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
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, January 11, 2010
EVENTS FOR CARRERAISTAS DURING 2010
CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 19-21
Soberano Hotel, Chihuahua, Mexico
325 miles of speed stages (top speed stage rally) in three days!
Vintage, classic, and modern cars eligible
http://www.chihuahuaexpress.com/
Soberano Hotel, Chihuahua, Mexico
325 miles of speed stages (top speed stage rally) in three days!
Vintage, classic, and modern cars eligible
http://www.chihuahuaexpress.com/
gbledso@aol.com for FAQ
DREAM MACHINES – APRIL 25
Half Moon Bay Airport, CA (10 AM-4 PM)
Carrera Corral/Fiesta-- Car, M/C, and Plane Show
SONOMA HISTORIC MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL – May 30-31*
Infineon Raceway, Sears Point, CA
PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB – JUNE 27
Registration-Tech -- June 22
Practice -- June 23-24-25
R & R -- June 26
DREAM MACHINES – APRIL 25
Half Moon Bay Airport, CA (10 AM-4 PM)
Carrera Corral/Fiesta-- Car, M/C, and Plane Show
SONOMA HISTORIC MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL – May 30-31*
Infineon Raceway, Sears Point, CA
PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB – JUNE 27
Registration-Tech -- June 22
Practice -- June 23-24-25
R & R -- June 26
gbledso@aol.com
MONTEREY HISTORIC RACES – AUGUST 13-15*
Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA
Carrera Corral and Fiesta – August 14
TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND – SEPTEMBER 11-18
http://www.targanewfoundland.com/
LA CARRERA PANAMERICANA – OCTOBER 22-28
Tuxtla Gutierrez—Nuevo Laredo (tent.)
MONTEREY HISTORIC RACES – AUGUST 13-15*
Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA
Carrera Corral and Fiesta – August 14
TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND – SEPTEMBER 11-18
http://www.targanewfoundland.com/
LA CARRERA PANAMERICANA – OCTOBER 22-28
Tuxtla Gutierrez—Nuevo Laredo (tent.)
2000 miles, 350 miles of top speed stages
http://www.panamrace.com/ Canada and USA
Open to 30-40 cars from Canada and the USA. The event has
been sold out for the past three years. Discount given for early entry.
*By invitation only. Please advise of other events open to Carrera cars.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
RALLY MEXICO BULLETIN
HOLIDAY EDITION 2009
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS DEADLINE – JANUARY 1
***LA CARRERA NEWS AND SPECULATION
***PIKES PEAK 2010—LIMITED TO 20 VINTAGE CARS
***CLASSIFIEDS
CARS FOR THE EXPRESS – READY TO RACE
***CONTACT INFO
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS DEADLINE
The entry fee for the fourth annual Chihuahua Express is $2000 until January 1, when it goes up another $500.
In addition to the twenty competitors who have signed up thus far, another fifteen from the U.S. and Canada have made the commitment. And 15-20 more from Mexico and Europe as expected to sign up as well.
As I stated at the race of the event last year, this is truly a world-class event. The roads, scenery, race organization, civil and popular support, timing and scoring, and other aspects of the race were just excellent. It is nearly 325 miles of top-speed stages in only three days with no complicated handicapping system or navigation problems.
It’s a racer’s race. So tell your friends to come on down and check it out.
New to the fine art of a “stage rally?" We’ll teach you in the Rally Master Program, a combination of classroom instruction, audio-visual aids, and driving the actual course under supervision. Any (safe) car will do, and you do not need a roll cage, only a helmet. The fee is only $900 until January 1.
Worried by the reports of violence in Mexico? Do not let these reports keep you away. I just finished my 12th year and 17th race in Mexico, and I have never seen an act of violence against one of our racers down there. Besides, the Mexican Federal, Para-military, and State police watch over us along the whole route.
***CARRERA NEWS
The Carrera Office in Mexico City has been mostly closed since the event, and the Leon family has been on a much-deserved vacation, recovering from the Pan Am. Now it is the Christmas season; announcements about the 2010 event are not expected soon.
However, here are several unofficial speculations:
1) the dates of the race will probably be October 22-28, with qualifying on October 21.
2) the race will start, more than likely, in Tuxtla Gutierrez
3) the race will not stop for the night in Mexico City, rain or shine
4) the race will probably end in Nuevo Laredo
5) there will probably be a modest increase in the entry fee
6) it is unlikely that there will be a change in the North American Coordinator
7) there will be likely be a change in the chief timer and score keeper
8) the Coyote Convoy will roll from Laredo, Texas on October 16, 2010
Determining the exact route of the Pan Am normally takes weeks of planning, discussions, and even neogotiations with the cities and authorities along the way. Anything speculated above is subject to change.
***PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB -- JUNE 27, 2010
Just twenty vintage and Pan Am cars are being invited back to Pikes Peak this year. The date has been moved up to June 27 to accommodate the paving plan on the mountain. This will be the last year to race the upper mountain’s dirt course.
In 2009 six Vintage Division drivers added their names to the record books as hill climb rookies. Ten vintage autos ran including three Mustangs, three Falcons, a Corvette, a Oldsmobile Super 88, a Desoto Firedome 8 and a '71 'Cuda. A Falcon set a new course record of 13:56 for the Vintage Division, narrowly edging out defending vintage champions Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes in their ’54 Pan Am Oldsmobile.
In addition to the hill climb, the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing club sponsors a car show in Manitou Springs featuring vehicles from vintage car and motorcycle groups, as well as local residents' private vehicles. Manitou is a resort city nestled in the foothills just west of Colorado Springs. The setting for the show is in a park with plenty of shade, grass, music and food vendors. The '52 Desoto Hemi of Dean Smith and Frank McKinnon was the show favorite in 2009, taking home a trophy for Best Racecar. The car show will again take place in 2010, on June 26, the day before the race up the mountain.
The early entry fee until January 31 is $900. After that, it goes up $100-200. If more than 10 cars sign up, a rebate from $100 to $400 will be to each entrant.
For more information, go to http://www.rmvr.com/ or call race chairman Keith Davidson at 303-526-2807 or Gerie Bledsoe at 650-726-9890 or email gbledso@aol.com.
***CLASSIFIEDS
’93 Camaro Z-28 -- ready for the Chihuahua Express. This track car finished first in class and sixth overall in the 2008 Express. $5,900 (firm). Stock fuel injected 350 engine, six speed, big brakes, sub-frame connectors, new adjustable Panhard rod, 800# front springs, upgraded shocks, PS/PB, P/S cooler, newer set of Toyo tires, full roll cage, Kirkey racing seats, current seat belts, interior stripped, fire extinguisher, window nets, no glass in front doors, windshield and rear window excellent shape, tow hooks, slate gray, etc. Rear bumper has scuffing. Car is set up for NASA’s Camaro-Mustang Challenge series. Easy to drive and dependable. Prep for the Express, repainting, and delivery possible. Contact Gerie Bledsoe @ gbledso@aol.com
HOLIDAY EDITION 2009
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS DEADLINE – JANUARY 1
***LA CARRERA NEWS AND SPECULATION
***PIKES PEAK 2010—LIMITED TO 20 VINTAGE CARS
***CLASSIFIEDS
CARS FOR THE EXPRESS – READY TO RACE
***CONTACT INFO
***CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS DEADLINE
The entry fee for the fourth annual Chihuahua Express is $2000 until January 1, when it goes up another $500.
In addition to the twenty competitors who have signed up thus far, another fifteen from the U.S. and Canada have made the commitment. And 15-20 more from Mexico and Europe as expected to sign up as well.
As I stated at the race of the event last year, this is truly a world-class event. The roads, scenery, race organization, civil and popular support, timing and scoring, and other aspects of the race were just excellent. It is nearly 325 miles of top-speed stages in only three days with no complicated handicapping system or navigation problems.
It’s a racer’s race. So tell your friends to come on down and check it out.
New to the fine art of a “stage rally?" We’ll teach you in the Rally Master Program, a combination of classroom instruction, audio-visual aids, and driving the actual course under supervision. Any (safe) car will do, and you do not need a roll cage, only a helmet. The fee is only $900 until January 1.
Worried by the reports of violence in Mexico? Do not let these reports keep you away. I just finished my 12th year and 17th race in Mexico, and I have never seen an act of violence against one of our racers down there. Besides, the Mexican Federal, Para-military, and State police watch over us along the whole route.
***CARRERA NEWS
The Carrera Office in Mexico City has been mostly closed since the event, and the Leon family has been on a much-deserved vacation, recovering from the Pan Am. Now it is the Christmas season; announcements about the 2010 event are not expected soon.
However, here are several unofficial speculations:
1) the dates of the race will probably be October 22-28, with qualifying on October 21.
2) the race will start, more than likely, in Tuxtla Gutierrez
3) the race will not stop for the night in Mexico City, rain or shine
4) the race will probably end in Nuevo Laredo
5) there will probably be a modest increase in the entry fee
6) it is unlikely that there will be a change in the North American Coordinator
7) there will be likely be a change in the chief timer and score keeper
8) the Coyote Convoy will roll from Laredo, Texas on October 16, 2010
Determining the exact route of the Pan Am normally takes weeks of planning, discussions, and even neogotiations with the cities and authorities along the way. Anything speculated above is subject to change.
***PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB -- JUNE 27, 2010
Just twenty vintage and Pan Am cars are being invited back to Pikes Peak this year. The date has been moved up to June 27 to accommodate the paving plan on the mountain. This will be the last year to race the upper mountain’s dirt course.
In 2009 six Vintage Division drivers added their names to the record books as hill climb rookies. Ten vintage autos ran including three Mustangs, three Falcons, a Corvette, a Oldsmobile Super 88, a Desoto Firedome 8 and a '71 'Cuda. A Falcon set a new course record of 13:56 for the Vintage Division, narrowly edging out defending vintage champions Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes in their ’54 Pan Am Oldsmobile.
In addition to the hill climb, the Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing club sponsors a car show in Manitou Springs featuring vehicles from vintage car and motorcycle groups, as well as local residents' private vehicles. Manitou is a resort city nestled in the foothills just west of Colorado Springs. The setting for the show is in a park with plenty of shade, grass, music and food vendors. The '52 Desoto Hemi of Dean Smith and Frank McKinnon was the show favorite in 2009, taking home a trophy for Best Racecar. The car show will again take place in 2010, on June 26, the day before the race up the mountain.
The early entry fee until January 31 is $900. After that, it goes up $100-200. If more than 10 cars sign up, a rebate from $100 to $400 will be to each entrant.
For more information, go to http://www.rmvr.com/ or call race chairman Keith Davidson at 303-526-2807 or Gerie Bledsoe at 650-726-9890 or email gbledso@aol.com.
***CLASSIFIEDS
’93 Camaro Z-28 -- ready for the Chihuahua Express. This track car finished first in class and sixth overall in the 2008 Express. $5,900 (firm). Stock fuel injected 350 engine, six speed, big brakes, sub-frame connectors, new adjustable Panhard rod, 800# front springs, upgraded shocks, PS/PB, P/S cooler, newer set of Toyo tires, full roll cage, Kirkey racing seats, current seat belts, interior stripped, fire extinguisher, window nets, no glass in front doors, windshield and rear window excellent shape, tow hooks, slate gray, etc. Rear bumper has scuffing. Car is set up for NASA’s Camaro-Mustang Challenge series. Easy to drive and dependable. Prep for the Express, repainting, and delivery possible. Contact Gerie Bledsoe @ gbledso@aol.com
Transport to La Carrera. Duane Wilcoxon has room on his truck for one more car next October. Contact him at cri59@msn.com or 425-418-3680.
Chihuahua Express. Dean Smith needs a funded co-driver for the Chihuahua Express.
Dean offers an unforgettable ride in his ’52 DeSoto hemi that won the prize for best racecar at Pikes Peak last year. Contact Dean in Las Vegas at mexicoracerdean@embarqmail.com or 702-438- 3445. Dean has mucho experience in Mexican racing.
Mustang Support. Todd Landon, who fabricates Mustangs and Falcon’s for the Chihuahua Express, La Carrera, Pikes Peak, and other events, has cars ready for these adventures now, at different price points. He also provides race support. Contact him at TALandon@landolakes.com or 952-250-7948.
Studebakers Unlimited. Mats Hammarlund, MHRacing, is looking for partners/drivers to build a Falcon or Studebaker for the Chihuahua Express or La Carrera. Last October cars from his shop took four of the top six spots in La Carrera, including first and second overall and in Turismo Mayor, plus first in Sports Mayor. Contact Mats in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, at 213-291-1840 (U.S. number) or mhracing1960@gmail.com.
Coyote Convoy T Shirts. I have the XXXL Convoy T 2009 shirts for sale. $13.00 plus $3.00 postage. Proceeds go to Lupita Hernandez. gbledso@aol.com. Also 2008 Convoy shirts (same design), 3 small, 3 med, 1 XL, and 3 XXXL. The shirts are all $10.00 except XXXL, which is $13, plus postage.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
***‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE GENEROUS – HELP LUPITA
Your personal contribution is needed to build a trust fund for Lupita Hernandez, the Mexican nurse who lost both of her legs at the hip in 2003 in a Carrera accident.
Lupita was standing by an ambulance when a Carrera car hit a pool of oil and slid off the road during a speed stage. Lupita was pinned against the ambulance. Given the massive trauma and loss of blood, no one expected her to survive. But after three weeks in intensive care, she pulled through. Today she remains confined to a wheel chair in a small town outside of Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Since the accident Lupita has been supported by her parents and siblings, and her friends from La Carrera. This support paid for her physical therapy, rehabilitation, continuing education, and opening of a “micro-business.” A generous benefactor also purchased and refurbished a small house for her.
Today we need to build a trust fund for Lupita that will generate enough interest income to support her in poor economic times, as well as good times.
