La Carrera Panamericana Datsun 510
Visit the You Tube link below to see
Taz's 510 look at mins (3:02-3:15)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQOgUz6Xot0
Owner-Driver : Taz Harvey (Dublin CA)
2040 cc making 146 hp to rear wheels.
Custom roll cage
Ready to go to MEXICO!
October 22nd 2010 , 100 vintage racecars--each with a driver and co-driver—will line up
in southern Mexico for the 23d year to race nearly 2000 miles back to border with Texas.
It’s seven days of racing (time trials) over paved roads, through some of the most beautiful
country north of the Equator. The modern event is a revival of the famous international
Pan Am that was conducted between 1950-1954. Many of the world’s most famous
drivers, including world champions like Phil Hill and Juan Manuel Fangio,
and NASCAR legends like Hershel McGriff, came to Mexico during these years
to test their cars, skill, and stamina. The race was started in 1950 by the
Mexican government to inform the world that Mexico had a new system
of highways stretching across the country--from north to south--for commerce
and tourism. When the race was canceled in 1955, its purpose had been accomplished.
In 1988, a group of Mexican and North American auto enthusiasts revived the Pan Am
as a “pro-rally” or “stage rally.” Each car is given a route book with detailed instructions
to follow for the entire seven days. Every turn along the entire route is listed and rated
by degree of difficulty. Warnings are given about dangerous conditions. Speed bumps
and gas stations are even noted, but there can always be a surprise lurking around
each blind corner. Each day’s route is divided into “transit” and “speed” stages.
The transit stages are run from town to town on regular highways, in regular traffic.
But several times a day the racecars line up for the “speed” stages.
After the Mexican Federal Highway Patrol clears the road, the racecars are started
in thirty-second intervals. There are no speed limits--only open roads slicing
through the mountains. You may travel as fast as your skill, your car,
and road conditions warrant. Passing a slower car happens frequently. These speed stages
normally stretch from three to sixteen miles in length, mostly over good, paved mountain roads.
Stages may also be run on a sports car track or freeways. At the end of the week, the cars
with the lowest elapsed times during the special stages are declared the winners – overall
and by class. Time penalty points are imposed if you arrive too early or too late to a speed
section, or commit an infraction of the rules. Unlike other events, there is no
limit on the speed of the cars or any handicapping system.
Historic A+ (four cylinder 1966-1972) -- Nine cars will start in Historic A+ this year,
making it a popular class. Taz Harvey (CA) in his little Datsun 510, built by Troy Ermish
will probably surprise a lot of people, but Martin Lauber (CA) will be high on the podium
again this year, too, along with the Mexican hero, Jo Ramirez, the former coordinator
(crew chief?) of the McLaren team in F1 (1984-2001).
