The Carrera Panamericana, also known as the "Carrera Mexico Road Race," was a legendary motorsport event that took place in the early 1950s. This challenging race is often considered one of the most dangerous and exciting events in the history of motorsports. It showcased both the skill of drivers and the durability of their vehicles, while also highlighting the dangers associated with high-speed racing on public roads.

The Carrera Panamericana was established by the Mexican government. It was a way to celebrate the completion of the Pan-American Highway. That is a network of roads stretching across the American continents. The race covered a distance of approximately 2,100 miles (3,400 kilometers). It went from the Southern city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez to the Northern city of Ciudad Juárez. Cars were traversing through a variety of terrains and landscapes.

The crew and driver McGriff inspecting the engine of the 1950 Olds:

Recently McGriff turned 95 years and still going strong. - Some competitors back then had a hard time. This 1950 Ford crashed and had to give up: