Tuesday, November 26, 2024

IndyCar’s Old Fashioned Radio programme Continues

Although I doubt it’ll be as scary as War of the Worlds!

 

We last left off learning about an aspiring Tintops driver known as Oilcan Johnny growing up Down Under in the outskirts of Truwombia wit His Flying Squirrel motorbike. And after seeking refuge in the Formula Supreme racing series in the Orient, became a debutante Champ Car champion.

 

Yet Oilcan Johnny was no longer befitting His Wee lad’ moniker, having won His second Champ Car title. Therefore He began going by the name of Jonathan Truxbury. Although later, many took to just calling Him “JT” instead. In order to not confuse Him with His teammate Taffy Tonkaberg at Betuzi Motorsports…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/10/indy-cars-ultimate-cage-fight.html

 

The Canamax Formula Libre race team had a long, storied history. With its roots taking shape during the roaring Twenties’. When two British Blokes named Derek MacKenzey and Gordon Fitzgerald formed the MacKensey & Fitzgerald Motor Car Company Ltd. As the pair were eager to find a promotional “vehicle” for one of its mainstay bakery brands. As their Somerset Millery was famously known for its Crispy Pancake Mix, which us Yanks’ prefer calling Flapjacks’, or simply Hot Cakes Up North Eh!

 

As their automobile company’s name was far too long and didn’t roll off the tongue easily, they decided on the clever abbreviation of Canamax instead.

 

Thanks to the rage of Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, etc. The automobile was wildly popular during those roaring Twenties. When the Canamax Formula Libre team cemented its legacy by winning the prestigious Carnagie Trophy three times. As the Carnagie Trophy was second only in stature to the American Grand Prize, before the Stock Market crash of 1929.

 

Fast forwarding to the new millennium, American advertising Whiz’ Preston Henry Winchester III, whom many in the paddock took to calling Windferd’ behind His back. Had been hired to resurrect the floundering Canamax Formula Libre team and the M & F Car company which had changed hands multiple times. Now under control by a Lickenstein Capital Hedge Fund conglomerate, with money to burn…

 

Thus Preston ambitiously set His sights upon expansion and tapping into the vast North American market, by purchasing the declining Breckenridge Racing Champ Car team.

 

As one of their drivers was the Kuhnuck’ Jaque Dudley, who Z thought would be the perfect Pitchman for that classic Crispy Pancakes Mix brand on the world’s biggest stage at Mother Speedway!

 

Yet the team failed miserably. Beginning with failing to paint Dudley’s No. 36 racecar the wrong shade of Eggshell white! Before ultimately failing to qualify for “The Show!” For which Windferd’ mused if only they had guaranteed starting spots…

 

Next, following that year’s election, the new Commander in Chief declared the Kuhnaidian’ Border closed to All imports and placed huge tariffs upon that beloved Kuhnaidian’ maple syrup! Which led Preston to unceremoniously dump Dudley from the team’s line-up. Especially since young Jaque’s was closely tied to His country’s Chrysler automobiles and its beloved “K” Car model, CoInky-dense, Eh? As Preston had just jumped ship to the rival Lincoln Mercury concern…

 

Preston had also renamed His Champ Car entity officially to be known as Armani Canamax Motorsports, which detractors of the new team quickly took to calling ACME! Not to mention Whindferd’ or simply Whinnie’ when He wasn’t within ear-shot!

 

Thus, Preston told everyone it would become Armani Canamax instead. Especially since their title sponsor provided Him with a complete wardrobe of finely tailored suits…

 

And as we know, Preston thought He’d cleverly lured Oilcan, Err Jonathan Truxbury away to be His new Armani Canamax driver, before rival Champ Car owner Franco Betuzi said not so fast Whippersnapper!

 

This set off an unlikely chain of events for Tfuxbury’s replacement at Armani Canamax! With Whinnie’ settling on the young American Jason Foxworthy. Yet unfortunately whilst celebrating His 21st birthday Jet Skiing with friends on Lake Havasu, managed to severely fracture His shoulder! And would never drive for the Champ Car outfit…

 

Next Whindferd’ hired the reigning Euro F3500 Champion Jean-Pierre Treinary, who’d won in everything He’d driven. Yet the French racing prodigy simply lacked the necessary budget, along with not being cleared to drive on Super Speedways in Champ Cars. Necessitating hiring veteran journeyman Clint Baley to race at Mother speedway; once again finishing inside the top-10. Before Armani Canamax’s Sporting Director Hugo Marques told Preston they needed to hire a young Californian driver named Bryan Boxer – who would become a future multi-times Champ Car Champion, before anyone else signed Him!

 

Thus “Teddy”, Jean-Pierre Treinary’s Stateside nickname was quickly jettisoned due to no fault of His own, making way for the incoming Bryan Boxer.

 

Meanwhile, as another rising Champ Car driver noted during His brief dalliance as an Canamax Formula Libre test driver. Preston’s “Cutthroat” and doesn’t like to loose, He’s a Businessman! For which Preston had indeed begun a new round of legal proceedings against presumed Armani Canamax driver Jonathan Truxbury. Vowing to “BURY” the no good double crossing Aussie’ Mates! And thus filed a $100 million Australian pounds lawsuit in the capitol of Queensbury, seeking immeasurable damages!

 

Undeterred by this humiliating, and potentially life altering lawsuit. Truxbury simply doubled down, tuned out the “noise” and went to work towards claiming His third Champ Car Championship! This time battling against fellow Aussie’ Harold Brauenbach, whom many simply called Harry! As the two Australians leapfrogged each other for the podium’s top step. With Truxbury coming out victorious seven times vs. Harry’s three wins.

