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."

Chihuahua Express -- There is still time!

On the rim of the Copper Canyon, a major tourist attraction
Chihuahua, Mexico


The fourth annual Chihuahua Express is scheduled for March 19-21, 2010.

There is still time to sign up.

The Express is open to cars of all ages -- with or without roll cages. You may sign up for one of three types of competition, or simply come down to run the course at moderate speeds in your daily driver, pickup, or rental car. It's a great way to learn about Mexico and how to participate in a stage rally.

You do NOT need a competition license from the U.S. or Canada to participate. A special orientation on stage rallying will be provided to all participants, plus follow-up sessions each night. You may also participate on a daily basis (one, two, or thee days). The fun will be over on Sunday afternoon, so you can head back home. Trophies or medals are awarded on a daily basis and at the end of the event.

The event entails 1000 miles of beautiful scenery and nearly 325 miles of wide open, timed speed runs in the countryside on excellent paved roads around the city of Chihuahua, which is only 145 miles from Texas. We will visit the famous Copper Canyon and at one point come within a mile of the Texas border.

On March 16 participants from the U.S. and Canada with gather in El Paso and go across the border the next day at 9 AM as part of the Express Convoy. The convoy will actually cross the border at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and will avoid Mexican border towns completely.

If you are interested, please request a copy of the latest Express FAQ, entry form, or email me. Go to www.chihuahuaexpress.com for additional information/

The Express is fun, exciting, safe, and relatively inexpensive. Please join us this year as a participant or as a spectator. It is beautiful country!

Security and Safety in Mexico

Racing into the famous Copper Canyon


SECURITY FOR RALLY MEXICO

The constant reports of violent crime in Mexico are a concern for anyone traveling across the border. However, competitors in the Chihuahua Express and Carrera Panamericana should be assured that every precaution is being taken to protect them from this violence.

The purpose of this post is to discuss this situation and to outline what steps are being taken to protect the competitors and spectators in the Chihuahua Express in March. The plans for the Carrera in October are comparable.

1. Understanding the nature of the violence in Mexico.

Almost all the violence reported in the U.S. media is a result of conflict among Mexican drug gangs who are battling for control of the drug traffic across the border and for distribution rights in border towns.

Apart from this violence, which is spawned by the demand in the U.S. for illegal drugs, the Mexican people are among the most law-abiding people in the world.

In the past seven years of the Chihuahua Express and its precursor, the Border Challenge, we have witnessed not one act of violence, even a minor incident. In fact, in the past twenty-two years of its companion race, La Carrera Panamericana, we have not had one incident of violence against a competitor or spectator.

2. The Federal and State Governments of Mexico and Chihuahua are dedicated to protecting those who travel to Mexico.

As in past years, thirty-six Federal Highway Patrol Officers will be assigned to protect the Chihuahua Express. In addition, there will be sixty-eight police from the State of Chihuahua, along with seventy-seven municipal police officers. A total of 163 police officers will be assigned to this event.

Furthermore, in the countryside another fifty-two auxiliary police will be assigned to monitor minor intersections and even the access roads to larger ranch and farms communities. These figures do not include the paramiltary police who regularly patrol this area.

3. Our route into Mexico avoids the major trouble area, Ciudad Juarez.

Each year the Express Convoy gathers in El Paso, Texas for the trip across the border and the 220 miles down to Chihuahua City.

Instead of crossing the border in Ciudad Juarez, the Express Convoy enters through Santa Teresa, New Mexico, (Jerónimo, Mexico), which is twenty-two miles west of Juarez. The convoy will also exit Mexico by the same route on Monday, March 22.

Mexican friends of the Chihuahua Express and police officers will escort the convoy to Chihuahua City, which is 220 miles or three hours and a half from the border.

4. The Express Convoy affords support and protection.

The North American competitors will gather Tuesday, March 16 at the Sunland Park Holiday Inn, west of El Paso, to enjoy a welcome cocktail and meeting to discuss the trip to Chihuahua City. The convoy will cross the border the next day (Wednesday) at 8:00 AM through Santa Teresa , NM (into San Jerónimo, Mexico), and arrive at the luxurious Soberano Hotel around 13:00 hours the same day.

The highway to Chihuahua is an excellent four-lane highway, with only one small town along the way. The route is patrolled by the Mexican army, which has checkpoints along the way. The convoy will not leave anyone behind.

Other competitors, from Texas and Oklahoma may enter Mexico through Ojinga (across from Presidio, TX), only 145 miles (two and a half hours) from Chihuahua City. There are no cities along this stretch of desert.

