'Three amigos' ready for Mexican road race
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

Dale Riggs and Jake Shuttlesworth

Jake Shuttlesworth, Dale Riggs and Wayne Riggs have headed south ... south of the border that is. This Troup trio is anxiously awaiting the countdown of the 2006 La Carrera Panamericana. The starter's pistol will fire on Nov. 10 for the 80 plus vintage race cars to begin the nearly 2000 mile legendary race.

"It's seven full days of fullspeed racing over paved roads, through some of the most beautiful countryside north of the equator," said Gerie Bledsoe, North American coordinator. "Seven days of freedom. It's a week of feeling very special and a lifetime of memories."

To Dale, Jake and Wayne, it's an adventure. It should be a real escapade for the guys. They head into this race with varying degrees of racing experience.

Dale, owner of Riggs Automotive in Troup, is a veteran racer. His 35 years of racing experience in both cars and boats will give the team a real edge. "This (long distance race) is new to me. I've always done drag racing and boat racing."

Dale's uncle Wayne, who lives in Irving, has joined the team to allow for a third driver. All three men will be driving during the seven-day race.

Shuttlesworth brings with him a passion for vintage cars. "We started with a hull and rebuilt the car from the ground up," said Jake. "Our goal was to road race

build a car that would run 100 mph all day long and be dependable. We ended up with a car that will run 120 mph all day and is dependable."

The total rebuild of the 19631/2 Ford Galaxy began about six months ago. The hull, purchased five or six years ago in San Angelo, today proudly bears the name of Siempre Joven which, in English, means Forever Young.

The rebuilt and balanced 406 cubic inch Ford engine with competition racing cam gives this classic the power to run 130 mph. The rebuild includes a heavy duty suspension, aluminum high capacity radiator, a Ford T-10 four-speed transmis- sion, 32-gallon fuel cell with electric fuel pump and battery back up system.

To round out safety for the driver and co-driver, an eightpoint roll cage, five-point racing harness, window nets and a transponder to track the car during the race have been added.

Read all about the race at www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx

The Troup team will also participate with some 80 to 90 other colorful Pan Am cars in a warm up of the Autdromo Hermanos Rodriquez in Mexico City. This track will host the CHAMP car series on Nov. 12.

Dale, Jake and Wayne also had the chance to show off their car at the first La Carrera Panamericana Classic Car show in San Miguel de Allende. A huge event, "El Jardin" was held in the main square in front of the Parroqui cathedral on Sunday, Nov. 5, and benefits a local orphanage.

Some people go to great lengths to have a good time. Team Siempre Joven has traveled thousands of miles. Buena Suerte, Hombres! Good luck men!