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.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Carrera Driver -- Special Edition for Rookies
CARRERA DRIVER
Special Edition for Rookies
Updated for 2009
**RACING ON MEXICAN TIME
Mexico is a wonderful country. The people are warm, friendly, curious, and generous. They love our cars, exhaust noise, and the celebration of La Carrera Panamericana.
Their countryside -- mountains and ravines, forests, and deserts --- is beautiful. Huatulco, our start city this year, must be a beautiful, Pacific resort area.
So try to relax and enjoy the racing and the celebration. This is not just a serious car race. It is a true, profound cultural experience. We are about to experience the heart and soul of Mexico, as reflected in the faces and eyes of the people, especially the children, who come to see our cars and tug at the sleeves of the brave pilotos and co-pilotos. Bring your pen, because they will want your autograph.
Never forget that this is their country and their race. We are there as guests, and we should consider ourselves honored and lucky to be allowed to race across their country at top speed. Just because we paid a hefty entry fee gives us no other special privileges or expectations.
Also do not forget that the event operates on Mexican time. Meetings tend to start late. Printed material often arrives late, and the medical exams may or may not happen at the announced time. Instead of handing out important items like time cards at one pre-designated place, the young official will wander through the crowds looking for navigators. Obviously, some of them will be wandering around looking for him, too.
There are other values in Mexico that transcend punctuality and efficiency. Frankly, it will do you no good at all to show up for a meeting on time and sit there frustrated until it starts. Be fashionably late, be relaxed. Go with the flow!
Carrera veterans know that the race will start sometime after 8 AM on October 24. We know we will race through the mountains that day, and we know we will be timed with a fair degree of accuracy. Electronic timing will be used for the first time, so they may need to work out a few kinks. If you catch a mistake, it is perfectly OK to point it out—but be polite.
We will stop for lunch around mid-day, and an hour later or so, we’ll continue racing in the afternoon. Later on that evening, probably 30 minutes later than the announced time, some of us will attend the driver’s meeting and awards ceremony. Either the driver or co-driver should attend to get the timing results of the day and warnings about the road the next day.
Even on Mexican time, it’s always fun, but it will be more fun when you understand and accept the cultural situation, even before you get there.
Viva la Carrera!
**PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Nomex undies, socks, and head socks are great but not required by the Carrera rules. Much depends on how competitive you intend to be. Last year they were checking for racing shoes, but did not seem to be requiring them. Drivers should wear Nomex gloves, but most navigators ride barehanded, so they can turn the pages. (If you "dog ear" the pages before you start, they are easier to turn.)
Helmets. Open face helmets are OK for rallies. They start at $150 and go up to $700. Closed-face helmets are safer. They also make a hybrid helmet--open with a chin bar.
Any helmet you buy should have the posts already installed for a HANS or other head restraint system, which are required this year. Some helmets, like Peltors, have the intercom system installed. You should use a closed-face helmet in an open car.
Neck Restraint. A HANS or similar device is required this year. Most fatalities in racing come when a collision tears your skull away from your spine. A HANS helps to hold it in place. You can also buy racing seats with lateral head restraints, and/or nets that will help keep your head on your shoulders. Some seats are not compatible with a HANS. Your helmet should not be touching the back of the seat when you are driving, says the HANS brochure.
It you have a fast car and really intend to drive it to the limit, you cannot spend too much on safety equipment.
**FIRE DRILLS
Get suited up, helmet in hand. Practice getting into your racecar, buckling up, and getting ready to launch into a speed run. Work out a strict routine for everything, including closing the car door, raising the window nets, putting on your harness, helmet, glasses, and gloves. (Did you remember to turn the main power switch on before you got strapped in?) Can you reach the dash switches OK? One year, I had to turn the car on with my toes.
Is your seat adjustable? Sometimes you can put your belts on and them slide the seat forward to tighten them. Always loosen your belts when you get out of the car and move them out of the way. It will make it a lot easier to get strapped back in the next time.
Being able to get in and belted up smoothly will reduce your frustration and anxiety level enormously down in Mexico. Practice before you start racing!
Now prepare for the worse. Fire drill! Practice quick exits from your car, with the door open and closed. Can you get both your helmet and arse out the window in 15 seconds? Practice it with your window nets up.
What will you do if your car turns over and you are hanging upside down like a bat in a belfry? Can you release your seat belts? Or do you need a knife to cut them? Can you turn off the power switch? Tricky to practice this stuff.
Know how to operate your fire suppression system. Make sure its charged, unlocked, and ready to use when you start the race. It’s OK to tape the pin in it, if you are worried about an accidental discharge.
Fire bottles should only be attached with metal straps. No bungee cords or racer's tape.
Check the cabin. Is there anything that will crack open your helmet if you hit it in a collision? The navigator should not use a hard clip board--just the route book on his lap. They do make foam board that will work. Do not install the rally computer near your face, as you may eat it.
Do you have a handy place to store change (coins) for the toll booths? And, yes, you need a couple of “official rally cup holders” for your water bottles. Some guys use a hiker’s hydration pack strapped to the back of their seats.
You might consider a neck pouch for your money (bills), car document, driver’s license, etc. You are expected to wear your FMAD racing license at all times, and there is usually some ID for La Carrera to decorate your neck. If you have special medical needs, wear an ID bracelet or stencil it on the bottom of your right foot.
You will not use your helmets in long transit stages, so you need a place to store or hang them. If possible, install a hook on the back of the seats for this purpose. The same is true if you use a two-piece driving suit. It’s nice to be able to hang the coat on a hook in the back. Some crews will suspend a net in the backseat area to hold their helmets, Jameson bottles, etc.
**INTERCOMS AND RALLY COMPUTERS
Intercoms and computers are nice but not essential. A cheap digital watch that can also display military time (24 hours) works fine for timing. And you should learn how to set your watch and to sync it with the official time quickly. (Don’t wait until the first morning of the race to learn how to sync it!) Some racers only use the rally computer to find their place in the speed stages when they get lost. It happens to everyone. The rally computer is not normally used to calculate how much time we have to get to the next checkpoint. You should drive as fast as your safely can.
Subé Sports in Long Beach, California sells a variety of intercoms and rally computers. Terraptrip and Terraphone are the big names.
Even if you do have a collapsible steering column, you might want to install a pad that straps to the center of the steering wheel to protect your chest. Wooden wheels are classy but not as safe as those covered with hard foam and plastic.
Have a place to store pencils, pens, and markers, like Sharpies, for the navigator.
Glue the ball on your shifter, make sure the gas and brake pedals are on tight, and that nothing, like a water bottle, is rolling around on the floor.
It is OK to bolt a small cooler to the floor behind the crew for water and cold drinks. Also, as noted, some guys install a net in the back seat area to hold stuff.
GPS does not help much, but many people buy a Garmin and get the Mexican map software from http://www.mexicomaps.com/. I recommend that you take a AAA map of Mexico in your race car, at least.
**TRAILERS -- THE WEAK LINK
Many of you have towed your car to the race track or a car show. How many of you have towed it 3000+ miles one-way? Be prepared.
Make sure you have good tires, properly inflated. Two spares are a good idea. Lube the axles or bearings. Bring a spare set of wheel bearings. (Make sure the spare set will fit.) Be able to change a trailer tire quickly. Check the wiring and lights. Put a tag on it and have a title or registration in the truck owner’s name. Make sure the trailer brakes are working. A winch is a good thing.
When towing, check the trailer’s tires for excessive heat build up. Balance the load properly. (The trailer’s tires should be equally warm.) Too much weight on the tongue will make your truck’s steering sloppy. Mark the right spot on the deck for future reference. You may want to tie your car down by frame to limit suspension travel. Some people think it is more stable bounching around. Bring an extra set of tie downs. Check them regularly. Make sure you used hardened steel attachment clamps. “If it can shake lose, it will” on this long tow. Get a hitch lock. Use hood locks on your racecar even when on the trailer. Be able to lock your racecar’s doors. And do not leave the removable steering wheel on the seat, or it will become a souvenir.
What about your car's external power switch? If the key is removable, remove it when you stop, especially when crowds are around. Also bring a spare key for driver and co-driver. Do you have a regular ignition key? Both driver and co-driver should carry a spare.
Lock your hood at night. Pull your hood pins and use small padlocks. That’s right--have two sets of keys.
Bring an extra set of valve stems and chrome valve covers, with a key to change valves. Metal valve stems are recommended, but not required.
**RESCUE AND SWEEPING
The race has two medical crews, both with doctors, who accompany the race, and a crash truck. In most crash situations, where someone can see you, help comes quickly. Injured crew members will be transported by the doctors to the nearest suitable medical facility. In some areas, medical evac choppers are available. Most larger cities in Mexico have excellent doctors and medical facilities.
If there are serious injuries, the race will probably be stopped so the medical crews can attend to the injured.
If you have a “no-injury” wreck or if your car is disabled, it is your responsibility to recover your car and have it towed. Assistance will not be provided by the race organization. About the most they will do is to notify the police or a wrecker where they last saw you.
It is imperative that you have a plan to recover your car, especially on the first day in the remote parts of the state of Oaxaca. If you have no support crew, make a deal with another crew that is following the race to pick you up, or help you get a tow truck.
Be able to communicate with your service crew. If you wreck, call them immediately, so they can come back for you. Use cells phones or sat phones.
Normally, several service or support trucks with trailers drive though the speed stages immediately after racing has concluded. Some may stop to help or pick up a disabled vehicle, others will keep going. There may also be local Mexican tow trucks parked on the course. In remote areas, however, it may take a while to obtain the proper type of wrecker to recover your car from a ravine.
Someone must stay with your car if wrecked, as roadside wrecks are fair game in Mexico. Put up your emergency markers on the side of the road where you went off.
Most service crews will team up with other crews during the race. Two-ways radios help. One or more trucks in the “team” will go ahead to meet the racecars at the mid-day service area, while another truck and trailer in the cooperative group will ”sweep” (follows the race) to pick up disabled cars. Make plans the night before for which trucks go ahead and which sweeps.
Decide your team’s policy about picking up disabled cars. Will your trailer pick up a disabled car or a wreck? Under what conditions?
If you break down, get your car to the next town on the Carrera's route. In most of these cities, local shops will stay open all night to help straighten out damaged cars. Cars that miss a day because of serious body/suspension repairs may rejoin the race later, but they are subject to technical inspection. No, your AAA+ card does not work. Expect to pay a Mexican tow truck a buck or two a mile for a tow. Recovery from a shallow ravine runs around $200; I know. (You are not in a strong bargaining position, dude.)
Warning. If your car breaks down during a transit stage immediately prior to a speed stage, the official race crews, including the medical crews, will NOT stop and provide assistance. They have responsibilities up the road for the next speed stages and must be on time. In effect, they cannot stop and keep to their tight schedule.
If your car becomes disabled at any point or you wreck, you should QUICKLY deploy your warning triangles or wave flags energetically. This is especially important around blind corners. Remember, in a speed stage, the next car will reach you at full speed in about 30 seconds! There’s no time to discuss your actions. (A red T-shirt makes a good flag you can wear.)
If you simply lose power, get the car off the road. Push it or use the starter. If you cannot get the car off the pavement, the navigator should jump out and run back around the corner to warn approaching cars. Make a quick decision.
When you are stopped on the side of the road, a thumbs up signal or OK sign (provided) means that you and the driver are OK. Hood up if you have a mechanical problem.
Be aware that the crew of the next approaching car may be so focused on the road surface that they may not see you standing by the side of the road waving a red rag. Standing in a safe place, wave your flag, arms, or helmet to get their attention. Try to indicate to them clearly to stop or just slow down, depending on the location of your disabled car. If you can, indicate the side of the road they should pass on, if they can get by it.
Expect the worse if you surprise them. Your warning may cause them to lose control. (Yes, it has happened. )
Whatever you do, you must act quickly--to protect your car and their lives.
**RESPONDING TO A BAD WRECK
Special Edition for Rookies
Updated for 2009
**RACING ON MEXICAN TIME
Mexico is a wonderful country. The people are warm, friendly, curious, and generous. They love our cars, exhaust noise, and the celebration of La Carrera Panamericana.
Their countryside -- mountains and ravines, forests, and deserts --- is beautiful. Huatulco, our start city this year, must be a beautiful, Pacific resort area.
So try to relax and enjoy the racing and the celebration. This is not just a serious car race. It is a true, profound cultural experience. We are about to experience the heart and soul of Mexico, as reflected in the faces and eyes of the people, especially the children, who come to see our cars and tug at the sleeves of the brave pilotos and co-pilotos. Bring your pen, because they will want your autograph.
Never forget that this is their country and their race. We are there as guests, and we should consider ourselves honored and lucky to be allowed to race across their country at top speed. Just because we paid a hefty entry fee gives us no other special privileges or expectations.
Also do not forget that the event operates on Mexican time. Meetings tend to start late. Printed material often arrives late, and the medical exams may or may not happen at the announced time. Instead of handing out important items like time cards at one pre-designated place, the young official will wander through the crowds looking for navigators. Obviously, some of them will be wandering around looking for him, too.
There are other values in Mexico that transcend punctuality and efficiency. Frankly, it will do you no good at all to show up for a meeting on time and sit there frustrated until it starts. Be fashionably late, be relaxed. Go with the flow!
Carrera veterans know that the race will start sometime after 8 AM on October 24. We know we will race through the mountains that day, and we know we will be timed with a fair degree of accuracy. Electronic timing will be used for the first time, so they may need to work out a few kinks. If you catch a mistake, it is perfectly OK to point it out—but be polite.
We will stop for lunch around mid-day, and an hour later or so, we’ll continue racing in the afternoon. Later on that evening, probably 30 minutes later than the announced time, some of us will attend the driver’s meeting and awards ceremony. Either the driver or co-driver should attend to get the timing results of the day and warnings about the road the next day.
Even on Mexican time, it’s always fun, but it will be more fun when you understand and accept the cultural situation, even before you get there.
Viva la Carrera!
**PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Nomex undies, socks, and head socks are great but not required by the Carrera rules. Much depends on how competitive you intend to be. Last year they were checking for racing shoes, but did not seem to be requiring them. Drivers should wear Nomex gloves, but most navigators ride barehanded, so they can turn the pages. (If you "dog ear" the pages before you start, they are easier to turn.)
Helmets. Open face helmets are OK for rallies. They start at $150 and go up to $700. Closed-face helmets are safer. They also make a hybrid helmet--open with a chin bar.
Any helmet you buy should have the posts already installed for a HANS or other head restraint system, which are required this year. Some helmets, like Peltors, have the intercom system installed. You should use a closed-face helmet in an open car.
Neck Restraint. A HANS or similar device is required this year. Most fatalities in racing come when a collision tears your skull away from your spine. A HANS helps to hold it in place. You can also buy racing seats with lateral head restraints, and/or nets that will help keep your head on your shoulders. Some seats are not compatible with a HANS. Your helmet should not be touching the back of the seat when you are driving, says the HANS brochure.
It you have a fast car and really intend to drive it to the limit, you cannot spend too much on safety equipment.
**FIRE DRILLS
Get suited up, helmet in hand. Practice getting into your racecar, buckling up, and getting ready to launch into a speed run. Work out a strict routine for everything, including closing the car door, raising the window nets, putting on your harness, helmet, glasses, and gloves. (Did you remember to turn the main power switch on before you got strapped in?) Can you reach the dash switches OK? One year, I had to turn the car on with my toes.
Is your seat adjustable? Sometimes you can put your belts on and them slide the seat forward to tighten them. Always loosen your belts when you get out of the car and move them out of the way. It will make it a lot easier to get strapped back in the next time.
Being able to get in and belted up smoothly will reduce your frustration and anxiety level enormously down in Mexico. Practice before you start racing!
Now prepare for the worse. Fire drill! Practice quick exits from your car, with the door open and closed. Can you get both your helmet and arse out the window in 15 seconds? Practice it with your window nets up.
What will you do if your car turns over and you are hanging upside down like a bat in a belfry? Can you release your seat belts? Or do you need a knife to cut them? Can you turn off the power switch? Tricky to practice this stuff.
Know how to operate your fire suppression system. Make sure its charged, unlocked, and ready to use when you start the race. It’s OK to tape the pin in it, if you are worried about an accidental discharge.
Fire bottles should only be attached with metal straps. No bungee cords or racer's tape.
Check the cabin. Is there anything that will crack open your helmet if you hit it in a collision? The navigator should not use a hard clip board--just the route book on his lap. They do make foam board that will work. Do not install the rally computer near your face, as you may eat it.
Do you have a handy place to store change (coins) for the toll booths? And, yes, you need a couple of “official rally cup holders” for your water bottles. Some guys use a hiker’s hydration pack strapped to the back of their seats.
You might consider a neck pouch for your money (bills), car document, driver’s license, etc. You are expected to wear your FMAD racing license at all times, and there is usually some ID for La Carrera to decorate your neck. If you have special medical needs, wear an ID bracelet or stencil it on the bottom of your right foot.
You will not use your helmets in long transit stages, so you need a place to store or hang them. If possible, install a hook on the back of the seats for this purpose. The same is true if you use a two-piece driving suit. It’s nice to be able to hang the coat on a hook in the back. Some crews will suspend a net in the backseat area to hold their helmets, Jameson bottles, etc.
**INTERCOMS AND RALLY COMPUTERS
Intercoms and computers are nice but not essential. A cheap digital watch that can also display military time (24 hours) works fine for timing. And you should learn how to set your watch and to sync it with the official time quickly. (Don’t wait until the first morning of the race to learn how to sync it!) Some racers only use the rally computer to find their place in the speed stages when they get lost. It happens to everyone. The rally computer is not normally used to calculate how much time we have to get to the next checkpoint. You should drive as fast as your safely can.
Subé Sports in Long Beach, California sells a variety of intercoms and rally computers. Terraptrip and Terraphone are the big names.
Even if you do have a collapsible steering column, you might want to install a pad that straps to the center of the steering wheel to protect your chest. Wooden wheels are classy but not as safe as those covered with hard foam and plastic.
Have a place to store pencils, pens, and markers, like Sharpies, for the navigator.
Glue the ball on your shifter, make sure the gas and brake pedals are on tight, and that nothing, like a water bottle, is rolling around on the floor.
It is OK to bolt a small cooler to the floor behind the crew for water and cold drinks. Also, as noted, some guys install a net in the back seat area to hold stuff.
GPS does not help much, but many people buy a Garmin and get the Mexican map software from http://www.mexicomaps.com/. I recommend that you take a AAA map of Mexico in your race car, at least.
**TRAILERS -- THE WEAK LINK
Many of you have towed your car to the race track or a car show. How many of you have towed it 3000+ miles one-way? Be prepared.
Make sure you have good tires, properly inflated. Two spares are a good idea. Lube the axles or bearings. Bring a spare set of wheel bearings. (Make sure the spare set will fit.) Be able to change a trailer tire quickly. Check the wiring and lights. Put a tag on it and have a title or registration in the truck owner’s name. Make sure the trailer brakes are working. A winch is a good thing.
When towing, check the trailer’s tires for excessive heat build up. Balance the load properly. (The trailer’s tires should be equally warm.) Too much weight on the tongue will make your truck’s steering sloppy. Mark the right spot on the deck for future reference. You may want to tie your car down by frame to limit suspension travel. Some people think it is more stable bounching around. Bring an extra set of tie downs. Check them regularly. Make sure you used hardened steel attachment clamps. “If it can shake lose, it will” on this long tow. Get a hitch lock. Use hood locks on your racecar even when on the trailer. Be able to lock your racecar’s doors. And do not leave the removable steering wheel on the seat, or it will become a souvenir.
What about your car's external power switch? If the key is removable, remove it when you stop, especially when crowds are around. Also bring a spare key for driver and co-driver. Do you have a regular ignition key? Both driver and co-driver should carry a spare.
Lock your hood at night. Pull your hood pins and use small padlocks. That’s right--have two sets of keys.
Bring an extra set of valve stems and chrome valve covers, with a key to change valves. Metal valve stems are recommended, but not required.
**RESCUE AND SWEEPING
The race has two medical crews, both with doctors, who accompany the race, and a crash truck. In most crash situations, where someone can see you, help comes quickly. Injured crew members will be transported by the doctors to the nearest suitable medical facility. In some areas, medical evac choppers are available. Most larger cities in Mexico have excellent doctors and medical facilities.
If there are serious injuries, the race will probably be stopped so the medical crews can attend to the injured.
If you have a “no-injury” wreck or if your car is disabled, it is your responsibility to recover your car and have it towed. Assistance will not be provided by the race organization. About the most they will do is to notify the police or a wrecker where they last saw you.
It is imperative that you have a plan to recover your car, especially on the first day in the remote parts of the state of Oaxaca. If you have no support crew, make a deal with another crew that is following the race to pick you up, or help you get a tow truck.
Be able to communicate with your service crew. If you wreck, call them immediately, so they can come back for you. Use cells phones or sat phones.
Normally, several service or support trucks with trailers drive though the speed stages immediately after racing has concluded. Some may stop to help or pick up a disabled vehicle, others will keep going. There may also be local Mexican tow trucks parked on the course. In remote areas, however, it may take a while to obtain the proper type of wrecker to recover your car from a ravine.
Someone must stay with your car if wrecked, as roadside wrecks are fair game in Mexico. Put up your emergency markers on the side of the road where you went off.
Most service crews will team up with other crews during the race. Two-ways radios help. One or more trucks in the “team” will go ahead to meet the racecars at the mid-day service area, while another truck and trailer in the cooperative group will ”sweep” (follows the race) to pick up disabled cars. Make plans the night before for which trucks go ahead and which sweeps.
Decide your team’s policy about picking up disabled cars. Will your trailer pick up a disabled car or a wreck? Under what conditions?
If you break down, get your car to the next town on the Carrera's route. In most of these cities, local shops will stay open all night to help straighten out damaged cars. Cars that miss a day because of serious body/suspension repairs may rejoin the race later, but they are subject to technical inspection. No, your AAA+ card does not work. Expect to pay a Mexican tow truck a buck or two a mile for a tow. Recovery from a shallow ravine runs around $200; I know. (You are not in a strong bargaining position, dude.)
Warning. If your car breaks down during a transit stage immediately prior to a speed stage, the official race crews, including the medical crews, will NOT stop and provide assistance. They have responsibilities up the road for the next speed stages and must be on time. In effect, they cannot stop and keep to their tight schedule.
If your car becomes disabled at any point or you wreck, you should QUICKLY deploy your warning triangles or wave flags energetically. This is especially important around blind corners. Remember, in a speed stage, the next car will reach you at full speed in about 30 seconds! There’s no time to discuss your actions. (A red T-shirt makes a good flag you can wear.)
If you simply lose power, get the car off the road. Push it or use the starter. If you cannot get the car off the pavement, the navigator should jump out and run back around the corner to warn approaching cars. Make a quick decision.
When you are stopped on the side of the road, a thumbs up signal or OK sign (provided) means that you and the driver are OK. Hood up if you have a mechanical problem.
Be aware that the crew of the next approaching car may be so focused on the road surface that they may not see you standing by the side of the road waving a red rag. Standing in a safe place, wave your flag, arms, or helmet to get their attention. Try to indicate to them clearly to stop or just slow down, depending on the location of your disabled car. If you can, indicate the side of the road they should pass on, if they can get by it.
Expect the worse if you surprise them. Your warning may cause them to lose control. (Yes, it has happened. )
Whatever you do, you must act quickly--to protect your car and their lives.
**RESPONDING TO A BAD WRECK
This is a topic that is much discussed, and there is no official Carrera rule on the topic.
If you see a bad wreck in front of you, what should you do? It is situational, and at 80 MPH, you must decide quickly. The navigator should call it, assuming he/she has a more time to consider the options.
Assuming the wreck is off the road, normally it is better to continue your speed run so you can notify the officials at the next timing station where you are allowed to stop (Control C). (Never stop at the Control B -- the checkered flag.)
If there is fire or it is a serious crash and the crew is still in the car, normally you should stop--off the road--and try to help. Deploy your red flags or emergency signs. Take your fire extinguisher and first aid kit. You are not expected to place your life at risk, and you should always be extremely careful when touching someone who has been injured badly. You are under no legal obligation to render assistance, however.
If you see a bad wreck in front of you, what should you do? It is situational, and at 80 MPH, you must decide quickly. The navigator should call it, assuming he/she has a more time to consider the options.
Assuming the wreck is off the road, normally it is better to continue your speed run so you can notify the officials at the next timing station where you are allowed to stop (Control C). (Never stop at the Control B -- the checkered flag.)
If there is fire or it is a serious crash and the crew is still in the car, normally you should stop--off the road--and try to help. Deploy your red flags or emergency signs. Take your fire extinguisher and first aid kit. You are not expected to place your life at risk, and you should always be extremely careful when touching someone who has been injured badly. You are under no legal obligation to render assistance, however.
If the car in front of you goes off into a steep ravine or dense brush, you should pull over in a safe place and go back to mark the spot with a flag and render necessary assistance.
**COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Radios. You may use any CBs, two-way, or hand-held two-way radios in Mexico. Most do not work well, however, in the mountains. The Carrera race organization uses VHF radio 144-148 Mhz for emergency transmissions only. I have been told this is similar to ship-to-shore radio in the U.S.
GPS. You may purchase GPS software for most of Mexico for a Garmin unit. The Garmin is pretty good for getting around the cities. Good news: the cars will probably be outfitted with GPS transponders through Globalstar. Bad news is--your wife can track you from her computer at home. Try http://www.mexicomaps.com/.
Cell phones. Work pretty well in much of Mexico. You need a tri- or quad-mode phone. You can also rent cell phones or SIM cards in Mexico. Sat phones are the more expensive option, of course, but the Irridium systems seems to work well down there, even in the mountains.
Computers. Internet hookup is available in most hotels. Most also have a business center where you can rent a PC by the minute.
Water. Each car should carry at least two liters of drinking water at all times. You should have a hat in the trunk or some way to cover your head should you have to stand out in the sun for long. At high altitudes, the air temperature should be moderate during the day, but the sun is very hot at 8000 feet up in the thin air.
Please remember the “Spirit of La Carrera.” True, we are down in Mexico as competitors. Some of us want to win. Most of us want to do the best we can. But more importantly, we want everyone to finish the race and be safe. Thus we should help each other when necessary, even people in our class.
Does this mean you loan your only spare tire to your nearest competitor before the last speed run when you are 10 seconds behind? It’s up to you. But this question too may be a decided by the actual situation.
**MONEY
Many small teams will find that $2500 USD in cash is enough for out of pocket expenses while in Mexico and during the race. Some teams need twice this much. You need cash primarily for gasoline and tolls for the racecar and the tow truck. You will also need cash for food and drink, as well as lap dances. (Ha! Just checking to see if you are paying attention!) Cash works best in repair and parts shops, too.
Change your money in Mexico for the best rate: at the border, hotel, or bank. The hotels sometimes run short of pesos for exchange, and banks have a limit. The exchange rate is currently around 13 pesos to one dollar.
Gas stations in the north of Mexico will usually take dollars and more are accepting credit cards.
You can charge meals at the hotels and better restaurants on your credit card.
If you want to charge meals to your room, however, you must give your credit card to the hotel’s front desk when you check in. They will run an open voucher for such charges.
Normally it is not necessary to check out at the front desk in the morning if you have no charges to your room. Just leave the key in the room or at the desk.
**LA POLICIA y LA MORDIDA
La Mordida is the Mexican word for “bite.” If a local cop stops you for an infraction, real or imagined, you often have a choice: pay him mordida, or get a ticket and go to the police station and pay the fine. He will take your driver's to guarantee that you will show up.
Do you have time to visit the police station during the race?
The mordida is always negotiable, especially for us, because they charge gringos more than the locals. Usually you can get a half-price sale if you are polite but persistent. Drag the negotiations out. A $400 asking price can be reduced to $200. Usually, the sight of a crisp $100 bill will bring the negotiations to an end. But do not offer the bill until you are certain that the cop is going to accept it. Yes, they will accept mordida in pesos or US dollars.
If you surrender your driver’s license, they will keep it until you pay mordida or the fine at the police station. Consider getting a duplicate license to carry for such occasions.
Most norteamericanos do not like the mordida system because the money goes into the pockets of the cops. Mexico is making a major effort to stop the system, too. But, like most things, is not all bad. It does offer a way to settle things outside of court. And you don’t get points on your license. Ha!
Local cops are not authorized to enforce the regulations about the importation of your vehicles into Mexico.
Is there a way to prevent the “bite?” The best way is to obey the traffic laws. Most of the police are supportive and helpful, but others see us as a big payday.
**SHOPPING
Just about anything you can buy in the USA is found in Mexico. Wal-Mart, Costco, Sears, etc. are all there, at least in the larger towns, along with McD.’s, Subway, KFC, etc. Bring your Costco or Sam’s Club card, too.
Many medical drugs are available without prescriptions. However, you should carry your personal medications with you and the prescriptions.
Car dealers for GM, Ford, and Chrysler are also found in most cities, and they pretty much operate like former dealers in the US.
The mordida is always negotiable, especially for us, because they charge gringos more than the locals. Usually you can get a half-price sale if you are polite but persistent. Drag the negotiations out. A $400 asking price can be reduced to $200. Usually, the sight of a crisp $100 bill will bring the negotiations to an end. But do not offer the bill until you are certain that the cop is going to accept it. Yes, they will accept mordida in pesos or US dollars.
If you surrender your driver’s license, they will keep it until you pay mordida or the fine at the police station. Consider getting a duplicate license to carry for such occasions.
Most norteamericanos do not like the mordida system because the money goes into the pockets of the cops. Mexico is making a major effort to stop the system, too. But, like most things, is not all bad. It does offer a way to settle things outside of court. And you don’t get points on your license. Ha!
Local cops are not authorized to enforce the regulations about the importation of your vehicles into Mexico.
Is there a way to prevent the “bite?” The best way is to obey the traffic laws. Most of the police are supportive and helpful, but others see us as a big payday.
**SHOPPING
Just about anything you can buy in the USA is found in Mexico. Wal-Mart, Costco, Sears, etc. are all there, at least in the larger towns, along with McD.’s, Subway, KFC, etc. Bring your Costco or Sam’s Club card, too.
Many medical drugs are available without prescriptions. However, you should carry your personal medications with you and the prescriptions.
Car dealers for GM, Ford, and Chrysler are also found in most cities, and they pretty much operate like former dealers in the US.
As I am fond of saying, the Carrera is an adventure. It's a long, tough race, but if you are able to relax a little and enjoy the event, it is more likely that you will have fond memories and want to return.
My job as North American coordinator is to explain what you are about to experience and to a degree, de-mystify it, plus give you the tools to endure it. But even 10,000 words of the most descriptive prose cannot capture the true significance of this event, or the depth of your feelings when you roll across the start line, and, hopefully, seven days later, the finish line.
There is nothing like it in the world, and it may not last much longer.
Copyright © 2009 Gerie Bledsoe
Copyright © 2009 Gerie Bledsoe
CARRERA NEWS
JUNE 2009
**MONTEREY HISTORICS – CARRERA FIESTA
**PIKES PEAK
**CARRERA MUSTANGS AVAILABLE
**VACATION IN HUATULCO
**COYOTE CONVOY & TOUR
**OUR MEXICAN GIRL FRIEND
**RULE CHANGES
**CLASSIFIEDS
**WARNING
**MONTEREY HISTORICS – CARRERA FIESTA
The Monterey Historics is the biggest and best vintage race car event in the world. It comprises two magnificent weeks of racing, tire kicking, auctions, concourses d’ elegance, and paddock drooling. This year the featured marque is Porsche.
The culmination of the Historics comes during the weekend of August 14-16. Thus the third annual “La Carrera Fiesta at the Historics” will convened on Saturday, August 15 at 2:00—6:00 PM in the beautiful courtyard of Tarpy’s Roadhouse. Prior to August 1 tickets will be $40.00. At the door, they will be $50.00. The tickets cover the cost of set up, food and drink, souvenir, plus a $5 contribution to our Mexican girlfriend, Lupita Hernandez (see story below). Because space is limited, only fifty tickets will be printed.
There will be space to display ten Carrera cars in front of Tarpy’s during the Fiesta. Five of these slots are reserved for Carrera Porsches. The spaces will be assigned on a first-come basis. At least one ’53 Original Pan Am Porsche is expected to be there.
For those that do not know the history, the Porsche company actually made its racing debut in Americas during the ’52 Carrera. However, after winning its class in Le Mans and the Mille that year, it returned in force to the Pan Am in ’53 to sweep its new class, Sports Menor. Thereafter the race’s name has adorned the rear lid of many of their cars, a tradition that continues today, even with the new “Panamera” model.
On Saturday morning, all Carrera cars are also invited to join Porsches for a tour of sites on the Monterey peninsula, traveling on some entertaining back roads. And after the Fiesta, on Saturday night, ten Carrera cars will be invited to join a big Porsche display under the lights in downtown Monterey. Bill Hemmer and Adriana Robles are our local hosts for the fiesta.
Please contact the North American Coordinator if you want to purchase a fiesta ticket, reserve a spot for your Carrera car, or need more information about these events.
**PIKE’S PEAK – YOUR LAST CHANCE!
Is the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb July 14-19 on your bucket list? Do not wait. Join us this year. The deadline is July 1. The entry fee is only $800, if paid to the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Club (RMVR). That’s about half of the regular entry fee. Just about any Carrera car or vintage racecar with a full roll cage is eligible. Vintage entries are filling up and may be gone soon. Most of the 12.5 mile course, including the top section, has been paved.
Doug Mockett and Angelic Fuentes will be back to defend their championship on July 19. Kevin Jones plans to return, too. We will practice on the mountain three mornings, before the main event on Sunday, July 19.
To register, contact Tony Martins of RMVR cycleworksusa@msn.com. The entry form is available at http://www.rmvr.com/. Send it and a check for $800 to:
RMVR
c/o Tony Martins
6387 South Hill Street
Littleton, CO
80120
Rooms are available at the Silver Saddle Motel in Manitou Springs for $79 a night. RMVR is also planning a vintage car show in Manitou Springs on July 18.
**CARRERA MUSTANGS AVAILABLE
Want to participate in this year’s Carrera Panamerica or Pike’s Peak but do not have a car?
No problem, just contact Todd Landon at TALandon@landolakes.com or call him at 952-250-7948. Todd, a food scientist for Land O’Lakes in Minnesota, has twelve years’ experience racing and building Mustangs and Falcons for the Pan Am, Chihuahua Express, and Pike’s Peak. It’s his hobby and passion.
As a former competitor, Todd understands that a successful Carrera car must be dependable, safe, and quick. His cars have finished consistently in the top ten, including a first in class and a sixth place overall finish last year. That particular Mustang is currently for sale in Britain for only $95,000. Todd can provide a tested, turn-key car at a much more reasonable price, however. Don’t really want to compete in Mexico, but just drive fast? Todd has a Mustang for lease that can run in the Exhibition class, as well.
Todd has two or three cars for purchase or lease for the race this year. He also provides full mechanical support during the race. His services are highly recommended.
If you are looking for a Turismo Mayor Studebaker, try Mats Hammarlund at mhracing1960@gmail.com. His shop also supports them.
**PIKES PEAK
**CARRERA MUSTANGS AVAILABLE
**VACATION IN HUATULCO
**COYOTE CONVOY & TOUR
**OUR MEXICAN GIRL FRIEND
**RULE CHANGES
**CLASSIFIEDS
**WARNING
**MONTEREY HISTORICS – CARRERA FIESTA
The Monterey Historics is the biggest and best vintage race car event in the world. It comprises two magnificent weeks of racing, tire kicking, auctions, concourses d’ elegance, and paddock drooling. This year the featured marque is Porsche.
The culmination of the Historics comes during the weekend of August 14-16. Thus the third annual “La Carrera Fiesta at the Historics” will convened on Saturday, August 15 at 2:00—6:00 PM in the beautiful courtyard of Tarpy’s Roadhouse. Prior to August 1 tickets will be $40.00. At the door, they will be $50.00. The tickets cover the cost of set up, food and drink, souvenir, plus a $5 contribution to our Mexican girlfriend, Lupita Hernandez (see story below). Because space is limited, only fifty tickets will be printed.
There will be space to display ten Carrera cars in front of Tarpy’s during the Fiesta. Five of these slots are reserved for Carrera Porsches. The spaces will be assigned on a first-come basis. At least one ’53 Original Pan Am Porsche is expected to be there.
For those that do not know the history, the Porsche company actually made its racing debut in Americas during the ’52 Carrera. However, after winning its class in Le Mans and the Mille that year, it returned in force to the Pan Am in ’53 to sweep its new class, Sports Menor. Thereafter the race’s name has adorned the rear lid of many of their cars, a tradition that continues today, even with the new “Panamera” model.
On Saturday morning, all Carrera cars are also invited to join Porsches for a tour of sites on the Monterey peninsula, traveling on some entertaining back roads. And after the Fiesta, on Saturday night, ten Carrera cars will be invited to join a big Porsche display under the lights in downtown Monterey. Bill Hemmer and Adriana Robles are our local hosts for the fiesta.
Please contact the North American Coordinator if you want to purchase a fiesta ticket, reserve a spot for your Carrera car, or need more information about these events.
**PIKE’S PEAK – YOUR LAST CHANCE!
Is the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb July 14-19 on your bucket list? Do not wait. Join us this year. The deadline is July 1. The entry fee is only $800, if paid to the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Club (RMVR). That’s about half of the regular entry fee. Just about any Carrera car or vintage racecar with a full roll cage is eligible. Vintage entries are filling up and may be gone soon. Most of the 12.5 mile course, including the top section, has been paved.
Doug Mockett and Angelic Fuentes will be back to defend their championship on July 19. Kevin Jones plans to return, too. We will practice on the mountain three mornings, before the main event on Sunday, July 19.
To register, contact Tony Martins of RMVR cycleworksusa@msn.com. The entry form is available at http://www.rmvr.com/. Send it and a check for $800 to:
RMVR
c/o Tony Martins
6387 South Hill Street
Littleton, CO
80120
Rooms are available at the Silver Saddle Motel in Manitou Springs for $79 a night. RMVR is also planning a vintage car show in Manitou Springs on July 18.
**CARRERA MUSTANGS AVAILABLE
Want to participate in this year’s Carrera Panamerica or Pike’s Peak but do not have a car?
No problem, just contact Todd Landon at TALandon@landolakes.com or call him at 952-250-7948. Todd, a food scientist for Land O’Lakes in Minnesota, has twelve years’ experience racing and building Mustangs and Falcons for the Pan Am, Chihuahua Express, and Pike’s Peak. It’s his hobby and passion.
As a former competitor, Todd understands that a successful Carrera car must be dependable, safe, and quick. His cars have finished consistently in the top ten, including a first in class and a sixth place overall finish last year. That particular Mustang is currently for sale in Britain for only $95,000. Todd can provide a tested, turn-key car at a much more reasonable price, however. Don’t really want to compete in Mexico, but just drive fast? Todd has a Mustang for lease that can run in the Exhibition class, as well.
Todd has two or three cars for purchase or lease for the race this year. He also provides full mechanical support during the race. His services are highly recommended.
If you are looking for a Turismo Mayor Studebaker, try Mats Hammarlund at mhracing1960@gmail.com. His shop also supports them.
**VACATION IN HUATULCO
Numerous Carrera competitors, friends, and support crews plan to arrive in Huatulco (wha-tool-koh) a few days early in October to relax and check out the beautiful beaches of this tropical paradise. Rates should be reasonable that time of the year. Try to pick a hotel around Santa Cruz, if you want to be close to the action.
The Carrera Office in Mexico City is offering special all-inclusive rates at the “regular” and “premium” hotels. Contact Monica Grossmann directly, if you are interested, at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx. (They also have added a premium hotel in Guadalajara.)
Spouses, friends, and family might want to come down the weekend before the race, October 16-19 for a little R & R, and then head back to the States when the competition begins. The days leading up to the race are a period of intense preparation, so if your girlfriend demands constant attention, it may not be the best place for her. Sadly, there is no Nordstrom’s or Tiffany’s within five hundred miles for diversion. However, the “alfresco” hot tubs may offer some distraction.
**COYOTE CONVOY & TOUR
Want a little adventure? Join the Coyote Convoy for the trip down to Huatulco. Drive down in your own car – racecar, m/c, or street machine. It’s easy! There is no fee for joining the parade.
The convoy will gather in Laredo, Texas on Friday, October 16, and across the border on Saturday, October 17. It will spend two nights in San Miguel de Allende (selected by Condé Nast magazine as one of the top ten tourist destinations last year), before leaving on Monday, October 19 for the city of Oaxaca. After a night in Oaxaca, it will continue on to Huatulco, arriving on Tuesday, October 20. Short walking tours of San Miguel and the city of Oaxaca will be provided.
Don’t want to drive your Lambo down to Mexico? Fly into Laredo and hop a ride in a service vehicle down to San Miguel. In SMA Rosa Maria Mondragón Fiesco will pack you in her Ford Expedition for the trip on down to Oaxaca and Hautulco with the convoy, and if you want, you can follow the race back to Laredo with her. Rosa Maria is the former P.R. director for the race and two-time co-piloto in the actual event. She is also a licensed rally driver, so she knows how to get you close to the action. Sadly, she can only fit six people in her vehicle--with a modest amount of luggage. Sign up early!
If you want the whole Tour package: fly into Laredo, Texas on Friday, October 16 and schedule your return from there on Friday, October 30. If you go with the tour, the charge will be based on the actual number of days you travel with Rosa. It will be two exciting weeks. You must, of course, bring your passport, but that is the only document you will need, other than a Mexican tourist visa.
Numerous Carrera competitors, friends, and support crews plan to arrive in Huatulco (wha-tool-koh) a few days early in October to relax and check out the beautiful beaches of this tropical paradise. Rates should be reasonable that time of the year. Try to pick a hotel around Santa Cruz, if you want to be close to the action.
The Carrera Office in Mexico City is offering special all-inclusive rates at the “regular” and “premium” hotels. Contact Monica Grossmann directly, if you are interested, at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx. (They also have added a premium hotel in Guadalajara.)
Spouses, friends, and family might want to come down the weekend before the race, October 16-19 for a little R & R, and then head back to the States when the competition begins. The days leading up to the race are a period of intense preparation, so if your girlfriend demands constant attention, it may not be the best place for her. Sadly, there is no Nordstrom’s or Tiffany’s within five hundred miles for diversion. However, the “alfresco” hot tubs may offer some distraction.
**COYOTE CONVOY & TOUR
Want a little adventure? Join the Coyote Convoy for the trip down to Huatulco. Drive down in your own car – racecar, m/c, or street machine. It’s easy! There is no fee for joining the parade.
The convoy will gather in Laredo, Texas on Friday, October 16, and across the border on Saturday, October 17. It will spend two nights in San Miguel de Allende (selected by Condé Nast magazine as one of the top ten tourist destinations last year), before leaving on Monday, October 19 for the city of Oaxaca. After a night in Oaxaca, it will continue on to Huatulco, arriving on Tuesday, October 20. Short walking tours of San Miguel and the city of Oaxaca will be provided.
