Another Quiet weekend in January

Before All Hell broke loose at Daytona International Speedway!

 

Purely by happenstance, I stumbled into the Mexico City ePrix being shown on CBS, Sunday, January 10th at 1:30PM. (Pacific) With my Zap-2-It TV Guide telling me it was 1.5hrs duration. Further learning it was a truncated 90mins “Highlights” package of the day’s outing. Including a pre-race preamble, discussing Andretti’s new arrival Felipe Drugavich – who they interviewed. Then Qualie’ result and the entire race, albeit cut up into numerous, annoying 9mins “chunks” before the next commercial break, Spew!

 

As I hadn’t paid any Attenzione to Formula e at all since last scribbling in “earnest” about Portland’s ePrix Wayback’ in the summer of 2023…

 

A Quiet Day in the Rose City

 

Whilst I’ve got zero clue when the last time I sat and “watched”, Err listened to an ePrix race was? Other than many, many years ago…

 

Being Blind Y’all, have I mentioned that lately? Although my ears pricked up over several items. But I must confess, Formula e’s the most difficult racing series to follow for Mwah, due to its lack of any relevant racecar noise.

 

The first thing that caught my Attenzione was Hey! That voice sounds familiar! As it was indeed IndyCar Pit Reporter and IMSA “colour” Commentator Ryan Marin as the lead Announcer. Whilst I swear that had to be Karun “Cowboy” Chandok reporting from Pitlane and hosting the post-race podium interview, Ole!

 

The other bit that caught my No. 4 wire, was the mention of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez only being 1.6 mile lengths. (1.619m) Or as Professor Steve Matchett would say is 2.606Km in “New Money”. As the Formula E circuit is some 1.5 miles shorter and features 16 turns vs. the Gran Premio cicuito’s 17 turn layout.

 

And without going thru everything, albeit a la Formula 1. This year’s 12th season of Formula E is the longest, with a record 17 races. With Mexico City being Round 2.

 

There’s a total of 10 teams. With Nissan’s Oliver Rowland sporting the No. 1 plate as the series defending Drivers Champion.

 

The other nine teams are: Cutra Kiro, DS Penske, Jaguar, Lola Yamaha, Envision Racing, Mahindra Racing, Citroen Racing, Andretti Formula E, and Porsche Formula E Team.

 

There’s a total of three American “flagged” entries, with Andretti Formula E and  DS Penske being familiar. As the latter is owned by Jay Penske, son of El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske.

 

Yet I’ll admit that this mystery Cutra Kiro name is totally foreign to Mwah, which I’ll scribble about a different day, as this No Fenders yarn is starting to unravel…

 

And although I know very little about Formula E, I must admit I was pulling for Pascal Wehrlein and Edoardo Mortara for different reasons. Mortara having won Formula E’s 50th and 100th races, with Mexico City being the series 150th ePrix. Which obviously would have been a great symmetry.

 

Whilst Wehrlein was for sentimental reasons. Including being a former formula 1 driver who never got His due with a proper F1 team. Having driven for the struggling, Minnowesqe Manor alongside Esteban Ocon Wayback’ in 2016.

 

As both drivers were Mercedes Werks’ Pilotes, both winning DTM titles before being elevated to Formula 1. With Ocon still racing F1 a decade later…

 

Although there was typically no sound emitted from these impressive Gen 3’ Evo racecars, other than the associated whine of mechanical parts and tyre noises. It was interesting hearing Wehrlein breathing heavily when conversing on His In-car radio due to the track’s high elevation. With Mexico City being at some 7,350 feet above Sea level, Aye Karumba!

 

The other bit to get used to and understand was the required usage of two separate maximum Overtake modes, Err Attack Mode. Which we’ll All be learning about in Formula 1 this season.

 

As Formula E’s Attack Mode boosts car performance by 50 KW, to a maximum 350 kW. (Kilowatts) Including All Wheel Drive! (4WD)

 

Which if I understand correctly, Ci? Drivers can choose how to utilize the two Attack mode sessions. Either in a 2+6, 4+4 or 6+2 minutes duration during the race.

 

And whilst both Wehrlein and Mortara took there turns in the lead. It was an uber impressive victory by Nick Cassidy for Citroen Racing, storming from 13th place. As look Ma, No David Cassidy jokes Thar, Hya!

 

Fittingly, although planned ahead of time. Porsche ran a special tribute livery at the Mexico City ePrix. As both Wehrlein and teammate Nico Muller’s Porsche’s were running an all silver throwback livery. Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Porsche’s involvement in Motorsports.

 

Porsche Formula E Team marks 75 years of Porsche Motorsports with Carrera Panamericana tribute livery

 

As the special livery tribute was most Apropos, with legendous’ Porsche driver Hans Herrman having died the day prior at the remarkable age of 97, Ja Volt!

 

Having just learned that Herrmann finished third overall, and first in the under 1.5-litre Class in the grueling Carrera Panamericana in 1954 behind the wheel of an iconic silver Porsche 550 Spyder.

 

Whilst I love the story about Herrmann, a Baker by trade’s racing instincts during the 1954 Mille Miglia.

 

Approaching a railroad crossing’ lowering gate , and deciding it was too late to brake! Hans simply knocked on the back of navigator Herbert Linge’s helmet to make Him duck! As the pair barely made it underneath the lowering gate, And the Porsche 550 Spyder rocketed past the train to the stunned crowd’s approval! With Herrman and Linge winning the race’s 1.5-litre Class.

 

Although I did know from my extensive five part Triple Crown Winners story, that Herrmann was the first of nine drivers who’ve won le 24 Heurs du Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring overall. Which Y’all can read in the following No Fenders link below.

 

LE MANS 100C: Celebrating Drivers who’ve Claimed the Triple Crown of Endurance Races 

F1: Dawning of the Latest Era begins

Although behind Closed Doors…

 

Testing

Jan 26-30: Private test at Circuit de Barcelona

Feb 11-13: First “Open” Test at Bahrain International Circuit

Feb 18-20: Bahrain Final Test

 

2026 Formula 1 Pre-season testing has begun this week in earnest, with the commencing of a five-day private test for all 11 F1 Teams at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. With teams permitted to run any three days of the five.

Whilst I don’t know how much information we’ll receive, or how much results will truly resonate with the season kicking off Down Under at Melbourne on March 8th.

 

Thus, following the conclusion of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, I immediately began wondering about the intricacies of the much ballyhooed 2026 F1 regulation changes, before I settled in for my long winter’s nap…

 

Each team was allowed to run one “Mule” chassis with a lead driver at the post Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test, along with the requisite “Youngster” driving the 2025 chassis, held on Tuesday, December 9th.

 

Although several teams split the day between their current two drivers aboard the 2026 Mule chassis.

 

While I knew that the chassis would be smaller, lighter and “nimbler”. With increased electrification and smaller Pirelli tyres.

Erroneously, multiple websites reported that wheels rim sizes would “shrink” from 18-inches down to 16-inch diameter, Say What?

 

As let’s delve into these “Lean, Mean, Fighting Machines”…

 

First off, the wheel rim size will continue to be 18 inches with reduced size, “Skinnier” revised Pirelli compound range rubber, designed to give bigger compound separation.

 

F1 2025 Post Abu Dhabi test: Pirelli’s first major run with 2026 tyres

 

The new Power Units or PU’s will still utilize the existing 1.6-litre single turbocharger configuration introduced in 2014. But the Internal Combustion Engine )ICE) will be “Detuned” from a maximum 850bhp to 540bhp, running on 100% sustainable Fuel.

 

But it’s the electrical energy side that gets “Charged” up! As the Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H) is deleted entirely, while the Motor Generator Unit – kinetic

 (MGU-K) increases significantly. With the MGU-K’s power increasing to 470bhp from 150bhp, tripling power-wise. With a total power output o 1,010bhp on tap.

 

According to Formula1.com, the chassis wheelbase length shrinks by 200mm to 3400mm, the size of your reusable “Drinks” bottle. Width reduces 100mm to 1900mm, the size of a chocolate bar, albeit Arse-sumedly these are European sizes. So don’t know how they differ Stateside?

 

Minimum chassis weight decreases by 30kg to 768kg, along with new moveable front/rear aerodynamics. Most notably the removal of the DRS. (Drag Reduction System)

 

Yet what I found most frustrating was the lack of current information preceding the first official closed door test. Since as of Boxing Day, (Dec 26th) everything I could find was from June, 2024, WTF!

 

Since along with the racecar’s smaller size, the biggest change occurs with the new Active Aerodynamics, which feature moveable front and rear wings. Which I don’t know if we’ll still be using the initial “Z-mode”, or Zed mode )Zulu) cornering high Downforce, wings closed configuration. And “X-mode” (X-Ray) straight-line low Drag wings opened configuration designations during racing this season? As both front and rear wings are dramatically different.

 

Z-mode and X-mode Active Aerodynamics explained

 

While more importantly, the full Ground Effects era is discontinued. With a partial flat floor section returning. With a larger diffuser with larger openings, and a overall higher minimum ride height mandated. Which should hopefully cure the undesired and dreadful porpoising effects we’ve previously encountered.

 

Overall Downforce is reduced by 15%, with lap times expected to be two seconds slower. Although as typical, Engineers will claw back these decreases, which normally occurs over a regulation “life cycle”.

 

 Yet probably the hardest part to get used to will be the use of the new terminology of Overtake, Boost and Recovery modes.

 

Recovery’s the most obvious, meaning the car is “Harvesting” or recharging its electrical system.

 

Boost mode is when the stored electrical energy is deployed for either offensive or defensive “Driving” modes.

 

While Overtake mode is when a driver can “manually” enact the Boost mode provided they’re within one second of the leading car for “Attacking” the driver ahead…

 

As here’s a pretty good “primer” short video covering all of the complex 2026 F1 regulation changes.

 

VIDEO: Everything You need to Know about the F1 2026 Regulations 

F1: Post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Young Drivers Test results

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

 

Now that IMSA’s “Super bowl” 24 Hours of Daytona is somewhat in our rear view mirrors. And NASCAR Fans are getting wound-up over the impending Cookout clash, or whatever it’s called? And the impending Day-toner’ 500.

 

Lost in all of the Hubbub, is the fact that Formula One’s currently testing behind closed doors in Barcelona. Before a pair of three-day tests take place at Bahrain in February. Followed by the season opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8th.

 

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, Chuh-ching!

 

Yet as always, your Haggard, Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso is behind thoust proverbial 8-ball! Definitely at least one lap down…

 

Garnering almost zero Attenzione, especially with last year’s title decider Showdown. Nonetheless, the yearly post Abu Dhabi Young Guns test results always intrigues me.

 

A total of twenty-five drivers took part. With teams allowed to run current Grands Prix drivers in their 2026 “Mule” Car, in order to finalize Pirelli tyre compounds for next year.

While the second chassis was the 2025 specification, allotted to drivers who’ve only participated in a maximum of two Grands Prix.

 

As the top five positions were held by Formula 1 “Young Guns”, albeit due to the 2026 Mule chassis designed to be slower then the contemporary racecars…

 

Bosom Buddies George Russell (Mercedes) and Max Verstappen, (Red Bull) along with both Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll didn’t participate. With the other current 10 F1 teams splitting morning and afternoon sessions driving duties between their current two drivers.

 

Once again, Pato Who? Was seventh quickest overall, Ahem Mark Miles, cough-cough! Although who knows what testing programme Pato was carrying out, eh?

 

Rookies/Young Gun Drivers

(Overall position/Driver/Team)

1) Jack Crawford, Aston Martin

2) Paul Aron, Sauber/Audi

3) Luke Browning, Williams

4) Frederick Vesti, Mercedes

5) Ayumu Iwasa, Red Bull

7) Pato O’Ward, McLaren

8) Ryo Hirakawa, Haas

9) Dino Beganovic, Ferrari

17) Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

22) Kush Maini, Alpine

 

Mercedes Kimi Antonelli was quickest of the regular season F1 drivers, in sixth place. (+1.404) With McLaren’s Oscar Piastri rounding out the Top 10. (+2.333)

 

Positions P11-15 were filled out by Lewis Hamilton, (Ferrari) Lando Norris, (McLaren) Alex Albon, (Williams) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Carlos Sainz. (Williams)

 

Although I wouldn’t “read” too much into the results, especially with the Haas’s of Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon some four and seven-plus seconds behind. Which surely won’t be the case come March in Melbourne…

 

2025 F1 Post Abu Dhabi Test results

 

Once again, the lone Yank’ on the grid was Jack Crawford, having finished runner-up to Leonardo Fornaroli in the 2025 Formula 2 Championship, driving for Dams Lucas Oil. Set to become Aston Martin’s latest reserve driver this season. As Felipe Drugovich departs for a Formula E race seat at Andretti Global for the 2025-26 season.

 

Frederik Vesti continues racing as Cadillac Whelen Engineering’s “third” endurance driver. Aboard the No. 31 Cadd-Oh-Lac’ V-Serioes.R IMSA GTP racecar. Alongside Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Earl Bamber and Connor Zilisch.

 

As 19yr old teenager NASCAR Cup rookie Zilisch was making His IMSA GTP Rolex 24 debut. Having won both the Rolex 24 and 12 Hours of Sebring in LMP2 in 2024 driving for Era Motorsport.

 

Aitken, who made one Grand Prix start for Williams in Bahrain, 2020. Had His pole winning time deleted. As the car was disqualified for its rear skid block falling underneath the minimum clearance allowance and started P11.

 

Aitken got off to a rocky start. Given a Drive-thru penalty for jumping an early race’s full course caution. But redeemed Himself nicely over the race’s final hour’s stint. Hounding Felipe Nasr for the win, coming up just a scant 1.569 seconds short of victory!

 

Red Bull’s newest Circus Maximus’ (Verstappen) “wingman” Isack Hadjar made His debut for the Big Bulls’, presumably getting up to speed. Since I’d like to not read too much into His P21 result, +3.749 seconds adrift…

 

Meanwhile, Newbie’ Arvid Lindblad, who’s made FP session outings for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2025, tested fir Racing Bulls, where the 18 year old will be the only rookie on this year’s F1 Grid.

 

Of the ten Young Guns participating, only three were new “recruits”. With the appropriately named Dino Beganovic at la Scuderia, and Kush Maini at Alpine. Along with the aforementioned Lindblad.

 

21yr old Swede’ Beganovic made His Formula 2 debut at season’s end, alongside Jack Craford at DAMS Lucas Oil.

 

For 2025, He switched to Hitech TGR, as teammate to Luke Browning. Beganovic scored His maiden pole position at Imola, and captured His first F2 win during the Baku Sprint race.

 

Dino is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, having joined in 2020. Making His Formula 1 debut at Barcelona, last January aboard an SF23. Before making His (Free Practice) FP session debut at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix.

 

A further FP outing occurred at Spielberg, before completing 122 laps during the post Abu Dhabi GP test. While Dino’s “Day Job” for 2026 will be racing for DAMS Lucas Oil in F2.

 

Kush Maini is the younger brother of Arjun Maini; Santino Ferrucci’s Bosom Buddy! As Maini became a member of the Alpine Driver Academy in 2023. Getting His first crack behind the wheel of a Formula 1 racecar at Spielberg, driving an Alpine A522.

 

Further test outings followed, before joining the logjam of test and reserve drivers for Alpine last year. Then at Abu Dhabi, He drove a current Alpine A525 for the first time, running 128 laps.

 

Maini has made 81 starts in Formula 2, with two wins, seven podiums and one pole. And will contest His fourth F2 season this year for ART Grand Prix. 

ROLEX 24: Who’ll be joining the Winners Club this year?

And who’ll be sportin’ a shiny, new Rolex wristwatch?

 

By my unofficial timepiece, we’ve just passed the one-quarter mark of this year’s Rolex 24. And like year’s past, I began wonderin’ who had the most winners wristwatches in the race?

 

Leading the charge aboard the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06, is Scotty thee Iceman 2.0’ Dixon, with three Rolex watches. Having won in 2006, 2015 and 2020.

 

As Dixon is the only three times overall winner in this year’s field, and would join a very select company of five Four-times winners.

 

I say only Three-times winner, since my unofficial records claim only 10 drivers have done so, excluding the two Five-times (Hurley Haywood, Scott Pruett) and three Four-times overall winners. (Peter Gregg, Rolf Stommelen and Bob Wollek)

 

Nipping at Dixon’s heels, are a six-pack of Two-times winners. With Jordan Taylor getting Thar first, i.e.; 2017, 2019.

 

Renger van der Zande, (2019-20) Ricky Taylor, (2017, 2021) Filipe Albuquerque, (2018, 2021) Tom Blonqvist (2022-23) and our newest member, Felipe Nasr. (2024-25)

 

As Nasr and Porsche Penske Motorsports are seeking their own Three-peat this weekend; which would also be the team’s No. 7’s third victory. Or will somebody stop them?

 

And then there’s three competitors trying to earn a second Rolex for their other wrist. With the likes of A.J. Allmendinger (2012) Matt Campbell (2024) and Laurens Vanthoor. (2025) But the odds are against the latter two Porsche Penske Motorsports chauffeurs, since they’re both part of the No. 6 entry.

 

As I’ve only attempted chronicling drivers competing in the IMSA GTP ranks, since Thars’ far too many other overall winners floating round the other categories, and I’m guaranteed to miss somebody…

 

For more riveting No Fenders Rolex 24 trivia, Y’all may wish to check out the following link below.

 

ROLEX 24: Trivial Pursuit, Old and New 

ROLEX 24: GTP preview, Can Porsche “Three-peat” this January?

As we’ll All find out in another 24 hours…

 

All of the IMSA GTP prototypes have been upgraded this year, most extensively the BMW, in hopes of dethroning Porsche. Which I’ll leave to Racer to do the “Heavy” lifting…

 

Manufacturers prepare revised GTP cars for IMSA Daytona test

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guideline standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

BMW

BMW M Hybrid V-8

Engine: 4.0-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: BMW M Team WRT

#24 Sheldon van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor, Robin Frijns and Rene Rast

#25 Philipp Eng, Marco Whittmann, Kevin Magnussen and Raffale Marciello

 

While the BMW team lineups remain unchanged, albeit with the drivers having been rotated between the two entries. The big news is that after 16 years, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) was dropped as BMW’s service provider. With the Bavarian marque switching to WRT, who were running just the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) programme last year.

 

The Belgian W Racing Team, better known as WRT was founded in 2009 by former VW Motorsports Boss Rene Verbist, Vincent Vosse and Yves Veerts.

 

The team has won multiple championships and races, and is one of Europe’s premiere GT race teams. Competing also in the GT World Challenge Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge, series. Having won the title last year with Kelvin van der Linde and some Cat known as thee Doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi! While Rossi also competes for WRT in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

 

As could we see Rossi contesting the Rolex 24 one day in the future?

 

PORSCHE

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: Porsche Penske Motorsport

#6 Kevin Estr, Laurens Vanthoor and Mat Campbell

#7 Felipe Nasr, Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich

 

The big news for Porsche Penske Motorsports was the surprising decision to drop reigning IMSA Prototypes champion Mathieu Jaminet completely. While Matt Campbell gets shuffled to a supporting cast role, as the No. 6’s Michelin endurance cup rounds only. Meaning neither driver gets the chance to defend their championship.

 

And the Blood letting runs deeper, with Nick Tandy, winner of last’s year’s Rolex 24 being dropped from the team! Effectively being swapped with new “Endurance Specialist” Laurin Heinrich, who graduates from His 2024 GTD Pro Championship winning campaign with AO Racing, with Tandy taking over Heinrich’s seat in AO Racing’s “Rexi” Porsche 911.

 

All of this follows the “winding Up” of Porsche’s World Endurance Championship programme.

 

  Kevin Estr and Laurens Vanthoor continue together in the No. 6 entry, as the pair won the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar title in 2024. While Mathieu Jaminet, who along with Campbell won the IMSA GTP Prototypes title last year in the same car, has joined the Genesis FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar team this season.

 

Julien Andlauer steps up to a full season drive alongside Felipe Nasr, the only holdover from last year’s full season IMSA Porsche drivers. As Andlauer is another of the Porsche WEC Werks’ drivers moving to IMSA this year.

 

Interestingly, both ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden participated in the Daytona IMSA test last November behind the wheel of the team’s two Porsche 963’s, but won’t contest this year’s Rolex 24…

 

Although subsequently, I learned via DXDT Racing’s website that McLaughlin had joined their Michelin Endurance Cup effort, and will drive the team’s No. 36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

 

Meanwhile, the Porsche Penske Motorsports No. 7 and Nasr are the defending Rolex 24 winners, seeking a third consecutive w’ this weekend.

 

Team: JDC-Miller Motorsports

#85 Tijmen van der Helm, Bryce Aron and Nico Pino

 

Tijmen van der Helm and Bryce Aron return from last year’s campaign. Whilst Nico Pino who previously drove for Proton Competition moves over to JDC-Miller Motorsports this year. Whom I’m guessing will be the team’s “Endurance Specialist”.

 

As JDC-Miller Motorsports continues racing the only privateer Porsche 963 entry, albeit Proton Competition wishes to return to IMSA GTP competition in the near future… 

ROLEX 24: A trio of the GTP Grid’s Contendahs’

But we’ll have to wait a further 48 Hours to find out whose this year’s winner…

 

Without further Adu, here’s a triumvirate of IMSA GTP Class entrants. (In alphabetical order)

 

ACURA

Acura ARX-06

Engine: 2.4-litre V-6 Twin Turbo

Team: Meyer Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian

#60 Tom Blomqvist, Colin Brown, Scott Dixon and A.J. Allmendinger

#93 Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly, Alex Palou and Kakunoshin Ohta

 

Meyer Shank Racing continues as Acura’s GTP Factory entry, with one driver change amongst it’s eight Pilotes.

 

The “lead” No. 60 MSR entry again features Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist and Colin Brown as it’s full season drivers.

 

Blomqvist and Brown were the 2023 IMSA GTP Prototypes champions, along with winning that year’s Rolex 24 for Acura. The team’s and Acura’s latest win, which surely must seem like a long time ago now, Eh?

 

Scotty thee Iceman 2.0’ Dixon returns as the No. 60’s Endurance “Specialist”. Whilst the Ohio based squad “Plug’s ‘n Play” with the return of the Dinger’, a la A.J. Allmendinger. Getting what I believe is His debut aboard the Acura ARX-06 GTP racecar, replacing Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) who raced last year.

 

As the No. 60 entry’s loaded for Bear, with a total of seven Rolex winner’s wristwatches behind it’s keyboard. As MSR aims for it’s fourth Rolex 24 win. Having won in 2012 and 2022-2023.

 

The “second” No. 93 entry remains unchanged with  Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly for the full season. Attacking Daytona’s High Banks with assistance again from Cheeps’ IndyCar multi-times Champions Alex Palou! Along with Kakunoshin Ohta.

 

As Ohta, who competes in Super GT and Super formula, drove for MSR at Daytona, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis last year.

 

Aston Martin

Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH

Engine: 6.5-litre normally aspirated V-12

Team: Aston Martin THOR Valkyrie

#23 Roman De Angelis, Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas

 

Aston Martin makes it’s Rolex 24 IMSA GTP prototypes debut with The Heart Of Racing. (THOR) As this shrieking, I said speak up sonny! Normally aspirated Cosworth V-12 lump’ is a definite Fan favourite!

 

As Racer’s Marshall Pruett “Dropped” this exclusive recording of an ‘Ol school 6.5-litre normally aspirated glorious sounding V-12 motor getting a proper workout on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course during testing over a year ago…

 

MP1569: Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH In-Car at Daytona

 

Having made it’s competition debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring with a single entry. Aston Martin then ran two Valkyrie AMR-LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) entries at last year’s 24 Heurs du Mans, with both cars finishing P12 and P14.

 

Fast forward to last October’s Petit Le mans, where the No. 23 Valkyrie claimed it’s maiden podium, with an excellent second place finish, with the same three drivers. And who knows how the Valkyrie will fair in it’s maiden Rolex 24? Being the only LMH entry to contest IMSA GTP…

 

CADILLAC

Cadillac V-Series.R

Engine: 5.5-litre normally aspirated V-8

Team: Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing

#10 Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque and Will Stevens

#40 Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz and Colton Herta

 

As previously noted, Wayne Taylor has a long, successful relationship with Cadd-Oh-lac’. Having won multiple Rolex 24 and IMSA SportsCar Championship titles with them.

 

As Wayne Taylor Racing )WTR) has won the Rolex 24 with Cadillac machinery three times in the past decade, i.e.; 2017 and 2019-2020.

 

The driver roster remain largely intact from last year’s WTR lineups. Although K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi, who’s won two Rolex wristwatches with WTR. Along with Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Brendan Hartley have both been dropped from WTR this year.

 

The “Big” news is that Cadillac F1 Development Driver and Formula 2 racer Colton Herta becomes the No. 40’s “Endurance Specialist”, slated to race at Daytona, Sebring and Petit le Mans, when not busy with His “Day Jobs” across thoust gory Puddle.

 

As both WRT entries will slim down to just three drivers rotation this January. While WTR seeks it’s fifth outright victory since 2017. Having “Three-peated” between 2019-2021 with Cadillac and Acura, before returning to General Motors luxury brand last year.

 

Team: Cadillac Whelen Action Express Racing

#31 Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti and Connor Zilisch

 

Although officially known as Whelen Cadillac, it’s run by Action Express Racing. (AXR)

 

Earl Bamber and Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken continue their fulltime season IMSA GTP campaign. Along with Frederik Vesti running the endurance rounds, for a second, straight year.

 

The trio’s joined by rising NASCAR Star Connor Zilisch, making His Rolex 24 debut. As Zilisch, who finished runner-up in the Xfinity series last year with 10 wins. Replaces Aston Martin F1 reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, who raced at Daytona last year.

 

As AXR’s latest Rolex 24 win came Wayback in 2018! With the team having three Rolex 24 victories overall, i.e.; 2010, 2014 and 2018. Whilst Cadillac hasn’t won since 2020, which is a very long time ago… 

IndyCar Drivers, Team joins Rolex 24 Tintops’ ranks

But will Any of them win their respective Classes?

 

Just days, or the following day after Romain Grosjean had left the employment of Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse. Saying He didn’t want to drive GT3 machinery, but prototypes instead, Chuh-Ching!

 

Grosjean announced He was very excited to be joining Myers Riley Racing for Daytona, behind the wheel of their No. 16 Ford Mustang GT3 Evo. Joining Jenson Altznan, Sheena Monk and Felipe Fraga.

 

With the “pausing” of Lamborghini’s SC63 programme, Riley Motorsports has also shut down it’s LMP2 effort with the retirement of Gar Robinson. Thus seeing Riley embark upon it’s latest project, in conjunction with Ross Myers.

 

As the press release casually noted that Myers was the proprietor of 3 Dog Garage, a vintage Automotive museum in Pennsylvania.

 

3 Dog Garage museum

 

As Ross’s early passion for automobiles began when piecing together His first Hot rod at age 8! And much later taking up racing…

 

Yet 3 Dog Garage surely, couldn’t be what funds the new race team could it? Before finding serendipitously on Ye Intrawoods’ an article from Virginia Tech’s Engineering department for A. Ross Myres, Class of 1972. Graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering.

 

As the family construction business has grown into the colossus known as American Infrastructure today, which Ross is the President and CEO of. A leading Civil Engineering company ranked in the Top 50 of Heavy and Highway Contractors.

 

Ross Myres – Virginia Tech Alumni

 

As the #16 Dark Horse represents one half of Ford’s GTD entries; with the Gradient Racing No. 66 the other half.

 

Next, Callum Ilott announced a full season campaign driving the No. 120 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 R GT3 Evo with new team owner Adam Adelson. Noting His IMSA GTD campaign will “Dovetail” with His IndyCar programme. Having heard David Land say that both Ilott’s and Robert Shwartzman’s contracts for the 2026 IndyCar season had been taken up. As we’re just Ah-waitin’ to find out the details of Prema Racing or whomever it’ll be called? Arse-suming they show up on the grid this year…

 

Then Marcus Ericsson announced He would race at Daytona for Wayne Taylor Racing, (WTR) behind the keyboard of it’s No. 45 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2, also in GTD.

 

And with Will Power’s engagement as part of the 75 Express Racing’s No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3; that gives us a total of at least three current IndyCar drivers, or is it four? Uhm, has Dale Coyne announced who His “lead” driver this year is?

 

As Power joins reigning Supercars Champion Chad Moster, team owner Kenny Habul and Mercedes-Benz Werks’ Hotschue’ Maro Engel; whose won the Rolex 24 twice, behind the No. 75 Mercs’ keyboard in the GTD Pro category…

 

Not to mention thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, nee James Hinchcliffe once again “Moonlighting” in the #9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2. As the Kuhnaidiun’ race team’s shiny, new Lamborghini Temerario, the Huracan’s replacement won’t debut until the 12 Hours of Sebring…

 

Pfaff’s Lamborghini Temerario Headlines new line-up at IMS Daytona Test

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

The “lowly” GT3 Saloon ranks should be quite entertaining to watch. Since this doesn’t even include the full season’s Usual suspects, i.e.; Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes, Porsche. As think I got ‘em All?

 

Along with the debuts of two famous racing name sons in GT Daytona. (GTD) With Eduardo Barrichello making His full season debut with Heart of Racing’s No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage. While Lorenzo Patrese makes another cameo appearance aboard the No. 34 Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, run by former IndyCar driver Eric Bachelart.

 

Lucas Auer, nephew of Gerhard Berger, continues His longtime association with Windward Racing aboard it’s No. 57 Mercedes-AMG, but I digress…

 

Speaking ‘O McLaren, Oopsadaisy! Like I Dunno, I sort of forgot. Since it just doesn’t sound right. Regarding the debut of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and it’s No. 59 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in the DTD Pro category.

 

As RLL Team McLaren has listed Max Esterson, Juri Vips and Dean MacDonald initially in December, with a fourth driver as TBA. Hmm, will it be Graham Rahal or Mick Schumacher?

 

Nope! On January 13th, RLLR announced that Nikita Johnson was the fourth, and final driver for Daytona. With Johnson being named to a fulltime ride alongside Esterson. As Johnson, (Age 17) will also contest His rookie Indy NXT campaign driving for Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR.

 

Whilst I didn’t even know that Mclaren had established a GT Driver Academy, previously known as Mclaren GT Young Driver Academy, before “looking-up” Dean MacDonald’s background. As MacDonald has run a variety of GT race programs, including the GT World Challenge European Series.

 

Max Esterson was also totally unknown to Mwah. Having raced briefly in Formula 2, making His debut at the season finale in 2024 for Trident. Then continuing thru  the Monza weekend in September, before leaving the championship prior to Baku.

 

Esterson made His IMSA debut driving for JDC Miller Motorsport at Petit Le Mans aboard their Porsche 963 in the GTP category, before landing His ride with RLL Team McLaren this season.

 

Meanwhile, Andretti Global IndyCar driver “Kirk”, Err Kyle Kirkwood continues His “Endurance Specialist” role with Vasser Sullivan racing. Joining the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 GTD Pro entry, reuniting with regular chauffeurs Ben Barnicoat and Bloody “Union Jack” Hawksworth. As this trio has been victorious previously, having won the 2024 Sebring 12 Hours GTD Pro category.

 

Then on January 5th, I learned that ScottyMac’, nee Scott Mclaughlin has joined DXDT Racing’s No. 36 GTD Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry. Which Before the official press release on Jan 7th named McLaughlin joining Salih Yoluc and Charlie Eastwood, and DXDT newcomer Mason Filippi.

 

As ScottyMac’ contested last year’s Rolex 24 driving the Trackhouse by TF Sport’s All Star Corvette Z06 GT3.R for the first time.

 

Whilst I was totally unaware that McLaughlin had raced in last September’s Suzuka 1000KM race. Finishing third for Johor Motorsport’s alongside GM Factory drivers Alexander Simms and Nicky Catsburg aboard a Corvette Z06 GT3R.

 

Also learning that new Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) Indy NXT driver James Roe will co-drive the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in the GTD category.

 

Interestingly, Roe’s joined by Aussie’ Scott Anderws, Netherlands Lin Hodenius and Estonian Ralf Aron. The latter I’m wondering if related to Alpine F1 test and reserve driver Paul Aron?

 

Yes, Paul is Ralf’s brother, some six years younger…