Especially since Mr. Zakery Brown plans to Crash
the Party!
Continuing my elongated No Fenders Look-see’ at
the upcoming IndyCar season. Here’s the first Half of the Six IndyCar Teams
with Driver changes that obviously All intend to be fighting for Top bragging
Honours…
Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR)
Wins (4) Scott Dixon: 2, Marcus
Ericsson: 1, Alex Palou: 1
Drivers: #8 Marcus Ericsson, #9 Scott
Dixon, #10 Alex Palou and #11 R-Marcus Armstrong/Takuma Sato
2022 Indy 500 winner: Marcus
Ericsson
Typically each year, Scott Dixon is in the
Championship Hunt frame. As the legendous’ Kiwi’ finished a somewhat distant
third Overall last year. And it will be interesting to see how Dixon and His
new Race Engineer Ross Bunneel “Gel.” Yet I’d expect Dixon to once again be
fighting for His record tying seventh IndyCar title this year.
Although both Marcus Ericsson and Alex Palou
finished the season with one win apiece, I’d say they had somewhat polar opposite
seasons. With Ericsson winning at Indianapolis, and Palou’s Firestorm over Not
driving for CGR in 2023! Although we All know how that flushed out…
Naturally I’ll expect both drivers to have
another strong season. Although I somehow doubt that “Tall Marcus” will
challenge for the Astor Cup this year. While Palou should be overly motivated,
even if it’s No secret He’ll be moving to Arrow Mclaren next year. But what
better way to say Thanks Cheep!
Where I’m most interested with CGR is how the “Short
Marcus,” aka Marcus Armstrong fairs during His Rookie campaign. Which sadly He’s
only doing the Twisties’ portion of the calendar, i.e.; road Courses and Street
Circuits. Presumably due to lack of a Full season budget.
As I’ve been immensely impressed with the New
Zealander in the few interviews He’s done with Racer’s Marshall Pruett! And is already
my choice for Rookie Of the Year, (ROY) even though He’ll miss out on five
races.
Yet I also have to say that I’m Happy that we’ll
have Takuma Sato around one more year, even if it’s a new situation for the
affable Two-times Indianapolis 500 winner running an Ovals only programme for
the first time in His career.
Thus it shouldn’t be too difficult to Arse-sume
that Dixon, Ericsson and Palou should All win races once again this year.
And will Dixon finally claim His second Borg Warner
trophy after His various misses whilst dominating the past few years? Although
new teammate Taku-san’ Had something to say about that back in 2020! And
obviously is salivating over the chance for a third Indy 500 winners ring!
Arrow McLaren
Wins (2) Pato O’Ward: 2
Drivers: #5 Pato O’Ward, #6 Felix
Rosenqvist and #7 alexander Rossi
The Big News for now what’s just Arrow McLaren
is the bulking up to a three car operation with the arrival of Andretti Autosport’s
Alexander Rossi. For which we’re All curious how this will pan out?
As I’m really not sure what to expect from the
team this season? Since it seems like they’ve got a Big Hole to fill with the
departure of Tyler Kiel. Even if they’ve reorganized the Team’s Overall structure
with Gavin “Love Boat” Ward and BillyBob BrazenHeartz’, aka Bryan Barnhart as
Racing Director and Managing Director respectively.
Obviously Pato O’Ward will wish to stamp His
authority as the team’s Defacto “No. 1” by leading the way and winning the most
races for the team. Along with fighting for the IndyCar title again.
Yet what will Rossi have to say about that?
While unfortunately Felix Rosenqvist is “Auditioning” for a Job next year while
keeping His NTT Data sponsored Dallara’s seat warm for Alex Palou’s arrival in
2024…
Andretti Autosport
Wins (2) Colton Herta: 1,
Alexander Rossi: 1
Drivers: #26 Colton Herta, #27
Kyle Kirkwood, #28 Romain Grosjean and #29 Devlin DeFrancesco
The $64,000 Question is whether or not Mikey A’s
team, long known as Ond of the Big 3,” ergo Penske, Ganassi and Andretti, can
rebound from it’s past few year’s of futility? Not to mention how Zak Brown and
Arrow McLaren are firmly chafing at the Bit to join this exclusive “Pecking
Order.”
With Rossi’s departure and Colton Herta being
signed to a new long term contract. The soon to be 23yr Old Yank’ who was a Hot
Commodity in Formula 1 last year, looks set to become the new Team leader.
Obviously I’d Arse-sume this is a “Make or
Break” year for Romain Grosjean, who didn’t exactly have a rousing first season
at Andretti Autosport. Other than giving His teammates Love Taps during races!
As perhaps the Frenchman is hedging His Bets by
becoming a Factory Lamborghini Sports Car driver this year?
Much noise has already been made over how will
Kyle Kirkwood do, now that He’s driving for a top team and seemingly got the
Bugs worked out at A.J. foyt Enterprises expense?
Since we All know that testing in Palm Springs
doesn’t determine anything. But Kirkwood was quick both days and seems to have
come out Hungry with this fresh start! And looks poised to show His potential
this year.
And then there’s Devlin DeFrancesco, who
settled down after His rocky start as a rookie last year. Yet I really Don’t
expect much from this sophomore IndyCar Pilote, other then to occupy the
Mid-pack.
While who knows if His Father’s “legal” troubles will be a distraction at all for the series lone Kuhnuck?
