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."

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