The race has a long and storied history and first began in 1950 after the Mexican section of the Pan-American highway was completed. The 9 stage, 6 day race was organized by the Mexican government and ran almost the entire distance of the Pan-American highway in Mexico, spanning some 3,373kms. The initial goal was to celebrate the completion of the highway and attract more international interest in business.
For those that participated, and those in the know, La Carrera Panamericana was considered the most dangerous open road race of its kind anywhere in the world. The premier event in 1950 was represented by all racers in just about every category of motorsport including: Formula One, sports cars, rally cars, stock cars, endurance racing, hill climbing, and drag cars. However, many of the competitors were ordinary unsponsored citizens from the United States, Mexico, and elsewhere in the world.
