The 2024 IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Awards edition, Positions 6-10

But its another long winded version of Hyperbole as always…

 

Its sad thinking that we’ve only reached the halfway point of another IndyCar traditionally ridiculous offseason on December 8th, according to For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hando, Yikes! While there’s now only 73 days remaining until St Pete, OMG

 

Alas, its time once again for your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso’s zany year ender awards Hoopla, or should that be Jambalaya ‘O choices? Y’all make the call…

 

CATEGORIES 6-10

6. Most Improved Driver of the Year

Winner: Santino Ferrucci

What more can I say about thee Great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci, who netted A.J. Foyt Enterprises Top-10 season finish for the first time since 2002! When the forgotten Airton Dare finished ninth overall in the Indy Racing League. The year He won His only IRL race at Kansas Speedway.

 

As the most impressive part was that Santino improved mightily upon the Twisties’ portion of the calendar. Since we already know about His oval prowess, evidenced again at Mother Speedway.

 

Yet Ferrucci improved ten positions overall this year, finishing ninth. Sandwiched between Newgarden and Rossi! And next year’s lineup of Ferrucci and Malukas should be fun to watch.

 

7. Most Disappointing Driver of the Year

Winner: Alexander Rossi

It would be easy to pick someone like Graham Rahal. Whilst I’d argue that Josef Newgarden’s season overall was disappointing. Yet since Schlick’ is my Numero Uno IndyCar Villan, I’m quite happy with His subpar eighth place finish…

 

I suppose it should be hard to be disappointed claiming eleven podiums in sixteen starts. Including a pair of Top-5 finishes. Claiming fourth in the Indianapolis 500 and third at Laguna Seca.

 

Yet due to fracturing a finger at Toronto, with Theo Pourchaire flying from Paris overnight to substitute for Him. This caused Rossi to finish tenth overall, just one point behind ninth place Santino Ferrucci. (367-366 points)

 

Yet I was really hoping we’d see Rossi back in the winner’s circle this season. Along with a contract extension at Arrow Mclaren. But Rossi never truly “Jelled” at McLaren, and thus will begin anew at Ed Carpenter Racing next year.

 

8. Comeback Driver of The Year

Winner: David Malukas

Think Y’all know the story about Chicago Davey’s bicycling accident, Righto? Having grabbed the wrong brake and subsequently breaking His wrist and damaging tendons which ruled Him out of ever turning a competitive lap for His new team Arrow McLaren. With Davey’s seat finally going to Nolan Siegel, after stints by Callum Ilott and Theo Pourchaire…

 

Davey made His return to IndyCar at one of the more physically demanding tracks, i.e.; Laguna Seca in the “Route 66” (#66) Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) entry, replacing Tom Blomqvist for the remainder of the season.

 

Memory says Malukas qualified in the Fast-12. And was running inside the Top-10? Before finishing a disappointing P16. Whilst I also tend to recall Him making the Fast six Shootout at Mid-Ohio, site of the series inaugural hybrid race. Wher unfortunately He stalled the car during the first pitstop due to the extremely “tall” first gear ratio needed to counteract the hybrid system…

 

Ironically Davey’s best season finish came Up North Eh! Driving a special tribute Tragically Hip mobile to sixth place in Toronto after starting sixth. Where members of the Tragically Hip Band served as the Grand Marshals and gave the command to Start-Your-Engines!

 

Malukas netted two Top-10 finishes in His ten races, hauling the #66 into the vaunted Leader Circle prize fund, which He was hired to do. Before making what seems like a shock decision to sign for A.J. foyt Enterprises for 2025. Although Foyt does have a technical alliance with Team Penske, but MSR’s technical alliance with Ganassi Ain’t bad either…

 

9. “Big Boyz Pants” Award

Winner: Romain Grosjean

Initially considered thee Great Santini’ for this award. But Santino Ferrucci had one glaring Foopah that I’m trying to not acknowledge! Thus His bosom buddy Romain Grosjean quickly came to mind instead. Especially after Romain decided to speak His mind post season, Youza!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/12/grosjean-speaks-out.html

 

As Grosjean arguably had Juncos Hollinger Racing’s best season, with a total of six Top-10 finishes. Including a best finish of fourth at Monterey, the team’s best ever finish to date. Eclipsing Callum Ilott’s brace of fifth place finishes. With Grosjean finishing P17 overall.

