Today was the day all cars (ok, most cars, some still have mechanical problems or hasn't yet passed tech) run a specified speed stage for a time. The time which we receive is to order is for tomorrow - fastest first. Now this is tricky. You don't want to run real race speed because you don't want to risk error or crash, but you don't want to loligag because you want a good starting order. After pre-running yesterday, we felt confident in our notes and the short, fast stage. We don't see the results immediately, only know what your own time is and can visit with your friends to compare times. Turns out we qualified the fastest in our class (Original Pan Am). Now, this does not mean anything other than we are very happy with our starting place overall for the morning - 37th out of 111. It is better to run on the front of the pack rather than the back because usually the faster cars know and follow the rules. The back of the pack tends to be a logistical, chaotic nightmare. So we are happy.
Dad got the carburetor re-jetted and we are ready to leave sea level in the morning ad head to Oaxaca which I think I remember being 5000-6000 feet.
Here are some shots from today:
You know what I just realized, it looks like all we are doing is partying. Well, work hard play hard and tomorrow gets extra serious (as serious as we can be in an old Ford with a rooster horn).
Today was long but I feel like I don't have much to share about it. Our goal today was to pre-run tomorrow's prequalification section and that we did. Unlike when the race started in Hualtulco, the pre-qual stage is an hour out of Veracruz. We were spoiled in Huatulco because it was a short 5ish kilometers from town. Three of us cars went out together - Hayden and Charlie, Christian and Dan and us - escorted by Guillermo and the rest of Team 476. Needless to say we had an exciting outing. First we all calibrated the rally computers in the cars (some people have Terratrips, we have an old trusty Timewise but some people don't have any computers to use and solely rely on the book or gps). Once we got to the section for tomorrow we each ran it several times and took notes. It is only 6 kms long and will be a fast, easy section. It was nice to get the car out and see that she was running well.
This afternoon we had a 3 hour co-piloto meeting (yes, way too long) but a good refresher of the timing, penalties, rules and time card. Then Dad had a driver meeting so we weren't out of meetings until after 9 tonight. Time for some shut eye and up early for prequalification tomorrow.
I'm sorry this blogger app on my phone won't let me put captions to the photos but what we have here is a donkey that wanted to join us, the 433 by the breach before calibrating the computer and a few shots from the co-piloto's meeting.
We made it safely into Veracruz last night. It was fun to see our amigos at the DFW airport - the Gregorys and Robertsons from Vancouver, Paul and Sue Wendt from New York and a surprise arrival from Hayden Groendyke and Charlie Samples from Oklahoma.
Tech inspection opened this morning at 10 and we were #22 in line to start registration. I am really impressed with this year's registration and tech process - I keep thinking, is this really La Carrera? It's so organized! The cars are parked in organized, personalized spots in the Convention center of the World Trade Center. Unlike any staging area in years past - we are in a clean building, in air conditioning, organized and with bathrooms with toilet paper and soap! Quite the royal treatment.
The first step of tech/registration is showing your ID and receiving our race ID, paying for our Mexican rally license, passing a health inspection and then getting the car through a stringent technical inspection. They look at our suits, shoes, helmets, Haans devices ( neck protection) and gloves. Then they check turn signals, headlights, brake lights, roll cage (in a few tense moments we almost had to modify the over head bars on the roll cage but upon further inspection were allowed to pass), seatbelts, seats, fire suppression system, fuel cell, tires and wheels, carburetor size (600 cfm), weigh the car and then finally put all sponsor sticker, official number and the all-important green OK sticker.
Ok, game time: whoever guesses closest to how much the car weighs, you win a La Carrera gift!
What a relief to get through the with no issues. You never know how the inspecters will interpret the rules or if they will institute a new rule without anyone knowing. Only 35 cars went through tech today and 13 of them had issues to correct - mostly additions to roll cages or fire suppression system.
We were finished by 1:30 and ventured to find a much-needed cerveza and lunch. We met Guillermo, Hayden, Charlie and the rest of Team 476 -Jason, Keith and Dustin (usa476.com) at the Hotel Beach Club. Dad and I loaded in the hotel's safari-mobile (didn't get a photo but will try mañana!) and headed to the beach. Lunch was a fabulous main course of tequila and Modela with side dishes of shrimp and fish ceviche.
After some good laughs we all piled back into the safari chariot and back to the hotel were a mission to find cigars and espresso ensued.
The good Americans were are all packed into a hotel room and watched the debate intently and once we were sufficiently fired up, headed to the best Italian dinner in all of Veracruz.
Plans for tomorrow are to take the car out to stretch her legs and pre-run the pre qualification stage and to calibrate the terratrip (the computer system in the car that I use to track distance). Then we are touring the old part of town.
Unfortunately the Carrera claimed more cars today. There were 6 very bad accidents, 5 of them in the same spot on top of each other. The good news is that there are only minor injuries, a true testament to the stringent safety requirements and well-built cars. My friend Pepe is one of the press for the race and has some incredible photos and below is one of them.
Besides that bad news - we also have good news. We were second in our class today! Because of the crashes in the morning the first two stages were cancelled but we ran very well in the 4 other stages. Here is a photo of us on the podium tonight. Have I mentioned we are running second to an ex-Formula One driver? Not too shabby!
We set a world record in the Ford today - 203 kilometers per hour! That's almost 125. It was a long straight away, we don't have many of those, and dad got her going. Not bad for an old Y block engine. We had fun even though that speed doesn't even come close to the faster classes.
And then, when dad lifted after the stage, the damn power steering belt popped off again! But this time we were prepared. We pulled over, worked as fast as a NASCAR pit stop and ha it back on in 30 seconds flat. Then we jumped back in the car and made it to the next section on time. It's almost like we practiced!
To my favorite sections tomorrow - Mil Cumbres - and into Morelia, my favorite spot we go to. Hasta mañana!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out where the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with dust and sweat and blood. At best, he knows the triumph of high achievement; if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt
