2023 IndyCar Preview: Will Team Penske Stay on Top?

And will they continue Monopolizing the Top step of the Podium this year?

 

Holy Six Months Offseason Batman! Are we really about to go racing once again some 175 days later? With the 2023 Season Opener at St Pete this Sunday, March 5^th, which Y’all can watch on Big NBC.

 

This year I’m doing things a Wee Bitamyte’ different. Annd will look first at the four IndyCar Teams whose Driver lineups remain unchanged.

 

Team Penske

Wins: 9

(#2) Josef Newgarden: 5, (#3) Scott McLaughlin: 3 and (#12) Will Power: 1

2022 IndyCar Champion: Will Power

 

Whilst it’s not impossible for Will Power to become our latest consecutive IndyCar Champion, I’d say the Odds are firmly against Him repeating this season. Since the last driver to do so was Dario Franchitti between 2009-2011. And only six drivers have done so in the 44 years since the formation of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) in 1979. Those being Rick Mears, Bobby Rahal, Alex Zanardi, Gil de Ferran, Sebastien Bourdais and the aforementioned Dario “REO Speedwagon” Franchitti.

 

Even more against Power’s Odds was His uncharacteristic winning the title with just one single victory, which I believe the last person to do that was Big Al’, aka Al Unser in 1985.

 

Yet with Team Penske retaining it’s overly potent lineup, it has to be one of the Odds On favourites to win the IndyCar title again.

 

As I’d really enjoy seeing ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin win His first Open Wheel Racing Crown this year. But I suspect it will be Josef Newgarden instead, becoming a Three times IndyCar Series Champion. Since you’ve just gotta think He’s super Hungry after last year’s defeat to Power.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan racing (RLLR)

Wins: 0

Drivers: #15 Graham Rahal, #30 Jack Harvey and #45 Christian Lundgaard

2022 Rookie Of the Year: Christian Lundgaard

 

The Big News over the ridiculous Offseason was the swapping of Car numbers between Jack Harvey and Christian Lundgaard, which surely was done in Hopes of having the Hy-Vee Car Up front more this year. As Harvey had a miserable first year at RLLR. And while some are saying one of the unspoken stories this year is how will Kyle Kirkwood do? I’d say an even bigger storyline is what will Harvey do this season?

 

Graham Rahal remains as the team’s leader and is Hoping for a big improvement this year with the return of His former race winning Engineer Eddie Jones, seeing Allan McDonald move over to Harvey’s #30 ride. Yet it appears that it’ll be Christian Lundgaard in the No. 45 leading the way for this Mid-pack team once again., provided He doesn’t suffer a Sophomore Slump…

 

Meyer Shank Racing (MSR)

Wins: 0

Drivers: #06 Helio Castroneves and #60 simon Pagenaud

 

Longtime readers of No Fenders will know that I totally Despise that ‘Ol Dancin’ Fool Hulio’. And even though the unofficial “Spokesman” for Just For Men has just won His third Rolex timepiece at Daytona. Along with saying all the right things about His upcoming second Full season at MSR. I’m sorry, but this will be another lost year for Helio Castroneves!

 

As I’ll even predict it’s His final Full season ride in Indy Cars. And if MSR Doesn’t put Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist into this car next year, then I Don’t know what MSR’s thinking?

 

Symone’, aka Pageantry’, nee Simon Pagenaud’s No Spring Chicken either. As the affable Frenchman who was my favourite driver for years will turn 39 ten days before some 500-miler’ Oval race this May. Preceeded by His teammate, the Elder Statesman of IndyCar turning a robust 48 on May 10th. Giving MSR the Oldest Driver tandem on the Grid!

 

As I really Hope that Pagenaud can improve His results this year, and give MSR something to be excited about. As you’d think having a technical alliance wit Andretti Autosport should produce better results, other than it’s single Indy 500 victory…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR)

Wins: 0

Drivers: #20 Conor Daly and #21 Rinus VeeKay

 

Really not sure why ECR is struggling? As I like both of these drivers who are returning for their second Full season together. But Rinus VeeKay finished 12^th Overall. With Conor Daly finishing P17 Overall, behind the Top two Rookies, i.e.; Christian Lundgaard and David Malukas!

 

Surely Thar Engineering Staff isn’t that bad, but I can only surmise this is where the team’s lacking in performance? Along with having a smaller budget vs. the other three teams with no Driver changes…

 

And I left out the Boss Fast Eddie’, aka Ed Carpenter. Who’ll continue His Ovals Only programme in the team’s third No. 33 entry, since I’m just focusing upon Full season Drivers instead. Which Arse-sumedly will one day be the bridge to ECR running three Fulltime entries. 

A Brief look at this year’s Formula 1 Rookie Crop

But who’ll ultimately come out on Top between these three Rookies?

 

Logan Sargeant

Williams Racing

Car No. 2

DOB: 12/31/00, Age 22

 

Florida’s Logan Sargeant becomes the first Yank’ Driver in Formula 1 since 2016 Indianapolis 500 Rookie winner Alexander Rossi’s very brief five race stint for Manor Marussia F1 in 2015. As Sargeant finished fourth Overall in last year’s FIA Formula 2 Championship to secure the necessary points to secure His requisite FIA Super license. For which if accomplishing, then Williams Team Principal Jost Capito had promised to elevate Logan to an F1 drive at Williams, as the departing Nicholas Latifi’s replacement.

 

And instead of rehashing what I already scribbled here upon No Fenders, I’ll direct Y’all to my previous Logan Sargeant tome instead.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/10/fia-f2-americas-next-formula-1-driver.html

 

Nyck de Vries

Scuderia AlphaTauri

Car No. 21

DOB: 2/6/95, Age 28

 

For Mwah, Nyck de Vries is the most underrated of our trio, or more likely most overlooked. As the totally deserving Dutchman looked set to not get a proper chance in Formula 1.

 

As De Vreis won the 2019 FIA Formula  2 Championship and then went on to win the 2020-21 Formula E Championship for Mercedes. Along with winning both the 2014 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Alps titles.

 

De Vries got His chance to finally debut in F1 at last year’s Italian Grand Prix, substituting for Williams Alex Albon who needed an emergency Appendectomy operation!

 

Where Nyck dually impressed everybody with His ninth place finish, scoring two F1 points in His maidn Grand Prix. Subsequently being snapphed up by Red Bull, whose got some other “Dutchie” on it’s books. As the departing Pierre Gasly’s replacement alongside Yuki Tsunoda. For which I’ll be interested to see if De Vries outperforms the “Veteran” Tsunoda.

 

Oscar Piastri

McLaren F1 Team

Car No. 81

DOB: 4/6/01, Age 21

 

Oscar Piastri made News last year during Formula One’s Summer Break, when the Aussie’ informed Alpine He wouldn’t be driving for them!

 

Like many FIA Formula 2 Champions, Piastri who won the 2021 title was spending a year on the sidelines as Alpine’s Test and Reserve Driver, and was expected to fill Fernando Alonso’s seat in 2023 initially. As Alpine had to make a decision on who they’d keep this year, for which we All know Alonso solved that by unexpectedly jumping to Aston Martin.

 

Yet Alpine hand’t done enough to keep it’sYoung Gun, and ‘Ol Zakery Brown who made waves on both sides of the Atlantic secured Oscar’s services as DannyRic’s, aka Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement, for which the FIA’s Contract Recognition Board subsequently ruled in McLaren’s favour.

 

Piastri, a potential F1 Prodigy, won the Formula Renault Eurocup, Fia Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2 Championships consecutively between 2019-2021. And I think He’s the first driver since Charles Leclerc to win the F3 and F2 titles back-to-back?

 

Thus it will be interesting to see how much the young Australian can push McLaren’s Superstar driver Lando Norris, who seemingly hasn’t been challenged by a teammate yet? Although I think Carlos Sainz, Jr. must have given Him a Hard time before moving onto Ferrari. While I still Don’t understand what happened to Ricciardo at McLaren… 

2023 F1 Preview: First We Go Testing, Then We Race

As wasn’t it Good ‘Ol bob Varsha who used to say “Turn Up the volume!”

 

It will be 95 Days since we last had Formula 1 Cars Ontrack at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As this year’s lone three day test commences this Thursday at the Bahrain International Circuit.

 

Opposite IndyCar, it seems like it’s been a fairly quiet Offseason for F1. For which I can say I really haven’t missed it at All, and in some whays not really sure I want to resume. Although I’m sure I’ll warm-up after the season begins. But I’ll miss the season opener due to being On Holiday…

 

Taking a cursory look at the ten F1 Constructors, only four teams Drivers lineups remain unchanged. With Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes – finishing that order in last year’s F1 Constructors Championship being joined by Alfa Romeo.

