Skip to 2:15 min on the video to see Richard and Simon dance on top of the Bag O'Nails to celebrate their 1st place Historica C victory in the 2008 La Carrera Panamericana:
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Videos of Speed Stages
Richard and Simon on Day 0 Prequalification speed stage finish:
Marc Devis and Rupert Clevely on Day 0 Prequalification speed stage finish:
Jon Gross and Martin McGlone on Day 4 speed stage start:
Marc Devis and Rupert Clevely on Day 0 Prequalification speed stage finish:
Jon Gross and Martin McGlone on Day 4 speed stage start:
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Home Sweet Home
It's Sunday afternoon, 1 pm to be precise, and I am back home in Wales after a very tiring trip back.
Slept in the car all the way from Heathrow to Chepstow, so poor Sarah had to drive me back in silence, apart from my snoring, without me telling her a thing about our adventures, and I went to bed at 7.30 pm and slept till 9am this morning.
What an adventure, and what an event, and I am sorry I was not able to update the blog on a daily basis, it was too difficult to do due to both the schedule and the difficulty of getting web access.
Last time I was able to post was Thursday AM with 2 days to go, so to continue the story, here goes.
Thursday was a fairly short day, only 350 KMS with 6 stages all run at altitude on very twisty up and down hill stages which were all very scary, especially the down hill sections with large drops if you got the call wrong, we did 3 stages twice to make up the 6 and after the first runs Simon and I decided to ease off a little as did Marc and Rupert - when we checked our times we were all faster which goes to show that a little knowledge is rather dangerous, but we all drove the stages in a smoother fashion which gave us our improvement, then in to Zacetecas for the night and the infamous Mescal drinking party and dance through the streets - every one follows the band on a parade from the town to the drivers party and day prize giving which of course goes on till about midnight, and then we had to be up at 5.45 to prepare for the final day.
Friday - the final blast from Zacetecas to Nuevo Laredo,a truly bad ass town, was a run of 700KMS using the original PanAmerican Highway, and the morning was bitterly cold as we set off, you forget that at altitude the desert is freezing until the sun is well and truly up. then it gets hot, past the tropic of cancer marker, past lots of mean looking Mexican drugs control posts and on to do 6 really fast stages, where they simply close long stretches of the highway for us to drive like hooligans, imagine a 2 lane rather lumpy version of the M4 and you have the picture - some fast bends but nothing you need to brake for - we were pulling 222KMH but were easing off as we wanted to save the engine, Stig Blomqvist running just in front of us was pulling 290KMH, some were going even faster - all this on road tyres!
Last year when we ran this section the heat nearly killed us, but this year it was much cooler and we found it far easier.
Then a re-group for a controlled convoy to the finish in Nuevo laredo where they will kill you for a packet of fags - and to the finish arch, where we came in to a rapturous crowd, and were photographed dancing on the roof and bonnet of our car Bag o Nails.
We finished in 6th place overall - behind all the 600hp Studebaker's, and 1st in Historic C which is exactly what we wanted to achieve, so Simon and I are over the moon.
Immediately after the finish ramp our car was pulled aside as was Marc and Rupert's car for a tech inspection - carb off- rockers off, and a capacity check - we all proved to be legal, so after a long shower and complete re-pack of all of our clothes ( we had to leave at 6.30am to catch our flight to Mexico city) we went to the final prize giving which was the usual crazy affair - too much noise and chaos.
Marc and Rupert did really well for beginners, and I think over the next few weeks they will realise that experience on this event really does count, we were much better at coping with all the problems that faced us this year than we were last year, and even after what seemed a retirement moment when we split the sump open in the middle of nowhere Simon and I knew in our heart of hearts that we still stood a chance.
Martin and Jon had a great time, and drove the Gypsy Wind which had more problems than us, but still finished well, they enjoyed them selves and I think that they will be back next year.
What you don't know is that Marc Devis our team mate from Belgium arranged for Alexander Davidis of John Galt Films Inc from New York to come down with a crew of 5 technicians and fit our 3 mule team cars with cameras and full sound kits that were live for 9 hours a day, giving them 189 hours of live action, this is now being edited down to either 45 mins or hopefully a 2 hour 2 part documentary to be screened world wide by discovery TV in the new year, Alex and his crew were a delight to work with, and they said it was one of the most exciting events they have ever covered, so watch out for it!
Post race thoughts from home.
Mexico - the people are really wonderful, humble, happy, polite and will do anything to help you.
The food is awful, we are all still suffering from Montezuma's revenge after 12 days!
Topes or speed bumps can destroy your car - at any time
and La Carrera really is the one adventure all petrol heads should do at least once before you die.
True friendships are built in the face of adversity.
