F1: Max tells the FIA to Bugger Off!

Oh Max, you’ve been a Naughty boy, Again!

 

Originally I wasn’t planning to scribble anything about this, especially since it gives Formula 1 more Attenzione! Since in the grand scheme of things, I find it overly banal…

 

Although I have never been a Fan of Max Verstappen, who I initially nicknamed Maximus Hothead! I have always enjoyed His straightforwardness, and pulling no punches when giving His opinion.

 

Unless you’ve been hiding under a Fucking Rock, now Tomaso Shame-shame-Shame! Then Y’all know about Verstappen having been censured over the Singapore Grand Prix weekend for telling reporters His Red bull chassis was FUCKED! During the Thursday press conference.

 

This followed on the heels of the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem having asked the FOM, (Formula One Management) the commercial rights holders of Formula 1 to crack down upon the F1 drivers use of profanity, specifically the F-word. Primarily over In-car radio transmissions. And that the F1 drivers weren’t Wrappers and shouldn’t act like them.

 

Naturally this immediately provoked sir Lewis Hamilton to rightly point out that Ben Sulayem was using a racial stereotype! As Hamilton and Ben Sulayem aren’t on the best of terms. Most notably dating back to Jewelry Gate. Not to mention skipping the 2021 FIA Awards Banquet following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Which I don’t think either Toto Wolff or Hamiton were “sanctioned” over…

 

Whilst my most cherished memory of Formula 1 drivers pointing out the absurdity of B.S’s, Hmm, irony or pun intended? Ben Sulayem’s insignificant actions is ‘lil syd viddle’, aka four-times F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel wearing His boxers on the outside of His Firesuit during (underwear) Undie Gate!

 

Racer’s Chris Medland points out the double standard of the FIA’s action when noting that both Ferrari and Mercedes Team bosses Frederic Vasseur and Toto Wolff dropped the F-Bomb in FIA press conferences during the Las Vegas GP last November. Both were only giving a warning for use of foul language. Yet Max wasn’t given a warning and instead immediately sanctions!

 

Meanwhile, Alexander Wurz, the president of the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association) is even more succinct. Pragmatically noting how many lifelong Community service sentences should former Haas F1 Team Boss Herr Gunther’, aka Gunther Steiner serve for His profanity laden tirades on the hugely successful Real Housewives of F1, Err Netflix Drive to survive series? For which He was quickly idolized for

 

As sorry Ben Sulayem! You cannot have your cake and eat it too! Since the sport’s popularity is riding high upon the use of colourful language! And the spicier the better, being what many of us tune in for…

 

All of which makes me think of Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s comments about Will Power and how He rues the day He leaves IndyCar. Noting the lack of Driver personalities who aren’t Robots! And actually have unique, enjoyable, authentic and genuine personalities. And most importantly aren’t afraid to speak their minds, or show their feelings!

 

Since one of Will Power’s most famous exploits was being fined $30,000 for (rightly) being caught on live TV giving race control the Double Bird! For throwing the Green Flag moments before a massive Downpour erupted at Loudon, New Hampshire’s Oval track, resulting in a crash! And then chief steward Brian Barnhart subsequently apologizing for going green…

 

While I didn’t catch what naughty word Lando Norris said in the “Green” Cooldown room before the podium celebrations at the Singapore GP. But did hear Kroftie’, aka David Kroft – Sky Sports F1 Presenter apologizing for the use of “Salty” language. But wouldn’t Yuhs know it. Norris has failed to be censured or given a day’s worth of Community service for His transgression, and “So it Goes”…

 

And this doesn’t even include the Andretti Global 11th Formula 1 team fiasco! For which reputedly the FIA is now quietly paying monetary damages to Hitech for it’s failed formula 1 Constructor application. Hmm, could this be part of an elabourate Smoke Screen at Max’s expense?

 

Or is it simply another case of Mohammed just wanting to see His name in the media, which reportedly He’s keen of doing, no matter what for.

 

As is this really what you want your legacy as FIA President to be remembered for, Mohammed Ben Sulayem? 

Announcers, Can we Please Stop Yelling!

As I’m already excited without you Screaming at me over Who’s the Winner! Like isn’t that what winners do, take the chequered flag?

 

There has been much debate over who should be FOX’s IndyCar Announce lineup next year. And it’s funny how our personal preferences effect us, Righto?

 

Although I’ve got absolutely nothing against Kevin Lee the person. I’ve been lamenting here upon No Fenders for years how I cannot stand His nauseatingly FAKE enthusiasm, ergo Yelling!

 

Yet AZ Buruea Chief Snowbyrd’ MJ just told me that She really enjoyed Kevin Lee during the Nashville season finale and His “infectious” enthusiasm.

 

Perhaps you’ve heard about six senses? And that Blind people have Super Powers! Like exceptional hearing, Uhm what did Yuhs say Sonny? Speak up Eh!

 

Although Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary ellen would tell you that my hearing sucks! Presumably from either one too many RUSH concerts or the plethora of IndyCar, Formula 1, Sports Cars, MotoGP or Vintage Races I’ve partaken over the decades…

 

Although if I had to guess, it would be from hearing a pack ‘O 3.0-litre normally aspirated Shrieking V-10 Formula 1 lumps’ one too many times over the years, but I digress…

 

AnyHoo, I simply cannot stand Kevin Lee’s FAKE, phony, manufactured excitement! Which sounds Horrific to my ears! And yes, I’m aware that other announcers also YELL at us, for no apparent reason.

 

As is this something taught at Journalism classes around the Globe? Since Sky Sports Formula 1 lead Presenter Kroftie’ (David Kroft) is a Screamer! And so is TNT Sports MotoGP lead Presenter Gavin Emmett!

 

While I’d have to say that my favourite International announcer, Err Presenter would be former Seattle Sounders FC great Arlo White! Who quickly got poached by NBC to head up their Premiere Soccer TV coverage. Whom I cannot recall ever Yelling…

 

This led me to try coming up with  a veritable top ten of motor racing announcers. For which I’ve only listed the trios I could recall below.

 

“Top 10” Motorsports Announcing Trios

1. Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett: Formula 1

2. Paul Page, bobby Unser and Sam Posey: IndyCar

3. Bob Jenkins, Benny Parsons and Ned Jarrett: NASCAR

4. Bob Jenkins, Robbie Buhl and Jon Beekhuis: IndyCar

5. Bob Varsha, Dorsey Schroeder and Calvin fish: Sports Cars

6. Ken Squire, Ned Jarrett and David Hobbs: NASCAR

7. Leigh Diffey, Paul Tracy and Townsend Bell: IndyCar

8. Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip and Larry McReynolds: NASCAR

9. Bob Varsha, Dario Franchitti and Steve Matchett: Formula E

10. Ken Squire, Buddy Baker and Dick Berggren: NASCAR

11. Alan Bestwick, Benny Parsons and Wally Dallenbach Jr: NASCAR

12. Bill Webber, Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach Jr: NASCAR

 

Hands down and no contest, Varsha, Hobbs and Matchett were simply the best ever! While I’d probably put Varsha, Franchitti and Matchett as second best with Page, Unser and Posey rounding out my mythical podium.

 

Whilst my list doesn’t include the likes of Jim McKay, Brian till or Adam Alexander as lead Play by Play Announcers…

 

As for Mwah, Jim McKay would be one of my “Gold” standards, but I didn’t list Him because as far as I can tell, McKay only ever worked as a “Twosome” in the TV Booth alongside another stellar Announcer voice; that being Chris Schenkel.

 

Brian till, whom I’ve always thought was excellent, seemingly has served as a backup lead Announcer over His long television career.

 

And Adam Alexander, who gets my nod to be the lead Announcer of FOX’s IndyCar broadcast next year has always been “enjoyable” to Mwah. As I know He was the lead Announcer for TNT’s NASCAR Summer series Wayback’ when. As I think He was teamed with Kyle Petty and perhaps Wally Dallenbach Jr? Knowing He’s worked with both of those Colour Commentators. But I couldn’t find out His exact NASCAR top tier booth “buddies”.

 

Alexander would seemingly check All of FOX’s “Boxes” (requirements) for a lead Announcer, being only 51 years old and well seasoned in this role, along with being employed by FOX.

 

Whilst I was unaware that Adam actually worked for the IndyCar Radio Network during the 2000’s. Being the Turn 3 Announcer for the Indianapolis 500 between 2004-06.

 

Since unfortunately, I’m Arse-suming FOX will continue the tradition of selecting “Youthful” looking, Easy on the Eyes Announcers. Which would make me think that both Brian Till and Alan Bestwick will be overlooked. Even though both would bring instant creditability to the announce booth. As these would be my first two choices for lead Announcer.

 

Rick Allen also comes to mind, although I don’t know if He’s locked into the Xfinity series broadcast?

 

While another voice I’d enjoy as the lead announcer would be Nicky Salt’ Yeoman from IndyCar Radio. As I feel He does an excellent job as the lead announcer of Indy NXT and IndyCar in general. But I think He’s Mark James Heir apparent and going nowhere…

 

As the only two consensus choices seem to be James Hinchcliffe as a Driver Analyst/Colour Commentator and Georgia Henneberry as a Pitlane Reporter. Which Kevin Lee would also be aptly suited for working the Pits. Just not as the lead Announcer, please!

 

Townsend Bell would fit well with FOX’s over the top mentality. And if you really wanted to spice up the Booth. Bring back Derek “Hang Onto your Hollyhocks!” Daly…

 

And that’s my two pesos worth on the subject. Since somehow I don’t think any FOX Executives will be calling me anytime soon for this lowly blogger’s opinion! Especially since the Cellphone reception’s really bad in my Mum’s basement… 

INDYCAR: Nashville Rewind

As when’s the last time a seatbelt scuttled a Championship, Eh?

 

The IndyCar House Organ had an entertaining story prior to Nashville’s season finale about how Will Power was once again chasing the No. 10 for the Championship title. Claiming it was Déjà vu all over again for DJ WillyP’…

 

This made me Flashback to one season in particular, when Power crumpled and lost to Dario “REO Speedwagon” Franchitti, again! Going outside and yelling expletives out loud upon the Tacoma waterfront roadside. Although I can no longer remember if it was 2010 or 2011? But I’m guessing it was the latter. Although it could have also have been 2012 when Power crashed at Fontana and lost a third consecutive title in-a-row to The Dude! Aka Ryan Hunter-Reay…

 

As Franchitti drove the Target Chip Ganassi Racing No. 10 entry to three of His eventual four IndyCar Championships from 2009-11. As I tend to recall that ’09 was the year Ryan Briscoe threw away the title when smacking the wall in Motegi on a late race pitstop.

 

Tuning into IndyCar Radio and the voices of Mark Gravelly’ James and Davey Hamilton bright ‘n early Saturday morning, since I wanted to know if rain would be interrupting the day’s festivities? As usual. I was surprised to hear that Alex Palou would be taking a nine place grid penalty for another unapproved engine change at Nashville Super Speedway. Then further learning that ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin and Alexander Rossi would also incur the same penalty for their unapproved engine changes. Before both Santino Ferrucci and Christian Rasmussen joined this party…

 

The week got off to an auspicious start, when Nolan Siegel being fourth quickest found that dreaded Yump’ in Turn-3 or was it 4? Losing control of His McLaren chariot and tagging the wall heavily! As this delay to repair the Safer Barrier was perfectly timed for me to wonder off and have breakfast…

 

Palou was quickest in Practice-1 before qualifying, when the Spaniard made things interesting, Righto? Although certainly not what Palou was expecting. After a first lap of 200mph+, the second lap was markedly “Slower” at 198mph and change – seeing Palou wind-up P15 before incurring His grid penalty to ultimately start 24th, Youch!

 

While a steely jawed Will Power who didn’t seem overly confident in the post Qualie’ interview on the grid will start fourth in Sunday’s race. Since obviously the weekend’s main focus is which of these two drivers will join a very elite group of Three-times IndyCar Champions, which currently numbers seven by my unofficial reckoning.

 

With Louis Meyer, Ted Horn, Jimmy Bryan, Rick Mears, Al Unser Sr, Bobby Rahal and Sam Hornish Jr the current members of this very elite 3X Winners “club”.

 

As you could say that Kyle Kirkwood, who claimed His very first Oval track Pole position was somewhat overshadowed. Although He’d certainly get attention late evening after rain delays when also finding the dreaded bump and damaging His Andretti mount heavily!

 

If you’re reading this site, then presumably you already know the outcome of this year’s IndyCar season finale at Nashville.

 

As full disclosure. Even though I’ve been a Mega’ Fan of DJWillyP’, aka Will Power’s  over a decade, I was Rootin’ for Alex Palou to win His third IndyCar Championship at Nashville.

 

Yet I certainly wasn’t expecting my Internet Service Provider (ISP) whose motto is: Spectrum, We Care! To take a Dump right before the most critical portion of the entire race!

 

Being Blind, have I mentioned that lately, Y’all? I prefer listening to the IndyCar Radio broadcast vs. television, since I feel I get a far better description of what’s occurring.

 

Thus I was listening to lead announcer ‘Ol Gravelly’ (Mark James) getting ready to read the Top-10 drivers before going to the first commercial break when my speakers inexplicably went silent, Ah Frick!

 

This happens frequently when listening via Indycar.com, with either just a brief interruption before resuming. Or sometimes the page will tell me it’s buffering…

 

Still being in the Dark and missing the action, I tried refreshing the page and Crickets! And after trying this a few times, my browser repeatedly said Hmm, you’re not connected to the internet, WTF! Telling me I needed to do all sorts of unnecessary troubleshooting, Urgh!

 

So I skidattled out to the living room to see if my Telie’ was also not working? But low and behold, Thars Kevin Lee’s voice, Sigh!

 

So I scrambled back to Thy Confuzer’ and log off and rebooted, Urgh! With the IndyCar Radio broadcast coming back withtheir Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton lamenting over how Power had to come into pitlane to have His seatbelts re-secured, say What!

 

With Hamilton and James musing over Power Going five laps down – now somewhere’s round lap-28 Me Thinks?

 

Thus the Championship had effectively been handed to Palou on a silver platter, who seemed to be having less than a stellar race. But perhaps this was due to knowning He just had to finish the race, regardless of position?

 

While the race didn’t really seem that exciting initially, until the final caution flag for Marcus Ericsson with some seventy laps remaining made fuel strategy paramount!

 

As suddenly I was torn between three, Err four drivers going down to the final 30-laps to be victorious. With Conor Daly being a Dark Horse Contendah’ for an unlikely maiden IndyCar win. Which would have been a wonderful Cinderella ending to His IndyCar future…

 

Whilst my fingers were crossed for Davey Malukas, who was battling ah-Mighty with Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward. And even though Pato Who? Is my Numero Uno driver, I was also aware that Colton Herta had failed to win on an Oval.

 

As Kudos to Herta finally scoring His maiden Oval track W’. With Pato Who? Coming up just short in second. With Homeboy Schlick! And IndyCar’s current villan Josef Newgarden coming home a distant third…

 

Whilst Palou claimed His third Astor Cup trophy in four seasons! As Power can only lament what could have been? Before learning that His seatbelt came off a second time late in the race. Which is a most bizarre way to lose a championship! 

Battle On the Brick Morphs into Six Hours Endurance race

But will anybody be paying attention while the Indianapolis Colts play the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00PM the same day?

 

For those of us reputedly in the minority, and Jonesin’ for some more racing action instead of Football, Ralf! This weekend features Sports Cars racing upon Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s (IMS) 2.439-mile, 14 turn permanent road course. With 56 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entries set to take the Green flag at 8:40AM Pacific this Sunday.

 

As the race switches from last year’s return to Mother Speedway with a two hour, forty minutes sprint race, to a full six hours endurance race format.

 

IMSA rules allow for both it’s premiere GTP and GTD Pro classes to run with only two drivers for the six hours IMS endurance race, which the majority have opted for. Therefore the only current IndyCar driver on tap will be Romain Grosjean.

 

As Grosjean, along with His regular Iron Lynx compatriots Matteo Cairoli and Andriea Caldarelli will pilot the NO. 63 Lamborghini SP63 IMSA GTP entry. Which is only contesting the five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds this season, having last raced at Watkins Glen this July.

 

The only other two GTP entries opting for three drivers vs. two are the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac with former IndyCar driver Tom Blomqvist. And Alession Picariello behind the keyboard of the No. 5 Proton Competition Porsche 963.

 

Whilst reportedly, the only taker in GTD Pro for three Hotshue’s is the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 entry with Neil Verhagen joining regulars Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow.

 

Eleven GTP entries will be joined by 12 GTD Pro and 23 GTD entries.

 

While the LMP2 class downsizes three entries to a total of 10, the fewest cars of the four IMSA categories participating.

 

One of these three LMP2 runners is DragonSpeed moving to field a Ferrari 296 GT3 in the GTD (Daytona) class for Henrik Hedman, Rasmus Lind and Ferrari Saloon Bad Arse Toni Vilander. As Lind is a former Indy Lights driver.

 

Another GTD entry of note is the iconic #43 Andretti Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R entry featuring Jarett Andretti; son of the late John Andretti. Partnered by Gabby Chaves and Scott Hargrove.

 

The race will be available on a multitude of platforms this Sunday including Peacock, IMSA Radio and NBC. As Big NBC will air the second half of racing between Noon-3:00PM, (Pacific) with the first half of the race on Peacock.

