The name of the Carrera Panamericana evokes the motor racing heyday of the 1950s. Five editions of this multi-thousand-mile race across Mexico took place between 1950 and 1954, marked by both spectacular victories and tragic accidents. Ferrari won twice, and Mercedes established its dominance with the 300 SL with gullwing doors. After that, the race was deemed too dangerous, and was shut down. Until 1988. Since then, the most improbable and overpowered cars have continued to traverse the forests, cities and deserts of Mexico, sometimes cresting mountain passes at an altitude of 3500 metres. The Club Pecqueur Motorists invites you to immerse yourself in the next edition.
Check your calendars! The Club Pecqueur Motorists’ programme is scheduled to take place over one week in October 2024. We’ll let you know the exact dates very soon.
The Carrera Panamericana (or “Pan Am” for short) runs from 13th to 19th October. The competitors will cover a total distance of 3,900 km, along a somewhat circuitous route between Veracruz in Mexico’s south to Nuevo Leon, a stone’s throw from the Texas border.
The race will be split into seven stages with around 60 special timed events totalling 600 km.
The cars that sign up for the Pan Am must stick to a retro 1950s aesthetic. Most entrants choose American touring cars that are refitted in Mexico and souped up with NASCAR-inspired upgrades. Their V8 engines deliver a staggering 700 horsepower, enabling the cars to reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. Intriguingly, Studebakers seem to be the vehicle of choice among the frontrunners. Over the last 30 years, these classic cars have missed out on only two victories.
The race seems to appeal particularly to the French, who appear to enjoy challenging the local drivers. Pierre de Thoisy clinched 7 victories (in a Studebaker, of course) between 1997 and 2007. However, the list of winning drivers also includes Erik Comas in 2010, as well as Stig Blomqvist of Sweden in 2009, and Harri Rovanpera of Finland in 2010. So, it’s not always a Franco-Mexican duel.
The Club invites you to immerse yourself in the final two stages of the 2024 Carrera Panamericana with a veteran Pan Am team. Frenchman Hilaire Damiron and his Brazilian wife, Laura Damiron, are not just familiar with the race – they won the 2023 edition with their incredible Studebaker El Commander. As experienced contenders, Hilaire and Laura are all set to welcome you into their team.
But that’s not all the programme has in store. There will be a detour to the paddock of the Mexican Formula 1 Grand Prix, scheduled for the following weekend. This event is well-known for the enthusiasm of its fans, especially when local hero Checo (Sergio Perez) is on the track.
The programme is still being finalised, but if you’re interested, please let Romain Guettal know as soon as possible. – Contact