The Carrera Panamericana
The Carrera Panamericana, also known simply as the Carrera, is a historic automobile race that took place in Mexico. The race was first held in 1950 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most challenging and dangerous road races in the world. The name “Carrera Panamericana” translates to “Pan-American Race” in English.
The first Carrera Panamericana took place from May 5 to May 27, 1950. It was a multi-stage, point-to-point race that covered a distance of around 3,377 kilometers (2,100 miles) from the southern city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Chiapas to the northern city of Ciudad Juárez in Chihuahua. The route traversed the entire length of Mexico, hence the name Panamericana.
The race attracted attention from the international racing community and featured top drivers from around the world. The diverse terrain and challenging conditions, including mountainous regions, deserts, and unpredictable weather, made it a true test of both driver skill and vehicle endurance.
Despite its relatively short existence, the Carrera Panamericana left a lasting impact on Mexican culture and motorsports history. It is remembered as a symbol of endurance and determination, and the spirit of the race is still celebrated today.
In 1988, a modern version of the Carrera Panamericana was revived as a classic car rally. The revived event retained the challenging nature of the original race but with enhanced safety measures. It became a popular event for classic car enthusiasts, attracting participants from around the world.
Today, the Carrera Panamericana is considered a historic motorsport event, and its revival continues to draw attention to the rich history of automotive racing in Mexico. The modern version typically features vintage cars, and participants embark on a scenic journey along the original route, paying homage to the challenges faced by the early competitors.
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All the stories of blood, sweat, tears and love of the JDM car scene in the land of the rising sun, presented by National Geographic.
Listen to the masters speak about their work.
Running time 40 mins. WATCH
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