Almost every day our newspapers carry stories about the drug-inspired violence in Mexico, especially along the border with the U.S. A friend just told me that her husband refuses to visit their time-share in Mazatlan this summer because of these reports. Surely, the Mexican tourist industry must be suffering.
Most recently it was reported that two of the established drug cartels have formed an alliance against the infamous "Zetas" in the state of Tamaulipas. This state lies along the Rio Grande river--stretching from Nuevo Laredo to Reynosa and Matamoros (across the river from Brownsville). Is this good or bad news?
Initially, the "Zetas" were a group of Mexican Air Force commandos who defected to the local drug runners, along with their heavy weapons and sophisticated surveillance equipment, and quickly earned a reputation for being the most vicious pistoleros in Mexico. Because of the ensuring violence, the Mexican middle-class in most of these cities moved across the border into Texas. However, observers of the drug wars in Mexico may actually think that the alliance against the Zetas will help to stablize matters along the border.
For twenty-three years or longer, Americans have crossed this border at Laredo without incident to go racing in Mexico. Except for one or two years, the race ended into Nuevo Laredo, again, without incident. (This year the event will end in Zacatecas, which is 426 miles southwest of Nuevo Laredo.)
Last month we traveled from El Paso, Texas, 235 miles down to Chihuahua City to participate in Chihuahua Express, and then raced around the state for neary 800 miles. There was no sign of violence. We did avoid going through the city of Ciudad Juarez, perhaps the most troubled place in Mexico, on the way down, but during four days in Chihuahua City, we saw no trouble. The race route, moreover, was lined by over 240 federal, state, local, and auxilary police.
It is safe to go to Mexico? Everyone should read the most recent advisories from the U.S. State Department. These reports repeat what I have been advising for years: most of Mexico is safe for tourists and especially racers, but certain rules should be followed: like, do not drive at night. Travel in groups. Avoid the red-light districts, dark streets in sketchy neighborhoods, and places where drugs are sold.
I certainly plan to return to Mexico in October for the Carrera for the 13th time. In fact, my wife and I are building a home in San Miguel de Allende--down in central Mexico, something we would not do if we did not feel safe down there.
Please do not let the constant reports of bad news from Mexico prevent you from enjoying the racing, people, cities, landscape, and culture of this beautiful country. Sadly, our newspapers hardly ever report the good news.....but there is plenty.
La Carrera Panamericana is schedule for Oct. 22-28. The Coyote Convoy will gather in Laredo, Texas on Oct. 15 for the trip across the border the next day and then down to the start of the race in Tuxtla Gutierrez. Join us.
Showing posts with label Panamericana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Panamericana. Show all posts
Friday, April 16, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
EVENTS FOR CARRERAISTAS DURING 2010
CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 19-21
Soberano Hotel, Chihuahua, Mexico
325 miles of speed stages (top speed stage rally) in three days!
Vintage, classic, and modern cars eligible
http://www.chihuahuaexpress.com/
Soberano Hotel, Chihuahua, Mexico
325 miles of speed stages (top speed stage rally) in three days!
Vintage, classic, and modern cars eligible
http://www.chihuahuaexpress.com/
gbledso@aol.com for FAQ
DREAM MACHINES – APRIL 25
Half Moon Bay Airport, CA (10 AM-4 PM)
Carrera Corral/Fiesta-- Car, M/C, and Plane Show
SONOMA HISTORIC MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL – May 30-31*
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
DREAM MACHINES – APRIL 25
Half Moon Bay Airport, CA (10 AM-4 PM)
Carrera Corral/Fiesta-- Car, M/C, and Plane Show
SONOMA HISTORIC MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL – May 30-31*
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
gbledso@aol.com
MONTEREY HISTORIC RACES – AUGUST 13-15*
Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA
Carrera Corral and Fiesta – August 14
TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND – SEPTEMBER 11-18
http://www.targanewfoundland.com/
LA CARRERA PANAMERICANA – OCTOBER 22-28
Tuxtla Gutierrez—Nuevo Laredo (tent.)
MONTEREY HISTORIC RACES – AUGUST 13-15*
Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA
Carrera Corral and Fiesta – August 14
TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND – SEPTEMBER 11-18
http://www.targanewfoundland.com/
LA CARRERA PANAMERICANA – OCTOBER 22-28
Tuxtla Gutierrez—Nuevo Laredo (tent.)
