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.

Day 1: Veracruz - Oaxaca

Today we have some really good news and some really bad news. Getting it over with, I will start with the bad news.

We are receiving conflicting reports about a very bad accident that happened in the 2nd stage today. We've heard a fatality but I also heard tonight news to the contrary. Please keep these racers in your prayers.

On the uplifting side, Dad and I ran really well today. It was a really long day from Veracruz at sea level to 6000 feet to Oaxaca tonight. 12 hours in the car. The car is running really well and we had fun getting into the driver/navigator groove. Drum roll please...we won our class for the day! As is usual, there are always tense minutes in the car but we had a very good time. However, it was a long day and we are both pooped. It's hard to believe we have 6 more days of this.

Dad is coming down with a cold so I got him some meds and hopefully e'll be feeling better.

Comic relief for the day: we were moving pretty well in a straight in a speed stage and the route called noted a dip in the middle of this long straight (little less than a 1 km straight). Usually a "dip" in a speed section isn't a huge deal unless it's in a turn or spot that throws the car off its line. So Dad didn't slow for it and we hit the dip pretty hard and the old metal cover on the dash of where radio speakers would have been came flying off! Luckily I was able to grab it quickly and put it under by route book and co to use to call turns.

Enjoy some photos from today. This app makes me crazy because it won't let me change their order but oh well. Up in 6 hours to do it all over again!

Time to Head South

It's that time! Back to Old Mexico for the historic and exciting La Carrera Panamericana. Dad and I head south tomorrow to Veracruz to meet our racing friends, have the cars tech-ed on Tuesday and Wednesday, do pre-qualification on Thursday and put the petal to the metal on Friday. 7 days and 7 different cities to the finish in Zacatecas.

Here is our "hero card" for this year. Each team has these cards made up to hand out at the stops. The people love them! They go crazy for un autografia and a copy of each car's card. You just have to soak it up because were else can you be treated like such a rock star?!

Yes, I'm a bad blogger and never finished blogging the race last year. It had something to do with a city that shall remain nameless (Guanajuato) and had to do with dark tunnels, traffic, over-heating and tears. Lots of cuss words too, but I've blocked the majority out of my memory because we go there again this year and we are going to kick Guanajuato's ass* and have no problems with the tunnels and have a shot of tequila to mock that heinous labyrinth. However - I will do my best to be a better blogger this year.

Despite our challenges last year, we stuck with it and were 2nd in our class. It is an honor to end up on the podium, let alone finish the race.

This will be Dad's 6th time racing the La Carrera and my 3rd navigating for him. We again are in the ol' gal - 1954 Ford Victoria. We race in the Original Pan Am class which includes cars from 1940-1954 that could have originally run in the early days of the race. There are, of course, other classes and more modern cars but nothing newer than 1970. I like to think we have the most fun in the Original class. We don't go nearly as fast as say Turismo Mayor, Turismo Produccion, Sport Menor/Mayor, Historic A/B/C or Exhibicion (ok, I just named all the other classes) but we certainly hold our own. The key is consistency and accuracy. Check out the competitor list. Dad wins for best profile photo. It lists the various classes and we're down at car 433 with the other Orig Pan Am cars. It is exciting to have 7 cars in our class this year. Prayers that all of them finish!

What the heck this event? It is a legendary 7 day road race across Mexico. Read history about the race {aqui}. Racers and cars come from across the globe to compete in this adventure. Teams include Mexicans, Americans, Canadians, Spanish, Fins, Germans and other various Europeans. The racers are as colorful as their hot rods. This year is the 25th Anniversary of the modern race. I'm looking forward to the special hoopla they have in store.

How does one prepare for something like this? Not quickly or on a whim. A sound warrior-of-a-car is key and Dad has astutely tuned our ’54 Ford Victoria. A sound car is the most important part to finishing this race. Oh yeah – “finishing” is the goal. Sounds like cake but any veteran of the La Carrera will testify otherwise. Certainly if you’ve followed us on these adventures you’ve seen some of the trials and tribulations. Anything can happen and it takes a driver (piloto) and navigator (co-piloto) who can roll with the punches and adapt in a hurry. To cross the finish line, in the car, driving on its own, in one piece – is quite an accomplishment. Our goal this year sounds simple: take it easy, have fun, make it to the finish line every day to collect our 7 day medals. I am truly blessed to share this unique experience with my Dad. I want to soak up every minute of it.

This year the race starts in Veracruz. The race has not been to Veracruz since 2006 (I think), the year before Dad began racing. We've heard stories of a tropical storm and flooding from that year so fingers crossed for clear weather.

Then 7 other cities. My favorite is Morelia. Looking forward to racing Mil Cumbres and then following the ancient aquaducts into the city and seeing my favorite cathedral in all of Mexico (from what I've seen, at least).

The car is on its way through Mexico with Tom and 7’s Only Racing. Tom is taking 5 cars down and we will meet him in Veracruz. He's two days south of the border now.

Again I am not taking a computer but will be posting as often as I can via my iPhone and with the help of my bffs in Arizona, Anna and Rachel. I will be taking lots of photos with my real camera and will then post more detailed recapitulations when I get back to the states.

Keep up with other teams will be posting updates:

• Our friends Hayden Groendyke and Charlie Samples: usa476.com You will fall in love with their Caddy and with Charlie’s photos.
• Kristin Stewart: funksterwtf.blogspot.com

I will let you know other sites as I hear about them.

The official La Carrera site: they say they will post daily updates this year. I'm not holding my breath.

We are very grateful to our generous sponsors including Baja Bound (insurance services for driving in Mexico) and Calderon Tires.

I am frequently asked, "You go to Mexico to do what?!" And am met with quizical, unbelieving looks and responses like, "Oh, yeah, I've heard of the Baja 1000." Or "You're crazy to go to Mexico, it's so unsafe." I'm sure it is thought that this is a tourist-y Sunday drive. Let me tell you - this is not the Baja, I've never felt unsafe, and it sure as shit isn't a Sunday drive. The La Carrera Panamericana is a world-renowned road race

*I apologize now for any profanity that might occur in the next few weeks. It happens. As you follow along, you will start doing the same. Have a shot of tequila, it helps one cope. ;)

I am no video expert but here are some clips from our in-car GoPro last year. I'm going to try to do a better job this year, plus, Dad upgraded the GoPro so hopefully we'll have some sound of me calling the turns.

And it begins. No sleep ‘til Zacatecas!

Day 4: Queretaro to Morelia

We did it! Back in the saddle today and ran pretty darn well, given the circumstances. The guys got the engine running great and we didn't even have the overheating issues. The first two speed sections were canceled due to a very bad head-on collision with a race car and a civilian car. Occupants of both vehicles were transported to emergency care and besides broken bones and serious injuries, it sounds like all involved will be ok. This was a very scary incident and shook everyone up. The racers knew the section was canceled but assumed that no other traffic was let onto the road. The race car cut into a blind left turn, into the oncoming lane, and met the civilian car head-on. 


So, we all tried to compose ourselves and carry on to the servicio, which was a long transit 80 km transit through the beautiful countryside. 

Taking a break before the next section

Every town has a very large church and it seems it must take generations to build them because most look to be in a constant state of construction.

One of Dad's favorite parts of the whole race is hearing the squeal from the school kids as we pass by. Because we race during the day and most of it is weekdays, the school kids all stand by the side of the road or in the school yard and yell, more squeal-like, as the cars go through their town. They all get so excited! It's neat to see.

Here we are lined up after servicio for the next speed section. These sections were my favorites of the whole race. They are known as Mil Cumbres - one thousand summits, or hills. They go so fast and the road is shaded through the mountains and some parts of he road are wet. It really can be a dangerous trek but we took it pretty easy and really enjoyed it. I will post in-car video later!

Survived Mil Cumbres! What a blast!!!

Representing my love for beef, of course! 

Heading into Morelia. This is the most fun city to drive into because we follow the ancient aqueduct. It starts out small and gets bigger and bigger.

Morelia is the most beautiful town! The square is huge and the cars get to park down the street in front of the cathedral (which is said to be the most beautiful in Mexico). We really enjoyed the atmosphere and beauty of Morelia.

Dinner in a cafe in the square. How cute are these chips and the presentation?!?

We were sitting in the cafe with a group of friends and Bill Hemmer, another racer, came and asked me if I had been on the roof yet. I said that I had not but that I needed to, stat! So Bill took me through the bar next door, up a beautifully carved staircase and onto a balcony overlooking the street. It was awesome! Such a view! I them ventured from the balcony up the next set of stairs and onto the roof to take more pictures.

The driver's meeting and awards were in  historic Governor's Palace and, because we finished the day, we were back on the podium taking second place! Whoop whoop! The palace was was stunning. We walked down the street and this was the door we entered: 

Which opened up to this:

And the walls were painted like this:

Walking back past the cathedral:

I would definitely return to Morelia. I would love to explore the city more. 

We were off the next morning, racing back through Mil Cumbres. 

Day 3: A Day on the Trailer

Well, we made it to Queretaro but not in the car. The guys did diagnose the engine problem: the electrical coil inconveniently exploded causing a push rod to be bent, thus the slight clunk when the engine quit.

Clearly, bent = no bueno.

Sooo we trailered in to Queretaro and I navigated for Tom in the big rig. I don't have any pictures from this trip of Tom's rig but HERE it is when we rode down to the Chihuahua Express in 2009. The trailer in that blog post is the open trailer but you can see parts of the enclosed trailer in this post. Either way - it's a BEAST!

We made it into Queretaro and to our hotel in time to see the other teams pull into the hotel parking lot. Dad and I had some "down time" so we jumped in a taxi to go to the center of town to see the cars come in and to get a bite to eat. So here we are, in a cafe in the square enjoying a cold cerveza and some tacos as the cars arrive.

I really enjoy Queretaro's ambiance. The architecture reminds me of Europe. I found this great travel website page that tells about Queretaro. Have I mentioned how much I love Mexico's history? I'm reading Timeless Mexico by Hudson Strode (sidenote: my Grandma gave it to my Grandpa in 1947 for Christmas, her handwritten message is on the inside cover) and it is so good!

***UPDATE: Our friend, Jorge Arrellano, has shared some great information with me about Queretaro. He says, "About Queretaro, a common mistake is that San Francisco´s church is the Cathedral, but actually the Cathedral is two streets behind the Art Museum where the awards ceremony is held. For me its logical that as it is in the main square it would be, but is not." Jorge has a great BLOG that highlights the La Carrera. Great pictures, too!

Use your imagination for translation about who that guy is and why he's gettin' down with his bad self. At first glance I thought the plaque said he like chimichangas. Educated sources tellme he is an Aztec. That's all they tell me. Feel free to enlighten me.

***UPDATE: I've been enlightened! Thank you, thank you to our friend, Jorge, for this info about the statue: "The brass statue of the dancer is not an Aztec, is a Chichimeca, is or was a local ethnic group. The representation is of a conchero dancer. Conchero is a word derived of the word concha, shell. They used things called shells around the ankles and when they danced made noise. The funny thing is that those are not real shells, are more like dry seeds. Still to this day some people keep the tradition and dance in a nearby church on September 13th. Some streets are closed for a big parade for the re-enactment. Here is a video with pictures: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej3ADreJPJQ

Thank you, Jorge!

Even though we didn't race today we still wanted to go to the Driver's Meeting because it was in the beautiful Queretaro Art Museum. Isn't that gorgeous?

Back to reality and the broken car: Turns out the push rods that we have in the Y block are rare (there are 16: 2 for each cylinder, their job is to open and close the exhaust and the intake values for each cylinder), so Tom and Miguel were able to find another at an AutoZone that, with some engineering, would work. Or - we could close that valve off and run on 7 with less power. Opting for option A, we were fortunate to have the support and mechanical geniuses of Jack Roger's (car #369) mechanic Steve Strupp and Hayden Groendyke's crew - Jason, Keith and Brad. Steve fabricated - did you get that? FABRICATED IN A PARKING LOT IN MEXICO - a push rod to fit (these are rare cup and ball endings) and the other guys worked into the early hours of the morning tearing the engine apart and putting it back together.

Actually, the push rod didn't "fall down," it "fell out of place."

Jason and Brad under the hood. I'm no mechanic but I think Brad is putting sealer on the heads before bolting down the intake manifold.

The loading ramp of Tom's trailer was the "shop" for the night.

Keith and Dad

Steve! The push rod genius.

Old head gasket

Thanks to the hard work of all these guys, we will be back on the road...in the car...in the morning! Dad stayed up with them until the wee hours of the morning and we are ready to roll!

Has this made you want to drink tequila? Yeah, me too.