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

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.

***‘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

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!

Ready for the Chihuahua Express?

The Chihuahua Express--now in it fourth year--is a condensed version of La Carrera Panamericana, with a few advantages:

1. modern, classic, vintage, and Panamericana cars are featured

2. cars without roll cages are welcome

3. there's a Rally Master school to teach rookies how to rally properly

The Chihuahua Express was designed to be:

1. a weekend event

2. close to the USA

3. in the same hotel each night

4. relatively inexpensive

5. staged on good paved roads

6. surrounded by beautiful scenery

7. remembered for large amounts of challenging speed stages

The Express comprises nearly 1000 miles of driving, including about 325 miles of speed stages, mostly in the mountains around Chihuahua, which is only 145 miles from Texas. By contrast the Panamericana offers around 350 miles of speed stages over seven days and 2000 miles or more.

Until January 1, the Express entry fee is $2000, when it goes up to $2200. This does not include the hotel rooms. Rooms at the luxury HQ hotel are $165 per night (tax included), while rooms in nearby "racer" hotels go for as little as $55.

Where else in the civilized world can you race on closed public roads for three days under the protection of the Federal Police?

To race at full speed, you will need a car with a six-point roll cage and all the usual racing gear. All cars are subject to a safety and technical inspection.

If you do not have a roll cage, you may participate in bracket competition (limited speed), or a time/distance rally. You may also select the Express Tour and optional Rally Master program. Only helmets are required. The entry fee for the Tour and the Rally Master program is only $900. The cars in the Tour will run the same course as the racecars.

The Express visits the famous Copper Canyon of Northwest Mexico, a canyon that rivals the Grand Canyon in Arizona for beauty. You will have lunch on the northern rim of the canyon, so you'll have a good view.

Race or drive it as part of the Express Tour, it is beautiful country. Join us in El Paso, Texas on March 16 for the trip down to Chihuahua City in the Express Convoy. If you are interested, please let me know and I will send you a detailed FAQ. gbledso@aol.com 650-726-9890.

Check out http://www.chihuahuaexpress.com/ for a detailed map and additional information.

EVENTS IN 2010

RALLY MEXICO BULLETIN
EVENTS DURING 2010

CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS – MARCH 19-21
Soberano Hotel, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
325 miles of speed stages in three days!
Vintage, classic, and modern cars eligible.
www.chihuahuaexpress.com

DREAM MACHINES – APRIL 25
Half Moon Bay Airport, CA (10 AM-4 PM)
Carrera Corral/Fiesta, Car and Plane Show

TARGA CANADA WEST -- MAY 24**
53d Knox Mountain Hill Climb, May 22-23
British Columbia
www.taracanadawest.com

SONOMA HISTORIC MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL – JUNE 5-6*
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
Carrera cars race with Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing Club

MONTEREY HISTORIC RACES – AUGUST 13-15*
Lagunda Seca, Monterey, CA
Carrera Corral and Fiesta – August 14

TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND – SEPTEMBER 11-18
www.targanewfoundland.com

LA CARRERA PANAMERICANA – OCTOBER 22-28 (TENT.)
Huatulco—Nuevo Laredo (tent.)
www.panamrace.com
www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

*By invitation only.
**One day rally in 2010; five days in 2011. The hill climb is a different
event, but close by. It's a climb of 800 feet in 2.2 miles.

ANOTHER POST-CARRERA COMING HOME

It was good to return home to the rocky coast of Northern California after three weeks on the road. It was also good that the locks had not been changed and the pool boy's rusty truck was not in my spot in the garage. Seriously, it is great to have a supportive spouse, who understands, if not fully appreciates, my other great passion in life.

It usually takes me two weeks of moping around the house to recover from the Carrera. I have called it both “accelerator deprivation” and “post-Carrera stress syndrome.” Why do I wake up at 6 AM with an urge to drive 80 MPH to the local gas station?

I do miss the open roads, the kids, colors, and even the smells of Mexico. Of course, I do not miss our leaky exhaust, stinky driver's suit, or those who wanted to natter on about their personal problems while I was urgently trying to find the WC in Jalpan.

As ever, it was great to see everyone down in Mexico. Well, at least everyone from this hemisphere. Ours is truly a unique club, blessed by only one annual (seven-day) meeting each year. The dues are a bit steep but the memories are priceless.

We were all pleased by our new class of rookies. They seemed to be good sports and having fun. We hope they felt welcome and will return in the future. Some, like Martin Lauber and Ed Hugo, did exceptionally well, too.

My apologies for leaving out the results in Sports Mayor and Original Pan Am from my "initial" press release. I was under pressure from magazines in Europe to get them something yesterday and my short-term memory was not improved by ten straight days of driving. Apparently, the Carrera Office is closed.

Congratulations to John and Chrislana Gregory for their victory in OPA. Clearly, they also should get a prize for "most improved" and most wonderful attitude. It was also good to see Ed Hugo wring more of the potential out of the LT-Chevelle Special as he won the Sports Mayor class. Too bad there is not more cars in that class, but Ed did well against the Turismo Production and Turismo Mayor cars, finishing right behind former SCCA rally champ Karl Scheible and his new co-piloto, Lady Di Marlett.

My "final" report on the race will be more inclusive. And yes, Mats Hammarlund builds ’54 Studebakers (not ’64 Larks) for his Swedish clients and others. Winning LCP with one of his cars has been Mats’ ambition for many years. Congratulations to all at MH Racing! http://www.mhracing.com.mx/

THE COYOTE CONVOY

Again the Coyote Convoy seemed successful, even after a few ominous warnings before we crossed the border. For the eighth year, we got everyone to the start of the race and had some fun along the way.

But the story started with bad news. Two Carrera trucks had tried to penetrate the border at the Columbia Bridge on Friday (the day before the Convoy was due at the border) but were forced to turn back to the U.S. They were towing two race cars with tourist stickers, but the car owners were not present.

The news caused me to have a major bout of indigestion, especially since the Carrera Office had warned me a week earlier of potential problems with the Mexican Customs authorities, too.

But we came up with a plan for the Convoy that was ultimately well executed, and everyone eventually got across the border.

The two trucks that failed to cross the border at the Columbia Bridge slipped across at Nuevo Laredo in the early morning hours just before the Convoy.

Before next year's border crossing we will develop a new procedure for crossing the border with our trucks, racecars, spares, chattels, and assigns. To do so will require the participation of all those hauling cars into Mexico—big trucks and little trucks.

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, THE CAR SHOW, AND MEXICAN CHARITIES

I would like to thank those who unloaded their cars to display them in the Jardin, the central square, in San Miguel de Allende. The participation of the Predator group was especially appreciated. We had about 20 cars and lots of kids and local citizens, both Mexican and gringo. It was a fun day in a lovely city.

I also must thank all of those who contributed to our favorite Mexican charity, C.A.S.A. It is a magnificant organization that does so much good for the children and families in San Miguel and the surrounding areas. http://www.casa.org.mx/

We also raised $1095 from Coyote Convoy T shirt sales for our Mexican nurse Lupita Hernandez, who lost both her legs at the hip in 2003 in a Carrera racing accident.

I still have lots of Coyote Convoy T shirts from last year and this year. The suggested contribution is only $10, plus $3 in postage. Add another $3 for 2XL and 3XL.

A special thanks to Kim Watkins and Ralph Carguni for their generous donations to our causes, and to the other donors who remain anonymous.

It's good to give back a little to a country that has so little, but is so rich in spirit!

THE ROUTE INTO MEXICO

The big news this year was the opening of the Arco Norte, the new toll road completely around Mexico City. Our prayers have been answered. The road is 104.5 miles long and we averaged around 70 MPH. It cut about 3 hours off the drive from San Juan del Rio to Puebla and Oaxaca. How cool is that? The cost was 484 pesos ($38) -- cheap at any price.

