CARRERA NEWS

CARRERA NEWS
JUNE 6, 2011 D-Day Edition

**CARRERA CITY: GUANAJUATO
**JOIN THE PRE-RACE TOUR
**COYOTE CONVOY
**PAN AM CARS AT PIKES PEAK, JUNE 26
**LCP RULES – SLOW DOWN!
**TWO SLOTS OPEN FOR LCP 2011
**CLASSIFIEDS
**LEGAL
**CONTACT INFORMATION


**CARRERA CITY: GUANAJUATO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**COYOTE CONVOY

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

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

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

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

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

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

**LCP RULES – SLOW DOWN!

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

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

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

**TWO SLOTS OPEN FOR 2011 LCP

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


**CLASSIFIEDS: CARS FOR SALE

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

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

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

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

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

’53 Studebaker Commander. $120,000. Finished to your specifications: color and FIA seats and racing harness fitment. This car won the La Carrera Panamericana championship in 2008 and qualified first in 2010. Finish will be as good/better than 2010.
The car has been re-bodied and completely rebuilt since the 2010 event. It is now even faster and safer. The price includes a spares package and delivery/service is available. A build sheet is available. Completely Carrera-legal in all respects and guaranteed to pass all tech inspections. Needs nothing but you to win again. A rental arrangement for 2011 is a possibility. Contact Bill Beilharz, bbeilharz@aol.com or 602-320-5173 (Phoenix).


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

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

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


 
**LEGAL

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

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

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

**CONTACT INFORMATION

Gerie Bledsoe, Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express
USPO address: 220 N. Zapata Hwy Ste 11
PMB 68B
Laredo, TX 78043
1-650-525-9190 (Home office)
Number in Mexico +52-415-185-8470
Mailing Address in Mexico (FedEx, UPS only):
La Quinta Prolong. 5-A
Centro-Ojo de Agua
San Miguel de Allende
37700 GTO
Mexico
Phone: 415-185-8470
Email: gbledso@aol.com
Skype: gerie.bledsoe
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
www.chihuahuaexpress.com

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

CARRERA NEWS -- Post Race Re-Cap

2010 Winner Harri Rovanpera (right)and fiend Marc Devis

CARRERA NEWS
November 2010 Veterans’ Day Edition



**ACT FAST, 2011 PAN AM WILL SELL OUT QUICKLY

Based on the past two years’ registration, the thirty slots allocated to Canada and the USA will sell out quickly. If you want to nail down a spot, send in an entry form and non-refundable deposit of $500 by December 14. This will hold your place until the early entry period closes. Fees and discounts have not been announced yet, nor the route. That news is not expected until January. The dates for 2011 are posted on the web site as October 21-27, 2011. The Organizers reserve the right to approve all entries.

**2010 PAN AM RE-CAP

One hundred and fifteen cars started the 2010 Carrera Panamericana in Tuxtla Gutierrez on October 22 for the 335 mile leg to Oaxaca, across roads damaged by hurricanes and tropical storms.

Twenty-seven of these cars did not finish the first day. Early casualties included Brad Kaplan and Derek Dwyer in their beautiful ’54 Lincoln. Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes, among the pre-race favorites, suffered a broken differential on the way to the starting line. They would return to the race the following date, only to suffer an “off” on the fifth day, ironically at the same place Mockett lost it last year! Thus Doug now has the dubious distinction of having a corner named after him.

On the third day, the long run around Mexico City from Puebla to Queretaro, four cars were wrecked on the second planned speed stage due to slick pavement. Even a former Pan Am champion did not appreciate the treacherous pavement until it was too late. In an unusual event, an Opel from Germany burned to a crisp in the middle of the tarmac because of an engine fire.

On the fourth day, the beautiful ’53 Corvette of John Schantz and Bill Peter wrecked on Mil Cumbres, when the car’s brakes locked up on one side, spinning it into a guard rail. Both ends impacted and were shattered. After some fiberglass repairs, the ‘Vette should return next year.

Few crashes were as spectacular as the end-over-end crash of Pam Am Champion (2008) Bill Beilharz. Bill lost his brakes on another treacherous stage near Morelia the fourth day and left the road at high speed. The event can be witnessed on YouTube.com. Not a body panel on the Studebaker is straight. This crash was especially unfortunate because the car, suffering prior mechanical problems, was no longer in serious competition.

After Morelia, the event paid a public relations visit to Guadalajara, and then moved on to Aguascalientes. In Aguas, the cars raced on the new NASCAR track south of town, giving many drivers (like me)their first experience on a banked oval. Sadly, no one warned the cars that a gravel pit could be found at the end of the acceleration lane and several cars spun at that point, causing body damage to one.

By the fourth day, the race had turned into a two-pony event, with the Finnish WRC driver, Harri Rovanpera barely edging out Mexican racing champion Michel Jourdain. At the end of the event the drivers finished only 12 seconds apart, and surprisingly, they were 13 minutes ahead of the TP car in third place, driven by Jorge Pedrero, who is no slouch. In fact, Jourdain had the fastest times the last three days, but his margins were not great enough to overcome Harri’s modest lead.

It was reported that Harri and Michel, whose cars were built and supported by Mats Hammarlund Racing, had a great relationship throughout the event.

In Historic C, the largest class by far (31 cars), three pre-race favorites fell behind because of crashes and mechanicals: Thierry de Bosque (transmission), Bill Shanahan (engine), and Jochen Mass (crash). Tomas Lopez Rocha and Carols Martinez Campos, drove Hammarlund Falcons to the top two spots, while John Nielsen (Canada) recovered from some mechanicals to place third. This was the first time in some years that a Historic C car or two did not finish in the top ten overall.

Car #395. a cute little baby blue and white Chevy II Nova, finished 11th in Historic C (of 31) and 46th overall (of 115) because of a wild series of spins and navigation problems. It went from 13th fastest overall on the first speed run of the event to taking a four minute penalty for not being ready to start a speed stage. Both driver and rookie navigator have declined further comment.

For the first time in recent memory the Pan Am ended in Zacatecas, with two runs on the famous mountain road La Bufa. What followed was a great party in the old bull ring at the Quinta Real Hotel. It was windy and chilly but most guests had sufficient antifreeze in their systems to prevent icing.

Special notice should go to the team of Martin Lauber and Conrad Stevenson (CA-USA) who finished first in Historic A+ and eight overall in their Alfa Romero sedan, the Lost Taxi. Taz Harvey and Rudy Vajdak (USA) finished in third in this class, in a Datsun 510, an outstanding accomplishment for their first time south of the border. Both crews have had significant experience in other forms of racing in the US.

An unofficial “Spirit of La Carrera” award must go to John and Chrislana Gregory (Canada), who after a bad “off” on the morning of the third day, returned to win the Original Pan Am class. John reported that the frame was probably bent in the crash, so the car turned left a lot better than right! John and Chrislana also spun and hit the wall in the famous gravel pit on the track at Aguascalientes, but their resolve remained unshaken. Pre-race favorite Carson Scheller (CA-USA) finished second. Tom Overbaugh (NY-USA), aided by guest co-piloto, Michael Emery (CA-USA) of Fortelesa fame, were third.

Honorable mention also goes to Helge Nyland (CA-USA) who not only finished the race but also managed to bring his car, a beautiful TM ’54 Studebaker, home unscathed for the first time in some years! Well done!

A “most outrageous” award must go to Carlos Anaya, our jovial baker and Mexican NASCAR driver, for his so-called LT-Special. Any resemblance between a car made in 1954 and this beast was purely coincidental. What an interpretation of the rules! Too bad he lost it momentarily in a ravine on day three. Even so, he finished in 7th overall. Bravo!

**2010 IMPRESSIONS

1) The Pan Am has become a major media event, largely because of the participation of Televisa, which entered 10-11 cars and has already broadcast a 1.5 hour documentary on the event in Mexico. Unhappily for Televisa, their featured driver, Michel Jourdain, did not win.

2) The event was marred again by timing and scoring problems. Results were not available at the nightly drivers’ meetings, and sometimes they were not even available at the starting arch. Competitors also complained about the accuracy of the printed results, which were not checked for even obvious anomalies .

3) The crowds in most cities, except Guadalajara, were large and enthusiastic.

4) The level of competition continues to increase with faster cars and more professional drivers.

5) Safety and security were not an issue, as police and army protection was more than adequate.

6) The driving meetings were held in beautiful locations, but again they tended to run late, without published results.

7) Lines at registration were too long, and really, someone needs to sweep up the rusty nails in the parc fermé before the race cars and service trucks arrive.

8) The route was a mix of mostly well-known rally roads, with a few new ones that should remain unknown. Thankfully, two speed stages were canceled because of the condition of the roads.

9) Hotel accommodations seemed overall adequate, with only a few crews showing up to find “no room at the inn.”

10) It was great to see the two Mercedes Benz 300 SL “Gull Wings” back in La Carrera (with MB engines this time). They were classic, beautiful, and well driven by Pierre de Thoisy (7 time LCP Champ) and Phillipe Vandromme.

11) Some people are still wondering how Datsun Z cars were allowed to compete, but such is the nature of this event.

12) The weather was beautiful. Sunny, dry, and on the warm side.

13) Wow! Beautiful crop of navigators this year!

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS ENTRIES BEING ACCEPTED

The first eight North American entries for the Chihuahua Express, April 8-10, 2011 have been received. The discounted entry fee is $2200. That covers the car and the driver and co-driver(s). It does not include rooms at the luxury Soberano Hotel, which are $165 a night.

The Express includes about 325 miles of stage racing over three days, and a total distance traveled of around 1000 miles. Chihuahua City is only 145 miles west of Presidio and 240 miles south of El Paso, Texas.

Cars of any age with a six-point roll cage and the usual safety equipment, including HANS devices, are eligible. The Express operates under the same rules as the Carrera Panamericana, and offers an excellent way to tune and test for the Pan AM.

There is no doubt: the Express is one of the premier motor sports events in the world. It’s a racer’s race! Ask me for an entry form via email gbledso@aol.com.

**PIKES PEAK JUNE 26, 2011

Several Carrera race cars will return to run the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb next June. Turismo Mayor and Turismo Production cars run together in a “modified” vintage class, while Pan Am Historic and Original Pan Am cars will run with the local RMVR vintage cars. This year the entire 12.4 mile course will be paved, so those who are worried about the gravel should relax and enjoy this magnificent event. (The view from the top is good, too!)

**COYOTE CONVOY – UN GRAN EXITO!

For the ninth year, the Coyote Convoy made it across the border in Nuevo Laredo and down to the start of the event without losing anyone—for long. This year, however, Mexican Custom officials checked the temporary tourist stickers and VINs on all the cars and tow vehicles at the border, causing an hour delay. All vehicles were found to be properly imported. After an uneventful 10 hour drive to San Miguel de Allende that Saturday, most of the racecars were displayed in the main square on Sunday, and afterwards everyone gathered for a soiree at the new home of Gerie Bledsoe and Diane Ruszczyk. Funds were raised for local children’s charities.

**MATS HAMMARLUND RACING

Hammarlund Racing is celebrating its second consecutive championship victory in La Carrera Panamericana. In fact, Mats’ cars came in first and second overall. In Historic C, Hammarlund Falcons also finished first and second.

Hammarlund reports that his cars are completely booked for the Carrera nexr year, but he has the two Falcons available for the Chihuahua Express in April. Contact him at mats@mhracing.com.mx.

**TODD LANDON (TAL RACING)

TAL Racing has cars (Mustangs and Falcons) available for the Chihuahua Express, Pikes Peak, or La Carrera 2011. Drop him a line at TALandon@landolakes.com.

**CLASSIFIEDS

Got a car for sale? Advertise it here and on the www.panamrace.com web site for only $35.

In search of a partner, navigator, crew? (Car racing only!) Advertise here for free.

**LEGAL WARNING

Always remember that motor sports, including the Pan Am, Chihuahua and PPIHC, are dangerous, and also addictive.

Thanks again to Gary Faules and his string of reporters for the great coverage of the events. Make sure you check out YouTube.com for Pan Am videos.

Also, I would appreciate receiving copies of your photos and videos on DVD for the Carrera Archives. And thanks to Hauke Fischer, Michel Emery, and the many other photographers for the most excellent collection of Pan Am images this year!



**CONTACT INFO

Gerie Bledsoe
North American Coordinator
La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express

Postal Address until December 15:


1288 East Hillsdale Blvd. A-204
Foster City, CA 94404

Telephones: 650-525-9190 (home office)
650-867-9488 (mobile)

Email: gbledso@aol.com

Postal Address after Dec 15:


PMB No. 68B
220 N Zapata Hwy, #11
Laredo, TX 78043-4464

Phone Number: TBA


Web sites:
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx
www.chihuahuaexpress.com
CarreraCoyote (Twitter.com)

Car #395, ’63 Chevy II Nova, 13th Year