 

And only suffering one rare mechanical DNF, due to His Daihatsu’s kinetic energy system going into Fail-safe mode. Along with an ultra rare crash on Newton’s Cornhole Short Oval. Truxbury indeed won His third Champ Car Championship in an amazingly short four seasons. To which team owner Chester’, aka Franco Betuzi joyously went crowd surfing at the season’s finale in Florida!

 

Thus, Preston, Hugo and Armani Canamax Motorsports had failed once again to win the coveted Hammerschmidt Cup awarded to the Champ Car Champion each year since 2001. And that was before they’d hired their newest Champ Car driver Anders Bernstorff to replace the outgoing Patrick Hartley, who’d failed to win a race in His two seasons with the team…

 

And as ‘Ol Windferd’ began to carve the turkey for His dinner guests. Which included All 13 of His currently employed racecar drivers. Hugo, Dennis and All of the other 43 senior staff members, and their families. He began mumbling out loud. How He could dish it out and take it.

 

But By-gummit! We didn’t cause this mess with that G-Damn Truxbury and Betuzi! And I’m tired of everybody making Jokes about how many drivers we’ve hired for our Champ Car team this year. Before speaking up and asking who wants Dark or White…

 

Although its unclear whether or not Armani Canamax Team Principal Garret McCloud, whom just “vacated” the position was invited to the Shindig? 

Monday, November 25, 2024

Perez Vaults to P1’ regarding Father’s statement

As so much for it being a Brave, New World…

 

Yeah, I know Y’all don’t want to hear about polemics. Whilst I suppose I’m simply helping to propagate this nebulous “news” article by scribblin’ about it here upon No Fenders…

 

Perhaps you’ve heard or read about Sergio Perez’s father’s Homophobic outburst towards Ralf Schumacher? Regarding Ralf’s comments as a TV Pundit over Sergio Perez not returning to Red bull next year.

 

As we all know how horrid of a season Checo’, nee Sergio Perez is having at Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate. Even though Max Blunderhead’s run roughshod over All of His recent teammates! As only DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo gave Him a good fight. Before leaving Red Bull since it was obvious that the team only cared about MaxiMillions’.

 

Having first read Ralf’s reply to Checo’s father Antonio Perez Garibay. With Schumacher almost sounding apologetic for His remarks, saying He wasn’t mad at Atonio. Noting how He’d do the same in supporting His son David 100%, albeit in a different manner…

 

While I was very happy to read that Sergio immediately said He didn’t agree with any of His father’s comments , who’d made a mistake  and He doesn’t share His father’s view on the subject. But also wisely noted He couldn’t control what His father, a politician says…

 

Hmm? Why does that last bit make me think of our incoming Pretender in Chief and what this administration will do to rollback everything towards Diversity and Inclusion of those whom supposedly Don’t conform. And why are we so afraid of those who are different?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRXc_-c_9Xc

 

As do we really need another Stonewall or Charlotteville Riot? When Hell, our U.S. government cannot even acknowledge the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, Oh Never Mind!

 

As the saddest part about this is that Antonio Perez is 65 years old, putting Him in the same zip code as Mwah. For which I’d like to think my generation’s better than that! 

Friday, November 22, 2024

F1: Which Max will Show Up under the Strip’s Bright lights?

And will What Happens this weekend stay in Vegas?

 

We’re getting very close to crowning the driver whose list of nicknames keeps growing for Mwah World champion again, Sigh…

 

As His latest moniker that popped into my head when scribbling’ this, was Max Blunderhead following His Bumper-car antics! As I thought I was watchin’ a Grand Prix, not a RASCAR race!

 

Thus, The Beatles Bang Bang Maxwell Silver Hammer has subsequently come Ah-Screamin’ upon my mental Jukebox…

 

Obviously, the Mexican Grand Prix feels like it was so long ago. And I really don’t have a lot to say about it. Other than Max Verstappen was simply driving Deranged vs. His title rival Lando Norris. With the strange bit being they’re good friends off track. Or at least they were up until lately. Since I believe I saw a headline claiming that Ralf Schumacher says they’re no longer friends…

 

The ruthlessness of Max is cranked up to 11 right now against title rival Lando. And it reminds me of my past “Hero” Michael Schumacher’s driving aggression!

 

But I have to agree with former Jordan Grand Prix racecar designer Gary Anderson. That Max is tarnishing His reputation as a driver by continuing to be more ‘n more overly aggressive! And exploiting every loophole or gray area He can conceivably get away with!

 

As Max knew His car wasn’t good enough in Mexico city to win. So He simply went into defense by focusing All of His energy into not letting Norris win or get ahead of Him. And by holding up Lando until serving His rightly deserved two 10 second penalties. Effectively kept Lando from gaining an extra seven points…

 

Whilst 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill’s blunt assessment was the best so far. Saying Max was driving like Dick Dastardly at Mexico City, Ole!

 

 

And that’s my two pesos worth on the Mexico City Grand Prix. Which Max then followed up with an exquisite drive in the rain at Interlagos!

 

Although I missed the first ten-plus laps, since the start was moved forwards while we were busy falling back one hour, Oh Never Mind! Starting an uncharacteristic P17 due to a poor qualifying session and a five place grid penalty for an engine change. Uhm, I guess it was just a component of the Power Unit (PU) and not a complete PU change, but I digress…

 

Verstappen went from 17th to either 12th or 11th by the first lap or two! And proceeded to make clean pass after pass while steadily marching forwards!

 

As we know that Max made the ultimate statement by winning at Sao Paolo in the rain by nearly 20 seconds in what was an amazing display of driving! For which I most took away eventual runner-up Esteban Ocon’s comment.

 

Paraphrasing, Ocon said He’d simply marveled over not comprehending how Max could brake that much later in the rain and not crash off-track when passing Him for the win. With Oscar Piastri also similarly dazzled by Max’s wet weather driving. Saying Verstappen was the only person who could pass drivers…

 

As I was suitably impressed with Verstappen’s win. Before He had to be churlish and turn into Max Blunderhead afterwards. When taking His sniveling swipe at the British media and Damon Hill in particular, when asking where had All of the vaunted British Press gone?