 

Thus 60% of this year’s Grid sees new Driver combinations, with the biggest two centering around Fernando Alonso’s Shock move to Aston Martin as ‘lil Syd Viddle’s replacement, Following Sebastian Vettel’s retirement. And McLaren’s subsequently securing Oscar Piastri as DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement. As Alpine thought they had PREVIOUSLY secured the services of the Australian Rookie Piastri, but were subsequently denied by the FIA’s Contracts Recognition Board durng Arbitration.

 

Pierre Gasly moves from Scuderia AlphaTauri to Alpine as Alonso’s replacement. Giving the team an All French Driver lineup which will be interesting, since the two French Drivers reportedly have a long standing Feud!

 

Gasly’s AlphaTauri seat is taken by our second Rookie on the Grid being Nyck de Vries. With the third and final Rookie being America’s Logan Sargeant taking the departed Nicholas Latifit’s Williams Racing seat.

 

Whilst last, but certainly not least. Thee “Incredible Hulk,” aka Nico Hulkenberg returns to Formula 1 with Haas as Mick Schumacher’s replacement. With the younger German now becoming Mercedes and McLaren’s Reserve Driver.

 

Meanwhile, you could say that the Offseason was fairly active upon the Team Principal Merry-go-round. Having an unprecedented 40% turnover. With changes occurring at Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, McLaren and Williams. With the biggest change being alfa’s Frederik Vasser taking over at Scuderia Ferrari. As Alfa Romeo named it’s Managing Director Alessandro Alunni as it’s Team Representative for it’s “Open” Team Principal position.

 

McLaren saw Andrea Stella promoted to Team Principal and most notably, Mercedes longtime Senior Race Strategist James Vowles became Williams new Team Principal, albeit I don’t believe a new Technical Director has been appointed at Team Willy’ as  of yet?

 

And like Grizzled F1 Journo’ Joe Saward previously said. We’re at the Warm and Fluffy part of the season. where I believe that everybody still thinks they can become World Champion, albeit several teams will be Delusional in Thar visions ‘O Grandeur…

 

As should we expect either Ferrari or Mercedes to be able to topple Red Bull and Max Verstappen this year? As it will be interesting to see if new Ferrari Supremo Frederik Vasser can smooth over la Scuderia’s rough edges? And has Mercedes done enough to make their Pogo-stick Happy Silver Arrows not so Bouncy this season?

 

As it’s worth remembering that the FIA instituted new ride height regulations for this year, with a mandatory minimum raising of the F1 chassis Floors, in an effort to curtail Porposing.

 

And Haas has boldly proclaimed during it’s virtual F1 Car launch that they’re targeting finishing sixth overall this year, up two places from last’ year’s finish of eighth. Which I’m not sure if that’s just being realistic, or not overly aggressive?

 

As surely one or more of the ten Formula 1 teams will run into teething issues at the Bahrain test, putting them on the Back foot at season’s beginning. And some will disappoint, while I’ve got zero Clue over who’ll surprise us?

 

As I’m most interested over how the three Rookies do this year. Since on paper you’d have to think that Oscar Piastri has the nod, since He’s arguably in the best chassis of these three Newbies.

 

Yet I’m thinking that Nyck de Vries will shine the most of all, even if He’s in the AlphaTauri. Since He already impressed us driving for Team Willy’ last year as Alex Albon’s substitute at Monza.

 

While I think Logan Sargeant’s in for a rough slog during His Rookie campaign with Williams. But who knows? I’d expect the Yank to put in some good performances over this elongated season. Which probably will be tough for All three, having never done a 23 race season before.

 

As  it’s about to get Hot ‘N Hectic in Formula 1! As another season commences March 5th in Bahrain, with only 23 races to Go… 

May be IndyCar really is Becoming Your Grandpa’s Racing Series After All?

Yuhs know like Your Father’s Oldsmobile. Uh, where did They go?

 

Having given my two pesos worth upon the “Marketing” and Packaging side of IndyCar recently. Where presumably I may be considered to be a Card Carrying Member of les Miserables’! For which I’m just trying to work thru the endless amount of “Debbie Downers” IndyCar produced over Ye miserably,long Offseason before we go racing. I’ll try tackling some of the technical issues facing Indy Cars currently.

 

Yet like that much abused and over used Slogan. I’m Not an Engineer, and I most definitely Didn’t stay at a Best Western or whatever that Hotel Chain is?

 

As  I just really cannot get very excited over either Formula 1 or IndyCar right now, including finishing this languishing two part No Fenders story. Especially with IMSA’s brand new, shiny GTP Hybrid Prototypes stealing All of the Attenzione right now!

 

Whilst it’s certainly Old News over IndyCar belatedly Shelving it’s once vaunted “Loud ‘N Bold” 2.4-litre (ERS) Energy Recovery System, ergo Hybrid motors that most lately were supposed to debut in 2024. For which Racer’s Marshall Pruett eloquently summed up in his article last year that so enraged some of the Hierarchy at Starship IndyCar!

 

Since I can still Hear Marshall mimicking El Capitano’ in the Daytona Paddock saying “I thought You were our Friend!”

 

https://racer.com/2022/12/06/pruett-indycars-made-the-right-call-for-the-wrong-reasons/

 

Instead of totally rehashing what’s already been said, I’ll try looking at some of the other technical issues surrounding IndyCar.

 

What seems to be getting very little traction, except for when Marshall Pruett wrote about it following their initial tests. And as one astute Week in IndyCar Podcast participant, or was it the Racer Mailbag?

 

Noted How Thars currently No plans for increasing the current 2.2-litre twin turbo V-6 engines “Base” Horsepower. Which will be mated to a Spec ERS unit weighing More than the current Gearbox ancillaries. Meaning that future performance output will Decrease Overall! And Yes, I know that the ERS will provide extra Horsepower “Oomph,” but I tend to think it’s only being used to replace the vaunted P2P, i.e.; Push-to-Pass extra Horsepower. Thinking I’ve read/heard an extra 100bhp?

 

As All four of the IndyCar Drivers that participated last year in the “Dry Run” test, i.e.; Pato O’Ward, Josef Newgarden, Alexander Rossi and Helio Castroneves All stated when Bolting an additional 100lbs to the rear of their DW12’s to mimic the new ERS systems added weight, noted how Horribly Slow it was in the corners, Braking and Acceleration, etc. With Newgarden going even so far as saying it would make it more difficult for the “Average” IndyCar driver to drive!

 

Which I get how at least one of the two current engine manufacturers, i.e.; Chevrolet and Honda said either IndyCar goes Hybrid or they Walk! But if your “New & Improved” racecar is Slower than the previous Vintage eligible model. Then, what’s exactly the point behind this? Beside being able to tout you’ve gone Hybrid.

 

In the December 28th Racer Mailbag, Marshall Pruett notes that the majority of the expected $250-300,000 upgrade Cost for Indy Cars “Hybridization” will be for the brand new ERS Bell Housing, for which I can only Arse-sume is for each individual chassis a team owns. Since it would seem a stretch to be swapping these out frequently, i.e.; separate Road and Street Course and Oval Chassis. Not to mention that Nobody’s talking about how long they’ll last? And what happens due to either Crash damage or mechanical Failure?

 

Meanwhile no one less than Adrian Newey, a Bloke who knows a decent amount about designing racecars! Is quoted saying How He believes that Formula One’s Sustainability push is Illogical! And that Everybody’s missing the point in regards to motor racing and the Automotive Industry as a whole. That they’re All missing the point of How much (extra) energy it takes to keep these Heavier Hybrid vehicles moving!

 

And that’s without even getting into the incessant Greenwashing that All of Motorsports seems to be doing in a concerted effort with the Auto Manufacturers over Zero emissions et Al! Which I’m saving to tackle in a separate post! As Sorry IndyCar, but you’re Nowhere near being sustainable, so Put A Sock in It, will Yuhs!

 

Although in Indy Cars defense, I believe they’re working on a titanium Bell Housing version to get the weight down to only 80lbs additionally overall. Along with what Arse-sumedly the world’s first ever ERS system used on Ovals. Not to mention the extremely tight packaging constraints, since there’s Zero room for the traditional Battery pack, et Al on a IndyCar chassis!

 

Meanwhile, Marshall’s been trumpeting the charge for IndyCar to come up with a different engine formulae, specifically one that allows multiple different engine specifications. For which I’m currently wondering why turbocharging is the preferred choice over Supercharging?

