CARRERAS NEWS -- July, 2016

**Chihuahua Express, April 26-30, 2017

**Carreras Fiesta, Monterey, August 20, 2016

**Pan-Am Driver’s Jacket at Auction

**Rules and Registration for the Pan-Am

**2d Annual Transpeninsular Rally

**Four Cars and One Pan-Am Engine  -- For Sale

**Pan-Am Entries and Rules

**Contact Info

**Chihuahua Express, April 26-30, 2017

Organizer Chacho Medina, Fernando Garcia, and a government official from the state of Chihuahua have spent three days testing roads to add to the Express next year.  The goal is to add a fourth day to the rally, while returning to the Sheraton Soberano Hotel each night.  Several new highways in the vicinity of the famous Copper Canyon are under consideration.

**Carreras Fiesta, Monterey, August 20, 2016

The 10^th Carreras Fiesta will be held in Monterey, California.  This is an annual fund-raiser for Lupita Hernandez, the Mexican nurse who lost both legs in a Pan-Am accident.  The guest speaker will be Gerie Bledsoe, who served as the North American Coordinator for the Pan-Am from 2002 until this year.  Tickets to the dinner are $50, available from Bill Hemmer bekgroup@gmail.com. Seating is limited, early reservations are encouraged, and contributions are accepted.  There will be a silent auction of Pan-Am and other donated items.

**Pan-Am Driver’s Jacket at Auction

A 2010 Pan-Am driver’s jacket is being offered by email auction.  This is a quilted jacket made by “State of Art,” a European company, and former sponsor of the event.  It is slate grey, with brown leather trim.  Snaps and zippers down the front; zippered pockets; waist adjustment in back.  Inside pocket.  “State of Art” left right sleeve and back; “Spirit of Carrera,” Telmex, and LCP logo on chest.  The size is Large. A reserve price has been set at $200.  Bidding closes on August 16, 10PM.  These jacket are given only to drivers and co-drivers before each race, and are not for sale to the public. 

If the final bid is over $400 USD, an official 2013 driver’s hat will be included.  Shipment to the U.S. is included; shipment out of the U.S. is extra. Send bids to gbledso@aol.com.

All proceeds will go to Lupita Hernández Ruíz, the Mexican nurse who was crippled by a Pan-Am car in 2003.  Checks should be made payable to “Amigos de Lupita Hernandez.”  The trustees of Lupita’s funds are:  Doug Mockett, Oscar Castillo, and Gerie Bledsoe.  Over $2400 USD has been raised by auctions of donated, authentic Pan-Am items.

**2d Annual Historico Transpeninsular Rally

The second annual Baja Transpeninsular Rally is in the books.  This stage (velocity) rally runs on the main highway down the Baja peninsula over 900 miles from Tijuana to Cabo.  The new champion is Chris Eberz from California del norte.  The dates for the rally in 2017 will be May 25-29, 2017.  A fourth day has been added for next year.  It is open to vintage cars in three classes, which include three sub-classes.  This event is destined to be extremely popular, especially with racers from California.  The U.S. rep is Rob Miller.

**Pan-Am Registration and Rules

The rules for the 2016 Pan-Am are available on the official website.  The new rules allow cars in Historic C (V8s made from 1955-1972) to use a Mustang II type front end.  Registration will close in September.

Currently there are 59 entries: 

Mexico, 33

Europe, 10

U.S., 13

Canada, 1

Other, 2

Entries by classification:

Turismo Mayor, 7

Turismo Production, 6

Sports Mayor, 0

Sports Minor, 6

Historic A, 2

Historic A+, 6

Historic B, 9

Historic C, 10

Original Pan Am, 4

Modern BMW Mini, 7 (a separate, exhibition class)

Exhibition, 3 (cars not eligible for a regular class)

**Cars and Engines for Sale

1966 Mustang. Available: An opportunity to own a highly competitive piece of Mexico Road Racing History.  Vehicle featured in the GT Racer Video Series La Carrera Panamericana.  A Mustang fresh off recent Historic “C” top finishes at Chihuahua Express and La Carrera Panamericana, with a history of victories in both events.  A racing package of vehicle purchase, with delivery and support for both Chihuahua Express and La Carrera Panamericana for 2016 by “Mustangs to Go, LLC.”  Upon completion of the two events, delivery of the Mustang - FOB Dallas, TX.  $75,000 USD Mustang only, $115,000 USD Mustang with delivery and support to Chihuahua Express and La Carrera Panamericana 2016. For additional information contact: Todd Landon. talandon@landolakes.com. Mobile: US 952-250-7948

1961 Chrysler.  Competed six times in the Pan-Am beginning in 2001.  Has also competed in many other rally racing venues beginning in 1996.  The drive train is approx. 1972 Chrysler with a 440 engine with a rebuild after the 2007 season. Automatic trans., 3:23 rear gears. Car will need to be brought up to current Pan-Am specs. It does have a cracked windshield.  Price is $15,000. Please call Dean Smith 702-438-3445 or cell 702-539-9863. Car is in Las Vegas.

1952 Desoto - Built specially for the Pan-Am but never entered.  Raced at Pikes Peak (2009) and also Virginia City Hill Climb (2009). Class should be Original Pan-Am.  Engine is a 1957 Chrysler 392 Hemi.   Trans is automatic TorqueFlite. 3:23 Sure-Grip gears. 32 gallon fuel cell.  Car has a 1973 Camaro front sub frame with disc brakes.  Race it or not this car is a ball to drive!  Finished in 2006 the car will need to be brought up to current Pan-Am specs. Price is $35,000.  Please call Dean Smith 702-438-3445 or cell 702-539-9863.  Car is in Las Vegas.

Engine For Sale – Chevy 359 c.i. with 10.5-1 compression, 551 hp and 460 lbs. of torque. 18 degree heads, Crower roller cam, Holley 600 cfm, etc. All the good stuff. Has around 1000 miles on it, ran part of one LCP event.  Full spec sheet available.  Contact Oscar Carillo at oscar@mocket.com.

1953 Studebaker -- Silver Fox

New 302 c.i. DZ Chevy engine. Modern Holley double pumper carb. Tremec transmission. Tilton pedals. Wilwood brakes. Champion quick-change rear end.  Podium finish in Pan-Am Turismo Production. Two sets of rims and tires.  Re-enforced frame and massive cage.  Excellent electrical system. 22 gallon fuel cell with twin pumps.  Kirkey seats. GPS speedometer. Many spare parts.  Ready for 2016 Pan-Am in October.  Full support also available.  $65,000/BO.  Car located in Chicago-Milwaukee area. Contact Gerie Bledsoe 310-703-4476 or gbledso@aol.com

**CONTACT INFO

Gerie Bledsoe, North American Coordinator

Chihuahua Express

Evanston, IL 310-703-4476 (Central Time Zone)

gbledso@aol.com

www.panamrace.com

Carreras News

June 2016

**Chihuahua Express – Tentative Dates, April 27-30. 2017

Event organizer Chacho Medina has set as April 27-30 as the tentative dates for the 2017 Chi-X.  These dates are subject to the approval of various authorities in Mexico.  The date is always set each year so as not to conflict with Easter.

Mr. Medina visited Chihuahua last week to check out possible new routes for the event, perhaps for a fourth day of racing.  Last April several competitors asked him to increase the length of the event.  This can be done by adding another day of competition in place of the pre-qualifying run on Thursday morning, or simply by adding a fourth day on Thursday with qualifying on Wednesday.  Of course, this would increase the entry fee and add at least another night in Chihuahua City.

If it stands, these dates in April will allow Chi-X competitors to warm up in the Big Bend Open Road Race (BBORR) the previous weekend in Ft. Stockton, Texas, and then motor down to Chihuahua for the Xpress.  Chihuahua is about a five hour drive from there via Presidio.