2000 miles, 350 miles of top speed stages
http://www.panamrace.com/ Canada and USA
Open to 30-40 cars from Canada and the USA. The event has
been sold out for the past three years. Discount given for early entry.
*By invitation only. Please advise of other events open to Carrera cars.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Carrera News -- Cinco de Mayo Edition
CARRERA NEWS
MAY 2005
CINCO DE MAYO EDITION
(DELAYED BY FLU SCARE)
**PIKES PEAK – LAST CHANCE!
**CARRERA ENTRIES HOLDING UP
**DEADLINE FOR REDUCED FEE—May 31
**RESORT OF HUATULCO
**NEW ROUTE ADDS GUADALAJARA
**FUND RAISER FOR “LUPITA” HERNANDEZ
**CLASSIFIEDS – CARS FOR SALE
**RALLY AMERICA 2009
**TWO NEW BOOKS ON CARRERA 2008
**WARNING
**CONTACT INFO
**PIKE’S PEAK – LAST CHANCE!
Is the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb on your bucket list? Do not wait. Join us this year. Only $800. That’s cheap--about half of the regular (pro) entry fee. Just about any Carrera car or vintage racecar with a full cage is eligible. Vintage entries are filling up and may be gone soon. Doug Mockett and Angelic Fuentes will be back to defend their championship on July 19. We will practice on the mountain three mornings, before the main event. Contact Tony Martins cycleworksusa@msn.com if you are interested.
**CARRERA ENTRIES HOLDING UP
Entries in La Carrera Panamericana XXII seem to be holding up against the swine flu and other problems, like the friction along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. The flu scare seems to be fading fast, and should be only a faint memory by October. We should have around 40 entries from Canada and the U.S. this year.
The problems along the border continue to be bothersome, however, but the presence of several thousand Mexican soldiers and federal police in the border towns has reduced the violence dramatically. Last month, participants in the Chihuahua Express saw no signs of violence along the border or in the city of Chihuahua. Life seemed pretty normal.
The U.S. has also agreed to do more to stop the flow of guns and drug money into Mexico. The effort to legalize marijuana, which is picking up steam in California, would put a big dent in the cartels’ income and produce big bucks for the state treasury, says one state legislator.
A diplomatic flap between the U.S. and Mexico caused when the U.S. government stopped Mexican long-haul trucks from entering the country did cause a problem at the border for one of our trucks hauling cars to Chihuahua. Again, this problem should be resolved by October.
**DEADLINE FOR REDUCED FEE
On June 1, the entry fee for the Pan Am jumps another $500 USD to $6500. Please send in your checks by May 31. If you sent in a deposit of $500, the balance due before June 1 is $5,500. Make checks payable to “La Carrera USA” and mail to address under contact info below.
**THE RESORT OF HUATULCO
Huatulco offers a much more relaxed atmosphere than Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta. It’s a beautiful resort area along the Pacific Ocean. There is no city of Huatulco, just a string of bays, lagoons, and estuaries with low-rise, modern hotels, and a few small towns composed mostly of vacation homes. The airport code is “HUX.”
The center of action for the start of the race in October will probably be the town of Santa Cruz. No information about specific hotels or their location has been released, of course, but it seems logical that the beach town of Santa Cruz is about the only place big enough to have a paddock for 75-80 racecars. (The original fishing village was “displaced” when the resort was first developed.)
Rooms in Huatulco may be booked through the Carrera Office in Mexico City for $150 per night. Premium hotels cost $300 per night (limited availability).
If you want an all-inclusive package deal, add $100 to the price of the regular hotel per night and $150 to the premium hotel’s cost. The package deal includes: three meals daily, box lunches, five different restaurants, juice and soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, minibar, snacks, no-power water sports, plus 24 room service to your room, poolside, and the beach. But the best part of the package is clearly the two “alfresco Jacuzzi pools.” Think any Corona girls will be there?
Email Monica Grossmann at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx to make your reservations.
