La Carrera Panamericana 2023

We made history once again

Since the first edition of La Carrera Panamericana, it was believed that those who accepted the challenge had to be, at least, a little crazy.

It's not enough to be driven by passion and inspired by wild dreams. With a smile on your face and courage in your heart, you must abandon your sanity to face the obstacles in this mythical competition.

That was exactly what our drivers did. Benito Guerra, Diego Cándano, and Fercho Urquiza showcased their advanced skills behind the wheel as they made history again in the 2023 edition of La Carrera Panamericana.

The 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special

History remains in Mexico.

The 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, a 'one of a kind' model, was part of the auction that concluded at Pastejé Automotive Invitational in March of this year. This iconic sports car, created by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, found its new home in the hands of a fortunate Mexican collector. A significant portion of the total proceeds will be directed towards benefiting Mexican families through charitable foundations such as TECHO, Make-A-Wish, and World Vision. This is the second in a three-year series of Porsche creating 'Sonderwunsch' cars, one-of-a-kind models, that honor a defining chapter in the brand's history in La Carrera Panamericana.

The race ended, but the legend lives on.

This is what we love and our way of writing history: racing the sports car of our dreams down the roads of La Carrera Panamericana. In this edition of La Carrera Panamericana, we shared our passion with drivers and fans while adding a new chapter to our racing history.
Stage 7 - No victory would've been possible without the passion and support of the fans at the finish line of each stage. Stage 7 - No victory would've been possible without the passion and support of the fans at the finish line of each stage.
Benito Guerra became champion in the Historical B Plus category and achieved an incredible second place overall. Benito Guerra became champion in the Historical B Plus category and achieved an incredible second place overall.
Fer Urquiza reaches the top of the podium with his 1973 914-6 in the Historic B class. Fer Urquiza reaches the top of the podium with his 1973 914-6 in the Historic B class.
Stage 6 – As we make our way north, we trade mountains and flowers for the desert and cacti. Stage 6 – As we make our way north, we trade mountains and flowers for the desert and cacti.
Sometimes, we don't get the result we wanted. But we always move on and look toward the future. Sometimes, we don't get the result we wanted. But we always move on and look toward the future.
Stage 5 – La Carrera Panamericana continues as teams and fans blend together like an old group of friends. Stage 5 – La Carrera Panamericana continues as teams and fans blend together like an old group of friends.
We arrived at Dolores Hidalgo—a beautiful town full of Porsche enthusiasts waiting to greet our drivers. We arrived at Dolores Hidalgo—a beautiful town full of Porsche enthusiasts waiting to greet our drivers.
Stage 4 - One of the most beautiful routes in La Carrera: Mil Cumbres and La Cascada. Stage 4 - One of the most beautiful routes in La Carrera: Mil Cumbres and La Cascada.
In the historic city of Guanajuato, a crowd welcomed our arrival to feel closer to our cars. In the historic city of Guanajuato, a crowd welcomed our arrival to feel closer to our cars.
Stage 3 – The GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, a tribute to the Porsche 550. Stage 3 – The GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, a tribute to the Porsche 550.
Our drivers and their cars made history on the track. Our drivers and their cars made history on the track.
Stage 2 - With an ovation that roars louder than its engine, CDMX embraces the great Diego Cándano. Stage 2 - With an ovation that roars louder than its engine, CDMX embraces the great Diego Cándano.
Guiding the 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, Patrick Dempsey sets out to script a new tale in La Carrera Panamericana. Guiding the 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, Patrick Dempsey sets out to script a new tale in La Carrera Panamericana.
Stage 1 - Amidst applause and dreams, the crowd welcomes Fercho Urquiza to the traditional city of Oaxaca. Stage 1 - Amidst applause and dreams, the crowd welcomes Fercho Urquiza to the traditional city of Oaxaca.
A force poised to conquer the challenges of La Carrera Panamericana. A force poised to conquer the challenges of La Carrera Panamericana.

Live Stories.

From the big screen to the driver’s seat in a legendary competition.

One of the best-known faces on television with a passion for motorsports. Patrick Dempsey has always enjoyed being behind the wheel of our sports cars and has a long history of competing in endurance championships. This year, he joined Porsche and TAG Heuer to experience the excitement of La Carrera Panamericana aboard the 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special.

