INDY 500: Before roger, there was Moore

Blue Crown Spark Plug Special racecar. (Image source: Bing.com)

 

As that’s definitely not a  “Shaken, not Stirred” intended pun. Get it?

 

Like much past history I try delving into here upon No Fenders. Even after having finished my monstrous six part Blue Crown Spark Plug Saga Wayback in Gory 2009. The year of my debutante Indianapolis 500 race, where some pesky Brazilian was making His own history following a tax trial, I still feel like I know only the rudimentary facts about Lou Moore…

 

Lewis Henry Moore was born on September 12, 1904 in Hinton, Oklahoma, before His family migrated to California. Reportedly at age 16, He became a mechanic and started building and racing cars, having bought an old Ford Model T.

 

Moore made His rookie debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1928, qualifying eighth and finishing runner-up behind Louis Meyer for that year’s 16th running of the Indianapolis 500.

 

Moore’s crowning accomplishment as a driver was winning the 1932 Indianapolis 500 pole. Along with His second place finish, He scored a brace of third place finishes between 1933-34.

 

Interestingly, Moore also competed in the 1934 Tripoli Grand Prix, held on May 6th that year. With this Formula Libre event being won by the great Achille Varzi aboard an Alfa Romeo Tipo-b P3. With Moore finishing seventh in a Miller 3.0-litre racecar.

 

Yet Moore is best known for his racing exploits as a team owner, beginning in 1937, after having retired from driving the year prior.

 

More entered one car for Mauri Rose in 1937, which finished 18th, retiring with an oil line failure.

 

The following year, His entry for driver Floyd Roberts won the first of His eventual five victories as a car owner. Yet sadly, Roberts was killed in the 1939 Indy 500 aboard the same car.

 

Mauri Rose drove once again for Moore, finishing third in the 1940 race at the Brickyard. Following the race, Lucy O’Reilly Shell sold Her two Ecurie O’Reilly Maserati 8CTF’s to Lou Moore.

 

For 1941, Moore entered an unprecedented four racecars at the Speedway, with the two Elgin Piston Pin Maserati’s driven by Rose and Duke Nalon. While a further two Wetteroth Offy’s (Offenhauser) were entered as the Noc-Out Hose Clamp Specials for Floyd Davis and Cliff Bergere.

 

Rose would start from pole aboard His No. 3 Maserati, before retiring on lap-60 due to spark plug issues. Moore then inserted Mauri into the hapless Floyd Davis’s No. 16 Wetteroth Offenhauser entry and the rest was history, with Rose winning the race, while Davis was nowhere to be found afterwards…

 

For 1946, Moore didn’t enter any racecars and moonlighted as Cliff Bergere’s chief mechanic. Interestingly, this was the ex-Floyd Roberts 1938 winning Champ Car, and Bergere claimed His one and only Indy 500 pole aboard it that year, before finishing an unheralded P16. As the Noc-Out Clamp racecar ironically was listed as Out of Oil…

 

The year’s 1947-49 cemented Moore’s legacy as a winning team owner, when His Blue Crown Spark Plug front wheel drive Diedt Offenhauser “Specials” won the race an unprecedented three years in-a-row.

 

The 1947 race saw “the thrill of Victory, and Agony of defeat”. As rookie Bill Holland led a dominant 143-laps and was leading when confused by Lou Moore hanging out an EZ sign for both drivers.

 

And while Holland was cruising to victory at reduced speed, He simply waved to teammate Mauri rose, who He thought was unlapping Himself on lap-193. With Rose going onto claim His second Indianapolis 500 victory, to Holland’s disbelief!

 

Rose won again in 1948, leading another 1-2 Blue Crown Spark Plug sweep. And then in ’49, Holland was circumspect when the EZ sign came out once again while leading. As Rose was disobeying team orders again, yet this time His magneto packed-up with eight laps remaining and Holland finally won at Mother Speedway. And Moore fired Rose immediately following the race.

 

Thus Moore not only had won five Indianapolis 500 race’s, but became the first ever team owner to win three consecutive events. A feat that has only been accomplished once more by Team Penske between 2001-03.

