Some Interesting Thoughts upon Foyt Racing’s current Irons’

Although something Doesn’t Quite Add Up here…

 

This is Not intended to be critical of either rookie IndyCar Driver Kyle Kirkwood or A.J. foyt Enterprises. Instead it’s just that I’m curious over Kirkwood’s seemingly lackluster rookie season results. And further, if ture? How the perpetual Back-marker IndyCar Team expects to move itself forwards by taking on a further Distraction?

 

First ‘N foremost, I really like Kyle Kirkwood as an IndyCar Driver. So I won’t try delving into His litany of problems this season, for which Ye IndyCar’s Oldest Blogger Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure fame has already punctuated by telling us to Not look solely at the box Score! Since you could say that Krkwood’s Had a myriad of issues stemming from poor Pitstops and Race Strategies. To Equipment Failures and Oh yeah, youthful exuberance…

 

Heading into Gateway, the season’s final Oval event, Kirkwood trailed Andretti Autosport’s rookie Devlin DeFrancesco 159-144 points wise. With DeFrancesco 23^rd Overall and Kyle in 24^th.

 

Yet it was Kirkwood to large extent who Shellacked the Indy Lights field enroute to His third consecutive Road to Indy championship, with the exception of fellow IndyCar rookie Classmate David Malukas. As DeFrancesco finished a Distant sixth in last year’s Lights Championship.

 

This makes me wonder if this is a true indicator of just how Bad the A.J. foyt Enterprises team is? Or is that an underlier of How Kirkwood and Foyt are actually “Punching” above weight vs. the might of Andretti Autosport?

 

Having already scribbled here upon No Fenders about Kirkwood’s meteoric rise thru the Junior ranks. Winning five successive titles, i.e.; U.S. Formula 4, FR Americas, U.S. F2000, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights, All as a Rookie No less!

 

Not to mention ting J.R. Hildebrand and Greg Moore’s series winning records in U.S. f2000 and Indy Lights. Along with amassing a staggering win tally of 55 of 88 races! Obviously Kyle knows not only How to Drive, but Win!

 

And although I do Not believe this, it seems almost like Kyle’s success came to easily for Him? Although He had plenty of stiff competition, like Malukas last year. But it’s like  the step up to Indy Cars has been to a whole another Planet. And that He’s simply placing too much expectation upon Himself to perform better while languishing as the lowest placed full season rookie! As I really Didn’t expect Him to be fifth, behind Devlin DeFrancesco!

 

As DeFrancesco finished 23^rd Overall with 206 points vs. Kirkwood’s 183, netting Him P24 Point’s-wise. While even more Galling Has to be Callum Ilott’s Gritty performance for Juncos Hollinger Racing, the only Single Car IndyCar entry.

 

As Ilott, who Broke His wrist at Indianapolis and missed the next race at Belle Isle. Finished 20^th Overall with 219 points, with one fewer races to His credit…

 

Meanwhile, I’ve been hesitating to scribble ‘bout this on No Fenders, after having read Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s article Wayback in mid-July. Although I rely upon Marshall for much of my motor racing news, it just seems to be out of left field…

 

Perhaps Y’all read Marshall’s July 13^th story over who potentially will be Porsche’s second 963 Customer in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year? For which we already know that the Werk’s Porsche operation will be run by El Capitano’s, nee Roger Penske’s Porsche 963 Squad.

 

While Chip Ganassi will campaign Cadillac’s, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing the BMW M Hybrid V-8 entry, and Meyer Shank Racing one of the latest Acura’s.

 

This seemingly just left Andretti Autosport and Arrow Mclaren SP willing to fork over the $2.9 million fee for a customer Porsche 963! And that’s just to get your Mits upon one of these Chassis!

 

Yet Michael Andretti  is rumoured to be lining up for a future Alpine/Nissan IMSA GTP entry. As I say Nissan since Alpine Doesn’t sell cars Stateside, which would probably be 2024 at earliest?

 

Whilst McLaren’s Big Kahuna Zakery Brown seems a little busy right now sorting out All of His 27 Driver Contracts! Not to mention probably wishing to keep the $7-10m as in Millions! Season Operating cost according to Marshall in reserve for His impending Lawyers Bills!

 

Hence Pruett speculates out of the current ten IndyCar teams, it’ll be surprise! A.J. Foyt Enterprises who’ll be the winning selection for the second coveted Porsche 963! And that it’s lead driver would be J.R. Hildebrand…

 

 

And whilst I know the parking of Foyt’s third IndyCar this year is solely due to RockiT Not Honouring it’s Sponsorship obligations, where does this leave Tatiana Calderon, who’s Hoping to continue Her IndyCar career next year with Foyt?

 

And why would Foyt want this Added Distraction? Especially since they’ve Not sorted out Kirkwood’s replacement next year, when Kyle moves back to Andretti. And they really need to find somebody who can move the team forward, with No Disrespect to Dalton Kellett.

 

Although then again, I suppose this could be a welcome transition for the No. 11 IndyCar’s Crew members, Eh? And presumably keep them intact to run a third Foyt entry at some place called Mother speedway…

 

But you’d have to say that the obvious $64k Questione is where’s the Money coming from to potentially run this Sports Car endeavour. And will it Happen? 

