Will Power being escorted to Ambulance by AMR
Safety workers. (The Tomaso Collection)
Geez! What am I gonna tell Roger now?
Especially since it was one of Ganassi’s rookie’s I was trying to pass! That
Damn crazy Danish kid…
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Team Penske’s Will Power exiting racecar after
Turn-1 crash. (The Tomaso Collection)
Guess I shouldn’t have been Dreamin’ of having
my face on the Borg Warner trophy. Or that larger than life-size cutout one of
my countless Fans was carrying the other day…
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Pietro Fittipaldi’s RLLR entry after first lap
crash. (The Tomaso Collection)
Oh sure! I spend the whole weekend Hydrating
with my Sponsor’s Energy Drik. Preparing for 500 miles and over four Hours with
rain delay. And some British “Clown” takes me out on the first lap!
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Fan favouret Santino Ferrucci during Qualifying. (The
Tomaso Collection)
The Great Saintini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci
discusses on the radio. Perhaps we shouldn’t have given Penske access to my
Buddy Michael Cannon after all!
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Pato O’Ward on Qualifying run crossing Yard ‘O Bricks.
(The Tomaso Collection)
Damn! It was much easier choosing what “lane”
to use during Qualifying. Before that G-Damn Newgarden had to ruin my party!
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Felix Rosenqvist on Pitlane. (The Tomaso Collection)
Did Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) just use up
another one of His Nine Life’s on Sunday? As you should Always respect the V!
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Apparently they’ll let anybody in on Car Day to
wave the Flag! (The Tomaso Collection)
Even showing up to “promote” the Hometown
Basketball team at Mother Speedway brought them any Good Mojo!
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
What’s that saying about everything’s bigger in
Indianapolis? (The Tomaso Collection)
Even this outpouring of love for will Power
couldn’t keep Him from crashing Sunday!
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Four-times Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears in
Golf cart. (The Tomaso Collection)
Geez! Roger never told me that part of our
Technical alliance with Foyt included Helping Dry out the track! But if Foyt’s
gonna do it, I suppose I’d better join in…
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Gawd Damn It! I left my umbreller’ in the Garage!
And that Boy who drives for me is gonna get His Hairdo All Mussed-up in this
Storm! (The Tomaso Collection)
“Reputedly” ‘Ol SuperTex’, aka Anthony Joseph
Foyt Jr. is itchin’ to help in Track Drying operations later today! And says
His Golf cart’s Faster than Tom Sneva’s…
Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’
Will Pato O’Ward be exchanging His latest Energy
Drink for Milk on Sunday? (The Tomaso Collection)
As who will Mother Speedway choose this time? And
will Mother Nature also get in upon “the Show?”
Blogging from the wilds of Nofendersville,
where the Intrawoods’ connection is purdy G-Damn slow! Y’all really shouldn’t
take too much below for granted, Hya! Especially due to the time delay…
Following Fast Friday’s conclusion, I initially
came up with my Top-11 Contendahs’ for this year’s 108th running of the
Indianapolis 500. As I’ll let Y’all figure out my “11” connection. And Nah, it
doesn’t have anything to do with the Indy 11 Soccer team, Hya!
Thus alphabetically Team-wise: Andretti Global:
Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson; Arrow McLaren: Pato O’Ward and Alexander
Rossi; Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon and Alex Palou; Meyer Shank Racing:
Helio Castroneves; Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: Takuma Sato, and Team
Penske: Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin and Will Power.
Whilst at the beginning of May, prior to the
annual Indy GP, I made the Bold prediction with zero thought or scrutineering.
That Alex Palou would be the winner of this year’s Indy 500…
Naturally after qualifying weekend, I’m not
sure what to think about Cheep’s top two drivers, i.e.; Palou and Scott Dixon.
Although both drivers are methodical at getting to the front. And if Chevy
continues having it’s plenum Fires on race day, who knows? Although now that
the Boost has been turned back down, this may no longer be an issue…
Naturally on the surface, the race initially
seems likely to go one of two ways, albeit weather depending! As Team Penske
has simply dominated thru Qualifying, enroute to locking out the Front row for
only the second time in History. With 1988’s Indy 500 winner “Rocket rick”
Mears starting from Pole in the “Yellow Submarine”. “Spin ‘n win” 1985 Indy 500
winner Danny Sullivan in the middle, and defending Indy 500 winner Big Al’
(Unser) on the outside of Row-1.
Thus Team Penske could be in for another repeat
of History, if ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin can win His debutante
Indianapolis 500 from Pole aboard the vaunted (Penzoil) Yellow Submarine.
Although I still think odds are against the Kiwi’, who hasn’t won on an Oval
yet.
Although I believe the last driver to win from
Pole was also a Team Penske driver from France in 2019, when Symone’, nee
Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud was victorious.
As how Cool is it that Pagenaud will make His long
awaited return to the cockpit when driving Gil de Feran’s 2003 Indianapolis 500
winning racecar as part of the Pre-race festivities…
The Odds are also stacked against Josef
Newgarden going back-2-back, as No P2P Jokes here! As repeat winners have only
occurred five times in the race’s history, with the last being Helio
Castroneves in 2001-02.
And according to the Indianapolis Star’s 33
Things to know about the 500 article. Whilst 45 of the previous 107 winners
have come from the Front row, only three of the last twelve have started there.
And that’s before we even get into the
scuttlebutt suggesting the Penske trio work together to stay at the front of
the pack until the end of the race.
Ok, I can come up with my own scuttlebutt. As
what keeps Andretti global from sending Marcus Ericsson, whose had a brutal
month as a sacrificial Rabbit at the head of the field, Oh Never Mind!
Leading me to think that Mother Speedway will
lend Her Hand in picking a deserving winner as always. Although will it turn
into being only Half distance due to weather? Since I cannot remember the last
year with rain delays…
As right now I’m torn between two different
drivers drinking milk on the victory podium. Torn between Alexander Rossi whom
somebody called Luke Skywalker not being able to destroy the Team Penske Death
Star – and has been mocking Penske’s Chirpiness All Qualie’ weekend! Along with
Colton Herta whom just seems to be exuding quiet confidence.
Obviously as previously mentioned, Alex Palou
is certainly a Contendah’, along with Scott Dixon. Although the Kiwi’s making
His worst Indy 500 start ever in P21 and will have to come from way deep to
pull off the upset. Hmm, another Dixon Master class Fuel saving run in the
cards?
Other drivers I’d be happy seeing in the
winner’s circle include thee Great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci. As this
would be a super popular victory since Ferrucci drives for A.J. foyt. Whom I
still remember last year’s In-car radio replay saying Shall we go lead this
Boys? Before rocketing to the lead, with thunderous, vocal approval from the
Stands!
Whilst I’d also be happy with DJ WillyP’, aka
Will Power winning His second Borg Warner trophy. As this would give the
Aussie’ His 42nd win, tying Him for fourth All-time with Michael Andretti for
career IndyCar wins.
Interestingly, I also learned via the
Indianapolis Star that Power’s fifth Front row Start without winning the Pole
ties Him with Harry Hartz and Wilbur Shaw.
Yet certainly you’re thinking what about my
Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward, Eh? As I haven’t even mentioned Him yet.
As this could be the break-thru year like always. But Pato’s already been
complaining about His Chevy’ being slow, and He just seems to mercurial!
As I even pondered over qualifying weekend if
He was feeling rattled over not being the No. 1 McLaren driver He’s used to? As
I’ll begrudgingly admit that Kyle Larson has suitably impressed me both On and
Offtrack. Although I still don’t think Larson will win. He’ll lead laps, but
will get Outfoxed for the win…
Although somehow I missed another “Memo”. As I was
totally unaware that Larson’s deal with McLaren is a two year contract for
racing at Mother Speedway, i.e.; 2024-25.
Other outside chances are Felix-the-Cat’, aka
Felix Rosenqvist who was the quickest Honda runner. Yet unfortunately the
Swede’ has a record of qualifying better than finishing. While obviously the
spotlight will be upon His elder teammate Hulio’. But Castroneves won’t win
again!
And ditto for Fast Eddie’, nee Ed Carpenter who
seems His best days are behind Him. Along with The Dude! Aka Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Otay, Y’all are probably sayin’ Quit stalling
and tell us your prediction, Eh?
Yes, I feel that Will Power’s laser focused and
has to be a serious threat. While Alexander Rossi seems to have a massive Chip
upon His shoulder, not to mention being in a contract year.
But I’ll stick with my Gut feeling and go for
the not so obvious pick and select Colton Herta as this year’s winner! As Herta
just seems to be exuding confidence along with sounding “loose” and not overtly
serious. Kind of making me think of The Gasman, aka Tom Sneva…
But if it becomes a rain shortened race, then
All “bets” are Off! And I’ll predict that Dixon wins His second Indianapolis
500.
As Y’all can
compare ‘n contrast this year’s predictions vs. last year’s riveting No Fenders
post below…
http://www.nofenders.net/2023/05/indy-500-wholl-win-this-years-race.html
Now if I could only find me a decent Tenderloin sandwich to go with my Chips, and something to Drink! (The Tomaso Collection)
As the yearly Hunt for the perfect, Classic Jumbo Tenderloin
Rolls On…
Every May, the Media likes to Salt ‘N Pepper us
with stories of People’s yearly Indianapolis 500 traditions, since after all
it’s the Gurr-Reatest’ Something Ruther…
And although I can No longer recall if I’ve
ever Had one? Since I only remember paying $9.00 for a Steak Sandwich during
the 2006 USGP Formula 1 race instead, but I digress…
Thus for over a Decade Now, I’ve lived
vicariously thru the written and spoken word
of one such person with the tradition of Hunting for the elusive,
perfect Classic Jumbo Tenderloin Sandwich at Mother Speedway every May! For
which this ‘lil Ditty’s in regards to and Good Hunting!
Testing Testing,
1-2, 1-2, Is this Thingy’ On?
“The Searcher”
I looked Under Stand J
I looked Behind the Museum
I Asked around the Pagoda
But They couldn’t Help Me either
They Call Me The Searcher
I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide
I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For
Until I’m Trackside
I Asked Doug Boles
I Asked Mark Miles
I Asked Jay Frye
But He Couldn’t
Help Me either
They Call Me The Searcher
I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide
I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For
Until I’m Trackside
People ten to Scoff at Me
They Think I’m Crazy lookin’ for the perfect
Tenderloin
Always interrupting Me to Say Hi George
When I’m putting Mustard on my Bun
Finding A Classic Tenderloin
I’ve been Searchin’ for Miles
Because I’m The Searcher
And I want A Real Tenderloin
And I Won’t Get to Get What I’m After
Until I’m trackside
I’ve learned Not to Stop at the First
concession Stand
But Yeah look at My Face, Ain’t that A Smile
I’m Happy when I’ve found My Classic Tenderloin
Cause I’ve Got Values and I Won’t be Denied
I’m lookin’ for Mine
You’re lookin’ for Yours
We’re Both lookin’ together, But we don’t Know
where to Turn!
They Call Me The Searcher
I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide
I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For
Even if they’re now Twelve Dollars and 50 cents
Trackside!
This Lyrical Prose
was Shamelessly inspired by The Who’s The Seeker song, which Y’all can listen
to in the Youtube link below…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAbzlj3nf4E
(Originally written by Tomaso on May 15, 2022. Updated on May 16, 2024)
But which of these three will come out on top?
Not only does thee Cheepster’, nee Chip Ganassi
have the most entries at Mother Speedway with five. But also has the most
IndyCar rookies on His squad.…
Marcus Armstrong
#11 Chip Ganassi Racing
Engine: Honda
Country: New Zealand
DOB: 7/29/00, Age: 23
IndyCar Starts: 16
2023 IndyCar Rookie Of the Year
After winning Karting titles in His native New Zealand,
Marcus made the jump up to single seaters in 2014. Armstrong steadily advanced
and in 2017, driving for the Prema Powerteam had His breakout year. Winning the
Italian Formula 4 Championship and finishing runner-up in the ADAC F4
Championship to Juri Vips. Armstrong also became a member of the Ferrari Driver
Academy that year.
Next Armstrong graduated to the FIA European
Formula 3 Championship, where His teammates were Robert Shwartzman and future
Formula 1 driver Guanyu Zhou, finishing fifth overall. Before finishing
runner-up in the 2019 FIA F3 Championship.
Marcus contested three seasons of FIA Formula
2, scoring a total of four wins before moving to Indy Cars. Where He contested
the Twisties’ Only portion of the 2023 IndyCar calendar driving for Chip
Ganassi Racing, with Takuma Sato driving All of the Ovals.
Marcus scored five Top-10 finishes with a best
result of seventh at Toronto enroute to winning Rookie Of the Year (ROY)
Honors, before being inked to a Full season campaign this year for Ganassi.
Having just scored His first IndyCar Top-5 finish in the Indy GP. Nipping at
team leader Scott Dixon’s heals at race’s end. Armstrong now prepares to race
in His first ever Oval event, and rolls off 16th, the second highest Ganassi
starter…
Linus Lundqvist
#8 Chip Ganassi Racing
Engine: Honda
Country: Sweden
DOB: 3/26/99, Age: 25
IndyCar Starts: 7
2022 Indy NXT Champion
After considerable success Karting, Linus
Lundqvist made His single seater debut in 2015, before gravitating to Europe
where He spent a few seasons driving for Double R Racing. A race team owned by
some Cool Cat known as The Iceman’, aka Kimi Raikkonen and Steve Robertson,
Kimi’s manager. As Robertson is one of only three Indy Lights Champions to have
never raced in IndyCar…
Linus won the 2018 British BRDC F3 title before
moving Across thoust Bloody Puddle’ to contest the 2020 (Formula Regional) FR
Americas Championship, which He totally dominated. Winning the title, scoring
victory in 16 of 18 races!
After a positive rookie Indy Lights campaign,
claiming three wins. Linus claimed the title the following year driving for HMD
Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing. Yet despite His title, Lundqvist sat
sidelined due to Penske Entertainment slashing His championship Advancement
Prize…
Lundqvist’s IndyCar break came late in 2023.
Contrary to popular belief, Linus made His IndyCar debut on Nashville’s City
streets as Simon Pagenaud’s substitute at Meyer Shank Racing, (MSR) where He
qualified 11th. Ultimately running three races for MSR, i.e.; Nashville, Indy
GP and Gateway. Before eventual 2024 MSR replacement Tom Blomqvist ran the
season’s final two events…
Yet Linus suitably impressed during His three
races and was signed to a multi-year contract with Chip Ganassi Racing for
2024. Where the Swede’ scored His first IndyCar podium in His sixth race at
Barber Motorsports Park. Starting P19 and finishing third, vaulting Him up to
eighth in the points standings.
Yet the next time out at Mother Speedway’s
permanent road course during the Indy GP. Lundqvist ran out of fuel entering
the Pits, taking forever to restart His engine! And painfully finished P24
after flirting with another Top-10 finish! And dropped to 13th in the points
standings…
Then Linus made the “smallest” of mistakes
during Thursday’s practice at IMS, clipping the Turn-2 curb which sent the No.
8 into a spin. First impacting the rear end and then snapping round, hitting
the car’s right side in a long slide before coming to a halt! As you never want
to be the first driver to crash during the Month of May. But obviously,
Lundqvist will bounce back since He’s drives for one of the preeminent IndyCar
teams. Dually qualifying P27 for His debutante Indy 500.
Kyffin Simpson
#4 Chip Ganassi Racing
Engine: Honda
Country: Cayman Islands/USA
DOB: 10/9/04, Age: 19
IndyCar Starts: 4
While I’ve got very little to say about Kyffin
Simpson, whose Indy Lights/NXT results really don’t say much. Nonetheless,
you’d have to admit that Kyffin’s rise thru the ranks to becoming an IndyCar
driver was quite rapid.
Simpson only made His single seater debut four
years ago, when contesting the U.S. Formula 4 Championship for Velocity Racing
Development. Along with contesting His maiden FR Americas season driving for
HMD Motorsports.
For 2021, Kyffin won the FR Americas title
driving for TJ Speed Motorsports whilst notching seven wins. Before contesting that
year’s Indy Pro 2000 Championship for Juncos Hollinger Racing, finishing eighth
overall.
For 2022, Simpson graduated to Indy Lights with
TJ Speed Motorsports, before jumping to HMD Motorsports for the latter half of
the season. As Kyffin would spend two seasons in the IndyCar training ground
with a best finish of ninth overall in 2022. The same year He was inked to a
multi-ear IndyCar development role with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Simpson has also spent considerable time racing
in Sports Cars, most notably winning the 2023 European Le Mans Series (ELMS)
LMP2 Class for Algarve Pro Racing in 2023. Along with contesting the Rolex 24
and other major Sports Car races…
Kyffin made His IndyCar debut this year at
Saint Petersburg, where He finished a very respectable 12th. Followed by P19 at
Long Beach and 14th at Alabama. And then P15 in the Indy GP, netting Kyffin
18th overall in the points standings.
And who would have predicted that Kyffin would qualify three places ahead of Scott Dixon in His maiden Indianapolis 500? As Simpson will roll off 18th…
Or the only rookie the Media’s talking about…
As previously noted, this year’s Indianapolis
500 Rookie Class features seven diverse drivers. )5 Honda; 2 Chevrolet) With
one unfortunately Hogging the limelight! As I’m afraid it’ll be nonstop Kyle
mania this May, Urgh!
Kyle Larson
#17 Arrow McLaren
Engine: Chevrolet
Country: USA
DOB: 7/31/92, Age: 31
IndyCar Starts: 0
2021 NASCAR Cup Champion
Otay, let’s get this one out of the way, shall
we! Since I fear that IMS has already gifted Kyle Larson the 2024 Indy 500
rookie Of the Year (ROY) trophy, SPEW! A la their skewed choice of ‘Ol JJ’, nee
Jimmie Johnson in 2022, but I digress…
Yes, Larson’s an amazingly gifted racing
driver, arguably one of Sprint Car and Midgets best. Yes, He won the 2021
NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Championship driving for Hendrick Motorsports. As
Rick Hendrick is the co-entrant for the fourth Arrow McLaren racecar this year.
But unfortunately for me, whenever I hear
Kyle’s name, I immediately flash back to that Horrendous decision to use the
You-know-What word during a Gaming session in April, 2020. With then NASCAR
employer chip Ganassi rightly, immediately terminating His contract!
Although I absolutely do not expect this to
happen, and for Kyle to “safely” qualify for this year’s race. How ironic would
it be if one of Cheeps’ (Ganassi) trio of Indy 500 rookies Bumped Larson out of
the Show…
But I also do look forward to Kyle completing
“the double” this May. Becoming only the fifth driver to contest the
Indianapolis 500 and Charlotte 600 on the same day.
Whilst I’ll begrudgingly admit that Larson’s
seemed exptremely Humble and willing to talk to the Media whenever requested.
Hasn’t put a wheel wrong and is Bloody Fast! Being the Quickest Rookie,
qualifying fifth!
Christian Rasmussen
#33 Ed Carpenter Racing
Engine: Chevrolet
Country: Denmark
DOB: 6/29/00, Age: 23
IndyCar Starts: 4
2023 Indy NXT Champion
This is one of the crop of several new IndyCar
drivers I really like. As the only flaw to date is that it seems Christian
Rasmussen is pressing too hard? Although who am I to critique Rasmussen’s
driving prowess, Eh?
Yet it seems like every race at season’s
beginning, His name is mentioned in either a collision, crash or spinning out
on His own! With P19 at St Pete being His best finish to date; followed by 27-24-20
place finishes thru the Indy GP. Amassing two Top-20 finishes enroute to
currently sitting 25th overall.
After two excellent seasons in His Home Danish
Formula 4 Feeder Series, the Dane’ made the trip across thoust Bloody Puddle’,
Hya! And began climbing the Road to Indy ranks.
Driving for Jay Howard’s Driver Development
squad in 2019, Rasmussen finished third in the 2019 U.S. F2000 National
Championship with three wins. Then claimed the title the following year with a
dominating nine wins before graduating to Indy Pro 2000.
Staying with Jay Howard, Rasmussen went
back-to-back by claiming the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 Championship, scoring seven
more wins enroute to the title.
For 2022, Christian joined Andretti Autosport’s
Indy NXT programme, notching two wins enroute to sixth overall. Then for 2023
He joined HMD Motorsports and scored a further five wins while winning the
Championship.
Rasmussen is driving a Twisties’ Only programme for Ed Carpenter Racing. Plus a third “One-off” entry at Mother Speedway, where it’ll be interesting to see if the boss and Rinus VeeKay’s Oval prowess at the Brickyard help the Dane have a successful Indy 500 debut…
As Honda spreads the love with three rival teams.
Although sadly, One of these Doesn’t look like the others…
This year’s Indianapolis 500 Rookie Class
features seven diverse drivers. With five Honda runners and two Chevrolets. For
which one of these Bowtie Boyz’ will most definitely be Hogging the limelight
Ad Nausea ! Hmm, who could that be, Eh?
Tom Blomqvist
#66 Meyer Shank Racing
Engine: Honda
Country: New Zealand
DOB: 11/30/93, Age: 30
IndyCar Starts: 7
2022 IMSA Prototypes Champion
The son of Rallying legend Stig Blomqvist, the
1984 World Rally Champion. (WRC) As forty years seems a lifetime ago, Yikes! I’ve
long been a Fan of whom I call tom “the bomb!” Blomqvist. Although I’m
embarrassed to admit how little I know about Him…
Thus learning that Tom was a multi-times
Karting Champion in New Zealand before progressing up the European single
seater ladder. Discovering that He suffered a broken back during a German Formula
3 race in 2011 at the notorious EuroSpeedway Lausitz racetrack, Youch!
Or that ironically, future IndyCar teammate
Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) won the 2014 Macau Grand Prix, while Blomqvist was
punted off-track by future Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon!
Tom raced in the DTM, nee Deutch Tourenwagen
Masters between 2015-17, claiming one win. Then spent the next several years in
Formula E, along with a stint in the FIA World Endurance championship before
joining Meyer shank Racing’s IMSA Sports Car team fulltime in 2022.
Blomqvist and teammate Oliver Jarvis won that
year’s Prototype Championship, along with the first of Tom’s two back-to-back
Rolex 24 victories. As it was Blomqvist’s amazing, raw speed that made me a fan
of His…
Blomqvist first tested an IndyCar at an Sebring
test session in October, 2022. Then at the 2023 Toronto IndyCar race, Tom made
His IndyCar debut as a substitute for the injured Simon Pagenaud, before
running athe season’s final two races at Portland and Laguna Seca.
Confirmed as the Fulltime driver of Meyer Shank
Racing’s No. 66 entry as Helio Castroneves successor. Tom has scored two Top-20
finishes to date, with His season best result being P15 at St Pete’s season
opener. Whilst currently languishing in 23rd overall, one place below the “Cut”
line for Leaders Circle prize find…
As Blomqvist, who’s never driven on an Oval
before, prepares to make His Roundy-round’ debut on the world’s biggest stage!
Nolan Siegel
#18 Dale Coyne Racing
Engine: Honda
Country: USA
DOB: 11/9/04, Age: 19
IndyCar Starts: 1
As previously noted, 19yr old Palo Alto,
California native Nolan Siegel plans to contest four races this season at the
ever revolving Dale Coyne & company’s cockpits. Having made His IndyCar
debut at this year’s Thermal Club event, driving the No. 18 entry He’s
primarily “sharing” with Jack Harvey.
Nolan then made His official IndyCar debut at
“the Beach!” One of Nolan’s Home track’s, ergo Long Beach, where He drove the
No. 51 Coyne Ware Racing entry with local “eatery” King Tacos sponsorship.
Siegel will also contest the Toronto race this
July, along with attempting to qualify for this year’s Indianapolis 500, both
in the No. 18 entry. Running just a maximum of four IndyCar races in order to
preserve His rookie IndyCar status for 2025.
Nolan made His single seater debut in the 2019
U.S. f2000 National Championship driving for Newman Wachs Racing, finishing
15th overall.
The following year, Siegel switched to Jay
Howard Driver Development for His sophomore U.S. F2000 campaign, finishing P13
overall.
Then for His third and final U.S. F2000 season,
Nolan switched to DEForce Racing, finishing eighth overall while claiming His
maiden victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Siegel made His Indy Pro 2000 series debut at the
2021 Gateway Oval race. Then graduated to the Indy Pro 2000 championship for a
full season drive with DEForce Racing.
Nolan won first time out at St Pete, before
dominating the next round at Barber Motorsports Park. Yet that would be the
last of Siegel’s victories, ultimately finishing fourth overall in the title
fight.
Siegel also contested the final Indy Lights
race at Laguna Seca driving for HMD Motorsports before joining Indy NXT
fulltime in 2023, remaining with HMD Motorsports. Impressing as a rookie by
winning two races and finishing third overall, also claiming Indy NXT’s rookie
Of the Year (ROY) Honours.
Siegel’s “Day Job”, the 2024 Indy NXT
Championship is off to a blazing start! Having won Round-1, leading
wire-to-wire from Pole at St Pete. Followed by a second place finish at
Alabama. Entereing the IMS Road Course Double Header weekend tied for the
points lead with Jacob Abel.
But the Indy GP Double Header weekend wasn’t
what Nolan hoped for, with finishes of second and fifth, seeing Him fall 25
“markers” behind Points leader Abel.
As it’ll
be interesting to “see” how Nolan fares on His first Super Speedway Oval. While
having landed a ride with United Autosports for this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans.
As talk about your veritable driver’s “bucket list” as a teenager! As All
that’s missing is Monaco…
Yet Siegel’s Fast Friday was definitely not
what He needed. Having apparently “wiggled” coming out of Turn-2 and ultimately
over-correcting. Nolan’s front-left tyre Hit the wall after spinning, shearing
the wheel assembly off! With the car getting airbourne momentarily before
flipping upside down and grinding down the track before finally coming to a
stop!
The good news being that Nolan was medically
cleared and was Ok. But the team was scrambling to assemble a backup chassis
for Him. Being Jack Harvey’s Indy GP road course racecar. Which sadly the team
never recovered from!
Since it’s odd hearing that 229mph is Slow! But
this is the Indy 500 where ultimately, you needed to be at 230mph or above to
“safely” qualify for the race!
Alas, Nolan gave it a brave effort, but the teenager simply was never able to wrastle’ the necessary speed out of this backup chassis. And at the end of the One hour Last Row Shootout, Nolan was the slowest of four cars. And trying to throw a Hail Mary, Siegel’s wickedly loose trimmed out racecar was too much to handle – with Nolan losing the back end entering Turn-1 on lap-2 and crashing into the wall! Seeing the No. 18 Failing to make the Show.
ScottyMac’ and the fabled “Yellow Submarine”
certainly weren’t Hiding from Anybody on Pole Day! (The Tomaso Collection)
As Y’all cannot say there was any lack of Drama
this year!
While you’d have to say it was a very
entertaining two days of Qualifying. Making it apropos that while I listened to
almost All seven hours of Day One’s qualifying. Outside I was continuously
serranaded by countless Harleys and Fast Cars romping around town during our
Rhody Days weekend…
Team Penske flexed Thar Muscle, securing the
top three positions, led by Will Power’s 233.758mph four lap average followed
by Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden.
As I can no longer remember when it was, i.e.; Fast
Friday or Saturday? I know I heard on IndyCar Radio claiming that Power had Hit
a maximum velocity of 243mph at the Turn-3 Speed trap!
During the initial first guaranteed qualifying
attempt for All 34 entries, Arrow McLaren seemed to be out of sorts!
As rookie Kyle Larson “waived” His first run
after the third lap. As Larson said His engine switched off. Callum Ilott
qualified next for the team. But then His time was disallowed due to technical
violation of the left rear wheel Offset being out of position
Then first Pato O’Ward pulled His car from the
Qualie’ line, along with Alexander Rossi did likewise. So initially none of the
four McLaren’s were qualified.
Rookie Nolan Siegel had slowest time at 226mph,
as the Dale Coyne Racing driver was struggling almighty to put His backup
chassis in the Show…
Ryan Hunter-Reay and Scott Dixon also pulled
their cars from first attempt. As Dixon’s crew was busy installing a new Honda
engine
Rinus VeeKay, the day’s fourth qualifier,
crashed heavily in Turn-3 during His Qualie’ run.
And Katherine Legge “White-walled” Her tyres on
lap-4 during one of Her multiple qualifying attempts. As the Coyne entries were
the two slowest cars initially.
And while speculation suggested that Larson
suffered from having plenum fire during His first qualifying attempt. The
NASCAR Star ended the day sixth overall, handidly advancing to Sunday’s Fast-12
Shootout. Bested only by teammate Rossi in fourth.
As reputedly six Bowtie’ runners including
Larson suffered from Plenum fires during their qualifying attempts! With the
most distraught being Augustin Canapino!
And whilst myself and others in Ye Blogosphere
had predicted Sting Ray Robb to be the slowest qualifier. Robb suitably
impressed with a late run, jumping seven places up to P20, before ultimately
ending up 23rd overall. So good for Him!
While another rookie who quietly went about His
job was Tom Blomqvist, in His first ever Oval track race. With the Kiwi’ saying
He was enjoying sliding the rear of the car during his latter Qualie’ run that
ultimately netted Him P25.
The other rookies, i.e.; Cristian Rasmussen
wound up 24th, one place ahead of Blomqvist. Whilst Marcus Armstong was 16th,
Kyffin Simpson 18th and Linus Lundqvist P27.
As the biggest disappointment of the day had to
be Chip Ganassi Racing having zero entries in the Top-12! With Alex Palou 14th
and Dixon a very uncharacteristic P21!
Yet the most impressive drive of the Day has to
go to Rinus VeeKay. As the Dutchman bumped His way into the Fast-12 with just
some three-plus minutes remaining in qualifying! Knocking Colton Herta out of
P12.
Whilst I suppose you’d have to Arse-sumed that
half of the Last Row Shootout cars would belong to Dale Coyne. While Graham
Rahal makes it two years in-a-row. But the biggest surprise has to be 2022
Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson simply never being able to find the
necessary speed aboard His backup chassis. As Ericsson’s and Siegel’s plights
underscore how important your primary Speedway car is. Afterall, being massaged
for much of the year prior to competing at Mother Speedway…
Fast-12 Day One results
The Top-12 drivers from Saturday will each make
one qualifying attempt Sunday in reverse starting order, i.e.; Slowest to
Fastest. As Saturday’s order was Will Power, Scott McLaughlin and Josef
Newgarden claiming the first three positions.
Alexander Rossi was fourth, with Kyle Kirkwood
being the fastest Honda in fifth. And the Outside of Row-2 was Kyle Larson.
Felix Rosenqvist, Santino Ferrucci and Takuma
Sato make up row-3. With Pato O’Ward, Rinus VeeKay and Ryan Hunter-Reay being
the “slowest” three of the Top-12. Seeing nine Chevy’s vs. three Honda’s
fighting for Pole Sunday.
As starting positions 7-12 will be locked-in
following the first qualifying run.
Thus Row-3 positions 7-9 were ultimately filled
by VeeKay, O’Ward and Rosenqvist. While Row-4 (positions 10-12) features Sato,
Kirkwood and Hunter-Reay.
Last Row Shootout
Due to circumstances, prior to the Last Chance
Qualifier’, you’d naturally have to Arse-sume that rookie Nolan Siegel wouldn’t
make the Show. Having been slowest ever since crashing His primary chassis.
Yet the two names that shouldn’t be here
obviously are Graham Rahal and Marcus Ericsson!
And after Sunday afternoon’s One hour warm-up
session, it appeared to be a slugfest between Graham Rahal and rookie Nolan
Siegel for who’d make the field, which ultimately played out.
But it was Ericsson giving us Drama we weren’t
expecting! When the Swede’ thought He’d completed the run on lap-3 and slowed
down. With a final lap at a “pedestrian” 194mph giving Him an four lap average
speed of 220mph! As what just happened?
Yet Ericsson went back out for a final qualie’
run with some seven minutes remaining and “bumped” His way into the middle of
row-11, knocking Siegel out again. With the brash 19yr old Californian giving
it one last shot with just 2:24 remaining on the clock.
Siegel’s first lap wasn’t quick enough and the
Californian Kid knew He had to go big, or Go Home! And with the car trimmed out
to the ragged edge. Siegel got loose in turn-1, the back end snapped and Siegel
Hit the Wall! Ending any remote hope of making this year’s race.
Credit once again to Graham Rahal being
gracious in “victory”, and lavishing praise upon Nolan Siegel and Dale coyne’s
moxie in qualifying and their attempts to make the race after Siegel crashed
during Fast Friday…
Meanwhile, Siegel’s teammate Katherine Legge
starts P31. With IndyCar Radio Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton saying that Legge
had used up every inch of the track and run no two lines the same during Her
run with a loose racecar that almost Hit the wall. But Kudo’s to Legge’s gutsy
qualie’ run.
Fast Six Shootout
Once again, the shootout for Pole position felt
fairly anti-climatic to Mwah. Especially with the Top-4 positions remaining the
same from the day’s earlier Fast-12 Shootout. Seeing Team Penske lock out the
Front row for only the second time in History.
As Team Penske swept the Front row in 1988 with
“Rocket Rick” Mears, Danny Sullivan and Al Unser.
As ScottyMac’, who I’m totally Hip’ upon, not
only claimed His first Indianapolis 500 Pole position, but now holds the
current All-time Pole lap average speed record at 234.220mph! Will Power was
second and Josef Newgarden third.
Row-2 sees Alexander Rossi in fourth, with
rookie Kyle Larson in the middle, flanked on the outside by Santino Ferrucci.
As congrats to Scott McLaughlin, but Thars’ still 500 miles to go…