Reports and Rumors about the 2010 Pan Am Route

**THE ROUTE FOR 2010

The route book, detailing the exact route for the Carrera this year, has not been published on the official web site yet, but details of the route are being made available in various forums. Here are some gleanings and persistent rumors:

1. The Pan Am will NOT venture into Mexico City this year, but will go around the city on the new by-pass, the Arco Norte. Apparently, traffic in the nation's capital of 22 million souls is worst than ever because of major construction on the main freeway into and out of town.

2. Reportedly, the Carrera cars will run speed stages to the east of Mexico City, maybe in the Pachuca area. The racecars will go around Mexico City on the Arco Norte; however, they may leave this road to visit the area around Pachuca, to the east of the capital.

3. The event will also return to the beautiful but deadly mountain road called Mil Cumbres ("a thousand peaks"), outside of Morelia, which has been completely re-surfaced. One report, cited on the Carrera's official web site, said the road was in the best conditon ever. From of the top of the mountain to the bottom there are approximately 330 corners, many are hairpins.

4. Reportedly, the Carrera will NOT go to the town of Tequila in Jalisco, but will end that day's run in a shopping center in Guadalajara. Where, I am not sure.

5. The Pan Am for 2010 will terminate in Zacatecas, so the final awards ceremony will probably be in the Quinta Real Hotel, the famous "bullring hotel." We assume, of course, that the racecars will run one or two speed stages on the road called La Bufa, which on the mountain by the same name above the city.

**COYOTE CONVOY PLANS

Troubles among drug gangs along the Mexican border makes most tourists reluctant to drive into Mexico. That's a pity, because it's a lovely country, and peaceful for the most part. The solution is the Coyote Convoy. The convoy, made up of 20 or so tow trucks, trailers, and colorful racecars will cross the border and travel the 540 miles into the safe interior of Mexico together. Anyone is invited to ride along with the convoy. This is the ninth year of the convoy and we haven't lost a soul (or car) yet.

Here's the basic plan for the convoy:

Oct. 15, 8 PM. Meet at Residence Inn del Mar, Laredo, Texas for an orientation, afterwards a shuttle will take anyone to the border who needs a visa or temporary vehicle importation permit.

Oct. 16, 6 AM. Line up and cross the border.
6 PM. Arrive in San Miguel de Allende -- just picked by Travel and Leisure Magazine as the fourth top city to visit IN THE WORLD!

Oct. 17, 10 AM. Display racecars in central square of San Miguel until 3 AM
6 PM. Fiesta

Oct. 18, 7 AM. Depart for Tuxtla Gutierrez, going around Mexico City.
10 PM. Arrive T.G. (pending weather reports)

The race officially starts on Friday, October 22 and ends on October 28.
Spectators are invited to watch the preparation of the cars at the fairgrounds (la feria) in Tuxta Gutierrez (Chiapas).

For information about watching the race, see prior issues of CARRERA NEWS.

Report from Mexico

Greetings!

We arrived in San Miguel de Allende last Sunday after a five day, 2500 mile trip from San Francisco. The journey, which included pulling a 18 foot trailer across the great desert--was fortunately uneventful.

At the border in Santa Teresa, New Mexico (near El Paso and Juarez), we passed through five checkpoints in this order:

1. US border patrol (checked my truckand its contents leaving the USA for the first time)
2. Mexican customs officials--at border
3. Mexican army--at border
4. Mexican army--ten miles from border
5. Mexican customs officials--30 miles from border

The only ones who actually looked in the back of our truck were the US border patrol. We were stopped and questioned by the Mexican army and customs officials, and at the last checkpoint, they checked the temporary import permit for the truck and trailer. But it never took more than 5 minutes at each checkpoint. So, given all, it went well.

I was worried about someone pulling the 1500 pounds of personal stuff (including engine parts) out of my truck, but none of them did. Having La Carrera Panamericana stickers all over the vehicle helped, I think.

I can only hope that the passage of the Coyote Convoy across the border in Nuevo Laredo in October will go so smoothly.

From Juarez, we pulled into Chihuahua City at 1100 hours and saw nothing unusual on that 230 mile stretch of road, except one army troop convoy. The next day, accompanied by my friend and co-piloto, Fernando Garcia, who lives in Chihuahua City, we drove another 11 hours into Aguascalientes, passing through Zacatecas (near La Bufa), again without seeing anything unusual. (The Carrera will return to Aguascalientes for the night next year.)

For most Mexicans, at least those living away from the border, life goes on pretty much like it did before the Mexican government's war on drugs started two years ago. Overall, the country seems busy and not suffering that much from the economic problems of the US and Europe.

The Mexican people, however, seem to be tired of the drug war and the constant reports of killings. The great bulk of those being killed, however, are drug cartel members' low-level enforcers. The cartels' gunmen have also killed soldiers, Federales, and local politicians in retribution.

Few believe that the current party in power (PAN) will continue in office after the elections in the fall. But PAN, a right-of-center group, is trying to form an alliance with a left-of-center group to stop the return of the old PRD party.

September is also the 200 anniversary year of the independence of Mexico from Spain, so there will be a lot of stuff happening this fall.

Here in central Mexico, a lot of people are largely unaware of the details of the war on drugs. It seems the details are more widely reported in the U.S. media, especially in the states along the border with Mexico.

With each trip into Mexico, I am impressed by the constant improvement of the roads and support services, such as the building of new Pemex gasoline stations. However, it is unfortunate that the surface of some of the new toll roads, mostly with concrete surfaces, are already in need of repairs after only 3-5 years of service. This suggests a certain level of corruption and/or a failure to provide an adequate base for the road surface. Even the roads in some of the smaller towns have been improved, but the bane of the rally car crew--those damn "topes" (speed bumps)--continue to spring up everywhere.

For those of you in California or coming to the Monterey Historics, remember the Carrera Fiesta in Monterey on August 14 at the Baja Cantina in Carmel, 5-8 PM. I hope to see some of you there, on my trip back from Mexico. Reservations should go to Bill Hemmer at bekgroup@gmail.com.

On the way down to San Miguel de Allende, I used a GPS tracking device know as Spot-2. You can report your location along the way, and send pre-programmed messages to up to 50 people. Also, you may send SOS or emergency messages to two people, who are tracking yur progress. I am testing the Spot-2 to see if it will be useful for Carrera cars this year. Remember, the cars had no GPS transmitters last year, for the first time in several years. I will make a full report on our experience with the Spot-2 when I return to San Francisco on August 15. The small, rugged device costs $149 or less, plus $99 for a year of service. The device can be monitored by cell phone and computer. For more info go to www.findmespot.com.

Saludos amigos,

Gerie

Carrera News - 4th of July

Carrera News
July 4, 2010 Firecracker Edition



**MOCKETT-FUENTES TRIUMPH ON PIKES PEAK



Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes regained the title of fastest vintage car on Pike’s Peak, after losing the title last year to a local, Keith Davidson. Mockett and Fuentes’ time of 13:05:7 up the 12.4 mile course is the fastest ever posted by a Vintage Car. Their time was an amazing 1:11 faster than last year. Davidson followed in his Falcon in a highly respectable 13:21.4.



This year the Vintage Class was divided into two groups: modified and unmodified. Mockett’s “Oldsmobile” was assigned to the former and Davidson’s car to the latter group, so each can claim victory. Apparently, the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Club concluded that some of our Pan Am cars are a little too modern underneath those aged exteriors.



Mockett was followed in the modified group by Charles Breed in his Chevy Lister (14:47.9) and Guenter Sunday and Barbara Moreno Ramirez (17:01.7). Apparently, Sundag’s new Carrera Studebaker was having problems adjusting to the high altitude.



In the unmodified group, Thierry de Latre du Bosqueau (Belgium), who finished fifth in the Chihuahua Express and first in Historic C, was second behind Davidson in 13:41.7, an excellent showing for his first time. Thierry was driving a Mustang prepared by Todd Landon, and will be strong competitor in Historic C this year. Doug Allen, a Pan Am vet, finished in another Landon Mustang in a time of 15:14.0. Richard Bailey, Apple Farmer Racing, followed closely in 15:15.8. Tom Kreeger, another Pan Am survivor, finished at 15:48 in his Original Pan Am ’54 Lincoln Capri.



**HAMMARLUND RACING SIGNS UP TWO CHAMPIONS



Mats Hammarlund Racing announced that it has signed two famous drivers for his fast Studebakers in the Carrera this year, Michel Jourdain (Mexico) and Harri Rovanperä (Finland).



Jourdain will drive the car used by Stig Blomqvist to win the overall championship last year. Jourdain is probably the most famous Mexican driver at this time, having a long and successful career in the Indy Racing League and CHAMP cars, plus NASCAR. Most recently he moved to rally cars, posting a win in Group N, WRC.



Last year Jourdain drove in several legs of the Pan Am in Exhibition. His times were impressive. He clearly has the talent, experience, and equipment to win this event the first time out. He also intends to use the Studebaker in a Mexican national rally this summer.



Harri Rovanerä was a WRC driver for four teams from 1993 through 2006. He posted 111 starts, 77 stage wins, 15 podiums, and one overall win--in Sweden--in 2001. Rovanerä is considered a gravel expert. He will drive the Hammarlund Studebaker owned by Lars Stugemo (Sweden), a regular contender in recent years.



Jourdain and Rovanerä will lead an impressive field of 120 competitors in the 2010 Pan Am. According to Hammarlund, at least fifteen drivers have a chance to win this event. Check out his web site for more information: www.mhammarlundracing.com.mx.



At press time the Organizing Committee is still listing Pan Am Champ (2008) Bill Beilharz as returning this year. But rumors continue to circulate that his entry is dependent on acquiring a new sponsor. It would be great to see Bill back, since he did not have a chance to defend his title last year.