As why couldn’t Indy Cars allow us to return to the era of Straight eight cylinder “Blown” racing engines?

 

As I grew up in the era of CART, i.e.; Championship Auto Racing Teams, which arguably were the Baddest Arse era of Indy Cars! And featured such diverse engines from Ford/Cosworth, Chevrolet/Mercedes Benz/Ilmor, Honda, Toyota, Porshce and Alfa Romeo. All being of the sport’s de riggour 2.65-litre V-8 single turbocharger era.

 

And that’s without mentioning those ubiquitous Buick Stock Block motors. Y’all know the ‘lil Buick Indy V-6’s lumps’ that were notorious for being fast, unreliable “Hand Grenades!”

 

Although I tend to recall that there were previous attempts with Chevrolet Stock Block engines. Whilst the Buick’s were produced between 1982-1997, which I don’t know if that includes it’s later Indy Racing League Menards guise or not?

 

As the slightly oversized three litre (3.03 displacement) 90 degree V-6 motor with it’s single Garret turbocharger were claimed to produce an amazing 800-900bhp!

And yes, I’m aware that Buick V-6 Shod racecars won Pole positions at Mother Speedway. And that if I remember correctly? Big Al’ (Unser) even finished third in one Indianapolis 500 for Kenny Bernstein’s King Motorsports outfit…

 

While I also recall that Honda initially began the 2.2-litre era using just a single turbocharger before being mandated to use two a la Chevy.

 

As you’ve gotta wonder why IndyCar has been completely unable for a Decade now to coax a third engine manufacturer into racing in IndyCar’s?

 

Or is the series itself just so “Spooked” to allow multiple, different engine configurations after somebody named El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske exploited the Rulebook when unleashing that Mercedes Benz Stock Block V-8 motor that Decimated the entire Indy 500 field in 1994… 

Time for Another Day-toner’ 500

But Which of our Unheralded Cup Interlopers will Make the Show?

 

Otay, so much for Ye No Fenders Blog moniker. Although this is about the only time of year I bother paying Any close Attenzione to Dem’ RASSCAR’ Taxicab Bombers. As I can hardly wait to Hear Mike Joy telling us how Thar the Gurr-Reatest’ Drivers in the World, Barf!

 

As what a difference a year makes, Eh? Since around this time last year, All of the Buzz was over some former Formula 1 Champion from Up North Eh! Named Jacques Villeneuve had impressively made His way into His Debutante 500 on Qualifying Speed…

 

Yet I have to say I’m most interested this February over whether or not Travis Pastrana could “race” His way into this year’s Daytona 500?

 

Tend to believe it was Fox’s New Pitlane Reporter Josh Somebody who made the comment. Noting that Travis was a “Big dude!” And He looked like He could be a tight end!

 

As Y’all may know, NASCAR has 36 Franchise, Err Charter Member entries for it’s series, ensuring participation in All of it’s races. Leaving just four “Slots” open on the Grid for Non Charter Teams to attempt making the race.

 

And with Jimmie Johnson having bought an Ownership Stake in what’s now known as Legacy Motor Club, the former Petty GMS Racing operation, albeit “The King!” Aka Richard Petty still has a partial ownership in the new entity. You’d have to say that Johnson’s, whose running a limited season schedule is pretty much a Slam Dunk, meaning there’s really only three places up for grabs at this year’s Great American race…

 

Pastrana is probably best known for His Amazing Motorcycle Stunt riding in the X Games, where He was the first to ever land a Double Backflip on a motorcycle! Along with being a Four-times consecutive SCCA Rally America Champion. Also racing in the World Rally Championship, (WRC) and other guises of Rally Car racing. Not to mention Stadium Trucks and Hosting His Nitro Circus TV Show.

 

Travis previously contested the then Nationwide Cup lite’ series circa 2012-2013, which I believe included finishing a race at Daytona International speedway going Backwards thru the grass after being collected in a late race accident! Plus making five RASSCAR Truck races, primarily at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

As Pastrana will attempt making His Daytona 500 debut driving the third 23/XI Racing No. 67 Toyota Camary, alongside it’s regular season drivers Darrell “Bubba” Wallace (#23) and Tyler Reddick. (#45)

 

Yet I have to say I’m most interested this February over whether or not Travis Pastrana can “race” His way into this year’s Daytona 500?