The BBORR is a high speed “T/S/D” or “bracket” race that runs on a closed highway 59 miles from Ft. Stockton to Sanderson, TX.  After a break, the cars race back to Ft. Stockton.  There is an unlimited-speed class, but most of the cars attempt to finish on their “target time,” like the Silver State Classic Challenge in Nevada. Their speed “bracket” (one of 17 classes) is based on the car’s safety equipment and the driver’s aspirations.  That is, the faster you go, the more roll cage and safety equipment is required.  To run in the unlimited class, the requirements for a roll cage are slightly more than for the Chi-X and Pan-Am, and the car must sustain a speed of at least 135 MPH.

**La Carrera Panamericana 2016 – Oct. 13-20

The Pan-Am is scheduled for October 13-20, starting in Huatulco, a resort town on the Pacific, in the state of Oaxaca, and ending in Durango.  Overnights along the way include:  Oaxaca, Mexico City, Toluca, Morelia, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas.

The organizers have decided to allow modern BMW Mini Coopers in the event.  Of the 48 entries listed on the official web site six are Mini’s.  

Of the 48 entries, 27 are from Mexico, 11 from the U.S., 8 from Europe, and 2 from other countries. 

Registrations by Pan-Am classifications:

Turismo Mayor 7

Turismo Production  4

Sports Mayor 0

Sports Menor 4

Historic A+   4   

Historic A  2    

Historic B  7

Historic C  10

Original Pan Am 1

Exhibition 3

Not yet ready to spend two weeks and major bucks on a long race, deep in Mexico?  Then come on down to the Chihuahua Express next April. It’s only 145 miles from Texas. Bring a race car to test or your fun car to drive in the Chi-X Tour.  Check out the roads and rallying Mexican style.  You will be pleased.

**Rally Histórico Transpeninsula (Baja)

This new rally, in its second year, is scheduled for next week, June 23-26.  For more information go to www.rallyhistoricotranspeninsular.mx. Also check it out on Facebook. The rally will begin in Tijuana and end three days later, after 925 miles of paved highway, down in Cabo.  This event will also include a touring class for those who want to make the trip at a more leisurely pace.

**Cars for Sale

1940 Cadillac LaSalle Turismo Production

This Rare LaSalle Type 40 two-door business coupe was the coolest ride in the 2015 Carrera Panamericana.  Third-place finish in class.  No serious mechanical problems.  Sorted and ready to race the Pan-Am or Chihuahua Express.  Easily converted into a Turismo Mayor car.

All steel body.  Hood and fenders can be easily removed for service.  Front suspension -- modified Mustang with coil-over's and tubular upper- and lower-control arms.  Rear suspension -- adjustable coil spring with a tubular, triangulated four-link.  Big Wilwood disc brakes. Ford 9 inch full floater with 3.50 gear and posi-traction. Tremec five speed--because of the Carrera rules 5th gear (over-drive) is locked out.  The engine is a GM 302 c.i. with cast iron heads and a Holly 600 CFM double pumper carburetor.  Dynoed at 360 HP. Ignition -- a dual MSD boxes with rev. limiter, dual coils. Bridgestone racing tires with spare.  Aluminum racing seats and five-point belts.  Massive, safe roll cage. Fuel cell.  Passed Pan-Am tech with flying colors.

This is the fifth Pan-Am car Frank Oliveto has built, and like the rest, it’s solid.  It’s ready to run the Chihuahua Express, Pan-Am, Transpeninsular (Baja), or other rally in Mexico. 

If you buy it and race it in Mexico this or next year, I will be happy to be your guide and coach down there for either or both events.

Price: $49,000.00/B.O.    Call:  Frank Oliveto, Richmond, California 415-720-1482 or email foliveto@icloud.com.

**LEGAL DEPT

As most of you know, auto racing is inherently dangerous and unless you drive prudently, like a reasonable person (who races), it can be seriously injurious to your health.  Rallying through the mountains of Mexico can also be addictive and ruin your desire to compete on the round-and-round tracks.  Also note that the opinions expressed herein are the editor’s and do not represent the views of any race organizer on either side of the border.

**CONTACT INFO

Gerie Bledsoe, North American Coordinator

Chihuahua Express

Evanston, IL 310-703-4476 (Central Time Zone)

gbledso@aol.com

www.panamrace.com

The 28th modern Pan-Am ended last Thursday in Durango, and it already time to start thinking about next year, as well as the Chihuahua Xpress, April 21-24, 2016.