 

Although looking up JHR’s results, Ilott finished P16 the year before. Scoring those fifth place finishes at St Pete and Laguna Seca.

 

While it’ll be sad if JHR goes with two “Pay” drivers this coming year…

 

10. Rookie of The Year

Winner: Christian Rasmussen

Yeah, I know this award should go to the official Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Linus Lundqvist. But the Swede’ was one of only two fulltime IndyCar rookies this season. The other being His less accomplished Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Kyffin Simpson. As the pair were the only two of ten eventual rookies to run full season…

 

Yet driving for Cheeps’ eponymous championship winning effort, you’d expect nothing less from Lundqvist, since CGR teammate Marcus Armstong won the honor the previous year.

 

But instead, I’m giving the nod to Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen, who ultimately ran three fewer races than Lundqvist did. With the only other rookie to have a double digit season being Nolan Siegel.

 

As the Dane got off to a somewhat rocky start, tending to crash quite a bit! And surely giving boss Fast Eddie’ a few more gray hairs, eh?

 

Yet Rasmussen seemed to be in the limelight at Mother Speedway for His unique line, along with raising other driver’s dander! But finished as the top rookie in 12th, only some 5.4 seconds behind the leader. And ahead of What’s His name Roundy Round’ driver!

 

Initially slated to only run the Twisties’ portion of the schedule, along with the third ECR entry at Indianapolis. Yet as the pressure mounted, boss Ed Carpenter relinquished the final three oval races in order for Rasmussen to keep the No. 20 entry in the Leader Circle prize fund, which He did. With His #20 ECR entry finishing 21st overall; since Ganassi’s Nos. 4 and 11 weren’t eligible. 

F1: “Hot Nights in Lusail”

As the season finishes off with a Bang! Punctured Tyres, Bruised Ego’s and damaged racecars, Whamoe!

 

“She didn’t speak much English language…

She didn’t speak much anyway

She wouldn’t make love, but made good sandwich

And She poured sweet wine before we played”

 

With apologies to Jethro Tull, for which I fiendishly stole the title to one of their forgotten songs subtitled: Hot Nights in Budapest, or simply known as the track Budapest from Ye Wayback’ machine. Which Yeah, I realize is a different subject matter, but is it really?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLHLIiiqFFs

 

As this year’s Qatar Grand Prix had so many plots ‘n twists, Err subplots, it seemed worthy of my Oh, so clever title, Botta-Boom. Uhm, did somebody say Bottas?

 

Like in one hapless Finn smashing into an errant wing mirror stradling the racetrack! Which apparently Alex Albon’s Williams wing mirror falling off was a side effect of Lance Stroll’s earlier collision with Him! Netting the Kuhnuck’ a ten second penalty.

 

Or three cars ultimately being taken out on a first lap, first corner collision. Not to mention both Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez spinning out of control. With Lawson collecting Bottas and damaging His floor. Whilst Checo’ (Perez) saw His clutch break after His spin, causing another unwanted retirement…

 

Although the lead of the race rarely seemed in doubt. Where should one begin regarding All of the mayhem and carnage. And who’s been Naughty or Nice, Eh?

 

Yet Lando Norris made things interesting on one of the multiple restarts. But Max Blunderhead’ seemed serenely in control all race long. But that’s before we key up the music…

 

As today’s “House” Band Jetro Tull’s Aqualung seems completely apropos as the theme song for FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem, “You Poor ‘Ol Sod”. As perhaps He can take solace in an afternoon cup of team, right Jethro?

 

As did Ben Sulayem really tell the Formula 1 Drivers, whom just weeks ago were being hailed as Gladiators under the twelve million lights on the Las Vegas Strip to mind their own business! Although I suppose at least He cannot Fire the Drivers, since there wouldn’t be a Show…

 

As the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association) has asked for clarity from Ben Sulayem in a public letter, just where does the money they’re fined for swearing go? To which the Emirati ex-Rally Driver told them it was none of their business! Before He fired another two employees. Sacking senior race steward Tim Mayer and Deputy Formula 2 race director Janette Tan prior to the Qatar weekend. And that’s without even mentioning the two other employees who were asked to leave after bringing up a questionable future money transferring scheme by Ben Sulayem…

 

Then as I’m sure everyone’s aware of, there’s the public spat between Verstappen and George Russell, with Max calling George Two Faced and never knowing anyone who wanted to screw somebody over so hard! In regards to the extraordinary FIA Stewards decision to give Max a one place grid penalty for impeding Russell during Qualifying on a cooldown lap. Taking away Verstappen’s deserved Pole position; which for once, I’ll agree with Max. This was ridiculous! Careful Maximilian, no swearing…

 

Whilst apparently “Daggers” were thrown during the Drivers pre-race parade lap, with the Dutchman letting George know of His displeasure with Him. Which obviously Max used as motivation as He Blitzed the Mercedes driver into the first corner and never looked back enroute to His 63rd Grand Prix victory.

 

Although I’m left wondering what Max’s real agenda is here? And why is He focusing His energy upon the GPDA Chairman. As does Verstappen feel that russell’s more of a threat than His “Good buddy” Lando Norris?

 

While the race for second place and beyond seemed overly chaotic, thanks in large part to a total of three safety cars being deployed. Yet the worst part of the entire race was when brand new F1 race director Rui Marques allowed the inappropriate use of double Yellow Flags being waved for four laps while Albon’s wing mirror laid on-track before Bottas obliterated it! With the carbon fibre shreds surely causing both Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes Lewis Hamilton punctured tyres, ultimately effecting their race’s outcome.

 

As Bloody Jense’, Sky Sports F1 Pundit Jenson Button dryly noted. Its not a nice feeling getting a puncture at 200mph!

 

As I find this inexcusable! Even though I’m not a race director, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn…

 

As it was only Marque’s second ever Grand Prix as race director. But regardless of how big or “small” this wing mirror was? There was clearly potentially racecar damaging debris on circuit which needed to be removed immediately!

 

Meanwhile McLaren is wingeing on over Lando Norris’s penalty being too harsh for not backing off His throttle where double yellow flags were clearly visible waving! To which I disagree, as this is probably the only way to get the Drivers to follow the rules.

 

And no, I don’t know how hard it is to see these flags at a high rate of speed, but Norris apparently was the only driver to not do so? Since Verstappen was immediately on His radio asking if Norris had slowed down?

 

Whilst I’m certain it will continue, but Daily Telegraph F1 columnist Gary Anderson had a good point of how every driver immediately calling in anyone else’s transgressions via in-car radio being akin to “footballers” (soccer( taking a Dive in order to get a penalty called on their opponents…

 

As the stewards were busy dolling out penalties in Qatar, as Hamilton received two  five second penalty’s for jumping the race’s start and speeding in the pit lane. With Lawson getting a ten second penalty for His collision with Bottas, for example. And so it goes…

 

As obviously Max and George won’t be exchanging Christmas Cards. And I don’t know who’ll be getting lumps ‘O coal in their stockings? But it seems that more than one of our cast of F1 Merrymen and FIA President will be disappointed this Christmas morning after Santa’s arrival!

 

 

And that was before we got to Thursday’s day ‘O fireworks at Yas Isle, where Max, George, Chris Horner and toto Wolff kept the volume turned up to 11!

 

Partial song lyrics from:

Jethro Tull’s Budapest. From the 1987 Album Crest of A Knave. 

Racing Never Sleeps!

But your Humble, Hapless No Fenders Scribe Tomaso sure is tired!

 

When does too much information apply to trying to continuously keep up with Der Wurld de Motorsporten, Ja-Ja?

 

Although I found these two recent Sports Car items of interest popping up on thoust radar screen. As the Sports Car ecosystem tends to overflow Open Wheel Racing…

 

Perhaps you’ve read about Hyundai’s launching of its Genesis Magma Racing team? With the announcement taking place in Dubai a fortnight ago. As renderings and a scale model of the GMR-001 Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) prototype were revealed along with the team’s first two drivers. With Andre Lotterer and Pipo derani on hand.

 

As the team will spend next year testing its brand new racecar before running a two car factory effort in the FIA World Endurance championship (WEC) in 2026. With a yet to be named “service provider” running its IMSA GTP campaign in 2027.