 

Meanwhile, Moore’s legacy as the winningest Indy 500 team owner stood for 38 years until El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske won His sixth Borg Warner trophy in 1987. While we all know that Roger and Team Penske have gone onto win a staggering total of 20 Indianapolis 500’s between 1972 and 2025.

 

To read my very long, detailed Mega six parts Blue Crown Spark Plug Specials Saga, with pictures provided by Dean Jackson. Whose father Purvis was the proprietor of Blue Crown Spark Plugs, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/05/blue-crown-spark-plug-specials-saga.html

 

Aftermath

Lou Moore died at the age of 51 on March 25, 1956. Complaining of a headache, Moore was rushed to hospital where He died of a brain hemorrhage, according to the Indianapolis Star.

 

Ironically, I just listened to Marshall Pruett’s podcast with Ed Justice Jr, who dryly noted that Lou Moore was considered the “Roger Penske” of His day, but wasn’t Roger!

 

Chip Ganassi, who just won His sixth Indianapolis 500 as a team owner, took 66 years to surpass the great Lou Moore’s accomplishment! While Andretti Global remains tied with Moore for five wins apiece… 

PRM: First Time Winner

2023 Shell V-Power Nitro+ IndyCar. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Front view of Josef Newgarden’s 2023 Team Penske Indianapolis 500 winner, replete with de riggour Aeroscreen.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel) 

PRM: Josef Newgarden’s 2023 Indy 500 winner

Side view of Shell V-Power Nitro+ Dallara DW12 Chevrolet. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Here’s Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Team Penske chassis, winner of the 107th Indianapolis 500 on display in Scottsdale.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)         

PRM: Menards Magic

Menards 2019 Dallara DW12 Chevrolet. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Front view of Simon Pagenaud’s 2019 Menards Team Penske IndyCar. Winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel) 

PRM: Simon Pagenaud’s Indy 500 winner

Side view of Menards 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Here’s Simon Pagenaud’s bright, neon green Menards 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner on display in Scottsdale. As Symone’, nee Pageantry’ (Simon Pagenaud) gave John Menard His debutante Indy 500 winners ring, after forty years of frustration!

 

Long ago Bruce Martin story on John Menard’s path to finally claiming victory in the Indianapolis 500.

 

https://www.indycar.com/News/2019/05/05-29-BMartin-John-Menard

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel) 

PRM: Red Menace

Verizon Dallara DW12 Chevrolet IndyCar. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

On display at the Penske Racing Museum this March, sat DJ WillyP’s, aka Will Power’s shiny red Verizon racecar He drove to victory at the final Belle Isle IndyCar race in 2022, along with winning that year’s Astor Cup aboard.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel) 

Traipsing thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again

Scott McLaughlin’s 2018 Supercars Championship winning Ford Falcon on display in Scottsdale. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As no jokes about ScottyMac’ needing His Ford Falcon to bounce off the walls at Mother Speedway. Or Team Penske’s travails during Ye Month ‘O May…

 

In what’s become a cherished tradition during every visit to The Valley of The Sun, once again your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was blissfully ensconced in the Penske Racing Museum this past March.

 

Some three weeks plus after my latest visit, I suddenly found myself wondering if my recollection of my inaugural visit was correct? To which I’m happy to say it was fairly spot-on nearly twenty years later. Albeit it was actually November 30, 2005 when I first set foot inside the Penske Racing Museum thanks solely to Blogmeister Miguel taking me there. Having seen El Capitano talking to Ye ‘Ol Windbag Dave Despain on Wind Tunnel the same year from the museum…

 

Although it slays me now, I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised that I launched a nine page story on my first visit to la Museo some 13yrs ago. For which if you’re inclined. Whale’ Yuhs better be Damn well inclined or comfy if you’re gonna read All Gory 4,253 words written in Thy No Fenders Post, Aye Karumba!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/04/penske-racing-museum-inaugural-visit.html

 

Arriving at 1PM, Blogmeister Miguel and I accidently walked into the adjoining Aston Martin dealership, where we were immediately met by a friendly Salesman curtly asking if He could help us? To which Miguel seeing the rest of our party waving at us thru the glass walls, said I guess the museum is next door…

 

The first IndyCar chassis encountered was Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner. Followed by His 2017 Championship winning mount. Other various IndyCars sat on display, including two Norton Gould Rick Mears cars. Mears 1984 No. 6 “Yellow Submarine” Indy 500 winner. Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ read to me the information plaque upon Tom sneva’s racecar that He set the first official 200mph lap at the Brickyard in.

