Friday, May 15, 2009

Carrera Driver Newsletter

CARRERA DRIVER
May 2009 It’s the-time-to-get-serious edition!

**PAY ENTRY FEE BEFORE DEADLINE
**SEND PHOTOS
**OBTAIN MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE
**APPLY FOR FMAD LICENSE
**THE PAN AM TOUR
**MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS
**REVIEW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
**MAKE SURE YOUR ROLL CAGE IS OK
**INSTALL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
**ACQUIRE HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINTS
**WARNING


In only 152 days we will be leaving the Bay Area for Mexico. Are you ready?

**PAY ENTRY FEE BEFORE DEADLINE

On June 1 the entry fee jumps another $500. We now have thirty-five paid entries from North America. I expect five or six more to enter by the next deadline. Last year at this point, we had fifty-one paid entries from our part of the world.

Instead of last year’s total of 105 entries worldwide, I expect the number will be around seventy-five. On the bright side, this will make registration and tech a lot quicker, while reducing congestion at the timing controls during competition. On the down side, we will miss some good friends who are sitting it out this year because of the economy.

**SEND PHOTOS

Your entry is not complete until I have your personal photos and at least one photo of your racecar. Please send digital photos, if possible, to gbledso@aol.com. Just about any digital shot is OK.

Your blood type and Rh factor are also critical, if you have not sent this info to me, please do ASAP.

**OBTAIN MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE

Go to http://www.bajabound.com/?r=panamrace to cover your tow vehicle and racecar while not racing. Using Baja Bound is easy as 1-2-3. It is one of the few companies that will cover old cars.

You must buy liability coverage on your tow vehicle and have proof of this in Huatulco.

I also recommend collision coverage on your tow vehicle as well. But just buy liability on your racecar from Baja Bound’s list of insurance companies, although it is not required. They are all solid, reliable companies. Most are subsidiaries of U.S. companies.

The liability coverage on your racecar is only needed before the event starts and at night. It does not cover you when you are racing, of course. While racing you are covered by the organizer’s insurance arranged through FMAD.

**APPLY FOR FMAD LICENSE

All competitors – drivers and navigators/co-drivers – must have a FMAD rally license. It costs only $195 USD this year, considerably less than last year. The license comes with a small amount of medical insurance. You may pay extra to increase the amount of coverage. There is a special license (optional) for support-crew members, too. Most American medical insurance programs do not cover you in Mexico. Be prepared.

The license application can be found at www.femadac@femadac.org.mx. Send it or email it, with two small photos of your handsome face, to the FMAD Office in Mexico City. The address is at the bottom of the form. If you do that, your license will be ready to pick up in Huatulco. You can pay then. Make the check out to “FEMADAC.”

If you are importing your racecar into Mexico with the help of a Mexican customs broker, you must apply for your FMAD license and apply for the importation permit. That form is also on their web site.

**THE PAN AM TOUR

Spectators, photojournalists, spouses, and friends who want to observe the race or take photographs should sign up for the Pan Am Tour, offered by Rosa María Mondragón. Rosa María was the PR director for the race for many years and knows everything about the event. She knows the route and how to get you in position to enjoy it up close. You can pay by the week for the whole event, or by the day, if you do not intend to be there the entire week. Rosa Maria provides transportation in a Ford Expedition for six passengers with a modest amount of luggage.

Contact her at racecarmedia@yahoo.com.mx


**MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Have you reserved your rooms in Huatulco and elsewhere along the route? You should deal directly with Monica Grossmann in the Carrera Office in Mexico City about hotels. Best to e-mail her at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx.

If you plan to arrive with the Coyote Convoy in Huatulco on Tuesday, Oct. 20, you will need an extra room(s) for two nights (October 20-21). On Oct. 22 the double room that comes with your entry begins. Of course, if you need an extra room for your crew, spouse, or mother-in-law, please let Monica know.

**REVIEW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS

Please note that when you register through the web site or through the North American Coordinator you are agreeing to abide by the rules of the event, which are posted on the Mexican web site www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx. You should review these rules. If you have any questions, please let me know.

During registration in Huatulco, you will also sign a classic racing waiver.

**MAKE SURE YOUR ROLL CAGE IS OK

The Carrera’s rules regarding roll cages remain somewhat uncertain. The written rules still do not match up with the diagram that is provided separately on the web site. Apparently, the inspectors will again determine the value and integrity of the cage somewhat subjectively.