Our special guest, Patrick Dempsey, in La Carrera Panamericana.
Our special guest, Patrick Dempsey, in La Carrera Panamericana.
Our special guest, Patrick Dempsey, in La Carrera Panamericana.
Our special guest, Patrick Dempsey, in La Carrera Panamericana.
Our special guest, Patrick Dempsey, in La Carrera Panamericana.
Introducing the 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special. One model in two unique versions: number 152 and 154. A special tribute to our historical legacy in the 1953 edition of La Carrera Panamericana.
The 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, with number 152, is a unique car designed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. It was inspired by the Porsche 550 Coupé, which won first place in the Sports Car category up to 1600 cc in the 1953 edition of La Carrera Panamericana.
The 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, with number 154, is a unique car designed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur for TAG Heuer. It was inspired by the 550 Coupé that competed in La Carrera Panamericana of 1953.

718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special.

Team up to make history. That’s our motto. Because our history reminds us to feel proud of our past. Our history inspires us to live intensely in the present. And to face the future, as only a team can, with more passion than ever.

This year, we tribute the Porsche 550 Coupé with two unique models from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur: the 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, with numbers 152 & 154.

Inspired by the original 550 Coupé, every interior and exterior detail of these two impressive cars reveals a chapter of our history in La Carrera Panamericana and celebrates the team spirit we have shared with TAG Heuer since our origins in motorsports.

History is in the details.

On wheels, the TAG Heuer Logo takes center stage.
The #152 on each door is a tribute to the memory of the Porsche 550 from 1953.
A stunning center console with black, green, white, and red stitching.
Details on the car door sill that feel like stepping on the accelerator.
The TAG Heuer logo spruces up each side of the spoiler.
Above the headrests, the embroidered logo of the legendary La Carrera Panamericana.
A pegasus resting on the body of the car.

The route

We experienced seven unforgettable days. A journey covering approximately 3,500 kilometers from Veracruz to Nuevo León across eight states in Mexico. In addition to enjoying every curve and ounce of adrenaline, we discovered cities and towns full of color and magic together.

Stage 1 - Veracruz - Oaxaca

The competition began in Veracruz, a state known as 'Mexico's Gateway to the World' due to the importance of its port and commerce. From this location, we embarked on our journey to make history again.

Stage 2 - Oaxaca – CDMX

From Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage City, we drove towards Mexico City, enjoying every kilometer and the engine's sound at full speed.

Stage 3 - CDMX – Querétaro

The passion for Porsche was felt like never before in the country's capital. Drivers and fans came together to admire our sports cars, which marked a special moment in the race.

Stage 4 - Querétaro – Guanajuato

Queretaro holds significant historical importance as the location where the Mexican Constitution was signed. We received a warm welcome before making our way to Guanajuato.

Stage 5 - Guanajuato – Aguascalientes

Guanajuato is the most important colonial tourist destination in Mexico. From this idyllic setting, we headed toward Aguascalientes while enjoying countless thrills.

Stage 6 - Aguascalientes – San Luis Potosí

We sweetened our stop in Aguascalientes with a taste of the city’s famous treats made from crystallized fruits. Once recharged with energy, we continued down the road, fueled by our love for speed.

Stage 7 - San Luis Potosí – Monterrey

The final stage. The grand finale of a dream. We enjoyed the experience as much as the glory of past triumphs. Another year of Porsche competing in La Carrera Panamericana. It certainly won't be the last.

Team up to make history.

1953: An unforgettable year.

The 1953 edition of La Carrera Panamericana took place from November 19 to 23, reaffirming its position as the most challenging endurance race in the world. A total of 182 cars joined the competition with plans to navigate through eight grueling stages across 3,077 kilometers. However, only 60 successfully crossed the finish line. With José 'Chepe' delivering a standout performance behind the wheel of the Porsche 550 Coupé, winning the Small Sports Car Category.

Driver José 'Chepe' Herrarte with his wife Teresa, next to the Porsche 550 Coupé. Behind the wheel of that car, José achieved a victory in the Small Sports Car Category of the 1953 edition of La Carrera Panamericana.

The driver

Born in Guatemala, our client José 'Chepe' Herrarte achieved a hard-fought victory in the 1953 edition of La Carrera Panamericana. Originally from a family of coffee growers, he was married with four children by the age of 34. His passion for cars and motorsports inspired him to make his dream come true.

Jaroslav Juhan next to his Porsche 550 Coupé.

The car

Ferdinand Porsche knew that to succeed in the world’s best races, Porsche had to build a car exclusively for racing rather than modifying the 356 model. With that vision in mind and the goal of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 1953, the Porsche 550 Coupé was born.

The design of the Porsche 550 Coupé with number 152—the Porsche that participated in the 1953 edition of La Carrera Panamericana.

The victory

In addition to our victory in La Carrera Panamericana, this was also our first win on the American continent.

The 356 B Carrera 2 Coupé, one of the first models to carry the 'Carrera' name.

The homage

Our first victories in this mythical endurance race, considered at the time the most challenging in the world, inspired two Porsche models: 'Carrera' and 'Panamera.'

Previews editions

2022
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