 

Emilio Velazquez, from Oaxaca, is the newest Pan-Am Champ.  He was a DNF last year, but this year he improved his time coming down Mil Cumbres by 30 seconds, for instance, to put time on his closet challenger, Hilaire Damiron (FR).  Even so, his margin of victory after 7 days was only 27 seconds.  According to some reports, Damiron was just trying too hard to win and was losing time sliding around in the corners.

 

Doug Mockett and Anglica Fuentes (MX), the top U.S. challenger finished 6th.  Doug reportedly had brake problems near the end of the event and failed to move up the finishing order.  Unfortunately, our other U.S. contender, Paul Hladky, was unable to participate this year.

 

Congratulations to Taz Harvey and Rudy Vadjak for their 1st in Historic B and 9th overall.  Taz said he had problems with his Datsun Z-car along the way, but managed to dominate the 911s in his class again.

 

Conrad Stevenson and rookie co-piloto David Lee, from norther California, also took 1st in Historic A Plus and 13th overall.  Conrad's reg Alfa got my vote for the sexiest car in the event.  Sophia woud look good in that car.  Historic A Plus (four cylinders, 1966-1972) has become the most popular classes in the Pan-Am with 15 entries.

 

Rookies Iain Dobson (U.S., English) and Jeff Trasher in their beautiful Ford Escort RS finished 2d in Historic A Plus, while Martin Lauber was close behind in 3d.  Apparently, Martin decided to take his bride, Kelly, on a little off-road excursion at one point.  Many others followed suit.  Martin also organized a group of four Historic A Plus cars, including Mike and Peggy Thurlow (23d overall), Tom Minnich and Cristin Combs (29th overall), and Mark Colbert and Deborah DeSantis (47th overall).  And no group had more fun!

 

Karlo Flores (Canada) and Juan Salgado Flores (Mex.), both Pan-Am rookies, won 1st in Sports Menor (modified sports cars with less than 2000 c.c. engines).  Rene Brinkerhoff and Robert Mendoza, who are gaining rock star status in the event finished 2d.  Rene had a little off road excursion during the qualifying run that caused serious problems for two or three days, but her great crew kept her car running to the end.

 

Rookie Matt Hummel and vet Chris Cochrane finished 3d in Turismo Production and 36th overall.  They were driving Frank Oliveto's laest creation, a 1940 Cadillac LeSalle.  According to Frank, the only problems they experienced was a broken shock and a bout of "touristica."  This unique car, powered by a Chevy 302 engine, is being offered for sale.

 

A special mention must be extended to rookies Rob Miller and Will Horne in their Shelby Mustang for their finish.  You may recall that their car was build by students at a local technical college in NE Texas and one of the students, Mr. Horne, won the drawing among the students to ride along as the navigator.  Felicidades! to a great team and story!

 

One of Todd Landon's Mustangs, driven by a crew from New Zealand won the hotly contested Historic C class and finished 14th overall.  Historic C missed some of its hot shoe regulars like Chip Fudge and Jack Rogers, among others.

 

Sam Burg, from southern California, was the co-piloto in the LT Special that finished  2d in Sports Major and 43d overall.

 

Other U.S.-Canadian results:

 

Michael and Kristi Shoemaker (Neb.), 50th overall, crash

Jake Shuttlesworth (TX) and C.J. Strupp (IN), 52d overall, engine problems

Steve Walters and Janet McFarland (VA), 56th overall, engine problems

Miles Jones and Robert Gehlan (Norcal), 59th overall, power-steering curse

Gerie Bledsoe (FLA)and Fer Garcia (Mex.), 60th overall, broken hydraulic lifter

Christian Reichardt (Socal) and Dan Roche (Canada), 63d overall, engine problems

 

Steve and Janet deserved special recognition for driving their Mercedes Fintail from Alexandria, VA to the start of the race and planning to drive it back.  Reportedly the car was towed to Laredo, where it will be shipped back home.  Steve and Janet are the last of the hearty souls from the U.S. who would drive their race car all the way to Mexico, race it, and then drive it back.   We wish them the best.

 

Jake Shuttlesworth and other trucks helped carry a ton of wool scraps from Austin to Mexico for a group of Indian women who recycle it to make rugs and other items.  Gracias a todos!

Get your car ready for the Chihuahua Express, April 21-24.  Registration opens in November.

---any car with the proper roll cage and safety equipment may run

---three days of open road racing

---1,000 total miles, about 300 at unlimited speed

---return to the same luxury hotel each night

---only 145 miles from Texas

---race to the rim of the famous Copper Canyon

Just want to cruise?  Sign up for the Xpress Tour.  Same route as race cars, but at legal speeds in a time-to-distance rally.  Even rent a regular car in Chihuahua.  All you need is a helmet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LCP DATES October 15-22, 2015

Carreras News

January 2015                                                    Happy New Year!

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS REGISTRATION UP

**AUCTION OF 2014 PAN AM JACKET AND HAT

**RALLY FALCON FOR SALE

**PAN AM LINCOLN FOR SALE

**DATES FOR 2015 PANAM

**LEGAL NOTICES

**CONTACT INFORMATION

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS REGISTRATION UP

Enrollment for the Chihuahua Express is significantly higher this year than at the same time last year.  Over 24 North Americans (Canada and U.S.) took advantage of the early entry discount, good through January 6.  An additional four or five are listed as “possibles.”

Organizer Manuel “Chacho” Medina said he was pleased to see more entries from the U.S., especially from the states of Texas, California, and Nevada.  “I think we have turned a corner,” Mr. Medina said,” “as more Americans are recognizing that this is one of the best motor sports events in the world.”

There is one notable entry from Belgium, Medart Philippe, who will drive the “Juan Carlos Sarmiento” Studebaker that won the Panam twice a few years ago.

The Chihuahua Express is affiliated with the Silver State Classic Challenge (www.SSCC.us).  At least four of the entries in this year’s Express are regulars in that event, a 90 mile run across Nevada.

For more information go to:  www.chihuahuaexpress.com.    Need to rent a Shelby Mustang for the event?    Contact Todd Landon at “Mustangs to Go.” Email TALandon@landolakes.com.

**AUCTION OF LA CARRERA 2014 JACKET AND HAT FOR “LUPITA”

Since 2003 “Los Amigos of Lupita Hernandez” have asked for donations to support the young Mexican nurse who lost both legs at the hip in a Carrera accident.  Currently, Los Amigos try to send Lupita, who lives in Chiapas, near Tuxtla Gutierrez, least $600 every quarter.

To continue this modest level of support, your help is needed.  A generous benefactor has donated a 2014 La Carrera Panamericana racing jacket and hat to be auctioned.  These items are only available to drivers and navigators in the event.  The “State of Art” jacket (a large) and hat are in perfect, unworn condition. The jacket and hat are black with Pan Am patches on it and “Mexico!” across the back.  Photos are available.

The last time a Panam jacket and hat were auctioned, they went for the “buy it now price” of $500.  All bids should be in U.S. dollars.  For bids under $500, shipping will be extra.

The auction is now open and will close on February 9 at noon (CST).  Payment may be made by check, money order or Paypal.  Checks should be made payable to “Friends of Lupita Hernandez.”  The trustees for her fund are:  Doug Mockett, Oscar Carillo, and Gerie Bledsoe.   

Send bids to:     Dollars4Lupita@aol.com  Include your name, postal address, and phone number in your email.  All bids will be acknowledged but not disclosed.

If this jacket is not right for you, contributions to Lupita’s fund are warmly welcomed.  Please send your check to:

 Friends of Lupita Hernandez

 c/o Oscar Carillo

 Mockett and Co.

 PO Box 3333

 Manhatten Beach, CA 90266

**RALLY FALCON FOR SALE

1964 Ford Falcon Monte Carlo Lightweight.  A race/rally car with FIA papers, extremely lightweight with legitimate fiberglass fenders, front hood, doors, rear deck lid and bumpers.  Car raced in Europe and won the Nurburgring and Hamburg among other places.  This is Bill Shanahan’s rally car which placed second in the Carrera Panamericana Historic C in 2008, first in Historic C in 2009 and first in the Classic Division of the Targa Newfoundland in 2010.

