IndyCar Season Preview: The 2025 Honda runners’

It’s Almost showtime Ladies ‘n Germs, Ready or Not, we’re live right now in St Pete!

 

Well, and No Tomas Sr. It’s A Deep subject Joke Here Folks, Hya! But It’s time again to throw the Green flag and Go Racing! As the IndyCar’s and their former Road to Indy supporting cast, including Indy NXT take over  the Saint Petersburg’s Airfield this weekend on the 1.800-mile temporary Street Circuit beginning today. (Friday, February 28th)

 

let’s go Racing!

 

2025 Honda Team line-ups

Attempting another hypothetically, HaHa! Short synopsis of the 13 Honda powered Drivers on this year’s IndyCar Grid.

 

Andretti Global (3)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#26 Colton Herta, USA

#27 Kyle Kirkwood, USA

#28 Marcus Ericsson, Sweden

 

2024 Wins: 2

Colton Herta (2)

 

Will refrain from now on about Mikey A’s dismissal from His eponymous IndyCar team last September. Other than it just seems wrong to continue calling it Andretti Global!

 

 

 

Colton Herta rebounded nicely last year, ending His winning drought of 41 races at Toronto. Then capping off the year with His maiden Oval win at the Nashville season finale, enroute to runner-up, or as Geo. Phillips prefers, Vice Champion, Hya!

 

As Herta’s already sick ‘n tired of whether or not He’ll be moving to Cadillac Racing’s Formula 1 entry for 2026. But as long as He finishes no worse than fourth overall, I believe He’ll be Formula 1 bound next year.

 

Andretti’s Big 2024 signing was Marcus Ericsson, who had an overly rough season overall. As the Swede’ looks to vastly improve over His P15 season finish, while ditto for Kyle “Kirk” Kirkwood.

 

As Kirkwood, a la Ericsson went winless last season, and obviously hopes to improve from seventh overall. And presumably will have rotating sponsorship this season…

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (3)

#8 Kyffin Simpson, Cayman Islands

#9 Scott Dixon, New Zealand

#10 Alex Palou, Spain

 

2024 Wins: 4

Alex Palou (2) and Scott Dixon (2)

 

Obviously the Biggest change at Ganassi is the contraction back to three entries due to the amazing, Wunderbar’ Charter system, Chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

Along with reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou claiming consecutive titles, for a total of three over the last four seasons!

 

Yet having only scored two wins last year, along with the competition steadily increasing, He’ll be hard pressed to “Three-peat!”

 

What can I say about the timeless Scott Dixon who finished fifth overall last season? Other than Dixon won’t be content playing second fiddle to Palou again!

 

Whilst the “Fifth-wheel”, Err third member of CGR, Kyffin Simpson is in His sophomore season, having finished a dubious P21 overall. Simpson is solely a Ganassi driver on the strength of His father’s Ridgeline sponsorship backing, and most likely will once again be a non factor. And will need to improve to remain inside the vaunted Leaders Circle, Err Charter prize fund’s top 22 finishers…

 

Dale Coyne Racing (2)

#18 Rinus VeeKay, Netherlands

#51 (R) Jacob Abel, USA

 

Once again, the wily Dale Coyne continued His time honoured tradition of being the last to announce His latest driver choices in the new year. As we All Ah-waited with Baited Breath over who’d Dale would choose?

 

Although I’ll have to say I didn’t see Jacob Abel as the first signing, or graduating to Indy Cars. As Abel finished runner-up to Louis Foster in Indy NXT last year.

 

And while Abel was confirmed fairly early for DCR on Jan 13th. With ten days remaining until IndyCar’s first Full-field test session at Sebring, Whale’ Chirp-chirp, Bueller? We’re still all ah-Waitin’ to see if Rinus VeeKay will get the nod for the No. 18 entry this year? Before Rinus got the nod on Valentine’s Day, completing this year’s grid.

Meyer Shank Racing (2)

#60 Felix Rosenqvist, Sweden

#66 Marcus Armstrong, New Zealand

(Technical Alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing)

 

No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ has anointed Felix Rosenqvist with the nickname of Felix-the-Cat. Possibly due to His nine life for remaining an IndyCar driver? Although last year was sort of a breakout season for the Swede. Getting off to a fast start and scoring the team’s maiden IndyCar pole position at Long Beach.

 

Am a total Fan of Rosenqvist’s and would like to see Him win His second IndyCar race for MSR.

 

Marcus Armstrong moves over from Ganassi, being part of the downsizing effort, and should be a good fit with MSR, giving the team two steady drivers.

 

Whilst ‘Ol Dancin’ Fool Hulio’, nee Helio Castroneves will run a third #06 MSR entry at Mother Speedway this May, as His 50th birthday present.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (3)

#15 Graham Rahal, USA

#30 Devlin DeFrancesco, Canada

#45 (R) Louis Foster, UK

 

Graham Rahal, now entering his 19th IndyCar season Me Thinks? Is the De Facto Team leader. And obviously “Hungry” to finally return to the top step of the podium. Now entering His eighth season without a win, Yikes!

 

Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco returns to IndyCar after a one year hiatus. And presumably His funding helps enable the team to not only run the No. 30 entry, but the #45 car as well? As no idea how Sparky will do this season?

 

Lastly, the team has taken a “Flyer” upon the reigning Indy NXT champion Louis Foster. Although I’d say it’s a pretty good choice, as Foster dominated Indy NXT last season and should show occasional flashes of “Brilliance” this season. Being my bet for Rookie Of the Year.

 

(R = Rookie) 

IndyCar Season Preview: Presenting the 2025 Bowtie Boyz’

Are we really, really finally going racing, once again?

 

 

Otay Kiddoes, Hurrah! The Off-season is finally over! As it’s been nearly a Gory Half year, albeit a svelte 168 days for those counting. Just under a Fortnight less than six months since the Nashville Super speedway’s season finale last September 15th…

 

2025 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 14 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#4 David Malukas, USA

#14 Santino Ferrucci, USA

(Technical Alliance with Team Penske)

 

Its old news now, that the first shoe to drop was Engineer Supremo Michael Cannon’s departure from Foyt to Prema, for which Larry Foyt said he didn’t want to see Him go. As will Cannon return to Foyt now?

 

As the team hired ‘lil Davey’ from “Chicago”, ergo David Malukas as Sting Ray robb’s replacement alongside thee Great Santini’, aka Santino Ferrucci.

 

As Malukas will drive the No. 4 entry, with the entire A.J. Foyt Enterprises operation being run out of its Indianapolis facility. Along with its continued Team Penske technical alliance.

 

As this will be a fun team to keep an eye upon, although Hopefully expectations won’t be too Sky High! Even though it would be nice to see another year of at least one driver finishing Top 10 overall.

 

Arrow McLaren

#5 Patricio “Pato” O'Ward, Mexico

#6 Nolan Siegel, USA

#7 Christian Lundgaard, Denmark

 

2024 Wins: 3

Pato O’Ward (3)

 

My current Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward had another respectable season, being the only non-Penske driver claiming three victories. And one of only three driver with three wins to their names. Yet Pato fell to fifth overall last year., one position lower than 2023.

 

Yet I’d expect nothing less than Pato once again being in the title fight this season.

 

Think everybody knows about McLaren’s off-season acquisition of Christian Lundgaard from RLLR, as the Dane’ was ready to move onto Greener, Shinier pastures, albeit McLaren is known for its pressure cooker mentality!

 

As it’ll be fun to see how much Lundgaard can push O’Ward. Whilst Nolan Siegel who leapt from Indy NXT into IndyCar mid-season has reportedly added 15lbs of muscle and is looking to improve in His first ful season IndyCar campaign…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 Alexander Rossi, USA

#21 Christian Rasmussen, Denmark

 

The big news for ECR was the signing of Alexander Rossi to lead the team this year, along with Christian Rasmussen getting a full season ride.

 

As Fast Eddie’, aka team Boss Ed Carpenter has finally, wisely decided to settle upon just an Indianapolis 500 only effort this year. While the team receives a cash infusion with the addition of Ted Gelov as a “partner”, Err co-owner of ECR. Along with the team’s new snazzy, stylized team monogram incorporating the fabled Oval into this “refreshed” logo…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

#77 Conor Daly, USA

#78 Sting Ray Robb, USA

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing sports an all new driver lineup this season, with two former Juncos Racing drivers returning to the fold

 

Hopefully Sting Ray Robb’s No. 78 will continue with “Paws,” pet friendly primary sponsorship from goodheart Animals Health Centers? As I was unaware that Robb had driven for Riccardo Juncos in Pro Mazda, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights between 2019-21. And won the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship with Juncos, winning five races that season.

 

Conor Daly is a well known commodity in Indy Cars, having run the final portion of last year’s IndyCar calendar for JHR, along with winning the 2010 Star Mazda title in dominating fashion, scoring nine poles and sevens wins driving for Juncos. Although still waiting to “see”, Err hear who Conor’s primary sponsor is?

 

As the team hopes to improve upon last year’s results, which could be somewhat difficult? But at least team co-owner Brad Hollinger won’t be spending as much of His own money on the team this season…

 

Prema Racing (2)

#83 (R) Robert Schwartzman, Israel

#90 Callum Ilott, UK

 

Although Prema is a well proven championship winning calibre European Feeder Series team. Naturally, the jury’s still out upon their impending IndyCar foray. As everything seemed to be going great until Michael Cannon hastily exited His new employer!

 

The team’s two IndyCar drivers are both Prema Alumni. As Callum Ilott needs no introduction. Whilst rookie Robert Schwartzman was highly regarded after testing an IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing, which sounds like a pretty good endorsement. And His debut for Prema at the Thermal Club was highly impressive…

 

Team Penske (3)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 Will Power, Australia

 

 

 

2024 Wins: 8

Scott Mclaughlin, (3) Will Power (3) and Josef Newgarden, (2)

 

This is one of only two teams on this year’s 2025 IndyCar Grid to not change any of it’s drivers. The other being Andretti Global…

 

Josef Schlick’ Newgarden leads the way as the reigning, consecutive Indianapolis 500 winner, BOO! And looks to rebound from His worst season finish of eight last year.

 

ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLauglin once again was the top Penske finisher, with consecutive third place overall finishes. Being just one of three drivers with Three W’s – to match His car number. With His teammates aiming to knock Him off of His perch, again.

 

Will Power saw the championship slip away from Him due to His own, self inflicted mistakes. Along with a bizarre lap belt malfunction at Nashville extinguishing any remote title hopes. And being in a contract year, with His first ever Agent. DJ WillyP’ is expecting to improve upon finishing fourth last year…

 

(R = Rookie) 

Time to Kick Off the 2025 IndyCar season

As anticipation mounts over another insidious 43 weeks Offseason coming to a Close!

 

Diehard IndyCar Aficionados will already know about the major news items for this year’s NTT IndyCar Series season, beginning this weekend at St Pete. The biggest being the switch to FOX, with All 17 races being hosted live on network television.

 

With FOX’s TV Booth lineup being announced just prior to IndyCar content days in January, with Will Buxton being the new lead Play-by-Blay Anchor, with James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell as the Driver Analysts. Or should that be protagonists? Whilst Ryan Hunter-Reay, Jack Harvey and Charlie Kimball’s names were thrown round as potential Pitlane reporters…

 

FOX is also bringing the advent of Drones to its IndyCar coverage. As no jokes about Amazon making deliveries, or pepperoni pizzas dropping from the skies here, Hya!

 

Along with the debut of the “Birds eye”, Err Driver’s Eye system at the St Pete season opener. As the miniaturized in-helmet camera system which has been used in Formula 1 and NASCAR, now joins IndyCar. Which Y’all can read in detail below…

 

https://racer.com/2025/01/15/indycar-drivers-eye-system-to-debut-on-fox/

 

I’ll save All of the Driver switches for my yearly, IndyCar team previews, Groan! Other than to say once again it’ll be an action packed, nearly nonstop 17 race calendar from the beginning of March to the final day of August.

 

Since I still firmly believe that IndyCar sold its Soul for the FOX Network TV Deal!

 

And are simply shooting themselves in the foot (again) by limiting the season to a tiny, six months period. Since we won’t even get started about what happens when Mother Nature reeks havoc upon race weekends! And that doesn’t even include running in Iowa in the middle ‘O summer, Oh Never Mind!

 

Look, I get it, and am resigned to the irritating fact that IndyCar is too afraid of the Big, Bad NFL 986lb Gorilla! And that others have pointed out that both Sports seasons are the same duration, But!