**PAN AM KICK OFF – JULY 27



Do your travel plans include Mexico City next month? If so, drop by the kick-off press conference and reception for the Pan Am on July 27 at the Hotel Camino Real Polanco /Moon Bar/ China Grill. The address is Mariano Escobedo No. 700 starting at 7:30 pm. Use your Garmin to find it.





**MONTEREY HISTORIC REUNION – AUGUST 14



Plans have been made for the annual Carrera Fiesta at the Monterey Historics Reunion on August 14. this year the fiesta will be at the Baja Cantina and Grill, 7166 Carmel Valley, Rd., Carmel, CA. Unlike previous years, this fiesta will be at night, after most of the racing at Laguna Seca is over. Bill Hemmer and Carson Scheller are working with the proprietor – a great racing aficionado – on the event. Tickets, which include a Mexican meal for only $25, will go on sale soon. At the door they will be $30. We may also have a watering hole at the racetrack during the day, as well.



Please let me know now if you think you might attend. gbledso@aol.com. August will be her before we know it. We need to guarantee forty spots for dinner. We will have six spots for Carrera cars, so buy a ticket and reserve a spot for your racecar. Other parking will be available.



**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS 2011 – SIGN UP NOW



The Chihuahua Express is scheduled for April 8-9-10, 2011. This event is open to all Pan Am cars, other vintage racecars, and modern cars with full roll cages. It is 1000 miles of racing, including nearly as many speed stage miles as the Pan Am, all for $2000 (early registration until Nov. 30; $2200 after that). Registrations are being accepted now.



Planned as a weekend event, Chihuahua is only 145 miles from the U.S. The roads, weather, and landscape are excellent, and importantly, you can sleep in the same hotel bed each night. Check it out at www.chihuahuaexpress.com.



If you want an entry form or want to be on the Express mailing list, please let me know. gbledso@aol.com.



**PAN AM ENTRIES CLOSED? WHY?



As announced last month, no new entries are being accepted for this year’s edition of La Carrera Panamericana. This is the first time since near the inception of the event in 1988 that enrollment has been closed at 120 entries.



The great bulk of the entries are from Europe and Mexico, not the U.S., as has been the case for the past decade. Normally U.S. entries comprise about half of all entries, but this year we have fallen to 30%. Why?



First, there is the economy. Most of the U.S. entries over the past decade have tended to come from the ranks of small businessmen and professionals. Who’s got the extra $50-80K to drop into a single purpose “vintage” racecar these days, plus the $20K or more to compete?



Second, there is the troublesome situation along the border caused by the blood feud among the Mexican drug cartels. Why do American papers print only the bad news from Mexico? Apparently, Mexican news--good or bad--does not make it into European tabloids. Third, young Americans are not really into racing old Detroit-Dearborn iron. Many, especially here on the Left Coast, are happily dropping Accura engines into Civics and wasting good rubber by drifting. The main competition tends to be Evo vs. Mitshu at the local tracks, not Ford vs. Chevy.



This year entries from Mexico were inflated early on when, reportedly, a corporation bought up a bunch of entries. In fact, the Organizers were worried about being able to accommodate some of the members of the La Fraternidad, the backbone of Carreraistas in Mexico.



Much of this is good news, of course, since the event has a renewed level of interest (and income) that should keep it viable for years to come. On the other hand, when some of the regular customers from the U.S. and Mexico are locked out, it’s not so good.



**LUPITA THE MEXICAN NURSE



The Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez, “Lupita,” are pleased to announce that the winner of the auction for 2009 Carrera Racing Jacket, Hat, and Official Ball point pen is Thierry de Latre du Bosqueau of Belgium. Thierry is making a very generous contribution to the fund to support Lupita Hernandez, the Mexican nurse who lost both her legs at the hip in a Pan Am accident in 2003. Remember to congratulate and thank him down in Tuxtla Gutierrez in October.



Contributions should be sent to:



Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez

c/o Ms. Fanny Davila

South Bay Bank

2200 Sepulveda Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90501 USA



**CLASSIFIEDS



CHAMPIONSHIP ENGINES FOR SALE. Four legal steel block/alloy head, wet sump, Chevy Carrera/Chihuahua/Pikes Peak engines. Three of the four were winners of one event or the other. One is brand new, fresh, dyno time only. 360ci, 540hp.$ 30,000. One has less than 1000 miles, 360ci, 525hp, won Carrera 2002. $ 25,000. One 2000 miles, 360ci, 513hp, won Chihuahua 2008 $ 25,000; one 2000 miles, 360ci, 513hp, won Pikes Peak 2008, $ 25,000. All four -- just $ 90,000. Contact Doug, doug@mockett.com or 310.533.6312 (CA).



ACE DRIVING GEAR. Tired off driving suits that make you look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy? Tired of suits that don’t show off your girlish figure, bodacious tatas, and great legs? There is a solution--have a suit tailered for your supple body at a very reasonable price in the USA. Imagine that, something stitched in the USA!

