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As we approach the start of the La Carrera PanAmericana...
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Apparently the rules call for a sedan manufactured when the original carrera was being run with nearly stock body. The 53s are the lightest and most aerodynamic cars that fit the rules, I am guessing. Love it!
I'd love to run the modern Carrera but the course is so dangerous I am afraid I'd get killed even if trying to drive very safely.Diesel loving, autocrossing, Coupe express loving, Grandpa Architect.
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Originally posted by Dick Steinkamp View PostJim,
This is the year I check this one off the bucket list. I'm flying to Guadalajara Saturday and will be in Morelia Saturday night and Sunday. I'll follow the race through Zacatecas but then I have to head home. Can we hook up?
-Dick-
Those fellows in the video had their build documented on facebook, and it's got more in common with a NASCAR racecar than a stock vehicle. Regardless, they're the car to beat. If I'm not mistaken, there are various classes that let you run the updated ones, and classes that let you run what was race-prepped in the day (except for modern safety equipment).'53 Commander
Art Morrison chassis
LS6 ASA/4L60E
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Jim,
Sorry you can't make it this year. There is always next year. I'll see if I have enough time and expertise to live blog what i see. If not, I'll at least make a report.
Here's a piloto's view from inside the Stude...
https://www.facebook.com/Control.Din...2wfhhfcpKFavXwDick Steinkamp
Bellingham, WA
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Dick,
I've been 3 times. In 2001 I rode a motorcycle from Minnesota to Zacatecas to watch the last 2 days of racing. Raced a '57 Olds in 2003 and a '54 Olds in 2006. Here's my quick advice:
1. Don't drink anything unless it comes out of a bottle you see opened. Especially don't drink anything with ice in it. I saw 2 drivers and their support crews nearly unable to finish the race when they got sick before the first day of the race. They suspected it was ice in the drinks from BK. I practically live on the apple soda during the race. I avoid street food vendors as well. Bimbo and other packaged food brands at gas stations can be a life-saver.
2. When I walk into the hotel room the first thing I do is throw a washcloth over the faucet in the bathroom so I don't accidentally use it to brush my teeth.
3. Zacatecas is at 7500 feet and La Bufa is at 8500. You'll feel it. If you can hook up with a support group you can get a ride out to watch the day's stage. Really worth it. Also be very careful when walking. That town and the area above the race course is a broken ankle waiting to happen (I have literally seen it happen). On the plus side, there are beautiful silver trinkets available for gifts to the wife. Make sure you get into the tour around town but be careful not to drink too much moonshine mescal. Some fellows from MN did that rather than work on their clutch and had to drop out on the last day of racing.
4. The main traffic control device in the small towns you drive through is the Tope (speed bump). Treat them with respect or you will be VERY sorry (seen this happen, too).
Suspension-killing wonders called topes, which crop up on highways and back streets alike, are a means of enforcing speed control and civility, and cannot be avoided.
Have fun and show us some pictures!
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Thanks, Bob.
I'll be with a good friend who lives in the Aquascalientes area. He is quite familiar with the race and knows several of the drivers and service crews. We have passes to some of the drivers meetings and will get up close to some of the nightly service and repair activities. We'll be on course for some of the speed stages. I'll stay away from those items you list...I didn't watch it closely enough in India and I don't want a repeat of that experience! . (Cerveza is always a good substitute for water )
I wish you were racing this year. That would make it even more interesting.
BTW, we missed the Pt Townsend Wooden Boat Show this year, but being big John Stenibeck fans have been over to Pt Townsend several times to keep track of the restoration of the Western Flyer.Dick Steinkamp
Bellingham, WA
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