**NEW ROUTE -- GUADALAJARA
In addition to starting in Huatulco, which was not on the original Carrera route, the event will visit Guadalajara this year, the first time since 1999. Guadalajara, the second largest city in the country, has a population of several million. Best to update your Garmin GPS software. It’s big city. Try Mexico Maps for the latest Garmin software. Email Mark Walker mwalker@mexicomaps.com for info.
Guadalajara takes the place of Aguascalientes, which the race has visited every year since 1999, at least. Apparently the Chamber of Commerce in Guadalajara came up with more incentives this year than Aguascalientes. Guadalajara was not on the route of the original Carrera either, but it is an important city. Unfortunately, the detour will add several extra hours of transit time to the schedule.
**FUND RAISER FOR “LUPITA” HERNANDEZ
Need a Carrera patch for your hat or jacket? How about a Coyote Convoy shirt? I have both for sale for $10.00. Add $3.00 S&H for a shirt. All net proceeds go to the Mexican nurse, Lupita Hernandez who lost both legs at the hip in a Carrera accident in 2003. We send her a small check every six weeks.
MAY 2005
CINCO DE MAYO EDITION
(DELAYED BY FLU SCARE)
**PIKES PEAK – LAST CHANCE!
**CARRERA ENTRIES HOLDING UP
**DEADLINE FOR REDUCED FEE—May 31
**RESORT OF HUATULCO
**NEW ROUTE ADDS GUADALAJARA
**FUND RAISER FOR “LUPITA” HERNANDEZ
**CLASSIFIEDS – CARS FOR SALE
**RALLY AMERICA 2009
**TWO NEW BOOKS ON CARRERA 2008
**WARNING
**CONTACT INFO
**PIKE’S PEAK – LAST CHANCE!
Is the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb on your bucket list? Do not wait. Join us this year. Only $800. That’s cheap--about half of the regular (pro) entry fee. Just about any Carrera car or vintage racecar with a full cage is eligible. Vintage entries are filling up and may be gone soon. Doug Mockett and Angelic Fuentes will be back to defend their championship on July 19. We will practice on the mountain three mornings, before the main event. Contact Tony Martins cycleworksusa@msn.com if you are interested.
**CARRERA ENTRIES HOLDING UP
Entries in La Carrera Panamericana XXII seem to be holding up against the swine flu and other problems, like the friction along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. The flu scare seems to be fading fast, and should be only a faint memory by October. We should have around 40 entries from Canada and the U.S. this year.
The problems along the border continue to be bothersome, however, but the presence of several thousand Mexican soldiers and federal police in the border towns has reduced the violence dramatically. Last month, participants in the Chihuahua Express saw no signs of violence along the border or in the city of Chihuahua. Life seemed pretty normal.
The U.S. has also agreed to do more to stop the flow of guns and drug money into Mexico. The effort to legalize marijuana, which is picking up steam in California, would put a big dent in the cartels’ income and produce big bucks for the state treasury, says one state legislator.
A diplomatic flap between the U.S. and Mexico caused when the U.S. government stopped Mexican long-haul trucks from entering the country did cause a problem at the border for one of our trucks hauling cars to Chihuahua. Again, this problem should be resolved by October.
**DEADLINE FOR REDUCED FEE
On June 1, the entry fee for the Pan Am jumps another $500 USD to $6500. Please send in your checks by May 31. If you sent in a deposit of $500, the balance due before June 1 is $5,500. Make checks payable to “La Carrera USA” and mail to address under contact info below.
**THE RESORT OF HUATULCO
Huatulco offers a much more relaxed atmosphere than Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta. It’s a beautiful resort area along the Pacific Ocean. There is no city of Huatulco, just a string of bays, lagoons, and estuaries with low-rise, modern hotels, and a few small towns composed mostly of vacation homes. The airport code is “HUX.”
The center of action for the start of the race in October will probably be the town of Santa Cruz. No information about specific hotels or their location has been released, of course, but it seems logical that the beach town of Santa Cruz is about the only place big enough to have a paddock for 75-80 racecars. (The original fishing village was “displaced” when the resort was first developed.)
Rooms in Huatulco may be booked through the Carrera Office in Mexico City for $150 per night. Premium hotels cost $300 per night (limited availability).