 

Whilst Arse-sumedly the entire race will be available on IMSA Radio for those of us visually challenged whom prefer to hear John Hindhaugh and Jeremy Shaw calling the action… 

No Fenders Post Milwaukee Rewind

As who’s that IndyCar driver participating in the Mexican Grand Prix FP-1 (Free Practice) session this October?

 

Otay, Y’all are probably getting tired about reading of your fairly Humble No Fenders Head Scribe having been on Holiday again, Righto? And being in a virtual motor racing News Blackout for nearly a Fortnight thru this year’s Milwaukee Mile Double Header weekend…

 

As here’s just some of the news I missed, with arguably the biggest being NASCAR’s announcement of going to Mexico in 2025. As the Taxicab Bombers will invade the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez permanent road course, site of the Mexican Grand Prix next June in a points paying race.

 

Naturally this is another strike against IndyCar, and Penske Entertainment in particular! With Penske’s No. 1 Puffed Shirt Mark Miles earning a new, very unflattering nickname regarding His CEO title, Youch! Since it just seems to nasty to type! (With the Executive portion being changed to something Brown)

 

As Y’all know my Numero Uno IndyCar driver just so happens to hail from Monterey Mexico, Pato Who? And has been beating His Head upon the Safer Barrier trying to get an IndyCar race in His Home country the past three years.

 

And due to Miles less than flattering words, which I missed. O’Ward’s taken out two Billboards simply saying Pato Who? One on the way to the Nashville Super Speedway, and once coming to I-465 in Indianapolis later this year. Uhm, can Y’all say Butterfingers!

 

While perusing the RASCAR news, I came across an enjoyable Podcast with Marco Andretti. Who I didn’t even know was racing in ARCA and Trucks this year. Not to mention shortly becoming a father.

 

 

It’s a good interview with Marco, who’s just a straight shooter with no BS! And gives a lot of good information between His former IndyCar ride and wraslin’ Stock Cars and PickemUps’…

 

https://racer.com/2024/08/29/podcast-marco-andrettis-transition-to-nascar/

 

And since I missed both Dutch and Italian Grands Prix, I don’t have anything substantive to report upon Formula 1…

 

Thus naturally I was Cornfuzed when I heard this Harry whoever Chap mentioning some Colapinto name during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Cola Who? As little did I know that Williams had sacked Logan Sargeant after He wrote off another chassis during the Dutch Grand Prix! Being replaced by FIA Formula 2 driver Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season. As the 21yr old Argetinian is a member of the Williams Driver Academy.

 

As Colapinto has shone brilliantly to date. Scoring His maiden points with an eighth place finish in Baku, along with outqualifying team leader Alex Albon in only His second F1 outing…

 

On this side of Ye Gory Puddle’, Chip Ganassi Racing confirmed the already known news that CGR would indeed be downsizing to only three IndyCar entries next year in light of the forthcoming Charter system. Yet I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Ganassi will field a two car Indy NXT program beginning next year. Which will undoubtably utilize some of it’s “Discarded” IndyCar staff. As the Nos. 11 and 4 entries will be shuttered.

 

Arse-sumedly Kyffin Simpson, who’s father’s enterprise Ridgline Oil brings major sponsorship to CGR will “slide” into the No. 8 entry next year alongside Scott Dixon and reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou.

 

The only question left for Cheep’ is whether or not He’ll find a new Sports Car operation to field for the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season? Along with where will current IndyCar drivers Marcus Armstrong and Linus Lundqvist land?

 

As Lundqvist clinched this year’s IndyCar rookie Of the Year (ROY) title at Milwaukee…

 

Meanwhile, the Sports Car world saw the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) make it’s lone United States appearance at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) over the Labour Day weekend. As the Lone Star Le Mans race was won by the privateer No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari P499, driven by thee Krakow Kid’, aka Robert Kubica, Robert Shwartzman and Yifei Ye.

 

The lower tier LM GT3 category was won by Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo with Team Boss Ian James, Danny Mancinelli and Andrea Riberasclaiming a dominant win on Home soil.

 

On a side note, local Texan Ben Keating went from being a spectator to getting a last minute call-up to race aboard the No. 88 ProtonCompetition Ford Mustang GT3. Learning that Keating is a third generation Ford Dealer and has four Ford Dealerships in Texas…

 

In the worst kept secret, Cadillac finally made it official that Wayne Taylor Racing will be running a two car Caddy’ V-Series.R IMSA GTPFactory program alongside Action Express Racing’s (AXR) Whelen Engineering Cadd-Oh-lac’ #31 entry next year.

 

General Motors reportedly asked that the new two car effort replacing the outgoing Chip Ganassi Racing effort be simply known as Wayne Taylor Racing due to it’s winning heritage with WTR previously. Even though it’s definitely a WTR Andretti entry.

 

Lastly, and I only heard the results after Tacoma Bureua Chief Mary Ellen asked me if I wanted to know about the MotoGP race? Before telling me that thee Alien’, ergo Marc Marquez had won in Spain at Aragon.

 

As it was the Pinball Wizard’s first victory in an astounding 1,043 days! 

No Fenders Summer Olympics Break rewind

Wasn’t Thar’ some season finale IndyCar Oval race recently, Say What?

 

Not to mention way too Mucho  Pigskin’s being thrown right now!

 

Yeah Kiddoes’, Y’all know the drill here upon thoust Isle ‘O Nofendersville. As lookie Thar’, its another message in a bottle…

 

As here’s just some of what I haven’t been able to adequately Back-time onto Ye Blog whilst having previously scribbled 22 Blog posts before going on Holiday the weekend of the Portland IndyCar race. Ironically passing the racetrack via Amtrak during Qualifying on my way north to Warshington’…

 

Hmm, where have I heard that number 22 before?

 

This year, I didn’t start “watching”, Err listening to Formula 1 via Thy Telie’ which serves as an oversized speaker for Mwah until the Miami Grand Prix. Although I do tend to recall that I watched the Saudia Arabia Grand Prix, and after MaxiMillions’ won again. I figured this season would be business as usual, Sigh!

 

Thus, I found the Miami Gardens race to be very enjoyable due to Lando Norris winning His debutante Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen, even if He’s part of my current F1 Brat Pack!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/10/formula-ones-brat-pack-young-turks.html

 

This, along with Verstappen only able to muster forth in Qualie’ inspired me to get up at six Freakin’ AM to watch the British Grand Prix live. Where strangely I was rootin’ for Lando instead of the old Goat Sir Lewis.

 

Next I took to watching the Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix via le Douche’s evening’s “Encore” presentations. Which both were certainly dramatic!

 

And as much as I’m not a fan of George Russell’s either, who’s another card carrying member of my F1 Brat Pack! Nevertheless, you have to feel for the lanky Englishman who pulled off a brilliant Master Class strategy at Spa! Only for His car to be 1.5kg (3.3lbs) under the minimum weight! Which wasn’t announced until 2.5hrs after the podium celebrations…

 

As I’ve read the headlines saying that part of His being underweight was due to the loss of rubber from extending His strategy to a single stop, and running His Hard Pirelli tyres for 34-laps. For which Pirelli didn’t even think was possible at the Mighty Spa-Francorchamps!

 

Along with due to the circuit’s length, drivers aren’t allowed the traditional, full cooldown lap to run off the racing line and collect marbles to ensure proper minimum weight ballast. With Mercedes conceding that these two rubber aspects alone could equal as much as 0.8 kilo of the 1.5 kilos theat Russell’s mount was underweight, i.e.; half of the missing amount!

 

Meanwhile, and some on Ye blogosphere have said it was the worst kept secret. Which I’ll grant the Cadillac to (Wayne Taylor) WTR-Andretti campaigning the two car Factory effort in IMSA GTP next year is. But I certainly didn’t “See” Hertz Team Jota becomingCadd-Oh-lac’s Werks’ team partner in the FIA World Endurance Championship! (WEC) For which Jota will turn in it’s privateer Porsche 963’s for a pair of Cadillac V-Series.R racecars in 2025 instead.

 

As somebody asked Marshall Pruett on His Week in IndyCar podcast if Callum Ilott was “done” as an IndyCar driver? With Marshall saying that it seemed for now Ilott’s name has gone “Cold”. Not to mention the vast amount of interest He’s receiving in the WEC, and presumably will land a paying Werks’ drive somewhere there. Perhaps staying with His current employer Jota?

 

Whilst Arse-sumedly Y’all know about Augustin Canapino’s fractious IndyCar career coming to a close following Toronto. Which I suppose should have been a no brainer when Pruett whispered that veteran Oval ringer Conor Daly had tested for Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) at Gateway, nee WWTR during the Olympics break. With Marshall saying He’ll be very surprised if Daly’s not the No. 78’s chauffeur the remainder of the season, which was confirmed shortly after. Due to JHR desperately needing to hoist it’s second, unsponsored entry back into the vaunted Leader Circle prize fund!

 

Having been out of the loop the past few weeks due to a family visit and travel. Now having missed listening to Gateway thru Milwaukee’s Double Header IndyCar races live. Along with missing the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix. I’m not aware what the latest scuttlebutt is for either Formula 1 or IndyCar?

 

Obviously, Indy Cars dearth of issues like it’s vaunted Charter system, FOX Announcers and remaining Silly Season will be resolved over the ridiculous winter’s slumber, Err now commencing offseason…

 

Since I know much has been said about Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) slimming down to only a three car operation due to the impending Charter system rules. And whether or not CGR lands a new IMSA Sports Car program to replace it’s current Cadillac operation?

 

While Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) confirmed the rumoured technical partnership, Err alliance with Ye Cheepster’ (Ganassi) Wayback’ on August 19.

 

All of which leaves me wondering where, if at all? CGR’s two jettisoned Honda powered Dallara’s, drivers and team personnel land? Since even if somebody takes on an extra Honda entry, it won’t be granted an extra Charter. Making me wonder if we’re really going to have the perceived 29 Fulltime IndyCar entries next year with the arrival of Prema Racing’s two car Chevrolet entry…

 

Whilst naturally, we should also be seeing some clarity on the remaining 2025 IndyCar driver market, unless we’ve already had some announcements that I’ve missed the memo upon?

 

Ah, those were prophetic words, since two days after I’d initially finished typing this. I was most startled over the announcement that Davey Malukas had inked a multi-year contract to drive for A.J. Foyt Enterprises starting in 2025, Say What?

 

Naturally, like others in Ye blogosphere, I can only surmise that young David who turns 23 on September 27. Is hoping to use this as a springboard to graduate to Team Penske as DJ WillyP’s, ergo Will Power’s future replacement…

 

I just truly hope that Foyt can manage to afford to keep Santino Ferrucci in the No. 14! Since Ferrucci and Malukas is a far more formable driving duo vs. Sting Ray Robb and Malukas! But that’s using Air Quotes from Captain McObvious… 

Time for IndyCar’s season finale at Nashville

And crowning Alex Palou as this year’s IndyCar champion…

 

Having been on Holiday (again) during the Portland and Milwaukee Double Header weekend’s, I only got to listen to the Portland race via IndyCar Radio. Which was reminiscent of past Portland Snoozer’s after a Hard day’s outing trackside drinking multiple "Adult" beverages in the blazing sunshine Wayback’ in the Good ‘Ol CART Dazes! When Portland’s racetrack still featured the West End Grandstands between Turns 5-7, which now is RV Parking instead…

 

As will Power’s dominant performance Sunday was also sleep inducing, albeit this time with Hang 10’ Hilo laying alongside Mwah on the couch. As the highlight of the Portland weekend was the Great Santini’s improveable maiden Indycar Pole position Saturday, before finishing a distant eighth.

 

Thus, I didn’t listen to any of the Milwaukee action until returning home and “watching”, Err listening to the various Highlight packages via Youtube, which left much of the drama out of these six minutes vignettes. Except for Kevin Lee’s nauseating, annoying totally FAKE excitement, nee Yelling!

 

While Yuhs already know that Pato O’Ward won Saturday’s race, and ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin won Sunday’s race.

 

Yet largely overlooked was Conor Daly scoring Junco Hollinger Racing’s (JHR) first ever podium when finishing third on Saturday. Before gearbox issues saw Daly soldier to a 17th place finish Sunday.

 

Meanwhile, Santino Ferrucci dazzled us again with two fourth place finishes at the Milwaukee Mile enroute to setting a record for most passes! With Santino saying it’s been a Helluva year for the No. 14, currently sitting comfortably in tenth place in the championship. Leading 11th place Christian Lundgaard by 38-points; 339-301. And trailing ninth place Alexander Rossi by only 11 “markers”. (350-339)

 

Yet I suppose everyone’s waiting for me to comment upon the title fight and the misfortunes of both Championship leader Alex Palou (525 points) and second place Will Power, (492 points) who trails Palou by 33 markers. And with a maximun of 54 points on offer; mathematically third place Scott McLaughlin is the only other title challenger, albeit a longshot 50 points adrift. (475 points) Meaning the championship is Palou’s to lose. Although interestingly, currently both Penske drivers have the first tiebreaker advantage with three wins apiece vs. Palou’s two.

 

Reportedly Palou suffered an Hybrid induced electrical failure upon the grid Sunday which then fried His battery! Leaving the Spaniard stuck in fourth gear and not even able to communicate on the radio to His crew. As the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing crew had to discharge the Energy Recovery system (ERS) in order to learn the battery was toast! Replace the battery after draining the ERS again and then recharging it in order to get Palou back on track 29-laps behind, before ultimately finishing P19.

 

Yet it was Will Power who shot Himself in the foot once again by mashing the loud pedal on a late race restart and pirouetting into the wall! Lightly damaging His front wing. Before two pitstops – to ultimately decide to replace the front win caused Him to go a lap down, dropping from sixth to 13th place, before finishing tenth. As just the drop from sixth to tenth was a loss of eight points!

 

Points Scoring System

1st = 50, 2nd: 40, 3rd: 35, 4th: 32, 5th: 30, 6th: 28, 7th: 26, 8th: 24, 9th: 22 and 10th: 20.

 

Positions 11 thru 25 decrease by one point from 19 to five.

 

Bonus Points

One point for Pole position. Two points for Most laps led, and One point for leading a lap.

 

According to Raymond Hando of For the Love of Indy, Palou wins the Championship no matter what, with a ninth place finish. For which initially, I hadn’t done the math for. But Yes, Palou’s 33-points plus 22 = 55-points; one more than the maximum of 54.

 

One other interesting wrinkle to Sunday’s season finale on the 1.33 mile Tri-oval. With IndyCar making it’s return to this concrete Oval for the first time since 2008. Is the return of Alternate compound Oval tyres. Which Arse-sumedly at least two laps have to be run on both tyre compounds…

 

Being a longtime Will Power Fan, you’d think I’d be pulling for Him this weekend. But I’d actually like to see Alex Palou score His maiden Oval track win and get the “Monkey” off His back! Whilst I expect Palou to do enough to secure His third IndyCar Championship in four years and then celebrate with His traditional Fried Chicken Fricassee!

 

As until Milwaukee, think I read Racer’s Marshall Pruett saying Palou had an average finishing position of 4.63! As His lone copybook blemish this season was His self-induced accident during Iowa’s first race, before bouncing back to fourth the following day. With His Milwaukee finish of P19 solely due to mechanical woes…

 

As interestingly, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon and Alex Palou have both been victims of Hybrid powertrain issues this year. So perhaps it’ll be Penske’s turn at Nashville?

 

Meanwhile, Conor Daly and David Malukas both can say Job Done! Having hauled their respective JHR and Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Nos. 78 & 66 mounts comfortably into the vaunted Leaders Circle Prize fund standings. For which I believe that the race for the 22nd and final position is between Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen and A.J. Foyt’s Sting Ray Robb? With RLLR’s Pietro Fittipaldi also potentially in the mix…

 

Leaders Circle Points Standings

According to the Indianapolis Star’s Motorsports Beat Reporter Nathan Browne.

 

19. No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing: 189 point

20. No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing: 187 points

21. No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: 177 points

22. No. 41 A.J. foyt enterprises: 175 points

23. No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing: 174 points

 

With Dale Coyne Racing’s Nos. 18 & 51 being outside the “Cut” line.

As I really cannot say what the Charter System will do for us other than clarify the 25 IndyCar Fulltime entries eligible for the 22 positions. Since right now, Ganassi’s Nos. 11-4 entries make this clear as Mud on a Rainy day!

 

Although I’d also enjoy seeing Alexander Rossi score His first win in quite some time for McLaren, whom He’s departing from following this race, with Christian Lundgaard taking His seat next year. As who knows where Rossi’s new IndyCar home will be in 2025?

 

As it’s been a whopping 778-days since Rossi last won the Gallagher Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course for Andretti Autosport on July 30, 2022, Yikes!

 

And Ditto for Davey’ Malukas scoring His maiden IndyCar win at Nashville. As I still don’t understand why He’s chosen to depart to A.J. Foyt Enterprises next year. Where hopefully He’ll be paired with Ferrucci. Which wisely, it sounds like Larry Foyt’s keen on making happen…

 

As I suppose I could ramble on ‘n on, but instead. We’ll just have to wait another 48Hrs for the dust to settle and see who’s victorious. Since after all, that’s why they run the races…

    

18B: No Fenders turns Jack Harvey’s, Nolan siegel, Hunter McElrea’s Car Number today!

Two very Happy couch Surfers! Starring Hang 10’ Hilo whom aided Tomaso with His Heart surgery recovers. The Tomaso Collection)

 

Along with All of the other Suspects to drive the No. 18 Dale Coyne entry like Chicago’s “Davey” Malukas, Sealmeister B’, ergo Sebastien Bourdais and everyone else…

 

Hopefully not sounding like a broken record here upon No Fenders? But I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d still be labouriously poondin’ at Ye ancient keyboard here upon thoust mystical isle of Nofendersville! Or still merrily creating fresh content for Y’all weekly 18 Freakin’ years later, Aye Karumba!

 

First ‘n foremost, like All the IndyCar drivers do. Its time to thank the Fans for perusing No Fenders and hopefully reading some of my Zany Blog posts the past 12 months, especially All four of my loyal readers!which are lovingly honed with a dull, rusty knife in Tomaso Manor whilst thoust waves crash upon the jagged coastline of Nofendersville Mateys, R-R-R!

 

 

As why does that ‘Ol MacDougals slogan now serving (insert number) here come to mind, Hya!

 

Uhm, where to begin, Eh? As this year in the life of Tomaso has been singularly unique, especially since I never thought I’d be having Open Heart surgery this past January! Or when I tell people about it, they All tell me I’m too young for that.

 

Along with being my first surgery ever. Whale’ Y’all know that saying about “Go Big or Go Home”, Righto? And thus off I went to Springfield for surgery. Having scribbled about my “primer” in the No Fenders story below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/02/the-tomaso-files-my-first-hospital.html

 

And I’ve got a million fading memories of spending six days in Hospital and everything new associated with it still swimming round my Head! Like my “Head” Nurse Molly taking pity on me and saying we’re gonna put a second hospital gown on you backwards – so nobody’s gotta look at my tailfeathers when walking the Halls!

 

Or the rehab Nurses giving up on my trying to use a walker while being Blind! As I’m a really “good” driver, Hya! Just putting a belt around me and having me walk the hallways instead. And I could go on and on…

 

Whilst it’s funny how quickly we regress back into our daily routines, since it seems so long ago since those six days in Hospital following my surgery. Not to mention how quickly one’s muscles atrophy!

 

Then going home after my INR number had stabilized sufficiently for my initial eight weeks recovery period; when not allowed to raise my arms over my head. Twist, push, pull, pickup or carry anything over 8lbs, i.e.; one gallon of milk! Although typically the sternum bone cut in half isn’t fully “Healed” until twelve weeks, which now all seems like a distant memory…

 

as I’d said I was gonna “Dial” back upon Blogging so much info weekly, but here I am scurrying to poond’ out another riveting story Justin-time for your consumption! After having previously written about the perils of placing stress upon one’s self…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/02/the-tomaso-files-how-blogging-saved-my.html

 

Having celebrated seven months since said Open Heart surgery over a Fortnight ago, its amazing how much I’ve gone back to my normal, daily grind; which obviously is a good thing…

 

Thus, I really don’t have a whole lot else to offer for this year’s anniversary’s salutations. Other than I’ve just returned from my very first trip outside of the state since said surgery. A very enjoyable trek to Warshington’ to visit friends & family. And oh yeah, a one certain precocious Hoond fondly known as Hang 10’ Hilo. Thee Star of the Show!

 

Another casualty for Mwah is the ridiculousness of IndyCar’s Start-Stop-Start G-O really fast to the end before F$$KING’ Football! Is my having missed three of the season’s last five races – having listened to every single one via IndyCar Radio thru Toronto before some stupid Sports games in Paris interrupted! And then having missed Gateway and Milwaukee’s Double Header, whilst listening to the Portland race from Tacoma.

 

As this is what happens when life gets busy, and one prefers to take advantage of summer’s fleeting weather vs. staying home to listen to IndyCar and other motor racing series around Ye Globe, i.e.; Formula 1, MotoGP and Sports Cars. And I’m pretty certain this will only increase beginning with next year’s even further condensed IndyCar schedule to appease it’s new television provider FOX, Brilliant!

 

No idea why this caused an ‘Ol Robbie Robertson song’s opening lyrics to spring to mind? For which I’ve cleverly “adapted” to hopefully make some reason or rhyme…

 

“As you know I’ve got a million stories to go,

As this is just one more of the million I’ve got left to tell”

 

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

 

As I won’t prattle on too much longer here. But just wanted to say that I’ve got a bunch ‘O stories I’ve been wanting to scribble awhile now and will do so. Which may not relate to anything current in Der Vurld de Motorsporten, Ja-Ja! Otherwise,

 

Thanks to everyone visiting Nofendersville and reading my eclectic scribblings upon No Fenders All these years!

 

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

 

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

 

Along with Mary Ellen’s G-R-r-R-Reat Hoond’ who’s I affectionately nickname Hang 10’ Hilo! Being the most laid back Chihuahua I’ve ever met! Whom I eagerly look forward to “Seeing” every single time I have the opportunity to do so!

 

Plus continuous contributions from Offical' Photographer CARPETS', Snowbyrd MJ', Randal, Thy Moniker King' . Along with the still Mega' Killer official No Fenders logo provided by Artiste Dave!

 

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

 

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

 

Whilst never fear Ladies and Germs’, Your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is planning on sticking round for awhile. Especially since I just had a new mechanical Heart valve insertion!

 

Arrivederci

Tomaso

 

Partial Song lyrics from: Robbie Robertson

Song: Sacrifice, Album: Contact from the Underworld of Redboy, Year: 1998 

HYDROS: San Diego’s Gold cup Finale becomes Unlimiteds “Rubber” Match

As who’ll take home the prestigious APBA Gold Cup this Year?

 

This weekend’s Bayfair Cup on the bill Muncey Sand diego Mission Bay’s season finale will decide this year’s Nathonal High Points champion. Along with whom gets bragging rights over the winter’s offseason for winning the prestigious APBA Gold cup. As I’d like to Arse-sume that All eight Unlimited Hulls that participated at Seattle will make the trip south down Interstate Freeway I-5…

 

I say rubber match because I’mthinking that’s what this final race has become between the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate of Andrew Tate vs. the two Strong Racing Hulls; the defending champion J. Michael Kelly in the U-1 Beacon Electric and the U-9 Beacon Plumbing with Cory Peabody at it’s tiller.