Don’t want to drive your Lambo down to Mexico? Fly into Laredo and hop a ride in a service vehicle down to San Miguel. In SMA Rosa Maria Mondragón Fiesco will pack you in her Ford Expedition for the trip on down to Oaxaca and Hautulco with the convoy, and if you want, you can follow the race back to Laredo with her. Rosa Maria is the former P.R. director for the race and two-time co-piloto in the actual event. She is also a licensed rally driver, so she knows how to get you close to the action. Sadly, she can only fit six people in her vehicle--with a modest amount of luggage. Sign up early!
If you want the whole Tour package: fly into Laredo, Texas on Friday, October 16 and schedule your return from there on Friday, October 30. If you go with the tour, the charge will be based on the actual number of days you travel with Rosa. It will be two exciting weeks. You must, of course, bring your passport, but that is the only document you will need, other than a Mexican tourist visa.
We also do not expect swine flu to be a problem in October, either.
**OUR MEXICAN GIRL FRIEND
As some of you know from first-hand experience, supporting a girl friend can be an expensive proposition (no pun intended). Many of the Carrera drivers and co-drivers have been supporting our favorite Mexican hottie for several years now.
She is a sweetie and gives us much pleasure. Of course, we are talking about Guadalupe “Lupita” Hernandez Ramirez, who lives down in Chiapas.
Lupita lost both of her legs at the hip when a Carrera car hit an oil spill, spun off the road, and pinned her up against an ambulance outside of Tuxtla Gutierrez in 2003. None of us expected her to survive as she was being airlifted to a local hospital. But survive she did and now, thanks to her family and the “Friends of Lupita,” she is doing well. The “Friends” supplied her with a cute little house, computer, furniture, training, and support -- all in coordination with the International and Mexican Red Cross.
Famous pilotos like Jerry Churchill, Doug Mockett, Bill Shanahan, Ralph Carungi, Matt Hamilton, and James Gublemann--to name a few-- have been solid supporters of Lupita. None of us wanted to see her begging on the streets, and we have succeeded. However, since Churchill’s passing and the retirement of groups like the Tropical Gangsters, the ranks of “Friends” has been thinned. Doug Mockett administers her trust account.
We need some new recruits to help out. Any level of donation will be appreciated. Carrera patches and other items are also available a http://www.panamrace.com/. All proceeds go to Lupita. Our goal is to raise enough to create a trust fund that will send her at least $300 dollars or so every month.
Send your donations to:
Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez
c/o Ms. Fanny Davila
South Bay Bank
2200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501
Acct. #: 009400710
**RULES CHANGES
One of the reasons that La Carrera Panamericana is such a cultural adventure is the process for developing the rules – both official and unofficial versions. Typically, the rules for the year’s event are not promulgated until most of the cars have been constructed -- on the basis of last year’s rules!
Everyone should remember the axiom -- “no rule is final; any may be changed” -- before or during the event, depending on whose ox is being gored, and the amount of black lash from the Mexican racing community and assorted VIPs. Sponsors of the event seem to have an inordinate amount of influence.
Officially, the Pan Am is sanctioned by the Federation Mexican Auto Sports (FMAD), the FIA’s affiliate in Mexico, but the event is not sanctioned by the FIA. Thus it has it own set of very unique, “organic” rules. FMAD inspectors do check the safety features of the cars.
This year, for example, a rule was added within the last month or two that forbids the use of Boss 302 four-bolt main engines in a Mustang or Falcon in Historic C.
**OUR MEXICAN GIRL FRIEND
As some of you know from first-hand experience, supporting a girl friend can be an expensive proposition (no pun intended). Many of the Carrera drivers and co-drivers have been supporting our favorite Mexican hottie for several years now.
She is a sweetie and gives us much pleasure. Of course, we are talking about Guadalupe “Lupita” Hernandez Ramirez, who lives down in Chiapas.
Lupita lost both of her legs at the hip when a Carrera car hit an oil spill, spun off the road, and pinned her up against an ambulance outside of Tuxtla Gutierrez in 2003. None of us expected her to survive as she was being airlifted to a local hospital. But survive she did and now, thanks to her family and the “Friends of Lupita,” she is doing well. The “Friends” supplied her with a cute little house, computer, furniture, training, and support -- all in coordination with the International and Mexican Red Cross.
Famous pilotos like Jerry Churchill, Doug Mockett, Bill Shanahan, Ralph Carungi, Matt Hamilton, and James Gublemann--to name a few-- have been solid supporters of Lupita. None of us wanted to see her begging on the streets, and we have succeeded. However, since Churchill’s passing and the retirement of groups like the Tropical Gangsters, the ranks of “Friends” has been thinned. Doug Mockett administers her trust account.
We need some new recruits to help out. Any level of donation will be appreciated. Carrera patches and other items are also available a http://www.panamrace.com/. All proceeds go to Lupita. Our goal is to raise enough to create a trust fund that will send her at least $300 dollars or so every month.
Send your donations to:
Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez
c/o Ms. Fanny Davila
South Bay Bank
2200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501
Acct. #: 009400710
**RULES CHANGES
One of the reasons that La Carrera Panamericana is such a cultural adventure is the process for developing the rules – both official and unofficial versions. Typically, the rules for the year’s event are not promulgated until most of the cars have been constructed -- on the basis of last year’s rules!
Everyone should remember the axiom -- “no rule is final; any may be changed” -- before or during the event, depending on whose ox is being gored, and the amount of black lash from the Mexican racing community and assorted VIPs. Sponsors of the event seem to have an inordinate amount of influence.
Officially, the Pan Am is sanctioned by the Federation Mexican Auto Sports (FMAD), the FIA’s affiliate in Mexico, but the event is not sanctioned by the FIA. Thus it has it own set of very unique, “organic” rules. FMAD inspectors do check the safety features of the cars.
This year, for example, a rule was added within the last month or two that forbids the use of Boss 302 four-bolt main engines in a Mustang or Falcon in Historic C.
Also, the rules now say that no “straight cut gear transmissions” may be used in Historic. Aimed at Jerico and sequential transmissions, if strictly enforced, this rule could also outlaw a vintage Muncie M-22. The Historic C rules are also inconsistent about carburetion limits.
There is nothing in the rules that says that alloy heads are not allowed in Historic C, but you may be forced to run in Exhibition if the inspector’s magnet doesn’t stick to ‘um. On the other hand, sometimes they forget to check. Tubular control arms seem to get only a wink and nod these days, too, but rack and pinion steering is a no-no.
Also, the rules are usually not strictly enforced on new cars until they start bumping veterans off the podium. The cars of new hot shoes will be subject to peer review, for sure. Cars have been bumped into Exhibition during the middle of the event because of complaints from other competitors.
In Historic B the rules were changed this year to allow 2.4 liter engines in a Porsche 911. Please, like they needed more displacement to maintain their domination of this class?!
The big development this year will be the use (or so we are told in a press release) of electronic timing. Will this eliminate the obvious anomalies in the nightly results? Not completely, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.
Again, the Pan Am should be seen as much as a cultural adventure as a vintage race. It is unique in the world, and part of the charm is that it is not a rigid SCCA or FIA event. Loosey-goosey? Yes. But fun, hell yes!
**CLASSIFIEDS
ISO Co-Piloto -- David Cooper. Dave drives a ’51 Chrysler Saratoga NASCAR replica. Email 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, in a Datsun 1600 “Fair Lady,” are looking for co-drivers, as well. Phone 415-728-6960 or email michael@luchalibreracing.com. It’s always a fun ride with Michael, who has been to Mexico many times.
HANS/Leatt Braces. Wine Country Motor Sports is offering a premium on HANS devices. Wine Country Motor Sports is located in Sonoma, CA at Infineon Raceway and Juniper, Florida, near the Moroso Motorsports Park. Call (800) 708-7223 to order or go to http://www.winecountrymotorsports.com.
Antonio Maceda down in Mexico is offering Leatt Braces for $499, which are approved for the Pan Am. You can contact him at morforacing@yahoo.com. This price is good until August 31st.
Ron Davis out in Colorado has three ’55 Chryslers for sale – red, white, and blue. You can have the whole lot for $45,000. The hemi engines alone are worth that much. Email him at c300r@yahoo.com.
Ford Falcon available. $32,000. Crate 302. Well tested car. Won class in Chihuahua Express in 2007. Ready for Carrera 2009. From the estate of Tom Silver. Contact David Fuss at dave.fuss@medtronic.com.
Need service in Mexico (on your car)? Try Enrique Cortes. enrocortes@hotmail.com
Enrique lived in the US for several years, speaks English, and aims to please. He will work on a retainer basis or by the hour – 24/7 along the entire route. Welding and fabrication seems to be his forte, but his jolly band of elves also wrench. Check him out at http://www.ecf.com.mx/index_archivos/Page711.html
**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. CARRERA NEWS is not an official publication of the event. All opinions herein are those of the author, who is also a competitor in car #395.
Ciao,
Gerie Bledsoe
Friday, May 15, 2009
Carrera Driver Newsletter
CARRERA DRIVER
May 2009 It’s the-time-to-get-serious edition!
**PAY ENTRY FEE BEFORE DEADLINE
**SEND PHOTOS
**OBTAIN MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE
**APPLY FOR FMAD LICENSE
**THE PAN AM TOUR
**MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS
**REVIEW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
**MAKE SURE YOUR ROLL CAGE IS OK
**INSTALL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
**ACQUIRE HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINTS
**WARNING
In only 152 days we will be leaving the Bay Area for Mexico. Are you ready?
**PAY ENTRY FEE BEFORE DEADLINE
On June 1 the entry fee jumps another $500. We now have thirty-five paid entries from North America. I expect five or six more to enter by the next deadline. Last year at this point, we had fifty-one paid entries from our part of the world.
Instead of last year’s total of 105 entries worldwide, I expect the number will be around seventy-five. On the bright side, this will make registration and tech a lot quicker, while reducing congestion at the timing controls during competition. On the down side, we will miss some good friends who are sitting it out this year because of the economy.
**SEND PHOTOS
Your entry is not complete until I have your personal photos and at least one photo of your racecar. Please send digital photos, if possible, to gbledso@aol.com. Just about any digital shot is OK.
Your blood type and Rh factor are also critical, if you have not sent this info to me, please do ASAP.
**OBTAIN MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE
Go to http://www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace to cover your tow vehicle and racecar while not racing. Using Baja Bound is easy as 1-2-3. It is one of the few companies that will cover old cars.
You must buy liability coverage on your tow vehicle and have proof of this in Huatulco.
I also recommend collision coverage on your tow vehicle as well. But just buy liability on your racecar from Baja Bound’s list of insurance companies, although it is not required. They are all solid, reliable companies. Most are subsidiaries of U.S. companies.
The liability coverage on your racecar is only needed before the event starts and at night. It does not cover you when you are racing, of course. While racing you are covered by the organizer’s insurance arranged through FMAD.
**APPLY FOR FMAD LICENSE
All competitors – drivers and navigators/co-drivers – must have a FMAD rally license. It costs only $195 USD this year, considerably less than last year. The license comes with a small amount of medical insurance. You may pay extra to increase the amount of coverage. There is a special license (optional) for support-crew members, too. Most American medical insurance programs do not cover you in Mexico. Be prepared.
The license application can be found at www.femadac@femadac.org.mx. Send it or email it, with two small photos of your handsome face, to the FMAD Office in Mexico City. The address is at the bottom of the form. If you do that, your license will be ready to pick up in Huatulco. You can pay then. Make the check out to “FEMADAC.”
If you are importing your racecar into Mexico with the help of a Mexican customs broker, you must apply for your FMAD license and apply for the importation permit. That form is also on their web site.
**THE PAN AM TOUR
Spectators, photojournalists, spouses, and friends who want to observe the race or take photographs should sign up for the Pan Am Tour, offered by Rosa María Mondragón. Rosa María was the PR director for the race for many years and knows everything about the event. She knows the route and how to get you in position to enjoy it up close. You can pay by the week for the whole event, or by the day, if you do not intend to be there the entire week. Rosa Maria provides transportation in a Ford Expedition for six passengers with a modest amount of luggage.
Contact her at racecarmedia@yahoo.com.mx
**MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Have you reserved your rooms in Huatulco and elsewhere along the route? You should deal directly with Monica Grossmann in the Carrera Office in Mexico City about hotels. Best to e-mail her at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx.
If you plan to arrive with the Coyote Convoy in Huatulco on Tuesday, Oct. 20, you will need an extra room(s) for two nights (October 20-21). On Oct. 22 the double room that comes with your entry begins. Of course, if you need an extra room for your crew, spouse, or mother-in-law, please let Monica know.
**REVIEW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Please note that when you register through the web site or through the North American Coordinator you are agreeing to abide by the rules of the event, which are posted on the Mexican web site www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. You should review these rules. If you have any questions, please let me know.
During registration in Huatulco, you will also sign a classic racing waiver.
**MAKE SURE YOUR ROLL CAGE IS OK
The Carrera’s rules regarding roll cages remain somewhat uncertain. The written rules still do not match up with the diagram that is provided separately on the web site. Apparently, the inspectors will again determine the value and integrity of the cage somewhat subjectively.
The minimum requirements seem to be:
--a full six (or more) point roll cage
--13 gauge steel tubing (0.089”)
--one door bar (two is better)
--sufficient bracing—laterally and diagonally--with gussets in the “halo”
--an “X’ brace across the top of the cage (a single bar diagonally or laterally sometimes will suffice)
If your car door is a wide one and you have an unsupported lateral expanse (along the top of the doors) of more than 23-24” or so, they may want you to install a additional vertical bar to brace the top, like a “Toyota bar” running down the A pillar, or from the main hoop up to the rear end of the halo.
**INSTALL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
After eight years of losing no cars to fire because of crashes during speed stages, we have lost three in the past year or two: one in the Carrera 2007 and two in the Chihuahua Express 2008. In 2006 a car burned during a transit stage in the Carrera because of fuel system problems. Are there lessons to learn, other than slowing down?
Two fires started after solo crashes when the fuel cells or tank ruptured, while the other fire probably was the result of hot exhaust pipes landing on dry grass. Apparently, in none of these cases did or could a fire suppression system save the car. When properly installed and used, however, the systems should at least knock down a fire and allow the crew time to exit the vehicle.
**ACQUIRE HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINTS
The official rules for the Carrera say that a HANS or Leatt brace will be required this year for all competitors. I assume, however, that any SFI-rated or FIA-approved head and neck brace will be accepted. Please note the word "assume."
The company that makes HANS devices is now making a Sport Series for $695. It’s a bit heavier than the original version, which still sells for $895. You must have posts installed in your helmet to hook up them up. Some helmets are pre-drilled, too.
Simpson sells a restraint system for $399 (#856-50000), and Safety Solutions has one for $325.99 (#872-SAFHR101). There’s another one called an R-3. G-Force has one for only $249, which fits on their helmets, but it is not SFI-rated and was not accepted last year in Mexico. The Leatt-Brace, used on primarily on motorcycles, is available and will be sold in Mexico. It was developed for m/c racing and cost $395 in the States.
I use the light-weight HANS device but cannot recommend any of them. You may use a 2” harness belt with the HANS, although the company says they will work fine with the traditional 3” belt, too. I find it somewhat difficult to keep the 3” shoulder belt positioned properly on my HANS device.
Also make sure that your neck and head restraint system is compatible with your seat. You head should not be touching the back of your seat, and you should be able to sit up straight and be comfortable—especially after driving six hours a day.
Wine County Auto Sports is offering incentives on buying a HANS from them.
If you buy your HANS from Wine Country Motor Sports, they will give you a free OMP helmet-HANS bag worth $89, free installation of the posts for the HANS in your helmet, and free shipping. They will also install posts in old your helmet for free, if you send it to them.
Wine Country Motor Sports is located in Sonoma, CA (Infineon Raceway) and Juniper, Florida, near the Moroso Motorsports Park. Call (800) 708-7223 to order or go to http://www.winecountrymotorsports.com.
It is my understanding that SA2005 helmets are required, and seat belts should not be more than five years old.
**COYOTE CONVOY
If you plan to drive down with the Coyote Convoy or even think you might want to do that, please let me know ASAP. I will have a separate mailing list for the convoy. Right now the itinerary for our expedition looks like this:
Friday, Oct. 16 – rendezvous in Laredo, Texas, 9 PM meeting
(Please make your own reservation at the Residence Inn del Mar by Marriott)
Saturday, Oct. 17 – drive to San Miguel de Allende, 6 AM (540 miles)
Tour and group dinner in San Miguel, 7 PM
Sunday, Oct. 18 – Carrera car show in the main square (10 AM-3 PM)
Monday, Oct. 19 – drive around Mexico City to Oaxaca, 8 AM
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – drive into Huatulco, 8 AM (180 miles)
When making your reservation in Laredo use the code “carr” or "Carrera" for the discounted rate.
I will offer a package deal on the convoy’s hotels in Mexico in a couple of weeks. Anyone—friends and family--may join the convoy.
Note that the convoy hotels are separate from the hotels offered by Monica Grossmann.
**WARNING
Auto racing in any form is dangerous, and that includes the Pan Am. Each year in the Pan Am there are several wrecks the first day because the drivers are nervous and trying too hard. Be careful, especially the first day.
Fortunately, we have not had any serious injuries of late, but there have been some horrific wrecks. Never forget that this is a long endurance race. For most of us a victory in this race is simply crossing the finish line in Nuevo Laredo in one piece, under our own power. If you drive this race at 70-80%, have no mechanical failures, and make every special stage, you will finish high in the standings. But most importantly, you have succeeded where many others have failed.
Viva la Carrera Panamericana!
Note: Normally, Carrera Driver goes only to those signed up for the event and a few others who transport or support cars while in Mexico. The special, edited of Carrera Driver is provided as an example of the information and support provided to those who participate in this unique event.
Gerie Bledsoe
May 2009 It’s the-time-to-get-serious edition!
**PAY ENTRY FEE BEFORE DEADLINE
**SEND PHOTOS
**OBTAIN MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE
**APPLY FOR FMAD LICENSE
**THE PAN AM TOUR
**MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS
**REVIEW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
**MAKE SURE YOUR ROLL CAGE IS OK
**INSTALL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
**ACQUIRE HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINTS
**WARNING
In only 152 days we will be leaving the Bay Area for Mexico. Are you ready?
**PAY ENTRY FEE BEFORE DEADLINE
On June 1 the entry fee jumps another $500. We now have thirty-five paid entries from North America. I expect five or six more to enter by the next deadline. Last year at this point, we had fifty-one paid entries from our part of the world.
Instead of last year’s total of 105 entries worldwide, I expect the number will be around seventy-five. On the bright side, this will make registration and tech a lot quicker, while reducing congestion at the timing controls during competition. On the down side, we will miss some good friends who are sitting it out this year because of the economy.
**SEND PHOTOS
Your entry is not complete until I have your personal photos and at least one photo of your racecar. Please send digital photos, if possible, to gbledso@aol.com. Just about any digital shot is OK.
Your blood type and Rh factor are also critical, if you have not sent this info to me, please do ASAP.
**OBTAIN MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE
Go to http://www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace to cover your tow vehicle and racecar while not racing. Using Baja Bound is easy as 1-2-3. It is one of the few companies that will cover old cars.
You must buy liability coverage on your tow vehicle and have proof of this in Huatulco.
I also recommend collision coverage on your tow vehicle as well. But just buy liability on your racecar from Baja Bound’s list of insurance companies, although it is not required. They are all solid, reliable companies. Most are subsidiaries of U.S. companies.
The liability coverage on your racecar is only needed before the event starts and at night. It does not cover you when you are racing, of course. While racing you are covered by the organizer’s insurance arranged through FMAD.
**APPLY FOR FMAD LICENSE
All competitors – drivers and navigators/co-drivers – must have a FMAD rally license. It costs only $195 USD this year, considerably less than last year. The license comes with a small amount of medical insurance. You may pay extra to increase the amount of coverage. There is a special license (optional) for support-crew members, too. Most American medical insurance programs do not cover you in Mexico. Be prepared.
The license application can be found at www.femadac@femadac.org.mx. Send it or email it, with two small photos of your handsome face, to the FMAD Office in Mexico City. The address is at the bottom of the form. If you do that, your license will be ready to pick up in Huatulco. You can pay then. Make the check out to “FEMADAC.”
If you are importing your racecar into Mexico with the help of a Mexican customs broker, you must apply for your FMAD license and apply for the importation permit. That form is also on their web site.
**THE PAN AM TOUR
Spectators, photojournalists, spouses, and friends who want to observe the race or take photographs should sign up for the Pan Am Tour, offered by Rosa María Mondragón. Rosa María was the PR director for the race for many years and knows everything about the event. She knows the route and how to get you in position to enjoy it up close. You can pay by the week for the whole event, or by the day, if you do not intend to be there the entire week. Rosa Maria provides transportation in a Ford Expedition for six passengers with a modest amount of luggage.
Contact her at racecarmedia@yahoo.com.mx
**MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Have you reserved your rooms in Huatulco and elsewhere along the route? You should deal directly with Monica Grossmann in the Carrera Office in Mexico City about hotels. Best to e-mail her at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx.
If you plan to arrive with the Coyote Convoy in Huatulco on Tuesday, Oct. 20, you will need an extra room(s) for two nights (October 20-21). On Oct. 22 the double room that comes with your entry begins. Of course, if you need an extra room for your crew, spouse, or mother-in-law, please let Monica know.
**REVIEW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Please note that when you register through the web site or through the North American Coordinator you are agreeing to abide by the rules of the event, which are posted on the Mexican web site www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. You should review these rules. If you have any questions, please let me know.
During registration in Huatulco, you will also sign a classic racing waiver.
**MAKE SURE YOUR ROLL CAGE IS OK
The Carrera’s rules regarding roll cages remain somewhat uncertain. The written rules still do not match up with the diagram that is provided separately on the web site. Apparently, the inspectors will again determine the value and integrity of the cage somewhat subjectively.
