Saturday, May 1, 2010 — La Paz, Mexico— Swift Racing proudly claimed first, second and third place finishes at the much-anticipated 2010 NORRA Mexican 1000. Competing in separate classes, the team’s three vintage race vehicles were each driven by different generations of the Swift family. Assisted by the team’s outstanding group of friends and crew, the captains of the Swift armada included Ray Swift in his 1958 Edsel, John Swift behind the helm of the team’s recently acquired 1972 Oldsmobile “Banshee” and the youngest Swift, Jonathan in the team’s vintage 1973 VW Gator buggy. The three-day, rally-style event was a throwback to the historic 1967 Mexican 1000 and featured many off-road racing legends. Names like Parnelli Jones, Walker Evans, Bruce Meyers and Rod Hall were in attendance as well as the Swifts who also share a deep-rooted history with the origins of the Mexican 1000.

The nostalgic 2010 NORRA Mexican 1000 was a three-day staged rally with fun social gatherings planned each night along the way. In contrast to the typical non-stop all-nighters of SCORE races, this arrangement made for a reasonable, yet exciting pace during the day with enough time to recuperate and repair vehicles each night. Fortunately the Swifts did not encounter any serious breakage and were able to spend their evenings relaxing with the company of fellow racers. Aside from a chafed brake line, and some minor dents and dings, the Swift vehicles actually faired quite well for their age.

With the same focus and determination that helped him win in the 1960’s and ’70’s, Ray Swift captured an astounding first place victory with his notorious 1958 Stroppe-built Edsel. Key drivers, Andy Waters and Ray’s son, Tom Swift were very instrumental in the successful finish, sharing wheel-time in the Edsel. Crossing the finish line with an equally impressive second-place finish was John Swift in his recently restored 1972 Oldsmobile “Banshee”. John’s son, Jonathan Swift and his cousin, Rylan Swift snapped up a well-earned third-place finish in the team’s classic 1973 VW Gator.

While the race was a huge success with three top finishes for the team, the best memories will by no doubt be of the good-times with family and friends, the raw adventure and empowering sense of camaraderie shared by everyone involved. This race was not so much about crossing the finish line, but more about the joy of getting there. It’s reassuring to see that the same sparks that ignited the sport years ago at the very first Mexican 1000 race are still burning strong in the hearts and minds of legends and newcomers alike. You can bet that if this turns into a regular event, the Swift Team will be in attendance.