 

The season’s two main protagonists have been Tate and Peabody, who seemed destined for an epic showdown on Lake Washington in the winner take All Seafair Apollo Mechanical cup final this August.

 

As I did manage to listen to All seven Heats from Seattle both days via a very sketchy Youtube channel livestream. Even though Saturday saw their pit reporter’s transmissions completely garbled or non-existan. Along with having to Jack up the volume ridiculously in order to barely hear colour commentator John Walters…

 

Saturday’s preliminary Heats saw Tate win Heat 1A, followed by Peabody winning Heat 1B. While the best race of the day for Mwah was Dustin Echols impressive victory in Heat 2A! Being His and the U-40 Flav-R-Pac’s first Heat victory of the season, winning ahead of J. Michael Kelly!

 

Heat 2B pitted Tate against Peabody. As Peabody claimed the inside lane-1 and subsequently “motored” away from Tate, who finished second.

 

Sunday’s Heat 3A saw Tate win convincingly from the inside lane-1. And when asked about it afterwards during the winner’s interview bluntly said: We got Beat! When asked why He’d run inside on lane-1; referring to Heat 2B.

 

As John Walters, whose also an H1 Unlimited Inspector said that He’d noticed that the U-91 was running a different Skid Fin today in order to get better “Bite” off the corners on Seattle’s relatively short, tight 2.0-mile race course.

 

While later in the day, Walters mentioned an interesting factoid. Stating that today’s modern three bladed propellers used are made from castings. And last only 100 minutes! Before becoming doorstops or knickknacks…

 

Then lead announcer Brad Luce chimed in that years ago Nate Brown had proclaimed to Him: “Thin is Fast, but Doesn’t last!” Regarding an Unlimited Hydroplane’s propeller’s lifespan. With Walters noting that every single time the blade hits the water it bends…

 

Heat 3B saw Peabody ultimately victorious, albeit being pushed hard by teammate Kelly in a resurgent U-1 after an overnight engine change. With the Strong Racing duo finishing 1-2…

 

Meanwhile, leave it to John Walters, who won the sport’s very first race with a turbine engine in 1982, driving the Pride of Pay ‘n Pak during the H1 Unlimiteds pathetic Seafair livestream broadcast. Casually mentioning that Jim Lucero, the sport’s winningest Crew chief had died earlier this year. With Walters saying “We lost a Good One”. With Lucero taking the chequord Flag at age 77, just six days after Ron Jones Jr. death.

 

Huh, how come I haven’t read a word about this on H1 Unlimiteds webpage? Oh yeah, that’s the same (lame) site that not only couldn’t post stories during race weekends. But failed to post a race report of Sunday’s Apollo Columbia Cup in Tri-Cities at All!

 

Hmm, why did it take me until Tuesday morning after Seafair to find the race report Hidden on the website’s innocuous results tab! Only after I started huntin’ and peckin’ around their pathetic website! Whilst I still haven’t been able to locate a current National High Points championship points standings tally anywhere on the web, Urgh!

 

Brad (Luce) also asked Walters how driver’s felt after causing their team’s to have to rebuild their boat?  In regards to J. Michael Kelly feeling bad after His narly Blowover at Tri-cities the week prior!

 

Walters mused, Jim (Lucero) would say, “What did you do to it John? It was perfect when it left the dock”.

 

As Lucero won a record 69 races as the Sport’s winningest Crew Chief, including ten APBA Gold cups and eight National High Points championships before retiring in 1998.

 

Luce and Walters salivated over how they expected four boats to be gunning for lane-1 in the finals! And then during the Milling period before the new “Score Up” at 1:15 before the start. Luce said is that the U-1, U-9 and U-91 All together in the south turn? As we’ll keep an eye upon that triumvirate! Before Luce said that Kelly had bailed from the Argie-Bargey before exclaiming that Tate had gone Dead in the water!

 

Kelly got a legal start ahead of the rest of the field before Peabody was battling for the lead on the outside, with the two Beacon Hydros’ going Mano e Mano! With Kelly getting His first W’ of the season and Peabody second, with Tate a dejected fifth! Having never recovered from His dust-up with Peabody before the start…

 

Then the Officials ruled that Peabody had encroached upon Tate during the start and handed Him a one minute time penalty, with Kelly still being the winner. Now followed by Jamie Nilsen in the U-11 Miss Mercurys coffee second. Dave Villwock in the U-27 Miss Apollo third and Tate fourth. With Dustin Echols fifth, the U-35 of Gunnar O’Farrell sixth and Peabody relegated to seventh.

 

Now I’m not suggesting this, but after waiting and waiting, and still Ah-Waitin’ to hear the post race drivers interviews which never happened, Urgh! As I really wanted to hear Tate’s assessment over what happened?

 

My mind sprung to having recently read an old interview with Ron Jones Jr. where He mentions rebuilding the Miss Circus Circus that burned in Hawaii for Steve Woomer as a “Truck” Boat. And whomever was driving it? His sole task was to crash into Mark Evans to prevent Him from winning the National High Points Championship, Youza!

 

And although I’m not implying this happened in Seattle, since I think Peabody was still chasing Tate for the championship at that point; but why do we live in such a conspiracy laden society these days?

 

Especially when one of the Strong Racing Hulls won at Seafair; being J. Michael Kelly’s second win in-a-row. With the Miss Madison Racing website stating that Tate substained damage during said milling period. Which obviously would have been caused by Peabody in the U-9!

 

Yet Andrew Tate and the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate lead the National High Points Championship by 949 points, which represents two first place and nearly fifth place finish in Heat points! With Tate having two wins vs. Peabody and Kelly having one apiece. Making you believe that this triumvirate are the odds-on favourites for winning the Gold Cup this Sunday in San Diego.

 

As I’m firmly rootin’ for my Numero Uno Skipper Andrew Tate to seek His revenge upon Strong Racing at Mission Bay this Sunday. And claiming His second Gold cup victory enroute to His second High Points championship title!