Memories of this event will live for ever.
Simon and I would like to pay tribute to the Mule Team crew of Fernando, Sean Kristin, Dave and especially our crew chief Todd Landon.
Will we go back?
may be - but not to defend our title, we can only get knocked off our perch, but possibly in a different car for a new class win, we will keep you posted.
Slept in the car all the way from Heathrow to Chepstow, so poor Sarah had to drive me back in silence, apart from my snoring, without me telling her a thing about our adventures, and I went to bed at 7.30 pm and slept till 9am this morning.
What an adventure, and what an event, and I am sorry I was not able to update the blog on a daily basis, it was too difficult to do due to both the schedule and the difficulty of getting web access.
Last time I was able to post was Thursday AM with 2 days to go, so to continue the story, here goes.
Thursday was a fairly short day, only 350 KMS with 6 stages all run at altitude on very twisty up and down hill stages which were all very scary, especially the down hill sections with large drops if you got the call wrong, we did 3 stages twice to make up the 6 and after the first runs Simon and I decided to ease off a little as did Marc and Rupert - when we checked our times we were all faster which goes to show that a little knowledge is rather dangerous, but we all drove the stages in a smoother fashion which gave us our improvement, then in to Zacetecas for the night and the infamous Mescal drinking party and dance through the streets - every one follows the band on a parade from the town to the drivers party and day prize giving which of course goes on till about midnight, and then we had to be up at 5.45 to prepare for the final day.
Friday - the final blast from Zacetecas to Nuevo Laredo,a truly bad ass town, was a run of 700KMS using the original PanAmerican Highway, and the morning was bitterly cold as we set off, you forget that at altitude the desert is freezing until the sun is well and truly up. then it gets hot, past the tropic of cancer marker, past lots of mean looking Mexican drugs control posts and on to do 6 really fast stages, where they simply close long stretches of the highway for us to drive like hooligans, imagine a 2 lane rather lumpy version of the M4 and you have the picture - some fast bends but nothing you need to brake for - we were pulling 222KMH but were easing off as we wanted to save the engine, Stig Blomqvist running just in front of us was pulling 290KMH, some were going even faster - all this on road tyres!
Last year when we ran this section the heat nearly killed us, but this year it was much cooler and we found it far easier.
Then a re-group for a controlled convoy to the finish in Nuevo laredo where they will kill you for a packet of fags - and to the finish arch, where we came in to a rapturous crowd, and were photographed dancing on the roof and bonnet of our car Bag o Nails.
We finished in 6th place overall - behind all the 600hp Studebaker's, and 1st in Historic C which is exactly what we wanted to achieve, so Simon and I are over the moon.
Immediately after the finish ramp our car was pulled aside as was Marc and Rupert's car for a tech inspection - carb off- rockers off, and a capacity check - we all proved to be legal, so after a long shower and complete re-pack of all of our clothes ( we had to leave at 6.30am to catch our flight to Mexico city) we went to the final prize giving which was the usual crazy affair - too much noise and chaos.
Marc and Rupert did really well for beginners, and I think over the next few weeks they will realise that experience on this event really does count, we were much better at coping with all the problems that faced us this year than we were last year, and even after what seemed a retirement moment when we split the sump open in the middle of nowhere Simon and I knew in our heart of hearts that we still stood a chance.
Martin and Jon had a great time, and drove the Gypsy Wind which had more problems than us, but still finished well, they enjoyed them selves and I think that they will be back next year.
What you don't know is that Marc Devis our team mate from Belgium arranged for Alexander Davidis of John Galt Films Inc from New York to come down with a crew of 5 technicians and fit our 3 mule team cars with cameras and full sound kits that were live for 9 hours a day, giving them 189 hours of live action, this is now being edited down to either 45 mins or hopefully a 2 hour 2 part documentary to be screened world wide by discovery TV in the new year, Alex and his crew were a delight to work with, and they said it was one of the most exciting events they have ever covered, so watch out for it!
Post race thoughts from home.
Mexico - the people are really wonderful, humble, happy, polite and will do anything to help you.
The food is awful, we are all still suffering from Montezuma's revenge after 12 days!
Topes or speed bumps can destroy your car - at any time
and La Carrera really is the one adventure all petrol heads should do at least once before you die.
True friendships are built in the face of adversity.
Memories of this event will live for ever.
Simon and I would like to pay tribute to the Mule Team crew of Fernando, Sean Kristin, Dave and especially our crew chief Todd Landon.
Will we go back?
may be - but not to defend our title, we can only get knocked off our perch, but possibly in a different car for a new class win, we will keep you posted.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Richard and Simon 1st in Historic C!