 

Naturally current Hyundai Michelin Pilot challenge entrant Brian Herta Autosport (BHA) has to be thought of. Whilst perhaps Chip Ganassi Racing might also be in the fray for the IMSA GTP effort?

 

Hyundai Motorsports Boss Cyril Abiteboul, who just led Hyundai to this year’s World Rally championship drivers title with Thierry Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wyadaeghe . Will serve as Genesis Magma Racing’s (GMR) team principal.

 

Cyril’s name is quite familiar to Mwah. Having first become aware of the Frenchman when serving as the executive director of Renault Sport F1 between 2010-12. Then becoming Caterham F1 team principal between 2013-14. Before returning to Renault as its managing director between 2014-20.

 

Although Abiteboul’s best remembered to Mwah for losing His bet with then Renault F1 driver DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo. That He’d get a tattoo if Ricciardo claimed a podium finish, which occurred at the 2020 Eiffel Grand Prix! As reportedly, Abiteboul sports a vintage Renault logo with a stylized Honey Badger tattoo on His right calf…

 

Also of note, GMR will team with IDEC Sports for 2025 in the Europena Le Mans Series, (ELMS) racing an Oreca LMP2 prototype to acclimatize themselves to Sports Car racing.

 

Interestingly the driver trio will consist of ex-Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant. Paired with Jamie Chadwick, Indy NXT winner and, British GT4 and triple W Series champion, and 19yr old Mathys Jaubert. As the French teenager has been making waves in the Porsche Carrera GT Cup France series, elevating Him to the Porsche Carrera GT Cup Asia series this year…

Having run across this Marshall Pruett podcast interview with Jamie Chadwick following scribbling’ this story…

 

https://marshallpruett.podbean.com/e/mp-1562-catching-up-with-jamie-chadwick/

The GMR-001 will be based upon a Oreca LMP2 chassis, with liberal Genesis styling cues, with its engine being a twin turbocharged V-8.

 

The team will be based out of the Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet, nearby Oreca and IDEC. All of which sounds like Heady days for the Hyundai backed programme.

 

The other tantalizing news, albeit not surprising, since Lamborghini’s withdrawal from the “Weckity-Wec”, nee World Endurance Championship has left Iron Lynx in a lurch. With the team opting to switch manufacturer’s for its Iron Dames LM GT3 programme. Dropping its Lamborghini Huracan in favour of a Porsche 911

 

Iron Dames will contest a multitude of series, i.e.; IMSA’s Michelin Endurance Cup, FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series. All with the latest spec Porsche 911 GT3 racecar, contesting the GT3 category Internationally, and the GTD category Stateside.

 

The driver quartet will be made up of regular’s Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Sarah Bovy. With newcomer Celia Martin.

Part of the multi-year Porsche effort sees Gatting being promoted to Porsche factory driver status. While “I Know Nothing” Herr Schultz! About Celia Martin…

 

Having just learned that the 33yr old French le Femme (Martin) is currently a Bronze rated driver who’ll make up part of the Iron Dames core FIA “Weckity Wec” squad. Having joined Iron Dames in European competition last year.

 

Gatting, Frey and Bovy will be the core drivers of the Proton Competition IMSA GTD entry, with perhaps Doriane Pin joining them again at Daytona?

 

As Iron Dames became the first All Female squad to win in WEC, claiming the final GTE Am race at Bahrain in 2023. 

Santa brings Wickens a Shiny, new Corvette

But not just any plain ‘Ol Corvette…

 

Was pleasantly surprised to read the news that thee Young Wicky’, ergo Robert Wickens has moved up to IMSA GTD competition next year. As Wickens joins DXDT Racing aboard one of its Corvette Z06 GT3 racecars.

 

And for those who don’t know, Robert Wickens was paralyzed from the waist down following a horrendous accident during the opening portion of the 2018 Pocono IndyCar race.

 

As Wickens will drive a specially prepared Corvette Z06 GT3.R adapted with Bosch hand controlled for braking and acceleration, similar to what He used at Brian Herta Autosport. (BHA) In their Hyundai Elantra N TCR enroute to the 2023 Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR (Touring Car) Championship, with co-driver Harry Gottsacker. Where Wickens has raced for BHA since His return to competition in  2022.