 

Although one third of the Non Charter “Open” Cars took themselves out with mechanical issues before Travis rolled off for Qualifying. Suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised that Pastrana “raced” His way into the Daytona 500 by setting the second quickest Qualie’ time behind Jimmie Johnson. After all, you could say that Pastrana was in the second best car…

 

And the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 runners seem to be the most prolific of the Non Charter members at Day-Toner’. And Arse-sumedly also have the most regular season Cup entries overall. With Johnson’s third #84 Legacy Motor Club Bowtie’ entry presumably being the strongest.

 

As Johnson’s Full season “Employees” (Drivers) are Eric Jones in the iconic Petty No. 43 and Noah Gragson in the No. 42.

 

As Gragson’s apparently just one of two Full season Rookies in the Cup Series this year. As Gragson finished Runner-up to Ty Gibbs in last year’s Xfinity series, whose the other Cup rookie, naturally driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

 

Gragson also made waves last summer when colliding with Sage Karam at Road America. Triggering a 13-car Pile-up and subsequently being Fined $35,000 and Docked 30 Drivers Points!

 

While Kaulig Racing will field a third #13 Camaro entry for Chandler Smith. With the team’s two regular season entries being the #16 of A.J. Allmendinger, one of three ex-IndyCar Drivers in the field. Along with Justin Haley in the team’s No. 31 entry.

 

Can Y’all figure out who the other two former IndyCar Driver’s  in this year’s Day-Toner’ 500 are?

 

As it sounds like Smith is being Fast-tracked for an eventual Cup future with Kaulig Racing. Since after spending time as a RASSCAR’ PickEmUp’ Trucks racer for Kyle Busch Motorsports. Smith has been tabbed to take over Allmendinger’s Cup lite (Xfinity) ride for the 2023 season. Along with attempting to make His Big Boyz’ Cup Debut at Daytona in a limited five race Cup campaign.

 

Not gonna say anything about His Car number, but! Being the very first Qualifier, His Chevy just simply wouldn’t keep running, as the engine just kept cutting Out! But surely Kaulig will rectify this for His Dual race…

 

While you’d have to think initially that Austin Hill driving the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Camaro is facing the steepest uphill battle of making the Show. Originally as one of only three single car team entries in the field.

 

Although ironically, this is the very same team that Gragson made His maiden Daytona 500 start for a year ago. With Gragson later giving the team it’s very first Top-5 finish in the summer’s Daytona race.

 

As the team has a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing, (RCR) along with “leasing” chassis from RCR and utilizing ECR engines.

 

As I’ve just learned that Hill who won His maiden Xfinity race at Daytona last year ahead of A.J. Allmendinger on the race’s final lap, which was overshadowed by Myatt Snider’s vicious crash! Is a Richard Childress Racing Xfity Driver who won last year’s Xfinity Rookie Of the Year. Who also punched Snider in the face at Martinsville, following being Wrecked Out of the Xfinity Playoffs last year by Snider.

 

As Hill’s made one Monster Energy Cup Big Boyz’ start last year at Michigan and serves as Beard Motorsports Part-time Cup Driver.

 

Although He’d Hinted at it during Spring Training at the Thermal Club. Conor Daly made it official on February 7^th that He would attempt qualifying for this year’s Day-toner’ 500 aboard the No. 50 the Money Team Racing’s Camaro, bBecoming the fourth single car entry.

 

As Daly has one NASCAR Cup start to His credit, last year’s Charlotte Roval where He finished P34.

 

This upstart team, that made it’s first four starts in Cup last year is owned by Boxer Floyd Mayweather, and it would be phenomenal if Daly, whose “Day Job” is chauffeuring the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet IndyCar could somehow race His way into the Daytona 500. Yet Daly’s never driven at Daytona before, and with No practice is essentially going in “Blind!”

 

As Daly Didn’t even attempt Qualifying. And later told veteran Reporter Jamie Little that something had happened to the car’s Oil Heater having an electrical failure. At least I think that’s what He said? Since I Didn’t have the volume Jacked Up enough to Hear over the rumble of the Ontrack racecar!

