Become Part of the Legend, 2010!

We have few opportunities in our lives to become part of a legend.  But La Carrera Panamericana, the Pan Am is one of those rare opportunities.  It is the last open, top-speed road race of its kind in the world.  No one can predict how long it will survive in this modern age.

This October, 100 vintage racecars--each with a driver and co-driver—will line up in southern Mexico for the 23d year to race nearly 2000 miles back to border with Texas.  It’s seven days of racing (time trials) over paved roads, through some of the most beautiful country north of the Equator. Seven days of freedom. It’s a week of feeling very special and a lifetime of memories.

The modern event is a revival of the famous international Pan Am that was conducted between 1950-1954. Many of the world’s most famous drivers, including world champions like Phil Hill and Juan Manuel Fangio, and NASCAR legends like Hershel McGriff, came to Mexico during these years to test their cars, skill, and stamina.  The race was started in 1950 by the Mexican government to inform the world that Mexico had a new system of highways stretching across the country--from north to south--for commerce and tourism.  When the race was canceled in 1955, its purpose had been accomplished.

In 1988, a group of Mexican and North American auto enthusiasts revived the Pan Am as a “pro-rally” or “stage rally.”  Each car is given a route book with detailed instructions to follow for the entire seven days.  Every turn along the entire route is listed and rated by degree of difficulty.  Warnings are given about dangerous conditions.  Speed bumps and gas stations are even noted, but there can always be a surprise lurking around each blind corner.

Each day’s route is divided into “transit” and “speed” stages. The transit stages are run from town to town on regular highways, in regular traffic.  But several times a day the racecars line up for the “speed” stages.  After the Mexican Federal Highway Patrol clears the road, the racecars are started in thirty-second intervals.  There are no speed limits--only open roads slicing through the mountains. You may travel as fast as your skill, your car, and road conditions warrant.   Passing a slower car happens frequently.

These speed stages normally stretch from three to sixteen miles in length, mostly over good, paved mountain roads.  Stages may also be run on a sports car track or freeways.  At the end of the week, the cars with the lowest elapsed times during the special stages are declared the winners – overall and by class.  Time penalty points are imposed if you arrive too early or too late to a speed section, or commit an infraction of the rules.   Unlike other events, there is no limit on the speed of the cars or any handicapping system.

There are three unofficial levels of participation in the Pan Am for the same entry fee.  First, you may participate at the “tourist” level.   Just buy an old car (1965 or older), add some required safety features, and come down to cruise the route for fun.  It’s the “no pressure” approach.   Finishing the event, even at this level, is a significant accomplishment.  It is, of course, the best way to learn how the event operates.

The second level of participation, “competition,” requires investing more in your car and running it hard. You may not expect to finish first in class, but you intend to extract the most from the car.   At this level of participation, a podium finish is possible.   There are no cash prizes, only bragging rights.

A significant minority of participants moves eventually to the third level, “champion,” or full competition. They will spend inordinate amounts on a thoroughly prepared vintage hot rod in an effort to finish first in class or higher in the overall standings. The stress and expense involved in this approach should be obvious.

No one will ask about your intended level of participation.  But we have noticed that the “tourists” seem to be smiling more often.

Few drivers have won their class or finished high in the overall standing during their first year.  Come to this event the first time expecting to learn about the problems of endurance racing for a week at high altitude in a vintage car.  Take the time to appreciate the magnitude of the overall experience.  Your learning curve will be as steep as the road up Mil Cumbres.

Regardless of your commitment and goals, all levels of competitors are welcome. The cars are subject to certain limitations and the approval of the organizers, since safety as well as speed is imperative, so read the rules carefully.  And please remember, there is no substitute for good, reliable brakes.

The expenses involved in the Pan Am will vary greatly from entrant to entrant.  Preparing a car, traveling to Mexico and back, and the entry fee are the basic categories of expense. Some make it on $10,000, while others spend a small fortune.

The entry fee covers not only the expense of staging the race over 2000 miles, but includes one room for eight nights in first-class hotels, plus a number of receptions, fiestas, and souvenirs.  Advice and limited assistance with preparing your car, crossing the border, and getting to the starting point are also provided.

For a small additional fee, all participants, regardless of experience, will be issued the mandatory Mexican rally license for the event.   The license also provides a modest amount of medical, life, and dismemberment insurance coverage.  Additional coverage is recommended.

The Pan Am is a combination of serious racing and adventure.  It is a true test of driving and mechanical skills, stamina, and patience.  Most importantly, perhaps, it is an opportunity to see a beautiful country and meet its gracious people.  You will be their hero!   These memories and the friends you’ll make will endure forever. 

Like all forms of auto racing, La Carrera Panamericana is dangerous. Make sure that your car is prepared adequately and is safe.   Drive it prudently.

You should review the rules of the Pan Am carefully before buying and preparing a car, especially the roll cage.  If you have questions, call Gerie Bledsoe, North American Coordinator, at 650-726-9890, or email him at gbledso@aol.com.