IMSA: 2022 Petit le Mans Preview

As it’s time to bring thoust curtain Down upon the DPi era…

 

Author’s Note

Full disclosure, this No Fenders Yarn’ was scribbled several weeks prior to this year’s race, and therefore will most likely Not include the latest Driver/Team Chane Developments…

Tomaso

 

As noted, this is just a “Best” Guess at who you might See running at this year’s 25^th unning of the Motil Petit le Mans race this Saturday, October 1^st. Which Arse-sumedly you’ll be able to catch various portions of the ten Hour race on Big NBC, USA Network and Frick, Peacock! But I’ll leave it up to Y’all to figure out the How ‘N When to play Chase the TV Broadcast over multiple outlets…

 

Starting with the Big Boyz’, in what will be the series Swan Song for the Daytona Prototype International (DPi) racecars, which will be replaced next year by IMSA’s GTP Class, although currently known as LMDH, i.e.; Le Mans Daytona Hypercars,. Thar will be seven entries competing for the Overall win. With the two Acura’s fighting against five Cadillac’s.

 

Acura

The Championship leading #10 Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) entry features Ricky Taylor and Felipe Albuquerque, along with Endurance Specialist Will Stevens.

 

Whilst Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) #60 will be piloted by Tom “the Bomb” Blomquist, Oliver Jarvis and presumably MSR IndyCar Drivers Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud will be on Hand?

 

Cadillac

The “Mach 5 Mustang Sally,” err Mustang Sampling No. 5 JDC Miller Motorsports features “Westie,” aka Richard Westbrook and Tristan Turbo’ Vautier at it’s controls, presumably with Loic Duvall once again as it’s Endurance specialist.

 

Whelen Engineering’s (AXR) #31 entry is comprised of Pico Derani, Olivier Pla and Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway. With the Seester Action Express Racing (AXR) Allied No. 48 entry seeing Jimmie Johnson and His All Stars, i.e.; K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi and Mike “rocy” Rockenfeller at it’s Keyboard.

 

Lastly, Chip Ganassi Racing’s (CGR) two car entry sees it’s #01 entry piloted by Renger Van der Zande and le Hamburgualr’, nee Sebastien Bourdais presumably paired with Scotty the Iceman 2.0’ Dixon.

 

While the #02 sees Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn paired with potentially Marcus Ericsson?

 

GTD Pro/GT Daytona

Thars’ simply Way too Many Gran Torismo entrants to attempt chronicling! As the GTD Pro and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) entrants All competing in GT3 Saloons, albeit the Corvette C8.R’s have been “reversed Engineered” from Thar GT LM (Le Mans) Specs to comply. While the Pro designation stands for All Professional Driver lineups…

 

Some entries of Note include the No. 9, Number Nine, Numeral Nein? FAB Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R with it’s All Porsche Penske Motorsports trio of Matt Campbell, Mathieu Jaminet and Felipe Nasr.

 

Whilst former IndyCar Co-Owners Top Jimmy’ and Sully’s Vasser Sullivan Racing’s Lexus RC F GT3 Squad runs one Lexus in each category. With No Clue if (Townsend) T-Bell’ will be Moonlighting aboard the No. 12? While I’d expect to see IndyCar Driver Kyle Kirkwood once again in the #14 GTD Pro entry alongside Ben Barnicoat and Union’ Jack Hawksworth.

 

And then Thars’ for whatever will be my Homeboyz’ “Team Seattle’s” Heart of Racing Team now campaigning Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT’s, with it’s iconic No. 23 with Ross gunn, Alex riberas and Maxine Martin in the GTD Pro category. With it’s Seester’ NO. 27 entry of Roman De Angelis, Ian James and Darren Turner? In the “lower” tier GTD Ranks.

 

And you can never count out the No. 16 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R of Jan “Van Hagar” Heylen, Ryan Hardwick and Zach Rubichon.

 

And suppose I should also mention Good ‘Ol Bimmer Billy’, aka Bill Auberlen in Turner Motorsports Shiny, New BMW three litre inline six turbo M4 GT3 Chariot with Robby foley and Michael Vinan? At it’s Keyboard… 

IMSA GTP: Can Yuhs Taste it?

As we’re inching closer to the Dawning of Sports Cars future Generation beginning at next January’s 24 Hours of Daytona…

 

Presumably one of the many “Story lines” of this weekend’s upcoming Petit le Mans race will be about it being the Daytona Prototype International (DPi) category’s Swan Song. For which the current DPI Prototypes Class have raced since their introduction at the 2017 Rolex 24.

 

And although it’s early days yet, it’s already reported that we’ll have an 50% increase of Fulltime Competitors next year with a total of ten Shiny, New IMSA GTP competitors.

 

And Yes, if that GTP Moniker sounds familiar to you, that’s because it’s what IMSA used during it’s “golden years” of Prototype raceing. When the IMSA Camel GTP series brought us some of the best competition ever with those iconic Porsche 962’s, TWR Jaguar’s, Electramotive Nissan GTP ZX-T’s and Dan Gurney’s All American Racers (AAR) Eagle Mk III’s before the series went Defunct at the end of 1993. With the new IMSA Exxon GT World Sports Car (WSC) series bringing us the Open-top Prototypes such as the iconic Ferrari 333 SP and Riley & Scott Mk III beginning in 1994.

 

IMSA GTP Competitors

Ultimately there will be a total of four Porsche 963’s along with a Noah’s Arc two-by-two Congo line of Acura’s, BMW’s and Cadillac’s, with a total of four IndyCar Teams competing in Sports Cars next year.

 

El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske will run the Werks’ Porsche Penske Motorsports squad, with two Porsche 963’s apiece contesting the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

Porsche’s first customer for it’s nearly three million 963 ($2.9m) has already been announced as JDC Miller Motorsports. Whilst we All wait with Baited Breath over who’ll snag the second and last customer 963 entry.

 

Although due to the world’s never ending nebulous Supply chain issues, Don’t expect to see all four Porsche 963’s at Daytona next January, or who knows when these two Customer cars will come “Online?”

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and Action Express Racing (AXR) will each campaign a single Cadillac entry Stateside, albeit Ganassi’s ultimately running two Caddy’s a la Penske’s dual Universe’s, ergo IMSA and WEC.

 

While I find it interesting that I’ve “seen” Nary a Peep over whether or not AXR will be running it’s second car with ‘Ol JJ’, aka Jimmie Johnson and His All Stars in the #48 at the four Endurance events next year?

 

Longtime BMW entrant Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will campaign the Werks’ BMW M Hybrid V-8 two car entry under the banner of BMW Team RLL, which see’s the German manufacturers return to top flight Sports Car Prototype racing since it’s V12 LMR last raced in 2000! While Belgium’s WRT, a perennial WEC LMP2 Frontrunner will run the BMW M Hybrid V-8 in the WEC beginning in 2024.

 

And Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing will once again campaign a single Acura ARX-06 Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) entry apiece.

 

Chassis Specifications

The four manufacturers Chassis are All FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 Based Designs, albeit each manufacturer is allowed to imput unique Styling Designs Ques into their individualchassis for Brand Distinction.

 

The Acura ARX-06’s chassis supplier is Oreca and presumably utilizeds it’s current 3.5-litre V-6 Twin Turbo engine.

 

Actually it was just divulged during the Acura ARX-06’s public unveiling at The Quail outing during Monterey’s prestigious Vintage Car weekend, the new Acura deploys a 2.4-litre 90-degrees V-6 Twin Turbo unit that will rev to the maximum 10,000RPM limit! And is said to also incorporate Brake by wire technology.

 

The BMW M Hybrid V-8’s chassis is built by Dallara and utilizes a “Clean Sheet” 4.0-litre Twin Turbo v-8 derived from it’s previous DTM engines.

 

Cadillac’s GTP Project is also built by Dallara and is the only competitor utilizing a normally aspirated engine. Although the 5.5-litre V-8 is a brand new engine with DOHC Architecture. Along with what’s All the Rage now, ergo Flat Plane Crank technology, presumably?

 

 

And lastly, Porsche’s 963 is built by Multimatic and sports a 4.6-litre Twin Turbo V-8.

 

And it seems like the regulations are still quite fluid, or that there’s just not a whole lot of up to date information available? Since I thought that the maximum Horsepower was relegated to 680bhp? But John Oreovicz IMSA Hybrid 101 article from April claims that Horsepower will be between 643 and 697bhp, with the Spec Hybrid system developing a peak of 50bhp, for which I thought was being regulated to 40bhp? Or may be I’m Cornfuzing my numbers with the WEC’s impending regulations?

 

Although the BMW M Hybrid V-8 claims to produce 477KW or 640bhp with it’s “ICE,” ergo Internal Combustion Engine Only. And 500KW or 671bhp with ICE and Hybrid combined. So Messer Oreovicz’s info is presumably more correct than mine? Since Acura also claims the 500KW figure for it’s ARX-06…

 

Yet Marshall Pruett’s August 29 Racer article notes that the Acura’s “AR24E” 2.4-litre Twin Turbo V-6 Endurance motor is meant to have much in common with it’s upcoming IndyCar Hybrid 2.4-liter motor. And that Acura’s targeting 640bhp output with a Maximum of 680bhp with Motor and Hybrid systems combined. So I now feel that my “numbers” are more correct vs. Messer Oreovicz’s. Whilst I’ll save my comments upon the possible Monoblock Acura lump’ for another day…

 

https://racer.com/2022/08/29/hondas-new-imsa-powerplant-has-indycar-roots/

 

But at least we know that All competitors will be utilizing the Single Spec Hybrid system produced by Xtrac, Bosch and Williams Advance Engineering. As Xtrac provides the new Gearbox which has to mate to the four different engine configurations. While bosch is responsible for the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Electronics inside the Gearbox. And Williams Advance Engineering provides the Battery Pack, All of which drives just the rear wheels. Whilst I’ll save the other major differences between the IMSA’s GTP and FIA/ACO’s Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) Rules convergence for a later, rainy day…

 

Although it’s worth noting that following Petit le Mans, IMSA will Hold a three day test between October 2-5 for the purpose of having All four competitors Ontrack together for the first time! Which I’d Arse-sume is partially in order to gather Data for the forthcoming Dreadded BoP (Balance of Performance) implementation beginning with next year’s 24 Hours of Daytona… 

HYDROS: What Happened to Andrew Tate?

     

HYDROS: How many Boats will show Up in San Diego?

And is Jimmy Shane’s blue & White U-1 Miss Home Street the New, Dreaded “Blue Blaster?”

 

Following the Madison Regatta Governor’s cup race in Indiana, the H1 Unlimited Fleet returned to Warshington’ for the start of it’s traditional West Coast swing, i.e.; Tri-Cities and Seattle, followed by San Diego’s season finale.

 

Due to the severe damage that the Strong Racing’s U-9 Hull sustained during Cory Peabody’s wicked Double Summersault at Madison, the team elected to pull the championship winning Hull for the remainder of the season in order to rebuild the boat.

 

Thus Strong Racing elected to rename it’s U-8 Hull as the U-9 with driver J. Michael Kelly at it’s controls in a single boat entry for the remaining three races. Now known as the Lynx Healthcare presents Miss Tri-Cities entering it’s Home race.

 

Not surprisingly,

Jimmy Shane and His U-1 Miss Home Street continued flexing Thar Muscles at Kennewick, WA, where Shane was the fastest qualifier with a staggering lap of 164.039mph! The Fastest lap time since Fuel-Flow restrictions were introduced some twenty-plus years ago.

 

While the repaired U-40 Miss Beacon Plumbing with Dave Villowck at the Helm was right behind Shane with a speed of 163.294mph.

 

J. Michael Kelly in the aforementioned U-9 led the final three boats to Qualify with a speed of 159.371mph. Followed by Jeff Bernard in the U-91 Miss Goodman real Estate at 158.016mph. While the Fan favourite U-3 Griggs presents Miss Ace Hardware piloted by Jimmy King ran 157.455mph.

 

As the U-3 is the only remaining Piston owered Hull on the H1 Unlimited circuit, propelled by a twin turbocharged Allison V-12World War II engine. While Jamie Nilsen in the U-11 Joker’s Casino failed to Qualify due to mechanical issues. And Nah, No Joke’s On Them Quips Here, Hya!

 

Yet another Unlimited Hydroplane Flipped during a preliminary Heat, this time Dave Villowck being the victim! As the U-40 y sustaining severe Damage and obviously being Done for the weekend. And then the U-3 threw a propeller also on Saturday, seeing Jimmy King on the Sidelones also.

 

Hence the HAPO Columbia cup on the mighty Columbia River was pretty much a dud! As Shane romped easily wire-to-wire over His other three competitors.

 

As the biggest drama involved Shane’s teammate Jeff Bernard who was early to the start and had to run an extra lap. As J. Michael Kelly got tired of seeing the Wall fo Water Jimmy’s Hydro was throwing up and went from inside lane two to the outside lane four, albeit never bothering Shane, enroute to His 22^nd H1 Unlimited victory. While Jamie Nilsen motored home third, and Bernard was foruth.

 

Have to say that the Emerald City’s return to Unlimited Hydroplane racing after a three year Hiatus was Uber Disappointing! As Seriously? Only five Boats? Since I understand the U-3’s absence, due to being damaged the week prior and being an “East coast” entry…

 

But I Don’t understand why either the U-12 Graham Trucking with Andrew Tate or the U-21 Lakeridge Paving weren’t entered in their Home race?

 

In what now’s become the “Norm,” Jimmy Shane once again was P1 in Qualifying Friday, at 153.539mph. Followed by Dave Villwock, Jeff Bernard, J. Michael Kelly and Jamie Milsen.

 

Saturday’s Final Qualifying saw the five Hydroplanes in the exact same order, albeit Shane upped His Average Speed to 157.143mph. Before the day saw Match Racing used to make up for the pathetically small Fleet. Which featured a series of One on One two lap Heats before a LCQ’, aka Last Chance Qualifier Heat followed by the Winner Take all Final Heat.

 

Not surprisingly, Shane led Wire-to-Wire ahead of Villwock, who in turn was followed Home by Kelly and Bernard.

 

Yet once again on Sunday, when it was “Money Time!” For the second time this year, Shane and Villwock were early across the “Stripe” and both the U-1 Miss Home Street and U-40 Miss Beacon Plumbing Hydros’ were Docked a One lap penalty. Effectively Handing the race to J. Michael Kelly in the U-9 Boitano Homes Hydroplane. As Kelly notched His second, consecutive Seafair trophy, having won the last time in 2019. And His fourth Seafair victory Overall.

 

Jeff Bernard in the U-91 Goodman Real Estate’s was second and Shane ultimately third. As Villwock and U-11 Miss The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse’s  Jamie Milsen were both subsequently DQ’ed (Disqualified) afterwards for having Not maintained the minimum 80mph speed during the five minute “Milling” period. 

HYDROS: A Season Full of Promise Ends at San Diego

But Can anybody Beat Jimmy Shane and the U-1 Miss Home Street?

 

Author’s Note

Otay, full disclosure here folks. I was busy packing on race day, getting ready to effectively go on a three weeks extended Holiday! So I don’t know the outcome of this year’s Sand Diego Bayfair Regatta or who won the bill Muncey Cup?

Tomaso

 

The 2022 H1 Unlimited Hydroplane season started out so promisingly, albeit it was an unexpected Driver-Boat Combination that looked set to give Jimmy Shane His biggest Challenge for another year’s Championship. Since I’d Arse-sumed that it would be J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Miss Tri-Cities giving Shane Headaches All season long.

 

Instead it was Kelly’s Strong Racing teammate Cory Peabody in the U-9 Lynx Healthcare that was pushing Shane’s buttons! Having noted in my No Fenders Season Preview that these were the two teams to watch this year.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/06/hydros-2022-power-houses-which-of-these.html

 

The season began on Lake Guntersville Wayback at the end of June, with the Sport’s most prestigious trophy, the gold cup being Held there. Although when I think Gold Cup, I immediately think of Detroit instead, the modern day (Post World War II) “Ancestrol” Home of the Nation’s Oldest trophy.

 

Yet my Hometown of Seattle Had Mucho to say about that during it’s Heated East-West Coast rivalry during the 1950’s and 1960’s!

 

Guntersville saw a “massive” seven Hydroplanes field contesting the Gold Cup with two Hulls apiece from the aforementioned Miss Madison and Strong Racing outfits. Plus single Boat entries from Bucket List Racing, Griggs Racing and Unlimited Racing Group, Although I’ve still got Zero clue what happened to Graham Trucking and Andrew Tate this year? Whilst initially expecting the most Hydros to show up for this year’s return to Seattle’s Seafair regatta…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/06/hydros-time-to-spool-up-for-2022-h1.html

 

Having taken to simply “Watching,” Err listening to the Final Heats via H1 Unlimited’s Youtube channel, I recall that whomever the main Announcer is? Noted how Jimmy Shane aboard the U-1 Miss Home Street had come to an unexpected, temporary stop during the five minute “Milling” period and we’d need to keep an Eye upon that. Which would turn out to be prophetic words…

 

Meanwhile Dave Villwock, Skipper’ of the U-40 Miss Beacon Plumbing had mirrored Shane’s march thru All of His preliminary Heats Undefeated. Also coming from behind to win a la Shane was also DQ’ed in the Final! As Villwock, the Sport’s Elder Statesman at Age 68 would be Disqualified for going outside the course boundries during the Milling period.

 

But I’m getting ahead of myself Thar Mateys!

 

As the Starting Gun sounded, five Whooshing, screaming  Lycoming (Chinook Helicopter) turbine powered Unlimited Hydroplanes funneled into turn one with Jimmy Shane leading the pack. As the U-1 Miss Home Street would lead All five laps seemingly enroute to Shane’s sixth gold Cup victory, breaking His tie with the legendous’ Gar Wood.

 

Yet Race Officials determined following the race that Shane had Dipped below the minimum 80mph threshold during the aforementioned Milling period and thus was instantly Disqualified! Meaning that Cory Peabody behind the tiller of the U-9 Lynx Healthcare who’d originally finished Runner-up behind Jimmy Shane was the winner of the 112^th running of the APBA Gold cup! With Peabody averaging 147.829mph over the race’s five laps.

 

Official second place finisher was Jeff Bernard in the U-91 Goodman real Estate, and Jamie Neilsen in the U-11 Misss Colleen was third. Whilst I cannot remember what happened to J. Michael Kelly, albeit I think He was the “Trailer Boat,” but Not Classifie.

 

And if that wasn’t enough Drama for Yuhs, then like Good ‘Ol Derek Daly says: “Hang Onto Your Hollyhocks!” As it’s about to get real bumpy for one of our competitors!

 

The following weekend’s Madison Governor’s Cup on the Ohio River in Indiana saw U-1 of Shane and U-91 of Bernard. Along with both the U-8 Miss Tri-Cities of J. Michael Kelly and Peabody’s U-9, plus Neilsen in the U-11 for the Final Heat. As Villwock had earlier Hit a unseen log at some 150mph! Shearing it’s propeller and doing serious damage to the U-40 Hull, which made a Beeline Home to Snohomish, WA for repairs!

 

Shane and Peabody Had an epic Mano e Mano Duel the entire Heat! As perennial winner Jimmy Shane couldn’t shake Cory Peabody from His Six! With Peabody reportedly never veering less than four boat-lengths behind. And with the duo taking the white flag on lap-4, and Peabody pressing Shane Hard. Suddenly Cory’s U-9’s nose began catching Air and pointing skywards! And then in an instant, Peabody’s Hydroplane went Airborne with the U-9 completing two Summersaults in-a-row before thankfully landing Upright!

 

The race was immediately Red Flagged, and with AllHydros having completed three laps, Shane was declared the winner, His 21^st Unlimiteds victory.

 

While the Box Score denotes that Bernard was second, Neilsen third and Kelly fourth, it really didn’t seem to matter! Although fortunately Peabody was Checked, Cleared and Released from the Infield Medical Center afterwards! 

Welcome to Zak Brown’s “Wheel of Fortune”

Are there any A’s Vanna? Yes, there’s two. and a O and U, but No I’s. yes, I’d like to solve the Question…

 

Normally I would have Heard the News via my ESPN Online Motorsports Headlines News Feed first thingy’ Wednesday morning via NFB’s Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service.

But unfortunately they’ve been “trying” to restore it for an agonizing two months now…

 

Thus it was pretty Funny listening to the Indianapolis Star’s Sports section’s article instead about How things might be changing between Chip Ganassi Racing and McLaren Racing’s ensuing lawsuit over the services of Alex Palou next year…

 

With the Dateline being Salinas, CA and giving somewhat of a timeline regarding the Palou Saga. Pointing out How now McLaren Racing’s Pied Piper Zakery Brown Had simply issued that June 23^rd Press Release confirming Felix rosenqvist to a long term McLaren Future in either Indy Cars or Formula E simply to put Felix’s mind at ease. And then some long willowy Platitudes about How He’d Never keep a Driver from Driving where He wanted too. Which made me immediately Bellow Out You Lying Sack of Shit! Even though I know I’ve gotta take Zak’s words at Face value…

 

Naturally Brown wouldn’t be drawn on McLaren issuing a “Paper tiger” Press Release when Rosenqvist wasn’t signed to anyting long term. And as revealed over the Laguna Seca weekend. The Clock was Ticking on Mclaren’s option for Rosenqvist, expiring at Midnight, October 1^st.

 

As I believe it was Racer’s Marshall Pruett who noted awhile ago that All of the Palou Gate Saga simply felt like a really Bad version of Speed Dating gone Wrong!

 

We’ve also learned via McLaren Racing’s other Court Case, that McLaren Had signed a contract with Oscar Piastri to drive for McLaren F1 on July 4^th of this year, over one week before the Chip Ganassi Alex Palou McLaren Racing Twitter Spat erupted publicly on July 12^th. For which I also recall it being Marshall noting how one IndyCar Team Owner Had told Him that Palou must have been Crapping His Pants when the Piastri story Broke!

 

Nathan Browne’s IndyStar’ article notes what Pruett reported previously. That Brown and CGR Managing Director Mike Hull were seen meeting Sunday morning at Laguna Seca. Along with that Palou and His Boss and good Buddy Cheep’ spoke at Portland. And that Ganassi was asking for $10 million to release Palou to McLaren Racing next year.

 

But Wednesday morning, it was All Sunshine, Rainbows ‘N Bunnies! With multiple reports noting How this time there were No Dueling Twitter statements. And that Alex Palou Had tweeted He’s very Happy to Have a Job Next year. Uhm, That He’s staying with Chip as the Driver of the #10 Next year.

 

While Arrow McLaren SP (AMSP) subsequently announced that Rosenqvist would be retained aboard the No. 7 for 2023.

 

While Ganassi also announced that Palou would be Free to Test other forms of racing as long as it Didn’t interfere with His IndyCar commitments for 2023. As Palou and AMSP Driver Pato O’Ward were both in Barcelona busy Poundin’ round in a year old McLaren MCL-35M Formula 1 chassis  during a McLaren F1 Private Test when the News was announced.

 

As I Don’t know ‘bout Y’all, but it sounds like Zak’s busy trying to mend Fences, Uhm a lot of Broken promises, err Bruised Ego’s from All of His Hocus Pocus Magic tricks! And I have to wonder if Palou was “Used” to Divert Attenzione away from Mclaren’s Piastri signing? Or Did Brown simply think that Palou was a Better solution than Rosenqvist?

 

Whilst most interestingly for Mwah, is that both Palou and Rosenqvist’s amended “Deals” only state 2023, with No word about either being the now de riggour “Multi-year” statement, i.e.; two year contracts. With Marshall and others also having noted there’s multiple Driver “Opening” for 2024…

 

But I’d say this is Good News for IndyCar, as now we just await the Drama of Colton Herta being courted by Scuderia AlphaTauri and a seat in F1 next year. Even though Colton Doesn’t Have the necessary points to Qualify for an F1 Super License, and I Don’t see How that will Happen. Especially since Formula 1 Has shown itself to be a European Boyz’ club Only! Even if Colton’s testing for Alpine F1 next week in Hungary, taking the seat that was initially reserved for Piastri. Yet somehow I just don’t see Herta being in F1 next year… 

INDYCAR: Laguna Seca Season Finale Championship Edition

Come On Will, Sing It! We Are the Champions of the World…

 

Yeah, Y’all know the Championship outcome by now. As it was Showtime in Monterey with the title on the line. As the talk All weekend long was about how Mega’ the Tyre Deg’, nee Degradation was on the Gritty, Course Sandpaper Ash-Fault! With Scott Dixon saying He thought it was Detroit Bad! (Belle Isle) And Helio Castroneves said He thought the track was the same since He started coming Here Twenty Years Ago! While the track will be repaved next year.

 

Practice

Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden served notice during Friday’s first Practice session by being Fastest with a time of 01:11.4103, with teammate Will Power down in seventh, some five tenths-plus adrift.

 

As Power was eclipsed by three Andretti Autosport runners, with Colton Herta, Romain Grosjean and Alexander Rossi P2-3-4 respectively. With Colton just  some four tenths-plus adrift of Newgarden.

 

Whilst Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Rookie Callum Ilott was an impressive P5! And Meyer Shank Racing’s Simon Pagenaud was sixth, one spot ahead of former Penske teammate Power.

 

Marcus Ericsson was the Quickest of the Chip Ganassi Racing Boyz’ in 10^th, with Penske’s ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin P11. While Scott Dixon was P17, and obviously has some work to do…

 

David Malukas who trails Christian Lundgaard in the Rookie Of the Year battle by five points was ninth, with the Dane’ winding up P15 on Day-1.

 

Saturday morning’s practice session saw a few Red Flags brought out. Most notably for Pato O’Ward going Off-track at  Turn 10, the bottom of the Famed Corkscrew, Me Thinks? As the team spent considerable time with All of the bodywork Off trying to Dislodge All of the Sand and Gravel He’d Injested!

 

Uber Funny how Mark Gravelly’ James was Opining over How Team Penske testing at Portland vs. Chip Ganassi Racing’s test at Laguna Seca was working out with some three minutes left. With Alex Palou P1 at 01:11.3847, and Dixon sixth, whilst Will Power and Josef Newgarden were languishing P22-23 respectively. And then as soon as They looked at their Timing Monitors, Shuhzamm! Power and Newgarden were P3-4, with Dixon still sixth!

 

Qualifying

So, you’d have to say the first Domino fell during Round-1, Group 1’s Qualie’ session. When Newgarden High-sided Himself on the Turn 8’s Kerb’s entrance to the world famous Corkscrew. Bringing out a Red Flag, which appeared to run Out the Clock, with Dixon also on the Outside. Yet IndyCar Race Control gave everybody left one final lap.

 

As I Bellowed at my Confuzer’s Speakers for Dixon to Not Advance outta His Round-1 Qualie’ Group, since He’s the Enemy this weekend! Taking Delight over first his CGR teammate Ericson Bumping Him Down to P6, and then Simon Pagenaud Knocked Dixon Out of Qualie’, Yeah Baby! Have I mentioned I’m Rootin’ for Will Power to win the title lately?

 

As Newgarden refused to speak to IndyCar Radio’s Ryan Marin after a short, terse interview with NBC. And will Roll off P25! Whilst Dixon will start 13^th. Giving Will Power sufficient “Breathing Room” on the Race’s start.

 

Then in Round-1, Group 2, Colton Herta inexplicably took Himself Out of advancing to the Fast 12 Shootout when running Off-track, seeing three of Power’s staunchest competitors for Pole out of the running.

 

As I began crossing my fingers and Rootin’ for Power to Throw Down upon the remainder of the Field and claim His record setting 68^th Pole position at Laguna Seca before the Fast Six Shootout! Which is exactly what Power Did!

 

As Kudos to SuperMario’, aka Mario Andretti for not only being on Hand, but immediately Shaking Power’s Hand after Breaking His record in Pitlane!

 

As I loved Mario’s answer on what it takes to claim that many Pole positions? Saying, How Badly do You Want It? If I knew what it took, I’d Bottle It and Sell It!

 

And I Don’t understand why IndyCar Radio Didn’t speak to Callum Ilott, who claimed His best ever Qualie’ finish in second! Instead talking to Romain Grosjean who rolls off P4, with Alexander Rossi third. While Row 3 features Palou and O’Ward.

 

Race

Obviously, it’s easy to say after the fact. But I really did tell myself that I wanted Alex Palou to win the Season Finale a few days after attending Portland’s race. As I thought it would be the perfect “Fly in The Ointment” for a Driver who’s possibly driven His last race for Ganassi? And I was laughing so Hard and sticking my finger in the Air and making the Sizzling sound when water Hits a Hot rock! That I Didn’t Hear exactly what IndyCar Radio’s Dan rusanowsky asked Palou? Something ‘bout if He’d be sitting down with Chip afterwards? To which Palou said with mischief in His voice: Yeah Sure, if Cheep’s picking up the Bill! No, Only Kidding…

 

For which I think sums up the whole crux of the Ganassi v Palou Spat! And it’ll be Sad if Palou Has to sit out a year from IndyCar’s!

 

Initially I kept saying whilst listening to the Radio Broadcast, you’re giving Me a Heart attack Will! But it also seemed obvious that Will simply let Newgarden go when being passed for second, the first time. And I think I was getting sucked into the Announcers doing their job of creating Drama.

 

After the race, the more I thought about it, Power knew  what He needed to do to clinch His second IndyCar Championship. And with Palou simply Disappearing from the entire field, Power’s job was made that much “easier.” Although I’m Not saying it was an easy race for Will, but He managed it superbly All Day long! And when Romain Grosjean momentarily threatened His third place, Power closed up on Newgarden and said I’m Here, so Giddy Up!

 

As you already know about Power being the first IndyCar Champion with only One win in 25 years since Tony Stewart’s 1997 IRL Championship. While you’ve gotta give Newgarden credit for driving the wheels off His #2 Penske with His unpreferred four stop Pit strategy, seeing Him finish second after starting a lowly P25!

 

Whilst I enjoyed the Karmic Whip snapping Scott Dixon, after the Kiwi’ Had apparently been playing Mental Mind Games with Team Penske at Portland when Questioning their Not using Team Tactics to give Power the Win and a Bigger Points lead prior to Laguna Seca. Hmm, Did anybody see Dixon Sunday at Laguna Seca? Uhm, where did He finish?

 

As I thought it was a Good race, probably Far more Gripping due to the title fight vs. the actual race. Especially since Palou simply put a Beatdown on the entire field with a thirty second lead over Newgarden!

 

Which was even more impressive after Palou Had to take a Six place Grid penalty for an unapproved engine change agter Qualifying…

 

While we All know that Newgarden Had the most wins of the season with five vs. Power and Palou’s One! Not to mention Power’s teammate ScottyMac’s (McLaughlin) Breakout season with three W’s!

 

But it was another Great Year, and now another Stupendous 351 Days Offseason looms large! While I suppose Thars still formula 1, but I’d say that Championship’s already Toast! With Max Verstappen being crowned World Champion Any day now…

 

Oh Yeah, almost forgot the IndyCar Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Battle. As Groan, Congrats to Christian Lundgaard who drove from 16^th to finish fifth. Whilst David Malukas went Backwards from starting sixth and finishing P13 seeing the Dane’ clinch ROY Honours in the season’s final race.

 

Congratulations Will Power, Job Done! 

16B: No Fenders Turns Simona d Silvestro’s Car Number

As it’s Kind of IndyCar to be Throwing A Party at Laguna seca…

 

Yeah, I know. Y’all are probably busy like Mwah “Watching,” Err listening to Indy Cars Season finale from Laguna Seca right now, instead of wanting to Hear about No Fenders turning Sweet 16 today!

 

And most likely I’m making too B-I-G of a Dealio’ out of this, Eh? Especially since I realize a City Doesn’t care about it’s Inhabitants, But! I found myself having a Wee Bitamyte  ‘O Melancholy over being “Locked Out” Financially of my Home City now some four years later. Since it was Seafair weekend in Ye Emerald City, also formerly known as The Jet city…

 

Even though Thar were Motor Races going on Ah-Plenty’. But this point really hit home when Hearing Josef Newgarden doing the Obligatory this is NTT IndyCar Driver Insert Name Here; Josef Newgarden from His Home City of Nashville, this is IndyCar Radio Network…

 

Whilst it’s Funny that I Didn’t even know I had another Birthday coming up! Until searching just three weeks prior thru last September’s No Fenders Blog Archive. Although it’ll forever be Zepptember’ in Honour of Seattle’s Classic Rock Station KZOK 102.5FM, which I Arse-sume is still on the Air? Whilst I also get a Kick outta the other Seattle Rock Station KISW 99.9FM’s calling the following month Rocktober, but I digress…

 

As I was searchin’ for what title I’d used for the last two West Coast IndyCar races, And Wallah! Thar was that title ‘bout turning Graham Rahal’s car number Staring at Me…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/09/year-15-no-fenders-turns-graham-rahals.html

 

But I do have to say I’m definitely feeling a Wee Bitamyte’ Nihilistic right now Geddy! Having just read a recent Blogger’s Post of thanking just two of the current few IndyCar bloggers, whom I feel are “Cub bloggers!” Especially since I started Blogging some 2.75 years before said Blogger, and way before these two “Wookies!”

 

Making me ponder what’s the point of my having been Scribbling away furiously since Sept 11, 2006? Not to mention the prodigious amount ‘O Hours I pour weekly into creating “Fresh Content” for this Site. Since whatever Happened to Said Blogger’s “All Boats Rising” mantra, Eh?

 

Whilst naturally, when Blogmeister’ Miguel suggested I take up Blogging some Gory 16 years ago, little did I know how Integral a part of my Daily life it would become!