The minimum requirements seem to be:
--a full six (or more) point roll cage
--13 gauge steel tubing (0.089”)
--one door bar (two is better)
--sufficient bracing—laterally and diagonally--with gussets in the “halo”
--an “X’ brace across the top of the cage (a single bar diagonally or laterally sometimes will suffice)
If your car door is a wide one and you have an unsupported lateral expanse (along the top of the doors) of more than 23-24” or so, they may want you to install a additional vertical bar to brace the top, like a “Toyota bar” running down the A pillar, or from the main hoop up to the rear end of the halo.
**INSTALL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
After eight years of losing no cars to fire because of crashes during speed stages, we have lost three in the past year or two: one in the Carrera 2007 and two in the Chihuahua Express 2008. In 2006 a car burned during a transit stage in the Carrera because of fuel system problems. Are there lessons to learn, other than slowing down?
Two fires started after solo crashes when the fuel cells or tank ruptured, while the other fire probably was the result of hot exhaust pipes landing on dry grass. Apparently, in none of these cases did or could a fire suppression system save the car. When properly installed and used, however, the systems should at least knock down a fire and allow the crew time to exit the vehicle.
**ACQUIRE HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINTS
The official rules for the Carrera say that a HANS or Leatt brace will be required this year for all competitors. I assume, however, that any SFI-rated or FIA-approved head and neck brace will be accepted. Please note the word "assume."
The company that makes HANS devices is now making a Sport Series for $695. It’s a bit heavier than the original version, which still sells for $895. You must have posts installed in your helmet to hook up them up. Some helmets are pre-drilled, too.
Simpson sells a restraint system for $399 (#856-50000), and Safety Solutions has one for $325.99 (#872-SAFHR101). There’s another one called an R-3. G-Force has one for only $249, which fits on their helmets, but it is not SFI-rated and was not accepted last year in Mexico. The Leatt-Brace, used on primarily on motorcycles, is available and will be sold in Mexico. It was developed for m/c racing and cost $395 in the States.
I use the light-weight HANS device but cannot recommend any of them. You may use a 2” harness belt with the HANS, although the company says they will work fine with the traditional 3” belt, too. I find it somewhat difficult to keep the 3” shoulder belt positioned properly on my HANS device.
Also make sure that your neck and head restraint system is compatible with your seat. You head should not be touching the back of your seat, and you should be able to sit up straight and be comfortable—especially after driving six hours a day.
Wine County Auto Sports is offering incentives on buying a HANS from them.
If you buy your HANS from Wine Country Motor Sports, they will give you a free OMP helmet-HANS bag worth $89, free installation of the posts for the HANS in your helmet, and free shipping. They will also install posts in old your helmet for free, if you send it to them.
Wine Country Motor Sports is located in Sonoma, CA (Infineon Raceway) and Juniper, Florida, near the Moroso Motorsports Park. Call (800) 708-7223 to order or go to http://www.winecountrymotorsports.com.
It is my understanding that SA2005 helmets are required, and seat belts should not be more than five years old.
**COYOTE CONVOY
If you plan to drive down with the Coyote Convoy or even think you might want to do that, please let me know ASAP. I will have a separate mailing list for the convoy. Right now the itinerary for our expedition looks like this:
Friday, Oct. 16 – rendezvous in Laredo, Texas, 9 PM meeting
(Please make your own reservation at the Residence Inn del Mar by Marriott)
Saturday, Oct. 17 – drive to San Miguel de Allende, 6 AM (540 miles)
Tour and group dinner in San Miguel, 7 PM
Sunday, Oct. 18 – Carrera car show in the main square (10 AM-3 PM)
Monday, Oct. 19 – drive around Mexico City to Oaxaca, 8 AM
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – drive into Huatulco, 8 AM (180 miles)
When making your reservation in Laredo use the code “carr” or "Carrera" for the discounted rate.
I will offer a package deal on the convoy’s hotels in Mexico in a couple of weeks. Anyone—friends and family--may join the convoy.
Note that the convoy hotels are separate from the hotels offered by Monica Grossmann.
**WARNING
Auto racing in any form is dangerous, and that includes the Pan Am. Each year in the Pan Am there are several wrecks the first day because the drivers are nervous and trying too hard. Be careful, especially the first day.
Fortunately, we have not had any serious injuries of late, but there have been some horrific wrecks. Never forget that this is a long endurance race. For most of us a victory in this race is simply crossing the finish line in Nuevo Laredo in one piece, under our own power. If you drive this race at 70-80%, have no mechanical failures, and make every special stage, you will finish high in the standings. But most importantly, you have succeeded where many others have failed.
Viva la Carrera Panamericana!
Note: Normally, Carrera Driver goes only to those signed up for the event and a few others who transport or support cars while in Mexico. The special, edited of Carrera Driver is provided as an example of the information and support provided to those who participate in this unique event.
Gerie Bledsoe
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!
Monday, April 27, 2009
CARRERA NEWS -- Easter Edition
Tom Silver, Chihuahua Express, 2007
CARRERA NEWS
APRIL 2009
Contents -- The Bunny Day Edition
**SILVER STATE CLASSIC – NEXT MONTH
**ROAD AMERICA—ELKHART LAKE
**PIKE’S PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
**MONTEREY HISTORICS, AUGUST 15
**SEVENTY-FIVE ENTRIES FOR LCP 2009?
**GETTING YOUR CAR TO HUATULCO
**MEXICAN RACING LICENSE
**THE CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – A BLAST!
**RIP – TOM SILVER
**SILVER STATE CLASSIC – NEXT MONTH
The Silver State Classic--now in its 22d year--will run May 14-17 from Las Vegas to Ely, Nevada and back. It’s a fun filled three days for car lovers and folks who like to drive fast on an open road. Try it; you’ll like it!
This race has a spot for just about any car that will pass a safety inspection. In fact, the car does not need a roll cage or any special safety equipment to run the course at “moderate” speeds (less than 125 MPH). If you want to run over 200 mph in the Unlimited Class, the safety requirements are stiff.
Competitors will enter one of five classifications. In four of these classifications, excluding the Unlimited Class, they will have a target speed, a minimum speed, and a maximum speed. The object is to come as close to the target (average speed) as possible, without violating the min or max speeds. Easy? Try 125 MPH for 92 miles across the desert!
There are a variety of other activities connected with the weekend, too. The Silver State should be on your bucket list, if you haven’t done it already.
You must have a valid driver’s license, be a member of SSCC ($40), and show proof of medical insurance to compete. Rookies are usually required to show they can handle a car at the Las Vegas track. If you plan to exceed speeds of 165 MPH, you’ll need to be examined by a doctor. (Thankfully, no certificate of sanity is required.) Navigators are optional, but must be registered, etc.
Basic competition fees start at $495 and go up to $780 for the Unlimited Class.
Go to http://www.sscc.us/ or http://www.silverstateclassic.com/ for entry forms and more info.
The Chairman of the SSC Board is Steve Waldman of Carrera and Chihuahua Express fame.
**ROAD AMERICA—ELKHART LAKE
All Carrera-eligible cars are invited to enter the SVAR vintage race at Road America, Elkhart Lake (WI), May 15-17, 2009. The Carrera cars will have their own dedicated
run group. The weekend will include three practice sessions on Friday, a qualifying race on Saturday, and a feature race on Sunday. The entry fee is $475. The cars are also
eligible to participate in the longer enduro race. Entrants must hold a current racing license from a recognized racing association.
Check the web site at SVRA.com or call Carl Jensen, SVRA Competition Director at 561-379-7751. Carl raced in the Carrera last year with Clyde Morter, and promises a great weekend for Carreraistas. Road American is an excellent track for Carrera cars.
**PIKE’S PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
If you are interested in Pike’s Peak, please let me know. We will make arrangements to pit together in Manitou Springs.
Carrera cars will again be featured at the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb,
July 19, 2009 with entries from the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Club.
Last year two Carrera cars, a ’54 “Olds” driven by Doug Mockett and graced by Angelica
Fuentes, and an Unlimited Class Subaru piloted by Kevin Jones, who won the Chihuahua Express, came home with trophies. Doug and Angie will return to defend their title.
The race is 12.4 miles up the mountain--from 9100’ to 14,300’ in elevation. There
are over 150 turns along the route. Eight or nine miles are paved; the rest is
exciting gravel. The competitors practice on the mountain three mornings before the main event. The views are breathtaking. You must be in the area from July 14 to July 19 for registration, tech, practice, and the event.
The entry fee is $800. Do not register on the PPIHC web site nor send your entry
directly to that organization; send it to RMVR. You can use the official entry form from PPIHC or get one at http://www.rmvr.com/. Make out your check to RMVR and send the check and the entry form to:
RMVR
c/o Tony Martins
6387 South Hill Street
Littleton, CO 80120
Cars should be manufactured prior to 1972 and have run either the Pike’s Peak
before, the Carrera, or the Chihuahua Express. Other vintage racecars and replicas, anything with a log book that passes a tech inspection, may enter. A full roll cage is necessary.
The PPIHC is a professional event, with cash prizes. However, the vintage cars will not be running for cash, only glory, thus the reduced entry fee. Cars and drivers must be capable of minimum speeds “on the mountain” during the practice sessions. Best not end up as road kill at 14,000 feet!
In addition to the hill climb, RMVR is planning a big vintage car show in Manitou
Springs on Saturday July 18 before the race on Sunday.
Get that Carrera car out of the garage, shine it up, and head up to Manitou Springs (outside of Colorado Springs) next July to run or just be a spectator.
The schedule is:
July 14 – registration and tech
July 15-17 – practice on the mountain
July 18 – vintage car show and other activities (like rest)
July 19 – race to the clouds
An attractive PPIHC-RMVR brochure in .pdf format is available, if you hit “reply” and ask.
CARRERA NEWS
APRIL 2009
Contents -- The Bunny Day Edition
**SILVER STATE CLASSIC – NEXT MONTH
**ROAD AMERICA—ELKHART LAKE
**PIKE’S PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
**MONTEREY HISTORICS, AUGUST 15
**SEVENTY-FIVE ENTRIES FOR LCP 2009?
**GETTING YOUR CAR TO HUATULCO
**MEXICAN RACING LICENSE
**THE CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – A BLAST!
**RIP – TOM SILVER
**SILVER STATE CLASSIC – NEXT MONTH
The Silver State Classic--now in its 22d year--will run May 14-17 from Las Vegas to Ely, Nevada and back. It’s a fun filled three days for car lovers and folks who like to drive fast on an open road. Try it; you’ll like it!
This race has a spot for just about any car that will pass a safety inspection. In fact, the car does not need a roll cage or any special safety equipment to run the course at “moderate” speeds (less than 125 MPH). If you want to run over 200 mph in the Unlimited Class, the safety requirements are stiff.
Competitors will enter one of five classifications. In four of these classifications, excluding the Unlimited Class, they will have a target speed, a minimum speed, and a maximum speed. The object is to come as close to the target (average speed) as possible, without violating the min or max speeds. Easy? Try 125 MPH for 92 miles across the desert!
There are a variety of other activities connected with the weekend, too. The Silver State should be on your bucket list, if you haven’t done it already.
You must have a valid driver’s license, be a member of SSCC ($40), and show proof of medical insurance to compete. Rookies are usually required to show they can handle a car at the Las Vegas track. If you plan to exceed speeds of 165 MPH, you’ll need to be examined by a doctor. (Thankfully, no certificate of sanity is required.) Navigators are optional, but must be registered, etc.
Basic competition fees start at $495 and go up to $780 for the Unlimited Class.
Go to http://www.sscc.us/ or http://www.silverstateclassic.com/ for entry forms and more info.
The Chairman of the SSC Board is Steve Waldman of Carrera and Chihuahua Express fame.
**ROAD AMERICA—ELKHART LAKE
All Carrera-eligible cars are invited to enter the SVAR vintage race at Road America, Elkhart Lake (WI), May 15-17, 2009. The Carrera cars will have their own dedicated
run group. The weekend will include three practice sessions on Friday, a qualifying race on Saturday, and a feature race on Sunday. The entry fee is $475. The cars are also
eligible to participate in the longer enduro race. Entrants must hold a current racing license from a recognized racing association.
Check the web site at SVRA.com or call Carl Jensen, SVRA Competition Director at 561-379-7751. Carl raced in the Carrera last year with Clyde Morter, and promises a great weekend for Carreraistas. Road American is an excellent track for Carrera cars.
**PIKE’S PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
If you are interested in Pike’s Peak, please let me know. We will make arrangements to pit together in Manitou Springs.
Carrera cars will again be featured at the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb,
July 19, 2009 with entries from the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Club.
Last year two Carrera cars, a ’54 “Olds” driven by Doug Mockett and graced by Angelica
Fuentes, and an Unlimited Class Subaru piloted by Kevin Jones, who won the Chihuahua Express, came home with trophies. Doug and Angie will return to defend their title.
The race is 12.4 miles up the mountain--from 9100’ to 14,300’ in elevation. There
are over 150 turns along the route. Eight or nine miles are paved; the rest is
exciting gravel. The competitors practice on the mountain three mornings before the main event. The views are breathtaking. You must be in the area from July 14 to July 19 for registration, tech, practice, and the event.
The entry fee is $800. Do not register on the PPIHC web site nor send your entry
directly to that organization; send it to RMVR. You can use the official entry form from PPIHC or get one at http://www.rmvr.com/. Make out your check to RMVR and send the check and the entry form to:
RMVR
c/o Tony Martins
6387 South Hill Street
Littleton, CO 80120
Cars should be manufactured prior to 1972 and have run either the Pike’s Peak
before, the Carrera, or the Chihuahua Express. Other vintage racecars and replicas, anything with a log book that passes a tech inspection, may enter. A full roll cage is necessary.
The PPIHC is a professional event, with cash prizes. However, the vintage cars will not be running for cash, only glory, thus the reduced entry fee. Cars and drivers must be capable of minimum speeds “on the mountain” during the practice sessions. Best not end up as road kill at 14,000 feet!
In addition to the hill climb, RMVR is planning a big vintage car show in Manitou
Springs on Saturday July 18 before the race on Sunday.
Get that Carrera car out of the garage, shine it up, and head up to Manitou Springs (outside of Colorado Springs) next July to run or just be a spectator.
The schedule is:
July 14 – registration and tech
July 15-17 – practice on the mountain
July 18 – vintage car show and other activities (like rest)
July 19 – race to the clouds
An attractive PPIHC-RMVR brochure in .pdf format is available, if you hit “reply” and ask.
**MONTEREY HISTORICS, AUGUST 15
All Carreraistas are invited to the third annual Carrera Corral at the Monterey Historic Races, Saturday August 15, 2:00-6:00 PM at Tarpy’s Restaurant.
**SEVENTY-FIVE ENTRIES EXPECTED FOR LCP 2009
Fifty-six competitors have completed the registration process thus far La Carrera and another fifteen are expected to sign up by May 31, when the entry fees goes up another $500.
If the past is prologue to the future, there should be around 75 entries this year, with 50% coming from the U.S. and Canada. The economic slump is taking its toll, especially on new entries. So, there is room for you people still on the fence.
**GETTING YOUR CAR TO HUATULCO
From the U.S. and Canada, the basic options are:
1. Tow your racecar down to Huatulco with an SUV or pickup.
2. Drive it down and back. Yes, some people do this!
3. Tow it to Laredo and drive it the rest of the way. (Truck and trailer stays there.)
4. Ship the car down on a hauler and fly into Huatulco.
5. Ship it to San Miguel de Allende, fly down, and drive it the rest of the way with the Coyote Convoy.
Duane Wilcoxon will tow your car down from Washington State and Northern California. Email him at cri59@msn.com.
From Europe, competitors usually ship their car to Veracruz. And yes, some guys fly their cars into Mexico City and have them hauled to the start of the race.
**MEXICAN RACING LICENSE
All drivers and navigators—even those who do not touch the steering wheel—need a Mexican racing license. Contrary to what the Carrera rules say, just about anyone who has $195 USD can obtain the license, assuming they can pass a modest, on-site physical exam. It is not necessary to have a racing license from your country.
If you are considering the Carrera and do not have a racing license or sufficient experience, it is HIGHLY recommended that you attend a racing school of some kind, and get some serious seat time at the track. You might also consider going to some of the High Performance Diving Events provided around the country by NASA or car clubs.
Attached is a FMAD application for a license. Send this form with two photos of your face (smaller than passport size) to the address on the form. They will have your license ready in Huatulco. You may pay by check or cash ($195) in Huatulco (depends on the exchange rate).
All Carreraistas are invited to the third annual Carrera Corral at the Monterey Historic Races, Saturday August 15, 2:00-6:00 PM at Tarpy’s Restaurant.
**SEVENTY-FIVE ENTRIES EXPECTED FOR LCP 2009
Fifty-six competitors have completed the registration process thus far La Carrera and another fifteen are expected to sign up by May 31, when the entry fees goes up another $500.
If the past is prologue to the future, there should be around 75 entries this year, with 50% coming from the U.S. and Canada. The economic slump is taking its toll, especially on new entries. So, there is room for you people still on the fence.
**GETTING YOUR CAR TO HUATULCO
From the U.S. and Canada, the basic options are:
1. Tow your racecar down to Huatulco with an SUV or pickup.
2. Drive it down and back. Yes, some people do this!
3. Tow it to Laredo and drive it the rest of the way. (Truck and trailer stays there.)
4. Ship the car down on a hauler and fly into Huatulco.
5. Ship it to San Miguel de Allende, fly down, and drive it the rest of the way with the Coyote Convoy.
Duane Wilcoxon will tow your car down from Washington State and Northern California. Email him at cri59@msn.com.
From Europe, competitors usually ship their car to Veracruz. And yes, some guys fly their cars into Mexico City and have them hauled to the start of the race.
**MEXICAN RACING LICENSE
All drivers and navigators—even those who do not touch the steering wheel—need a Mexican racing license. Contrary to what the Carrera rules say, just about anyone who has $195 USD can obtain the license, assuming they can pass a modest, on-site physical exam. It is not necessary to have a racing license from your country.
If you are considering the Carrera and do not have a racing license or sufficient experience, it is HIGHLY recommended that you attend a racing school of some kind, and get some serious seat time at the track. You might also consider going to some of the High Performance Diving Events provided around the country by NASA or car clubs.
Attached is a FMAD application for a license. Send this form with two photos of your face (smaller than passport size) to the address on the form. They will have your license ready in Huatulco. You may pay by check or cash ($195) in Huatulco (depends on the exchange rate).
**THE CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – A BLAST!
The third annual Chihuahua Express, March 27-29, was a great event – the route was spectacular, as usual; the weather wonderful, and the race organization vastly improved. There were over forty cars entered, with about half from the USA and Canada. Not one car was lost because of a serious crash or fire. Several engines gave up the ghost, but that’s to be expected.
Importantly, there were absolutely no signs of the violence that tends to be over-reported in the U.S. media. The event’s police protection was more than adequate.
Gabriel Perez in a “new” ’54 Studebaker won the event by only 1:02, followed by Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes. Stig Blomquivst, a former World Rally Champion, had engine problems, but finished the event, rather than trhowing in the towel and going home. Mexican rally champ Ricardo Trivino and the exciting baby blue and white ’63 Nova called Durango Deuce II also lost engines. (Oh, to be mentioned in the same paragraph as true champions!)
The winners in the hotly contested Historic C/B class were: 11st: Chip and Taylor Fudge. 2nd: Wile and Alex Ostrop. 3rd: Guenter and Barbara Hernandez Sundag. (Two father-son pairs, and a married couple.)
The tentative dates next year are March 18-21. Put those dates on your calendar, and do not miss this exciting event next year. Brochures and DVDs are available.
The third annual Chihuahua Express, March 27-29, was a great event – the route was spectacular, as usual; the weather wonderful, and the race organization vastly improved. There were over forty cars entered, with about half from the USA and Canada. Not one car was lost because of a serious crash or fire. Several engines gave up the ghost, but that’s to be expected.
Importantly, there were absolutely no signs of the violence that tends to be over-reported in the U.S. media. The event’s police protection was more than adequate.
Gabriel Perez in a “new” ’54 Studebaker won the event by only 1:02, followed by Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes. Stig Blomquivst, a former World Rally Champion, had engine problems, but finished the event, rather than trhowing in the towel and going home. Mexican rally champ Ricardo Trivino and the exciting baby blue and white ’63 Nova called Durango Deuce II also lost engines. (Oh, to be mentioned in the same paragraph as true champions!)
The winners in the hotly contested Historic C/B class were: 11st: Chip and Taylor Fudge. 2nd: Wile and Alex Ostrop. 3rd: Guenter and Barbara Hernandez Sundag. (Two father-son pairs, and a married couple.)
The tentative dates next year are March 18-21. Put those dates on your calendar, and do not miss this exciting event next year. Brochures and DVDs are available.
**R.I.P. – TOM SILVER (Photo Above)
Our friend Tom Silver passed away last two weeks after a long battle with cancer. Tom, a true competitor, had competed in several Carreras back to 1998 and the Chihuahua Express over the past decade, sacrificing not a few cars along the way, including a dramatic rollover in the Express in 2007. He returned to Chihuahua in 2008, however, to win Historic C. A cortege of Carrera, Express, and Legend cars escorted Tom on his last trip.
Our friend Tom Silver passed away last two weeks after a long battle with cancer. Tom, a true competitor, had competed in several Carreras back to 1998 and the Chihuahua Express over the past decade, sacrificing not a few cars along the way, including a dramatic rollover in the Express in 2007. He returned to Chihuahua in 2008, however, to win Historic C. A cortege of Carrera, Express, and Legend cars escorted Tom on his last trip.
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