If you want an all-inclusive package deal, add $100 to the price of the regular hotel per night and $150 to the premium hotel’s cost. The package deal includes: three meals daily, box lunches, five different restaurants, juice and soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, minibar, snacks, no-power water sports, plus 24 room service to your room, poolside, and the beach. But the best part of the package is clearly the two “alfresco Jacuzzi pools.” Think any Corona girls will be there?
Email Monica Grossmann at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx to make your reservations.
**NEW ROUTE -- GUADALAJARA
In addition to starting in Huatulco, which was not on the original Carrera route, the event will visit Guadalajara this year, the first time since 1999. Guadalajara, the second largest city in the country, has a population of several million. Best to update your Garmin GPS software. It’s big city. Try Mexico Maps for the latest Garmin software. Email Mark Walker mwalker@mexicomaps.com for info.
Guadalajara takes the place of Aguascalientes, which the race has visited every year since 1999, at least. Apparently the Chamber of Commerce in Guadalajara came up with more incentives this year than Aguascalientes. Guadalajara was not on the route of the original Carrera either, but it is an important city. Unfortunately, the detour will add several extra hours of transit time to the schedule.
**FUND RAISER FOR “LUPITA” HERNANDEZ
Need a Carrera patch for your hat or jacket? How about a Coyote Convoy shirt? I have both for sale for $10.00. Add $3.00 S&H for a shirt. All net proceeds go to the Mexican nurse, Lupita Hernandez who lost both legs at the hip in a Carrera accident in 2003. We send her a small check every six weeks.
**CLASSIFIEDS – CARS FOR SALE, CO-DRIVERS NEEDED
You may advertise here for drivers, co-drivers, and service crew at no charge. You may ALSO advertise your car, truck, or services for sale/rent here and on the web site www.panamrace.com for $30; $45 with photo. Send the info and photo to Laura Cox at lauracox@austin.rr.com with a check to be posted on the web site. Most of the cars posted on the web site are sold. I also broker cars for a very modest fee.
’54 Studebaker. For Sale or Rent - Overall winner of the 2008 La Carrera Panamericana. This Commander has been completely rebuilt following last year’s win. The car is now faster and more dependable than it was in 2008. If you are serious about winning overall in 2009, you need to be driving this car. Complete spares package and trailer included in the $125,000 sale price. Rental option would in the form of a sale/service/buyback. Please call or email Bill Beilharz for more information. bbeilharz@aol.com or call (001) 602.320.5173. Phoenix, Arizona
’64 Chevy Nova -- $5900/BO. V8 post coupe, four-speed Muncie, GM front disc brakes, headers, newer exhaust, and seats. Rust free, with new steel floors on sub-frame connectors. Interior and exterior stripped, ready for race preparation. Want it prepared? Pick your color, competition level, and engine power—from 300 to 400+ HP. Cost? Around $18,000-$28,000+ depending on the level of preparation. Guaranteed buy-back program. Ten years of experience building these lightweight cars. Novas were the Historic “C” Champs in 2001 and 2002. Guaranteed entry in 2009 or 2010. At 2800 pounds, it can run a four-barrel Holley. Extra safe roll cage and subfloor protection.. Shipping can be arranged, along with support during the race, and even rally driving instruction. We had ten years’ experience building these cars. Contact Gerie Bledsoe at gbledso@aol.com. 650-726-9890.
Lucky Taco -- needs another co-driver/partner for 2009. It’s a ’54 Oldsmobile that runs in Original Pan Am. The three experienced partners need a fourth. Bridge anyone? Contact Clyde Morter if interested at Lakehart2@aol.com.
ISO Co-Piloto -- David Cooper. ’51 Chrysler NASCAR replica. dave@alpinesky.com This car won Original Pan AM a couple of years ago, and David is a serious competitor, with top flight equipment. Several other guys, like Lucha Libre Racing’s Michael Emery, are looking for co-drivers, as well.
Enrique Cortes will provide mechanical service while you are in Mexico. Check his video on MyTube. Enrique lived in the US several years and has two support trucks. He and his crew will wrench and weld all night for you.
**RALLY AMERICA
New York to Miami, three days in August 2009, to benefit the Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Call Dan at 716.480.0703 or visit www.rallyamerica-usa.com.
