IMS scoring pylon with Gil de Ferran upon it. (The
Tomaso Collection)
This just in from Speedway, Indiana.
Tonight the IMS
Scoring Pylon is lit to honor Gil de Ferran. Picture of Him at the top.
And reads Gil de Ferran, 1967-2023.
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Gil de Ferran and Good Buddy Helio Castroneves at
Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2023. (The Tomaso Collection)
As De Ferran accomplished so many things inside and
out of the cockpit. Including being a team owner in Sports Cars and IndyCar, to
BAR Honda F1 Sporting Director and more…
Late Friday evening, I was listening to my NFB
Newsline for The Blind telephone news, and was shocked by what I heard upon the
Indianapolis Star’s Sport section!
As the news that Gil de Ferran had died from a
Heart attack at age 56 sent a chill down my spine! For which naturally the
entire motor racing fraternity is shocked over. Not to mention obviously gil’s
family!
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, De
Ferran who was racing along with His son Luke in Boca-Locka, florida suddenly wasn’t
feeling good and pulled over, before eventually dying from Heart attack!
I only met De Ferran once briefly during a long
ago Legends Day outing at Mother Speedway. Where Carpets’ was my IMS Sherpa,
and I recall several people running past us due to our slow pace. Leading us to
a shorter autograph line that included De Ferran.
Gil always seemed to be the consummate Gentleman
with a laconic vocal style which led me to believe He was somewhat cerebral. Yet
this allowed Him to also play pranks upon unsuspecting friends and fellow
racing drivers. As just ask Helio Castroneves about being pulled over on 16th
and Georgetown for speeding!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwVT3oM_Fuw
As my favourite racing memory of De Ferran has to be the year He won at Portland International Raceway, for which I initially guessed was 1997. Before quickly remembering that was when Mark Blundell triumphed for Home-team PacWest Racing.
De Ferran held off hard charging Target Chip Ganassi Racing’s Juan
Pablo Montoya, who’d started from Pole and led much of the race. With Montoya
finishing runner-up and Dario Franchitti for Team Cool Green third
As the win at Portland in 1999 was Gil’s first
in three years, before moving to Penske Racing the following season…
As Gil was driving for Walker Racing and running
on Goodyear tyres, which at that point were inferior to Firestone rubber. Yet
the cagey Derrick Walker called another master-class strategy that enabled De
Ferran to win!
Gil is obviously best remembered for winning
the 2003 Indianapolis 500 for Penske Racing, after finishing runner-up to
Penske teammate Castroneves in ’01.
De Ferran won a total of 12 IndyCar races and
21 Poles. Along with the 2000-01 CART/FedEx IndyCar Championships, also driving
for Roger Penske.
Along with setting the All-time closed course fastest
lap speed at Fontana Speedway. Where De Ferran went an astounding 241.428mph in
a Penske Racing Reynard 2k Honda in 2000!
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Where Enzo’s machines are more important then the
men behind their steering wheels…
Hopefully the new Michael Mann Ferrari movie
will make it’s way to Ye other Florence. Y’all know Bumfiddle’ Florence upon Ye
Oregon Coast. And even better yet. Hopefully Mary ellen will be willing to take
me to “See” it…
Having “red”, Err listened to a promising movie
review, the name Alfonso de Portago was gnawing at me. Before I finally said
viola! And remembered having scribbled this long ago story about him upon No
Fenders…
http://www.nofenders.net/2017/05/de-portago-who-lost-formula-1-bobsledder.html
Apparently Ye Red Baron Done Shot Up this No
Fenders Post, ack-Ack-Ack-Ack-Ack-Ack!
“Everybody Knows A Turkey and some
Missletoe
Helps to Keep the Season Bright!”
Although neither Snoopy or thou Red Baron will
be taking Off today. Since it feels Nippy enough for another very rare arrival
of Snow here in Bumfiddle’ Florence, which is a rarity due to our proximity to
Sea level Ho Ho Ho!
As little did I, or cadres ‘O it’s loyallisteners
then knew. That the day after Veterans Day 2022, would be the final time that Cool FM, Eugene’s 99.1FM Radio Station. Which None
of us can pick up anymore on Ye Oregon Coast via Florence’s Transmitter. When
it’s Not Foggy, Raining, Hailing out and you’re holding your Elboz’ just right,
Oh Never Mind!
Would Began Thar final, yearly, multi-weeks Holiday
Programming of playing Nonstop round Ye clock 24/7 Nothing but Ack Ack Ack
Christmas Songs Barrage goes thru New Years.
At first I couldn’t figure out why they went off
the Air for weeks in February? Before one day they returned to the Airwaves as
The Beat! Playing Hideous 1990-2000’s Rap ‘n Hip Hop music, WTF! A far cry from
what I enjoyed listening to on their radio station for nearly five years!