 

While I also Owe a Shout Out to former My Name’s IRL Blogger Jeffrey Iannucci, who not only was positive about my ‘lil No Fenders Blogsite, but inspired me to apply for IMS Credentials, which I was surprisingly granted Wayback in Gory 2009!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2009/06/bloggers-invade-indy.html

 

What’s that Geddy Lee? Stop being so Nihilistic? Yeah, I bought your My Favourite Headache album on CD 21 Gory Years ago! Uhm, what’s that about “Just Between the Ice ages Anyways?” As it’s Hard “Working at Perfect,” which is my favourite track on the Album…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IisWePK0dFM

 

Oh Yeah, I think 21 is some Neiderlander’s Brilliant Orange IndyCar number, Just Sayin’

 

As it’s Funny How Fast time Zoom Zooms by Here upon thoust mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville! As can it really be four years ago that I was just settling into Thy Bungalow by The Sea and ecstatic over having my new Spectrum Cable TV service installed Justin-time’ for the 2018 Grand Prix of Portland IndyCar race.

 

As those were the Good ‘Ol Dazes when I looked forward to Paul Tracy in the Booth weekly. As now I just truly listen to All IndyCar races on the IndyCar Radio Network, provided my Interwebbs’ working!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/05/an-electrifying-night-before-500.html

 

And Do Not even get me started over Spectum’s Retarded telephone service. Like having No dial tone, or constantly Battling either the person on the other end Not being able to Hear me, or Visa Versa, Hello, Hello, Hello? Like Can You Hear Me Now Spectrum? Not to mention the Sickly Sweet Female voice saying We’re Sorry, Your Call did Not go Thru…

 

Uhm, Oh Yeah, I almost forgot Spectrum’s motto: Spectrum, We Care!

 

”Time is A Gypsy Caravan, Steals Away the Night to leave You Stranded in Dreamland, Distance is A long-range Filter, Memory, A Flickering light left behind in the Heartland…”

 

“We Are Only Immortal for A limited time…”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG3KbhXPX3E

 

Otay, time to wrap up another meandering, waxing “Short” Ha Ha! Idyllic prose by your Humble Scribe Tomaso svribblin’ here upon thoust Isle ‘O Nofendersville, as somebody throw me a Lifejacket, please! Especially since it’s so G-Damn Hard to keep from tipping thoust Groceries into thee Drink when paddling in Choppy Seas…

 

Thus although doing this Blogging Gig seems to have become a week by week yearly exercise. Especially now when My ever decreasing typing speed, combined with my continuously faltering eyesight makes Blogging more 'N more challenging each year! Like Have I reminded Y’all I’m Blind lately?

 

Not to mention Ye gory Intrawoods’, (Internet) Blooger’ (Blogger.com) or my Putrid “New & Improved” Zoomtext Fusion 2022 Screen Reader “Zoey the Princess Warrior” AIN'T acting up or Blowin' Ah-gasket, SHEISA!

 

As I still plan upon sticking around until 2023, since it’s right round Ye Corner Mates! And I’m very intrigued over the forthcoming IMSA GTP Sports Cars “resurgence” next year with Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche. Not to mention the FIA’s World Endurance Championship’s “Uptick” for it’s new Le Mans Hypercars (LMH) era “Convergence” seeing la Scuderia’, (Ferrari) Porsche, Toyota, Peugeot, Cadillac and the other Automobile Manufacturers, i.e.; Glickenhaus and the Grandfathered Alpine contesting Circuit de la Sarthe next June. Which will be celebrating it’s Centenary 24 Heurs du Mans outing. Complete with that modified “Next Gen” Hendrick Motorsports RASSCAR’ ZL-1 Camaro as it’s Garage 56^th entry…

 

Hence, like the Drivers say after every race, Thanks to The Fans for showing up here in Nofendersville and reading my eclectic scribblings upon No Fenders All these years!

 

Since this Uber' eclectic mix 'N veritable Spin Cycle 'O finely honed Thomason' Tex-Mex Jambalaya of Wordsmithing wouldn't have been possible over thou seasons without A-L-L of the Usual suspects continued yearly support.

 

Led First 'N Foremost by Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen, the late Kuhnaidiun' lass Claire and Blogmeister' Miguel!, who keeps this Site Alive and makes All of my Zany Updates whenever requested!

 

Whilst I’d be remiss for not mentioning the untimely passing of Pixie The Wonderdog Wuf Wuf! Having celebrated Her One Year Anniversary this past May, appropriately over Indy 500 Qualie’ weekend. Whilst I listen to the next door neigbor’s Shitzu Barking away as I type this…

 

Not to mention Kuhnaidiun’ lass Claire who Died from Cancer at Age 40 now nearly three years ago. Along with another Good Friend Joanie who Died last Summer who I never got to see again after we went into Lockdown Wayback on March 13^th, 2020…

 

But on the positive side, as I’ve scribbled previously. Mary Ellen’s got a great new Hoond’ who’s I affectionately nickname Hang 10’ Hilo, since He came from the Big Island. Who I eagerly look forward to “Seeing” every single time I have the opportunity to!

 

Along with contributions from Offical' Photographer CARPETS', Snowbyrd MJ', Randal, Thy Moniker King' and the Florentines Jeannie & Stevoe'. With continued assistance from Clyde & Nelie plus the still Mega' Killer official No Fenders logo provided by Artiste Dave!

 

Since like Melody Sheik brilliantly “Sings” in his Symphony of Science Masterpiece from a Dozen years ago. Uhm, who’s IndyCar Number is that? “We Are All connected!”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGK84Poeynk

 

Arrivederci

Tomaso

 

Song Lyrics

Shamelessly Pilfered from Geddy Lee’s My Favourite Headache’s title track and Rush’s Dreamline.