May 28, 2011

Lawyer Pilots Viper to Chihuahua Success

Brydon Hugo & Parker name partner Ed Hugo and navigator Marco Hernandez placed first in their class and third overall in the 2011 Chihuahua Express Race in April. Held annually in Chihuahua, Mexico, the race involves driving for three days on a combination of speed sections, which are stages with unlimited speeds, and transit sections, segments of public roads that must be completed within a certain timeframe. br> The race covered a total of 1,047 miles. Day 1 was comprised of 10 speed sections totaling 89 miles and 14 transit sections covering 280 miles. Day 2 was comprised of 12 speed sections totaling 92 miles and 18 transit sections covering 287 miles. The third day consisted of 10 speed sections totaling 93 miles and 13 transit sections covering 206 miles. br> Hugo drove a 2008 Dodge Viper, reaching a top speed of 170 mph on the speed sections and averaging 80 mph throughout the race. The roads were of variable quality and visibility was often limited. br> The winning car was a 1955 Studebaker driven by former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Michele Jourdain, Jr. and navigated by Mauricio Pimental. The second place car, a 1955 Oldsmobile, was piloted by Doug Mockette and navigated by Angelica Fuentes. The pair previously won both the Chihuahua Express and the La Carrera Panamericana. br> Hugo said the most challenging parts were the transit sections, where confusing street signs, unmarked obstacles, poor drivers, roaming domestic and wild animals and "dirt devils" were commonplace.