THE LONGEST RACE OF THE WORLD

At the beginning there was a road – the transamerican (Pan-American Highway) – which crossed the whole of the American continent over more than 25,000 kilometres. Interest quickly grew in taking on the challenge of the 3,300-kilometre Mexican section, and from this simple fun idea was born the Carrera Panamericana. Between 1950 and 1954 sports cars from all over the world came to Mexico to take part.

Ferrari, Osca, Lancier, Mercedes, Porsche and Maserati lined up on the starting grid. Among the first drivers was the Argentinian, Juan Manuel Fangio – five times world Formula 1 champion – who won the race in 1953 and brought to the world’s notice the Panamericana, quickly known as the longest race in the world. The world’s last authentic road race, this is not just about speed; this is a test of regularity for man and machine.

Crossing a whole country over seven days, the Panamericana is above all an amazing human and collective adventure. Achievement is team success and is down to the symbiosis between the driver, copilot, engineers and mechanics. It’s also a race where everyone helps each other in a wonderful atmosphere with thousands of spectators at every stage.