Trans Am Musings

Although the modern day series  just doesn’t resonate with me as it once did…

 

Not sure why I got so wrapped up in this? But speaking ‘O Mark Donohue! Once again your humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso slid down another Wabbit’ Hole…

 

Hey, I suppose that’s what happens when the IndyCar season has been over for nearly a month’s time. Formula 1 seems anti-climatic and Thars nothin’ but Football on Thy Telie’, Spew! Along with some Taxicab Bombers Playoffs when you’re struggling to upgrade your Desktop Confuzer’ to Windows 11 Assimilation…

 

It all started when reading about the recent IROC reunion at Laguna seca this August, when Tony Drissi won the 10 lap Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s race. As I’ll admit, I’d totally forgotten about Messer Drissi, whom presumably I knew about a quarter of a century ago…

 

Although funnily, Ye ‘Ol memory machine Ain’t quite as sharp as I like to think it is! Since I knew Drissi raced in Trans Am, but incorrectly associated Him with the Tommy Bahamas Qvale Mangusta Trans Am racecar. Which Brian Simo drove to the 2000 title for Huffaker Racing.

 

I especially delight over Drissi’s Bio’ noting that although He began racing vintage cars in the early 1990’s. His driving style was to aggressive for the spritely machinery! Making His professional racing debut in the 1999 SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am Championship. Where He won the Rookie Of the Year driving a Ford Mustang Cobra.

 

For 2000, Drissi apparently joined forces with Claudio Burtin and their newly formed racing team. Acquiring Paul Gentilozzi’s Rocketsports Racing’s 1999 championship winning Ford Mustang Cobra’s. As Rocketsports had switched to the soon to be Uber’ menacing Jaguar XKR. Winning five straight championships between 2001 to the series demise at the end of 2005.

 

Although keep in mind, all of this era’s racecars were Silhouette body’s over tube frame chassis. And it appears that the Rocketsports Jaguar XKR’s were simply updated Ford Mustang chassis with the requisite Jaguar body…

 

Drissi appropriately won His maiden Trans Am race at His Home venue, i.e.; Long Beach, winning the 2000 race in controversial style. Initially being declared the winner of the 35 lap race, before the Chief Steward took the win away and gave it to Johnny Miller, when reverting back to lap 34’s standings.

 

Yet a protest was filed by another competitor, and the results were overturned. As Miller had won after the One Hour maximum time allotment had expired! And Hence the win reverted back to Drissi.

 

It would be Drissi’s lone W’ of the season, finishing sixth overall.

 

In 2015, in a “One-off” Trans Am race at Mid-Ohio. Drissi would be suspended from Trans Am competition for one year, due to multiple incidents on-track, including colliding with points leader Amy Ruman.

 

Hang on a moment, as Y’all may be saying what does this have to do with Mark Donohue, Eh?

 

Well it was none other than Paul Meathedz’ Gentilozzi who broke Donohue’s leading Trans Am career wins mark at Toronto in 2005, scoring the 30th of His eventual 31 Trans Am victories. As Donohue’s record stood for an amazing 33 years.

 

Gentilozzi made His Trans Am debut upon His Home turf at Detroit in 1987. Then scoring His first Trans Am victory on the Streets of Long Beach the following year.

 

And in further irony, Drissi would claim the 2009 Trans Am Championship driving for RSR Racing, i.e.; Paul Gentilozzi’s renamed Rocketsports Pacing team in one of His Jaguar XKR’s. With Drissi claiming a further win at Portland enroute to the title. that season.

 

Although I’ve never been a fan of Gentilozzi’s, and His disgusting behaviour towards Ryan Hunter-Reay didn’t help!

 

The Seedier Side of Racing

 

Which ultimately, RHR’, The Dude! Ergo Ryan Hunter-Reay successfully won His 12 year lawsuit a further two plus months later, in May 2017…

 

Sniffing round the All knowing Intrawoods’, I came across the news that Chris Dyson has just tied Donohue’s record for second most Trans Am wins, when capturing His 29th victory at Virginia International Raceway. (VIR) Driving from last place to first!

 

And I’d like to think that its only a matter of time until Dyson surpasses Gentilozzi’s career wins record…

 

Ironically, Tony Drissi once again was causing controversy at Virginia. Having initially been classified third, before receiving a post race penalty for Avoidable Contact with Yuhs guessed it, Amy Ruman in Her Corvette!

 

As what is it that Drissi has against Ruman, Eh?

 

Thus Drissi was demoted to fourth, with Adam Adretti claiming third.

 

Yes, Adam Andretti is the son of Aldo Andretti, and younger brother of John Andretti. And has been racing in the Trans Am series since 2014.

 

Meanwhile, its another former NASCAR driver named Paul Menard who Dyson made that bold pass upon race leader and pole sitter (Menard) to claim His 29th Trans Am victory.

 

As Menard held a 46-point lead over Adam Andretti following Virginia, with two races remaining. Appropriately ending at the Circuit Of The Americas over Halloween weekend… 

Tres Racecars at Penske Racing Museum

 

Tomaso poses in front of three iconic Penske Racing Cars. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

This photo was taken many years ago during one of my annual visits to the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale, AZ. It features the iconic Yellow Submarine made famous by Rick Mears, who won the  1984 Indianapolis 500 aboard it. Mark Donohue’s 1974 Penske PC1 Formula 1 chassis, sponsored by First City National Bank. And Mario Andretti’s IROC VI Championship winning Camaro, Sweet!

 

Not sure why I’ve kept this old Autoweek article’s link upon Ye Gory Confuzer forever? But without Mark Donohue, there would be no Team Penske! And it’s a good look back at Penske Racin and Donohue’s beginnings…

 

In Search of Team Penske Racing legend Mark Donohue

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel

PRM: Bad Arse’ IROC Camaro

1979 Mario Andretti IROC Camaro. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Guessing many forget that Mario Andretti once drove for El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske. Including wielding this Bad Arse IROC Camaro when capturing the 1978-79 IROC VI championship!

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel 

PRM: Bad Arse’ IROC Camaro, Take 2

1979 Mario Andretti IROC Camaro, Side view. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Is this the car that Roger Penske Jr drove at the recent Historic IROC Class reunion this August during the Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca?

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel 

RETRO: Seven Generations of IROC Racecars invade Monterey

In what must have truly been an Amazing sight to Behold! Wit no seven wonders Jokes here…

 

This August, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s massive “roll Call” of evocative racing machinery featured the once, highly popular International Race Of Champions (IROC) Class. With the series competing between 1973 to 2006.

 

Although 26 entries were listed, it appears that only 24 cars actually competed. With Dario REO Speedwagon Franchitti strangely being listed as the driver of two entries, Huh? With the latter 1977 IROC Camaro, and Carlos de Quesada’s 1974 Porsche 911 both having “goose-egg’s”, Err 0 laps completed for the 10 lap event.

 

This staggering field of IROC History was represented by 11 IROC Pontiac Firebirds ranging from years 1996 to 2006.

 

A further 8 Chevrolet Camaros from 1975-85 were joined by 4  Dodge Avengers. (1984-95) A solitary Dodge Daytona (1990) and two 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR’s.

 

Although I’m Arse-suming the year noted for vehicles above represents their corresponding year of IROC Championship. Since the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR’s were from 1973…

 

Although I subsequently learned that the first seven series were bi-annual events, before switching to single year format in 1984.

 

Ray Evernham who worked as a mechanic during the IROC era, noted this was the first time ever that all seven generations of IROC racecars were present at once. Beginning with the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR during the inaugural 1973-74 season. Colloquially known as IROC I.

 

This was followed by production based Chevrolet Camaros fitted with rollbars and other enhancement the next two seasons, ending in 1976.   

 

Next, the series turned to tube frame “Silhouette” Camaros built by the legendary Banjo Mathews between 1977-78. Culminating in 1980, with the conclusion of IROC VII.

 

The series returned in 1984 with the arrival of the new Camaro IROC Z, which body style competed for five years, before the introduction of the Dodge Daytona body style in 1990

 

For 1994, IROC introduced the Dodge Avenger Body, which raced for two years before the arrival of the Pontiac Firebird, which raced until the series demise at the end of 2006.

 

Seven Generations of IROC racing at Monterey

 

As these IROC racecars have staggering Driver history behind them! Ranging from Formula 1, IndyCar, Sports Cars and NASCAR, which I recall tuning out of this racing series when it became NASCAR centric during the end of its lifetime. Better known as the RASSCAR’ Invitational! Losing interest after ‘Ol Ironhead’ v ‘lil al, ergo Dale Earnhart vs. Al Unser Jr era.

 

Yet just one example of some of these racecars provenance is Zak Brown’s pristine 1977 Banjo Mathews “GEN-3” (third generation) Camaro. Having been raced by NASCAR Champions Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip. Along with Actors Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Gene Hackman and James Brolin all having driven it during a Media Day at Sonoma.

 

Ran across the following ten-plus minute video of Marshall Pruett doing a “Grid Walk” with Ray Evernham perusing the various entries for this year’s Historic IROC Class at Laguna Seca…

 

VIDEO: Star Studded IROC field Steals the Show at Monterey Motorsports Reunion

 

Especially loved the “Bit” Evernham recants about Niki “The Rat” Lauda getting the call from Uncle Bernaughty’, nee Bernard Charles Ecclestone to not compete in the IROC event He was entered in.

 

Yet being contractually obligated to compete. Lauda went ahead and burnt His car’s clutch to the ground, and Presto Chango,  problem solved!

 

As this year’s Historics race had a bevy of Stars participating. With six NASCAR Drivers competing, i.e.; Mark Martin, Bill Elliot, Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte and Ken Schroeder.

 

IndyCar was represented by the aforementioned Dario Franchitti, Scott Pruett and Danny Sullivan. Although Pruett’s more widely known for His Sports car prowess. Along with Bad Arse Patrick Long also representing Sports Cars.

 

McLaren CEO Zak Brown, Scott Borchetta and Roger Penske Jr headed the “Celebrity” roll call, with other “gentlemen” drivers making up the field.

 

As Brown and William “Chip” connor II traveled farthest from Across thoust Gory Puddle, i.e.; Bloody England.

 

For the initial season of IROC I, 1973-74, 15 identical Porsche 911 RSR’s were ordered from Weissach in a rainbow of colours.

 

As Connor’s 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR in Mexican Blue has a great pedigree. Having been raced in IROC I by 1967 F1 World champion Denny Hulme, “The Silver Fox”, aka Three-times NASCAR Champion David Pearson; second All-time NASCAR career wins with 105. And USAC Champ Car driver Roger McCluxkey.

 

On an interesting sidenote. Originally ‘Ol superTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr had declined to participate in IROC I due to it being contested only on road courses.

 

Yet Foyt ultimately competed as the Wee Scot’, aka Jackie Stewart’s replacement. After Sir Jackie had immediately retired from racing following the death of Tyrrell F1 teammate Francois Cevert at Watkins Glen.

 

Kurt Busch claimed the fastest lap of 1:35.112 aboard a ’03 Pontiac Firebird on the race’s final lap. While two other drivers behind the keyboards of 2006 Pontiac Firebirds finished ahead of Busch.

 

Dario Franchitti finished second, while a relatively forgotten name won. As Tony Drissi, a longtime Trans Am driver from the early Ought’s stood atop the podium.

 

Drissi, who runs a Hollywood Advertising Agency, was the 1999 Trans Am rookie Of the Year, and the 2009 Trans Am Champion. Who currently competes in the SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am series, a quarter century later…

 

Jeff Gordon was fourth, while impressively, Scott Borchetta was fifth. Patrick Long was sixth, followed by Danny Sullivan and Bobby Labonte. With the Top-10 rounded out by the unknown Ross Merrill and David Roberts.

 

Scott Pruett (P11) led Zak Brown in 12th. With Bill Elliott P14, Mark Martin one spot behind and Kenny Schroeder P19.

 

Interestingly, it appears that only 23 cars participated, since 2009 F1 World Champion Bloody Jense’, aka Jenson Button was listed with 0 laps completed. While I just wish I could find a video of this race… 

RETRO: An Obscure look back upon the International Race Of Champions

Which once, truly featured a host of International Drivers…

 

Ran across an article in Car & Driver Magazine via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone service. As try saying that fast five time, Undelay!

 

The article was by CD’s Elana Scherr, and begins with Her querying Pretty boy Floyd’, aka Jeff Gordon, who’d just finished fourth in that year’s Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s IROC class, about who were the best drivers in the world? With Gordon replying “That Argument will never be Solved”. As rightfully, how can one compare thee Pinnacle ‘O Motorsports, nee Formula 1 vs. NASCAR? Whilst IndyCar as typical, is overlooked…

 

Hmm, how come nobody ever mentions how RASSCAR is imitating CART? Going for the diversity of multiple racing venues, i.e.; Short Tracks, Super Speedways, Road Courses and Gasp, Street Circuits, Just Sayin’

 

How IROC tried to find the Best Drivers in the World

 

Since until stumbling upon this August 31st article, I was totally unaware that the just concluded Monterey Motorsports Reunion had featured a staggering 24 car IROC field.

