The 2024 Formula 1 Golden Tailpipe Awards edition, Positions 6-10

And Max takes it by a Nose. Somebody give me a Cheeseburger!

 

Time for another mesmerizing No Fenders zany Awards story. Especially since I haven’t done one of these in some 24 months. But with All of the Sir Lewis mania sweeping Italy right now…

 

CATEGORIES 6-10

6. Most Impressive Driver of The Year

Winner: Nico Hulkenberg

Suppose what stands out to me about thee Incredible Hulk’, nee Nico Hulkenberg was His ability to wring the neck out of His Haas VF-24 consistently, and always sniffing round the top ten during qualifying and race finishes.

 

As Nico finished a very respectable 11th in the Drivers standings, scoring 41 of Haas’s tally of 58 points!

 

Hulkenberg had either nine or ten Top 10 finishes, since I cannot tell if He retired or finished seventh in one round? With a best being a pair of sixth place finishes in the Austrian and British Grands Prix.

 

7. Most Improved Driver of the Year

Winner: Yuki Tsunoda

The Japanese driver scored the bulk of Racing Bulls 46 points. Claiming 30 points enroute to 12th in the overall standings with Tsnoda’s best being a treble of seventh place finishes. And while Yuki easily outperformed RB teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Ultimately He didn’t do enough to keep Liam Lawson from claiming the coveted, second Red Bull Racing Hot-seat alongside F1 World Champion Max Verstappen.

 

8. Most Disappointing Driver of the Year

Winner: Sergio Perez

What can I scribble about either of these drivers, that hasn’t already been said? As I gave the nod to Checo’ simply due to His being in superior machinery, even if the Red Bull RB20 was a diabolical handful to drive this season.

 

As it was just plain outright sad to see Sergio struggling so mightily! With numerous, self inflicted crashes and spins hastening His exidous from Formula 1…

 

Runner-up: Daniel Ricciardo

Conversly, the same argument cood be made for DannyRic’, aka Daniel ricciardo’s demise from Formula 1. As the affable Aussie’ was trying to do enough to promote Himself into Perez’s seat for 2025. Yet like checo’, Ricciardo also struggled Ah-Mighty’ at the team F1 Sherpa Claudio coined as the little bulls, aka Racing Bulls or RB. Since I detest that Visa Cash App nomenclature!

 

Yet DannyRic’ simply failed to live up to His promise. Being dropped in somewhat bizarre circumstances. After setting the Fastest lap at Singapore, before simply being replaced by young turk’ Liam Lawson. Whom ironically gave the man He ultimately replaces the No. 1 salute during Checo’s Home race!

 

9. Personality of Year

Winner: Max Verstappen

As the now Four-times consecutive F1 World Champion garnered another new nickname from Mwah this season. Calling Him Max Blunderhead’, in regards to His fiendish Dick Dastardly driving antics at Mexico City! To the sublime drive in the rain at Sao Paolo. Whilst Maximum Hothead’s never at a loss for words!

 

From threatening to put Bosom Buddy George Russell on His F-KING’, careful Max! Yuhs know how swearing’s not allowed by the FIA, Tisk-Tisk!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/09/f1-max-tells-fia-to-bugger-off.html

 

To the brilliant one-liner about if His Mum had Balls She’d be His Dad…

 

10. Rookie of The Year

Winner: Oliver Bearman

Yeah, I know most would say it should be Williams Franco Colapinto, since the Argentinian driver was also sensational. Yet for Mwah, Oliver Bearman’s performance at Jeddah electrified me! Especially with the then 18yr old’s sudden, unexpected call-up to deputize for Carlos Sainz in the Saudia Arabian Grand Prix.

 

As Sainz needed to have an emergency Appendectomy, with Bearman replacing Him just hours before qualifying. With the British rookie qualifying P11 and finishing a fine seventh place, which was All I cared about during the race! With Bearman becoming Ferrari’s youngest ever driver.

 

Bearman than substituted for Kevin Magnussen at Haas a further two races. The first being at Azerbaijan, after the Dane’ had to serve a one race ban. With Bearman finishing tenth, becoming the first driver in Formula 1 history to score points for two different teams in back-to-back races…

 

Oliver raced again for a sick Magnussen at Sao Paolo, but struggled in the wet conditions. Including ironically, netting a ten second penalty for a collision with Colapinto. Ultimately finishing P12.

 

As Bearman will now make His full season debut for Haas, while Colapinto’s currently Alpine’s test and reserve driver… 

Tower Motorsports Out, Ford In

As what’s that ‘Ol ABC Wide World ‘O Sports saying, Eh?

 

On the very same morning, I awoke to the news via the Daytona Beach News Journal that “We’ve” got a new Rolex 24 winner! As the winning No. 8 Tower Motorsports LMP2 Class winner that saw le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka Sebastien Bourdais taking the chequered flag 40-plus seconds ahead of the second place finisher has been DSQ’ed! (Disqualified)

 

The team’s Oreaca 07 chassis was found in a late post race technical inspection to have worn one of it’s skid blocks below the maximum wear allowance of five millimeters and thus, was stripped of it’s victory and demoted to last place in class. (12th)

 

The team’s subsequent protest was denied and the final results now see the No. 22 United Autosport entry of Paul di Resta, Rasmus Lind, Daniel Goldburg and James Allen declared as the Rolex 24 LMP2 winner.