As this is a really crappy way of telling me I’m a
Dinosaur, and my Age Demographic Don’t matter to Yuhs G-Damn Advertisers!
Although News Flash, I refuse to listen to your new format Bastardoes!
I actually enjoyed this yearly tradition, since
it was the only time ‘O year Yuhs could Hear such Classics as John Lennon’s so
this is Christmas, which is definitely my Numero Uno X-Mas Song!
Along with The Beach Boys ‘lil Saint Nick “run
run Reindeer” song. Or I want A Hippopotamus for Christmas. Alvin and The Chipmunks,
chuck Berry’s run run Rudolf, You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch along with other various
Classics like Bing Crosby and David Bowies Peace On Earth-Little Drummer Boy Duet et Al.
Not to mention I would always hear some Vintage
Christmas song I hadn’t heard before. As a few years ago I spent several weeks
trying to figure out that it was The Carpenters singing Sleigh ride from their
1978 Album Christmas Portrait, but I digress…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLoOVmPxJo0
Whilst I most definitely got a Smile on
my face when hearing for the very first time ever during the winter of 2021, The
Ballad of Snoopy’s Yuletide Dogfight!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh-J4GSPgAM
As the song is by The Royal Guardsmen, a
Florida Rock Band who later became known as the “Snoopy Band!” As their Snoopy Christmas
song was recorded in 1966. With the song reaching No. 2 on the billboard Hot
100 and was certified Gold in early ’67.
Funniest bit ‘O trivia is the Band
recorded the song without Charles Schulz’s initial permission. So their record
label Up North Eh! In Ye Great White North of Oh Kanaduh’ refused to release it
due to potential legal issues Stateside with Messer Schulz.
So the Band put out a very blatant
re-issue called Squeaky ant The Black Knight Up North Eh! Which also became
popular in Ye Frozen Tundra before Schulz gave his permission for the song.
Hence, naturally I got a Wild Hair to
“See” if I could find said Squeaky and The Black Knight Great White North “Import”
version, for which I was super Surprised that it came up almost immediately, Ja
Volt!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioGBIKfKXWI
And although Snoopy, Woodstock and Ye
Red Baron All lived to Fight Another Gory Day, Ho Ho Ho! Unfortunately that
Damn Baron Von Richthofen done Destroyed a perfectly good working radio station,
meaning Thar won’t be no round thee clock Christmas music to listen to this
year upon thoust Mystical Isle of NoFendersville…
Since after All, It used to be the “Most Wonderful Time of The Year,” SPEW! Now,
does anybody know
where I can buy a Turkey? Or how Much this Damn Bird Weighs? Ho Ho Ho…
Happy boxing Day, Yall!
‘Twas the day before Christmas, when through all of the
paddocks.
Not a
motor was idling, not even a single Cosworth “Lump” could be heard.
The garages were swept and tidied with care,
In hopes that Roger Penske soon would be there.
The mechanics were nestled all snug in their beds.
While visions of Championship bonuses danced in their heads. (Not to mention HULIO dreaming of what
might have been, if only he hadn't crashed over that 'Yump in Houston)
And
“Princess” in her negligee, (Or
was that her Cowboy Hat 'N swim suit?) Along with Paul Tracy in his crash bucket, had just settled
down for a quick tryst in the sack.
(Hey! I hear that Dan-Dan-Danickers' now available,
right Aaron? Likes guess that’s Not the Only fumble You’ve Made? Although I
hear Carter Comstock’s Dropped Danica too…)
When out
on the lawn there arose such a racket, ‘ol PT sprang from the bed to see what
“TAG, Suitcase Servia, Whiney Bags and Bad Bobby D’ were groaning about.
Away to
the window
The
smoke from between Sea Bass’s ears. Glistened like a smoke signal, without a
glow. When, what to PT’s wandering eyes should appear but a Ferrari ENZO
followed by an armada of Prancing Horses in tow.
The ENZO
was piloted by an ex-Formula 1 driver, still brutally quick.
That
More rapid than a grid full of Bridgestone alternate “soft rubber tyre’ Formula
1 chassis in “Qualie Two” light fuel tanks mode. The seven times World Champion
whistled and jeered, and called them by name;
Now,
Mika now, Coulthard! Now, Rubinoe and Ralfanso!
On,
Heinz-Harald! On Villeneuve! On Damion and
To the
front of the grid! To the head of the pack.
Now burn
rubber, burn rubber baby, burn rubber quick!
As tyre
tracks that leave ominous black streaks behind. While Herr Schumacher leaves
another competitor further behind!