 

The International Race Of Champions (IROC) was created by Les Richter, whom was the longtime manager of Riverside International Raceway. Worked for NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. (ISC) Along with playing in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams, wearing the number 48. Plus El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske and Mike Phelps. With the format of drivers from around the world, and different racing disciplines competing aboard identically prepared racecars.

 

The first year’s champion was appropriately Mark Donohue, who’s “Day Job” was driving for Penske. With IROC I commencing on October 27, 1973 in California. Which hosted the first three rounds over the weekend of October 27-28.

 

Donohue led Peter Revson, (F1) Bobby Unser, David Pearson, George Follmer, A.J. Foyt, Emerson Fittipaldi, (F1) Denny Hulme, (F1) Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, Gordon Johncock and Roger McCluskey in the standings.

 

“Captain Nice”, (Donohue) won the inaugural title based on prize money won over the four races. Three held at Riverside International Raceway. With the finale held on Valentines Day upon the Daytona International Speedway’s infield road course.

 

Donohue won $54,000 in the only year that IROC was contested solely on road courses. Along with the solitary season that Porsche 911 Carrera RSR’s were used. With a total of three drivers representing Formula 1, including two World Champions.

 

Year two, 1974-75 saw for F1 drivers competing, i.e.; Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson, Graham Hill and Jody Scheckter.

 

As a total of seven eventual F1 World Champions would participated over the first seven years thru 1980. With the aforementioned Fittipaldi, Hulme, Hill and Scheckter. Being joined by James Hunt, Mario Andretti and Alan Jones.

 

After a three year hiatus, IROC VIII began its running of a single year format in 1984. Beginning on June 16th at Michigan International Speedway. (MIS) Followed By Burke Lakefront Airport, (July 7th) Talladega Super Speedway. (July 28th) And then returned to MIS (Michigan) for the finale on August 11th.

 

As all four rounds served as “Undercard”, i.e.; support races held on Saturday. Preceding their respective racing series, i.e.; NASCAR and IndyCar. And were televised on CBS, before shifting to ABC/ESPN in 1987 for the remainder of competition.

 

Yet the tide had shifted in 1984. Being the first time the series hosted zero Formula 1 drivers. With Derek Bell and Jacky Ickx both representing World Sports Prototype Championship. Whilst EMMO’ (Fittipaldi) had become a CART/PPG IndyCar World Series driver instead.

 

As the field was comprised of five NASCAR Winston Cup drivers and five CART/IndyCar drivers, plus the two aforementioned Sports Car drivers for that year’s field of twelve participants. With NASCAR’s Cale Yarborough winning the Championship.

 

And although it lacked any Foreign drivers, the 1989 running of IROC XIII was certainly a Who’s Who of drivers! Featuring ‘Ol superTex’, nee A.J. Foyt and The King, aka Richard Petty leading the way. With Petty being joined by fellow Roundy round’ drivers ‘Ol Ironhead, thee Intimidator, (Dale Earnhardt) eventual IROC XIII Champion Terry Labonte, rusty Wallace and “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville”. (Elliot)

 

Foyt led the IndyCar ranks, joined by Rick Mears, (  ‘lil al (Unser Jr and ‘Ol Hollywood, aka Danny Sullivan.

 

Scott Pruet represented IMSA Camel GTO. Whilst Hurley Haywood from SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am and Geoff Brabham from IMSA Camel GTP rounded out the Tintops’ ranks.

 

As I’ll confess that I only perused the first 16 running’s of IROC for my compilation of Foreign drivers, most notably curious about Formula 1 participants. Which as of the 1992 IROC XVI, I believe that Martin BillyBob’ Brundle was the last Foreign competitor, also the last Formula 1 driver to contest what once was truly International…

 

I believe that Folklore claims it was ‘Ol Ironhead’, aka thee Intimidator’, ergo Dale Earnhardt whom gave Brundle the moniker of Billybob’ after Brundle won at Burke Lakefront Airport? Although I don’t know the exact christening of His nickname, since perhaps it came upon Brundle’s first IROC Oval experience at Talladega Super Speedway?

 

As Brundle finished third overall in 1990, behind only Earnhardt and Vice Champion ‘lil Al’, aka Al Unser Jr. Whilst I believe that only Brundle and EMMO’, nee Emerson Fittipaldi were the only two Foreign drivers to win a round of IROC. With Fittipaldi winning the second round of IROC II at Riverside on October 26, 1974.

 

Guessing I last watched IROC during the mid to late 1980’s, before it became totally RASSCAR’ Centric! For which the series rightly garnered criticism for, especially the last ten years of competition! With the final IROC championship featuring seven NASCAR drivers…

 

Mark Martin won a series leading five titles, including a Hat trick between 196-98. With Dale Earnhardt winning three times, while Al Unser Jr, and A.J. Foyt won twice. With Unser Jr being the last no NASCAR IROC Champion in 1988.

 

The Unser’s, ergo Big Al and son ‘lil Al appear to be the only Father-Son duo who raced together between 1986-91. Along with being the first of two Father-Son duo’s to win IROC Championships. The other being Bobby and Davey Allison.

 

Whilst Terry and Bobby Labonte appear to be the only brothers to win the Championship, which spans from 1973-74 to 2006.

 

As you could argue that the short lived Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series between 2021-23 tried to rekindle the majic of IROC. While I suppose its only logical that Ray Evernham heads today’s Historics IROC series, which hopes to race a few times each year… 

Fright Nite' Returns

    

    

Where did All the Goblins ‘n Ghouls go? (The Tomaso Collection)

 

 

Ah, where’s good 'Ol Vincent Price when Yuhs needs him, since after all, It's just A Thriller Ha-Ha-Ha-Hah…

 

“The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grizzly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom
And though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere mortal can resist
The evil of the thriller”

 

VIDEO: Thriller

 

As it’s back like a Bad rash, or a Zombie on Elm Street…

 

I was working on the “Confuzer” late Monday night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
From my monitor a scary picture began to show

And suddenly to my surprise

A Zombie-like Kurt Busch apparition Onscreen began to singHe did the mash
He did the RASSCAR mash
The RASSCAR mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the RASSCAR mash

From my humble apartment’s abode

To the room’s cathode ray glow

And amongst the Nabors dwellings

Where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came out from their alcoves

Chanting “Jimmy! Jimmy! Jimmy!”

Hoping to snatch a peak

Of some Roundy-round racin’

Flickering on my TV

(Thru the patio’s window)

 

They did the mash
They did the RASSCAR mash
The RASSCAR mash
It was a graveyard smash
They did the mash
It caught on in a flash
They did the mash
They did the RASSCAR mash

And although The “Junior Nation” zombies were in foul Despair

Over 'lil E's Shrewd 'N wise move

To rest his Aching Head

 

Nonetheless, 'lil Ironhead invited the likes 'O

Kenny Wallace, Larry MacReynolds, Mr. Goodbar, Kyle Petty  

And other assorted friends to join in

Upon this little party

 

As the building was rockin', everyone having to put up with the blare
of the next door neighbor’s surround sound TV wailing a pitiful noise

That sounded like Rusty Wallace scratchin’ a chalkboard

While a pair ‘O Beagle’s howled in misery

 

As Dusk turned to Night

And the little Coffin-Bangers were soon to arrive
With their candy bags and dressed up

While BOOGITY-BOOGITY-BOOGITY! ‘Ol DW', Kevin Harvick, Smoke and Rowdy Holmes All Bobbed for Crabapples

 

Thoust Television’s kept blarin' out that Monster RASSCAR Mash

They did The Mash
The RASSCAR mash
The RASSCAR mash
It was a graveyard smash
As the TV blared the mash
It caught on in a flash
As it played the mash
It continued to play the RASSCAR mash

Out from my room, my voice crackled loudly

As once again I was disgusted

Yelling loudly and shaking my fists
I screamed, How long do we have to listen to this?

As the drone of ‘lil Trick ‘N Treaters knocked on the door

As the next door TV still blared the mash
Except It's now more commonly known

As the RASSCAR mash
The RASSCAR mash

 

But it's almost over

That Monster Y’all know

As Duh Chase, Get Up!

 

VIDEO: The Monster Mash

 

Or if Y’all are in the mood to check out some original, unique Ghoulish music, visit the link below…

 

Dave Allen’s Halloween Album

 

Original lyrics

Thriller Single, 1984

Title track From the album Thriller (Nov, 1982

Performed by: Michael Jackson - featuring Vincent Price

(Written by: Rod Temperton)

 

Monster Mash, 1962

Performed by: Boris Picket and the Crypt Kickers'

(Written by Bobby (Boris) Picket and Lenny Capizzi)