Ace Driving Gear has designed a suit with the rally driver and navigator in mind, too. It offers nine pockes and even pen-pencil holders in the sleeve for navigators. Most importantly, the suits are Nomex and SFI 3.2A/1 rated. (I’ve got to have one!)

For a photo an more information go to http://www.acedrivinggear.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=4

BTW, the founder/owner of the company is a high performance driving instructor for NASA, too.

THE PAN AM TOUR. If you or friends want to see the race up close and personal, ride along with Rosa María Mondragón. racecarmedia@yahoo.com.mx.



Because of the nature of the event—racing on public highways all day for hundreds of miles—the event is a challenge for spectators and photographers. The best option is to rent a car and experienced guide-driver, or take the Pan Am Tour with Ms. Mondragón. Rosa Maria, the former PR director for the race, takes 4-6 spectators with her for an exclusive insider’s view of the event. Hang on! She is also an experienced rally car driver and Pan Am navigator. She will get you close to the action and important people.



**LEGALISM



Please note that La Carrera Panamericana is a long, difficult endurance rally. Like all motorsports events, it is dangerous and can result in serious injury and even death. Prepare your car well and drive it carefully.





**NEW CONTACT INFORMATION



Gerie Bledsoe

North American Coordinator

La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express

1288 E. Hillsdale Blvd. #A-204

Foster City, CA 94404

650-525-9190 (home office) NEW

650-867-9488 (mobile) SAME

gbledso@aol.com SAME

www.panamrace.com

www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

Racing on Mexican Time

**RACING ON MEXICAN TIME**

Mexico is a wonderful country. The people are warm, friendly, curious, and generous. They love our racecars, exhaust noise, and the celebration of La Carrera Panamericana.

Their countryside -- mountains and ravines, forest and deserts --- is beautiful. In fact, the first day we will race across some of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world--from Tuxtla Gutierrez to Oaxaca on the old Pan American Highway. It’s the longest original stretch of the highway left -- 326 miles.

Try to relax and enjoy the racing and the celebration. This is not just a serious car race, but a 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 their 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 privilege or expectation.

Never forget that the event operates on Mexican time and without the efficiency of the SCA or most vintage organizations. Meetings start late. Printed material, like the daily results, typically arrives late, and the medical exams during registration 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 usually wander through the crowd looking for navigators.

There are values in Mexico that transcend punctuality and efficiency. Frankly, it will do you no good to show up for a meeting on time and sit there frustrated until it starts. Be fashionably late. Relax, and go with the flow!

Carrera veterans know that the race will start sometime shortly after 8 AM on October 22. They know we will race 325 miles through the mountains that day, and they expect to be timed with a fair degree of accuracy, especially now that the organizers use electronic timers. If you catch a mistake, however, it is perfectly OK to point it out -- politely. But do not expect an immediate or timely response.

We will stop for lunch each day, and after an hour later or so, we’ll continue racing in the afternoon. Normally, we arrive in the destination city around 4:30-5:30, depending on where you are in the pack. Later on that evening, at least 30 minutes later than the announced time, the drivers’ meeting will start. One person from each team should attend. Maybe the daily results and starting order will be announced and/or distributed. Maybe not. Let’s just hope that the site of the meeting is announced before we get to that city, and count ourselves doubly lucky if they give us decent directions to the place. It’s all part of the challenge of an endurance rally. In a day or two, you will get into the rhythm of the event. Picking up on the Mexican rhythm is important, while you are driving their roads and will you are dealing with the event organization.

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 Panamericana!

CARRERA NEWS -- REGISTRATION CLOSED

Carrera News
May 1, 2010



May Day! May Day!



**CARRERA 2010 REGISTRATION CLOSED!

**ROUTE

**CARS

**DRIVERS -- RETURN OF PIERRE DE THOISY

**HOTELS

**COYOTE CONVOY

**CLASSIFIEDS

--PAN AM TOUR

-- CARS FOR RENT

-- CO-DRIVERS AND NAVIGATORS

-- CAR HAULERS

**CONTACT INFORMATION



**CARRERA 2010 REGISTRATION CLOSED



Eduardo “Lalo” Leon, President of La Carrera Panamericana, announced yesterday from Mexico City that the event is full, and that no more than 35 North American entrants may be registered. Mr. Leon indicated that he has already signed up 41 Europeans, including a recent WRC champion, and 27 Mexican entries, including 11 cars sponsored by Televisa, the largest media conglomerate in the Spanish-speaking world. Only three slots remained unfilled for North Americans.



Last year, the Organizing Committee signed up 107 entrants. Of those, 100 actually started the event. Sadly, one crashed out the day before the race began, only one block from the parc fermé.



Because the permits issued by the Mexican government to close the highways for a rally are only for a finite period of time, the event is (theoretically) limited to a total of 100 racecars and rescue vehicles.



**THE ROUTE



As announced last month, the start of the event will be Tuxtla Gutíerrez, the capital of the state of Chíapas. Tuxtla has been the traditional starting point of the original race (1951-1954) race and this, the revival event. Popular with the veteran racers, it’s a modern city of over 600,000 friendly folks, mostly of Mayan descent. It is also close to the old colonial capital of San Cristóbol de las Casas, a real gem, and some nice jungle rivers to explore.



Day 1: After the ceremonial start in Tuxtla, at 8:00 AM on Friday, October 22, the cars will race three hundred and twenty-five miles up the last lengthy, original stretch of the original Pan-American Highway to the first overnight stop. Oaxaca is a beautiful colonial city known for its Indian arts and crafts, plus the pre-Columbian ruins of Monte Albán. Hernán Córtez de Monroy y Pizarro founded Oaxaca in 1517. The main square, the Zócalo, and cathedral, is the usual ending and starting point for the event Day 1 and 2. Do not expect, however, to find a statue of Córtez here or elsewhere in Mexico.



Day 2: After Oaxaca, the race will stop for the night in Puebla, one of the largest and most impressive cities in Mexico. The colonial “centro,” Zocálo, and cathedral are monumental. On the way to Puebla, however, the race will pay a brief visit to Tehuacán, where thousands of locals will crowd the main square to welcome the racers. If you have never had your fifteen minutes of fame, this is it!



Day 3: From Puebla, it is expected that the Carrera will circumvent Mexíco City on the new bypass around the capital. After running speed stages outside of San Juan del Rio, it will stop for the night in nearby Querétaro, about 130 miles north of Mexico. Querétaro is another impressive colonial city with a thriving manufacturing base. The Carrera cars will run laps on the sports car track just outside of town, before stopping to “meet and greet” in the handsome main square.



Day 4: The beautiful capital of the Mexican state of Michoacán, Morelia, is the next overnight stop for the event. This the first time in several years the event has visited Morelia. To enter this city, the competitors will likely race down the 330 curves from the top of the mountains on the famous road called Mil Cumbres (one thousand mountain peaks). This must be one of the great tarmac rally roads in the world.



The president of Mexico hails from this neck of the woods, and his brother may be running the event again this year. Everyone, regardless of religious inclination, should check out the interior of the cathedral in Morelia. It’s a true masterpiece.



Day 5: The famous village of Tequila and the second city of Mexico, Guadalajara, will are this day’s destinations. Apparently, the race organizers have a multi-year deal with the distillers and purveyors of the agave version of white lightning.



Day 6: From Guadalajara it’s on to Aguascalientes, the railroad capital of Mexico, for the night. Maybe the racers will be treated to another visit to the railroad museum and the impressive locomotive factory and some regional folk dancing.



Day 7: The seventh and last night will be spent only a few more miles up the road in Zacatecas, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Zacatecas, which boasted the largest silver mine in the Americans for many decades, is a fitting place to end the event.



Did you know that there are more people from the state of Zacatecas living in the United States than live in the city of Zacatecas, population around 120,000? Thanks for that factoid, Wiki.



Missing from this year’s route is Mexico City and the traditional finish line (“meta”) in Nuevo Laredo. Running a speed stage on the main freeway in the capital city of twenty-two million was pretty cool, but it’s just about impossible to find suitable hotels, plus parking and paddock space for 100 racecars and an equal number of service trucks, car haulers, and official vehicles in the nation’s capital.



Nuevo Laredo, across the Rio Bravo river from Texas, may have been dropped from the route for concerns about public safety. It’s a border town in an area suffering a serious surge in conflict among the drug cartels. Veteran racers will miss, however, the warm welcome and hospitality they always receive in Nuevo Laredo. From Zacatecas, the band of norteamericanos must drive another 426 miles across the arid plateaus to return to the border and Uncle Sugar.



Returning racers may also miss the spectacular route to Jalpan and the warm welcome in San Luís de Potosí. Maybe next year?



**CARS OF LA CARRERA



The list of competitors, with photos of their cars, is available on the official web site www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx.



The most popular class is Historic “C” – American V8s manufactured from 1955 through 1965. Even our European cousins recognize there is no substitute for the low-end torque of a V8 engine in the mountains of Mexico.



Within the Historic C class, the hot car is a ’63/’64 Falcon. “A lowly Falcon,” you ask incredulously? Yes, but a special Falcon. Ford Motor Company made a few “Rally” or “Monte Carlo” Falcons back in the mid-‘60s to compete in Europe. The ‘64 version featured the new 289 c.i. high performance V8 generating 305 HP, aided by two small four-barrel carburetors. In rally trim this Falcon Sprint weighed only 2156 pounds because it was clad mostly in fiberglass body panels. The car was homolgated by the FIA, so it may compete in the modern Pan Am.



However, the version of the Falcon seen in the Pan Am these days sports not only fiberglass body panels, but a modern 302+ engine, a large four-barrel carb, and updated suspension and drive train parts that would never pass FIA inspection. But, hey, that’s the Pan Am, where we can have our cake and eat it, too! At the same time the Rally Falcons appeared, the race Organizers inexplicably lowered the minimum weight for Historic C cars to carry a four-barrel from 3100 to 2800 pounds. Humm, was this just a coincidence? In 2006, one of these cars, but FIA compliant and carrying a two barrel, driven by a Swedish team, finished first in class and second overall, missing the overall championship by a few seconds. And the rush to Dearborn was on!