I'm posting for Richard since he's on a plane back home to the UK.
Richard and Simon won 1st place in Historic C and 6th overall!
Marc and Rupert were just 2 seconds behind Bill Shanahan clenching a 3rd place in Historic C and 9th overall!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Pictures of the final day here: http://funskterwtf.blogspot.com/.
Kristin
Richard and Simon won 1st place in Historic C and 6th overall!
Marc and Rupert were just 2 seconds behind Bill Shanahan clenching a 3rd place in Historic C and 9th overall!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Pictures of the final day here: http://funskterwtf.blogspot.com/.
Kristin
Front page of the Nuevo Laredo, Mexico newspaper.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Here I am!!
God, its day 6 and this is the first opportunity I have had to do the blog - excuse the spelling, no time to correct.
Qualifying went well, we were 12th overall and 1st in class, so pleased with that, Rupert and Mark Devis were a little slower but well up.
The first day was a crippler, we did over 550kms of really tough road sections high up in the mountains, betwen 6 and 8 thousand feet,with 7 special stages, and temps of 35 deg, we were just shattered at the end, and finished the day in 3rd pos in historics - Martin Mc Glone was very ill and had to stop driving, a combination of heat , exhaustion and dehydration, it was the hardest days rallying we have ever done.
Day 2 was just as hard, we came down a long straight hill at around 120mph and hit a dip , marked in the notes but not cautioned and the car launched in the air and we split the sump - luckily it was at the end of the stage so we got a quick time and limped to a village were we found a mechanic who was able to solder up the crack, it´s an ali sump so could not be welded, this took 2 hours and cost a measly 700 pesos, about 40 quid, fantastic, and only in mexico.
Our times on the stages now moved us up to 1st in the most competitive class Historic C and we have won every day so far with the exception of the first day were we were beaten by 2 germans in a quick Mustang, sadly they crashed out.
The mule team are all still running, Simon and I are 6th or 7th overall and 1 st in class and Marc and Rupert are not far behind us.
We are pissing off our arch rivals Bill Shannahan the yank with Brit Murray Smith as his Co Piloto - they were determined to beat us gringos this year but we are still far faster than they are.
Anyway,we are now about to start day 6 and we are all very tired and rather smelly, Montezuma has attacked us all with dire consequences, especially Marc and I who had the most embarassing moment in the centre of Mexico City at the start of the special stage - we were lining up to go, and we literally had to, then and there, bit like having a poo in regents park with loads of people walking around!
got to go now, off in a few minutes and I need food, have lost a couple of kilos, rupert has droped 4kgs thanks to old Monty.
We really really want this win, fingers crossed go to do the infamous mille cumbres this morning - you translate it and you will understand,
bye,
8.30
Qualifying went well, we were 12th overall and 1st in class, so pleased with that, Rupert and Mark Devis were a little slower but well up.
The first day was a crippler, we did over 550kms of really tough road sections high up in the mountains, betwen 6 and 8 thousand feet,with 7 special stages, and temps of 35 deg, we were just shattered at the end, and finished the day in 3rd pos in historics - Martin Mc Glone was very ill and had to stop driving, a combination of heat , exhaustion and dehydration, it was the hardest days rallying we have ever done.
Day 2 was just as hard, we came down a long straight hill at around 120mph and hit a dip , marked in the notes but not cautioned and the car launched in the air and we split the sump - luckily it was at the end of the stage so we got a quick time and limped to a village were we found a mechanic who was able to solder up the crack, it´s an ali sump so could not be welded, this took 2 hours and cost a measly 700 pesos, about 40 quid, fantastic, and only in mexico.
Our times on the stages now moved us up to 1st in the most competitive class Historic C and we have won every day so far with the exception of the first day were we were beaten by 2 germans in a quick Mustang, sadly they crashed out.
The mule team are all still running, Simon and I are 6th or 7th overall and 1 st in class and Marc and Rupert are not far behind us.
We are pissing off our arch rivals Bill Shannahan the yank with Brit Murray Smith as his Co Piloto - they were determined to beat us gringos this year but we are still far faster than they are.
Anyway,we are now about to start day 6 and we are all very tired and rather smelly, Montezuma has attacked us all with dire consequences, especially Marc and I who had the most embarassing moment in the centre of Mexico City at the start of the special stage - we were lining up to go, and we literally had to, then and there, bit like having a poo in regents park with loads of people walking around!
got to go now, off in a few minutes and I need food, have lost a couple of kilos, rupert has droped 4kgs thanks to old Monty.
We really really want this win, fingers crossed go to do the infamous mille cumbres this morning - you translate it and you will understand,
bye,
8.30
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Day 4 Results - 1st and 2nd in Class!
