Only four of the ten driving teams signed up to compete in the first Rally Sierra Chapala made it to the final challenge of the July 11 auto race, demonstrating their maneuvering skills on a short slalom track set up at the south end of Chapala’s main drag. Three unregistered drivers also took part in the slalom to beef up the spectacle.
Spectators lined up behind security tape stretched along the median strip and sidewalk, placidly inhaling the acrid fumes of burning rubber as they watched the compact cars weave around the tricky course marked with orange traffic cones.
José María López (above), behind the wheel of a Peugot labeled with number 57, earned the trophy for the best slalom performance, with Miguel Medina, driver of the number 24 Renault, coming in second. Medina and co-driver Adrian Carmona finished with the top overall rally score, while López and driving partner Carlos López were relegated to fourth place.