Where is Chevrolet in all of this? Except maybe for the Corvette, GM did not make a good candidate for road racing in the ‘60s until the Camaro came along. It is always possible that a ’65 Chevelle (or Corvette) with a 396 engine or a 2820 pound Trans-Am Camaro will pull up the starting line to race against the plethora of Mustangs and Falcons. Heck, this year it seems we have a (faux?) Cobra racing in Historic C. (Wonder how long it will last?)



Another class growing in popularity is Historic A+. (Apparently, these cars did very well in school, and were awarded the “+”!) This class was created three or four years ago for four-cylinder cars, with 2000 cc engines or less, made from 1966 through 1972. Owners may also run modern replacement engines of up to 1600 cc’s. Volvos seemed to be a popular choice, along with BMW 2002s, Datsun 510s, and Alfas. A Porsche 914 even showed up last year.



Readers should also note that the same model car made after 1965, or in the case of A+ after 1972, that is basically the same as the 1965, or 1972, model may participate in this event. Examples are: ‘66 Mustang, ‘66-67 Corvette, and ‘66-68 Porsche 911/912, or ’73 BMW 2002.



Under-enrolled classes are Sports Mayor and Sports Menor, large and small sports cars made before 1955 or a rough “replicant” of one. Just about any reliable car in these two classes, assuming a mildly competent driver, that finishes the event, will be on or near the podium. Any resemblance between these highly modified classes and the cars that ran in the original Pan Am is purely coincidental. In fact, a Mercedes from this era may use a modern BMW racing engine, as long as it is an inline six. Since few people are willing to risk a original car from this period, so LCP has cars may look old but run more modern components.



The Original Pan Am class enjoyed a welcome rebirth a few years ago. It’s great to see the big ’54 Lincolns and Oldsmobiles run the Pan Am Highway looking much like they did in 1954. However, much to the chagrin of the purists, they too are evolving into highly modified racecars. But the Organizers want all cars to be safe, dependable, and fast enough to keep up with the pace. As a result, these cars get a wink and a nod in tech. After all, this is not a vintage race, and who can keep a Hyrdramatic transmission in those old Lincolns and Olds running for 2000 tough miles through the mountains?



Historic B – six cylinders cars, 1955-1965 – is dominated by Porsche 911s, of course even if E-type Jags and their co-pilotos are sexier. In Historic A, several Porsche 365s normally join the fray, and surprisingly, 912s are not to be seen.



The fastest classes, Turismo Mayor and Turismo Production, especially the latter, are being pressed to stay ahead of some Historic C and B cars, especially the Rally Falcons, and occasionally a 911. The Mayor cars, like the popular ’53-’54 Studebaker Commanders use 355 c.i. 500 HP Chevy engines, while the Production cars are limited to 305 c.i.. engines. To keep this class competitive with Historic C, these cars were allowed additional modifications a few years ago.



Why are ’63-‘64 Studebakers so popular? Low wind resistance, compared to the flying bricks of this era, is the primary reason, plus now, it’s the aura of winning. But because the Organizers have reduced the wide-open straight stages to a few miles on the freeway, a low drag coefficient is less important now than it was in the early years.



Actually, the original Studebaker V8 232 engine (1952-54) was a heavy, low compression unit, and the car’s frame had a reputation for being weak. Thus the car was vastly underpowered compared to the Lincolns, Olds, and Cadillacs of that era. Now, however, with Chevy power and modern race suspensions, steering, and chassis, the Lowery-designed Studes are the marque to beat.



The Studes and the other cars in Turismo Mayor are 100% racecars, not unlike NASCAR, with modern front clips and truck trailing arms or better in the back. Some have trouble making the 3300 pound minimum weight limit and end up carrying ballast.





Should future competitors anticipate changes in the classification system? Probably not. With the advent of the A+ class for cars made between 1966-1972, we may see the other historic classes expanded to include cars like the “first gen” Camaro, but steps will be taken, one presumes, to limit engine size.



Some observers have suggested creating classes for real, authentic vintage racecars, which are so popular in the States and Europe. But for the time being, hot-rod Lincolns, Fiberglass Falcons, faux Shelbys, dependable Porsches, and Lowery Studes and the like will continue to be the most popular choices and the rolling stock of the event.