The car comes with a complete set of spares including front and rear suspension, transmission (T10), two 305 cubic inch Ford race prepared/rally engines.  Also included is a fully developed 6 cylinder 4.5 liter Ford engine which qualifies to run in Historic B in the Carrera Panamericana, all of the FIA spec pieces including a 289 FIA engine and the original suspension parts.  The suspension parts of the Carrera/Targa car have been significantly strengthened given the difficult road conditions in those rallies at high speeds.  Finally, the car comes with a complete set of molds to build, if necessary, fiberglass fenders, hood, doors and trunk.  The car has not been raced since 2011 due to owner business commitments; it has been continually track tested and is race ready.

Call David Bate – 203-377-6745 ext 37 or Michael Silverstein – 203-377-6745 ext 14

www.automotiverestorations.com  100 Lupes Drive, Stratford, CT  06614

**FAMOUS PAN AM LINCOLN FOR SALE

‘54 Lincoln Capri.  Ready to race in the Chihuahua Express in Turismo Mayor or Pan Am. An iconic competitor in La Carrera, Chihuahua Express and Pikes Peak. 360 cu.in. Ford Racing engine with 650 cfm. Holley, remote oil cooler, aluminum radiator, H.D. T-5 five-speed close-ratio trans, Ford 9" rear axle, 4:10 Detroit locker diff, coil-overs,  torque arm 3 link with Panhard bar rear suspension, coil over front suspension, NASCAR power steering, 6 piston Wilwood front calipers, 4 piston Wilwood rears, 
Tilton pedal box assy with adj. brake bias. 28 gallon fuel cell, FIA approved Racetech seats
Monit Rally computer, Peltor intercom, Fast A/F meter, (2) on board fire systems.
fiberglas bumpers and inner fenders, Lexan windows, skid plate, rear difuser
extensive spares package, including molds, jigs and spare rolling body with frame
contact Bill Richert $60,0000. Cannot be duplicated for twice this amount.  Located in Phoenix.

The patina on the Lincoln is a Mylar “wrap.”

Contact Bill Richert at:  brichert@cox.net Tel. 602-548-9368

**DATES FOR 2015 PANAM

The tentative dates for the 2015 Carrera Panamericana are October 15-22.  The route will be about the same as last year:  Veracruz to Durango.  Final plans should be announced next month, when registration will open.

**LEGAL STUFF

Auto racing is dangerous in any form, and special rallies (road racing) in Mexico are no exception.  Carrera News is not an official publication of any race organization.  The views expressed here are the editor’s only. All competitors should have adequate experience or training before signing up for one of these events.

**CONTACT INFORMATION

Gerie Bledsoe, North American Coordinator

La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 850-66zero-178four

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 650-525-nine one 90

LCP Main Office

Mexico City +52-55-5586-6898

US Number 1-310-860-6959

www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

team@lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx (entries, general info)

monica@lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx  (hotels and entry fees)

Chihuahua Express

www.chihuahuaexpress.com

Chacho Medina, President

CARRERAS NEWS -- LCP 2014 RECAP

Carreras News

December 2014

For photos go to www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS REGISTRATION OPEN

**RECAP:  PAN AM 2014

**LCP NORTH AMERICAN RESULTS

**MORE PANAMERICANA NOTES

**ORIGINAL PAN AM CARS NEEDED!

**PAN AM-CHIHUAHUA CARS FOR SALE

**LEGAL NOTICES

**CONTACT INFO

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS REGISTRATION OPEN

It’s time to sign up for the Chihuahua Express, April 23-26.  Hit reply to ask for an entry form and FAQ.

The Express is open to any car, vintage or modern, with the required safety equipment.  Turbo, super-charged and four-wheel drive vehicles are welcome.  Pan Am cars run in their Pan Am class, but compete for overall standing with modern cars.  Save $250 by registering before the end of the year.