 

Gil de Feran’s 100th race winning Reynard/Honda resplendent in Team Penske’s long standing Marlboro white with Dayglo red also graced the museum’s main floor. Being the car that won El Capitano His “Ton” of IndyCar victories, becoming the first ever IndyCar team to do so.

 

Along with Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner, there were a further three chassis I’d never “seen” before. One being the red No. 12 Verizon of Will Power, the Aussie’s 2022 mount that He won the final Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle, along with that year’s Astor Challenge Cup aboard. Nee 2022 IndyCar Series title.

 

Both Blogmeister Miguel and Artiste Dave were “wowed” by and audaciously bright neon lime green IndyCar bellowing to Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud. Being Simon’s 2019 Menard Indianapolis 500 winner.

 

The fourth and final “New” car that initially stumped me as Snowbyrd MJ’ said it was the #17 of ScottyMac’s, Huh? Turned out to be Scott McLaughlin’s No. 17 Ford Falcon FG X racecar that He campaigned for FordDJR Team Penske between 2017-18. The last Falcon model raced Down Under in V-8 Supercars.

 

As it makes sense that the car that Mclaughlin first came tantalizingly close to winning the 2017 Supercars Championship with, and then securing the first of His three consecutive Supercars titles in 2018 with, is now proudly on display in Scottsdale.

 

https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/mclaughlin-reunites-with-first-supercars-title-winner/

 

Also, initially I was Cornfuzed’ over why Newgarden’s 2023 Indy 500 winner wasn’t the same chassis that He used to repeat winning in 2024? And I still hadn’t figured it out some three weeks later, until No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets came up with a close answer. Whale’, at least He pointed Mwah in the right direction…

 

Having “read”, err listened to the IndyStar’s article on the gala reopening of the IMS Museum, which includes the Penske Gallery. Replete with the 1988, 1994, 2009 and 2024 Indianapolis 500 winning chassis on loan. Along with Penske Racing’s first Indianapolis 500 entry, Mark Donohue’s 1969 Lola T152. And the winner from El Capitano’, aka roger Penske’s very first trip to Mother speedway in 1951.

 

Do Y’all know the answer to this riveting trivia question? Time’s up, put them pencils down…

 

Yep, that’s right, the 2024 Dallara DW12 chassis featured the new for that season’s Hybrid Energy Recovery System, (ERS) adding some 100lbs to the ageless DW12 racecar. Having made it’s 200th start at St Pete one year ago!

 

Although IndyCar didn’t introduce the Hybrid ERS system until Mid-Ohio in July, 2024. I’m 86% certain that the 2024 Dallara DW12 was decked out with the new magnesium bell housing/transmission casing and other ERS ancillaries, minus the ERS unit…

 

Hence, Arse-suming this Dallara DW12 also included the auxiliary “plumbing” systems. Most notably the right hand side ERS cooling radiator, that Chevrolet teams used the “blocker” plate , louver or whatever they’re called at the Thermal Club this year to negative effect. When the increased temperature sent the ERS into “limp” mode to preserve itself from overheating!

 

Or was it simply the fact that I heard sometime this May that Penske simply pulls every Indianapolis 500 winner out of service for posterity’s sake to be displayed in perpetuity?

 

Naturally, as time marches on, and we’ve just wrapped up another vaunted “Month of May”. Especially with how crazy this year’s race was! I’m beginning to forget what else was on hand? Although I know Mark Donohue’s 1973 IROC Porsche 911 Carrera RSR was there. Along with El Capitano’s 1963 Catalina NASCAR Tintop’.

 

Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that the 1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Pace Car was on display. Although I don’t remember if Donohue’s 1972 McLaren M16 Sunoco Indy 500 winner was on display?

