Racing in Mexico

If you plan to visit or race in Mexico, please read this!

City street racing events in the Baja California cities of Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada appear to offer great race sites for Southern California and Arizona drivers.  If 1999 is any indication, then the future of racing in Mexico is not very bright as far as most U.S. drivers are concerned.  This dim outlook is due poor race management and problems with travel in Mexico.

If you plan to go, there are some things you need to know before you make the trip and some vital do's and don't when in Mexico.

In 1999 there were a number of incidents involving American citizens (not race related) that were denied transport to the U.S. for urgent medical care.  In each case the people involved did not have Mexico insurance to cover their visit.  When you are involved in an accident in Mexico,  if you do not have MEXICO insurance, Mexico law requires that you post a cash bond to cover damages and your care.  The cash bond amount is around $11,000 (U.S., cash), no exceptions. 

Your U.S. insurance is worthless in Mexico.

This pertains to passengers as well as the driver of a passenger vehicle.  In one incident, two passengers were held until the authorities completed an investigation.  One paid the $11,000 bond and was able to go to San Diego for medical treatment.  The other passenger could not post the bond and had to remain in custody until the investigation was completed.

No matter what your feelings on such matters remember that you are subject to Mexico law once you cross the border.  Your U.S. citizenship means next to nothing.  It's their country; we must obey their laws.

DON'T

Do Not carry firearms into Mexico.  There are strict laws regarding simple possession (in your vehicle or trailer) that WILL land you in prison with little hope of getting out for years.

Do not drive into Mexico unless you purchase travel insurance that will cover everyone in your group.

You are not allowed to bring fuel into Mexico.  The border agents often don't check this but if they do, they will take the fuel.

Don't expect anything to go according to schedule.  The schedule usually goes out the window before the first car hits the track.

The required city permits for the '99 Ensenada races were not even issued until 3 hours after the scheduled start of the race!

Do not expect to be told of changes to the schedule until the very last moment and sometimes after the fact. 

At the '99 Tecate Grand Prix, the promoter decided he could make up time by dropping the qualifying session for the U.S. drivers and letting them qualify in practice.  Only problem was he did not tell anyone until after the practice session ended.

Do not expect to receive a membership card (or anything to show your member status) for the local race organization you are required to join.

DO

Purchase Mexico travel insurance (at the border) that covers everyone in your group.

Expect to find lots of friendly people.  Racers are racers; no matter what language they speak.

Carry the title and current registration for all of your vehicles, to include your trailer.  These often get checked at the border and without them you are at the mercy of the mood of the border agent.

Know where you are going ahead of time.  Have maps and directions for your destination.  This is especially true if no one in your party speaks Spanish.

Carry plenty of water.  It's often hard if not impossible to find bottled water in Mexico.  The places where races are held tend to have good local restaurants and grocery stores so food is never a problem.

Make sure that you are racing with drivers that follow the typical Vintage rules regarding body contact.  Some Mexico race groups encourage a little "rubbing".  Mexico races are big spectator events and a little body contact makes for a good show.

Expect that your entry fee will not cover all fees and you will need to pay additional fees before you can race.  Generally this is to join the local race organization (reasonable) however you are not advised of this until you arrive at the track (not so reasonable).  This is usually $30 to $40 (U.S., cash only).

Expect to get 1/2 or less the amount of track time the schedule shows.  This occurred at 100% of the 1999 races.

Do find out how the local group uses flags.  There tend to be differences and often the race personnel assume everyone is aware of the local usage.

You should expect to witness poor communications among the race officials.  There will be times when it seems like no one has a clue as to what is going on.

Expect slow response from the trackside emergency and clean-up crews.  This seems to be related to the communications problems that are often witnessed.

SO WHY GO?

These races draw large crowds in a festive atmosphere.  If you have not participated in such an event then you will most likely have a good time at your first event.  However the lack of track time and general disorganized event management will get to most drivers sooner or later.