Please help us this Holiday Season. Checks may be sent to:
Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez
c/o Ms. Fanny Davila
South Bay Bank
2200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501
The Friends of Lupita would like to thanks Ralph Carungi, Stewart and Linda Robertson, and Kim Watkins, plus others for their recent contributions.
The trustees of Lupita’s account are: Doug Mockett, Oscar Carillo, and Gerie Bledsoe.
The photo above is of Lupita in front of her house. Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, Mexico. 2008.
Thanks for the consideration, and many Happy Holidays!
Gerie
P.S. The accident that crippled Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez happened in the second speed stage of the very first day of the Pan Am in 2003, just outside of the starting city, Tuxtla Gutierrez. I remember the morning clearly.
My '64 Chevy Nova had blown its engine during the first speed stage, so my navigator, Mike Goble, and I were standing on the side of the road waiting for our support guy, Logan, to come by and pick us up. After an hour or so, we noticed a medivac helicopter flying low, following the road. In twenty minutes it returned at full speed.
We assumed, of course, that a Carrera car had crashed and someone was badly injured. Later that evening it was reported that a 22 year old Mexican nurse had been killed when a Mustang hit a puddle of oil dropped by another Carrera car. The Mustang, driven by Frank Currie, spun off the road and into a parked ambulance. Two or three people were standing by the ambulance, but only Lupita was struck. A doctor sitting in the driver's seat of the ambulance suffered a broken leg.
Later during the race we learned that the nurse was still alive but not expected to live. But three weeks or so after the event was over, I found out that Lupita had miraculously survived, and our efforts to help her soon began.
Months later we also discovered that, while the emergency workers were tending to Lupita, another Carrera car lost control and almost hit the ambulance again -- a scene caught on video.
I will always remember that sick feeling in my stomach when I watched the helicopter return to Tuxta that morning in October 2003, knowing that someone was seriously injured. It could have been any of the racers, instead it was a young Mexican nurse who had volunteered to help any of us who might be injured. Now, I knew, it was our turn to help her.
GB
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
First Entry for 2010 Race Received
Yesterday I received the first entry for next year's edition of La Carrera Panamericana. I had to explain to the guy that I was missing some important details about the race in 2010, like the exact dates, the route, the starting city, and the amount of the entry fee. But he was insistent that he was going to be in the event, so he took the first of the 40 entries available to Canada and the U.S.
At this point, my best guess is that the official dates will be October 22-28. These dates would be consistent with past practice.
I am also predicting that the route will be about the same as last year. Some people will be very happy, however, if we do not stop in Mexico City or make the trek to Guadalajara.
Most of us will be pleased if the event ends in Nuevo Laredo.
Next year the start may well be in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the traditional starting city, down in Chiapas. Reportedly, the major highway construction outside the city has been completed.
The vets, like me, like Tuxtla because it has the Carrera tradition and the fairgrounds are just right to prepare for the event. The people are very friendly and supportive, too.
With the economy improving, I expect a major turn out for the 2010 Pan Am. Last year we had 107 entries, with 99 starting the race. And in 2008, we had 105 entries, with 100 starting.
Next year I suspect many old friends to return to the event. They have been out knocking off other adventures from their bucket list, like Paris-to-Peking or the Targa, but they will be coming back to the Pan Am because there is nothing really like it in the world.
Why is it so special? It's really about the people, like our many friends in the Carrera Fraternity. And where else can you drive as fast as you want every day for seven days, through beautiful county, surrounded by adoring fans and friendly cops?
It's an adventure, with tradition!
At this point, my best guess is that the official dates will be October 22-28. These dates would be consistent with past practice.
I am also predicting that the route will be about the same as last year. Some people will be very happy, however, if we do not stop in Mexico City or make the trek to Guadalajara.
Most of us will be pleased if the event ends in Nuevo Laredo.
Next year the start may well be in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the traditional starting city, down in Chiapas. Reportedly, the major highway construction outside the city has been completed.
The vets, like me, like Tuxtla because it has the Carrera tradition and the fairgrounds are just right to prepare for the event. The people are very friendly and supportive, too.
With the economy improving, I expect a major turn out for the 2010 Pan Am. Last year we had 107 entries, with 99 starting the race. And in 2008, we had 105 entries, with 100 starting.
Next year I suspect many old friends to return to the event. They have been out knocking off other adventures from their bucket list, like Paris-to-Peking or the Targa, but they will be coming back to the Pan Am because there is nothing really like it in the world.
Why is it so special? It's really about the people, like our many friends in the Carrera Fraternity. And where else can you drive as fast as you want every day for seven days, through beautiful county, surrounded by adoring fans and friendly cops?
It's an adventure, with tradition!
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