 

I’d argue that the NFL keeps it firmly in our minds with All of its offseason activities, i.e.; Draft, OTA/Spring Training and Pre-season Games, et Al.Not to mention the monumentous playoffs to the Super Bowl…

 

Thus it seems that IndyCar could at least resume holding an official Spring Trainning Pre-season weekend accessible to All Fans at the very least. Whilst I for one would appreciate further “Offseason” international races. As surely the Braintrust at Starship Penske, Err Penske Entertainment can come up with a viable way to extend the IndyCar season for All of us Diehard Fans who Don’t give a Tinkers Damn about Stick ‘n Ball Sports, Righto?

 

Hell! No wonder why Formula 1 is encroaching upon IndyCar’s turf and TV viewing numbers! I mean they were in the midst of Hamilton Fever in late January when He arrived at Maranello. Before everyone whent Gaga over His testing a two year old Ferrari at Fiorano…

 

Hey, you didn’t think this entire, riveting No Fenders post was gonna be 114% Sunshine, Bunnies and Rainbows, did Yuhs?

 

As I just hope the Intrawoods’ connection or that IndyCar Radio at least used some brand new dental floss for its tin cans broadcast connection this weekend at St Pete! And I can listen to an interruption Free radio broadcast from Ye Gory Apple Orchard. As Y’all know the words…

 

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!

 

And lookie Thar Mom, I didn’t even mention a word about Josef Schlick’ Newgarden using the button Illegally at St Pete…

 

While I’d enjoy seeing the “conquistador ‘O concrete”, aka Alex Palou do what the Kansas City Chiefs couldn’t accomplish! Seeing the Spaniard “three-peat” for Championship titles this year, Ole! Just as long as everybody runs roughshod over Schlick! 

When does Age become More than just a Number?

And should we Glorify these Ageless Warriors…

 

This riveting No Fenders “thread” first crystalized in my Noggin’ when reading about Lindsey Vonn returning to competition at age 40, earlier this year. Before Mike Wallace had His NASCAR Dance Card rescinded.

 

Then it really started picking up steam upon Will Power saying He thinks He can continue racing in Indy Cars for another five years, upon hiring His first ever agent. With A14 Management led by some smarmy Spaniard named Frederico Suave, aka Fred Alonso who’s nearly five months His Junior!

 

As it should come as no surprise that Will Power is the elder statesman of Team Penske’s twelve main racing series drivers, i.e.; IndyCar, Sports Cars and NASCAR.

 

As William Steven Power turns a robust 44yrs old on March 1st, and presumably will be hoping for either pole position on His actual birthday, or winning St Pete as a birthday present the following day! Whilst Power’s two Team Penske IndyCar drivers XcottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin is the youngest at age 31, just a stitch six months younger than Ryan Blaney. Wit Josef Schlick’ Newgarden being 34 years old.

 

Penske’s six Sports Car Hotschues’ vary in age from 29 to 40. As Nick Tandy’s only four years younger than Power, at age 40. With Kevin Estr, (36) Laurens Vanthoor, (33) Felipe Nasr, (32) Mathieu Jaminet (30) and Matt Campbell, (29) following in descending order.

 

Of Team Penske’s trio of Roundy Round drivers, ergo NASCAR. Austin Cindric (#2) is the youngest at age 26. Followed by 2023 Cup Champion Ryan Blaney, (#12) age 31. With reigning Cup Champion Joey “sliced Bread” Logano (#22) being 34 years old.

 

And for every Ageless Warrior, there’s always a flip-side example. As now I’m even more cornfuzed’ over why perennial Sports Car Champion Dane Cameron at age 36 got the Boot from Penske, when Estr’s the same age and Tandy’s four years older, Huh?

 

While Sports Car’s “Pro Am” (Amateur) Ben Keating and George Kurtz are 53 and 54 respectively. But they’re both “Gentlemen” drivers, i.e.; wealthy businessmen who like to go racing and play in the big Leagues, albeit in the second tier LMP2 category, primarily…

 

Meanwhile, perhaps you’ve heard that Mike Wallace was denied His application to attempt racing in this year’s Day-Toner’ 500 at age 65. Which I feel was prudent, since the middle of the three Wallace racing brothers hadn’t raced on a Super Speedway in ten years.

 

Yet on the flip-side, the Daytona Beach News Journal reminded me that ‘Ol Blue Eyes’, aka Paul Newman had won the Rolex 24 at age 70! Competing in a nasty Roush Racing Mustang in the GTS class with Mark Martin, Tommy Kendall and Mike Brockman. With Newman racing into His 80’s, Yureka!

 

Having scribbled another, typical long form four parts No Fenders tome about ‘Ol Blue Eyes’, sheez, a few years ago now. With Newman’s racing exploits chronicled below in:

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/07/diving-into-paul-newmans-racing-career.html

 

With my Cliff Notes tome about Paul Newman’s A Life book review are located here:

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/07/paul-newmans-life-book-review.html

 

Whilst I don’t know if it’ll make DJ WillyP’ )Will Power) feel old? Since I can still recall getting His and His two Penske teammates Juan Pablo Montoya and Helio Castroneves John Hancock’s at Sonoma nearly eleven Gory years ago! But as everyone knows, Hulio’, who’ll turn 50 on May 10th just contested His maiden Day-toner’ 500. While Montoya had a totally disappointing “One-off” Roundy round RASSCAR’ outing for 23/Xi Racing at Watkins Glen last year at age 49.

 

Ro-Ro’, I feel another No Fenders yarn being spun about this remarkable Team Penske trio’s accomplishments…

 

And just to put things into quick perspective. Jacob Abel, Christian Lundgaard, David Malukas and Sting Ray robb were All born the year that our current elder statesman of IndyCar, Scotty “Iceman 2.0” Dixon who turns 45 in July, was born, Yikes!

 

With Kyffin Simpson being the youngest IndyCar driver who can’t drink any “bubbly” on the podium until this October, currently being only  20yrs old. As I could go on ‘n on…

 

But like I said, it was none other than decorated Downhill Skier Lindsey Vonn who got this whole story started, and currently captivates me. As I’d have to Arse-sume the whole notion is for Vonn to compete in a remarkable fifth Winter Olympics next year in Italy, which she has since stated.

 

As the St Paul, Minnesota native says Her comeback is partially fueled by the likes of Tom Brady, Lewis Hamilton and Serina Williams All competing professionally in their forty’s. As seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Sir Lewis turned the Big 4-OH’ on January 7th, and is set to embark upon His debutante season driving for la Scuderia, ergo Ferrari.

 

Vonn at age 40, made Her comeback at St Moritz, with a credible 14th place finish after having last competed some six years earlier. Gaining everybody’s Attenzione at St Anton with finishes of sixth and fourth, Momma Mia!

 

Then I suppose you could say reality struck? Since Lindsey owns the record for twelve wins at Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy. Yet She only managed finishes of 20th and then crashed out, while tracking fifth in the Super G event, I believe.

 

Although Vonn was uninjured, and said She was  actually glad, since it tempers expectations that were starting to get out of hand. And She’s still rusty and needs more competition before next year’s Olympics.

 

Vonn, who retired at age 34 after Her right knee was simply “gone”, said all She’s thought about the past eleven years is the knee. And had resigned Herself to living life with a painful knee, before having reconstructive knee surgery last year. When Her troublesome right knee was repaired with titanium, which Lindsey said just days after the surgery, She was pain free!

 

Thus, as long as it doesn’t take away a younger skier’s ability to compete at Cortina d’Ampezzo in Milan, 2026. And Vonn’s inclusion on the US. Olympics Women’s Ski team is merit based, then I’m All for Her remarkable comeback to succeed! As Vaughan is the oldest female to win a winter Olympics skiing medal at 33 in 2018 at PyeongChang, South Korea. While no female has won a major skiing event over age 34.

 

And as much as Lindsey decorated career of 82 wins, 137 podiums and three Olympic medals shines. She’ll be hard pressed to compete vs. Mikaela Schiffron, who turns 30 on March 13th. Whose the current record holder with a staggering 99 victories, 154 podiums and three Olympic medals to date. With two Gold medals vs. Lindsey having just one.

 

Although I must say that Vonn’s comeback and attempt to Cap’ Her career at Cortina d’Ampezzo makes me think of Bode Miller and His unquenchable thirst for competing, who contested five Winter Olympics before finally retiring in 2017.

 

Meaning we should enjoy watching the likes of Lindsey, Serena, Lewis, Power, Dixon, etc. continuing to defy the odds of “Father time” anxiously waiting to say, “Bring Me your Torch!” 

F1: Post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Young guns results

Y’all remember that test outing, Don’t Yuhs?

 

Now that IMSA’s “Super bowl” 24 Hours of Daytona is far behind in our rear view mirrors. And NASCAR Fans are still reveling in the just concluded Day-toner’ 500. As no idea of how ‘Ol Hulio’ did…

 

Soon, it’ll be time for Formula One’s lone, three day test in Bahrain; February 26-28, two weeks prior to the season opening Australian Grand Prix.

 

Thus, suppose its time to shift gears and begin focusing upon Open Wheel Racing, Eh? Since after all this Blog is called No Fenders. Which I scribble about occasionally, Hya!

 

Yet as always, your Haggard, Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso is behind, and definitely at least one lap down! Simply unable to type-type-type fast enough for your consumption…

 

And although it garners almost zero attention, and certainly isn’t available visually. Nonetheless, the results of the yearly post Abu Dhabi Young Guns test results always intrigues me.

 

As there were a total of twenty-three drivers taking part. With teams allowed to run current Grands Prix drivers in their 2025 Pirelli tyre testing chassis. While the second car was allotted to driver who’ve only participated in a maximum of two Grands Prix. Leaving a disgruntled Oliver Bearman on the sidelines, due to His having contested three Grands Prix last season.

 

As the top four positions were held by Formula 1 race drivers. It should be no surprise that the touted Kimi Antonelli was quickest of the rookies. Even though being ill and only contesting the afternoon session. Hence the two Mercedes “Juniors” taking part, along with both Aston Martin and Ferrari splitting morning and afternoon sessions driving duties…

 

While check out who was P7. Hmm, Pato Who indeed Mark Miles, cough-cough!

 

As no idea what the two regular McLaren Boyz’ were doing regarding tyre testing, but Lando Norris finished P16 and Oscar Piastri was 19th.

 

Rookies/Young Gun Drivers

(Overall position/Driver/Team)

5) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

6) Ayumu Iwasa, Racing Bulls

7) Pato O’Ward, McLaren

9) Paul Aron, Alpine

11) Luke Browning, Williams

12) Ryo Hirakawa, Haas

14) Arthur Leclerc, Ferrari

15) Isack Hadjar, Red Bull

18) Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

20) Jack Crawford, Aston Martin

21) Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin

22) Frederick Vesti, Mercedes

23) Antonio Fuoco, Ferrari

 

Even more impressive about O’Ward’s outing, is that He finished ahead of next year F1 rookies Jack Doohan, (8th) Isack Hadjar (15th) and Gabriel Bortoledo. (18th)

 

Had never heard of Ayumu Iwasa before the test. As the Japanese driver who raced in Formula 2 between 2022-23, and currently competes in Japan’s Super formula series. Is a member of the Red bull Junior programme, and a member of Honda’s Formula Dream project. Hence His testing for Racing bulls, for which I’d say He acquitted Himself nicely…

 

In descending order, Paul Aron, who finished third overall in last year’s FIA Formula 2 championship. Is part of the now overly crowded Alpine reserve drivers squad, which includes Franco Colapinto and Rya Hirakawa.

 

Hirakawa drives for Toyota’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) as His “Day Job”, having won the 2022 24 Heurs du Mans. And with Haas’s new technical alliance with Toyota, was given the nod for its “Young Guns” racecar.

 

Yet Hirakawa has now signed on as the third Alpine reserve, which aligns with Toyota’s sponsorship of Hitech’s lower formulae racing teams.

 

The others are all “tied” to their respective teams they drove for. With Luke Browning being a Williams Academy driver, a la the former Colapinto, and races in Formula 2. Although He’ll be driving for Hitech TGR this season in Formula 2, so no idea if still with Team Willy?

 

Arthur Leclerc is indeed the younger brother of Ferrar’s Charles Leclerc, with the pair making History earlier when both driving for Ferrari in the (Free Practice) FP1 session at Abu Dhabi. Whilst Antonio Fuoco races for Ferrari AF Corse in the WEC and won the 2024 24 Heurs du Mans as a Scuderia Ferrari Factory driver.

 

The lone Yank’ on the grid was Jack Crawford, another aspiring F2 racer, set to contest His third season in Formula 2 for Dams Lucas Oil. But with 54 races contested to date, with just two wins. Well, I’d say His chances of a Formula 1 ride are virtually nil…

 

Interestingly, I just learned that Crawford is also Andretti Global’s Formlua E reserve driver. While Crawford can take solace over beating out fellow Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich by one position, in their intra-Aston Martin scrum.

 

Whilst Drugovich, the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Champion has most recently competed in this year’s Rolex 24 alongside fellow ex-F2 competitor Vesti.

 

As could Crawford and Drugovich be in line to race aboard Aston’s Valkyrie Hypercar project?

 

Frederik Vesti, a Mercedes Junior team member, drove the morning session for an ill Antonelli. As the Dane’ raced in F2 for two seasons. Finishing runner-up in 2023 with six wins, behind Theo Pourchaire.

 

Last year Vesti raced Sports Cars, primarily in the European Le Mans Series )ELMS) in LMP2. Along with making His debut in both the 24 Heurs du Mans and Rolex 24. The latter driving for Era Motorsport in the LMP2 category.

 

For 2025, Vesti has signed to race as Cadillac Whelen Engineering’s “third” endurance driver. Aboard the No. 31 Cadd-Oh-Lac’ V-Serioes.R IMSA GTP racecar, beginning at Daytona… 

Ode to DannaCar’

Yep! It's that time of the year once again to honour the Disco Queen of 'RASSCAR! Although I’ve got No idea  think She’s got a Valentine's suitor this year?

 

Having just learned that Danica and Carter Comstock Broke up over a year ago. Hmm? Isn’t “Tommy terrific,” aka Tom Brady available?

 

Nevertheless, here we go, And Ah One and Ah Two!

 

Toe to toe
Dancing very slow
Barely breathing
Almost comatose…

(pressdog!)

Wall to wall
People hypnotized
And they're stepping lightly
Hanging on her every move each night in Rapture

Back to back
Sacrailiac
Spineless movement
And a wild attack

Face to face
Sadly solitude
And it's finger popping

Twenty-four hour shopping

In ‘DannaCar Land!

“Flavour Flav HMS Monogram told me everybody's high
DJ's spinning' are saving' my mind
Flash is Fast, Flash is cool
Jacke Vanilla sez fast, Flashe' no do

And you try to stop

(Watching’ MAC Montoya, Sam Hornish & ALL those Open Wheel DEFECTORS!)

SURE SHIT!

Just go out to the parking lot
Get in your car and you drive real far

Away from the track!

After you drive all night, you see a bright flashing light

And it comes right down and lands on the ground
And out pops a Girl in a shiny sequin bathing suit from RASSCAR!

And you try to run but She's got a gun
And She shoots you dead and “She eats your head
And then you're in the Girl from RASSCAR!

You go out at night, eatin' Racecars

 You eat Marches, Reynard’s, Swift’s and Panoz’s too…

And you don't stop, you keep on eatin' Single Seaters
Then, when there's no more Racecars left
You go out at night and eat up Open Wheel Racing series instead

Like Champ Car and the IRL

While ‘Ol timers desperately cling to fantasies of a renaissance…

 

Face to face, dance cheek to cheek

One to one, man to man
Dance toe to toe
Don't move to slow, 'cause the Girl from RASSCAR is cutting thru

(Excuse me HULIO!)

 

But Mrs. Hospenthal is through with the competition

‘cause She's been eatin' a ton ‘O snicker bars
Yeah, wall to wall, door to door, hall to hall
She's gonna eat 'em all
Rapture…

 

Be pure
Take a tour; through the sewer
Don't strain your brain

Just check out that Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue instead!

And then say it real fast

Boog-itee- Boog-itee- Boog-itee!

Paint a train, cause you’ll be singing' in the rain

If dare ain’t some ‘Tin Tops on real soon
I say stop throwin those mountain dew cans at Pretty Boy Floyd

Junior Nation!

Just be good ‘ol boyzs and cheer for ‘dannaCar instead!

Well now you see what you want to be

Just like Mike, who’s trying to pump up ‘Dem Spin-Car ratings on TV
'Cause the Girl from RASSCAR won't eat Candy bars when She’s PEAK-ing

In the bright lights…

 

As now She's gone back up to MARS Where She won't have a hassle with the human race ‘cause now its ‘DannaLand!

And you hip-hop, and you don't stop
Just blast off, sure shot
'Cause the Girl from RASSCAR stopped eatin' Racecars
And now She only devours IndyCar

get up, ‘Cause She’s gone HOLLYWOOD!

 

(Original lyrics: Blondie, Rapture)

 

Originally written by Tomaso on Feb 15, 2008

(Last Modified: February 7, 2023)