Day Five: The Road from Moreilia to Guanajuato
Another punishing day but then again every day is a tough day on La Carrera. We started the day reversing the speed sections of Mil Cumbres. Every day has 6-9 speed sections adding up to around 110km. In between these we are in 'transito' of c 350-400km per day. The Rally allows just enough time for petrol stops and a sneeze to get to the next speed section if one travels at 150km per hour. We have Route maps detailing every 150 metres for every day and I live on these and the trip metre. It is a full on endurance event for everyone: driver, co pilote and crew. We are absolutely bushed.
A speed section is something else and the times determine the placing. However if you get lost or are a second early anywhere or more than a minute late then the team incurs heavy time penalties.
In addition you fill in your time card and must work the mental arithmetic of 60 minute plus/ minus extremely quickly. A mistake is another heavy fine. Feels like a tax return.
When you reach each time control for a speed section you must have your harnesses so tight you cannot breath, nets up [to stop arm being lost in a roll], Hans devices on [to stop head smashing on dash/ neck brake]; helmet on, fire suit and gloves on, intercom on, transponder checked and the right time on your card. 100% adrenalin courses every corner of one's compressed body. Driver and co driver work together in a rythym of calls and curves , distracted only by the sight of crashed cars here and there. Today, on the Mil Cumbres two Studebakers [american vintage supercars] left to join the forest and a mini was in such a mess that Fraser and I were silent for twenty minutes. Our plan was and is to stay on the road.
These roads are something else though.
Our day ended in Guanjuato. One of the most amazing 16th Century Towns you must visit one day. Without doubt. Look it up. Unbelievable. 100 odd race cars roared into the heart of the place to uniquely Mexican fanfare.
Passed out...
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