So up to
the roof-top the Prancing Horses flew. With trunk loads of presents and Schuey
too. And then, came a banshee wail of the ENZO, high atop the roof.
The
revving and idling of each assorted Ferrari. As PT rubbed his hands. Down the
chimney Schuey forlornly came. He was dressed all in Scuderia Red, from his head
to his foot.
And his Nomex driver’s suit was all tarnished with ashes and soot.
an assortment of winning trophies, he’d stuffed into his back pack.
His eyes
-- how they twinkled! His rosy cheeks, how they glowed.
His hair
as always was perfect, (by Loreal…)
his jaw
like a chisel! His lips clenched in a mischievous smirk. As the smile was
reminiscent of a Cheshire cat.
The
remains of a Cuban cigar hung limply from his teeth. As clouds of Smoke
encircled Schuey's head like a wreath.
He had a
taunt face and washboard abs. that still showed his youthful physique when he
laughed at the dumbfounded PT. He was strong and fit as an ox, a festive and
jolly elf.
Thus Paul
could only laugh when he appeared
A wink
of his eye and a twist of his head. Soon gave
Before Messer
Chrome Horn could wipe away his astonishment, the famous German turned Quickly,
laying his finger aside of his nose. And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He
sprang to his idling ENZO, and to his waiting minions gave a whistle. And the
screeching of tortured Ferrari lumps could be heard as they burst away like
rocket ships! But ‘Ol PT heard Schumacher exclaim, as he power-slided out of
sight,
"Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good-night."
Merry Kringle Y'all!
Tomaso
(Originally written by Tomaso – December, 2007; last modified on 12/2/23)
Groan, he's at it again. In what’s now become a yearly
tradition here on No Fenders. Where your Humble Scribe Tomaso tortures Y’all
with his witty repartee of his version of poetry from a much overused theme, Hya!
As Merry Festimus' Y'all, from Ye Mystical Isle
'O Nofendersville, a Happy, Joyous, Contented piece 'O Wind Swept Barren Rock,
Somewheres' on thou Oregonian Coast between Winchester Bay and Cape Perpetua, R-R-R'
Mateys!
Although it's another somewhat Blue, Blue
Christmas, since unfortunately that Fine Kuhnaidiun' Lass Claire's No longer
with us. Not to mention Ye Rhythm Professor, thou one ‘N only Neil Peart, or
Sadly Pixie the Wonderdog, Wuf Wuf!
Betcha thought I was
gonna Roll with 'Ol Elvis's Blue-Blue-Blue platter, Eh? But Claire would want
something a 'lil more up-tempo like I Dunno, a ‘lil Ditty from Ye Muppets Me
Thinks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tk9wuADoxA
As Y’all can See ‘N Hear Claire’s unique Zest
for life on one of her past videos. As Claire also went by the “Handle” Panda,
and I can only “guess” HaHaHa where her inspiration for this funny video came
from…
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdMfGGJl9po
As may be it’s ye Eggnog? But I always think of
my favourite Two Hosers this time ‘O year, Fa la la la la lah…
NO! Not thee Mayor 'O Hinchtown and thou Young
Wicky! (Robert Wickens) Nor Scott "What Pace Car?" Goodyear & Jockess
V, nee Jack Vanilla, aka Jacques Villeneuve. Nye Pat "The Carpenter"
(Carpentier) Nor TAG', nee Alex Tagliani. Or our two Newest Hosers Dalton Kellett
or Sparky’, nee Devlin DeFrancesco, but I digress…
Nope instead, per tipicali this time 'O year,
those loveable KuhNucks Bob & Doug always come to mind, along with thar signature
version of a certain Christmas song! And ah One, and Ah two Ladies ‘N Germs…
On the First Day 'O
Carmania, 'Ol Carroll Shelby Growled loudly at Me;
Son, Thar better
be Juan 'O my Darn Blasted Contraptions in your Pitiful Song!
On the Twelfth Day
'O Carmania, ‘Ol Tomaso crooned
Gleefully…
12 Long's Doughnuts
11 X Rows of Shiny Dallara's
10Speeding Ferrari's
Nine BOSS Mustangs
eight 'lil E No. 88 Diecast's
Seven Bars 'O Geddy Lee
Like Where’s My
Thing Geddy? Hit it! And Ah-One and Ah-Two…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOj0eO3zCbc
Six Carling Black Labels'
Five Aston Martin DB5's'
four Borg Warner Trophies
three Diamantina Cocktails'
Two Saleen Mustangs
And a Bad Arse 289 FIA Shelby Cobra underneath thou Tree!
As this witty repartee
from Thy Isle 'O Nofendersville was inspired by Bob & Doug McKenzie, for
which they'd definitely say Take Off Eh! As this "Song's" Definitely
Done, and that Labatts too Hoser!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DTwLqR071M
And to All who continue reading thy No fenders Blog,
A Huge shout Out and Thanks!
