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AUTHOR: JOHNNY TIPLER
PUBLISHER: VELOCE
ISBN: 978-1-84584-170-6
PRICE: £45.00
Mexico’s La Carrera Panamericana is one of those legendary races that just won’t go away, you don’t hear much about it, but it always pops its head up in classic car magazines or books. Maybe it is because the race is so far from Europe and the UK that it does not get the regular coverage that it deserves, but in the states it is big news.
The original Panamericana played an important role in the history of many of the big motor manufacturers, so much so, that those involved in the race regarded it as a kind of a test bed for new technology far away from the prying eyes and lenses of many of the well-known British and European correspondents of the day. Perhaps this is a good thing, because this event is constantly throwing up little nuggets of unpublished happenings and anecdotes for us to read today.
The author has done a grand job of recording the history of the original events, run only between 1950-1954, during which time the drivers and manufacturers would truly battle it out against each other as well as the elements and the uncompromising terrain. These were times when racing drivers were true-grit men, and there was no place for anyone who did not need to be there, or who could not cut it under those conditions.
Tipler’s selection of original black and white photos is excellent as these truly portray the harsh condition under which drivers and teams had to operate. Part 2 of the book, which captures the modern-day La Carrera Panamericana, shows the well-oiled PR machinery which accompanies a revived event of this sort in today’s world of sponsorships and motor sport promotion – errr …., and not forgetting the pit babes. Again, the photographic coverage is top class showing both the thrills and spills of the event.
The book does not hold back in its explanation of today’s race machinery and its colourful participants. The cars participating in the modern event are no more than old bodies covering up-to-the-minute NASCAR V8 running gear with all the mod-cons and safety equipment, which is just as well, because the dangers and competition amongst the drivers and teams is as strong as ever. In the 1950s, drivers were drawn from the ranks of the Formula 1 and manufacturer’s teams, which made them fulltime professional competitors. By contrast, today’s competitors are made up of a bunch of enthusiasts, a large dose of weekend racers (the more serious amateur) with a motley sprinkling of older racing drivers looking for a bit of fun.
One cannot get away from the feeling that this race is another one of those events which caters for the wealthy motor sport enthusiast who has more time and money on his/her hands than most – much like the modern Mille Miglia. But pushing aside the feeling that his is a seven-day party or booze-cruise for a minute, there is a very real need on the part of the competitors to be able to handle a sports or racing car well, or you just may not return home in the same state of mind, or body.
The revival of these legendary races of old is important in that it brings the classic sporting machinery out onto the circuits and tracks for the public to see. The author has successfully captured all of this in an admirable and entertaining way, showing that the modern La Carrera Panamericana is alive and well, and a good event to see one day – if you have the money, that is.
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