VÖLKEL at La Carrera Panamericana 2025!
At VÖLKEL Threading Solutions, we are proud to announce that for the very first time, we will be competing with our own team at the legendary La Carrera Panamericana this year.
This traditional rally will take place in Mexico from October 10 to 16, 2025 and is considered one of the toughest historic road races in the world. Covering more than 3,000 kilometers, the route runs through spectacular landscapes – from high mountain passes and endless straights to tight corners in historic colonial towns.
For decades, the “Carrera” has been regarded as a motorsport legend. It combines adventure, speed, and precision like no other event. Unlike the Dakar Classic, the focus here is not on desert and off-road tracks, but on the challenge of proving absolute consistency and technical perfection over several days at high speed on public roads.
The VÖLKEL team will compete in the Historica B class with a true classic: a Mercedes-Benz 280E W123 AMG. This model stands for reliability, durability, and a sporty DNA – qualities that perfectly match our appearance at the event.
Behind the wheel is driver Jörg Sand, who will take on the Carrera with experience, passion, and the necessary ambition to succeed.
As experts in the field of thread cutting tools, we know how crucial precision, quality, and endurance are – values that also determine victory or defeat in motorsport. Participating in La Carrera Panamericana is the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate these values under extreme conditions.
Follow our team
On this page and on our social media channels, we will keep you updated on all the highlights, challenges, and successes of our team. Dive into the world of La Carrera Panamericana and join us on a motorsport adventure that uniquely combines history, passion, and technology.
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We look forward to sharing this unforgettable adventure with you!
The Driver: Jörg Sand
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Year of Birth & Origin: Born in Siegburg in 1969, lives with family in Troisdorf
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Education: 1990–1992 at AMG in Affalterbach
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Studies: Political science at the University of Cologne, graduated in 2000
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Profession: Mobility consultant, journalist & author
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Motorsport experience:
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Dakar Classic 2022 (first Dakar adventure)
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Dakar Rally 2024 (class win)
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Character: Off-road specialist, authentic, combines passion with a journalistic eye
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Social Media: @sandjorg
Jörg Sand, born in Siegburg in 1969, perfectly blends his journalistic expertise with a deep passion for motorsports. Today, he lives with his family in Troisdorf, where he works as an author, editor, founder of GORM German Off Road Masters, and owner of sand-medien.de.
His journey into the automotive world began in 1990 at AMG in Affalterbach, where he completed his training. He later studied political science in Cologne before establishing himself as a mobility consultant and journalist. He has made a name for himself in the off-road scene with his technical books on the Mercedes/Puch G-Class and as the publisher of the international G-Wagen Magazin.
A Life for Rallying
Jörg's heart beats for long-distance and off-road rallies. He has been involved with the Dakar Rally since 2002, witnessing all three eras of the legendary race as a journalist in Africa, South America, and Saudi Arabia. He fulfilled a childhood dream by participating in the Dakar Classic in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
His participation in the Dakar Classic 2024 is particularly memorable, where he celebrated a remarkable class victory with his 1983 Mercedes 280GE, an exact replica of Jacky Ickx's winning car. His goal is always to enjoy the adventure, finish safely, and share his passion for classic cars with others.
Jörg Sand is now taking on a new challenge at the La Carrera Panamericana 2025. As a driver, he will race alongside his co-pilot, Vivian J. Rheinheimer. This is more than just a sporting goal; it is an expression of his enthusiasm for authenticity and a sense of adventure. He looks forward to conquering this legendary race together and experiencing the unique energy of Mexico up close.
Jörg Sand: A Man with Petrol in His Blood and a Clear Mind
For VÖLKEL Threading Tools, Jörg Sand perfectly embodies our shared values: passion, precision, and the courage to break new ground. As a journalist whose repair manual became a classic and a rally driver who has experienced the Dakar since 2002, he stands for our brand.
With a clear focus on the adventure and the determination to always give his best, Jörg Sand has shown that you can achieve great goals with the right mindset. We are proud to support him at the La Carrera Panamericana 2025 and wish him and co-pilot Vivian the best of luck.
The Co-Pilot: Vivian J. Rheinheimer
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Profession: Freelance photographer, specializing in motorsport, classic cars, events, and portraits
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Place of Birth: New York
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Raised in: Hamburg, with an extended stay in Caracas (Venezuela)
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Current Residence: Potsdam
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Photography since: The age of 8 — professionally active for around 15 years
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Portfolio: Motorsport & classic cars, automotive details, events, travel, portraits, nature
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Style & Strengths:
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Detail-oriented & technically skilled
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Creative perspectives, close to the subject
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Combination of aesthetics, emotion, and atmosphere
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Social Media: @vjrphotography.official
The Car
Base & Engine
- Base: Mercedes-Benz 280E W123 (Classic)
- Engine: M110 in-line six-cylinder
- Power: approx. 220 hp (AMG Stage III upgrade)
- Transmission: Sporty 5-speed transmission
- Axle: short 3.92 axle (from a Mercedes 200D)
- Exhaust system: Stainless steel manifold + Stüber stainless steel sports exhaust system
Motorsport Setup & Safety
- Braking System: from the Mercedes W126 (15-inch)
- Suspension: Special H&R suspension, newly tuned for the Carrera
- Safety Equipment: FiA-approved Momo seats, racing harnesses, motorsport roll cage, strut bar