Along with Everybody who Assists me over thoust
Gory Year, i.e.; Blogmeister Miguel, Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary ellen, Claudio
& Nelie, Florentine Goat Lady’ Julie, Snowbyrd’ MJ, Randal thy Moniker
King, Carpets’, Artiste Dave and whomever I left Out
As ‘Ol Lawrence Welk would say Ah One, and Ah Two
and Ah Very good Night! Felice Navidad and Merry Kringle! Since after all, It
is the most wonderful, BARF! Oh put a Sock in It Andy Williams, Hya!
See Y'all early Nex Year, when
“I Shall return” in earnest on January 8, 2024. Although I might sneak in a New Years Appetizers to
tide Y’all over…
As hard to believe it’s only
36-days until the Rolex 24 begins, Vroom-vroom!
Arrivederci
Tomaso
Picture Credit:
Now that Chrysler’s Killed their Awesome Dodge V-8 Hellcat Charger and
SRT “Redeye” Challengers, BOO! Hopefully Santa will still be able to find
replacement parts from Mopar for His Bitchin’ Sled, Ho Ho Ho!
(Image source: caranddriver.com)
A. J. foyt racecar (Image source: Bing.com)
As who will Santa be Awarding “Gifts” to this year?
Yessiree Bog, Bob’s Your Uncle Mateys! As I’m
just trying to finish off the year’s No Fenders posts Here upon Ye mystical’
Isle of Nofendersville, with Thy yearly IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Award
selections. Hence these choices were just quickly Jotted down after my initial
Spur of Ye Cuff selections below.
Whilst Y’all can compare ‘n contrast this year’s
choices with the Uber Exciting 2022 Selections in the following link.
http://www.nofenders.net/2022/12/the-2022-indycar-golden-tailpipe-awards_0625416309.html
WINNERS
2023 IndyCar Champion: Alex Palou
2023 Indy 500: Josef Newgarden
2023 Rookie Of the Year: Marcus Armstrong
CATEGORIES
1. Driver of The Year
Winner: Alex Palou
This seemed obvious this year. Having scribbled
on No Fenders previously about how the Spaniard was miraculously Shitting Gold
Bricks! After that incredulous second place finish Up North eh! Having started P15
at Toronto, where His damaged front wing was held onto the car by the strength
of a sponsors deckle! (Decal)
As Palou’s worst finish of the entire season
was eighth place, need I say more? Not to mention claiming the most wins with
five, and a few Pole positions to boot. As Palou became the first driver to
wrap up a Championship before the final round since le Hamburgular’, nee
Sealmeister B’, aka Sebastien Bourdais in Bloody 2007! Since Champ Car statistics
are now recognized in the IndyCar record books…
Other
Choices
Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin and Pato O’Ward
2. Biggest Disappointments of The Year
Initially I was drawing a blank upon this, but
quickly thought up the following.
First has to be the despicable behaviour of
Agustin Canapino’s Fanbase sending Death Threats to Callum Ilott, not once, but
twice! Along with JHR tepid response and Riccardo Juncos saying that’s just
normal behaviour in Argentina!
http://www.nofenders.net/2023/09/stop-hate-argentina.html
Texas Motor Speedway and it’s Ownership SMI refusing
to work with IndyCar to secure a date for next year’s IndyCar calendar! Especially
since this was one of the best two Oval races this year!
The outright Nastiness of Mr. Zakery Brown’s
stupendous lawsuit against Alex Palou! Just for Spite after having had the tables
turned upon Him, after He’d tried poaching the Spaniard a year before! As what
did Colton Herta say about Zak being Cut throat, Eh!
The ridiculous Farce of multiple Red Flags
during this year’s Indianapolis 500! Along with the stupid and Dangeous
allowing of the “Snake”, Err Dragon move of driving across the track and
Blocking your pursuers to not only continue, but become even more egregious!
And JHR Hanging Callum Ilott out to dry! With
the talented Englishman not having a seat on next year’s IndyCar Grid!
3. Race of The Year
Oval Track Winner: Texas Motor Speedway
Once again, TMS didn’t fail to excite us, with
the new IndyCar Aero package spicing up the Show! As it’s an absolute Shame how
this race has been left on the vine to Shrivel and Die!
As Texas provided us with some early season excitement,
that only Oval races can do! And the ending was setting up to be a Doozy
between Josef Newgarden and Pato O’Ward, before Romain Grosjean tagged the Wall…
Other
Choices
Indianapolis 500
Twisties' Track Winner: Galligher Indy GP
Have already scribbled ‘bout how
uncharacteristically I was emphatically rootin’ with two sets ‘O fingers crossed
for Graham Rahal to win the second Indianapolis road course race! Since I simply
wanted to “See” Graham break His six year drought of winning a G-Damn’ IndyCar
race!