 

Meanwhile the Detroit News had an article detailing Ford’s announcement to go Sports Car racing in 2027 with a LMDH-spec “Hypercar” entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

As the story touted this news as Ford V Ferrari 2.0, with no word on whether or not the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) entry would cross thoust Bloody Puddle and also race in IMSA GTP or not?

 

Although Racer’s Marshall Pruett notes that Ford plans to join IMSA either a year or two after the “Weckity Wec” debut, a la Hyundai’s Genesis Sports Car prototype project… 

Rolex 24 Postscript

As the 63rd Rolex 24 once again, was another Barn Burner!

 

First off, very cool for Jamie Chadwick to be the race’s Grand Marshall! Although part of me feels like this is some sort of consolation prize for Her. As hope Chadwick’s Sports Car career blossoms like Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken’s has…

 

Tuned into IMSA Radio’s “Countdown to The Green”, and was super happy to hear the voice of my Numero Uno IndyCar Radio pit reporter Ryan Marin. Along with the return of Jamie Howe. With my apologies to Peter Mackay, as initially I thought that ‘Ol EO Speedwagon’ Dario Franchitti was in the announce Booth…

 

Even better yet, Marin got copious amounts of time in the announce Booth,  most notably alongside lead Announcer John Hindhaugh…

 

Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3’s swept the front row of GTD Pro, with Rocky’, aka Mike Rockenfeller on pole in the #64, followed by it’s #65 stablemate. Being Rocy’s first pole position since March, 2006 at Homestead, Miami, Youza!

 

BMW Team RLL, ergo Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing bookended the GTP grid. With Dries Vanthoor taking Pole in the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V-8. While the #25 started last, P12 due to hybrid electrical issues.

 

Meyer Shank Racing two Acura ARX-06’s were quick off the bat. With comment made about the No. 93 being a nod to Honda’s history in IMSA Sports Car racing. Although Nick Yelloly reported a vibration, and then slid off at the west Horseshoe, dripping to seventh…

 

Pfaff Motorsport, fondly known as the “Plaid” Lamborghini had a miserable first pitstop, unable to remove the front left wheel. Needing a chisel to take the wheel off, then suffering a speeding penalty. Before being involved in a six car pile-up in Hour Eight!

 

As Louie’ Deletraz spun out of control on a race restart in the No. 10 Waynte Taylor Racing Cadd-Oh-lac’ V-Series.R GTP machine, before ricocheting back onto track and ultimately causing six cars, including the No. 9 Pfaff Lamborghini to retire from the race!

 

Much noise was made over the weather conditions, most notable the thirteen hours and sixteen minutes duration of darkness. Along with expected very cold overnight temperatures. As Sunset set at 5:58PM and Sunrise was at 7:15AM. (Eastern) Leaving me wondering if we’d once again have reports of frozen Iguanas falling out of the Palm trees. Or was it Geckos?

 

The race ultimately was one of attrition, with somebody in the announce Booth mentioning that eventually 21 of the 61 starters failed to finish! Which I won’t even try attempting to recap these, or the entire race…

 

Other than taking note early of the #11 TDS Racing LMP2 entry, with Hunter McElrea at it’s keyboard when initially having trouble on-track. Having been in it’s garage for two hours with a gearbox issue, but hadn’t retired as of 3PM Pacific.

 

(2:50PM Pacific) The first of the IMSA GTP Contendahs’ suffered Heartbreak. As Alex Palou in the  #93 suffered a left rear suspension failure and had to return to the garage via Flatbed.

 

The race’s restart saw K-Squared Harem Scarem’ vs. Colin Brown! As John Hindhaugh says I want to have whatever Kamui Kobayashi had for dinner! As He pulls out 8.5 second lead vs. Brown!

 

Listened to the majority of the first ten hours via IMSA Radio before getting sleepy, but failed to record who was leading at that point? Although it didn’t really matter, since the race has a history of totally changing complexion overnight…

 

Then listened to Hour number 13? Tuning in as the Eighth full course yellow for Charlie Eastwood’s No. 36 DXDT Corvette catching on fire was thrown! Pulling into an orange fire zone expertly at Speedway Turn-2! Just past the halfway point of the race; listening for another hour before calling it quits for the night…

 

Awaking before the alarm clock went off, I listened to the final three and one-half hours, which I’d say had more drama then the race’s first 3.5 hours! Beginning with nobody apparently wishing to claim LMP2 class honours. As first the leading No. 88 AF Corse entry ground to a halt on-track with mechanical woes.

 

Then Spike-the-Dragon’, the #99 AO Racing entry which had inherited the lead, failed to restart following one of it’s final pitstops! As its battery had run out of charge and refused to refire the Gibson V-8 lump!

 

With just a half hour remaining? The leading #18 Era Motorsport got drilled in the Keister’ by the trailing #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports entry! Both coming to the pits, with the #52 receiving a Drive-thru penalty. All the while seeing le Hamburgular’, nee Sebastien Bourdais who’d been watching the scrum ahead of Him steal another victory aboard the No. 8 Tower Motorsports entry…

 

The GTD Pro battle was even more chaotic! As the #4 Corvette of Tommy Milner was leading with the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 Evo hot on His tails when they came upon the second #48 Paul Miller Racing entry, being several laps down in 12th place. Yet the #48’s Agusto Farfas decided to play Blocking Back for the Seester’ No. 1 a little too aggressively! Slowing in the corners and essentially blocking the Vette’s progress. Before the No. 1 hit the left corner of the Vette’ when trying to overtake for the lead.

 

As a disgusted Milner said after climbing out of the damaged Corvette that it was just plain dirty pool and they should be embarrassed! Having given Farfas the you’re Number One salute who received a Drive-thru for His antics…

 

Thus I clapped estatically when in the closing minutes of the race, the No. 1 BMW M4 suddenly found itself the meat in a Pratt Miller Corvette sandwich! As the team’s #3 entry was hounding Dennis Olsen leading in the No. 65 Ford Mustang, who I had two sets ‘O fingers crossed for! As all of a sudden, WHAM! The #4 Vette’ tagged the BMW! Also receiving another Drive-thru. Yet All of this Argie-Bardgie allowed Olsen relief with a sudden 2.7-seconds lead, before taking the cheqered flag for Ford!

 

Being the Mustang’s maiden GT3victory, not to mention Sebastian Priaulx coming home third in the Seester’ No. 64, which gave Ford it’s first GTDPro pole position earlier…

 

The GT Daytona class was just as exciting, with the lucky No. 13 AWA Corvette Z06 GT3.R with Matt Bell at the wheel taking the win by 1.4 seconds. As Bell had also played the bump ‘n run game with one of the Aston’s, albeit the Aston Martin Vantage doing the bumping…

 

With 22mins remaining, Felipe Nasr said “Playing Thru” as He and Matt Campbell in the Seester No. 6 Porsche touched! Whilst the announcers had spent hours repeating how Porsched hadn’t finished 1-2 at Daytona since 1987. Which Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist ensured didn’t happen again. As the MSR HotSchue’ passed Campbell with five minutes remaining to finish Vice Champion, Err runner-up…

 

Thus Nasr scored back-to-back wins aboard the No. 7 entry, the same Porsche 963 He’d won the year before aboard with Campbell, Dane Cameron and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden.

 

And there’s more I wanted to scribble about. But I’ll save it for another meandering No Fenders post… 

The Original Blind tom’

And No! Its got Nothing to do wit your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso! Other than being Blind…

 

“Say that Boy’s a wonderment

No! The kid’s a Freak

His Black hands resting on the keys

Popping like a big old Frog

And hissing like a train

 

Faint hearts with their fans out

Starched collars and cigars

He weren’t no use for Slaving

I wouldn’t want Him in my yard”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS2-gOY-bK0

 

Once again, thoust Seas ‘O Synchronicity were splish-splashing ah-Mighty’ over Mwah Here in Nofendersville…

 

Being in the midst of “reading”, Err listening to Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides, an amazing book! Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen told me She’d just heard about something to do with me on the radio.

 

No, it wasn’t about me on the radio, but the local KING FM Classical radio station telling Her about a Black piano virtuoso simply known as Blind tom during the 1800’s.

 

As I’d just read the portion of The Prince of Tides where none other than Anne Frank is brilliantly used to point out the persecution African Americans were subjected to. Not to mention the Horrors they submitted to following 1954’s Brown v Board of Education ruling.

 

But back to our unknown Black piano virtuoso simply known as blind tom. As Thomas “blind tom” Greene Wiggins was born into Slavery on a Georgia Plantation in1849. Beginning to play the piano at age four, and reportedly composing His first song at age five titled the Rain Storm, after listening to a heavy downpour upon a tin roof.

 

Suppose you could say that wiggins had an idetic memory, since Tom’s claimed to have memorized 7,000 recorded songs. And could play back anything after hearing it performed just once! Whilst most amazingly playing one song with His left hand. A second song with His right. And singing a third, different song All at once! For which as Sir Elton sings, may be He’s a Savant!

 

And even though Slavery was outlawed by the end of the Civil War,and is now celebrated on June Teenth. Blind Tom remained in the servitude of the Family that Had bought Him and His parents in 1850 for the remainder of His life.

 

As the white Family He lived with is claimed to have eventually made $750,000 off of “loaning” out Blind tom for performances. Beginning at age eight, Tom’s hiring for up to four performances a day, netted General James Neil Bethune and His family an estimated $100,000 yearly.

 

At age 16 Bethune took Him to Europe for His first international exposure. With Blind Tom being the first African American to perform for a U.S. President in the White House. For which noted author Mark Twain was present for many of Wiggins performances over the years…

 

Yet Blind tom wasn’t without His criticism, mainly regarding His most famous song, The Battle of Manassa. Which reputedly the Confedrecy profited from His work, especially as the song is about their victory in 1861. With many Black newspapers failing to recognize Black Tom due to this perceived connection…

 

There were also nasty legal custody fights over whom Wiggins lived with during His life, all the while continuously traveling the United States playing the piano. With audiences playing Stump Blind tom to no avail, when challenging the musician to play two unheard, new compositions back to them after a single hearing.

 

Wiggins was present during the 1889 Johnstown Flood, and afterwards for years, people doubted He was the real Blind tom!

 

In 1903, Wiggins began performing on the Vaudeville circuit, until in December the following year, suffered an apparent stroke. This ended His public performance, albeit He could still be heard playing the piano at home for countless hours days and nights. Before He suffered His life ending stroke at age 59 in 1908.

 

 Reading His biography, I learned that several books have been written about Him. Along with various musicians recording His songs, or writing songs about Him.

 

As pianist John Davis recorded the album John Davis plays Blind tom in 1999. While Sir Elton John recorded The Ballad of Blind Tom on His 2013 album The Diving board. For which I really like its haunting piano melody.

 

Ironically, Elton John is currently suffering eyesight issues. Reportedly being totally blind in His right eye, and having only partial sight from His left. With John saying He’s gained great empathy for All of those with low vision or being blind from His eyesight issues…

 

Meanwhile, on January 8th, the youngest member of the original Freedom riders Bus Charles Person Died at Age 82. As Person was just 18 in 1961, a College Freshman at MoreHouse College, when He volunteered to ride a Bus to New Orleans to challenge the Interstate Commerce Commission’s (ICC) failure of upholding the integration of Interstate Bus terminals and Bus Desegregation. Which the Supreme court’s rulings in both 1946 and 1960 had found to be unconstitutional.

 

 As six pairs of white and black Freedom Riders were paired together, including future Congressman John Lewis. Riding a Trailways bus departing Washington D.C. on May 4, 1961. Before encountering fierce opposition from white Klansmen who boarded the bus in Atlanta. Saying just wait until we get to Alabama!

 

Arriving in Anniston, Alabama, where another Greyhound Freedom Riders Bus had been “torched” hours earlier. The white Klansmen attacked the black Freedom Riders before dragging the bloodied men to the rear of the bus. And stacking them like pancakes!

 

With the bus continuing to Birmingham, where the Freedom Ride came to its Ugly conclusion! Where riders noticed about twenty whites outside with lead pipes, before all Hell broke loose when the Freedom Riders exited the bus to attempt testing Alabama’s segregationist policies…

 

As Person and James Peck, were designated the first pair to attempt entering the station and using a white’s only lunch counter . With Person later recanting He was attacked by a man with a lead pipe.

 

While Peck, a white Harvard Alumni was brutally beaten, recalling being unconscious in seconds, before both men escaped to Fred Shuttleworth’s home…

 

On May 29, 1961, after the Kennedy’s had asked for a “cooling down” period, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy sent a petition to the ICC requesting them toenforce their rules regarding integration. Before the ICC finally invoked a new integration policy on November, 1, 1961.

 

While its hard to think that the murder of George Floyd occurred only some four-plus years ago on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020.

 

As how will our current President choose to act regarding Diversity during His second term?

 

So much for that pipe dream, as what Diversity and Inclusion? Welcome to White Man Central 2.0!

 

Partial song lyrics from Elton John’s the ballad of Blind tom. From the 2013 album The Diving Board.

 

(Steinway and Sons concert grand Piano model D-274 image source: commons.wikimedia.org) 

F1 goes testing, TPC Style

But Don’t expect to see them in Action, until at least Bahrain…

 

In all of the hype surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, and His total immersion to Scueria Ferrari culture. Read a good article by Racer’s Chris Medland on Formula One’s  Testing Previous Cars (TPC) programme. Hey if the Bloody Brits’ can Chuck round vernacular such as Vice champion and Box-box-box George! Then I can Bloody scribble programme, but I digress…

 

As TPC is designed to allow Formula 1 teams the ability to go testing in F1 chassis being two years old, with the previous three seasons machinery allowed. Making 2021-23 F1 chassis eligible for TPC duty this season.

 

And thanks to Haas’s new technical alliance with Toyota, the smallest F1 team on the grid will run its maiden TPC outing with Toyota’s assistance. Having tested a Haas VF-23 at Jerez recently. Where race drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman ran one day apiece, with Ritomo Miyata getting “seat-time” at the end of each day.

 

As Mercedes joined Haas in Jerez, running one of its earlier F1 chassis. Presumably the F1 W14 for Kimi Antonelli, with no word about George Russell.

 

Reportedly Mercedes has been running the young Italian whose full name is Andrea Kimi Antonelli in a multitude of older spec Mercedes machinery in its attempt to get Him properly prepared for His forthcoming F1 rookie campaign.

 

Naturally there was much Buzz over Sir Lewis’s debutante outing in scarlet, when Golden Child’ and Charles Leclerc ran around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in Ferrari SF23 and F1 75 racecars. While another outing for the duo was planned for Barcelona a week later.

 

While the media reported that Lewis looked like a Mafia Don on His first day in Maranello. Wearing either a double breasted dark blue or black suit with gray trench, err overcoat over His shoulders. Uhm, strike the pose Lewis, Meow!

 

Hmm, why did visions of Michael Jackson looking like a “Dandy” in the epic video Billie Jean come flashing into my Head, eh?

 

I believe that I read that F1 teams are now allowed  only 1000km (Kilometers) or a paltry 621 miles in “Old Money” as Professor’ Steve Matchett would say. Leading me to wonder how this exact mileage is monitored?

 

As teams are required to notify the FIA a minimum of 72 Hours prior to commencing TPC activities. And provide the chassis designation, drivers, venue etc. for the FIA Delagate and other competing Formula 1 teams knowledge of such activities. While I’m guessing this also allows rival teams to share a race track and “Pool” circuit expenses, if desired…

 

Although it sounds like not all ten F1 Constructors carry out extensive TPC programmes, or are required to? As I’m guessing its just the FIA mandate of running at least two rookies per season the teams are bound by.

 

As I understand the mileage, Err kilometers limit is presumably a cost saving measure. But it seems like a bit more mileage could be allowed, which in turn gives more opportunity for F1 cars to be raced around the world. Or even better yet, give Fans a second opportunity to witness testing during the second half of the season?

 

Yeah, I know, the season’s already too Gory long! But these TPC tests give the media something more to write about, and give F1 media exposure… 

other Open Wheel Racers who’ve competed in the Daytona 500

But not all 62 of them!

 

Naturally, after I’d finished the original, mondo three pages, or was it thoust number four? And heard the news, I decided to break this ever continuing No Fenders story into glorious two part Harmony…

 

 Obviously the most successful IndyCar drivers to race in NASCAR are A.J. foyt and Mario Andretti, with both having won the Daytona 500. As Foyt made His NASCAR Cup debut in the 1963 Riverside 500, site of one of His numerous bad accidents! With His brakes failing, summersaulting multiple times and ending up in a ravine with a broken back, ribs and ankle!

 

Foyt contested a total of 128 NASCAR Cup races, claiming seven wins, 36 Top 10’s and nine pole positions. Scoring His first win in the 1964 Firecracker 400 at Daytona.

 

SuperTex’s biggest win was the 1972 Daytona 500 driving for the Wood Brothers. Having run out of petrol the year prior when leading. With Foyt’s final start being the inaugural 1994 Brickyard 400, finishing  30th.

 

SuperMario’ was the first IndyCar driver to win the Daytona 500. Claiming victory in 1967, driving a Ford Fairlane for Holman Moody. As this would be Mario’s one and only NASCAR Cup win, albeit making only 14 starts. Huh, where have I heard that number 14 before, Eh?

 

Mario made His Grand National (Cup) debut and farewell at the same venue, Riverside raceway in California, in the Motor Trend 500 between 1966 and 1969.

 

Scott Pruett, five-times Rolex 24 winner, and multi Grand Am Sports Car champion raced in Cup for one season with Cal Wells Racing in 2000. Driving the No. 32 Ford Taurus Tide entry, finishing a respectable P19 in His Cup debut.

 

As Scooter’ would race several years as a Cup “Road Ringer”, finishing runner-up to former IndyCar protagonist Robby Gordon at The Glen in ’03, His career best Cup result.

 

Robby “DirtMann” Gordoun’ raced in Cup between 1991  and 2012, just shy of 400 races. Winning a total of three Cup races, including sweeping the aforementioned ’03 Road races. Ironically with that Watkins Glen race being His final Cup victory.

 

As I can still recall laughing hysterically when Gordon ran out of fuel with a single lap remaining in the 1999 Indianapolis 500!

 

Whenever I think of Juan Pablo Montoya’s Cup career, I immediately think of the year He plowed into the Track Jet Dryer, which burst into flames! Not to mention speeding in the pitlane while leading the Brickyard 400. Or when giving then Ganassi teammate Pruett the Chrome Horn treatment in Mexico City to win His debutante NASCAR Nationwide  race in 2007, Ariva-Ariva-Ariva!

 

As that Montoyer feller’ done shocked the moto racing world when deciding to leave Formula 1 for NASCAR in 2006! Making His Cup debut at Homestead, Miami. Running a total of 256 races over ten years.

 

As Montoya won the ’07 Sonoma road race, and then the 2010 Watkins Glen road race. His only two Cup wins before retiring from fulltime Cup competition at the end of 2014. Returning to IndyCar, where He won the 2015 Indianapolis 500 driving for Team Penske.

 

While I was unaware that He’d raced at The glen last year for 23/XI Racing in a third Toyota Camry in a “One-off” appearance.

 

Then Thars Queen Danica, aka Danica Patrick. Whose claim to fame is winning the 2008 Motegi IndyCar race. With Patrick parlaying that success into a Cup career with the now defunct Stewart Haas Racing.

 

Patrick made Her Cup debut in the 2012 Daytona 500, running a limited schedule that year. Then the following year, in Her first full Cup season. Danica started off with a bang. Becoming the first female to win a Pole in NASCAR at the Daytona 500! Finishing eighth overall. With Patrick capping Her cup career in 2018 with Her final outing being that year’s Day-Toner’ 500, before ending Her racing career in that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

Michael McDowell raced two Champ Car rounds for Rocketsports in 2005 before gravitating to Cup. Winning the Daytona 500 in 2021, His first Cup win in an astounding 358 starts! And currently competes for Spier Motorsports, part of the Andretti, Err TWG Global empire…

 

A.J. Allmendinger went from promising ruSport Champ Car driver to IndyCar Star upon winning five Champ Car races in ’06 for Forsythe Racing after the dismissal of Mario Boom Boom Dominguez. Before accepting a three year deal to go Roundy round racing in Cup for the newly formed Red Bull NASCAR team.

 

As Allmendinger won the first of His three Cup victories to date in 2014 at The Glen. Before a fantastic win in the 2021 Brickyard 200 at Indianapolis. With His latest Cup triumph being the 2023 Charlotte Roval. While last year He raced fulltime in the second tier Xfinity series for Kaulig Racing.

 

Jacques Villeneuve, whom I prefer calling Jack Vanilla needs no introduction. Other than the multi-discipline racer has one Daytona 500 start to His credit.

 

Villeneuve actually made His Nextel Sprint Cup debut in 2013 for Phoenix Racing at Sonoma. Before returning to NASCAR in 2022 as part of Team Hezeberg, remember them Y’all? As Villeneuve qualifiered on speed in 40^th. And finished 22nd after a half spin and collision for the part-time non Charter team, which disappeared after one season in cup.

 

And then by my very rudimentary Taxicab Bombers’ knowledge, Conor Daly is currently the latest IndyCar driver to have successfully qualified and raced in the Day-Toner’ 500. Although Daly actually made His Cup debut for The Money Team in the 2022 Charlotte Fall Roval race.

 

For 2023 The Money Team announced that Daly would run a limited schedule for the team co-owned by world Heavyweight Champion Floyd Mayweather.

 

As Daly raced His way into the Day-toner’ 500 with an ill-handling car, due to the other non Charter competitors crashing out! With Daly ultimately finishing P29 of the 40-car field, six laps behind winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

 

And speaking of six degrees ‘O separation, where are Yuhs Kevin Bacon? Y’all know that Ricky boy’ (Stenhouse) had a past relationship with Danica. Whilst Conor was driving the Cup ride originally slated for Castroneves, before the deal broke down.

 

Reportedly, Daly was the 62nd driver to date to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. Making Castroneves the 63rd illustrious member to join this “club”.

Castroneves joins IndyCar Drivers racing in the Daytona 500

As Hulio’ finally gets His Wish…

 

Yeah, this is old news now. But since we’re still in the midst of “Speed Weeks” at Day-Toner’. Not to mention the Cornhole Cookout “Classic” Clash is right round the corner, as soon as we make another left turn Yeehaw! As where’s the Hot Dogs ‘n Marshmallows, Y’all?

 

Four-times Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves has made no secret of His desires to race in the Daytona 500 the past two-plus years. With a bona fide NASCAR cup race team, you’d have to say that Hulio’s got a decent shot at making the race this February.

 

As Castroneves will be the chauffeur of Trackhouse Racing’s No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry; as we’ll skip the discussion over the Camaro being out of production…

 

As Trackhouse’s part-time Project 91 third Cup entry was created to bring international Stars to the NASCAR Cup arena.

 

Although Castroneves will need to qualify either on speed or race His way into the Day-toner’ 500 in one of the two Qualifiers, since this entry isn’t one of the guaranteed 36 Franchise, Err, Uhm Charter entries…

 

Trachouse Racing debuted its No. 91 entry at the 2022 Watkins Glen round with none other than thee Iceman’, nee Kimi Raikkonen. With Raikkonen continuing His Cup career the following year at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.

 

The team then entered Supercars standout The Giz’, aka Shane van Gisbergen for that year’s inaugural Chicago Street race. Where Gisbergen qualified third and won upon His NASCAR debut. A feat that hadn’t been done in some 60 odd years!

 

Gisbergen then contested the Indianapolis Road Course race that Autumn, before becoming a fulltime Cup driver for Trackhouse last year.

 

Heard the news late Friday afternoon, via my Newsline for The Blind telephone service’s ESPN Online Motorsports Headlines section.

 

That NASCAR had issued a myriad ‘O rule changes that afternoon, for which I’m not gonna try explaining all of these.

 

https://racer.com/2025/01/10/nascar-issues-wide-ranging-rule-updates-ahead-of-2025-season/

 

Other than the most important is the addition of a 41st “Wild Card” exemption entry for World Class drivers, ditto Castroneves…

 

Thus Castroneves now gains immediate entry into this year’s Daytona 500 via this rules change. For which I have to say I’ve got mixed emotions over…

 

Although I never thought I’d type this, Gulp! I’m happy for Castroneves making the Daytona 500. But have to say I’m not impressed that He doesn’t have to earn it! Since this just leaves riggle room for All of the Naysayers’. Not to mention taking one giant Talking Point out of the equation.

 

Look I get it, since I know that MotoGP for instance has Wild Card entries, which you could say NASCAR’s new international 41st entry is, and good for NASCAR adding another entry into its biggest race of the year, But…

 

Hmm, does this mean that IndyCar will add a provisional Wild Card, Err, Uhm international entry to the Indy 500, giving us 34 starters?

 

As what’s the point of Bump Day, or having to actually qualify for the Daytona 500? Oh Never Mind! 

ROLEX 24: Trivial Pursuit, Old and New

As sometimes? Whale’ Ok, lotso times your Humble No Fenders scribe gets Carried Away going down multiple Wabbit’ Holes…

 

Although other racing has already transpired, most notably the annual Dakar Rally. For most, the season kicks off in earnest with the annual 24 Hours of Daytona.

 

Thus, whilst doing another extraneous “project” here upon thoust Isle ‘O Nofendersville over the winter, I gleaned the following trivial information regarding the Rolex 24.

 

Can Y’all name the most drivers sharing a single entry’s win on the Highbanks ‘ O Daytona? And even though the number’s the same as how many Indy Cars Andy Evans entered in the 1997 Indianapolis 500, it’s not Evans or Dick Simon.

 

Nope, the honour goes to the No. 20 Dyson Racing riley & Scott Mk III ford entry. When its Seester’s quartet ‘O drivers joined the car’s three co-drivers. With Rob Dyson, Elliot Forbes-Robinson and John Schneider being joined by the No. 16’s Butch Leitzinger, James Weaver, John Paul Jr. and Andy Wallace. For which I can still vaguely recall the entire gaggle ‘O drivers “Dog-pyling” aboard the racecar enroute to victory lane…

 

The second most drivers in a single winning entry has occurred twice. First in 1968, when the Werks’ Porsche System Engineering’s Porsche 907LH with Rolf Stommelen, Hans Herrmann, Jo Siffert, Jochen Neerpasch and Vic Elford shared the win.

