Cars, giant fish and tequila

Late night report from Veracruz:

Our two major to-dos today were to finish technical inspection and get the car out to run. We successfully accomplished both. 

Piloto and co-piloto gear inspection of race suits, helmets, shoes, haans devices and fire proof underwear. 

Motor inspection. We passed! They check engines and specs to make sure we legally fit our class specifications. 

Car weight (in kilograms). The Victoria weighs a lot! Interesting to see the weight displacement over each tire. 

After passing all technical inspections we get our official car numbers and ok sticker! Car 433 is ready to go!

After we passed, we needed to take the car out to stretch her legs a bit and to also make sure the rally computer was properly working. We had to change the "factor number" in the computer because we changed tire makes and models this year. Any difference in width and diameter will change the odometer and a navigator without an odometer is an unhappy navigator. We got the factor number dialed in and went for a special lunch at the downtown marina area. 

 The Gran Cafe Parroquia is the place to be! This particular location is the oldest cafe in Veracruz. Over 200 years old! We came for the cafe con leche but enjoyed some bomb [dot] com food also. Above is the cubano sandwich. Anna, I thought of you! 

I can't upload the video but let me tell you about the cafe con leche - they bring you a tall glass with espresso and then you clink your spoon on the glass and another waiter brings a large metal tea pot of hot, steamed milk. He pours in the milk while raising the pot really high while never spilling a drop. I want to take him home and have him make my coffee every morning! 

We had to get back to the hotel for our co-pilotos meeting but made a few stops along the way. 

Veracruz marina. Very stormy today. 

We may have driven up onto the sidewalk and through a fish art display. 

And then time to be serious and astute co-pilotos in out 2.5 hour meeting:

Which I thought was actually really well done. I am very surprised at how many new navigators there are this year. 

AND THEN, off to a very serious dinner with friends.

Sam Burg, ladies and gents, and the best grilled octopus any of us have ever had. 

Chip agrees!

I'm so proud - Everyone ordered beef. REALLY fantastic beef. Chip and Taylor Fudge (father/son from Oklahoma), Adrian from England, Sam Burg from Santa Maria, Ricky and Bobby of Shake 'n' Bake fame with their crew and Dad and me. 

Taylor thought it wise to order "jumbo" tequilas with sangritas. We'll see how wise it is in the morning! 

Speaking of the morning, if it isn't raining we will be having our prequalification run which will determine order of go for Friday morning. 

PS. Jason, is this a 50s concept car? Brought home "one piece at a time?" Thought you would appreciate.