 

Wickens has already visited Pratt & Miller, who convert production Z06’s into Corvette racecars. And even checked out a 3D printed prototype steering wheel.

 

As Wickens, whose co-driver will be named later, will contest the five Sprint rounds of next year’s IMSA SportsCar championship. For which I cannot discern if there’s still a separate Sprint championship for GT Daytona (GTD) entries, albeit I think there’s still a Sprint cup trophy…

 

Seeing Robby’s, as His good friend thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown calls Him, make His IMSA GT Daytona debut at Long Beach next April. As Wickens is excited about it being twinned with IndyCar, even if there’s no runoffs and it’s a virtual concrete canyon racetrack.

 

Super excited that Wickens is moving up the Sports Car ranks. Stating that obviously He hopes to use this as a springboard to an eventual full season IMSA GTD campaign. And with the Bosch system being utilized for the GTP’s brake-by-wire systems. How cool would it be if Robert could one day find Himself piloting a top flight IMSA GTP Prototype?

 

Obviously there will be teething issues due to the complexity of the adaptive hand control “ring” steering wheel system. Not to mention that DXDT, a longtime GT World Challenge Americas team will be contesting its inaugural GTD season next year.

 

As the team’s owned by David Askew, and was founded in 2014. Reportedly Askew, who’s a businessman, is also a competitive Offshore Sailor along with racing car driver.

 

The team began at Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah racing in local National Auto sport Association (NASA) Club events. Before apparently turning professional in 2017.

 

The team has raced in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series, as well as the Intercontinental Challenge GT Cup. Along with being a longtime Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer in the GT World challenge series.

 

On the bright side, past IMSA GTD Champion Brian Sellers has just been brought in as the team’s newly hired Competition Director. With no word on whether or not Sellers will do any moonlighting driving in endurance events? But appears to be leaving the cockpit, since I believe the team’s Michelin Endurance Cup drivers have already been announced… 

GM announces Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s launch

Becoming formula One’s first new team in a decade…

 

Thru the Lost Wages’ Grand Prix weekend, I found myself marveling over how everyone had apparently been sent a memo by Liberty Media. As it was funny Ha-Ha! Hearing how far of a full 180-degrees U-turn Der Crying Wolff had made over the possible inclusion of an eleventh team on the Formula 1 grid. With toto almost infusing glee in His monoslavic Austrian “Terminator” accent about how GRRR-REAT! It would be having some brand like Cadillac on the F1 Grid…

 

And then Theodore, not Lenny! Kravitz commended Kroftie’, aka David Kroft on His big scoop of getting Mr. Zakery Brown to say that an announcement was imminent prior to the race. For which I cannot remember what session it was?

 

Although as Kroftie’ pointed out, Zak was one of the few who’d supported Michael Andretti’s initial attempt to join the grid. With Brown and then Alpine’s team principal being the only two willing to sign Mikey A’s Hall pass in His hastily bought Miami dolphins notebook…

 

Thus the announcement was made Monday, November 25th about how General Motors had been finally given the “Green light” to become Formula One’s eleventh team beginning in 2026. As this was purposely done to supposedly not overshadow the Las Vegas Grand Prix itself.

 

And I really don’t care how Y’all want to spin or frame it, but you cannot help but say that Michael Andretti was simply squeezed out!

 

The part I don’t understand, having now read it twice from two different sources. The latter being Nathan Browne of the Indianapolis Star. Was that Greg Maffei, the departing CEO of Liberty Media had vowed that as long as He was in charge, He’d never let Michael Andretti onto the F1 Grid!

 

CoInky-dense that Maffei is leaving Liberty Media when His contract expires at year’s end? Then becoming a consultant during the transition to a new CEO…

 

While rumours were apparently rampant prior to the Las Vegas Grand Prix that Formula 1 CEO Stefano Dominicali would be leaving to become MotoGP’s new CEO, since Liberty Media is finalizing its 86% purchase agreement of MotoGP. And Dominicali has been another starch opponent to the Andretti Global Cadillac F1 deal.

 

As what’s that ‘Ol Judas Priest song about Some Heads are gonna roll…

 

Yet magically, after Mikey A’ decided to leave His namesake’s empire for more “Family-time”. With Dan Towriss becoming the new public face of Andretti Global. And Michael Andretti effectively being squeezed out of His own operation, Tuh duh!

