2006.11.16 Monterey - La Carrera 2006 has ended!
November 16, 2006
It has been very tough to keep up with the blogging due to the hectic travel schedule!
Today, La Carrera Panamericana completed the 2006 running with the finish in Monterey!
The awards ceremony is mere minutes away at the Fiesta Americana Hotel, so I am going to have to post here later.
There have been no major accidents today.
Rachel Larratt has won the inaugural Unlimited Class at La Carrera Panamericana. It is thought at this point that she has placed 9th overall in the overall standings, however she is not eligible to be formally placed in these standings with the historic categories.
Rachel’s car is now on display at the FIAT of Monterey open celebrations.
More to follow later … probably tomorrow, as we will be celebrating all through the night!
Gabriel Pérez y Angélica Fuentes CAMPEONES de la Panamericana 2006
2006.11.14 Morelia to Aguascalientes
November 16, 2006
In the morning, we left Morelia and headed back to Mil Cumbres to race again. As the drivers had come to respect the mountain the day before, today was a havoc free day of racing … more or less.
I have been spending the majority of my time driving with the Federal Highway Patrol, which means some wonderful legal rides on all sides of the highway with lights and sirens blaring … even though the Corvettes drown out the siren with their fire breathing engines! (PS Alex Roy … eat your heart out)
Bill Shanahan and Murray Smith in the beautifully executed Historica “C” #388 Corvette driving in Morelia:
Rachel Larratt lining up at Mil Cumbres:
The “Sam and Dave Show” - The #205 Sport Mayor LT of Sam Burg and David Theriault
Sam and Dave needed some help warming their car up, so I helped out:
(Picture by DMarlett)
Rachel Larratt with Pierre de Thoisy two positions behind her. Pierre has won La Carrera overall for the last six years. Comfort level of having Pierre behind you on Mil Cumbres? Zero. Rachel kept Pierre behind her, however! WAY TO GO RACHEL!
The Sport Mayor XK # 204 of Juan Osorio and Fernando Fernando González.
Luis Barona and Jorge Latapi in the #253 Histórica “A” Volvo:
Turismo Mayor Piloto en Fuego Doug Mockett and Alan Baillie make the “Olds en Nombre Solemente” go go go!
2006.11.13 Mil Cumbres • Jaguar Historica “B”
November 15, 2006
Mil Cumbres is “1,000 turns”
Unfortunatly the Jaguar roadster team #300 of Erich Schellinger and Joshua Chousal had a bad crash. The co•piloto is Joshua Chousal, a 19 year old that was badly injured.
All of you watching this please take a moment to address this young man and wish his family and him the best. All of us here have taken a moment to wish him well.
(Picture by Brian Durand)
(Picture by Brian Durand)
2006.11.13 Querétaro to Morelia
November 15, 2006
On the way to Morelia, La Carrera drives Mil Cumbres, or “1,000 turns”.
Rachel Larratt once again proved her wonderful driving abilities in The Unlimited Class while carving up the 1,000 turns!
(Picture by Brian Durand)
Mil Cumbres usually takes its toll on the Carrera grid, and this year was no exception.
(Picture by Brian Durand)
(Picture by Brian Durand)
(Picture by Brian Durand)
Once again, due to the safety requirements of La Carrera Panamericana, most of these off road ventures are simply a matter of bruised egos, a few cold beers and laughs … and planning for next years event and being a little more careful on Mil Cumbres next time!
2006.11.14 Aguascalientes drivers meeting
November 14, 2006
Tonight the drivers meeting was in the bullring and then the square outside of it. How cool!
Doug Mockett and Pierre de Thoisy
2006.11.12 Puebla to Querétaro • Day 3 of La Carrera Panamericana!
November 12, 2006
This morning, we went to Mexico City for our first velocity (speed section) and raced at the Autodromo Hernandos Rodriquez in Mexico City. Rachel kicked some ass! If you watch FOXSports tonight to watch the CHAMP CAR race, there should be a ten or so minute segment about La Carrera running before the CHAMP Car race today. How cool!
I need to leave for the drivers meeting and after party the Mayor is having for us at the museum in the town center … I will post more later, but leave you with some more of Rachel getting mobbed by the crowds!
P.S. … there will be some very major news coming to this site when I have the time to write it up. There are some AMAZING new rules for next year’s Unlimited Class at La Carrera Panamericana!
2006.11.11 Veracruz to Puebla • Day 2 of La Carrera Panamericana!
November 11, 2006
No one crashed today, just good racing!
Today we went to Puebla. I am tired and going to sleep. The crowds are massive … lining the highways, bridges, speed sections and all of the towns that we go to. I’m not good with numbers but i’d bet today we saw a few 100k people.
Drivers tip of the day: wrap your clutch pedal with tape so your foot doesn’t hurt so much after going through the crowds….
I have to be up in 5 hours … many great tales … and pictures … more when I can!
Bret
2006.11.11 Veracruz to Puebla • Day 2 of La Carrera Panamericana • Happy Birthday to Cade
November 11, 2006
Pilota Rachel and Co•Piloto Cade had a good day in the car from what they say. I missed the drivers meeting, so I did not see them get their awards … but it was Cade’s birthday … happy b-day Cade!
2006.11.10 Veracruz • Day 1 of La Carrera Panamericana!
November 10, 2006
Although Doug Mockett, the pole winner by 1 MINUTE, met up with the rock, he still was able to finish with three wheels on the car and make it to the next stage.
After adding a well needed 4th wheel, Mocket was back in the groove and went on to pass Unlimited Class driver Rachel Larratt. WOW Doug!
At the end of the day, La Carrera is about friendships, and Doug and Rachel sat around drinking some cold water after their adventuresome day.
2006.11.10 Veracruz • Day 1 of La Carrera Panamericana!
November 10, 2006
Doug Mockett chose sizzors. Rock break sizzors. Maybe next time Doug will choose paper!