I thought a lot about Jerry Churchill as we rumbled down that fine super highway and the many years he and I struggled to lead our convoy cross Mexico City or to go around it on the old truck route. He would have been more than pleased.

PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR – EXPRESS YOUR OPINION ON THREE ISSUES

On these items you should make your personal views known to Eduardo Leon at lalo@lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. Feel free to give him your brief, unvarnished opinion on each.

NUMERO UNO. Right now the Carrera Office (Eduardo Leon) is inclined to start the race again in Huatulco. Do you want to start the race there next year?

The other option is Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Personally, I favor Tuxtla, since it is part of the original race and it is a real Mexican town, mostly populated with Mayan descendents. But I can understand the allure of the beach in Huatulco, and can certainly endure the heat and humidity a second time.

NUMERO DOS. How about the drive to Guadalajara to visit the village of Tequila?

Personally, I thought it was a very long day in the saddle, just for a nice dinner and fiesta. It was great to have a Mexican band sing “Under the Board Walk” a capella. (Only the bride and groom were missing!)

NUMERO TRES. Do you want to return to Mexico City next year?


GOOD MEMORIES, TRIALS, AND TRAVAILS

Many times this year we witnessed examples of the Carrera Spirit – helping and supporting our friends and competitors with spare parts, labor, PBJs, fix-a-flat, and even short-term financial assistance. Heck, my spare motor mounts helped the Leningrad Cowboys get their ’58 Corvette back on the road, and I even forgot to get an autograph.

We will long remember the gigantic traffic jam at the first speed stage the afternoon of the first day, as well as the big, friendly crowd in Tehuacan. My co-piloto had to climb out the window, since he could not open the door, given the human crush.

How about the deluge in Mexico City when we arrived from Oaxaca? (Our wiper motor failed, along with the Rain X, and directions in the route book.) Do we really need to venture into Mexico City next year? And then there was the long wait the next morning to find out our marching orders for the day, after our laps on the track were canceled. Does anyone have a Plan B, I asked? Then there were the persistent rumors about how to calculate the next time for the first Control Z that day. (Sadly, we got our Z time wrong and got max times for the rest of the day!)

We shouldn’t forget the magnificant canyons on the way to Jalpan, or the beautiful descent into that city from the mountain top. It rivals the Swiss Alps. The well-organized entrance to San Luis de Potosi should be remembered, too. It was a gem. Friendly crowds, too, in the main square. It was too wet to appreciate SLP last year.

Of course there was the big wedding tent in Tequila, and more vividly, the drive back to our hotels in Guadalajara – some did not have enough (any?) headlights or wipers, but most had enough tequila to help us relax for the trip. And wasn’t the departure from Guadalajara special, too?

We were impressed by the large number of police, Federales, and guys cald in black kevlar, helmets, ski masks, and M16s. Wow! You might think someone important was racing with us. BTW, did you detect the squad of private bodyguards in their “ambulance” hot on the tail of the team of Mexican Porsches?

Zacatecas was cold and windy, but the locals were out in force. The parade following the little band and burro was fun as ever, and after a few cups of agave brew, who cared about the cold? Oh, how we should return to the days when we spent two nights in this wonderful city.

We may soon forget the long drive (426 miles) from Zac to Nuevo Laredo, but we won’t soon forget the crowds that welcomed us. For me the entry into N.L. was extremely special this year because it was the first time since 2002 that I finished the race in my own car. I also had a lump in my throat when I raced down that hill in La Bufa that wrecked our car and a friendship back in 2005.

Thanks to my special crew (Todd, Kristin, and Fernando) and many friends, like Roger, Rick, Ernie and the guys at North Bay Bavarian in Santa Rosa, CA, who helped and encouraged me. It was a good year, even if we finished way down the list. Most importantly, we finished……. unscathed.

To be sure, the passion and spirit of the Carrera lives.

CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS AND RALLY MASTER PROGRAM

My body is not responding well to random thoughts about driving back down to Mexico in March for the Chihuahua Express. But I plan to be there.

There was a lot of good talk about the Express during the Carrera, so we hope that many of you and others will join us in El Paso on March 17 for the short trip down to Chihuahua.

In the “news” category, I am considering hosting a special “Rally Master” program in Chihuahua to teach gringos about stage rallying in Mexico – from learning the rules, including timing and scoring, as well as the art of dodging burros on the open road.

There would be some classroom time, as well as “lead-follow” instruction on the open road, while following the race cars, at increasing speeds over the course of the three days.

If you know of anyone who might benefit from such a program, please let me know. Please do not nominate your spouse anonymously. Participants will only need a (safe) car (a rental would do), a modest tuition fee, and a helmet to participate.

Onward!

Gerie

Last Minute Information

Photo-Fiesta in Tehuacan 2003

Carrera Driver
September 29, 2009

**Day 1 -- Running the Old Pan Am Highway
**Report from Mexico
**Obtaining Your Car Permits
**Tourist Visa
**Coyote Convoy
**Maps
**Calibrate Your Rally Computer
**Mexican Car Insurance
**Hotels in Huatulco
**Communications
**Service Crews
**Cars and Slots Available

**DAY 1 -- RUNNING THE OLD PAN AM HIGHWAY

On the first day of competition, in the afternoon, we will run the old Pan Am highway from Tehuantepec to Oaxaca. This is one of the last original stretches of the original Pan Am Highway that exists, on which we will race. It's around 250 KM long.

This highway cuts through the mountains, starting near sea level and steadily climbs to over 6000 feet in places, before we get to Oaxaca at a little over 5,000 feet. We'll pass through some great river valleys and small towns. Finding premium gas has been a problem in the past. Make sure you fill up -- completely at the service stop at lunch, and if you must have gas, buy a little regular.

This route means that in the morning of the first day, we will run speed stages on the coastal highway going eastnortheast out of Huatulco.

**REPORT FROM MEXICO

I spent five days down in Mexico last week and saw little evidence of swine flu. In fact, on the way back to the airport, I learned from a doctor's wife that a higher percentage of people in Texas (the Houston area) had the flu than in central Mexico. She said that some of the hospitals there were not even testing for it.

I did note that travelers were being checked with thermal sensors when arriving in Mexico City for fever. And traveler's were required to fill out a health questionnaire.

About the violence: so far, all episodes of violence have been drug related, except for one American family that got kidnapped AT NIGHT in northern Mexico pulling a racing trailer with a fancy SUV. Lesson? Do not travel at night. The biggest threat are cows on the road, however. If you must travel at night, drive slower or equip your vehicle with powerful lights, and do not stop for anyone, even if they have a blinking red light on their car. Head to the next PEMEX station.

**OBTAINING CAR PERMITS

I am getting mixed reports about obtaining permits over the Internet from http://www.banjercito.com/. I just went through the process for my racecar and got the permit and sticker for my car in four days.

In most parts of the country they should be able to get the documents to you within 10 days.

Please let me know if you are having problems. We will get them at the border, if necessary.

**TOURIST VISA

Everyone must have a tourist visa (FM-T) to go more than 30 KM into Mexico, whether you are importing a car, truck, m/c, or not. You must also pay $22 at any bank for the visa, because you will stay in the country for more than one week. You can pay this in Huatulco or anywhere along the race route.

If you want to come back to Mexico later, stop at the border (the Migracion desk) and surrender your visa before you leave. This is a major pain in the butt, but try to do it on Friday, Oct. 30, before you leave.

You should turn in your car permit and sticker, too, before you leave Mexico, unless you plan to come back for the Chihuahua Express. You may keep it until March (it is good for 180 days), but if you replace your windshield, make sure you bring back the glass with the old sticker on it! (Not kidding.)

**COYOTE CONVOY

We have around 20 cars and 40 people signed up for the convoy. Some more Carrera people will meet us in San Miguel for the pool party.

If you have not paid for your room in SMA and Oaxaca, please send me a check or PayPal to my email address: gbledso@aol.com. You may also charge it on a credit card via PayPal, if I send you an invoice.

**MAPS

I will send out a set of my chart-maps for the trip down to Huatulco. The big news is the new toll road completely around Mexico City known as the Arco Norte. The entrance to the Arco is at the KM 90 marker on highway #57 between San Juan del Rio and the last toll booth before Mexico City. The exit is poorly marked, I have been told.

If you are driving down alone--not in the convoy--do NOT drive into Mexico City, except maye between 11 PM and 5 AM, and then be careful where you go. Do NOT go on the Viaducto -- an elevated highway -- at anytime.

We also may have a new toll road around Monterrey towards Saltillo that will eliminate a short, but dangerous, stretch of road with heavy truck traffic.

Mexico Maps software for your Garmin GPS is recommended only for entering and exiting the larger cities, not for use while racing. Mexican software for a GPS does not have anywhere near the precision of North American software, but they are making progress.

**CALIBRATE YOUR RALLY COMPUTER

If you have a rally computer in your car, calibrate it before you leave for mexico or learn how to do it. Find a measured mile or KM and get it set right.

A rally computer is primarily useful for the navigator to find her/his place in the route book during a speed stage. (Yes, we all lose our place at high speed.) The timer on the computer will also track the amount of time left for a section in the route book. The route for the day is divided into sections, and each section, which starts with a speed stage, is allocated a certain amount of time. At the end of that allocated time, you are supposed to report to the next speed stage (Control Z). Got it?

**MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE

Did you get your service truck and race car insurance from Baja Bound at www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace. It is easy with a VIN and credit card. It is required for your service truck, and only recommended (by me) for your racecar. Rememeber, regular car insurance is not valid while you are engaged in racing or a competition event, but before the race or at night, it might be useful.

**HOTELS IN HUATULCO

Apparently, some competitors have not yet made arrangements for hotel rooms in Huatulco before the race begins. If you need a room call Monica or Karen at 1-310-860-6959 or email monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx.

**COMMUNICATION

CB radios are recommended in service vehicles. They are cheap. The smaller, hand-held CBs have a shorter range, but are better than nothing. If the two trucks are close together, you can be heard. They can also be used the paddock and some hotels. Cell phones work pretty good in most of Mexico. Don't know about Huatulco. The sure-fire telcom instrument is an Irridium sat phone. If you want one, contact All Roads Communication in San Diego and mention the Pan Am for a discount. I am getting mixed reviews about the pre-paid Mexican sim cards, but I will try one in my tri-band phones. Walgreen's is supposed to have some cheap sim cards for LD around the world, too.

I do not know if the racecars will be tracked by the much flawed GlobalStar system. It only works in real time when their "birds" are in the right position. Someone told me that the race will be reported daily on FaceBook and/or YouTube.

**SERVICE CREWS

Does anyone need a extra service crew person or have a extra seat in their truck? The ideal is two people in each truck -- driver and navigator, just like the racecar. A route book will be given to each registered truck. It is not nearly as detailed as the book for the racecar, however.

Service crews should find another crew, maybe supporting a similar class of racecar, to work with. I will push this concept in Huatulco. We should be helping each other.

The first day will be the day we will lose the most cars. Some of the route is pretty remote, so make sure you have a recovery plan for your car.

There will be mechanics and welders following the race, too.

**CARS AND SLOTS AVAILABLE

There are still fully prepared racecars out there for purchase or rent. I was told that I have one entry for North America left, too. My theory continues to be that the organizers will not turn down a properly prepared car and mucho greenbacks en la mesa in Huatulco.

Viva La Carrera!