Normally I wouldn’t expect to pick the IMS road
course for this category, but the ebb ‘n flow of Graham . From winning His
first Pole since Barber Motorsports Park some four-plus years ago. To leading a
sizeable portion of the race before trying so desperately to Hunt down eventual
winner Scott Dixon, Groan! Wanting so desperately to stand atop the podium for
the first time since that magical weekend sweep of Belle Isle’s Double Header
in 2017. With Graham saying Dixon did what He always does afterwards, simply
making this a Nailbiter for Mwah!
Other
Choices
Nashville, Alabama, Detroit and Toronto
4. Most Improved Team of the Year
Winner: Chip Ganassi Racing
This was my second hardest discision, since I
typically try to choose a deserving Midfield team over the proverbial big
Three. But the bottom Half of the Grid was pretty disappointing this year! Ergo
Ed Carpenter Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Meyer shank Racing. With
A.J. Foyt enterprises being a perpetual after thought! Whilst Juncos Hollinger
Racing is a wash due to it’s partisan leadership…
Thus Ganassi went from a “low” of only four W’s
in 2022 vs. Team Penske’s nine. Seeing a massive role reversal with Palou
capping five victories. Followed by Dixon’s three and Marcus Ericsson’s lone W’
giving Cheep’s squad nine wins vs. Penske’s five this season…
5. Most Disappointing Team of the Year
Winner: Arrow McLaren
Yeah, I could have gone for some low Hangin’
fruit, i.e.; Coyne, Carpenter, RLLR or Meyer Shank. Not to mention Foyt, but
they All seemed too easy!
As this seems like a tie between Andretti and
McLaren. Especially since Pato O’Ward should have won two races this year,
i.e.; Texas and Uhm? Oh yeah, St Pete, where He had that momentary Plenum Fire!
Along with suffering some meltdown’s, most notably at Mother Speedway and Detroit!
While Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) had His
typical up ‘n down year. Claiming Pole positions but not delivering. Which also
seems like what Alexander Rossi did. Even though it was Rossi’s first year with
the team, somehow I really expected All three drivers to deliver more.
Yeah, I know much the same could be said about
Andretti, Ergo Colton Herta’s missed opportunities. But “Kirk” Kirkwood put
Andretti in the winner’s circle twice vs. McLaren’s Goose Egg.
Not to mention All of the Hype about Arrow McLaren and Arse-sumedly it’s Pied Piper Zak Brown crowing about making it the big Four, i.e.; Penske, Ganassi, Andretti and Cough cough, Arrow McLaren!
For the Conclusion of this Golden Tailpipe Awards Categories 6-10, i.e.; Most Improved
Driver of The Year, Most Disappointing Driver of The Year, Comeback Driver of The
Year, “Big Boyz Pants” Award and Rookie of The Year, Please visit the following
No Fenders link below…
http://www.nofenders.net/2023/12/the-2023-indycar-golden-tailpipe-awards.html
Watch out Santa, Mr. Zackery Brown’s handing out
lawsuits this year…
As Rock ‘N Roll Kiddoes’, Uhm, Fasten Your
Seatbelts for Another Bumpy ride! As it’s time for another rendition of
Tomaso’s wacky Year ender Awards that Everyone just Absolutely Craves, Righto?
CATEGORIES 6-10
6. Most Improved Driver of the Year
Winner: Kyle Kirkwood
Otay, this one seemed simple. Even if you’d obviously
expected the driver Marshal Pruett enjoys calling Kirk Kirkwood to improve. As
it almost seems unfair to even consider Kyle’s rookie season at A.J. Foyt
Enterprises…
As the Road to Indy Wunderkind’ had a fairly
miserable maiden IndyCar season campaign, mostly due to trying to outperform in
the Foyt entry. Although Kirkwood made plenty of rookie mistakes Himself too.
With a single Top-10 finish at Long Beach being His best result.
Returning to Andretti Autosport after a lowly
P24 Overall ranking at Foyt. Obviously Mikey a’ would have been saying “Houston,
we’ve got a Problem!” If Kirkwood didn’t finish above that this season.
As we All know, Kirkwood had a breakout season
by ultimately claiming two wins enroute to 11th Overall this year. Claiming His
maiden IndyCar w’ in just the season’s third race at Long Beach from Pole
position!
As Kirkwood was seemingly untouchable at Long
Beach, while it was the only race I recall missing? When Kirkwood claimed His
second win at Nashville. In surely what was another Crash-fest, Eh?
