Fandom Killing, iHeart style

Can you Hear me now iHeart Radio!

 

Every fall, when motor racing’s primarily over and I’m looking for other sporting events for “entertainment’s” value. I get sucked into the never ending, nauseating iHeart Radio vortex, which instantly leaves me fuming!

 

Believe it was a year ago when I painfully tried tuning into a Sounders FC playoffs match. Pulling up the requisite radio channel on Ye Intrawoods’, (internet) only to be told repeatedly. Thanks for tuning in but you’re not allowed to listen to Play by Play radio. Check the iHeart Radio App if you feel you’ve reached this in error, WTF?

 

As I’d run into this same Buzz Joy Killer one year earlier when foolishly trying to listen to a Seahawks playoff game, Sigh! Why are you precluding me from listening, you Bastardoes!

 

Now here’s the rub. Even though I got the first match’s start time wrong. Tuning in at 7PM Pacific, for the start of the second Half. Game

1 of the Sounders FC vs. Minnesota Loons came piping in crystal clear with decent sound via Seattle’s KJR Radio 950AM. Which unfortunately Seattle lost 3-2 in PK’s, ergo Penalty Kick Shootout at Allianz Stadium.

 

Hmm, I still remember visiting the local Allianz insurance office in Traben-Trarbach, when visiting  Germany in 2002. When they sponsored the Williams BMW Formula 1 team. Having noticed a poster in the window. The man in the office was quite confused over why we Americans would want a poster or were so excited about it? Before He ended up giving us three Allianz F1 posters; two of Ralf Schumacher, and one of Juan Pablo Montoya. As the blue and white Team Willy’ Cars were quite Sharp lookin’, but I digress…

 

So I waited a week for the second match of the first round between Seattle and Minnesota at Lumen Field. And naturally was Cornfuzed’ and ultimately Peeved over the Intrawoods’ telling me that I couldn’t listen to the Play by Play in my area on the iHeart mobile App. But I’m trying to listen to the game on my Desktop Confuzer you stupid iHeart Radio!

 

This was after I’d tuned in to KJR 950AM and listened to what seemed like five Freakin’ minutes of commercials before returning to some College football weekly review program or some other El Stupidio Stick ‘n Ball sports show nonsense. Before the Sounders FC pregame banter should have begun.

 

Strangely, the game was being aired on (Fox Sports) FS1, so I turned it on and listened to two very annoying sounding voices for the end of the pregame prattle. Hoping they’d be replaced by somebody else to no avail.

 

After Seattle scored first to go ahead One-Nil in the eighth minute  and I’d gotten tired of the announcers. I stupidly spent some twenty-plus minutes searching the Internets’ for another way to listen to the Sounders FC radio announcers instead. With the annoying you still cannot listen to this loop announcement telling me to visit the iHeart Help webpage which I did.

 

But every way I tried searching for

Info kept coming up with the same answer. About why I couldn’t listen Advertisement Free to the program. But I’m not trying to do that you Bloody Wankers!

 

So I tried going to Tune in Radio instead, but got the same you cannot listen to our program loop announcement. As Gory Hell! I’m in Freaking BumFiddle’ Oregon! So why are you blocking me from listening to a sporting event being played in Warshington’, Buggers!

 

Thus, when I resigned myself to “watching”, Err listening to the match back on FS1. I tuned back in as Minnesota scored a second, sloppy goal to tighten the score to 3-2 at the end of the first half! Before Seattle sealed the Dealio’ with a late, fourth goal to win 4-2 and extend the series Game 3 at Minnesota.

 

Naturally, being at the frozen tundra of Allianz Stadium in Minny HaHa! I was able to once again listen to the majority of the pregame banter on Seattle’s KJR 950AM, via Zed Intrawoods’. Before listening to the entire, Whale’, almost entire match on my Confuzer, Riddle me that!

 

The game started off brilliantly, with Seattle stunning Minnesota Two-Nil inside the first 10 minutes! Before the Sounders let down on a Free-kick for the score to be 2-1 at Halftime. Although one of the Loons players received a Red card for a Head-bunt, meaning Minnesota would be a man down the rest of the match.

 

Yet inexplicably, Seattle let Minnesota score two unanswered goals, after Danny Musovski? Or somebody else had planked another shot off of the Loons “12^th Man”, the Crossbar!

 

Yet after late game substitutions, Seattle scored again to knot the match at 3-3 in the game’s 88th minute. To which I immediately said to my speakers, its gonna go to PK’s…

 

Interestingly, Seattle subbed in back-up Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas, as part of those late substitutions. As Thomas is 12 years younger then No. 1 Keeper’ Stefan Frei.

 

And as one of the radio announcers marveled. You cannot make this stuff up! Since after Thomas had lunged the correct direction when the Loons first penalty kick missed wide right. Thomas somehow injured His hand! With speculation suggesting a dislocated finger?

 

As Seattle’s trainers instantly taped up His injured Hand. Yet during this lull, and the Sounders FC Albert Rusnak making Seattle’s first PK. The pregame announcer broke in to alert us, that if PK’s went more than ten minutes, we’d need to “seamlessly” switch over to the Sounders FC Streaming Channel, Say What?

 

Next, Jordan Morris hit the Crossbar, Seattle’s third time  in the two Penalty Kicks Shootout (to that point) that the Rave Green’s shots had errantly hit the crossbar, Shite!

 

And right after the Sounders third shot calmly into the back of the net, much to Minnesota Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair’s chagrin. The speakers said 15 seconds until Kraken. Going directly into the Seattle Kraken’s pregame show Motha Fokkers

 

As I just laughed in outrage, and shook my head as I got up dejectedly from my Confuzer! Before sitting back down again after cancelling the Kraken Blather. And then tried briefly to find said streaming channel before giving up, without knowing the outcome of the match, Unbelievable!

 

So I guess I’m not shocked over the Kraken knocking the sounders off the air. But what I don’t understand, is why would you purposely keep Fans living in another state from listening to games being played in Seattle?

 

Its not like I was asking to listen commercial free you dolts! But I just cannot figure out why you’d want to prevent Fans from listening to a broadcast? Making me somewhat hope that Seattle lost and I wouldn’t have to endure any more of this Bullshit! Not finding out the results for another four hours…

 

Oh yeah, when I tried going directly to iHeart radio’s website. My screen reader “Zoey the Princess Warrior read out  grid with one column and 15 rows. But naturally they were all graphics Jackarses! Meaning once again, my screen reader couldn’t read me anything…

 

Could we please knock this Shit off of being lazy and using graphics which are not screen reader friendly for those of us without vision! Being just one more reason I Hate iHeart Radio!

 

Knock this Shit Off you Website Developers!

 

Can you Hear me RACER! 

The Tomaso Files: Mariners bring Hope. Give Joy, and then Despair

Do we have to go Home? As Hang 10’ Hilo eagerly anticipates another Mariners Baseball game. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As the Mariners leave Seattle Hanging again, after another errant Slider…

 

Hey, I saw a flock of Blue Jays

Looking for the Stadium near Sodo’

From my Amtrak train’s window

 

Hilo’s paws aren’t Hairy

Wrapped in a Blanket for the cold

He’d like to meet My Tailor

And only wants the Beef from my bowl of Chow Mein

And Not the Noodles

 

Toronto got Mutilated Monday night

At Rodgers Stadium

Better stay away from Team Mobile Park

Ah Whoo, Mariners on the Rampage!

 

Dave Neihaus’s statue is perfect

Although He’s sporting a Mustache now

Saying My, Oh, My!

Time to get out the Rye Bread ‘n Mustard Grandma

Ah Whoo, Mariners on the Rampage!

 

But Jack Nicholson’s in LaLa land

Watching the Dodgers

(On their way to the World Series)

And the Trader Vic’s closed for the night

So no Pina Coladas

 

Just me, Hang 10’ Hilo

Eatin’ T-Bone Steaks

While the Mariners are on the Rampage!

 

Ah Whoo, Mariners on the Rampage!

Ah Whoo, Mariners on the Rampage!

 

So, ever wondered what your Haggard, but Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso does in the midst ‘O winter when Thars’ no Gory IndyCar?

 

Yep, you guessed it! I come up with other wacky, zany ways to stay entertained during the six months Hibernation…

 

Having Oh, so cleverly come up with that witty Mariners Ditty, Chuh-ching! After the Mariners had rocketed ahead of those pesky Blue Jays 2-0. But we All know how that turned out, BOOH!

 

I’m not a Baseball Fan and had even gone so far as taking the Mariners section off of my NFB Newsline for The Blind’s news feed. Since every year, the Mariners start off Hot, get everyone talking about playoffs and then Thud!

 

Yet this year was different, and thus, I sat down and “watched”, Err listened to my first baseball game in forever! Naturally picking Game 1 of the Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers, which they lost 3-2 in 11 innings, Stee-rike!

 

Thus I only paid cursory attention to the next few games, until it was Game 5 in Seattle.

 

In years past, I wouldn’t have bothered at all. But instead, picking a Doozy! I sat thru the entire game which took five hours to complete. Lasting until the 15th inning when gloriously, Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single. With the Mariners victorious 3-2, advancing to the American League Championship series (ALCS) for the first times since 2001!

 

What I enjoyed most about that game was the Mariners “Unsung” Heroes pitching in. Most notably Leo Rivas, celebrating His 28th birthday no less! Hitting a single (RBI) in the seventh inning to tie the score 2-2.

 

Not to mention Seattle’s pitchers coming out of the Bullpen. Not having done so since College or earlier…

 

As I really enjoyed The Seattle Times article upon the late “voice” of the Mariners Dave Niehaus’s daughter Greta sitting with Her immortalized Pops’ at the end of Game 5. Which I feel sums up Mariners baseball perfectly.

 

Dave Niehaus statue helped His Daughter get thru Mariners Game 5 Win

 

Totally missed Game 1 of the Best of Seven vs. Toronto, before tuning in late to Game 2 to hear the announcer saying Seattle leads 2-0 before joining our normally scheduled program already in progress…

 

Then I forgot about Game 3, presumably distracted scribblin’ that Ditty before departing to Warshington’. Then wondering somewhere round Olympia-Lacey, how the Mariners playing at T-Mobil Park would impact my arrival via Amtrak to Tacoma that evening during Game 4.

 

Although the train was sufficiently late enough that the only problema was Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen trying to find parking at the station. Having to park some four-plus blocks away due to everyone taking the “Sounder” train to the Ballpark…

 

Not learning until the next day that the series was tied-up 2-2, Yikes! Before later that evening, learning that Game 5 was now tied 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning.

 

As we tuned-in at the perfect time, after I marveled over how old Rick Riz now sounded on the radio. Justin-time to hear Riz pull an Oldie but Goodie out of His vast repartee.

 

Exclaiming Get out the rye bread and  Mustard Grandma, it’s Grand Salami time! As Eugenio Suarez hit a Grand Slam to put the Mariners ahead 6-2, which would be the game’s final score. With Riz giving credit to the Grand Salami call being from Dave Niehaus, which He’d made famous.

 

Having heard Niehaus call it many times on the radio. most notably during the 1995 playoffs vs. those dreaded New York Yankees! Becoming Folklore in Seattle when Edgar Martinez hit that Grand Salami on October 27, 1995, also in the eighth inning…

 

Dave Niehaus calls Edgar Martinez’s Grand Slam in 1995 ALDS Game 4

 

Yet it wasn’t meant to be. As we tried tuning into Game 7, but the local radio had Steve “Holy Catfish” Raible calling the Seahawks instead. As the Mariners were pre-empted by the Hawks playing a Monday Night football game, Swell!

 

Checking the score, the Mariners were leading 3-1 in the top of the seventh inning in Toronto, so it was looking good. Before we discovered the next morning that the Blue Jays had scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh and prevailed 4-3 to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, Sayonara!

 

Alas, although the Mariners advanced the furthest in team history. Playing in their first ALCS in 24 years. They’ve still never managed to play in the World Seirs, My Oh My!

 

Apologies to Warren Zevon, who’s probably rolling over now over my butchering of Werewolves in London! Or perhaps He’s simply Howling in despair, AhWhoo! 

No Express Service today, all Aboard!

Casey Jones, Thars’ No Engine today, so you don’t have to watch your Speed…

 

“Over the Hills, thru the Woods to Grandma’s House”. Uhm, Watch Out, Grandma’s behind the Wheel! And no Reindeer were Hurt in the making of this song…

 

VIDEO: Grandma’s at the Wheel

 

Oopsadaisy! Thought I’d serranid Yuhs with a soothing travel story, since many of you will be on the road somewhere soon.

 

As always, my Amtrak train trips are never Dull! And always feature something brand new. Ultimately ending up taking the Coast Starlight Seattle to Emeryville, CA. Which I overheard is across the bay from San Francisco both directions, which I hadn’t intended doing.

 

Shockingly, the northbound train was running 20mins early, as the super friendly station agent Greg said yeah, we’d better buy a lottery ticket, Hya! Along with telling me that they’d torn up the platform six weeks ago and now it was simply a mess! And they’d take me by “Shuttle” (Golf Cart) instead.

 

Since it’s the Democrats fault that the Sky’s falling, Oh Never Mind!

 

And I don’t know why I’m so surprised, but I’m always amazed over how many of the Amtrak workers between the Eugene and Tacoma stations readily recognize me. As both Greg and then later that night in Tacoma, where Gary escorted me into the station said they “Knew” me…

 

As perhaps there’s very few Blind people who travel alone?

 

Yet our train managed to fall further ‘n further behind. Ultimately pulling onto siding’s three times for freight traffic, and ultimately being some 90-plus minutes late…

 

But the most bizarre part occurred just north after departing the Kelso-Longview station. As Amtrak had decided we could pick up a “runaway, loose” single rail car, say what? Meaning we had to pull over, back-up and then slam into the awaiting rail car to connect it to our train, whump, whump!

 

As the assistant conductor tried making light of this by telling our car it wasn’t an earthquake! Just coupling cars, Wham, Wham!

 

All of which made a silly smirk come to Mwah while thinking of how this rail car sitting on the tracks was getting punted further back. Push ‘em Back, Way Back, Hya!

 

Next, the power had to be turned off for 10-plus minutes, as it started getting quite warm in our car. And they had to stop serving dinner in the Dining Car and close the Café due to the temporary power outage. Arse-sumedly when hooking up the loose rail car and connecting the hydraulics, etc. For a fully functioning extra rail car.

 

This turned into an approximately 40-45mins affair. Which caused me to first begin humming the intro theme to the Deliverance song. And then crack up when the Conductor announced that wasn’t as bad as He’d expected, and gone faster then planned…

 

Yet going home was even more taxing for Mwah! Even though Amtrak had emailed me, I only get email at home. With their email informing me of equipment “Unavailability”.

 

Whilst even if I had turned on my mobile the day prior. After being greeted by the sound of a train’s horn honking, Choo-Choo! The Amtrak message simply said message for customer number and changes to No. 503 click!

 

So, after awaking around 4:50AM and departing at 5:30AM to catch the 6:20AM Ferry and walking into the Tacoma Train Station around 7:15AM.

 

Naturally you can imagine our surprise when being told the Cascades Express No. 503 had been cancelled, but I’d been switched to a Bus instead.

 

But I didn’t want to play Russian Roulette over needing to use the Loo’ on a moving Bus multiple times, which is at least a six hours drive; more likely longer due to being on the Highway.

 

While the Grizzled Station Agent was quite gruff about this. Snorting the Driver couldn’t assist me, No Shit Sherlock – Pun intended! As I hadn’t been able to take my normal morning’s constitutional yet…

 

And being Blind, have I mentioned that lately Y’all? Imagine trying to figure out when to get up on a moving Bus (or Airplane) and shimmy down the narrow aisle to an unoccupied bathroom, Stee-rike!

 

Using the station’s bathroom to no avail, before returning to our grumpy agent. I reluctantly chose to take the next train, meaning I’d miss my one Shuttlebus ride home that afternoon. Opting for the 10:43AM Coast Starlight No. 11, arriving at Eugene at 5:08PM and then taking a Taxicab home instead.

 

As I’d say my “insides” were most Cornfuzed, since I finally tried to “Squeeze Out One more Shit!” Just after 3PM in the train’s supposed ADA Accessible bathroom.

 

After doddling my way to the loo’ I was immediately struck with the thoughts of how would a Disabled person in a wheelchair ever be able to use this restroom?

 

As the garbage bin took up half the width of the enlarged bathroom. Being placed smack dab in the center of the room!

 

And when I sat down upon the throne, my left knee was wedged up against where the empty toilet paper roll was located, with the sink directly in front of it.

 

As ever tried taking a crap upon a moving train? Then afterwards, I searched vainly for the flusher mechanism to no avail! Having found three slotted vents, grab bars etc. but no Damn flusher! Before simply closing the lid and making my way back to my seat.

 

VIDEO: I Can’t Pooh in Strange Places

 

Although it had been open our entire trip, somebody had decided to close the sliding, automated door, which I ran into with my cane! And I’ve still never been able to find the button to push to open the door upon my own. Before a kind, female passenger pushed it for me…

 

While I can tell you I didn’t get my money’s worth when trying to Pooh upon the train, Hya!

 

Naturally, after I’d just added an extra 10mins to my estimated arrival time for my Taxi pickup. Our train came to a complete stop and I swear the Conductor said the following. They had to have one person walk across the bridge’s track to make sure it was ok for us to cross. It should only take a few extra minutes and they were sorry for the Inconvenience…

 

Then things got even crazier as the train went Creep, Creep Halt. Creep-Creep, Halt! The voisterous trio at the front of my car started singing the theme song to Gilligan’s Island; A Three Hour Cruise…

 

Knock that Shit Off! I’m trying to catch a Cab in Eugene! With the time just pouring by in my head as we crept ever so slowly along, Shite!

 

As I was standing in the aisleway before we’d come to a complete stop in Eugene. Yet surprisingly, a Station Agent or some Amtrak worker recognized me and helped me off the train first, taking an extra long, deep first step out into the windy, gusty sideways rain!

 

With a second Amtrak worker escorting me into an awaiting Golf cart, before the Man in my car who’d at one point talked about a women’s voluptuous Boobs to some other women in our car! Joined me in the Golf Cart, before we collected our luggage.

 

And then He drove us to were the Cab would arrive at, but nobody’s there. Before He escorted me inside the station to the seat right next to the door; All before my talking keychain clock said 5:28PM. With my taxi slated to arrive at 5:40PM, Whew!

 

Then a very nice woman, who I think was just another passenger? Said your Cab’s here and opened the door for me and guided me outside, without my asking. Before the super friendly, polite female cab driver Adrian said Hello, and off we went.

 

Although I sat in front of the Prius hybrid taxi and talked Her hears off the entire hour’s plus 60 miles ride home, arriving at my front door by 7PM.

 

As no taking me away after climbing in the back Lucy, that Girl with Kaleidoscope eyes, Hya! 

Hey Santa, All I want is A Yellowbird

Although I think that Bird’s long Done Flowin the Coup!

 

“White bird

In a Golden Cage,

On a Winter’s day

In the Rain, alone.

 

White Bird must Fly

Or She will Die!”

 

VIDEO: White bird

 

Hey, aren’t’ white Doves Snowbound during winter? Or hanging out in a Partridge tree, or something to that effect, eh?

 

Yeah, Y’all know its that time of the year. When we send our wish list to Ye North Pole.

 

Although I know ‘Ol Saint Nick will struggle to find room in His sleigh for this item. Nonetheless, I’ve always been fascinated by this long ago Ruf Yellowbird, ever since I bought the original 1987  Road & Track magazine it was featured in.

 

Some of the Supercars involved in that Road & Track “Shootout” included a pair of Porsche 959’s, a Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV, (Quattro Valvole) a Ferrari 288 GTO and Testarossa. Along with an unheard of Isdera Imperator 108i, say what? A Mercedes AMG Hammer, two Koenig “Tuner” Porsche 911’s. And a Yellowbird Ruf 911 CTR in that Damn tree!

 

As here’s the long forgotten article from road & Track’s July, 1987 issue on their World's Fastest Cars run at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Leissen test track in Germany, written by John Lamm.

 

In 1987, the Worlds Fastest Cars couldn’t catch a 211mph twin-turbo Ruf

 

As the chauffeurs of these precious Supercars on the 15-mile high speed test track with two seven mile straights. Were none other than Phil Hill and Paul frere, both being highly accomplished drivers. Will Hill being America’s first Formula 1 Champion. Whilst Frere won the 1960 24 Heurs du Mans with fellow compatriot Olivier Gendebien. Whom Hill won Le Mans with three times. Making Gendebien the first four-times winner…

 

As perhaps I’m giving this Porsche 911, that really isn’t a Porsche Cult-like status. But hey, how can you not want one of Supercars Holy Grail Santa?

 

1987 Ruf CTR Yellowbird Porsche 911 Turbo Driven!

 

Or if you cannot find me one of these ultra rare Yellowbird’s, then perhaps something from Alois Ruf’s latest offering, Eh?

 

Ruf’s new 225mph Yellowbird has 700bhp, Carbon Fibre chassis

 

Partial Song lyrics from: It’s A Beautiful Day’s White Bird; 1969 Band’s Self titled Album. 

IGTC: Power makes Tintops’ Debut

With His heavier Merc’ feeling like a Waltzing Matilda over the Brickyard’s road course…

 

Although I didn’t get to tune-in or hear any of the weekend’s action at Mother Speedway Wayback’ in October.

 

Nonetheless, I was happy that DJ willyP’, ergo Will Power knocked off some of the rust during His enforced Team Penske contract “sabbatical” by making His belated Sports Car debut during the Intercontinental GT Challenge’s (IGTC) Indianapolis 8 Hours season finale on October 18th.

 

As Power joined team owner Kenny Habul and Supercars driver Chad Moster aboard the 75 Express’s No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Pro entry.

 

Interestingly, Moster currently drives for Walkinshaw Andretti Racing Down Under in the Supercars series, Just Sayin’.

 

As many know the back-story of how Power was supposed to make His IMSA GTD debut during the 2023 Rolex 24 driving for Habul. But His wife Liz’s serious Health issues kept Power from participating…

 

As Power said it was a little bit Awkward initially piloting the Merc’, before settling down to a rhythm on a racecourse He knows pretty well.

 

“Felt Very Awkward”: Will Power on first Endurance outing in 21 years of IndyCar racing

 

Yet Power wasn’t the only IndyCar driver participating. As former Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Conor Daly finished fourth, two places ahead of Power. As Conor brought the Random Vandals #99 BMW M4 GT3 Evo to the chequered flag, co-driving with full season drivers Connor de Phillippi and Kenton Koch.

 

While the race was Wet ‘n wooly, finishing under caution. As the race was interrupted by nearby area Lightning strikes and torrential rain, with a lengthy Red flag period.

 

As it was another Big name at the sharp end. With Thee doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi and company winning overall. As Rossi, Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts drove their No. 46 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 Evo to victory over the Yard of Bricks. Which Y’all can read all of the Gory details in the link below.

 

Van der Linde wins Historic title treble in Stormy Indianapolis 8 Hours

 

Whilst Power and Company’s sixth place finish ensured Habul of capturing the IGTC Independent Cup title when scoring His second class victory.

 

Meanwhile, Kelvin van der Linde won the IGTC Drivers Championship for the fourth time, while His co-driver Valentino rossi claimed His first IGTC victory. And in doing so, has now won both on two wheels and four at Mother Speedway. Which I don’t know if anybody else can say that?

 

As Kelvin is the younger brother of Sheldon van der Linde, who drove for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s IMSA GTP Werks’ BMW M8 prototype. Which Team WRT takes over next year while keeping the current drivers line-ups intact.

 

Including the likes of Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen; former Formula 1 driver and “One-off” IndyCar driver. Who also raced for Chip Ganassi Racing in Sports cars when they ran the Cadillac GTP programme.

 

Next, I somehow accidentally “spotted” the news that DJ WillyP’, ergo Will Power had participated in the IMSA test at Daytona during November 14-16, in preparation for next year’s Rolex 24.

 

Again, Power was part of the 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo crew, with team owner Kenny Habul and Mercedes Werks’ Hotschue’ Mickael Grenier. With the trio set to compete in the GTD Pro category at Daytona this coming January 24-25.

 

As Power mused, His move from Team Penske to Andretti Global has opened the door for more driving opportunities… 

Plenty to Take away from Annual Chris Griffis test

But who will emerge as the true Front runners next year?

 

There seems to have been a seismic shift in Indy NXT for the forthcoming 2026 season. With nearly half of the IndyCar grid now being involved. Which I suppose you could say swells to six IndyCar team “alliances”, if we include Cusik Morgan Motorsports.

 

Not sure when the Ball began rolling forwards, since I missed the kickoff; Oopsadaisy, Butterfingers! With Chip Ganassi Racing “Doubling Down” when expanding to four cars next year.

 

As this seems to be inline wit the new regulations allowing a maximum grid of 24 cars and teams being limited to four entries apiece.

 

Thus interestingly, HMD Motorsports, who’ve run with a nine car armada the past few seasons now fields just four cars itself. But also enters a technical and strategic alliance with the newly reformed A.J. Foyt Enterprises two car entry.

 

Whilst HMD Motorsports also provides the “muscle” behind the two car Cusik Morgan Motorsports entry, hence seeing HMD involved with eight entries overall.

 

Also joining the fray is Ed Carpenter Racing, forming a technical alliance with Cape Motorsports who previously partnered with Andretti Global last season. As the team will now be known as Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, running a two car entry.

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) returns after a one year hiatus with its traditional two car entry. While Andretti Global, current reigning back-to-back Indy NXT Champions continues its march on the competition with its usual, stout four car entry.

 

As it was new Andretti Global recruit Sebastian Murry being quickest during the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test outing held on October 27th on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course.

 

As Murray led a 1-2-3 sweep with Andretti teammates Max Taylor and Josh Pierson close behind. With the pair also being new to Andretti.

 

Nikita Johnson in the No. 21 Cape Motorsports entry was the day’s quickest rookie. With rookie  Alessandro de Tullio rounding out the Top-5 aboard the No. 14 Foyt entry.

 

Yet as typical, one shouldn’t read too much into testing times. Especially with the top two title protagonists Lochie Hughes and Myles Rowe working upon their driving styles and testing the new Xtractransmission., instead of hunting for quick times.

 

As Hughes, who was having to “recompute” after having driven an IndyCar for the first time ever a Fortnight earlier, said it was a little bit strange going back to the NXT  chassis. With the Aussie’ finishing sixth overall. While Myles Rowe was P7, with the pair finishing third and fourth last year respectively.

 

Hughes was one of the seven drivers running the new for 2026 Xtrac semi-automatic gearbox, which replaces the older  units.

 

Xtrac had one new unit for each of seven teams to test, with additional ballast added to ensure bench-line testing vs. the older, heavier spec transmissions.

 

And speaking of Aussie’s’, a total of four took part in the test, with three now being confirmed. As HMD Motorsports who ran a quartet of European race series talent. Confirmed 17yr old rookie Josh Beeton following the test, as the first of its four announced drivers…

 

Oh Contrair, Enzo Fittipaldi, younger brother of Pietro was confirmed on October 30th. Wit the 24yr old former F2 driver saying that His goal now is IndyCar. Uhm, just like All of the others Enzo!

 

Beeton joins the aforementioned Hughes, with fellow rookie Nicolas Stati confirmed at Cusik Morgan Motorsports. Whilst Tommy smith tested for Chip Ganassi Racing.

 

Twenty-four car took part in the test; Arse-sumedly the entire field, with a total of 13 rookies participating. With the following teams and number of entries as follows.

 

Abel Motorsports, (4) includes single Abel Motorsports with Force Indy entry. A.J. Foyt enterprises, (2) Andretti Global, (4) Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, (2) Chip Ganassi Racing, (4) Cusik Morgan Motorsports, (2) HMD Motorsports (4) and Juncos Hollinger Racing. (2)

 

Chris Griffis Test Outing Recap

 

As the majority of the Indy NXT field will be sawing logs for the foreseeable Winter’s Slumber. With another Gory 88 days until the season kickoff at St Pete on March 1st, 2026, G-R-R-R-Roan!

 

Since I don’t know if any of these Indy NXT drivers will be making cameos at the forthcoming Rolex 24?

 

As it looks like a pretty stout field, as the driving talent only seems to be ratcheting up with the steady influx of European lads’ coming across thoust gory Puddle… 

Rahal lands High flyer

But how far can this Star name Soar in Indy Cars?

 

Arse-suming by now, Y’all know that Mick Schumacher has been announced as Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s (RLLR) newest IndyCar driver.

 

As the 26yr old son of seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher will contest the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series aboard the No. 47 Dallara Honda. Thus ending Devlin DeFrancesco’s Fulltime IndyCar career…

 

Mick chose the number 47 for His Formula 1 career when driving for the Haas F1 Team between 2021-22. As it’s a combination of His favourite number 4, and His father’s 7 F1 titles.

 

By my very rudimentary statistical records, Lucas Luhr was the last German IndyCar driver Wayback’ in Gory 2013! When the Sports Car Ace made a one-off appearance with Sarah fisher Hartman Racing, in conjunction with RW Motorsports.

 

Driving the team’s second No. 97 entry at Sonoma, Luhr started 24th and finished 22nd. Completing 81 of the race’s 85 laps and apparently retiring due to mechanical woes. In what would be His lone IndyCar outing.

 

Having scribbled about this Wayback’ in Gory 2013, four months before Michael Schumacher’s skiing accident…

 

German Renaissance in IndyCar Racing?

 

Although Sophia Florsch did contest the opening round of this year’s Indy NXT season, driving for HMD Motorsports. Before the 24yr old German quit due to lack of financial backing. Appearing to be currently sidelined due to Her funding issues…