The minimum requirements seem to be:

--a full six (or more) point roll cage
--13 gauge steel tubing (0.089”)
--one door bar (two is better)
--sufficient bracing—laterally and diagonally--with gussets in the “halo”
--an “X’ brace across the top of the cage (a single bar diagonally or laterally sometimes will suffice)

If your car door is a wide one and you have an unsupported lateral expanse (along the top of the doors) of more than 23-24” or so, they may want you to install a additional vertical bar to brace the top, like a “Toyota bar” running down the A pillar, or from the main hoop up to the rear end of the halo.

**INSTALL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

After eight years of losing no cars to fire because of crashes during speed stages, we have lost three in the past year or two: one in the Carrera 2007 and two in the Chihuahua Express 2008. In 2006 a car burned during a transit stage in the Carrera because of fuel system problems. Are there lessons to learn, other than slowing down?

Two fires started after solo crashes when the fuel cells or tank ruptured, while the other fire probably was the result of hot exhaust pipes landing on dry grass. Apparently, in none of these cases did or could a fire suppression system save the car. When properly installed and used, however, the systems should at least knock down a fire and allow the crew time to exit the vehicle.

**ACQUIRE HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINTS

The official rules for the Carrera say that a HANS or Leatt brace will be required this year for all competitors. I assume, however, that any SFI-rated or FIA-approved head and neck brace will be accepted. Please note the word "assume."

The company that makes HANS devices is now making a Sport Series for $695. It’s a bit heavier than the original version, which still sells for $895. You must have posts installed in your helmet to hook up them up. Some helmets are pre-drilled, too.

Simpson sells a restraint system for $399 (#856-50000), and Safety Solutions has one for $325.99 (#872-SAFHR101). There’s another one called an R-3. G-Force has one for only $249, which fits on their helmets, but it is not SFI-rated and was not accepted last year in Mexico. The Leatt-Brace, used on primarily on motorcycles, is available and will be sold in Mexico. It was developed for m/c racing and cost $395 in the States.

I use the light-weight HANS device but cannot recommend any of them. You may use a 2” harness belt with the HANS, although the company says they will work fine with the traditional 3” belt, too. I find it somewhat difficult to keep the 3” shoulder belt positioned properly on my HANS device.

Also make sure that your neck and head restraint system is compatible with your seat. You head should not be touching the back of your seat, and you should be able to sit up straight and be comfortable—especially after driving six hours a day.

Wine County Auto Sports is offering incentives on buying a HANS from them.
If you buy your HANS from Wine Country Motor Sports, they will give you a free OMP helmet-HANS bag worth $89, free installation of the posts for the HANS in your helmet, and free shipping. They will also install posts in old your helmet for free, if you send it to them.

Wine Country Motor Sports is located in Sonoma, CA (Infineon Raceway) and Juniper, Florida, near the Moroso Motorsports Park. Call (800) 708-7223 to order or go to http://www.winecountrymotorsports.com.

It is my understanding that SA2005 helmets are required, and seat belts should not be more than five years old.

**COYOTE CONVOY

If you plan to drive down with the Coyote Convoy or even think you might want to do that, please let me know ASAP. I will have a separate mailing list for the convoy. Right now the itinerary for our expedition looks like this:

Friday, Oct. 16 – rendezvous in Laredo, Texas, 9 PM meeting
(Please make your own reservation at the Residence Inn del Mar by Marriott)
Saturday, Oct. 17 – drive to San Miguel de Allende, 6 AM (540 miles)
Tour and group dinner in San Miguel, 7 PM
Sunday, Oct. 18 – Carrera car show in the main square (10 AM-3 PM)
Monday, Oct. 19 – drive around Mexico City to Oaxaca, 8 AM
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – drive into Huatulco, 8 AM (180 miles)

When making your reservation in Laredo use the code “carr” or "Carrera" for the discounted rate.

I will offer a package deal on the convoy’s hotels in Mexico in a couple of weeks. Anyone—friends and family--may join the convoy.

Note that the convoy hotels are separate from the hotels offered by Monica Grossmann.

**WARNING

Auto racing in any form is dangerous, and that includes the Pan Am. Each year in the Pan Am there are several wrecks the first day because the drivers are nervous and trying too hard. Be careful, especially the first day.

Fortunately, we have not had any serious injuries of late, but there have been some horrific wrecks. Never forget that this is a long endurance race. For most of us a victory in this race is simply crossing the finish line in Nuevo Laredo in one piece, under our own power. If you drive this race at 70-80%, have no mechanical failures, and make every special stage, you will finish high in the standings. But most importantly, you have succeeded where many others have failed.

Viva la Carrera Panamericana!

Note: Normally, Carrera Driver goes only to those signed up for the event and a few others who transport or support cars while in Mexico. The special, edited of Carrera Driver is provided as an example of the information and support provided to those who participate in this unique event.

Gerie Bledsoe

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Carrera News -- Cinco de Mayo Edition

CARRERA NEWS
MAY 2005

CINCO DE MAYO EDITION
(DELAYED BY FLU SCARE)


**PIKES PEAK – LAST CHANCE!
**CARRERA ENTRIES HOLDING UP
**DEADLINE FOR REDUCED FEE—May 31
**RESORT OF HUATULCO
**NEW ROUTE ADDS GUADALAJARA
**FUND RAISER FOR “LUPITA” HERNANDEZ
**CLASSIFIEDS – CARS FOR SALE
**RALLY AMERICA 2009
**TWO NEW BOOKS ON CARRERA 2008
**WARNING
**CONTACT INFO

**PIKE’S PEAK – LAST CHANCE!

Is the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb on your bucket list? Do not wait. Join us this year. Only $800. That’s cheap--about half of the regular (pro) entry fee. Just about any Carrera car or vintage racecar with a full cage is eligible. Vintage entries are filling up and may be gone soon. Doug Mockett and Angelic Fuentes will be back to defend their championship on July 19. We will practice on the mountain three mornings, before the main event. Contact Tony Martins cycleworksusa@msn.com if you are interested.

**CARRERA ENTRIES HOLDING UP

Entries in La Carrera Panamericana XXII seem to be holding up against the swine flu and other problems, like the friction along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. The flu scare seems to be fading fast, and should be only a faint memory by October. We should have around 40 entries from Canada and the U.S. this year.

The problems along the border continue to be bothersome, however, but the presence of several thousand Mexican soldiers and federal police in the border towns has reduced the violence dramatically. Last month, participants in the Chihuahua Express saw no signs of violence along the border or in the city of Chihuahua. Life seemed pretty normal.

The U.S. has also agreed to do more to stop the flow of guns and drug money into Mexico. The effort to legalize marijuana, which is picking up steam in California, would put a big dent in the cartels’ income and produce big bucks for the state treasury, says one state legislator.

A diplomatic flap between the U.S. and Mexico caused when the U.S. government stopped Mexican long-haul trucks from entering the country did cause a problem at the border for one of our trucks hauling cars to Chihuahua. Again, this problem should be resolved by October.

**DEADLINE FOR REDUCED FEE

On June 1, the entry fee for the Pan Am jumps another $500 USD to $6500. Please send in your checks by May 31. If you sent in a deposit of $500, the balance due before June 1 is $5,500. Make checks payable to “La Carrera USA” and mail to address under contact info below.

**THE RESORT OF HUATULCO

Huatulco offers a much more relaxed atmosphere than Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta. It’s a beautiful resort area along the Pacific Ocean. There is no city of Huatulco, just a string of bays, lagoons, and estuaries with low-rise, modern hotels, and a few small towns composed mostly of vacation homes. The airport code is “HUX.”

The center of action for the start of the race in October will probably be the town of Santa Cruz. No information about specific hotels or their location has been released, of course, but it seems logical that the beach town of Santa Cruz is about the only place big enough to have a paddock for 75-80 racecars. (The original fishing village was “displaced” when the resort was first developed.)

Rooms in Huatulco may be booked through the Carrera Office in Mexico City for $150 per night. Premium hotels cost $300 per night (limited availability).

If you want an all-inclusive package deal, add $100 to the price of the regular hotel per night and $150 to the premium hotel’s cost. The package deal includes: three meals daily, box lunches, five different restaurants, juice and soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, minibar, snacks, no-power water sports, plus 24 room service to your room, poolside, and the beach. But the best part of the package is clearly the two “alfresco Jacuzzi pools.” Think any Corona girls will be there?

Email Monica Grossmann at monica.grossmann@yahoo.com.mx to make your reservations.

**NEW ROUTE -- GUADALAJARA

In addition to starting in Huatulco, which was not on the original Carrera route, the event will visit Guadalajara this year, the first time since 1999. Guadalajara, the second largest city in the country, has a population of several million. Best to update your Garmin GPS software. It’s big city. Try Mexico Maps for the latest Garmin software. Email Mark Walker mwalker@mexicomaps.com for info.