 

This feat of five drivers winning happened again in 1991. When Reinhold Joest’s Porsche 962C was victorious with Hurley Haywood, Bob wollek, Henri Pescarolo, “John winter” and Frank Jelinski at its controls.

 

Five Father and son’s have won at Daytona, albeit only one pair raced together. Can you name all of them?

 

John Paul Sr. and Jnr drove together aboard their highly modified Porsche 935, winning in 1982 with Rolf Stommelen co-driving.

 

Big Al’ (Unser) won in ’83 driving with A.J. foyt, Bob Wolleck and Claude Ballot-Lema in a Preston Henn owned Porsche 935. While ‘lil Al (Unser Jr.) won twice between 1986-87 driving with Al Holbert and Derek Bell, racing Holbert’s iconic No. 14 Lowenbrau Porsche 962.

 

The third father son duo to do so, won forty years apart. With Mark Donohue and Chuck Parson winning in 1969 for El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske and Sunoco . Before son David won aboard a Brumos Racing Riley MkXI  with a 4.0-litre Porshe Flat-six lump’ propelling it.

 

The Rahal’s joined this small quintet in 2011, when Graham Rahal won aboard Chip Ganassi Racing’s Riley MkXX-BMW. Y’all remember when Graham drove for Cheep’, Righto?

 

As Graham joined His father bobby, who’d won driving a Porsche 935 K3 alongside Brian Redman and team owner Bob Garretson three decades earlier. When the Garretson Racing Style Auto entry was victorious in 1981

 

While the latest to do so is Wayne Taylor and His two sons Jordan and Ricky. The latter winning aboard Wayne Taylor Racing’s Cadd-Oh-lacc’ DPi-V.R in 2017. With the Taylor brothers being the only brothers to win the Rolex 24 driving together. While their father Wayne won previously in 1996 and 2005…

 

And although Wayne came out of retirement in 2014 to race in the Rolex 24 with both of His sons and Max “the Ax” Angelelli, with their Corvette DP finishing runner-up. I’d say their accomplishment was overshadowed by Memo Gidley’s Horrendous, life altering accident! Which thankfully, Memo recovered from and returned to racing some Gory eight years later!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/02/two-bad-arse-racing-drivers-make.html

 

Speaking of Porshe, naturally you’d Arse-sume they’ve won the most 24 Hours of Daytona races overall, Ja Volt! Having won 19 as a “Constructor,” (manufacturer) with a further four as an engine supplier, for a staggering total of 23 wins. Over one third to date! Not to mention winning a record eleven races in-a-row, i.e.; 1977 to 1987.

 

Yet I’m guessing that the second most winning “constructor”, Err Manufacturer will not be obvious to most? And nope, its not Ferrari, who languish down in third with five victories. Albeit this is somewhat misleading, since only two of these wins were for 24 Hours.

 

As I’d even argue that the second most winning manufacturer actually has three W’s missing to its credit. As Riley Technologies is credited with ten victories between 2005-15, including nine consecutive wins from 2005 to 2013.

 

While their predecessor Riley & Scott Mk III chassis won a further three events. Including both of Dyson Racing’s and Doyle Racing’s victories in the late 1990’s. (1996-97, 1999)

 

Meanwhile, thee “Iceman 2.0”, aka Scott Dixon will be gunning for His fourth Rolex wristwatch this year as part of the #60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06 entry. As Dixon’s the only three-times overall winner in the field. And would join very elite company with a fourth win. Joining only Peter Gregg, Rolf Stommelen and Bob Wollek with four victories.

 

Although Andy “the Enforcer” Lally, who’s retiring from racing following this year’s Rolex 24 has more Rolex watches than Dixon. And Lally presumably has the most Rolex 24 wins in this year’s field with five class victories. And will be aiming to go out on a high aboard the Magnus Racing #44 Aston Martin AMR Vantage GT3 Evo GT Daytona (GTD) entry.

 

Yet whenever I think about Lally’s Rolex wristwatches, Scotty Scooter’ Pruett immediately comes to mind for having more Rolex’s than Lally has…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/10/retro-rolexs-richard-milles-pardon-mwah.html

 

Ye Cheepster’, ergo Chip Ganassi Racing has won the most 24 Hours of Daytona as a team with six. Two more than current entrant Wayne Taylor Racing and past competitor Brumos Porsche. Whilst Action Express Racing (AXR) and Meyer Shank Racing are currently tied with three W’s apiece…

 

And that’s just some of the many trivial nuggets I’ve gleamed over the winter’s long IndyCar hibernation! As is it March yet? Now back to the race, which has just completed one quarter distance, Tick-tick-Tick… 

ROLEX 24: IndyCar Ringers’

But exactly how many current IndyCar drivers will take the Green flag?

 

This is just what I gleamed over the Christmas Holidazes’ initially, As Bloggers Never Sleep! With the remaining TBA Driver names drip-drip-dripping in like a thousand points of lights, or whatever…

 

Which obviously, I’ve attempted to update to the best of my Humble knowledge, prior to the green flag being waved tomorrow morning at 10:40AM Pacific.

 

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

As of New years, hopefully Y’all aren’t still holding your breath over Dale Coyne announcing His two IndyCar drivers, Are Yuhs? Since these two IndyCar seats were the only place that Romain Grosjean could possibly secure for this year.

As Grosjean’s current “Day Job” appears to be piloting the No. 63 Lamborghini SC63 now campaigned by Riley Motorsports during the five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds.

 

 As the Indianapolis Star’s Nathan Browne noted at Prema’s “launch” party. The announcement of Romain Grosjean as the team’s IndyCar reserve driver signals He won’t be racing in IndyCar this year…

 

Meanwhile, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will dip into its newly forged technical alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing by utilizing Cheeps’ top two IndyCar champions. As Scotty thee “Iceman 2.0” Dixon along with MSR IndyCar Ace Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) will race in the lead No. 60 Acura. Whilst Alex Palou will join the No. 93 MSR entry.

 

Le Mans Prototype (LMP2)

The LMP2 category is filled with current, former and hopeful IndyCar drivers. Beginning with Andretti Global’s Colton Herta racing in the CrowdStrike by APR Racing’s No. 04 with IndyCar hopeful Toby sowery. as part of its drivers lineup.

 

Aspiring IndyCar driver Hunter McElrea will once again drive for TDF Racing, in their #11 Oreca. As McElrea has been part of its winning crew the last two races, i.e.; Indianapolis’s Battle on The Bricks and Petit Le Mans.

 

Prema Racing’s Callum Ilott joins the brand new #73 Prat Miller Motorsports lineup. Moonlighting in former RLLR driver Pietro Fittipaldi’s new season ride.

 

Whilst I was  wonderin’ if Christian Rasmussen, who was part of the winning LMP2 Era Motorsport entry last year would return to the High Banks ‘O Daytona this January?

 

Learning on January 2nd that the Dane’ would now make up part of the most popular and colourful Spike-the-Dragon’s AO Racing No. 99 entry, with Dane Cameron, PJ Hyett and Johnny Edgar lobbing “fireballs” at the competitors, Hya!

 

GTD Pro/GT Daytona

Team Penske’s ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin joins NASCAR driver The Giz’, ergo Shane van Gisbergen. Along with Trackhouse Racing Development Driver Connor Vilisch, the reigning Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 Hours LMP2 winner. Plus perennial “Gentleman” racer Ben Keating in the No. 91 Trackhouse by TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

 

As the foursome will race in the GTD Pro category in a Trackhouse Racing and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) TF Sport collabouration. With Keating also racing aboard the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports LMP2 entry.

 

Arse-sumin’ that Andretti Global’s (Kyle) Kirk’ Kirkwood will once again be Moonlighting aboard one of the Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entries. Presumably the No. 14 entry?

 

Before the intravenous drip ‘O driver announcements confirmed on January 8th that Kirkwood would not only continue His endurance specialist role aboard the No. 14, contesting the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds. But would pull “Double Duty” between the team’s Nos 12 and 14 entries at Daytona.

 

Townsend Bell will be the No. 14’s fourth driver at Daytona

. Seeing T-Bell’ returning to the cockpit after a few years on the sidelines. Giving us the Battle of Colour commentators in GTD Pro between Bell and thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown, nee JamesHinchcliffe in the Pfaff Motorsports No. 9 Lamborghini Huracan. With T-Bell’ continuing His announcing duties with NBC at Daytona…

 

Whilst doing my yearly Rolex 24 previews Ad Nauseam, ahead of the full driver lineups being revealed. I noticed that Kenny Habul’s now 75 Express, previously SunEnergy1 Mercedes Benz-AMG GT3 Evo had one of its #75 drivers listed as TBA.

 

Naturally this made me wonder if Will Power, who was supposed to race with fellow Aussie’ Habul two years ago before His wife Liz got horribly sick. Would somehow be the mystery driver this January? Although doubtful, this is what us IndyCar Bloggers think of over the insidious Offseason. Having scribbled about Habul’s and Power’s Australian racing exploits previously…

 

Noting how Power, who’d recovered fully from His Broken Ribs Go Karting escapade during the previous Fall. Had mused about how He used to be competing against Team Boss Kenny Habul Wayback during His Formula ford days Down Under.

 

As Habul’s crowning moment in formula ford was finishing on the Podium with Will at the 1999 Australia Formula ford support race at Surfers Paradise. Where Kenny finished third in a Sprint Qualifying race for that year’s Gold Coast Indy 300 which Power won.

 

Although Kenny’s No slouch behind the wheel, having won the Bathurst 12 Hours in 2022 and outright in 2023. Along with being a multi-times Intercontinental GT Challenge Champion…

 

Yet my pipe dream was all for naught. With the announcement of Jules Gounon announced as the fourth driver for the #75 entry on the updated Rolex 24 entry list published on January 9th. But may be some year, DJ WillyP’ will finally make His Rolex 24 debut, Eh?

 

Meanwhile, Will Power has just hired His first Agent, A14 Management. Owned by some smarmy Spaniard Frederico Suave’, aka Fred Alonso. And its U.S. representative is none other than Oriel “Suitcase” Servia, current IndyCar Pace Car driver.

 

As Power says He just wants to focus upon driving this season, even though it’s a contract year. And Yeah, He’s heard the rumours about some fresh face Punk nearly half His age driving for Foyt wanting His seat next year. Saying the Kid’s only got a handful of top ten finishes, but whatever…

 

Power says He wants to race in IndyCar a further five years, along with Sports Car and perhaps even NASCAR someday. Along with presumably both the Rolex 24 and 24 Heurs du Mans.

 

As that’s All I’ve got for current IndyCar drivers participating this year. With eight drivers making up nearly one third of the 25, Err 26 confirmed IndyCar entries as of January 13^th. As what are you doing announcing a driver this early Dale Coyne?