As Kirkwood’s two wins, ironically His only podium
finishes help net Him 13 places in the points standings this season…
7. Most Disappointing Driver of the Year
Winner: Romain Grosjean
Perhaps I’m just Piling On the Frenchman? But
for Romain’s second season at Andretti Autosport looking so promising. Even
having scribbled a No Fenders story titled Can Romain Grosjean Win at Indianapolis?
Which He failed to do, with His two early season runner-up finishes being His
High water mark…
As we All know, Grosjean’s season, and temper
simply imploded! With the Camera’s Eye capturing His Heated confrontation with
the team on Pitlane!
As Romain’s implosion reportedly stems due to
having signed a contract extension that Mikey A’ refused to sign, with the
Frenchman having since filed for Arbitration.
As I’m sure we’ll All be waiting to see how
long before the Honeymoon ends at His latest employer Juncos Hollinger Racing…
Although after I
finished scribblin’ this. I realized that Colton Herta could have also easily won
this dubious Honor…
8. Comeback Driver of The Year
Winner: Graham Rahal
Chose Graham simply on the merits of His and
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s recovery following their Horrible Indianapolis
500 outing!
Nah, won’t scribble about the ironies of RLLR
teammate Katherine Legge’s practice accident getting Graham back into the race.
Instead, Yuhs just have to be impressed how Graham and the team put their Heads
down and rebounded afterwards.
As it’s been an Uber’ long time since I’ve
rooted so emphatically for Graham to win! After coming Oh, so close at the
August Indy GP road course race behind Scott Dixon!
Not to mention Graham claiming two Pole
positions, the first coming some four-plus years since His last. While Christian
Lundgaard gave RLLR it’s first IndyCar victory in some three years at Toronto.
9. “Big Boyz Pants” Award
Winner: Jack Harvey
You have to feel for this likeable, most
amiable Englishman, who simply never could quite “Switch On” after the arrival
of Helio Castroneves to His former team Meyer Shank Racing. Especially after
Hulio
‘ won some ‘lil ‘Ol Oval race…
As we’ll never know why things went so terribly Pear-shaped
for Harvey during His two seasons at RLLR? But I tremendously enjoyed His “Stiff
Upper lip”, Grit and Determination at Mother Speedway this May.
As I believe Harvey coined it the Hunger Games for RLLR’s
miserable qualifying performances. And I have to say that I was emphatically
rootin’ for Jack, Not Bloody Nige! Harvey to do the unthinkable and Bump
esteemed team leader Graham Rahal from the field on the 30th anniversary of His
father Bobby being Bumped!
For which Y’all already know the answer. As Harvey found a
miraculous few miles per hour of speed that had eluded Him All weekend long. Bumping
His way into the field as Graham sat helplessly watching from His cockpit on the
Pitlane, in what I thought was a truly gritty performance by Harvey!
As the Pole Shootout really didn’t matter to Mwah afterwards…
10. Rookie of The Year
Winner: Augustin Canapino
Although Marcus Armstrong, running only the “Twisties”
portion of the calendar won the IndyCar Rookie Of the Year title. Driving for
the vastly superior Chip Ganassi Racing, you’d have expected the Kiwi’ to do so…
Thus my choice for Augustin was easy. Since the
Argentinian Touring Car Multi-times Champion had never raced in a Single Seater.
Nor raced on an Oval! And Hell also had to learn English to boot.
So overall I was very impressed by Canapino’s
On-track performance. Yet unfortunately I’ve considerably soured upon Canapino
for allowing and encouraging His Argentine Fanbase to so Disgustedly Attack
Callum Ilott. Not once, but twice during the season!
Not to mention Riccardo Juncos decidedly
partisan backing of Canapino and His Fans. Along with giving Ilott a raw deal
by stringing Him along! Leaves me completely turned Off upon Juncos Hollinger
Racing and Canapino!
As I really cannot wait to see how long and what Happens when Romain Grosjean collides with Canapino next year!
Although think this year’s list has already been
checked twice. And it’s definitely way too late to send one now…
The 2024 MotoGP Silly Season seemingly was
wrapped up the day after the eventful November 26th season finale MotoGP race
in Valencia. Where ‘Ol Saint Nick handed out the following presents with Bows and
Candy Canes upon them. Even if several riders opened Thars’ early…
Ducati
The most powerful, and plentiful entrant on the
MotoGP Grid with eight Scooters’ sees changes Ah-Plenty! With the most deserving
present going to ousted Greseni rider Fabio Di Giannantonio.
As the promising 25yr old rookie finished the season
on a tear! Winning His maiden Grands Prix at Qatar. And then following up at
Valencia with a fantastic romp from 11th to a scant second place, only fractions
of a second behind winner and “Back-to-Bagnaia”, aka Double World champion Francesco
Pecco’ Bagnaia!