 

And although I knew it wouldn’t be there, I was still disappointed that one of the Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsch 963’s weren’t present. Then again, Id Arse-sume that the All conquering No. 7 will once day in the future grace the Penske Racing Museum.

 

And that’s just a slice of what was Thar’, since I didn’t even mention Joey “Sliced bread” Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500 winning Pennzoil Ford fusion, or All of the “Eye Candy” outside the museum… 

Trying to Follow IndyCar is a Hard Job!

Y’all know what’s Ah-comin’ Righto? Can You Hear Me Now Racer and IndyCar Radio Network?

 

In what seems to be a fitting nod to the now concluded “Month of May”, why would I have expected anything less?

 

On Monday, May 12th, Y’all may be aware of Racer launching it’s “New & Improved” website, which for Mwah, now no longer adequately works! As why would you do this two weeks before the biggest IndyCar race of the year, and the day before Indianapolis 500 practice began?

 

Being a Blind Motorsports Fan and having “read: Racer.com for the past dozen-plus years, which I rely on for my daily racing news. I utilize Zoomtext Fusion 2025 screen reading software to read the internet and All things electronic, i.e.; email, word, etc.

 

Thus,  I’m guessing whatever you’ve done in the coding of your new website isn’t compatible with my screen reader. As it now says button when I “click” on the IndyCar section, (for example) which never happened before.

 

And then after I have to play jump with whatever comes up next, needing to tab to get past whatever it is? All of the subject titles simply say Article page. And below that says Authors profile page for the entire current page, Huh?

 

The same issue occurs when I select the F1, IMSA, etc. “button”, meaning I have zero idea what Any of the articles on the entire website are about? And I really do not wish to spend my time playing guess what this mystery article is?

 

If this information is now a graphic? Then my screen reader would be unable to read it, for which I don’t think this should be done. And I have the exact same issues in either Microsoft Edge or Firefox/Mozilla web browsers, which once again makes me think it’s a coding issue.

 

Guessing I’m the only person having this issue? As all I know is that Racer’s previous website worked perfectly and “interfaced” with my screen reader. As something’s obviously happened! Since this is the only website on Ye Intrawoods I have this issue with, Urgh!

 

Then there’s the whole month’s issues of IndyCar Radio and IndyCar Radio Network’s pathetic sound quality, which I tired of quickly and didn’t bother venting my frustrations previously, since after all, it’s the world’s greatest racetrack. Uhm what is it? Speak Up sonny! Did Yuhs say something about a Firetruck?

 

The horrible sound quality issues began with the IndyCar tune-up race on the road course during Mothers Day weekend. As not only was the “Stereo” sounds quality strange, like inside of a tin can. You also could never hear what the pit reporters were saying when talking to a driver. But you could hear them talking over the intercom completely, i.e.; Rob Blackman saying I’ll go talk to Ferrucci, etc. Not to mention the Booth Boys cracking jokes during the commercial breaks, with Nicky Salt’ Yeoman enjoying Davey Hamilton’s One-liner…

 

This same, pathetic and annoying turn up, down rinse, lather, repeat volume issue persisted throughout Indianapolis 500 practice, whenever I did try bothering to tune-in. Although thankfully I was busy the first two-plus days. And then I just turned off IndyCar Radio during Fast Friday since this was so G-Damn Annoying! As you’d think they’d have been able to fix this by Fast Friday, El Correctomundo?

 

Huh, what did you say Alex Wolff? Oh, what’s that Firetruck doing in Gasoline Alley? You did say Firetruck, Eh?

 

Resorted to my old “trick” of listening to Indy 500 Qualifying upon The Fan’s 1070AM Tune In weblink, which was much better. But hey, if you thought FOX had too many Adverts’, (commercials) then Y’all better not listen to IndyCar via The Fan!

 

Also do not understand why The Fan needs to drop the IndyCar Radio Network coverage for three hours during the middle of Indy 500 qualifying? Since they just put on some B-Team instead, so I jumped back to Indycar.com’s strangled radio webcast instead before simply completely tuning out until 1PM Pacific when Mark Gravelly’ James and Zach Veach returned to the Airwaves…

 

Sunday’s final qualifying day’s coverage was much better on The Fan, which I only bothered beginning with during the Fast Twelve Shootout, so naturally was astounded over ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLauglin destroying His primary Yellow Submarine Speedway car during morning practice, Youza! Before the unbelievable Team Penske Attenuator Shenanigans…

 

Naturally, I thought the sound issue qualities would have been ironed out by Race Day, Stee-rike! Since just like the race itself unfolding into two parts. The radio broadcast sound issues persisted thru the entire first half of the race, as I repeatedly jumped back ‘n forth between IndyCar Radio and 1070AM The Fan with barely any improvement between either site, Groan! As I even tried tuning into IndyCar Radio Network’s newest member’s station KALL, in Salt Lake City Utah to no avail!

 

As it’s Uber annoying that Mark James never, ever mentions any West Coast radio stations, with the exception of Hawaii having been mentioned in the past. Whilst I couldn’t find a listing of IndyCar Radio Network affiliates…

 

So I just spent nearly the first half of the race constantly scooting up closer to my Confuzers Bitchin’ Soundbar speakers, along with jacking up and then back down after the turn announcers were yelling over the race cars sound modulation, Sigh!

 

And then just like the race “settled” down, suddenly The Fan’s sound quality improved immeasurably and I was able to listen the rest of the way without constantly adjusting the volume. With my only complaint being after the litany of Commercials run Ad Nauseum, Seriously? You had to go to another Freakin’ commercial break with twelve laps remaining, and not returning to the race until only eight laps to go, WTF!

 

Yeah, being Blind, I’m definitely a Card carrying member of les Miserables, Hya!

 

Now, stay tuned for the G-r-R-Reatest Spectacle in, Oh Never Mind… 

INDY 500 Race Day prediction

Will Felix Rosenqvis’ts “Life change today, Tears of Joy on His Face and With Arms Wide Open” driving this Creed racecar?  (The Tomaso Collection

 

As who besides Hulio’ and Schlick’ will be making History today?

 

It’s what all of us lowly, basement dwelling Bloggers and Bench Racers do each and every year…

 

As once again I found myself choosing who my pool of Indianapolis 500 winners were following the Alabama IndyCar race, and prior to the Indy road course outing. For which I could only come up with the following ten names.

 

Andretti Global: Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson; Arrow McLaren: Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard; Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon and Alex Palou; Ed Carpenter Racing: Alexander Rossi and Team Penske: Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin and Will Power. As those are the ten true Contendahs’ for Mwah, prior to Fast Friday.

 

Although I’d have to say that Herta’s chances took a major dent with that frightening Qualifying Day crash!

 

This  year seems to be the least prepared, least excited I’ve been about the Indianapolis 500 in years, albeit perhaps I say that every year I get older, Eh? I said speak up Sonny, Hya!

 

Don’t take any stock in the Open test from April, other than as Soctt Dixon eluded to, this year’s debut of the much dreaded Hybrid Energy Recovery system (ERS) is a definite wildcard. Especially since we don’t know how it will fare over 200 laps of repeated use…

 

Whom shalt thoust  Lady Luck, Err Mother Speedway choose today to drink milk in victory lane? Uhm ride the victory elevator to the stage high above the adoring crowd, for everyone to see in rapture, having just won the 109th running of this year’s Indianapolis 500…

 

My top Cinderella story pick is thee great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci winning in the No. 14 and ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee A.J. Foyt celebrating victory again!

 

My second choice is Felix-the-Cat’, (Rosenqvist) as Hulio’s Cactus, and Ain’t gonna win number five, so put a Fork in it!

 

Initially, my third sentimental pick was Taku-san’, nee Takuma Sato becoming a three times winner. But I’ve changed that to Alexander Rossi, who I think desperately needs a second win at Mother Speedway to secure His place as a great IndyCar driver, who’s career appears to be on a down glide scope. Then again, you could say ditto for Marcus Ericsson, Eh?