 

Daly probably has the biggest “Mountain” to climb to make it into the show. But I appreciate His willingness to give it a shot. And who knows? The other three “Open” Drivers, I.e.; Chandler Smith, Austin Hill and Zane Smith vying for the final two Starting spots could All be involved in what RASSCAR’ loves calling “The Big One!” During their respective Dual races…

 

Meanwhile,  the Blue Oval, aka Ford sees just one Non Charter entry being a third Front Row Motorsports for Zane Smith. Who’ll attempt making the show in His No. 36 Ford Mustang alongside team regulars Michael McDowell in the #34 entry. With Todd Gillilan in the team’s No. 38 entry.

 

As Smith won the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Trucks Championship driving for Front Row Motorsports after finishing Runner-up in 2020-2021. And has also driven Part-time for Junior Motorsports in Cup lite and also raced in Robby Gordon’s Stadium Supertrucks Series.

 

OH yeah, in case you’re still reading? And Ah-Wonderin’ who the third former IndyCar Driver in this year’s field is? Look no further then the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford Mustang with Cody Ware behind it’s wheel. As Cody joins A.J. Allmendinger and Michael McDowell for this Honour. Whilst Daly is a current IndyCar Driver… 

Ode to DannaCar (2023 Edition)

Yep! It's that time of the year once again to honour the Disco Queen of 'RASSCAR! Although I’ve got No idea  think She’s got a Valentine's suitor this year?

 

Having just learned that Danica and Carter Comstock Broke up over a year ago. Hmm? Isn’t “Tommy terrific,” aka Tom Brady available?

 

Nevertheless, here we go, And Ah One and Ah Two!

 

Toe to toe
Dancing very slow
Barely breathing
Almost comatose…

(pressdog!)

Wall to wall
People hypnotized
And they're stepping lightly
Hanging on her every move each night in Rapture

Back to back
Sacrailiac
Spineless movement
And a wild attack

Face to face
Sadly solitude
And it's finger popping

Twenty-four hour shopping

In ‘DannaCar Land!

“Flavour Flav HMS Monogram told me everybody's high
DJ's spinning' are saving' my mind
Flash is Fast, Flash is cool
Jacke Vanilla sez fast, Flashe' no do

And you try to stop

(Watching’ MAC Montoya, Sam Hornish & ALL those Open Wheel DEFECTORS!)

SURE SHIT!

Just go out to the parking lot
Get in your car and you drive real far

Away from the track!

After you drive all night, you see a bright flashing light

And it comes right down and lands on the ground
And out pops a Girl in a shiny sequin bathing suit from RASSCAR!

And you try to run but She's got a gun
And She shoots you dead and “She eats your head
And then you're in the Girl from RASSCAR!

You go out at night, eatin' Racecars

 You eat Marches, Reynard’s, Swift’s and Panoz’s too…

And you don't stop, you keep on eatin' Single Seaters
Then, when there's no more Racecars left
You go out at night and eat up Open Wheel Racing series instead

Like Champ Car and the IRL

While ‘Ol timers desperately cling to fantasies of a renaissance…

 

Face to face, dance cheek to cheek

One to one, man to man
Dance toe to toe
Don't move to slow, 'cause the Girl from RASSCAR is cutting thru

(Excuse me HULIO!)

 

But Mrs. Hospenthal is through with the competition

‘cause She's been eatin' a ton ‘O snicker bars
Yeah, wall to wall, door to door, hall to hall
She's gonna eat 'em all
Rapture…

 

Be pure
Take a tour; through the sewer
Don't strain your brain

Just check out that Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue instead!

And then say it real fast

Boog-itee- Boog-itee- Boog-itee!

Paint a train, cause you’ll be singing' in the rain

If dare ain’t some ‘Tin Tops on real soon
I say stop throwin those mountain dew cans at Pretty Boy Floyd

Junior Nation!

Just be good ‘ol boyzs and cheer for ‘dannaCar instead!

Well now you see what you want to be

Just like Mike, who’s trying to pump up ‘Dem Spin-Car ratings on TV
'Cause the Girl from RASSCAR won't eat Candy bars when She’s PEAK-ing

In the bright lights…

 

As now She's gone back up to MARS Where She won't have a hassle with the human race ‘cause now its ‘DannaLand!

And you hip-hop, and you don't stop
Just blast off, sure shot
'Cause the Girl from RASSCAR stopped eatin' Racecars
And now She only devours IndyCar

get up, ‘Cause She’s gone HOLLYWOOD!

 

(Original lyrics: Blondie, Rapture)

 

Originally written by Tomaso on Feb 15, 2008

(Last Modified: February 7, 2023)