Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — Participants in the seventh annual Rally Maya race are on day five as they continue to ride toward their destination goal of Isla Mujeres. This year, 122 car collectors are participating in the 1,200 kilometer “race” along the Yucatan Peninsula.
On Monday, participants set out from Campeche from where they will wind around roads that will see them in Merida then Progresso before heading for Chichen Itza, then up through Tizemen before finishing at Isla Mujeres.
The oldest participant this year is a 1904 Olvera Runabout that, when maxed out, speeds along at 35 kilometers per hour. On Monday, during its third day on the road, the old-model car experienced a broken tire, which sent it tumbling onto its side. The accident happened between the section of the archaeological zone of Edzná and the town of Hopelchén.
No injuries were reported and the car was repaired and road-ready to continue its journey Tuesday. Car owner Olvera Benjamín de la Peña said “we got a little scare, but fortunately as I have always said in previous editions, we are well protected and guarded. I want to thank the Federal Police, the National Guard as well as the assistance of Life and the Green Angels.
“They are close to us at all times. We had the accident and they immediately helped us…my grandson and I are ready to continue participating Tuesday.”
The Museum on Wheels, as it has also been called, includes vehicle brands from Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Jaguar, MG, Ford, Chevrolet, Plymouth, Chrysler, Austin Healey, Mini Cooper, Bentley, Volvo, Volkswagen, Triumph Alpha Romeo, Rambler, BMW and Morgan.
Pilots and co-pilots have arrived from Mexico, Europe, Central and South America. The purpose of the race is to spread the natural, cultural and archaeological wealth of the Mayan world. More than 300 people participate in organizing the annual event.
