Tuesday, October 6, 2009

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!

TWO WEEKS TO GO!



CARRERA NEWS
HANDICAPPER’S EDITION
October 1, 2009

**MY LIST OF FAVORITES
**THE SWEDES
**WHAT’S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?
**GET READY FOR NEXT YEAR
**RACING ON THE OLD PAN AM HIGHWAY
**REMEMBERING BOBBY JOHNSON
**DISCOVERY CHANNEL DVD AVIALABLE
**CARS FOR SALE

**MY LIST OF FAVORITES

A few weeks ago I sent out the first paragraph of my Handicapper’s Edition of CARRERA NEWS as juicy bait. In that snippet, I opined that Gabriel Pérez Torres had to be considered the early favorite. Several competitors rose to the occasion to disagree politely with my initial assessment.

The purpose herein is to survey the field more comprehensively.

In addition to Mr. Perez, contenders to the title this year include everyone’s favorites Doug Mockett and Angelica Fuentes. They will return in their wind-tunnel tested ’54 Oldsmobile (“in name only”). But not even testing in a wind tunnel can do much to mitigate A '54 Studebaker’s drag coeficeint advantage. However, Doug has assured me that Phil Denny has changed the oil and spark plugs in his car for this year’s attempt to repeat his prior triumphs.

At one point it was rumored that Mockett was buying a yellow Studebaker from coffee king Juan Valdez to replace his Olds, but Doug denied the rumor emphatically, denouncing it as “vicious hearsay.”

Looking down the list, Jorge Roberto Pedrero must also be considered a viable contender for the title. Of course, with the race starting in Huatulco this year, Jorge – who hails from from Tuxtla Gutiérrez – loses his advantage the first day in the mountains of Chiapas. Look to Jorge to squeeze as much power as possible form his Ford’s Boss 302 cubic inch Turismo Production engine.

**THE SWEDISH CONTINGENT

Another pre-race favorite is the venerable leader of the Swedish contingent -- “the Stig.” Mr. Stig Blomquist is a former WRC champion, Swedish champion many times over, and now a veteran of Mexican road racing, with one Carrera and one Chihuahua Express under his belt. Mr Blomquist and his generous co-pilota must be considered heavy favorites, too.

Reportedly, MH Racing in San Miguel de Allende, the Stig’s shop, has changed engine builders in an effort to avoid the gremlins that have fustrated this team over the past couple of years. In the Chihuahua, Stig’s car suffered from serious overheating problems, but his car builder, Mats Hammarlund, has done everything humanly possible to ensure that Stig has a dependable car this year.

Following Stig closely will be the dashing Lars Stugemo in another Studebaker built by MH Racing. Lars is another Carrera vet, who has the requisite skill and experience skill to win this event. But does he have the patience? He certainly has the looks and charm to send the ladies into a swoon.

Last, but certainly not least, on my list of contenders is another car from the MH Racing stable--a Volvo Amazon driven by Karl Schieble. Karl lives in Texas, not Sweden, and he has placed as high as fourth overall in this Hammarlund Volvo in two prior years. While the Volvo runs in Turismo Mayor, the top class, it has 100 horsepower less horepower than TM Studebakers and Mockett’s Olds.

On the other hand, Karl was the U.S. and Canadian SCCA rally champion for several years and knows his way around a mountain corner or racetrack. Rumor has it that the Amazon sports a new engine fresh from Sweden with a little extra horsepower. Carl has teamed up with co-piloto Dyana Marlett, a seasoned navigator, who certainly has enough experience and competitiveness to make the trip a success, regardless of the ultimate prize.

**WHO WILL WIN?

Who among this group of highly talented drivers and their trusty companions will win the event overall this year? That answer is easy. The crew and car with the least mechanical misfortune and the most luck will win. All of the leading cars, like the rest of us, are destined have at least one non-trival mechanical problem. That’s the nature of endurance racing.

This race will be decided by exactly when those mechanical failures occur: during a speed stage, a transit stage, or driving into the hotel’s parking lot at night. If one of the leaders misses a speed stage or loses significant power during a speed stage, it is pretty much out of the running for the top prize. After all, this is a long, arduous race, and the top drivers push their cars at 10/10s much of the time. Even a certain percentage of new, expensive racing parts will fail under these conditions. The question is – when and where the failure will occur? Being lucky, thus, will probably decide the outcome.

**WHAT’S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Last year, Bill Beilharz, who won the 21st La Carrera in his black “Batmobile” Studebaker, missed a corner, went off the road, and skidded down into a shallow ravine. Instead of stopping to assess the damage and find a safe way out, Bill just kept on going. He spotted a footpath going up the other side of the gully and followed it full bore to get back on the road.

Others would have never been able to exit the gully because of a tire or suspension problem, or having their belly pan ripped off, but Bill was lucky. He knew that to remain in contention he could not stop in that gully.

Sadly, Bill is not able to return to defend his title this year, but he promises that he will be close by in Huatulco, basking on his sailboat, sporting a bevy of bikini-clad hotties on the bow.

**RACING ON THE OLD PAN AM HIGHWAY

As most of you know, the Carrera was started by the Mexican government in 1950 to promote the use of the Pan-American Highway, a paved (mostly) two-laned highway that went from Ciudad Juarez, MX (El Paso, TX) down through the middle of the country to the border with Guatemala.

After 59 years there is not much of the original highway left. Much of the original road has been replaced by four-lane super highways and toll roads. But one lengthy stretch of the two-lane road remains suitable for racing down in the state of Oaxaca, and it very special to those with the Carrera spirit. For a while, we though we might miss it this year.

On the first afternoon of competition, we will run the old Pan Am highway from Tehuantepec to Oaxaca. This is one of the last stretches of the original Pan Am highway that to be completed. They raced on it in 1950 and we have returned many times since them. It's around 250 KM long and it’s exciting, especially when the afternoon sun makes it hot and slick.

This highway cuts through the mountains, starting near sea level and climbing to over 6000 feet in places, before it gets to Oaxaca -- at a little over 5,000 feet. We'll pass through some spectacular river valleys and quaint villages. It’s a poor, sparely populated area, but the people are friendly and wave when we pass through their lives annually.

This road is being replaced by a new toll road to the east, so we expect the old Pan Am highway to stay pretty much the same, even with its Hotel California (!), for racing in future years. Amen!


**REMEMBERING BOBBY JOHNSON

Yesterday I was talking about the Pan Am with a good friend who has been a little under the weather. He looked at me with a glint in his eyes, and said, “Gerie, I enjoy the racing but I really want to go back to Mexico to see all my friends.” He went on to explain that they are (mostly) guys and “rachetheads” like him, who love the old cars and the adventure.

For me, too, our circle of Pan Am friends is the most important thing now. If I did not go, I would really miss seeing them. Many I will see only this one week out of the year, when we are together, catching up on our lives, suffering together, while we share our passion for this great event.

Sadly, we won’t be able to share this passion this year or ever again with a special Carrera friend, Bobby Johnson. Like many of my Pan Am buddies, I did not much about Bobby, but I knew he was a good guy. We spent a lot of time back in 2002-2004 discussing how to revive the Original Pan Am class. In those years, only two or three OPA cars started the event, and about none finished it. In particular, we agreed that OPA should be a featured, competitive class, and not just a bunch of rusty relics. So I starting promoting it, and Bobby rebuilt his Hudson.

Bobby would compete in his Hudson several times and would remain a true purist. He did not like the fact that the organizers were allowing disc brakes and many other concessions to the modern world, like electronic ignition. Now, he said, there is not much difference between OPA and Historic C, but the OPA cars look good!

Sadly, Bobby, a young man, died last month of a head injury sustained I was told --believe it or not—in a bicycle race. His beautiful wife, Zoya, is devestated, of course. We wish her well.

I last saw Bobby at the Chihuahua Express in 2007. He was quietly there, with a smile on his face, helping Todd Landon’s crew work on Mustangs. I regret only never having a chance to say goodbye after than race. I miss his smiling face and his purist passion for La Carrera! But I look forward to seeing those who will keep the passion alive this year. (His photo is above.)

**DISCOVERY CHANNEL DVD AVAILABLE

The Discovery Channel has been showing a series called “GT Racer” that is focused on some of the great historic auto races. The fourth in the series this year was the Panamericana, which aired last weekend (Sept. 25-27).

The four-DVD Box Set—the first two seasons--is available on Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com/GT-Racer-Gregoire-Audi/dp/B002O0QPVW
and through the Discovery Channel Store:
http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=109167&v=discovery

At the Discovery Channel Store the DVD Box Set can also be phone ordered by calling 1.800.627.9399
Trailers: www.GTRacerTV.com
LeMans: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeBqcwldxxY
Nordschleife: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGGyekPdjaQ
Magny Cours: www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4swAYX_Edw
Carerra Panamericana: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuEH9f7XdLM

John Galt Films, Inc. is the New York City based boutique production company behind the program. Owner Alexander Davidis writes, directs and produces the GT RACER TV-series. He can be reached at info@johngaltfilms.com or by phone: +1 (212) 744.7441.

The Pan Am show focused on the two Mustangs and a Falcon fabricated and prepped by Todd Landon up in Minnesota. Contact him to rent a 'Stang or Falcon at aoldb://mail/write/TALandon@landolakes.com.


**GET READY FOR NEXT YEAR

Next year – 2010 – is the “reunion” year for La Carrera. It is time to get that old Carrera car out of the garage, update the rollcage and engine, and get it ready for the race. And if you are thinking about entering a new car, get it ready and tested early in the year.

Do not hesitate. The time available to complete your buckwet list is not increasing.

With the economy improving, now is the time for all good men (and women) to rekindle the passion of the Pan Am before it is too late.

Let’s fill the grid from North American next year and revive old friendships. Who knows, we may never have another chance.

**CHIHUAHUA EXPRESS

Can’t get it together for the Pan Am this year? Need to sample a little of Mexico before taking the Carrera plunge? Try the Chihuahua Express.

As the name suggests, this is the quick and easy way to test your car and learn how to stage rally without devoting three weeks of your life and mucho dinero to an expediton into the Mexican jungle and hopefully back.

The Express packs 1000 miles of racing and around 325 miles of top speed stages into three days—only 145 miles west of Texas. On top of that, the racers return to the same bunk each night. How cool is that!


Contact organizer Chacho Medina if interested at chachomedina@sporcar.com or gbledso@aol.com. The Express is also affiliated with the Silver State Classic. The entry fee is only $2000, which does not include hotels.


**FOR SALE

Todd Landon, up in Minnesota, has a couple of really nice Mustangs for sale or lease for the race. Todd’s cars have finished in the top five overall on a regular basis.

Mats Hammarlund, down in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is opening a huge shop, and plans to build more Studebakers for the Pan Am and the Chihuahua Express. Mats is looking for qualified driver-partners for these cars.

Will Kendall, in L.A., has a great ’64 Ford Falcon with Carrera history for sale. Will says it is ready to race this year. Ring him at 310.740.2100 or email him at info@paix.com. Will’s summary follows:

• Professionally built, RACE-READY Ford Falcon -- one of the most beautiful, best prepared, and seriously fast (475+ bhp) Historic C-class Falcons in existence.
• 20th Anniversary La Carrera Panamericana competitor. Passed tech that year. Ready to take the podium this year!
• Historic U.S. open-track racer (home track: Laguna Seca).
• Recently completed extensive professional rebuild by MAECO Motorsport -- the premier U.S. specialist in performance modifications and vintage race preparation for V8 powered American Pony Cars.
• Less than 100 miles on NEW Ford Racing, Maeco built 302 c.i. engine and mechanicals.
• Street legal: set-up for high-test pump OR race gas to enable multiple race/rally event entries.
• Full spec sheet, documentation, professional build records, and race history available to serious buyers.
• Over $75K invested. Selling for close to half of car's replacement cost, not including significant build-time and multiple Carrera experts' knowledge and input guiding build.
• Privately for sale and viewable in Los Angeles area @ $45K/BO. (For the 2009 Pan Am only, Will is offering a one-time 10% discount to Carrera race veterans.)

**OUR FAVORITE CHARITY GIRL

Guadalupe “Lupita” Hernandez Ramirez, a Mexican Red Cross nurse, lost both legs at the hip in 2003 when a Pan Am car hit a puddle of oil and spun off the road, pinning Lupita to an ambulance. Since then North American and Canadian competitors have vowed to support her. Right now, her trust fund, monitored by Doug Mockett and Oscar Carillo, only produces about $50 in interest every eight weeks. We need to increase the balance. Please send your contributions to:

Friends of Guadalupe Hernandez Ramirez
c/o Ms. Fanny Davila
South Bay Bank
2200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501

Be generous!

**LEGAL STUFF

Auto racing in any form is dangerous, the Pan Am is no exception. Make sure your car and your body are well prepared, and use them carefully.

Anyone who enters the race is obligated to read and agree to abide by the official rules of the race. Go to http://www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx/ and click on English and Rules.

Also, all competitors are solely responsible for getting their cars into the county and down the starting line.


**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. This newsletter is posted on the web site http://www.panamrace.com/.

At this point, I have no firm information about the event in 2009, but I will start accepting applications and deposits of $500 on January 1. No, I do not know what the entry fee will be next year.


Saludos,

Gerie Bledsoe

North American Coordinator