Monday, January 9, 2023

IndyCar to begin Thawing Out?

Although Thars been No Snow on Ye Isle ‘O Nofendersvilles lately Mateys! As Hell, even the Sun’s trying to come out. Following our Ice, Sleet, Snow, Rain, High Surf Warning, Sneaker Waves and Coastal Flooding,

Yada Yada Yada…

 

As what’s that ‘Ol Beatles song about some Red Hot Orb in thousth Sky? Sing it George!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_O1QKQCsGs

 

Shortly No Fenders will be Wall to Wall with what’s traditionally the first race of the year for Mwah. And Yeah, I know that the Dakar Rally is proceeding in Saudi Arabia right now. (Dec 31-Jan 15, 2023)

 

But since it Ain’t on Any Terrestrial Cable TV Channel, Chirp Chirp, Bueller? Nobody Stateside will see the potential Audi RS Q e-tron score Dakar’s first Hybrid Overall “Cars” Class victory…

 

Thus, this is just intended to be playing Ketsup’ with a quick look at the few IndyCar News items I’m aware of right now from our Winter’s Break…

 

Prior to the Christmas Holidazes’, Felix Rosenqvist was announced of one of the upcoming Race Of Champion (ROC) contestants for this year’s January 28-29 event.

 

Naturally Rosenqvist who’s making His first ROC appearance will be super “Pumped” to be competing on Home Soil in the North of Sweden in the Baltic on Snow and Ice. Arse-sumedly at last’s year’s Pite Havsbad course in Pitea, Sweden. Yah Sure Yuh Betcha!

 

While No idea if Huski Chocolate will be an official Race Of Champions sponsor or not to ward off the cold?

 

As Rosenqvist will be paired with Johan Kristoffersson in the Nations Cup against such team’s as Finland’s Valtteri Bottas and Mika Hakkinen. Norway’s Pedar and Oliver Solberg. And the United Kingdom will feature Indy NXT Rookie Jamie Chadwick and David Coulthard again.

 

With Germany being comprised of ‘lil syd Viddle, Aka Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher. While we’re still Ah-Waitin’ on who’ll partner Mr. Le Mans, aka Tom Kristensen for Denmark. Along with Who Felipe Drugovich, the reigning FIA Formula 2 Champion and Aston Martin F1 Test and Reserve Driver’s partner for Latin America will be?

 

And apparently Belgium was unconfirmed prior to Santa arriving. Whilst following New Years, Team USA’s entry of Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana was announced. Which seems very Apropos following Travis’s “good Buddy” Ken Block’s unfortunate Demise snowmobiling…

 

Meanwhile IndyCar, Err Penske Entertainment continues it’s Glacial We’re Not telling You Anything Important News Dribble by finally announcing that Mahle indeed is the series Partner providing the Hybrid Energy Recovery system, (ERS)  some ten months after Racer’s Marshall Pruett reported this, Drip Drip Drip!

 

Yuhs know, like IndyCar putting out another glowing Press release stating how Mahle’s surpassed a Bevy ‘O Milestones the past two years. Uhm Crickets! As we’re Not telling you what Any of those Milestones were…

 

On the Driver Front, we’re still Ah-Waiting’ who the final, potential three 2023 NTT IndyCar Series Drivers will be? As obviously the most coveted is the Ovals Only position for Chip Ganassi Racing’s (CGR) No. 11. For which I’ve already guessed will be filled by Takuma Sato.

 

But this just feels like a “Stop Gap” measure to Mwah. Especially since Taku-san’s now 46yrs Old. And surely a switch to an Acura Sports Car team is on the Horizon for Sato? Which rules out CGR since Thar a Cadillac partner in Sports Cars…

 

As I don’t know if Cheep’s just Ah-Waitin’ to see if IndyCar Rookie Marcus Armstrong, who’ll run the Twisties’ portion in the #11 this year, will  “Make the Grade” and come up with the Funding for a Full season Drive in 2024?

 

But if His Driving is anywhere near this super impressive introductory interview with Marshall Pruett, then watch out IndyCar! As I only wish He was running the entire season so He could be Rookie Of the Year…

 

https://marshallpruett.podbean.com/e/mp-1355-catching-up-with-marcus-armstrong/

 

Also, CGR will test current Ferrari Academy Member, and former FIA Formula 2 Driver Robert ShwartZman this month as part of the team’s evaluating who’ll fill the departing Alex Palou’s seat in 2024…

 

No word as of New Years Day upon either of Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing’s plans on who’ll fill it’s No. 51 seat? And Ditto at Juncos Hollinger Racing for it’s expected No. 78 second entry. Although Marshall has noted that should JHR run a second car just because they said the would? Especially if they cannot find a talented Driver with the requisite Budget to fill it?

 

While 48 Hours following Christmas, Marshall Pruett worte that now 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Champion and 2022 Indy Lights Runner-up Sting Ray Robb was drawing a Bead upon landing one of these two remaining IndyCar Seats. As interestingly, the Idaho native’s receiving managerial “advice” from Alexander Rossi’s father Peter, Stay tuned! As my bet is Robb lands the No. 51 seat…

 

As the Clock’s winding down. Since we’re now only 24 days Away until Spring Training. Uhm, did somebody say Spring? Yuhs know when IndyCar Holds it’s first Preseason test at California’s Thermal Club over February 2-3. Although Zero idea if All of the expected 27 Car Grid shows up for this or not?