**TWO NEW BOOKS ON CARRERA 2008
Photographer Sam Gezari is compiling two books on last year’s Pan Am that will be published next month. To obtain more info on the books, call 213.880.4001 or go to www.carrerapanamericana2008.com.
**WARNING
Like all forms of motor sports, the Pan Am is extremely dangerous. Obviously, it is less dangerous at moderate speeds. It can also lead to a lifetime of addiction to road racing in Mexico.
**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. Encourage them to sign up. This newsletter will be posted on the web site www.panamrace.com as a blog.
You may advertise here for drivers, co-drivers, and service crew at no charge. You may ALSO advertise your car, truck, or services for sale/rent here and on the web site www.panamrace.com for $30; $45 with photo. Send the info and photo to Laura Cox at lauracox@austin.rr.com with a check to be posted on the web site. Most of the cars posted on the web site are sold. I also broker cars for a very modest fee.
’54 Studebaker. For Sale or Rent - Overall winner of the 2008 La Carrera Panamericana. This Commander has been completely rebuilt following last year’s win. The car is now faster and more dependable than it was in 2008. If you are serious about winning overall in 2009, you need to be driving this car. Complete spares package and trailer included in the $125,000 sale price. Rental option would in the form of a sale/service/buyback. Please call or email Bill Beilharz for more information. bbeilharz@aol.com or call (001) 602.320.5173. Phoenix, Arizona
’64 Chevy Nova -- $5900/BO. V8 post coupe, four-speed Muncie, GM front disc brakes, headers, newer exhaust, and seats. Rust free, with new steel floors on sub-frame connectors. Interior and exterior stripped, ready for race preparation. Want it prepared? Pick your color, competition level, and engine power—from 300 to 400+ HP. Cost? Around $18,000-$28,000+ depending on the level of preparation. Guaranteed buy-back program. Ten years of experience building these lightweight cars. Novas were the Historic “C” Champs in 2001 and 2002. Guaranteed entry in 2009 or 2010. At 2800 pounds, it can run a four-barrel Holley. Extra safe roll cage and subfloor protection.. Shipping can be arranged, along with support during the race, and even rally driving instruction. We had ten years’ experience building these cars. Contact Gerie Bledsoe at gbledso@aol.com. 650-726-9890.
Lucky Taco -- needs another co-driver/partner for 2009. It’s a ’54 Oldsmobile that runs in Original Pan Am. The three experienced partners need a fourth. Bridge anyone? Contact Clyde Morter if interested at Lakehart2@aol.com.
ISO Co-Piloto -- David Cooper. ’51 Chrysler NASCAR replica. dave@alpinesky.com This car won Original Pan AM a couple of years ago, and David is a serious competitor, with top flight equipment. Several other guys, like Lucha Libre Racing’s Michael Emery, are looking for co-drivers, as well.
Enrique Cortes will provide mechanical service while you are in Mexico. Check his video on MyTube. Enrique lived in the US several years and has two support trucks. He and his crew will wrench and weld all night for you.
**RALLY AMERICA
New York to Miami, three days in August 2009, to benefit the Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Call Dan at 716.480.0703 or visit www.rallyamerica-usa.com.
**TWO NEW BOOKS ON CARRERA 2008
Photographer Sam Gezari is compiling two books on last year’s Pan Am that will be published next month. To obtain more info on the books, call 213.880.4001 or go to www.carrerapanamericana2008.com.
**WARNING
Like all forms of motor sports, the Pan Am is extremely dangerous. Obviously, it is less dangerous at moderate speeds. It can also lead to a lifetime of addiction to road racing in Mexico.
**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. Encourage them to sign up. This newsletter will be posted on the web site www.panamrace.com as a blog.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The route for the 2009 edition of La Carrera Panamericana has been published. Here are the cities where we will spend the night:
Huatulco -- starting city, October 23
Oaxaca
Mexico City
Queretaro
San Luis de Potosi
Guadalajara
Zacatecas
Nuevo Laredo -- ending city, October 30
The big change is dropping Aguascalientes and adding Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico. The race has not visited Guadalajara since 1999. This will add at least 200 miles to the total length of the event. Make sure you have updated software for your Garmin or other GPS.
Adelante!
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