Great Pan American Race
The legendary race that made Mexico home to motorsport legends.
V Pan-American Race (1954-11-01) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Great Mexican Road Race
The Gran Carrera Panamericana had it all and then some: speed, danger, iconic cars that reached over 200 km/h, motor racing legends, breathtaking landscapes, crashes, and even entire mechanical teams in the jungles of Mexico.
Start of the V Pan-American Race (1954-11-19) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
From highway to race
The race was conceived in 1950 by Don Enrique Martín Moreno and President Miguel Alemán, a great car enthusiast. Its goal was to promote the newly inaugurated Pan-American Highway, stretching from El Paso, Texas to the border with Guatemala.
Start of the V Pan-American Race (1954-11-19) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Challenge of altitude and gallantry
Racers covered over 3,000 km in just four to six days, facing a very demanding course due to the country's great changes in altitude. In a single day, they could go from 1,200 m to 3,000 m, putting the cars' endurance to the test.
V Pan-American Race (1954-11-01) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Innovating in the heart of Mexico
Due to the high risks involved in the race, the use of seat belts was adopted 20 years earlier than in Formula 1. Moreover, due to the extensive distances covered, drivers could go through up to 16 sets of tires.
Sacred asphalt
The race was held in its first stage from 1950 to 1954 and was undoubtedly one of the most spectacular in the world. Some top car manufacturers, such as Ferrari, Mercedes, and Porsche, tested their mechanics on the sacred asphalt of Mexico.
V Pan American Race (1954-11-23) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Stage of legends
But it wasn't just the manufacturers who wanted to test their bravery in the mountains of Mexico; many of the most famous drivers in history left the mark of their tires and the iron of their cars on the asphalt of the Pan-American Highway. And none were greater than Juan Manuel Fangio.
Reaching the goal (1954-11-23) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Legendary Fangio
The five-time Formula 1 champion, considered by many to be the best driver in history, was crowned in the 1953 edition in a Lancia D24, alongside his navigator Gino Bronzoni, despite having crashed into a rock in Puebla due to an oil leak.
Perhaps the great Fangio was thinking of the Pan-American when he said these famous words:
"There are those who avoid trouble and there are adventurers. We racing drivers are adventurers: The more difficult something is, the greater the attraction it exerts on us."
Celebration V Pan-American Race (1954-11-01) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Unexpected dangers
Another curious incident that became a milestone in motor racing was when the 1952 champion and Mercedes driver Hans Kling took a right turn and a vulture crashed into his windshield, injuring his partner's face.
Celebration V Pan-American Race (1954-11-01) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Risks and sacrifices
It is true that for the men and women who took part in the race, the risks were latent. Sadly, more than 20 drivers lost their lives in the competition, but they earned a place in the immortal annals of motor racing.
Jaqueline Evans on the starting line (1954-11-19) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Historic race
The Pan-American was a race that demonstrated the bravery and gallantry of drivers and manufacturers. Moreover, it showcased the passion of over 2 million spectators who gathered along the highway, hoping to witness a historic moment in motor racing.
V Pan-American Race (1954-11-01) by Héctor García Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation
Gran Carrera Panamericana
A challenge to bravery, an ode to passion, and a legend immortalized on the asphalt.
