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| Last Update 7/8/09 |
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Racing Mustangs South of the Border |
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| photo: David Sanchez | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Story by Edward Inclan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Who said Mexicans don't like auto racing? Some of the
most exciting racing I have seen recently came form south of the
border. Case in point is the "McCormick Cup", this series is based on spec built Mustangs that compete for a championship in a 12 race season across Mexico. Although they are known as the feature race wherever they race, the series has also served as a support race for the CART Series in Monterrey Mexico. It was so successful that they will again support CART in Mexico City the weekend of October 13, 2002. These cars are build by one company; Kubos Organización in Mexico City and sold to competitors for about $45,000.00 dollars a copy. The teams are limited to minor suspension changes such as camber, tire pressures and ride height. Everything else is off limits for modifications from the teams.
Each car has a 351W power plant with all your "off the shelf" bolt-ons including: spec aluminum heads, camshaft, pistons and a Holley 850cfm carburetor. Although none of the suspension components is greatly modified Eibach springs control the corners along with Hoosier 275/40/17 in the front and 315/35/17 rear. This set up keeps the cars well planted to the ground. To stop this monster Brembo brakes on all 4 corners including a 4 piston caliper in the front are the builder's choice. The goal of the race organizers is to keep a close racing field that rely mainly on driver abilities in order to make for an exciting show for the spectators. As you can see this system is very successful as these cars are very well sponsored.
In a recent conversation with Humberto Garcia (race organizer), he explained that the series has taken off in such a big way, that the next step will be to increase from 12 to 16 events next year along with longer races. He believes that fans like to watch pit crews making tire changes and gas filling. Could this be the Mexican version of Trans AM? The crowds love the roar of the big bore V8 engines therefore filling up the grand stands everywhere they compete. Some people think that the good looks of the cars have a lot to do with how they are perceived among the spectators. These cars are decaled and painted to perfection. Click on the bottom photos to check out the cool paint schemes.
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| Photo By Julio Sanchez | ||||||
| This is how sponsors should use the amateur road racing in the US. When was the last time you saw that size promotional balloons at Buttonwillow Raceway for an SCCA race? | ||||||
Racers depend on sponsors and sponsors depend on the fans
to buy their products. The organizers and the teams work closely with
sponsors in order to promote their products.
Pretty girls are always a great way to sell, sponsors know that quite well. At every event you will see models representing their products.
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| If you have any questions or comments regarding this story please contact me at edward@online-racer.com. You may also contact race organizer and car builder Humberto Garcia humbertoggalvez@hotmail.com. | ||||||
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