Lapeando.com will stop covering Rally Chihuahua Express

Over the past few years, our media outlet has made significant efforts to cover the Rally Chihuahua Express, as we believe it's an important competition that doesn't receive the media attention it deserves. However, starting with the 2024 edition, we've decided to change our position.

Our previous commitment to the event

In previous years, we worked to attract more spectators to the event due to the lack of promotion from the organizers. Chihuahua is one of the states with the most motorsport enthusiasts in Mexico, and our intention was always to connect them with the only rally organized in the region. For this reason, we created dynamic maps to help the public access the competition stages and simplified schedules so attendees would know where and when to see the cars in action. We did this because the organization only publishes rudimentary maps that, unless you're familiar with rallying, are difficult to interpret.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

Communication and coordination problems

Before the 2024 edition, we contacted the organization and directly with Carlos Cordero, the race director, who confirmed that the maps and coordinates would be the same as in 2023, with the only difference being the change of host hotel. However, this wasn't true, as the Day 3 finish line and awards ceremony were marked at Plaza Sendero when they actually took place at the host hotel. This created misinformation among our audience, whom we had provided with incorrect information weeks earlier based on the official version.

The event, held from April 24 to 27, 2024, saw a reduction in duration. Originally planned as a four-day event, it was limited to just two effective days of competition due to problems obtaining road closure permits for several stages. Information about these cancellations wasn't communicated in a timely manner. Last-minute changes weren't properly announced either, affecting both participants and media.

Negative impact on fans' experience

The change of host hotel harmed fans, as at the previous location they could see the cars without leaving the city. At the new venue, the cars didn't have a specific assigned area and were scattered in poorly suited locations, including areas with weeds.

Another blow to fans was the cancellation of the helmet blessing ceremony at El Palomar park, one of the best parts of the event which since 2021 has been eliminated without notice. It has now become a private ceremony only for teams.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

Lack of transparency and truthfulness

One particularly demotivating aspect has been the lack of truthfulness in the entry list. Every year, the organization publishes on its website the names of drivers and cars supposedly participating, but in practice many of these entries never materialize. A clear example was the 2024 edition, which announced the participation of multiple Carrera Panamericana winner Ricardo Cordero in his Studebaker, when he was actually competing in another event that same weekend. Similar cases have occurred with drivers like Benito Guerra and Karlo Flores, among others.

Unauthorized use of our material

Another determining factor in our decision has been that both the rally organization and some municipal and state governments have used images produced by our outlet without authorization or proper attribution in their official publications. This misuse of our work, without recognition or compensation, constitutes disrespect for our journalistic work and the intellectual property rights we hold as content creators.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

Information accessibility issues

It's important to note that many people are interested in the event but can't stay properly informed because on social media the information is scarce and unclear. Also, their official website, where routes and itineraries are supposedly available, isn't user-friendly at all and is severely outdated, especially when accessed from mobile devices. This creates an additional barrier for fans who genuinely want to follow and enjoy the competition.

Transformation into a private event

Overall, the Rally Chihuahua Express has evolved into a private event on public roads. The organization shows no interest in allowing the public to enjoy the competition, as it doesn't facilitate information or promote activities accessible to fans. At the same time, the rally continues to use public resources, including security personnel, ambulances, and road closures, which raises questions about its true orientation.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

Our decision

Due to all of the above, we've decided to suspend our coverage of the Rally Chihuahua Express until conditions substantially improve. From now on, we won't produce more maps or publish schedules. Those interested should consult the rally's official website directly: https://chihuahuaexpress.com/main.html.

At this outlet, we deeply love rallying and motorsport, but to resume coverage we need the organization to demonstrate a genuine commitment to event quality, transparency in information, and respect for both participants and fans.

We'll remain attentive to any positive changes in the event's organization and hope that in future editions we can once again provide the detailed coverage our readers deserve.

Photo By Carlos Castillo