Guadalajara takes the place of Aguascalientes, which the race has visited every year since 1999, at least. Apparently the Chamber of Commerce in Guadalajara came up with more incentives this year than Aguascalientes. Guadalajara was not on the route of the original Carrera either, but it is an important city. Unfortunately, the detour will add several extra hours of transit time to the schedule.


**FUND RAISER FOR “LUPITA” HERNANDEZ

Need a Carrera patch for your hat or jacket? How about a Coyote Convoy shirt? I have both for sale for $10.00. Add $3.00 S&H for a shirt. All net proceeds go to the Mexican nurse, Lupita Hernandez who lost both legs at the hip in a Carrera accident in 2003. We send her a small check every six weeks.
**CLASSIFIEDS – CARS FOR SALE, CO-DRIVERS NEEDED

You may advertise here for drivers, co-drivers, and service crew at no charge. You may ALSO advertise your car, truck, or services for sale/rent here and on the web site www.panamrace.com for $30; $45 with photo. Send the info and photo to Laura Cox at lauracox@austin.rr.com with a check to be posted on the web site. Most of the cars posted on the web site are sold. I also broker cars for a very modest fee.

’54 Studebaker. For Sale or Rent - Overall winner of the 2008 La Carrera Panamericana. This Commander has been completely rebuilt following last year’s win. The car is now faster and more dependable than it was in 2008. If you are serious about winning overall in 2009, you need to be driving this car. Complete spares package and trailer included in the $125,000 sale price. Rental option would in the form of a sale/service/buyback. Please call or email Bill Beilharz for more information. bbeilharz@aol.com or call (001) 602.320.5173. Phoenix, Arizona

’64 Chevy Nova -- $5900/BO. V8 post coupe, four-speed Muncie, GM front disc brakes, headers, newer exhaust, and seats. Rust free, with new steel floors on sub-frame connectors. Interior and exterior stripped, ready for race preparation. Want it prepared? Pick your color, competition level, and engine power—from 300 to 400+ HP. Cost? Around $18,000-$28,000+ depending on the level of preparation. Guaranteed buy-back program. Ten years of experience building these lightweight cars. Novas were the Historic “C” Champs in 2001 and 2002. Guaranteed entry in 2009 or 2010. At 2800 pounds, it can run a four-barrel Holley. Extra safe roll cage and subfloor protection.. Shipping can be arranged, along with support during the race, and even rally driving instruction. We had ten years’ experience building these cars. Contact Gerie Bledsoe at gbledso@aol.com. 650-726-9890.

Lucky Taco -- needs another co-driver/partner for 2009. It’s a ’54 Oldsmobile that runs in Original Pan Am. The three experienced partners need a fourth. Bridge anyone? Contact Clyde Morter if interested at Lakehart2@aol.com.

ISO Co-Piloto -- David Cooper. ’51 Chrysler NASCAR replica. dave@alpinesky.com This car won Original Pan AM a couple of years ago, and David is a serious competitor, with top flight equipment. Several other guys, like Lucha Libre Racing’s Michael Emery, are looking for co-drivers, as well.

Enrique Cortes will provide mechanical service while you are in Mexico. Check his video on MyTube. Enrique lived in the US several years and has two support trucks. He and his crew will wrench and weld all night for you.

**RALLY AMERICA

New York to Miami, three days in August 2009, to benefit the Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Call Dan at 716.480.0703 or visit www.rallyamerica-usa.com.

**TWO NEW BOOKS ON CARRERA 2008

Photographer Sam Gezari is compiling two books on last year’s Pan Am that will be published next month. To obtain more info on the books, call 213.880.4001 or go to www.carrerapanamericana2008.com.

**WARNING

Like all forms of motor sports, the Pan Am is extremely dangerous. Obviously, it is less dangerous at moderate speeds. It can also lead to a lifetime of addiction to road racing in Mexico.

**CONTACT INFORMATION

If you change email addresses, please let CARRERA NEWS know. Once you register for the race, you will also receive CARRERA DRIVER, which contain much more detailed information about the race and how to prepare your car.

Feel free to send CARRERA NEWS to your friends and racing buddies. Encourage them to sign up. This newsletter will be posted on the web site www.panamrace.com as a blog.