Ed. Note: this review, which surely left some classes out, causing the proud owners to be agitated and perhaps even despondent, was written by a frustrated Chevy guy, with a filed sense of humor, who is not willing to concede the field to the “Fal’coons” and “Mules.” The Bow-Ties will return! Never make the mistake, however, of assuming that the author has any privileged insight into the rationale and machinations, past and future, of the Organizing Committee. :)





**THE DRIVERS -- PIERRE DE THOISY RETURNS



Rumors about the retirement of Pierre de Thoisy, like Mark Twain’s demise, were greatly exaggerated. Pierre will return to the Carrera this year in a Mercedes 300SL, aiming to win yet another Pan Am championship. The last time he tried this particular car was 2002, when he suffered an off-road excursion in his BMW (!) powered 300SL Gullwing the very first day and narrowly failed to make up all the lost time before the race ended. With over 400 endurance races under his belt, Pierre is probably the most experienced racer to tackle the Carrera – winning the championship six or seven times since 1996 in a Studebaker Commander.



Pierre will be challenged by everyone’s favorites, Doug Mockett and the queen of the prom, Angélica Fuentes, in their ’54 Olds. Mr. Leon has indicated that the WRC champion from three years or four years ago may be driving one of Mats Hammarlund’s cars. Apparently, “the Stig” may not be returning to defend his championship this year. Mexican challengers may include a Mexican NASCAR driver or two. Rumor also has it that Bill Beilharz, who won the championship in 2008, is also planning a return.



**HOTELS



Racers and spectators who need rooms for La Carrera should contact Monica Grossmann at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx or her daughter Karen at info@lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. Rooms are $150 per night. Each entry receives one double room for the eight nights of the race: 22-28 October. If a competitor arrives earlier in Tuxtla Gutierrez, like with the Coyote Convoy; needs an extra room for the service crew, or even decides to stay longer in Zacatecas, the extra rooms should be booked with Ms. Grossmann. The office in Mexico City also has a U.S. phone number: +1-310-360-6959.



**THE COYOTE CONVOY



Each year many of the competitors driving and towing down to the race from the U.S. and Canada gather in Laredo, Texas, to cross the border together as the Coyote Convoy. For the past four years, the convoy has stopped for two nights in the pristine colonial city of San Miguel de Allende to relax and raise money for local children’s charities, before heading down to Tuxtla Gutierrez.





San Miguel 2009, featuring a Nova, Mini, and a beautiful Rally Falcon, and an old gringo.



This year the convoy will gather in Laredo, Texas on the evening of Friday, October 15. However, if a rig must be brokered across the border using the services of a Mexican Customs Agent, then the crew should arrive early on October 14 to complete the necessary paperwork. The importation process starts by the filing of a form with the Mexican Federation of Auto Sports (F.M.A.D. or a.k.a. FEMADAC). Go to www.femadac.org.mx and click on “tramites,” temporary import rally permits. Or try: http://www.femadac.org.mx/pdf/FORMA_IMPORTACION_RALLIES_ingles.pdf



Participation in the convoy is also open to Europeans, Pan Am spectators, and even tourists who want to drive down to San Miguel, Tuxtla Gutierrez, or other locations along the route. There is no charge to tag along, but participants are expected to stay in the same hotels in Laredo and along the route to keep the caravan organized. Hotel reservations from Laredo to Tuxtla will be made during the summer.



Interested? Please let me know: gbledso@aol.com.



**CLASSIFIEDS



THE PAN AM TOUR



Because of the nature of the event—racing on public highways all day for hundreds of miles—the event is difficult for spectators. The best option is to rent a car and experienced driver, or take the Pan Am Tour, with Rosa Mondragón. Rosa, the former PR director for the race, takes 4-6 spectators with her for an exclusive insider view of the event. Hang on, because she is also an experienced rally car driver and Pan Am navigator. She will get you close to the action and to important people. Contact her at racecarmedia@yahoo.com.mx.



CARS FOR RENT



Todd Landon (Minnesota) has a Mustang, Falcon, or two to rent for La Carrera and the Chihuahua Express. Todd has twelve years of Carrera experience as a racer and car builder. One of his cars finished first in class and fifth overall in the Historic C class in the Express last month, and in 2008 the same car won the Historic C class in la Carrera. Todd also offers an “arrive and drive” arrangement, with full mechanical support. Ask about the “Gypsy Wind.” He also regularly attends the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (June 27, 2010) and provides cars for that event. Contact him at TALandon@landolakes.com or 1-952-250-7948.



Mats Hammarlund Racing, Inc., down in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, has a variety of cars for rent and for sale. In fact, the recent, aforementioned WRC champion, may be driving one of Mat’s magnificent Studebakers. Mats will also store and prep cars from Europe and North America for the Carrera and Chihuahua Express. Contact Mats at mats@mhracing.com.mx or 011-52-415-101-0308.



CO-DRIVERS AND NAVIGATORS



Got some dough and want an experience of a lifetime? Rent the co-pilotos seat in a Carrera car. The normal arrangement is for the co-driver to pay the entry fee, and the driver/owner to supply the car and support it, but everyone is free to negotiate their own deal. Much depends on the aspirations of the driver and co-driver, plus the category of the car.



Interested? Please write: gbledso@aol.com.



CAR HAULERS



Want someone to tow your racecar to Mexico? Let me know and I will hook you up with a hauler, like Mike Mefford from Auburn, California, or Duane Wilcoxon from Washington State. It is far more challenging to arrange this service from the East Coast, however.



**CONTACT INFO



Gerie Bledsoe, Chevy II Nova, Car #395

North American Coordinator

La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express

677 Highland Ave., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

650-726-9890 (home office)

650-726-9599 (fax)

650-867-9488 (mobile)

www.panamrace.com

www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

www.chihuahuaexpress.com

Public Safety in Mexico

Almost every day our newspapers carry stories about the drug-inspired violence in Mexico, especially along the border with the U.S. A friend just told me that her husband refuses to visit their time-share in Mazatlan this summer because of these reports. Surely, the Mexican tourist industry must be suffering.

Most recently it was reported that two of the established drug cartels have formed an alliance against the infamous "Zetas" in the state of Tamaulipas. This state lies along the Rio Grande river--stretching from Nuevo Laredo to Reynosa and Matamoros (across the river from Brownsville). Is this good or bad news?

Initially, the "Zetas" were a group of Mexican Air Force commandos who defected to the local drug runners, along with their heavy weapons and sophisticated surveillance equipment, and quickly earned a reputation for being the most vicious pistoleros in Mexico. Because of the ensuring violence, the Mexican middle-class in most of these cities moved across the border into Texas. However, observers of the drug wars in Mexico may actually think that the alliance against the Zetas will help to stablize matters along the border.

For twenty-three years or longer, Americans have crossed this border at Laredo without incident to go racing in Mexico. Except for one or two years, the race ended into Nuevo Laredo, again, without incident. (This year the event will end in Zacatecas, which is 426 miles southwest of Nuevo Laredo.)

Last month we traveled from El Paso, Texas, 235 miles down to Chihuahua City to participate in Chihuahua Express, and then raced around the state for neary 800 miles. There was no sign of violence. We did avoid going through the city of Ciudad Juarez, perhaps the most troubled place in Mexico, on the way down, but during four days in Chihuahua City, we saw no trouble. The race route, moreover, was lined by over 240 federal, state, local, and auxilary police.

It is safe to go to Mexico? Everyone should read the most recent advisories from the U.S. State Department. These reports repeat what I have been advising for years: most of Mexico is safe for tourists and especially racers, but certain rules should be followed: like, do not drive at night. Travel in groups. Avoid the red-light districts, dark streets in sketchy neighborhoods, and places where drugs are sold.

I certainly plan to return to Mexico in October for the Carrera for the 13th time. In fact, my wife and I are building a home in San Miguel de Allende--down in central Mexico, something we would not do if we did not feel safe down there.

Please do not let the constant reports of bad news from Mexico prevent you from enjoying the racing, people, cities, landscape, and culture of this beautiful country. Sadly, our newspapers hardly ever report the good news.....but there is plenty.

La Carrera Panamericana is schedule for Oct. 22-28. The Coyote Convoy will gather in Laredo, Texas on Oct. 15 for the trip across the border the next day and then down to the start of the race in Tuxtla Gutierrez. Join us.

Carrera Route for 2010 Announced

Old Acqueduct in Zacatecas

The route of the 2010 La Carrera Panamericana has been announced. Here are the cities where the event will start, finish, and stop for the night:

Tuxtla Gutierrez (start), Oct. 22
Oaxaca
Puebla
Queretaro
Morelia
Guadalajara
Aguascalientes
Zacatecas (finish), Oct. 28

This will be first time, at least in 13 years, the race has ended in Zacatecas, which is 426 miles from Nuevo Laredo, the traditional end of the event.

By returning to Morelia, the comeptitors will be treated to a run down the famous mountain road, Mil Cumbres ("one thousand peaks").

Unfortunately, the race returns to Guadalajara and maybe the village of Tequila, which is a long drive just for a fancy dinner. 99% of the people in Guadalajara, Mexico's second city, do not know La Carrera.

Puebla and Aguascalientes are old Pan Am stops. Both are big, industrial cities, but with interesting old colonial downtown areas. Aguascalientes ("hot waters") was also the railroad center of Mexico--with a magnificant museum in a locomotive factory devoted to this history.

The race will finish and spend the last night in the beautiful old silver city of Zacatecas, one of the undiscovered wonders of Mexico. At 8000 feet in elevation, it tends to be cool and windy, but it's a magnificant city. All competitors are encouraged to spend at least on exta night in Zac to explore and enjoy the city before heading home. There is parking for trailers at the Don Miguel Hotel, on the main highway through town.

All of the cities on the route have airports which have direct flights to the U.S. or connecting flights through Mexico City. Another good option is the airport in Leon-Guanajuato (BJX) that serves the Queretaro and Aguascalientes area as well. The race will go by the Leon airport on its way to Aguascalientes.

European interest in the event is high again this year, and the organizer expects another sellout. Entries from the U.S. are coming in more slowly. The entry fee goes up $500 on May 1, so it's time to fish or cut bait for "los norteamericanos."