This is Kristin posting for Richard. It has been bloody difficult getting on the internet, even though we are staying at fancy hotels.
As of the end of Day 4 of racing:
Richard and Simon 1st in class and 6th overall (Bag O,Nails).
Marc and Rupert are 2nd in class and 7th overall (orange Falcon).
We are not sure where the Gypsy Wind is placed with Martin and Jon, but they are also doing very well and have been on the podium, placing in their class.
Everyone is smiling, having a blast and the cars are running very well. Hopefully Richard and I can get on and blog tonight, but you never know in Mexico.
As of the end of Day 4 of racing:
Richard and Simon 1st in class and 6th overall (Bag O,Nails).
Marc and Rupert are 2nd in class and 7th overall (orange Falcon).
We are not sure where the Gypsy Wind is placed with Martin and Jon, but they are also doing very well and have been on the podium, placing in their class.
Everyone is smiling, having a blast and the cars are running very well. Hopefully Richard and I can get on and blog tonight, but you never know in Mexico.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
here we Are
After a long and tiring 12 hour flight we all arrived safely in Mexico City, very tired and stressy. We spent the night at the airport and then flew in to Tuxla the following morning when we went straight down to meet our Guru Todd landon who has built and prepared all three cars that form the Mule Team.
We are 5 Brits and one Belgian, Marc Devis, who thinks he's British, and we go along with that.
We then have 3 days of boredom and stress which is the tech spec and documentation plus fitting the global sat nav that tracks the cars on route, in case of accidents, of which there are plenty. So, a long hard day, and you should click this link from Kristin who is our major team blooger: http://funskterwtf.blogspot.com/.
-Richard
We are 5 Brits and one Belgian, Marc Devis, who thinks he's British, and we go along with that.
We then have 3 days of boredom and stress which is the tech spec and documentation plus fitting the global sat nav that tracks the cars on route, in case of accidents, of which there are plenty. So, a long hard day, and you should click this link from Kristin who is our major team blooger: http://funskterwtf.blogspot.com/.
-Richard
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Second time lucky... or not? who knows
How exciting, at the tender age of 60 this is my first blog, and it's all about the infamous La Carrera Panamericana - the totally non PC road race from the bottom to the top of Mexico.
Simon Jefferies, my Co Driver, and I leave from Heathrow on Monday morning to fly to Mexico City, we will be accompanied by our old pal Rupert Clevely who will be joining our Belgian friend Marc Devis in Mexico city, and after a good nights sleep we will all fly down to Tuxla on tuesday morning to meet the other members of our driving team, they are John Gross and martin Mc Glone - also from the UK and the 6 of us make up The Mule Team.
Simon and I did this event last year as rookies, and we sprang a big surprise on the establishment, we were leading Historics by a massive margin and had the class win in the bag plus a fourth place overall untill I made an error and plonked our trusty Mustang GT 350 R off the stage and over the edge.
Luckily there were large trees to prevent our descent, and we suffered very little damage, apart that is, to our pride as we lost our lead and finished 6th overall and second in class.
At the time we were both gutted, and so were the team lead by our Guru Todd Landon, who had worked so hard to not only build and prepare the car, but to keep it flying during the event.
So - here we are back again to see if we can go one better.
Todd and his gang are leaving as I write this, wednesday 15th October, for the massive road trip from Minnesota all the way down to the bottom of mexico, and we expect to meet up on Tuesday 28th in Tuxla, so i will file a report when we arrive.
Simon Jefferies, my Co Driver, and I leave from Heathrow on Monday morning to fly to Mexico City, we will be accompanied by our old pal Rupert Clevely who will be joining our Belgian friend Marc Devis in Mexico city, and after a good nights sleep we will all fly down to Tuxla on tuesday morning to meet the other members of our driving team, they are John Gross and martin Mc Glone - also from the UK and the 6 of us make up The Mule Team.
Simon and I did this event last year as rookies, and we sprang a big surprise on the establishment, we were leading Historics by a massive margin and had the class win in the bag plus a fourth place overall untill I made an error and plonked our trusty Mustang GT 350 R off the stage and over the edge.
Luckily there were large trees to prevent our descent, and we suffered very little damage, apart that is, to our pride as we lost our lead and finished 6th overall and second in class.
At the time we were both gutted, and so were the team lead by our Guru Todd Landon, who had worked so hard to not only build and prepare the car, but to keep it flying during the event.
So - here we are back again to see if we can go one better.
Todd and his gang are leaving as I write this, wednesday 15th October, for the massive road trip from Minnesota all the way down to the bottom of mexico, and we expect to meet up on Tuesday 28th in Tuxla, so i will file a report when we arrive.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