 

TWG Global, the controlling “vehicle” of Andretti Global’s IndyCar franchise, Err charter organization. Wayne Taylor Racing’s IMSA GTP Cadillac team and Spire Motorsports Chevrolet NASCAR team, along with General Motors have now been granted admission onto the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season.

 

Along with Mario Andretti being named a Director of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which hopes to secure customer Ferrari Power Units for 2026-2027, before GM begins producing its own PU’s.

 

Whilst it seems counterproductive to speculate upon who its two drivers will be. Other than obviously Colton Herta’s got to be a shoe-in, provided He’s got the necessary points to acquire the mandatory FIA Super license.

 

Couldn’t find out what TWG stands for? Other than TWG Global is supposedly the investment vehicle for “silent” partner Mark Walter and Guggenheim Partners financial investments. Making me guess that perhaps it stands for Towriss Walter Guggenheim?

 

Mark Walter is part owner of the World Champion LA Dodgers and the Chelsea Football Club amongst other business ventures.

 

While Dan Towriss is not only the CEO of Gainbridge, but the Head of TWG Global, as its motorsports boss. With General Motors being quite happy to work with Towriss and Company. Just not Michael Andretti…

 

Therefore, no matter how Poppa’ Mario has tried spinning it to Nathan Browne. About His son Michael taking one for the team Rah-Rah-Rah! After a tumultuous three year attempt of becoming an F1 team owner. It seems really sad that Mikey’ got screwed, Err squeezed out only two months before this finally happened, and something just smells really fishy to Mwah! Even if He was handsomely rewarded financially.

 

But the Fat Cats get richer, since Towriss and Walter and whomever have successfully bought into Formula 1 prior to the new, upcoming 2026 Concorde Agreement. Which All of the existing ten teams have been screaming for the Dissolution Fee of $200 million to be increased to $600 million! Saving them nearly a cool half billion dollars admission fee! Although I can only wonder if TWG Global and GM would have paid this anyways?

Update

On December 10th, Ferrari confirmed that it had agreed in principle to supply GM/Cadillac with customer Ferrari Power Units in a multi-year agreement beginning in 2026 with Andretti Formula Racing LLC. Contingent upon Cadillac being confirmed by Liberty Media to compete in formula 1…

A Foreign World Bubbles to the Surface

Where ‘Ol Flatliners’ become Cashiers…

 

Once again, its another late to thee party entry here upon No Fenders. But Y’all try Back-timing everything you wish to scribble about. Not to mention keep pushing back in order to post other riveting No Fenders stories…

 

As sometime just over a month ago now Me Thinks, I was in the grocery checkout line with my favourite cashier Dave. Nope, No Dave’s Not Here Jokes today Folks, Hya!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtDAK7Umk7A

 

As Dave scanned my groceries and I asked Him how He was. He said He was great and had spent the weekend watching NASCAR and NHRA races. As I had no idea that Dave was a racing fan…

 

This launched Him down multiple Wabbit’ Holes, telling me All about John Force Racing’s current exploits. Musing how All “The Kid”, Austin Prock needed to do was show up at Pomona to win His first NHRA championship! Saying how Robert Height had a medical issue causing Him to leave the cockpit. And John force had to go ‘n Blow Up His racecar and crash into a barrier…

 

As if was fun hearing Dave effuse over how good Austin Prock is. Learning afterwards how amazing Prock was during His rookie season! Having won eight races, three runner-up finishes and a record 15 top qualifier awards. Surpassing His Boss John Force’s record enroute to His first Floppers’, NHRA top Fuel Funny Car championship.

 

Although Prock lost to teammate Jack Beckman in the Pomona finals, the pair of John force Racing (JFR) drivers finished 1-2 in the championship.

 

Dave then mentioned how He’d grown up at Lions Drag Strip, a venue I’d never heard of before. Which after some perfunctory research on Al gore’s All knowing wonderous machine, where I didn’t even trip the start light, How-How-How…

 

I discovered that Lions Drag Strip was in the Wilmington, a Los Angeles suburb nearby Long Beach, California.

 

The track was operational between 1955 to 1972. Yet had opened under a 30-day notice clause that could be enforced at any time. And with the area’s population increasing, residents complained about the noise and the notice was given in November of 1972. As the Los Angeles Harbour Authority tore down the dragstrip, which then sat vacant for a further ten years before being turned into today’s Mega-Container facility for overseas shipping.

 

As I’m familiar with this nationwide phenomenon. Since this is what many new residents living nearby Pacific Raceways, albeit better known to Mwah as Seattle International Raceways in Kent, Washington complain about. As I witnessed this first hand back in the 1990’s, even though the track opened in 1960 when there was nothing surrounding it!

 

Reportedly Lions Drag Strip hosted numerous American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) events, and Dave told me that He raced Competition Eliminator in 1971, Say What? As I’m still trying to figure out how old Dave is?

 

Having just learned that Competition eliminator is made up of multiple classes, which anybody can compete in their personal vehicle. And is basically Head-to-Head knockout competition with handicapped sliding scale timing to create close competition. As a Honda four cylinder Hatchback would be given a healthy start-line (time) advantage vs. a Dodge Hemi V-8 Charger.

 

Dave also said He’d raced briefly at Pomona, which arguably is the Mack Daddy ‘O Drag Strips in California. Which when I told Dave that the Irwindale Speedway and Event Center was closing this December. Dave said that Pomona, which is called the In ‘n Out Pomona Drag Strip will be the only Drag racing facility in the area.

 

Showing off my prowess in the world of Drag Racing. I was thinking for sure there was somebody else named Austin who worked as John force’s crew chief forever, after hearing the name Austin Prock. And that Prock name sounded familiar to Mwah for reasons unknown…

 

Having just re-learned it was Austin coil’s, whose ironically being inducted into this year’s motorsports Hall of Fame. Along with several more luminary figures. With Scott Dixon, Jimmie Johnson, Paul Newman and John Surtees just to name some of this year’s class honouree’s.

 

https://johnforceracing.com/blog/force-honors-austin-coils-induction-into-motorsports-hall-of-fame-of-america/

 

And then perhaps some of you are way ahead of me? When learning that Jimmy Krock, Austin’s father initially worked a fourteen year stint as a Crew Chief at John force Racing. And won the 2013 Funny Car title with John force! Before returning to JFR in 2017. Winning two more Funny Car titles with Robert Height, before winning this year’s title as His son’s Crew Chief. With His son Thomas Prock, who’s an engineer also working on the Prock Camaro Funny car, making it a family affair! After Austin Prock replaced Robert Height this year after His medical issue, as previously mentioned… 

Alpine Swaps Drivers

But they weren’t trading Barbs like two Others were!

 

Following the finish of the Qatar Grand Prix, Alpine F1 severed its contract with Esteban Ocon, making way for the Frenchman to participate in the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test session with His new team, Haas. For which Ocon posted on His Instagram account that He hadn’t wanted it to end this way…

 

Yet lost in all of the hubbub surrounding Bosom buddies Max and George. Arse-sumedly is graduate Alpine F1 Academy driver, and current reserve driver Jack Doohan making His Formula 1 race debut at this weekend’s season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

 

The 21yr old Aussie’ Doohan has scored a total of six wins and five poles during His two seasons in Formula 2 between 2022-23. Including winning from pole on Yas Isle in His final F2 race outing.

 

What interests me most is Racer’s Chris Medland noting that this perhaps is a tryout towards seeing if Doohan will indeed be racing for the Alpine F1 Team next year in earnest?

 

Even though He’s been announced as Pierre Gasly’s teammate for next season. Apparently there’s still the possibility of Franco Colapinto replacing Doohan?

 

Although Colapinto’s stock has taken a hit due to His abundance of crashes lately. Which ironically is why Williams jettisoned Logan Sargeant…

 

As this race outing allows Jack Doohan time to prepare for His Formula 1 career before racing Down Under at Melbourne for the start of next year’s F1 season, where you’d Arse-sume He’ll be under much media scrutiny – being His home race.

 

And yes, Jack is the son of five-times (MotoGP) GP500 World Champion Mick Doohan.

 

So keep an eye out for car number seven, since I’m pretty sure the Aussie’ will be overlooked this weekend. With the media focusing upon that “Yapping little Terrier” instead, Hya!