5. Medical services, support, and secure accommodations provided while racing.

In addition to the police officers assigned to the event, intensive-care ambulances, rescue teams, and doctors, for each twelve cars, will accompany the competitors during the three days of the race. In the event of a serious accident, the hospitals in Chihuahua City are considered first-rate, and evacuation to the U.S. is relatively quick and easy.

The competitors will return to the Soberano Hotel each night, which is located on a secure hill overlooking the city. The hotel provides security to its grounds, including the parking lot at night.

Conclusion

The violence in Mexico is drug related. It is largely confined to border towns, or to certain areas of towns along the drug routes. There is no reason--economic or political-- for drug gangs to target competitors in the Chihuahua Express or any other sporting event. By staying out of Juarez and the marginal areas of town, we reduce the chances of random or accidental violence.

The actual route of the Express -- across the vast, open expanses of northern Mexico -- also greatly reduces the changes of accidental contact with those who are responsible for violence in places like Juarez and other border towns. (Check out the videos and photos of the route on YouTube. It's sparsely populated country.)

In twenty-two years or more of rallying and road racing in Mexico, the Mexican people have treated the competitors only with warm and kindness.

By taking all prudent and necessary precautions, the organizers are confident that the personal security of the competitors will be protected.

La Carrera Featured at Auto-Vino Event, Feb. 17

Auto-Vino in Menlo Park, a storage facility for exotic cars and wines -- what a combo! -- is having a luncheon on February 17, 11-30-2:00 devoted to La Carrera. The guest speakers will be Martin Lauber and Conrad Stevenson, who did exceptionally well their first time in the Pan Am last year driving an Alfa sedan.

Here the official announcement from the Auto-Vino web site. Hope to see you there!

Gerie

Wed, February 17, 11:30am – 2:00pm

Description. The great Pan American Road Race, The Mexican Road Race, was perhaps the greatest of all the open road races of the early 1950s. From 1950 thru 1954 the event raced in five days from the southern tip of Mexico to the Texas border. All the great American and international auto makers participated, as did the top SCCA, USAC, FIA, NASCAR, Indy racing drivers plus amateurs. The event celebrated the opening of the Pan-American Highway. For the past several decades the event has been recreated as a seven-day stage rally – race called the La Carrera Panamericana. Top pro, amateur and vintage racers compete each fall in this rally – race that run the length of Mexico. For 2010 the event date is October 22-28. The speakers at the AutoVino Racers lunch February 17 are 2009 La Carrera PanAmericana participants Martin Lauber and Conrad Stevenson. They will present a multimedia program about competing in their Alfa. Lunch is $20. RSVP to AutoVino 650-533-3809. The location is 205 Constitution Avenue in Menlo Park California. 94025, about 25 miles south of San Francisco.

http://www.auto-vino.org/events.html

CARRERA NEWS -- 9th Year of Publication

Championship Car for Sale -- see Classifieds

CARRERA NEWS
January 24, 2010 Updated
9TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS WARMING UP
**LA CARRERA PLANNING ANOTHER BIG YEAR
**PROMOTION BY BLOG
**2010 ROUTE YET UNKNOWN
**CARRERA HOTELS AND ENTRY PROCESS
**HONORING FRANK CURRIE
**CLASSIFIEDS
Championship Studebakers for Sale

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS WARMING UP

Twenty-six North Americans have committed to the Chihuahua Express, March 19-21. Another ten or so Europeans and twenty-two Mexican racers are expected to join the fun. Virtually all of the competitors have experience in La Carrera or have run the Express before. A few have signed up for the bracket class and the regularity T/S/D rally.

The Express is three days of racing – 325 miles of top speed stages -- across some of the most remarkable landscapes in the world. It’s open-road racing at its finest; only 145 miles from Texas. Go to www.chihuahuaexpress.com and click on English for more info, or click on gbledso@aol.com to receive a three-page FAQ via email.

Registration and technical inspection are a snap, the cost is low, the time commitment is minimal, just about any car may be enrolled, and the race organization is professional. In only three years, it’s become a world-class event.

The Express Convoy leaves El Paso, Texas on March 17 for the short drive across the border and down to Chihuahua City.

**LA CARRERA PLANNING ANOTHER BIG YEAR

Eduardo de Leon, the President of La Carrera Panamericana, is predicting another big year for the event. Last year 107 competitors enrolled, up from an even 100 in 2008. Although North American participation dropped off in 2009 because of the recession, our European cousins made up the difference.

After the race was over, we learned that the brother of the President of Mexico was among the competitors! (No wonder so many Federales were hovering about!)

According to the official rules of the event, North America (Canada and the U.S.) is limited to thirty entries, but we have been granted ten more routinely over the years. However, this may be the first year we are not allowed to exceed our quota.

North Americans may reserve a spot on the grid with a deposit of $500. The deposit is non-refundable, unless the organizers refuse to accept your entry. Let me know if you are interested gbledso@aol.com.

The entry fee schedule for 2010 has also been set, but it cannot be published. The cost is $500 USD more than it was last year. You will get a $500 discount by entering before April 30.

**PROMOTION BY BLOG

Increased use of the Internet, especially YouTube, FaceBook, and bloggers like Gary Faules, has raised the visibility of La Carrera and the Chihuahua Express enormously. Now you can watch Pan Am cars blast through Mexican canyons only hours after the actual event and get nightly updates.

For the first time last October folks back home followed the race courtesy of Gary and his hardy band of amateur “reporters” and photogs in Mexico. Heck, he even covered the Coyote Convoy on its way down to Huatulco. Gary’s blog can be found at http://lacarrera2007.blogspot.com.

Other bloggers provide excellent insights and content, such as the “soul” of LCP Marcia Blas at http://roadrallyrhythms.typepad.com. Another fine example is Kristin Vance's bog at http://funksterwtf.blogspot.com. Web sites abound as well. Michael Emery’s www.LuchaLibreRacing.com provides excellent info about his team, beautiful photographs (he is a pro), and a comprehensive list of links. Even rookie Hayden Groendyke has a new web site--with an unapologetic title--http://www.winpanam.com. Hayden, who is no stranger to Mexico, is now actively promoting the Pan Am.

The expansion of the Internet and cell phone service in Mexico has also greatly improved communications during the event, making expensive satellite phones largely unnecessary. Cell and text service is available in most of Mexico, at least once we survive the first day in the boonies. Regardless, GPS tracking devices in the car would be a good thing to continue. Is there an OnStar system for racecars in Mexico? It would be good to hear a comforting voice say, “Hello. Our system has indicated that, while your airbags have not deployed, you have disappeared into a steep ravine. Are you OK? Should we call for assistance?”

This year a character called “CarreraCoyote” will “tweet” late-breaking news to Carrera competitors and crews before and during the event. To sign up for these messages, go to www.Twitter.com. Detailed info will also be posted more frequently under the “News” tab at www.panamrace.com or www.panamrace.blogspot.com.

**2010 ROUTE YET UNKNOWN

No official announcements have been made about the route of the Carrera for 2010. It is quite likely that the starting city will be Tuxtla Gutierrez. But anything is possible. We also have reason to believe that the “meta” will be Nuevo Laredo. Other overnight stops along the route may be Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis de Potosi, and Zacatecas. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend two nights in Zac?

Most 2009 competitors who responded to a brief poll in November did not wish to spend another night in Mexico City or Guadalajara. With the new, magnificent toll road around Mexico City, it is much easier to avoid that traffic nightmare, even if a few laps on the historic Dos Hermanos racetrack would be exciting.

The official route is determined by negotiations with the various cities and hotels along the route. The route will not be announced until later. When it is posted on the official web site, “CarreraCoyote” will “tweet” it. Exciting, huh? Perhaps some day these negotiations will involve multi-year arrangements, so the route can be announced earlier, rather than later.


**CARRERA HOTELS AND ENTRY PROCEDURE

The hotel package for Pan Am 2010 also have not been announced. (The publication of this newsletter has been delayed awaiting the news about the entry fee and hotels.)

Regardless, competitors may sign up by going to the main web site: www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. The format is not user friendly, so you must have your blood type info, car info, and digital photos ready to upload in order to complete the registration.

Alternatively, North Americans may use the ’09 entry form provided at www.panamrace.com. For new people, in particular, this form solicits information useful to providing them with the best advice and assistance prior to the event. The race organizers in Mexico make all decisions about the eligibility of cars.

Hotels? Traditionally, those who enter the race first get the best hotels. Those signing up early have the best shot at scoring a room at the fabulous Quinta Real Hotel in Zacatecas.

However, more competitors are reserving rooms along the route via the Internet, rather than pay $150-300 per night to the race organizers for extra rooms for their crew or luxury accommodations. This was apparently the case last year in Huatulco, an under-utilized Pacific resort, where some competitors and their support crews stayed in less expensive hotels during the days before the race began.

**HONORING FRANK CURRIE

Frank Currie will be honored by his friends at the Grand National Roadster Show at the L.A. County fairgrounds in Pomona next weekend, January 29-31. Several of his friends will drive one of his extensive collection of roadsters to display at the show, which expects to display 500 of these cars, plus custom motorcycles and other creations. Frank and his beautiful wife Evelyn are expected to make an appearance around 1 PM on Saturday to greet everyone. As most gearheads and racers know, Frank gained fame by making bullet proof Ford 9” differentials and other car parts for hot rods, plus street and racecars. Frank, who will turn 80 this year, participated in many motorsports events, including La Carrera Panamericana, and above everything else, he’s a great guy.

**CLASSIFIEDS: CARS AND ASSISTANCE

CARRERA MUSTANG. Lease the classic ‘65 Mustang “Gypsy Wind” with 400+ HP built and specially prepared for La Carrera by Todd Landon. Arrive and drive packages, including full mechanical support and fitting the car to the crew, are available at reasonable cost. Landon’s cars have finished in the top five, including a first in the highly competitive Historic C class in 2008. Proven cars in this class cost normally cost over $75,000 and may not be ready to race. Contact Todd in Minnesota at +1-952-250-7948 or TALandon@landolakes.com.

CARRERA FALCON. Lease a lightweight ’65 Falcon built and prepared for the Carrera by Hammarlund Racing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Last year, cars from Hammarlund’s shop dominated the Pan Am by winning the overall championship (Stig Blumquist), two firsts in class, and four of the top six spots. This new creation boasts Ford Motorsport 302 engine with a fresh four-speed Super T10 transmission driving a nine-inch differential with limited slip. Wilwood discs brakes on all four corners stop the car. Contact Mats Hammarlund at +011-52-415-1010308 or mhracing1960@gmail.com.

CARRERA CHRYSLER. 1955 Chrysler 300 Kiekhafer clone/replica built for the Mexican road race in 1997. Features: 2" dom cage, disc brakes, 32 gal.fuel cell, racing seats belts. Pontiac trans am front clip. Fun driver, registered for street. Great car for the “tourist class.” Contact Ron Davis in Ft. Collins, CO at c300r@yahoo.com.

NAVIGATOR. Jim Roxbury is available this year to navigate a Carrera car around the treacherous corners of La Bufa. Jim was Jerry Churchill’s co-piloto for eight years, including the year the duo won Historic C. He has navigated the Chihuahua Express, Targa Newfoundland, Silver State Classic, and other events with Churchill. Jim is a professional mechanic, so he adds this dimension to your cockpit team. Contact Jim at +1-763-389-1150 or RoxburyRacing@hughes.net.

NAVIGATOR. Dyana Marlett is available to navigate in the Chihuahua Express. She has served as co-piloto for Sam Burg in the LT Special for several years, both in the Express and the Carrera. Last year, her new piloto and car finished sixth place overall in the Carrera, even after a minor off-road excursion. Contact her at dwm@dyanamarlett.com.

DRIVER/NAVIGATOR. Michael Emery, Lucha Libre Racing, is looking for a partner for the 20120 Pan Am, either a funded driver or navigator in his Datsun 1600 “Fairlady.” Michael and his previous partners have probably had more fun than anyone else in this event. After all, they have a tequila company as a sponsor. Contact Michael at michael@luchalibreracing.com.

For other cars for sale and lease, see the Classifieds at www.PanAmRace.com. Also see the official Mexican web site: www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx.

CHAMPION STUDEBAKERS FOR SALE

BILL BEILHARZ IS SELLING HIS ’53 STUDEBAKER THAT WON THE CARRERA CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2008(BBeilharz@aol.com). LARS STUGEMO IS SELLING HIS ’53 AS WELL. BOTH CARS HAVE PROVEN CAPABLE OF WINNING THE BIG TROPHY. (Lars.Stugemo@hiq.se) NOT CHEAP. FOR DETAILS GO TO www.myvrl.com.

This newsletter (blog posting) may be copied, reprinted, and distributed with proper attribution. The views expressed here are the author’s and sometimes do not reflect the views of the Organizing Committee.

© Copyright Gerie Bledsoe 2010

Pan Am Entry Fee Announced

The Organizing Committee of La Carrera Panamericana has announced that the "early" entry fee for 2010 will increase $500 USD over the 2009 level. The (early) entry fee is good until April 30, when it will increase another $500.

For details about the fee structure and how to pay it, plus the cancellation policy, email me at gbledso@aol.com.

You may sign up on this web site for CARRERA NEWS. Those who enter the race will also be sent CARRERA DRIVER, which contains more technical information about how to prepare for this event.