And even if Di Giannantonio was eventually
demoted to fourth overall at Valencia for riding with low tyre pressures. Fabio
will still take over the Mooney VR46 seat vacated by Luca Marini. Whilst Franco
Morbidelli takes over Johann Zarco’s Pramac Racing seat alongside MotoGP
Championship runner-up Jorge Martin.
Honda
You already know about Marc Marquez asking Santa
for a more competitive ride next year. With the Multi-times MotoGP World Champion
getting His wish by teaming up with younger brother Alex at the satellite
Gresini Racing Ducati outfit next season. Although Santa sez’ thee Pinball wizard’
will have to race on a year old Duc’.
As the question everyone was asking Santa? Was
who would want to take the vacated Repsol Honda seat?
As I was somewhat surprised to read that Luca
Marini, Half Brother of somebody known as “the Doctor”, aka Valentino Rossi got
a two year contract to take over Marquez’s seat.
Meanwhile, current Repsol Honda rider Joan Mir
said I’d like to work for Marquez’s side of the garage, Granted! With Marini
getting Mir’s crew next year.
And finally, as this wish apparently made it to
the North Pole early. Comes word that Pramac Ducati rider Johann Zarco will
take over the vacated LCR seat that Alex Rins occupied.
KTM
The only Christmas gift for the Austrian outfit
is the arrival of Moto2 Champion Pedro Acosta joining the satellite GasGas Factory
Racing Tech3 outfit.
Although No word on whether or not Santa will
give KTM Werks’ riders Brad Binder and Jack Thriller’ Miller any tips on staying upright in Thar saddles next year?
Yamaha
Former Suzuki Factory rider Alex Rins sent a
letter to the North Pole this year saying He really, really wanted to be riding
once again for a Factory MotoGP team. And with Franco Morbidelli jumping to
ducati. Rins wish was granted, taking over the vacated seat alongside 2021
MotoGP Champion Fabio Quartararo.
Aprilia
Although it’s got nothing to do with the
Factory, I saved this one for last. Since it’s former CryptoData RNF Racing satellite
squad was summarily stripped of it’s MotoGP entry following the end of the 2023
season!
As apparently they’ve been very naughty by not
paying their Bills in a timely manner! Whilst no idea if any staff was effected
by this? But DORNA was none too Happy, and sent the CryptoData concern, that
owned a 60% majority stake in the former MotoGP team a lump of coal!
While I first heard the rumour that NASCAR team
Trackhouse Racing would be taking over the satellite Aprilia effort with it’s
same two riders for 2024 when reading For the Love of Indy. Having since read also
on Autosport.
As Ho-Ho-Ho to All of the 22 Bad Arse MotoGP Kneedraggers! And to everyone who reads No Fenders…
As it takes a long time to recount three quarters
of a Century, Y’all…
Otay, so much for my scribblin’ another short
story on No Fenders, Hya!
As today’s “Third and Long!” Conclusion of my
elongated Honda Racing story starts with a trivia question for Y’all. As in
what do IndyCar and British Touring Cars Championship (BTCC)have in common
other than Honda winning multiple Championships in both series?
Yep, they’ve both terminated their partnerships
with Motor Sports Games!
Having extensively covered Honda’s multiple foray’s
into thee Pinnacle ‘O Motorsports, nee Formula 1. I’d be remiss to not
chronicle their Open Wheel Racing travails upon this side of Ye Puddle…
Following Honda’s withdrawal from F1 at the end
of 1992. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) built a bespoke 2.65-litre turbocharged
V-8 engine to contest the 1994 Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) PPG
IndyCar world Championship.
Bobby Rahal, then competing as an Owner-Driver
with partner Carl Hogan had absorbed the assets of Truesports Racing at the end
of 1992. For which Bobby Rahal had driven for His benefactor Jim Trueman’s
racing team for years. Culminating in Bobby’s 1986 Indianapolis 500 win. With
Trueman, owner of Red roofs Inn and Mid-Ohio Sorts Car racecourse dying from
cancer eleven days after Rahal’s Indy 500 win
Rahal/Hogan attempted to carry on with
Truesport’s in-house 92C IndyCar chassis, being redesignated the R/H-001 for
1993. With Bobby Rahal being Bumped out of the ’93 Indianapolis 500 by Eddie
Cheever, Gasp!
For the ’94 season, Rahal/Hogan Racing became
Honda’s launch partner. Mating the Honda HRX lump’ to the team’s customer Lola T9400
chassis. With two cars entred for Rahal and Mike Groff in Honda’s return to
IndyCar racing.
Honda also supplied a third engine to Comptech
Racing’s single car entry for Parker Johnstone. As Comptech had been
campaigning Honda powered Sports Cars under the Acura banner.