 

Bang Bang Maxwell silver Hammer came Down on His Head. Bang Bang Maxwell Made Sure…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJag19WoAe0

 

Hence, I suppose many will be staying up into the Wee hours to see which Max shows up in Las Vegas. Which hopefully will have secured All of the Manhole covers and their surrounds this year!

 

Partial Song lyrics from The Beatles Maxwell’s Silver Hammer, 1969  Abbey Road album 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Pato Who, Indeed!

If you thought this May’s Kroger promotion in Indianapolis was Big. You should have seen the phalanx ‘O Fans in Mexico City awaiting me Mark! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“What Has Brown Done for You lately” Mark?

 

Even though supposedly Pato Who? And Penske’s Chief “Entertainment” cough-Cough! Officer Mark Miles have “Buried the Hatchet”. I’d like to think that Miles has woke up and Smelled the Fiesta! Even if it was for a “Formula 1” driver, its still Nuts!

 

Since have you ever heard of Fans arriving twelve hours before a racing driver arrives for a promotional event at a Shopping Mall the day before the weekend’s track activities begin?

 

While its priceless that McLaren Boss Zak Brown was wearing a Pato Who? Ballcap during Pato’s one hour (Free Practice) FP-1 session Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Ole!

 

As Y’all can read All about it in the link below written by the AP’s Jenna Fryer.

 

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/autoracing/2024/10/28/pato-oward-takes-mexico-city-by-storm-proving-the-indycar-driver-can-carry-series-in-home-country 

Hey Mark Miles, Did You See Pato Who in Mexico?

Yuhs know, IndyCar Chief “Excitement” Officer’s favourite Driver…

 

Initially planned to pen my two pesos worth about IndyCar’s Mega’ Charter system’s announcement in a No Fenders post title Charter This! As I’m mildly intrigued over how the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport Anti-trust lawsuit plays out…

 

Although as Racer’s Marshall Pruett has previously noted. IndyCar’s Charter is like a plain Cheese pizza with zero toppings right now!

 

Thus, instead I found myself more inspired to scribble something about my Numero Uno IndyCar driver now affectionately known as Pato Who? As perhaps Y’all have seen the billboard in Indiana on I-465.

 

As Patricio Pato’ O’Ward just made His latest Formula 1 (Free Practice) FP1 outing for McLaren in Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Ariva-Ariva-Ariva!

 

As Pato wound-up P13 with a time of 1:19.295 vs. twelfth place teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli. With the 18yr old recording a lap of 1:19.200 for Mercedes.

 

The next quickest “rookie” was Aston Martin’s Felipe Drugovich P18. With Robert Shwartzman 19th for Sauber and Oliver Bearman dead last in P20 for Ferrari. While positions 14-17 were filled by Haas’s Kevin Magnussen, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll in the other Aston Martin and Williams Alexander Albon respectively. Although Albon was caught-up in a collision with Ollie’ Bearman.

 

Yet Lando Norris, whose McLaren O’Ward was driving sounds like a total Prick! Saying Pato knows what He’s there for, testing! And He’s not supposed to damage the car. And we could have chosen anywhere for Him to test at, so He should be happy its in Mexico…

 

O’Ward first came upon my collective radar during His 2018 Indy Lights tilt, when I was rootin’ for the Mexican to beat Andretti Autosport teammate Colton Herta for the title, which Pato did!

 

After making His IndyCar debut at the 2018 season finale at Sonoma for Harding Racing. Where Pato qualified an impressive fifth and finished ninth! Following a lack of funding, Pato was released from Harding Steinbrenner Racing and moved to Carlin.

 

Following a very brief, abortive IndyCar beginning with Carlin, remember them Y’all? Pato joined the Red bull Junior Driver Academy with hopes of joining Formula 1. Yet due to the miniscule (2018) Indy Lights field, Pato’s championship points were cut in half, leaving O’Ward unable to qualify for the necessary FIA Super license.

 

Hired to drive for Arrow McLaren SP in 2020 alongside Oliver Askew. A one Mr. Zakery Brown promised Pato a Formula 1 ride if He won an IndyCar race, which O’Ward promptly did at Texas Motor Speedway, His debutante IndyCar win just two days shy of His 22nd birthday!

 

Pato got His first taste of F1 in a demonstration drive at Laguna Seca in November, 2021 behind the wheel of Mika Hakkinen’s MP4/13. With the Double World Champion on hand to give advice…

 

In December, O’Ward tested the team’s current McLaren MCL35 chassis during the yearly Abu Dhabi season finale Young Guns test, where He finished a very impressive fourth fastest!

 

For Fall, 2022, Pato, along with some IndyCar Hotschue’ named Alex Palou carried out two test sessions for McLaren in Barcelona and Austria. Then Pato made His Free Practice (FP) session debut at Abu Dhabi that December.

 

O’Ward made another Free Practice outing the following year once again at Abu Dhabi, a circuit He must know fairly well now, ci? Before being named as one of McLaren’s reserve drivers this year. Even though O’Ward’s Day Job is firmly cemented in IndyCar’s.

 

Thus by my unofficial reckoning, Pato’s FP-1 outing at Mexico City marks the first time two Mexicans have been on a Formula 1 circuit simultaneously since fellow countrymen Checo’, nee Sergio Perez and Esteban Gutierrez raced in the 2016 season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ole!

 

Ironically Gutierrez, remember Him Y’all? Also hails from Monterey Mexico, a la O’ward. With the former Sauber and Haas F1 driver Gutierrez having raced for Glickenhaus Racing in the FIA World Enduance Championship. (WEC) Along with CrowdStrike Racing by APR in IMSA’s LMP2 category during 2023. Whilst I’ve got zero clue what Gutierrez is up to this season?

 

As Pato says its been a dream of His to race on Home soil for quite awhile now, and I can only surmise that He received a warm reception in Mexico city, even if everybody showed up to root for Sergio Perez. As who knows? Pato will probably drive an F1 car again for McLaren, since He’s got nothing on His calendar until next March…

 

As that was before I read the news that O’Ward will now run His Arrow Mclaren IndyCar in a demonstration run during next January’s Formula E Mexico City E-Prix event. Along with also sampling one of McLaren’s Formula E racecars also in a demonstration run. Did you hear that Mark Miles, Ole!

 

Whilst Pato desperately wishes to participate in next year’s inaugural Mexico City NASCAR Cup event, for which I haven’t checked if it clashes with His Day Job? Along with oddly, His Boss Zak Brown mentioning O’Ward contesting the Day-Toner’ 500 some day… 

Monday, November 18, 2024

IndyCar Teams go Testing at Thermal

For which at least one IndyCar reporter should be present, even if it’s His Wedding Anniversary…

 

What appeared to initially be a single car test, in what probably is the last test session of the year? Although I’ve got zero clue if the other six IndyCar teams have test days they’re sitting on?

 

As tomorrow’s private test has grown into a procession of five IndyCar teams using their remaining allotted Driver Evaluation test days in the California Desert, even if they have “No Vacancies” on their driver rosters next year…

 

Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) was the first team to book a date at Thermal, and will run Logan Sargeant in it’s Dallara Honda chassis. As Sargent, who turns 24 years old on Tony Kanaan’s birthday, (Dec 31st) raced in formula 1 between 2023-24 for Williams F1, making a total of 37 starts  before being replaced by rookie Argentine sensation Franco Colapinto at Monza this September. And previously raced in Formula 2, finishing fourth overall in 2022. Scoring a total of four podiums, including two wins driving for Carlin.

 

MSR Arse-sumedly is using the test as an evaluation of Thermal for next year’s upcoming points race on March 23rd. And possibly also vetting personnel for its technical alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing, who can also use MSR’s data…

 

Arrow McLaren will test Enzo Fittipaldi, the younger brother of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Pietro Fittipaldi. As Pietro still doesn’t know if He’ll be returning to the cockpit of the No. 30 RLLR Honda entry next year?

 

Pietro, Age 28 major accomplishment to date in Open Wheel Racing is winning the 2017 Formula V8 3.5 series, the final iteration of what was popularly known as the world Series by Renault 3.5 Championship. And has been the Haas F1 Team’s test & reserve driver since 2019. Along with making two Formula 1 Grands Prix starts as Romain Grosjean’s substitute after His fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020.

 

Enzo Fittipaldi has spent the past three years racing in the FIA Formula 2 World Championship. Currently driving for Van Amersfoort Racing and having amassed 71 starts, with two wins and 13 podiums to date. Along with having won the 2018 Italian F4 title. But like His older brother Pietro, His chances at a Formula 1 career seem virtually Nil’.

 

Penske will have its standout Sports Car driver, and reigning IMSA GTP Champion Felipe Nasr behind the wheel of its lone racecar in California.

 

Nasr, Age 32 drove for the Sauber f1 Team during the 2015-16 seasons, with a career best finish of fifth place upon His Formula 1 debut in Australia.

 

Following F1, Felipe made His debut in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Partnering Eric Curran in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R prototype. As the duo won the Prototypes championship with five podiums. Including finishing runner-up in the Rolex 24 behind their Seester’ “Mach 5 Mustang Sally”, Err No. 5 Mustang Sampling entry. Along with winning at Belle Isle.

 

Felipe made three starts in Formula E in 2019, before being announced as a Carlin driver for its IndyCar team the following year. Yet due to COVID-19 shutting down motorsports in the spring of 2020, Nasr never got to race in Indy Cars, returning to Sports Cars instead…

 

Rejoining the IMSA DPi ranks, Nasr and new teammate Pipo Derani won at Sebring’s Spring Sprint race that year, starting from Pole and winning the race, once again aboard the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Caddy’.

 

For 2021, Nasr and Derani had a “magical” season, scoring a total of eight podiums, including three wins enroute to the title, Nasr’s second Sports Car Prototypes crown.

 

Then for 2023, Nasr became a Werks’ Porsche Penske Motorsport driver. Having just won this year’s IMSA GTP title with Dane Cameron. Nasr’s third championship and Cameron’s fourth.

 

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett, Nasr has tested Indy Cars for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Carlin and Team Penske previously. And Penske President Tim Cindric claims Felipe always has His Hand up to test and stay current in single seaters.

 

But like everyone else, Team Penske doesn’t have any vacancies and Nasr’s not going anywhere. Having been confirmed to continue in the #7 Penske Porsche 963 with new teammate Nick Tandy next year.

 

Meanwhile, RLLR will run its latest signing, the reigning Indy NXT Champion Louis Foster. (Age 21) Having previously won the 2022 Indy Pro 2000 Championship with seven victories. Then ran away with the Indy NXT Championship in His sophomore season with eight wins and seven Poles. Being the only rookie for next year testing at Thermal.

 

Ed Carpenter Racing was the latest to join the ever growing party at the Thermal Club on November 19, asking Hunter McElrea to test for them. In what appears to be an early birthday present from ECR, as the Kiwi’ turns 25 years old on November 21st.

 

Having won the 2018 Australian Formula 4 Championship with 13 wins before coming Stateside. Hunter finished runner-up in the U.S. F2000 National Championship and third in Indy Pro 2000 driving for Pabst Racing. And after claiming Rookie Of the Year for Andretti Autosport in Indy Lights, claimed runner-up to current ECR IndyCar driver Christian Rasmussen in 2023.

 

McElrea impressed with His raw speed during His IndyCar debut at Toronto for Dale Coyne Racing. And has also become somewhat of a Sports Car standout, having won this year in the LMP2 category driving for TDS Racing. Taking back-to-back  wins at the Battle On the Bricks (Indianapolis) and Petit Le Mans. Along with winning this year’s IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup LMP2 crown.

 

And like the Fittipaldi brothers, obviously McElrea wishes to become a Fulltime IndyCar driver, but appears to be a long shot… 

Friday, November 15, 2024

MOTO GP: The Season Finale’s Championship Showdown Commences at Barcelona

As Hopefully the race can bring some Joy to the devastated region of Spain…

 

With the horrible flooding in Spain, particularly in the Valencia region. And 211 people having been reported as Deceased as of November 2nd. While the number continues to increase. DORNA, the MotoGP rights holder cancelled the MotoGP season finale scheduled for November 17th at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit.

 

Thus, we waited over the penultimate MotoGP weekend’s outing in Malaysia a Fortnight ago to learn when and where the season’s final race would occur? Although reportedly DORNA made its ambitions known Sunday morning in Sepang, planning to race at Barcelona the same weekend.

 

Saturday’s Sprint race in Sepang seemed to live up once again to Moto Matters Zara Daniela’s apt assessment of anointing Jorge Martin as “The Sprint King”, but I’m getting ahead of myself as usual here upon No Fenders…

 

Back in October, roughly one month ago, MotoGP headed Down Under to Phillip Island, Australia Mates! Where Martin dually continued His dominance of winning on Saturday. Taking His fifth Sprint race of the season ahead of Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini on the podium. With title rival Francesco Pecco’ Bagnaia finishing fourth.

 

As this pumped up Martin’s lead in the title fight to 16 “markers” ahead of Bagnaia. Then Sunday was vintage Marc Marquez. As Ye Pinball Wizard reportedly had a horrible launch due to His rear tyre spinning on an errant tear-off! Seeing the Spaniard drop to P13, before rebounding to fifth on lap-1!

 

Marquez ran down the two title protagonists who were running 1-2. Before Marquez claimed the lead towards race’s end. With Martin settling for second and Bagnaia some nine seconds adrift in third. Thus Martin increased His championship lead to 20 points with three rounds remaining.

 

Seven days later the MotoGP Circus arrived in Buriram, at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand. Where Saturday’s Sprint race result saw another twist…

 

“The Beast!” Aka Enea Bastianini took full advantage of the title rivals and the rider He’s scrapping for third place overall with, promptly vaulted into the lead. Which He would never relinquish, and simply motored away from the field!

 

Jorge Martin eventually got around Pecco’ Bagnaia for second, with Bagnaia’s future teammate Marc Marquez a quiet fourth. This allowed Martin to stretch His points lead to 22 markers.

 

Yet Sunday’s main race saw Bagnaia ultimately turn the tide against thee Martinator’. Although Martin got the Hole-shot on the wet track and aggressively attempted stretching His advantage in the tricky conditions.

 

As  Martin who made many mistakes overall, went wide and allowed both Bagnaia and Marquez to pass Him on lap-5. With Jorge just watching the two Ducati Axmen taking swings at each other for the lead, before Marquez slid wide and tumbled down to P16.

 

This saw Bagnaia hold a three second lead across the stripe ahead of Martin, clawing back five points and whittling Martin’s title lead to a slim 17 points.

 

Then it was on to steamy Sepang a week later, MotoGP’s penultimate round. Where once again the tables were turned upside down. As the rain began falling just prior to Saturday’s Sprint race commencing…

 

Although Bagnaia had snatched Pole away from Martin, with both riders setting new lap records. Martin got another Hole-shot over Pecco’ and effectively romped away to His sixth Sprint race win of the season.

 

Couple that with a crucial mistake by Bagnaia on lap-3 in Turn 9, reportedly a notoriously tricky corner according to the Pundits. Saw the Italian apparently touch the wet, white corner paint and inexplicably go down! For which I thought I heard a screaming “Captain Stubing”, Err lead Pundit Gavin Emmett proclaiming that the championship was over! For which I was left pondering how that could be true?

 

And after Emmett calmed down a Wee bit’, I noticed He and His Booth Mate Neil Hodgson were claiming that Martin now had one hand on the title…

 

Since Martin’s win netted Him twelve points, increasing His championship lead to 29 points, prior to Sunday’s main race.

 

Naturally Bagnaia didn’t roll over, and after a horrible first lap incident. Where Jack Thriller’ Miller was lucky to escape without harm to His legs after Joan Mir had run over them in the melee!

 

Bagnaia who’d kept Martin at bay on the first start, did even better on the restart, and led wire-to-wire for His tenth victory of the season. Although the first four laps were simply scintillating! As Martin did everything possible to pass Bagnaia! Making several lunges with the pair of Ducati riders running side-by-side down the front straight!

 

Yet Bagnaia wasn’t to be denied, and Martin wisely settled for runner-up aftert trying to push late in the race and almost making another costly mistake!

 

Thus, the points table sees Martin lead Bagnaia by 24 points (485-461) prior to the Saturday Sprint race at Barcelona. With a maximum of 37 points still on offer. And I won’t try figuring any of the points permutations. Other than Jorge Martin is the 2024 MotoGP Champion provided He has a 26 point lead on Sunday.

 

Whilst interestingly, fighting over third place in the championship is Marc Marquez vs. Enea Bastianini. With Marquez replacing the Italian at the Factory Ducati team next year.

 

As Marquez leads by one single point: 369-368! And you know The Beast relishes defeating Marquez before moving to KTM’s Satellite Squad… 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Still just One Seat remaining in Formula 1?

As whose got the Biggest Wallet of All?

 

Leading up to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit Of The Americas, nee COTA weekend. Scuttlebutt suggested that current Sauber F1 driver Valtteri Bottas was on Pole to retain His seat another year at Sauber. Being the lone, unconfirmed seat for the 2025 F1 season. With the seat remaining open after Carlos Sainz, Jr. rejected Audi’s offer, and went to Williams instead for 2025.

 

Although some had said not so fast Valtteri! With the likes of the promising Formula 2 points leader Gabriel Bortoleto being mentioned. Along with current Williams F1 rookie sensation Franco Colapinto. With Mick Schumacher being a perceived longshot.

 

Next, an even more distant long shot was added to the “Spin cycle”. With current Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen’s name being mentioned…

 

Interestingly all three of these Young Turk’ drivers are “tied” to other Formula 1 outfits. With Bortoleto being a McLaren Development Driver member, and Colapinto a Williams F1 Academy driver. Whilst Mick is the current Mercedes GP test and reserve driver. Along with being a current Alpine Sports Car Pilote’ in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

Yet initial scuttlebutt claimed that Bortoleto and Colapinto weren’t available, even though Williams F1 Boss James Vowels has said He’s open to loaning out Colapinto next year; naturally for the right price!

 

While former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner has told Schumacher to go to IndyCar if “Plan A” doesn’t work out! And Hans-Joachim Stuck advises Mick against joining the Sauber/Audi project.

 

As it’ll be somewhat interesting to “See” how this pans out. Or will it just be anti-climatic with the obligatory press release telling us how excited Bottas is to get to work at Sauber next season? For which we all hold our breaths, as Mattia Binotto says He’d like to confirm the second driver by mid-November…

 

Meanwhile in other Audi ownership news regarding Sauber. Surely you’ve all read or heard that management shook up the pecking order during this summer. With the dismissals of Audi’s Sauber project manager (CEO) Andreas Seidl and Sauber Chairman of the Board Oliver Hossman.

 

Installing former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto as the new team leader. As Binotto, who shortly turns 55 becomes it’s Chief Operation and Chief Technical Officer. While Gernot dollner replaces Hossman as Chairman of all Sauber companies.

 

Longtime Red Bull Racing F1 member, and the team’s current Sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, whose been at the team forever! Will become Sauber’s new Team Principal next year. As the staff exodus from Red Bull continues. Hmm, like Rats leaving a Sinking Ship?

 

Whilst two more key team additions have been announced. With former Ferrari F1 Sporting director and strategist  Inaki Rueda, who previously worked with Binotto. As Rueda will become the team’s new Sporting Director, punting Beat Zehnder to a role with the legacy side of Sauber.

 

While Giampaolo Dall’Ara will become the team’s new Race Engineering boss at the Hinwil factory. Not to be cornfuzed with the legednous’ Giampaolo Dallara, the 87yr old proprietor of Dallara Automobili.

 

As Dall’Ara is a former Sauber employee who’s been running His own consulting company since 2016, according to Racer’s Chris Medland.

 

Now the only question remaining, is can Sauber pull itself up from last upon the F1 Grid?

 

But that was before reading more scuttlebutt regarding Liam Lawson’s arrival at Racing Bulls as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement. Suggesting it could trigger a contest between the Kiwi’ and RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda, to potentially become Max Verstappen’s teammate next year. As the rumours persist that Checo’, aka Sergio Perez is still on shaky ground regarding His new two year contract extension. With Red Bull’s Pied Piper Chris Horner sending mixed signals about will He, won’t He return next year?

 

While there was quite the kerfuffle upon social media over what appeared to be Lawson giving Perez the middle finger at 300 clicks’. (186mph) With the Kiwi’ youngster telling Checo He’s Number One in Mexico City, Ole! As the two protagonists fought over P17 on the grid…

 

Thus, if one of the two Racing Bulls drivers were promoted, this would leave a seat open for current FIA F2 and Red Bull Junior driver Isack Hajar. So may be there’s still two seats not confirmed for 2025 yet? You make the call.

 

While the latest rumour over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend was that McLaren has agreed to release Gabriel Bortoledo from His contract in order to go to Audi on a long term deal. As Sauber made official what had been reported on Wednesday, November 6th, selecting Bordoleto as Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate beginning in 2025.

 

Meaning that “serve” has moved to Red Bull to decide over who’ll partner Max next year? With Horner having dropped by the Williams Hospitality “Villa” over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend to chat with Team Principal James Vowles over Franco Colapinto’s availability… 

Monday, November 11, 2024

Petit Le Mans Postscript

As it was another Nail biting finish, especially for those with malfunctioning Headlights!

 

Yeah, the chequered flag has long flown upon this year’s epic 27th Petit Le Mans ten hours endurance race. Which once again will be my race of the year! For which I’m aiming for reflecting upon some of its too numerous exploits…

 

Tuning in for earnest with five and a quarter hours remaining, I learned that IndyCar’s Colton Herta was racing aboard the No. 40 WTR Andretti Acura ARX-06 in the GTP category. Being one lap down, ahead of Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon in the team’s #01 Cadillac V-Series.R.

 

As it was fascinating listening to IMSA Radio’s John Hindhaugh and Jeremy Shaw marvel over how Herta had not only unlapped Himself, but pulled out a 15-plus second lead over thee “Iceman 2.0”, nee Dixon during the middle of the race!

 

Yet this was all for naught, as suddenly Herta came racing into the pits, having suffered a punctured right rear tyre! Which then flailed about and caused bodywork damage also…

 

Making me ponder if Herta’s intense pace had been the culprit of His tyre delamination? Whilst Dixon would unlap the #01 Caddy’ later…

 

As there were a total of four current, Uhm, technically five current IndyCar drivers participating. Including Herta, Dixon, Kyle Kirkwood, Herta’s Andretti Global teammate. Junco Hollinger Racing’s Romain Grosjean and Dale Coyne Racing aspiring driver Hunter McElrea.

 

As Kirkwood was in the #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 GTD Pro entry, which retired early. McElrea once again was part of the winning No. 11 TDS Racing LMP2 entry, finishing eighth overall, and eight laps behind the overall winner.

 

Grosjean in the Lamborghini SP63 which ran several laps down, for which I don’t know the reason why? Finished 15th overall, behind the first seven LMP2 entries, Yikes!

 

I also enjoy the global aspect of Petit Le Mans, including its Femme Fatales contingent, for which multiple competed this year. As I caught pitlane interviews with two who were making  their Petit debuts. Including one I’d never heard of before named Lilou Wadoux, a 23yr old French racing driver. As Wadoux was part of the #88 Richard Mille AF Corse Oreca-Gibson LMP2 lineup. With the team contesting all of the IMSA WeatherTech Endurance rounds.

 

Little did I know until “reading” Her Bio, Wadoux is a rising star who was part of the LMP2 class winning entry at this year’s Six Hours of Watkins Glen. With the entry finishing seventh in class and P13 overall.

 

Also making Her Petit Le Mans debut was former A.J. foyt IndyCar driver Tatiana Calderon aboard the No. 66 Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 in the GT Daytona class. (GTD) Partnering fellow le Femme Sheena Monk and Stevan McAleer.

 

As I’m not sure what it says about the racecourse, Eh? As Tatiana claimed it was scary racing out there! Presumably due to the insane amount of nonstop “traffic”. Finishing P39 overall, some 37-laps behind.

 

And then there was the #83 Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracan GT3 entry, also in the GTD class with its regular Femme fatales lineup of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting. Finishing P41 overall, 39-laps behind and one place adrift of the No. 66 Gradient Acura NSX in the GTD class.

 

Another winning Indy NXT driver and aspiring IndyCar racer in the field was Mattie B’, aka Matthew Brabham piloting the No. 99 AO Racing’s Oreca-Gibson LMP2 entry. Although Brabham’s IndyCar aspirations seem to have stalled.

 

Whilst I don’t know if it was my ears playing tricks upon me? As I thought I heard Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco being interviewed late in the race? Although the Froggy’ sounding driver mentioned He was still fighting a Flu and that Ibuprofen was His “Friend”. And He didn’t feel anything when driving the car!

 

As DeFrancesco, a former Andretti Global IndyCar driver was part of Forte Racing’s No. 78 GTD Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2 squad. While fellow Hoser’, err Kuhnuck’ thee Mayor of Hinchtown’, aka James Hinchcliffe was behind the keyboard of the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports McLaren 720s GTD Pro entry. As Hinch’ contested the team’s endurance rounds this season…

 

Don’t know all of the gyrations that the #01 Cadd-Oh-lacc’ endured during the race. Besides spending the night hours as a one headlight cyclops! Apparently suffering from a sensor issue that took multiple pitlane trips to fix and dropping them one lap down, or was it two?

 

But after the race’s final full course caution, for a scary three car crash! Triggered by Cory Lewis’s #55 Mustang stranded with no headlights! The race became quite riveting…

 

As Renger van der Zande in the #01 Caddy’ that was driving with just its left headlight working, made a brazen pass for the lead of the race over Nick Tandy’s Penske Porsche 963 with under 20mins remaining? And then you felt the palpable tension of Hindhaugh suddenly screaming over how the No. 01’s lights had All gone out with three minutes remaining and He’ll have to immediately come to pitlane!

 

Yet the lights came back on, and then they winked at us, with the left going out and right coming on, before all four lights came on briefly across the stripe! Giving Chip Ganassi Racing and full season drivers van der Zande and Sebastien Bourdais the Fairytale sendoff for their final Cadillac outing!

 

Even more gripping was the fact that due to a niggling mechanical malady; errant steering wheel connection putting the GTD Pro Drivers Championship into question. With Laurin Heinrich and His No. 77 “Rexi” Dinosaur themed AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R unable to finish any better than eleventh.

 

Heart of Racing’s Ross Gunn needed to finish second in order to steal the Drivers title! For which Gunn’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 entry was leading the race prior to Lewis’s incident!

 

Yet the eventual first and second place GTD Pro entry’s; the No. 19 Iron Lynx Lambo’ with Jordan Pepper and No. 62 Risi competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 with Daniel Serra at their controls, both managed to duck into the pits for their final pitstop before the yellow came out…

 

As Gunn spent the race’s final 35mins harrying Serra in the second place Ferrari. Closing to as close as naught-three second (0.3)  adrift in third place, but could never find a way around the Prancing Horse!

 

Thus Gunn came up four points shy of snatching the title! Ironically due to Heinrich’s Pole position’s extra five points, giving Him the necessary “cushion” over Gunn’s unexpected triumph…

 

While the GTD class winners also took the lead late in the race I believe. As the No. 34 Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 of Albert Costa, Manny Franco and Cedric Sbirrazzuoli were victorious. And yes, that’s the same Conquest Racing of longtime team owner and former IndyCar driver Eric Bachelart. 

Thursday, November 7, 2024

RETRO: Remembering BMW’s Le Mans Winner

As today’s Hybrid BMW V-8 racecar is a totally different Animal…

 

As noted, BMW effectively “scrapped” it’s V-12 LM racecar following it’s unsuccessful debut at the 1998 24 Heurs du Mans. Selling chassis No. 1 to German racer Thomas Bscher, and chassis No. 2 to Japan’s Team Goh.

 

As both of these chassis would compete in the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans race with mixed results…

 

While the V-12 LMR retained it’s 6.0-litre normally aspirated lump’, the rest of the car was completely redesigned. With all new bodywork to correct it’s aerodynamic deficiencies. Most notably it’s cooling ducts being moved topside, vs. the V-12 LM’s being on the chassis bottom and being compromised by track heat.

 

The LMR’s most striking feature had to be the use of a rules loophole to fashion a single seater style roll hoop just behind the driver’s helmet, which allowed for better airflow to it’s rear wing. Not to mention causing less drag. As the LMR is claimed to have reached 342 kph on the Mulsanne straight. Or 214mph for us metrically challenged Yanks’, Aye Karumba!

 

A further four chassis were built, with Schnitzer Motorsport running the entries, including a two car effort for the newly created American Le Mans Series. (ALMS) With the new LMR making it’s racing debut at that year’s 12 Hours of Sebring.

 

The car was fast, claiming it’s maiden Pole position, with both Schnitzer entries running up front, before the No. 43 suffered a massive crash. Effectively writing off this chassis! While the No. 42 with Jorg Muller, Tom Kristensen and JJ Letho were victorious.

 

Next Schnitzer showed up at Circuit de la Sarthe with three BMW V-12 LMR’s for the requisite test day. With the Nos 15-17. The third LMR chassis being the striking BMW #16 Art Car designed by Jenny Holzer. Yet that would be it’s lone outing at Le Mans.

 

Having scribbled about BMW’s Art Cars in a multi-part tome, for which I’ll point Y’all to one of these No Fenders stories below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/04/retro-more-bmw-competition-art-cars.html

 

Thus the two V-12 LMr’s (Nos. 15 & 17) lined-up third and sixth on the grid when the Tricolour was waved on June 12, 1999. As both cars proved reliable and able to circulate at the sharp end. Before JJ Letho driving the No. 17 reportedly suffered a struck throttle late in the race, crashing out!

 

This left Yannick Dalmas, Joachim Winkelhock and Pierluigi Martini’s No. 15 in the lead, which they retained to the chequered flag – despite heavy pressure from one of the Toyota GT-1’s, before it suffered a high speed tyre puncture!

 

Ironically, the second highest finishing BMW was the No. 18 Price + Bscher BMW V-12 LM in fifth overall. With Thomas Bscher, Bill Auberlen and Steve Soper at it’s controls, albeit 20 laps behind the winner.

 

The No. 19 Team Goh privateer V-12 LM entry retired on lap-223 with gearbox issues. Having just learned that part of it’s Japanese drivers trio included King Hiro’, aka Hiro Matsushita! A name Hardcore IndyCar Fans should remember.

 

Now I’m feeling S-L-O-W! Since I’ve just finally realized that’s the exact same Team Goh that partnered with Dale Coyne Wayback’ in 2020 to run some rookie IndyCar driver named Alex Palou…

 

Whilst Team Goh won the 2004 24 Heurs du Mans with a privateer Audi R8 with Seiji Ara and Audi Factory drivers Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello behind the wheel. As it was then “Mr. Le Mans” fifth consecutive Le Mans victory!

 

Meanwhile, after winning Le Mans, “Team Schnitzer” returned to the ALMS, enroute to winning a further three races that season. With JJ Letho and Steve Soper in the #42 winning at Sears Point, Laguna Seca and Las Vegas’s November 7th season finale.

 

The year 2000 would be BMW’s swan song for it’s Werks’ prototype V-12 LMR. Although sadly, BMW chose not to defend its 24 Heurs du Mans victory, having checked that box. Instead focusing upon its new Formula 1 effort with Williams F1. Supplying Sir Frank 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10 lumps’.

 

Schnitzer Motorsport did campaign two cars in that year’s ALMS season. Yet the Sebring 12 Hours season opening round saw Audi flexing its muscles with its soon dominant Audi R8. Seeing the BMW’s settling for third and fourth place finishes.

 

The BMW V-12 LMR would play second fiddle to the Audi R8 the entire 2000 ALMS season. Scoring its final two wins at Charlotte and Silverstone, which Audi had skipped in order to prepare for Le Mans.

 

As the No. 42 with JJ Letho and new teammate Jorg Muller won both races. Whilst its Seester’ No. 43 entry of Jean-Marc Gounon and Bill Auberlen fought for “crumbs”.

 

Meanwhile, Thomas Bscher who’d campaigned His BMW V-12LM, prepared by David Price Racing in the 1999 ALMS season. Returned to Le Mans one final time, being the lone BMW Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) entry for 2000, with the chassis once again prepared by David Price Racing.

 

Yet the #15 entry with Bscher, Geoff Lees and Jean-Marc Gounon behind its keyboard retired on lap 180 with gearbox damage, due to an accident. Before the car made its final race outing later that Fall at the Nurburgring. Followed by Bscher retiring from racing.

 

Although Team Goh’s V-12 LM was supposedly heavily updated by Dome, the car never raced again…

 

For that year’s Petit Le Mans, BMW brought the V-12 LMR Art Car out of mothballs, seeing three V-12 LMR’s entered at Road Atlanta. As the Art Car would be the only LMR to finish in fifth place – during its lone race outing.

 

Schnitzer ran the final two North American ALMS races, finishing a best of third behind both Audi R8’s again. Before BMW decided to skip the season finale Australian round. Closing the book upon the V-12 Le Mans Prototype effort.

 

Thus it would be nearly a quarter of a century before BMW returned to Circuit de la Sarthe with a factory Le Mans Prototype category. This being the BMW M Hybrid V-8 which made its debut at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona. With longtime BMW partner Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing running the program’s two Le Mans Daytona Hybrid-spec (LMDH) racecars.

 

Having scribbled about the BMW M Hybrid V-8 and its German IMSA GTP contemporary in the following No Fenders tome…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/01/rolex-24-iconic-german-brands-join-gtp.html

 

With Belgium’s multiple championships winning W Racing Team, better known as WRT campaigning a brace of BMW M Hybrid v-8’s in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class under the banner of BMW M Team WRT.