- the more basic models -- cost around $200, and you can obtain the maps for Mexico on a SD memory card, which you simply slip into the Garmin.

**PAN AM TOUR

If you or a friend want to observe the Pan Am this year, especially if you want to take action photos of the racing, you should contact Rosa Maria Mondragon at racecarmedia@yahoo.com.mx. Rosa Maria, a rally driver and former PR director of the event, is offering a private tour of the route. The cost is $1350 for the week of the race -- in a car. Hotel accommodations are extra. This too will be an adventure!

**2009 EVENT MAY CLOSE SOON

At this point there are about ninety paid entries for the Carrera, according to President Eduardo "Lalo" Leon. But another fifteen or more potential competitors have made a deposit or otherwise made a commitment to participate. If you are in either of these categories, you should finish the application process, or you may find the event closed.

There are only 72 days to go before the race starts on Oct. 23 in Huatulco, Mexico. Ready yet?

Gerie Bledsoe
650-726-9890
http://www.panamrace.com/

CARRERA NEWS
July 28, 2009

**MONTEREY CARRERA FIESTA DEADLINE
**PAN AM ENTRIES APPROACH 100
**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 19-20, 2010
**COYOTE CONVOY PLANS
**PIKES PEAK RESULTS
**WATCHING THE PAN AM
**CLASSIFIEDS
**CONTACT INFO

**MONTEREY CARRERA FIESTA DEADLINE

The third annual Carrera Fiesta and Corral at the Monterey Historic races is schedule for Saturday, August 15. The deadline for purchasing a ticket for the event is August 10. The tickets are $40, which includes a contribution of $5 for Lupita Hernandez, the Mexican nurse who lost her legs in a Pan Am racing accident in 2003. At the door, the tickets will be $50, including the $5 contribution.

The fiesta will be at Tarpy’s Road House Restaurant on the highway (#68) from Monterey to the racetrack at Laguna Seca and Salinas. Tarpy's is set back a little from the highway in an oak grove at 2999 Monterey Salinas Highway. It is just west of the junction of #68 with Canyon del Rey. Telephone 831-647-1444.

Our hosts again are Bill Hemmer and Adriana Robles, residents of Monterey, who have participated in two Pan Am races. Bill may be reached at bekgroup@gmail.com.

Pan Am cars, including a Porsche that competed in the original race in 1953, will be on display. Attractions include a wine tasting and video presentations.

You may purchase your tickets by PayPal.com or credit card. gbledso@aol.com

**PAN AM ENTRIES APPROACH 100

Eduardo Leon, president of the organizing committee of the Pan Am, announced that ninety-eight competitors have signed up for the event and that it is virtually closed to new entries. These results are something of a pleasant surprise in this period of economic depression, but welcome news for Mr. Leon, his family, and Mexico.

At this point, there are only two open slots in the event, which will start at the Pacific resort area of Huatulco on October 23 and end in Nuevo Laredo on October 29.

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 19-20, 2010

Chacho Medina, the organizer of the Chihuahua Express, has announced that the dates for the race next year will be March 19-21, 2010.

The entry fee, if paid by August 30, will be $1800. After that it goes to $2000. This fee covers around 1000 miles of racing, including about 325 miles of top speed stages, during the three days. Hotel accommodations are extra. http://www.chihuahuaexpress.com/.

For more information contact gbledso@aol.com or chachomedina@sporcar.com.

The Express is open to cars of all ages. A roll cage is required for competition, but a Tour and T/D rally are also offered for the less adventuresome, at a much lower subscription fee.

The Express is also a part of the International Series of the Silver State Classic Challenge.

**COYOTE CONVOY PLANS

The Coyote Convoy is the safe, fun way to travel into Mexico and down to the start of the race in Huatulco, on the shores of the Pacific.

The convoy will gather in Laredo, Texas on Friday, October 16 at the Residence Inn Del Mar and cross into Mexico early Saturday, October 17.

After the 540 mile drive to San Miguel de Allende, the pristine colonial city made famous by Condé Nast magazine, the convoy will rest for two nights, while enjoying this famous site. Our Carrera cars will be on display in the main square of town on Sunday 10-3.

On Monday, October 19, the convoy will head down to the city of Oaxaca, where it will stop for the night. It will arrive in Huatulco the following day, Tuesday, October 20. The race begins on Friday, October 23.

The convoy is open to competitors, friends, and spectators. There is no charge to accompany the caravan. Hotel arrangements are available through the North American Coordinator.

**PIKES PEAK RESULTS

Satisfaction eluded Doug Mockett on Pikes Peak this year when he was unable to defend his title as the fastest vintage car up this famous mountain. Doug and his accomplished co-piloto Angélica Fuentes were leading 2.1 seconds in their ’54 “Olds” at the first split, but lost time in the middle of the course. They made up some time in the final stage to end only 1.60 seconds (14:16) behind a Ford Falcon Sprint driven by Keith Davidson, a local. Doug noted that his car was losing grip in the hard granite gravel at the higher elevations.

Jon Lecarner and Michael Sharp finished in fourth in their red Falcon with a respectable time of 15:26. Chris Salyer and Wiley Carlile in their ’53 Corvette posted a 15:29 for fifth. Frank McKinnon and Dean Smith cruised his Dean’s DeSoto at 18:32, while Doug Allen and Chip Johns had some hard luck in their cars and were both listed as DNF. Spectators trying to cross the road forced Doug off the road into the trees, causing only minor damage to his Mustang, while Chip reportedly bent his suspension on some curbing.

Other Carrera vets included Charles Breed and Ed Gaven in the Exhibition Class. Charles went up the mountain in his winged Lucra-Lister powered by a Corvette 427 in only 14:53, while Ed coaxed his Factory Five Cobra up the hill in 15:49.

The fastest trip was again recorded by Nobuhiro Tajima in 10:15 in a double winged Suzuki with 1100 HP, while Marcos Gronholom was clocked in 11:28 is his 800 HP Ford Festiva rally car.

Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8nptFx1jug to see a great video of Gronholom’s run. (Just another day in the office for these guys!)

For an excellent collection of Pikes Peak photos, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_rogers/sets/72157621576300548/

**WATCHING THE PAN AM –THE PANA TOUR

Being a spectator at the Pan Am is difficult because, after the racecars go by you one time, you become trapped behind the race. This is especially true in the more remote areas of the country, where there is only one highway, which is closed for the race. In the more populated areas, it is often possible to get ahead of the race again using the toll roads, if you have an experienced driver.

Sign up for the Pan Am Tour with Rosa María Mondragón, the former P.R. director for the event. She will get you close to the action. Rosa Maria will be greeting the Coyote Convoy in San Miguel de Allende and will follow the race back from Huatulco.

Her service is highly recommended for photographers and others who want to be able to capture the action close-up. The cost for the entire week of the event will be $1350 USD. You will also need to make hotel reservations at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx.

Contact Rosa Maria directly at racecarmedia@yahoo.com.mx. She will provide something of an adventure! BTW, she is a licensed rally driver and has competed in two Pan Am races as a navigator.

**CLASSIFIEDS

Check the U.S. web site www.panamrace.com for cars for sale. Also the official site in Mexico. http://www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx/

I have experienced co-drivers ready to go, and one opportunity to share the driving.

Mustang-Falcon builder Todd Landon in Minnesota also has cars that are ready to be leased for this year’s event or the Chihuahua Express – for full competition or for Exhibition. TALandon@landolakes.com

Viva la Carrera Panamericana, the Mexican Road Race.