With the Comptech IndyCar entry being a partial
season campaign focusing solely upon “Twisties” racetracks, i.e.; permanent
road courses and temporary street circuits. Seeing Comptech make it’s IndyCar
debut at Portland.
Unfortunately the new Honda engine was
underpowered upon super Speedways. Forcing Rahal/Hogan to opt for customer
Penske PC22 Chevrolet’s instead for that year’s Indianapolis 500. Since the team
feared failing to make the race two years in-a-row for sponsor Miller Brewing.
As Rahal finished 10th overall in the
standings, with a best finish of second at Toronto. While Groff finished 20th
overall with two Top-10 finishes. Coming in the first two rounds, with sixth
place at Phoenix His best result.
For 1995, Rahal/Hogan dropped their Honda
engine in favour of an Ilmor Mercedes lump’. With the newly formed Tasman Motorsports
single car entity running a Honda entry instead. As ironically Tasman was owned
by Steve Horne, former Truesports President, Crew Chief and Head Bottle Washer before
resigning in 1992.
Honda made it’s official return to the Indianapolis
500 the same year with Tasman entries for Scott Goodyear and rookie Andre Ribeiro,
who qualified third and 12th respectively.
As Indy 500 Aficionados will recall this was
the year that Goodyear was leading with ten laps remaining. Before illegally passing
the Pace Car! As my memories are quite Foggy now, but believe goodyear was
Black Flagged. Ultimately classified 14th, while Ribeiro finished 18th.
Comptech continued as the second Honda engine
partner, once again running a partial season campaign for Parker Johnstone who
would score Honda’s maiden IndyCar Pole position during Round 13 on Michigan
International Speedway’s 2.5-mile Super Speedway oval.
Two races later upon another Oval-track, at New
Hampshire Tasman’s Andre Ribeiro scored Honda’s maiden IndyCar win from Pole!
Then for ’96, Chip Ganassi sagely joined the
Honda brigade and the rest was History! With Target chip Ganassi Racing’s Top
Jimmy’ (Vasser) winning four races enroute to the Championship, while rookie
teammate El Zorro’, aka Alex Zanardi was Rookie Of the Year As Honda would
dominate the CART/IndyCar Championship between 1996-2001. Winning six
consecutive Drivers titles and four Manufacturer Championships.
As Target Chip Ganassi Racing would win the
Drivers title from 1996-99 with Vasser, Followed by Zanardi (1997-98) and that
Montoyer’ feller, nee Juan Pablo Montoya. (1999)
Gil de Ferran’s would win the next two Drivers titles
for El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske between 2000-01. Before Newman Haas Racing’s
Cristiano da Matta with rival Japanese manufacturer Toyota snapped Honda’s
streak.
Then Honda, along with Toyota and Chevrolet jumped
ship to the Dark Side, aka Indy Racing League (IRL) for the ’03 season.
As I suppose it’s only fitting or karmic that
it would be Bobby Rahal and David Letterman’s Rahal Letterman Racing team
scoring Honda’s first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004 with Buddy “Hot rod”
Rice. While Andretti-Breen Racing’s Tony Kanaan won the IndyCar Championship
for Honda.
2005 saw a repeat of Honda’s dominance, this
time with Andretti Green Racing’s Dan Wheldon winning both the Indianapolis 500
and Championship, before Toyota and Chevrolet withdrew at season’s end. Leaving
Honda as the sole IndyCar engine supplier between 2006-2011.
Yet between 2012-2023, Honda’s been a pretty
good choice for engine supplier in IndyCar. Claiming seven Indianapolis 500
victories and six IndyCar Drivers Championships the past eleven years.
And I haven’t even dived into Honda, nee Acura’s
Sports car exploits! Having learned about Comptech Racing winning the Japanese
Auto manufacturer it’s debutante 24 Hours of Daytona win, Wayback’ in 1991!
https://racer.com/2021/01/30/rolex-24-retro-acuras-wild-breakthrough-daytona-win/
As Comptech would win the Camel Lights
championship with Acura’s then brand new NSX V-6 motor bolted to it’s Spice
Prototype chassis three years straight, i.e.; 1991-93. Along with a second
Rolex 24 class victory in ’92, plus a class
victory at the ’93 12 Hours of Sebring.
Not to mention Acura having “three-peated” at
the Rolex 24 for overall victory the last three years. Beginning with Wayne Taylor
Racing in 2021. Followed by Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) back-to-back W’s in
2022-23.
Although MSR’s latest victory came underneath a
cloud of controversy, with the team being ultimately caught Cheating with it’s
tyre pressures during the race – and penalized afterwards, albeit keeping the
win and their Rolex wrist watches…