It is three days of racing….almost 1000 miles, including about 300 miles of speed stages, and each night the racers return to the same luxury hotel.  Driver’s meetings are at 6:30 and last about 30 minutes.

Don’t have a race car ready to race?  Try the ” Express Tour,” a time-to-distance rally along the same scenic route run by the race cars, but at legal speeds.  No experience is needed, and it is an excellent introduction to all Mexican rallies, timing and scoring, including the Pan Am. 

Chihuahua City, the headquarters of the race, is an easy 145 miles from Presidio, Texas and 240 from El Paso.  This is the 10^th anniversary of the Express, which began as the Border Challenge.  The organizer is Chacho Medina, who is an architect by profession, a university lecturer, and Formula One commentator on Mexican TV.

The Chihuahua Express is affiliated with the Silver State Classic Challenge.  www.sscc.us

**RECAP:  PAN AM 2014

In his post-race interview with the New York Times the overall winner of LCP 2014, Erik Comas (FR), admitted that he did not understand how long and difficult this epic Pan Am would be.  Comas, a former Formula One driver and vintage rally driver, won the Pan Am on the last day when the leading Studebaker went off the road, into a ditch (see photos).  Reportedly, Comas had been gaining on the lead car in the morning speed stages and the constant pressure probably was ultimately too much for the leader Emilio Velasquez.

The Studebaker driven by Comas was built and supported by Mats Hammarlund Racingin San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, that shops third or fourth overall win.

Comas said that most of his rally events in Europe are much shorter and usually one day long, not seven long hard days.  For example, on Day 2 of LCP 2014, the last two transit stages of 207 miles (339 KM) took the cars in heavy rain and diminishing daylight into the ancient city of Tlaxcala and then into the center of Mexico City.  And on Day 7, the day began with a transit of almost 185 miles (300 KM) and a total distance for the day of 420 miles (690 KM).  The race cars must average more than 73 MPH (120 KM) in these long transits.   Some of the drivers were behind the steering wheel for up to 13 hours on some days.

Attrition was extremely high.  Of the 75 cars that started the race, only 45 crossed the finish line in Durango.  Of these five were Exhibition cars, including two modern BMWs.   

On Day 2, the leg from Oaxaca to Mexico City, thirty cars were marked as “DNF” (Did Not Finish) at the end of the day.  Most got lost along the way, while some had mechanical problems.  On Day 5, 25 cars were listed as DNF.  In one class, Turismo Production, only three out of the seven cars that started the race actually crossed the finish line seven days later.   Those North Americans fighting serious engine problems in the last days of the event were North Americans included:  Paul Hladky, John Rogers, Vance Stewart, Pedro Vidal, John “Chip” Fudge, Walt Sikes, Art Morgan, and Jake Shuttlesworth.  Only Sikes and co-driver Paul Frame were able to repair the engine in their 911 and finish.

Fortunately, especially given the rainy weather, there were no serious crashes or injuries reported.  One driver, paraphrasing the title of a recent movie about life along the Mexican border, opined:  this is “No Race for Old Men!”

**NORTH AMERICAN RESULTS

Those standing on the podium included:

     Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes (MX), 2d in Turismo Mayor and 2d overall. 

     Taz Harvey and Rudy Vajdak, 1st in Historic B and 6^th overall

     Renée Brinkerhoff and Roberto Mendoza (MX) finished 2d in Sports Menor and 16^th overall

     Paul Fruchbom and Ray Stephens, 2d in Historic B and 8^th overall

    Christian Reichardt and Dan Roche (Canada), 1^st in Original Pan Am and 33^th overall

     Gerie Bledsoe and “El Fer” Garcia (MX), 3d in Turismo Production and 40^th overall

Other North American results:

   *Michael and Kristi Shoemaker, 4^th in Historic A Plus and 37^st overall

    Walt Sikes and Paul Frame, 7^th in Historic B and 22d overall

     John and Ben Greenwood, 6^th in Historic C and 23d overall

   *Jean-Marc Taboulet and Francoise Lecaille (France and Florida), 11^th in Historic C and 31^st overall

     *Denotes rookies. Exhibition cars are not counted in the final, overall standings.

**MORE PANAMERICANA NOTES

The dates of the event next year and the entry fee will not be announced until February.  The dates will probably fall within the last two weeks of October, which is the traditional period for the race.

(Above)  The first Camaro entered in the Pan Am, driven by a European crew, finished second in Historic C running a 302 c.i. (5 liter) engine.  It was also fabricated and serviced by Mats Hammarlund Racing. 

A Porsche 356, running in Sports Menor (under 2000 cc), finished fifth overall.

The top North American finishers in Historic C (V8s) were John and Ben Greenwood in 6^th.  This class had been dominated by Americans until recently.  Nine of the twelve cars in this class that finished were Mustangs/Falcons.

The only FIA legal car in the event, a beautiful Triumph driven by Roger Furrrer (Swiss), finished first in class and 27^th overall (photo below).  Only two cars finished in Historic A.

Three of the four cars from the Czech Republic finished.  The highest finisher, a ’72 Subaru (below), won 1^st in Historic A Plus and 12^th overall.  Reportedly, the creation of this expedition was inspired by an article in a Czech auto magazine on the Pan Am written by another Czech, Rudy Vajak, Taz Harvey’s co-piloto. 

Car #283, a Volvo P122 driven by Michael and Christi Shoemaker (USA), became the first known victim of a large piece of a building facade falling on the rear of their car in Guanajuato.  Both crew members took the incident in stride. 

Large crowds greeted the Pan Am in every city along the route. 

**ORIGINAL PAN AM CARS NEEDED!

Only one Original Pan Am (OPA) car was entered in the event this year, the beautiful ’54 Lincoln of Christian Reichardt and Dan Roche (photo below).  A few years ago, there were seven entries in this class.  Where did all the flowers go?

The rules for this class are somewhat vague, but it a class for cars were eligible to run in the Original Pan Am back in 1950-1954, thus the car must have been made between 1940 and 1954.  Although the car must run an engine from the period, it may also use a more modern transmission (manual or automatic), disc brakes, 12 volt electrical system, modern ignition, aluminum radiator, and other improvements to make them dependable and safe.     Externally, the cars should look as they did during the original event.

If you are looking for a class to enter, this is it.  Lots of fun, without spending mega bucks.

**CARRERA-CHIHUAHUA CARS FOR SALE

‘54 Lincoln Capri.  Ready to race in the Chihuahua Express IN Turismo Mayor. A famous competitor in La Carrera, Chihuahua Express and Pikes Peak. 360 cu.in. Ford Racing engine with 650 cfm. Holley, remote oil cooler, aluminum radiator, H.D. T-5 5 speed close ratio trans., Ford 9" rear axle, 4:10 Detroit locker diff.
coil-overs,  torque arm 3 link with panhard bar rear suspension, coil over front suspension,
NASCAR power steering, 6 piston Wilwood front calipers, 4 piston Wilwood rears,
Tilton pedal box assy with adj. brake bias. 28 gallon fuel cell, FIA approved Racetech seats
Monit Rally computer, Peltor intercom, Fast A/F meter, 2 on board fire systems.
fiberglass bumpers and inner fenders, Lexan windows, skid plate, rear difuser
extensive spares package, including molds, jigs and spare rolling body with frame
contact Bill Richert $60,0000. Cannot be duplicated for twice that amount.  Located in Phoenix.

E-mail:brichert@cox.net Tel. 602-548-9368

Advertise your car here (Pan Am or not) for $40 donation to “Los Amigos de Lupita Hernandez.”

**LEGAL NOTICES

CARRERAS NEWS is a publication of La Carrera USA.  It does not represent the views of the organizers of any event.

All forms of motor racing, including stage rallies in Mexico, are dangerous and addictive.

**CONTACT INFORMATION

Gerie Bledsoe, North American Coordinator

gbledso@aol.com

Evanston, Illinois

Santa Rosa Beach, Fl

San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico

Chihuahua Express

www.chihuahuaexpress.com

La Carrera Panamericana

www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx