2026 IndyCar Season Finally set to Start!

Can it really be time again, already?

 

Shiver Me Timbers! As IndyCar’s set to shake off another stupendous Winter’s Slumber and go racing once again. As racecars flock to Saint Petersburg’s temporary street circuit it Friday morning, Hurrah!

 

As guessing that Dale Coyne finally had to divulge His second driver by Valentines Day, Eh? Being Dale’s new “Thanksgiving”, Hya! As Y’all remember Dale saying that Turkey-Lurkey Day was the new Halloween last year, Righto?

 

As who is that masked “second” driver. Although He seems slightly familiar. Donning His Crash-bucket for two days of testing on Sebring’s “Short” course…

 

Here’s some of the typical story lines for this season. As guessing everyone knows about the calendar changes. With the additions of Phoenix, Arlington and Toronto’s relocated Street race. And that Iowa’s been dropped from this year’s schedule. Along with Nashville moving to July and the season finale returning to Laguna Seca…

 

IndyCar announces 17 race 2026 Schedule

 

Obviously that was prior to Don Collosus issuing another Executive Order for the Freedom 250. Where I hear a $1.0 million “Gratuity” will lands Yuhs a VIP Front row seat for the Washington D.C. Street race taking place on August 23rd as Round 18 of this year’s IndyCar schedule.

 

IndyCar to race on Streets of Washington D.C.

 

Meanwhile, 24 drivers, including Dale’s second, Hya! Will be trying to stop the Alex Palou Freight train. As can the affable Spaniard win a fourth consecutive title this year? Which would give Him five IndyCar Championship crowns in total. Surpassing Mario Andretti for third most overall, Aye Karumba!

 

While can DJ WillyP’, ergo William Steven Power ring-in His 45th birthday with a supremely satisfying win Sunday? Upon making His debut for Andretti Global in the No. 26, which is just plain weird!

 

While have to say I’m more intrigued over the Rookie Of the year (ROY) battle for the moment. Since Mick Schumacher’s signing at Rahal is great for the sport. With Dennis Hauger and Caio Collet, who finished 1-2 last year in Indy NXT. Arse-sumedly trying to take the “Mick” outta, Oh Never Mind!

 

Y’all know that bad pun’s Ah-Comin’ sometime this season. Which probably ranks right up Thar with Marshall Pruett’s Prema-nitions’ regarding Prema Racing, cymbal crash please!

 

As Schumacher Jnr has no Oval track racing experience vs. Hauger and Collet’s limited Oval experience, albeit All three will be Newby’s at Mother Speedway…

 

Speaking ‘O Prema Racing. We still didn’t know their situation as of Super Bowl Sunday. When the Seattle Seahawks sought to seek revenge upon those pesky New Patriots after that devastating loss in Super bowl XLIV. As Arse-sumedly Seattle will let Kenneth Walker III run the ball from the One-yard line on Third and Goal, Righto?

 

Yep, Walker ran roughshod over the Patriots by cobbling up some 150 yards rushing, being named the Super bowl MVP, Yeah Baby! With Seattle’s “Dark Side” Defense totally dominating Super bowl LX, with Seattle cruising to a 29-13 victory! After holding New England scoreless 19-0 until the third quarter…

 

Uhm, back to racing, as don’t expect Prema to show up at St Pete. And it sounds like according to Marshall Pruett, the Prema Racing name is gone in IndyCar. With the hopes of a new owner purchasing the team, and the new entity showing up later this season…

 

Also guessing Yuhs know about El Capitano’ , nee Roger Penske adding $11 million to the Leaders Circle pot beginning this year, and running thru 2028. As this increases the individual Leaders Circle payout from $1.145m to $1.645m for the Top 22 of the 25 Charter entrants. With teams reportedly budgeting approximately a cool million per new Dallara IR28 chassis in 2028.

 

Whilst we’ve also got the new “independent” Officiating Board, led by Ray Evernham and Company, which I’ve got no news upon or how it differs from last year’s Race Officiating. So as the media Pundits like saying; Watch this Space!

 

Whilst speaking of Penske, and I’m personally happy for one of my favourite drivers ScottyMac’, nee Scott Mclaughlin getting Tim Cindric as His new race strategist. Which is a great move for Penske’s No. 3 entry.

 

And that doesn’t even cover the rest of Team Penske’s major Engineering reorganization, or Ed Carpenter Racing’s for that matter. Along with whatever else I’ve missed the memo upon, Eh? Like is Todd Alt sponsoring two IndyCar team this year? As it surely “looks” that way. Now that the worst kept secret of the No. 18’s driver identity has finally been divulged…

 

While I know everyone’s made improvements over the excruciating Offseason. But the team I’m most impressed with is Rahal Letterman Lanigan’s renewed efforts, which I hope definitely moves up the pecking order this season. As I’d really like to see the team improve dramatically for once.

 

And like ‘Ol Bob Varsha used to say? Turn Up the Volume! 

Don’t Forget about Indy NXT

Even if its one step below IndyCar’s…

 

Lost in All of the feverish anticipation over IndyCar finally coming out from underneath its shadow, and shaking off its stupendous six months winter’s slumber…

 

IndyCar’s “premiere” Feeder Series, Indy NXT also kicks off its season in Saint Petersburg, Florida, and sports a truly different flavour this year.

 

As new regulations allows for a maximum grid of 24 cars and teams being limited to four entries apiece. Having scribbled about the Grid changes previously, following last October’s Chris Griffis test.

 

Plenty to Take away from Annual Chris Griffis test

 

Although less than 60 days out, there were still five TBA seats on the grid. One at Cape Motorsports, half of HMD Motorsports and both Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) seats being unknown when I began scribblin’ this…

 

Ah contrair, Thar had been three more announcement, which I missed two-thirds of. Leaving just one seat at Cape and JHR still vacant…

 

I’ll surmise that this year’s championship scrum will be between sophomore Lochi Hughes and Myles Rowe, who’s entering His third season. As the duo finished third and fourth overall respectively last year. And the top two finishers; Dennis Hauger, the 2025 Indy NXT Champion. (6 wins) And Caio Collet, the runner-up, (3 wins) both have graduated to IndyCar this year.

 

Abel Motorsports (3+)

Abel Motorsports with Force Indy (1)

Can Abel Motorsports finally win a championship and stop the likes of Andretti and HMD Motorsports? As they were the only three teams to win races last year.

 

On “paper”, you’d have to say that Myles Rowe is the team leader. Having finished fourth overall last year upon scoring His first two Indy NXT wins in His sophomore season. Along with six podiums and 10 top-five finishes. Rowe finished just eight points adrift of Lochie Hughes, with a worst finish of 18th vs. Hughes P16.

 

Jordan Missig returns for His second full season campaign with the team, having finished ninth overall last season. While Colin Kaminsky returns to Abel after a year’s absence; Arse-sumedly due to financial constraints…

 

Whilst the team’s newest signing being of much interest. As Max Garcia spent two seasons in the USF2000 Championship driving for Pabst Racing. Culminated by winning the championship in His sophomore season. (2024)

 

Garcia then stomped the USF Pro 2000 competition enroute to the title with nine wins! And a total of 13 podiums as a rookie last year, Remaining with Past Racing.

 

Will Max give teammate Rowe, Lochie Hughes and the rest of the Indy NXT Grid Headaches this year fighting for the title?

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

The storied racing team returns to Indy NXT competition after last competing fulltime in 2003, albeit running Jeff Simmons in a “One-off” at the 2004 Freedom 100. As Y’all remember when the Freedom 100 was arguably Indy Lights most exciting race of the year, Eh?

 

Although the Foyt entry is basically one of two HMD Motorsports “Satellite” squads, since they’re supplying the cars and equipment in alliance with Foyt. Thus adverting the new rule over only four cars per team entry, since HMD ran eight or more last year…

 

Foyt Racing returns with two unknown rookies. As cannot say I’m familiar with the names of either Nicholas Monteiro or Alessandro de Tullio. Although I did learn that de Tullio had been the second quickest rookie during last October’s Chris Griffis test. Finishing fifth overall, while Monteiro was P18 on the time sheets.

 

Although Monteiro races as a Brazilian, He was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida. With the 20yr old having made His single seater debut in the 2022 Brazilian F4 Championship, before moving to USF2000 the following year.

 

Monteiro contested three seasons of USF2000 for several teams. Finishing a career best of 10th overall last year, despite missing the final round at Portland.

 

De Tullio swept the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) weekend, winning all three races. Ending the 2023 season third overall in the USF2000 Championship, with a total of five wins.

 

Last year, Alessandro scored His maiden USF Pro 2000 victory at the St Pete Season opener. Ultimately winning four races and seven podiums enroute to fourth overall in the championship.

 

Andretti Global (4)

Once again, the Andretti Global Juggernaut comes loaded for Bear with another stout four-car entry. Having won the past two championships.

 

Aussie Lochi Hughes, who finished second fiddle to teammate Dennis Hauger. Claimed third overall His rookie season on the back of two wins, eight podiums and 10 top five finishes. Finishing just eight points ahead of Myles Rowe. (466-458)

 

Hughes returns to Andretti with three new teammates, with Sebastian Murray having finished P1 during the Chris Griffis test.

 

As Scottish teenager Murray began His single seater career in the UAE Formula 4 series, before graduating to the British GB3 Championship in 2024.

 

Last season, Murray raced for Andretti Cape Indy NXT, before being sidelined after a vicious Mid-Ohio incident. As Murray and teammate Ricardo Escotto “rubbed” wheels, sending Sebastian “cartwheeling,” before coming to a stop upside down in the middle of the track!

 

Max Taylor, who was second quickest at the test, graduates from USF Pro 2000. Finishing sixth overall with one win.

 

While Portland’s Josh Pierson, now in His fourth season was third quickest during the October test. Moving over from HMD Motorsports after three years. Claiming His best Indy NXT campaign at sixth overall. Including His breakout weekend at Laguna Seca.

 

Starting third in both races, Pierson scored His first series podium with third place Saturday. Then improved one place to second on Sunday, His career best finish to date.

 

Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR (2)

Due to the entrant teams restructuring, Andretti Global dropped its affiliation with Cape Motorsports and was replaced by Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) this year.

 

Just days prior to this year’s Rolex 24, the team still hadn’t divulged its second driver. With only Nikita Johnson being named to the team’s No. 21 entry.

 

Johnson had a busy season last year. Racing abroad in Formula Oceania Regional, GB3 and Formula 3, also made selected starts in Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports. But preserved His rookie status doing so.

 

Johnson capped off the year by being the quickest rookie at the Chris Griffis test and fourth overall…

 

Interestingly, Nikita has been announced as one of RLL Team McLaren’s fulltime drivers for this year’s IMSA GTD Pro campaign. Partnering Max Esterson in the No. 59 Rahal McLaren 720S GT3 Evo entry, along with making His Rolex 24 debut this January. 

Indy NXT Roars to Life

As they’ll be the supporting bill during the Month of March…

 

The Indy NXT Series once again commences its 17 race season at St Pete. Followed by its Arlington Street race debut, and the first of five “Double Header” weekends at the oh, so beautiful Barbers Motorsports Part at the end of March.

 

Next is two races on Indianapolis’s road course, followed by Detroit. The first Oval track at Gateway, then back-to-back Double Headers at Road America and Mid-Ohio. With Nashville capping off the month of July.

 

Next is the Rose City, aka Portland, the Milwaukee Mile and the season finale Double Header at Laguna Seca. Will all races once again being aired live on (Fox Sports) FS-1 and FS-2.

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (4)

Obviously Cheep’ (Ganassi) isn’t accustomed to going winless a la last season. With Andretti Global claiming the Lion’s share of W’s with nine victories! As CGR steps up to four cars this year, with drivers Bryce Aron and Niels Koolen returning.

 

James Roe, now in His fifth season; presumably the longest duration? Joins from Andretti Global, after spending the past three seasons there. Having contested the majority of His rookie Indy Lights campaign driving for TJ Speed Motorsports before joining HMD Motorsports. While rookie Carson Etter is totally unknown to Mwah…

 

Although subsequently learning that He contested last year’s USF Pro 2000 Championship driving for Exclusive Motorsports. Finishing a very pedestrian P17 overall, with a lone top-ten finish, i.e.; sixth in the Nashville season finale. With two 12th place finishes being His other best results. Making me wonder who’s Bankrolling His Indy NXT program?

 

As Etter finished a long way behind the two “Max’s”, i.e.; Max Garcia and Max Clark. Plus Alessandro de Tullio to name just a few of His USF Pro 2000 colleagues…

 

Cusick Morgan Motorsports (2)

Know very little about this new team, other than it’s the other “Satellite” HMD Motorsports squad, with the latter providing the technical support and vehicles. Although Don Cusick’s name should be familiar to all of us IndyCar Diehards…

 

As the team sports rookie teenager Aussie’ Nicholas Stati, who finished “Vice Champion”, err runner-up to Daniel Quincy in the 2024 United States Formula 4 Championship. Falling just 4.5-points shy of the title, with three wins.

 

“Journeyman” driver Juan Manuel Correa, who previously competed in Formula 2, moves from HMD Motorsports to contest His first full season Indy NXT campaign.

 

HMD Motorsports (4)

And then there was one TBA driver left. As HMD had previously announced rookie drivers Jack Beeton and Enzo Fittipaldi. Before third year Indy NXT competitor Salvador de Alba’s name was announced January 15th.

 

As the 26yr old Mexican driver scored an emphatic maiden Indy NXT victory at Milwaukee last year. Followed by a runner-up finish at the Nashville season finale, finishing fifth overall driving for Andretti Global.

 

Last year, HMD Motorsports was the second most successful team behind Andretti Global. With Caio Collet scoring His maiden Indy NXT W’, and three total wins enroute to runner-up in the Drivers Championship.

 

The team last claimed the title in 2023 with Christian Rasmussen. And obviously, like

Everyone, is intending to stop Andretti Global’s current championship streak!

 

But wait, I missed another memo. As the team snuck in the announcement of Poland’s Tymek Kucharczyk being confirmed one day ahead of de Alba’s announcement…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

Doing their best Dale Coyne impersonation, the team had failed to publicly disclose either of its two drivers as of mid-January. But like Coyne, they’ll need to have drivers attending Content Days, Righto?

 

Juncos Racing won the 2015 and 2017 Indy Lights Driver titles with Spencer Pigot and Kyle Kaiser respectively. Along with amassing five Indy Pro 2000 Drivers Championships between 2010 and 2020. With Current IndyCar drivers Rinus VeeKay in 2018, and Sting Ray Robb in 2020.

 

Whilst I missed this memo too, Geez! As JHR confirmed Mexico’s Ricardo Escotta, who competed for Andretti Cape Indy NXT last season. But no word on His teammate as of January 20th…

Will Apple TV take a Bite Out of Formula 1’s Popularity?

And does Liberty Media really Care?

 

By now, unless you’re living underneath a rock. Or hiding in a Hidey Hole to escape premeditated persecution! Then Y’all know that Apple TV has become the exclusive Broadcast rights Holder of Formula 1 in the United States, beginning this year.

 

Apple TV’s acquisition of the U.S. F1 TV rights runs in conjunction with the latest F1 Concorde agreement, i.e.; 2026-2030. With Apple reportedly paying an eye-watering $140-180m, as in millions! For its five seasons contract. Reputedly doubling what ESPN paid for its final three year contract, i.e.; $75-90m between 2023-25.

 

As I have to say the transformation of Formula One’s popularity Stateside has been unbelievable to Mwah! And really, all it took was the Real Housewives of F1 Drive to Survive NefFlix Docu programme?

 

Although surely, and I know that I’ve not only appreciated it, but have come to “expect” it. Airing the races commercial Free was a master stroke!

 

Having lamented Y’all about my Stumblin’, Bumblin’ and most definitely Fumblin’ travails of playing find where the F1 Broadcast is Whack-Ah-Mole’ for more than three decades prior to ESPN re-acquiring the Formula 1 TV rights…

 

Foggy Recollections of Jumping Thru Multiple TV Network Hoops to Watch Motor Racing Stateside Over the Years

 

Making this transformation even more remarkable is how F1 once was virtually unknown Stateside. Unless Yuhs were an Formula 1 Diehard like Mwah…

 

As Chris Rea’s recent death sent me down another Wabbit’ Hole after learning He’d performed twice in New York on Late Night TV.

 

Stumbling into this song, when searching for appearances on Late Night with David Letterman. Presumably sometime mid-summer in 1991. As Letterman & Rea briefly discuss His  attending the Canadian Grand Prix at the end of the video.

 

VIDEO: Looking for the Summer – Live on Letterman

 

As the Canadian GP has typically been held early-mid June. Although there’s been an understandable uproar about moving it to Memorial Day weekend this year! Clashing wit the Indianapolis 500, Seriously?

 

As Liberty media claims this is in effort to reduce its Carbon Footprint of flying back ‘n forth around the globe. Twinning it with the Miami Grand Prix.

 

Only problema with this, is that the Miami Grand Prix is May 3rd, with a three weeks gap until clashing with the Indianapolis 500, Butterfingers! And do you really “reduce” your carbon footprint by flying everybody back ‘n forth? Since I highly doubt the team’s personnel will be staying Stateside for three idle weeks…

 

Rea notes how surprised He was over how easy it was to get into the Canadian Grand Prix that year. To which Letterman quips if you think that was bad, try going to the USGP in Phoenix! Stating how you could simply walk right up, go in and back out in a breeze…

 

As 1991 was the final year of the Iceberg Grand Prix held on Phoenix, Arizona’s Downtown Streets; Year 3 of its slated 5 year contract.

 

For which your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso attended, and attendance was pitiful! As I don’t know if even 20,000 attended? Probably more like 10-15,000 Diehards?

 

RETRO: Phoenix’s last Grand Prix - Two-decades ago almost slipped past

 

But back to the present. As Yahoo Sports claims that ESPN barely averaged over 550,000 viewers when reacquiring Formula 1’s TV rights in 2018. And with the advent of Drive to Survive, Commercial Free Broadcasts and Social Media access and content. ESPN recorded a record 1.3 million viewers average last year. With 1.5m tuning into the season finale Abu Dhabi GP on Yas Isle. With the F1 Drivers title being decided…

 

As ESPN averaged over 1m viewers the final four seasons of it long running contract, with Formula 1 now firmly being the second most watched Motorsports Stateside behind NASCAR.

 

In contrast, this year’s NASCAR finale at Phoenix averaged 2.78 million viewers. But with the addition of six races on Amazon Prime, viewership dropped by 14% this season. While NASCAR’s viewership is down overall. Having reported a 4.15 million average for the 2018 Homestead Miami finale, itself being a 32% drop from the 2015 season finale.

 

Reportedly part of Formula 1’s surge in popularity is driven by young women. With females making up 46% of the vaunted 18-29 years old target demographic.

 

Yet how much will F1’s viewership drop this season, and overall? And does Liberty Media really care, having gotten its money out of Apple up front.

 

As surely, the F1 Bubble’s gotta pop sometime, Righto? And what better way to do so, then by forcing your audience to have to pay for Streaming… 

Former IndyCar Driver turns Bobsleigh racer

Move over Alfonso De Portago, there’s a new Italian Bobsledder in town!

 

Presumably by now, Y’all have heard the news about Symona-Symona’, aka Simona de Silvestro competing in this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. As the former female IndyCar driver will compete for Italy in Her debut Olympic Games.

 

De Silvestro, now 37 years old and born in Switzerland, has Italian heritage and will complete Her dream of racing in the Women’s 2X Bobsleigh event for Italy.

 

De Silvestro competed in IndyCar over seven years between 2010-2022, making a total of 71 starts. Spending Her first three seasons (2010-12) driving for HVM Racing. Winning Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honours in the 2010 Indianapolis 500, finishing 14th.

 

As I briefly met Symona-Symona’ in the IMS Flagroom on Carb Day Wayback’ in 2012, when She was saddled with the uncompetitive “Powered by Judd” Lotus lump’. As She graciously came inside the Flagroom to talk to our table and give me Her “John Hancock” as we kibitzed about the Lotus Evora company car She was driving. Which I don’t know why I think was bright yellow…

 

Joining KV Racing Technology in 2013 as Tony Kanaan’s teammate, de Silvestro scored Her career best finish of second place in the first race of the Grand Prix of Houston’s Double Header weekend. Joining Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher as the only females to stand atop the podium.

2013 would also be Her zenith in IndyCar, with a season best finish of 13th overall, before joining Sauber.

 

De Silvestro has made a total of seven starts in the Indianapolis 500, Her latest driving for Beth Paretta’s female Paretta Autosport team in 2022. While ironically, Her rookie start would be Her best finish at Mother Speedway.

 

As de Silvestro served as the Sauber F1 Team’s test driver in 2014, in hopes of becoming the first female in Formula 1 since Lella Lombardi in 1976. Yet reputedly, funding squabbles over Her programme led to Her departure from Sabuer. Moving to Formula E for Andretti during the 2015-16 season. And then gravitating Down Under to Australian Supercars.

 

Reportedly Simona’s interest in Bobsledding dates back to at least 2014, having posted on Twitter about taking a “Fun” run down the St. Moritz Bobsleigh track. Breezily joking about trying to compete in the next Olympics game…

 

De Silvestro’s Bobsledding participation in earnest began in 2022, when she began training in hopes of competing in Italy in 2026. With Simona telling of how Her Great-Great Grandfather was the first to climb Monte Civetta in the Italian Dolomites.

 

Simona first contested the 2022 Swiss championship, and progressing to competing in the 2025-26 ICSF World Cup. Finishing 27th in Monobob, and P28 in two-women Bobsleigh. Which earned Her spot on the Italian Olympic squad., with Monobob competition taking place today; whilst some Roundy-round action takes place at Day-Toner’…

 

Sleds can reach speeds of up to 90mph, with de Silvestro Arse-sumedly competing in the two disciplines. Although serving as the “Pusher”, i.e.; rear seat passenger on the two-woman event

 

As Simona joins very rare company, as Alfonso De Portago is the only other motor racing driver I know of to compete in Bobsleigh. With De Portago portrayed in Michael Mann’s excellent movie Ferrari.

 

De Portago Who? Forgotten Formula 1 Bobsledder

 

Although NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine did develop and build Bobsleds for the U.S. Olympics team, which eventually won two Olympic medals. Including Steven Holcomb piloting a Bo-Dyn sled named Night train to Gold at Vancouver, BC in 2010… 

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) 

HYDROS: Atlas Van Lines latest Hotschue’

But Don’t blink, or you’ll Miss Him sticking His Boots in Lake Washington…

 

Yeah, I know we’re All getting wound-up over Ye momentous Day-Toner’ 500 upcoming this weekend.

As typical, this story got washed down sometime last year, and I just managed to finally spool-up Ye waterlogged turbine…

 

Actually managed to tune-in to Heat 3B and Seattle Seafair Final race this past August via H1 Unlimited’s Youtube channel. Which had somewhat better sound quality, only needing to crank up the volume by 16-20 levels…

 

Reading H1 Unlimited’s pathetic dribbled of News content on their website, I learned that ‘Ol JJ’, aka Jimmie Johnson would be driving the Atlas Van Lines fabled “Blue Blaster” during an exhibition run Friday afternoon on Lake Washington.

 

If this is the boat I think it is? Since have I reminded Y’all I’m Blind lately? Although I’m fairly certain having confirmed it was the first of the successful Cabover designed Unlimited Hydroplanes. Then its Uber Funny for Mwah. Since I recall always thinking the boat looked ugly!

 

As I can visually remember it having no engine cowling for the exposed Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 (WWII Airplane) engine behind the cockpit, and the boat always lunging forwards out of the water, with a dull, silver engine plemum exposed…

 

Yet that being said, it was one of the most successful Hulls in Unlimited Hydroplane racing. With Bill Muncey “Three-peating” at its tiller. Winning the 1977-79 APBA Gold Cup races, and the 1978-79 National High Points Championships. Along with a total of 24 victories aboard this Hull.

 

Yet being a devoted Miss Budweiser fan, it wasn’t until Bernie Little claimed another “Unfair Advantage” with the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Miss Bud, which ended Muncey’s streak! As the Griffon powered Budweiser itself became unbeatable between 1980-84. Although we lost the second star Unlimited driver Dean Chenoweth, when His Mis Bud Hydroplane flipped at the Tri-Cities race on the Columbia River in 1982.

 

But back to ‘Ol JJ’ and last summer’s romp in the fabled Blue blaster. Having read that Johnson was reuniting His longtime association with the Muncey family and Miss Atlas Van Lines.

 

During Jimmie’s 2024 induction to the Motorsports Hall of Fame Of America, (MSHFA) a picture resurfaced of Jimmie Age 4 sitting upon the Blue Blaster at Mission Bay in 1979. When Bill Muncey’s Hydroplane had broken down during competition on Mr. Hydro’s Home court in San Diego.

 

As this is the very same Blue Blaster that Muncey lost His life aboard in Acapulco in 1981. Which ironically I “celebrated” the 30 year anniversary the very same weekend that Danny-boy Spike’ Wheldon was meeting His maker in Las Vegas…

 

HYDROS: The Day the Sport’s King met His Maker

 

Jimmie mused His Dad used to take Him to the Hydroplane races, which fell on His birthday weekend. Watching the action from Fiesta Island. Where Muncey’s Blue Blaster floated to after retiring that day, some 46 years prior…

 

Another Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee, Chip Hanauer, Class of 1995. The youngest ever MSHFA inductee “reached out” to Johnson during His induction ceremonies over possibly driving the restored Miss Atlas Van Lines. Which naturally, JJ’ got very excited about!

 

As I love hearing Jimmie wryly not He’d learned where the Merlin’s redline was, and pushed the Blue Blaster up to the limit…

 

VIDEO: Jimmie Johnson Drives the 1977 “Blue Blaster” Unlimited Hydroplane

 

While you may enjoy this 16 minutes H1 Unlimited Onboard video, which chronicles the entire driving experience, i.e.; somewhat troublesome start-up to returning to the Stan Sayres Dock…

 

VIDEO: Onboard with NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson driving Bill Muncey’s 1977 Atlas Van Lines Blue blaster

 

As Chip Hanauer, third winningest Unlimited Hydroplane driver, including 11 Gold Cup wins served as Jimmie’s mentor. And can be heard saying Well Fucking done! At the end of the video.

 

While its interesting hearing Johnson describing how physical driving the Hydroplane was. How it wanted to hunt round and constantly moved about after getting on plane…

 

Meanwhile, Johnson’s “Day Job”, if Yuhs can call it that? Since JJ’ has only been contesting NASCAR Cup races on a part-time basis since 2023. Will once again enter this year’s Daytona 500 in His No. 84 Toyota Camary.

 

As the seven times NASCAR Champion became majority owner of Legacy Motor Club last year. With the team fielding Charter team entries for the No. 42 of John Hunter Nemechek and No. 43 of Erik Jones also driving Toyota’s.

 

As Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing (RWR) have settled their lawsuit of last year, stemming over sale of one of RWR’s vaunted Charter.

 

Whilst I was totally unawares’ that RASSCAR’ will be racing at Naval Base Coronado, beginning this June 19-21. Until reading Jimmie’s press release for His participation in this year’s Day-Toner’ 500. Ironically making the announcement the very same day that Greg Biffle’s Jet crashed in North Carolina…

 

As Johnson, now Age 50, a native of El Cajon, California, will also compete in this summer’s inaugural San Diego Street Race., aboard His No. 84 Legacy Motor Club’s Toy-Yoter’ Camry. Thus completing another “full Circle” adventure, albeit I believe Four Lefts makes a Circle!

 

As JJ’ will plull “Double Duty” in San Diego. Also driving the No. 1 Tricom Garage’s Toyota Tundra PickEmUp’ Truck in the inaugural Craftsman Truc Series race at Naval Base Coronado.

 

Since that’s where this story all began at, Wayback’ in Gory 1979 on Mission Bay’s Fiesta Island. Arse-sumedly just a Hop ‘N Skip away from Naval Base Coronado, Righto?

 

Johnson, who’s tied with Cale Yarborough for sixth in career victories with 83 apiece, finished third in last year’s Day-Toner’ 500. With the two times Daytona 500 winner (2006, 2013) capping His 700th Cup start in last year’s Charlotte Coca-Cola 600 All Star race.