Day 2: Oaxaca - Puebla

Two days down, many miles to go! I'm not even sure where to start about today but it had it's highs and lows. The first two stages out of Oaxaca were really fun but it was a bit of an eerie feeling driving by the spot where we blew our motor last year (bent a push rod to be exact). The same spot where Todd Landon and Kristin Stewart picked us up. The same stage David Buchanan and Raffi blew their motor in their Orig Pan Am Chrysler.

And then today, in the exact stage, Hayden and Charlie crashed the Caddy. They were running really well - in the top 5 - and came in too hot to a series of 3s. They are both ok but the car went permanently on the trailer. I'm sure Charlie will have videos and photos posted soon, if not already, to usa476.com. They will be missed the rest of the week.

And then the rest of the day went mostly well. We were running great until we lost power steering in the middle of the third to last section of the day. We lumbered through the last rest of the section (downhill 3s and 4s are not fun in a 4000 pound hunk of metal) and as soon as we crossed the checkered we pulled over and popped the hood. The belt was still there! So we rushed the tools out of the trunk (we had another stage to get to!) and with a few Mexicans in this small village looking on wide-eyed and with some cussing, dad got the belt back on and we took off in a cloud of dust.

Then, once we caught up to the next section about 15 kms away, we made a grand entrance. We had to get the time card and chip checked in but we missed the control stop (this is highly frowned upon) because we couldn't see the little yellow control sign on the left side of the road. Instead we went straight into the A area where you are supposed to be belted in, helmets on and ready for the green flag for the speed section. This is against the rules and major penalties could be given. Realizing our mistake, dad hit the breaks, I jumped out of the car, helmet and Haans still on, and ran back to the Control stop.

Out of breath at 6,000 feet, I apologized profusely to the official and explained we didn't see the sign. In broken English he replied, "That is because you ran it over."

I had to apologize some more and then we were in our way. At least with power steering.

Then we went into the town of Tehuacan. This town really throws a grant party for the Carristas. We have stopped in before but this was bigger than ever before. You will see from the photos how packed it was. In order to not be mobbed, I sat on the roof of the car to hand out our cards and to sign autographs. The support from the Mexican people is really overwhelming and wonderful. See the photos and videos of what crazytown it was. I soaked up my 30 minutes of fame. When else are people going to want my autograph, to sign their shirts and to take photos with them? And yes, they are all shocked at how tall I am.

As for placings: our time card and chip readings got messed up today so I had to file an official protest. Unfortunately we were not on the podium tonight but unofficially ran 2nd in our class. Hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow.

A few minor other accidents today but fortunately nothing like yesterday's fatality. Hold your loved ones close and enjoy every minute with them.