 

Whilst don’t know why, but before practice started Tuesday, my initial pick for winner was Scott Dixon. Who I think is definitely flying underneath the radar this year, especially with that No. 10 teammate of His winning everything in site! And I still felt this way prior to Friday’s Carb Day final practice session. Even if Palou was fastest during Monday’s post qualifying practice session.

 

Will Power seems to be another stout choice, while forget All of the chatter over Josef Schlick’ Newgarden winning three consecutive races, which Ain’t gona happen!

 

All of which was before Sunday’s Attenuator Gate Shenanigans!

 

Had to go Wayback’ for the following statistics. As of the 2008 Reunification, only three Indy 500 pole winners have won the race: Scott Dixon, 2008; Helio Castroneves, 2009 and Simon Pagenaud, 2019. And only one rookie has won on debut, i.e.; Alexander Rossi in 2016.

 

Whilst No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’ told me that 23 of the last 25 winners have come from just four teams, i.e.; Andretti Global, Chip Ganassi Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and obviously, Team Penske.

 

Bryan Herta Autosport, 2011 with Dan Wheldon and KV Racing Technology in 2013 with Tony Kanaan are the only non “big four” team winners. Meaning the deck’s stacked upon the field once again this year, Sigh!

 

As suppose I wasn’t going out on a limb predicting that pole would be between Alex Palou and Scott Mclaughlin on Saturday Night. With my nod going to ScottyMac’ in the “Yellow Submarine”. Although that means the Odds are against Him winning…

 

Of course that was before I learned that ScottyMac’ had destroyed His primary car during the Fast Twelve morning’s practice with No possibility of getting the backup chassis prepared in time, Youch!

 

Then there were the two savage crashes of Colton Herta and Marcus Armstrong on Saturday! Plus Takuma Sato destroying His Dallara DW12’s tub during the Open test. Along with Kyffin Simpson trashing His racecar and going airborne during Fast Friday practice! All before we get to the Penske Attenuator Cheating scandal; Can Y’all say gorilla Glue?

 

Sato impressed as Always in Qualie’. As Nicky Salt’ Yeoman quipped during the Fast Twelve Shootout He was convinced that Taku-san’ could qualify a Shopping Cart! As Sato rolls off P2 Sunday.

 

Can Y’all tell I’m stalling? Since I’m struggling over my pick between my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato Who? As Patricio O’Ward’s interview following the Fast Twelve Shootout just made me smile over His trying to explain the euphoric feeling of satisfaction of driving these Narly racecars!

 

Verses my head telling me still Scott Dixon who starts fourth, even though I obviously prefer O’Ward starting third, His best Indy 500 qualifying result. I just don’t know how many times you can be the Bridesmaid before winning?

 

And surely Alex Palou will factor into the conversation, while I’d guess you have to say Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) is a Dark Horse pick.

 

Ok, even though I think it’s gonna be Dixon, I’ll choose my main man Pato O’ward as the winner of this year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’) 

INDY 500: Sunny Side Up?

Santino Ferrucci hard at work on His Motorcoach putting up rain awnings. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

This picture was presumably taken 48 Hours before thee Great Santini learned from His Boss Larry that apparently Team Penske wasn’t sharing everything in their technical alliance. Since the Foyt team didn’t know about their latest trick “Aero” treatment!

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

INDY 500: Penske to the Forefront Again

But for All the Wrong reasons!

 

So it’s the day before the Mack Daddy 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, and I just have to say that this year’s race has a bad taste in the mouth for Mwah…

 

After learning late Monday evening of Team Penske’s additional penalties handed out by J. Douglas Boles, all I could say was Horseshit! Wondering to thyself do I totally ignore Team Penske being caught cheating again, or do I try scribbling something constructive here upon No Fenders? Skipping the F-bombs’ laden initial response I had when learning about this…

 

Everyone knows about Penske’s No. 2 Josef Newgarden and No. 12 Will Power’s entries being sent to the last row, now starting P32-33 based upon Saturday’s qualifying speed. And that they’ve been given the final two pit selections, forfeited their qualifying points and handed a $100,000 fine per car. Along with Team Penske top two IndyCar lieutenant’s Tim Cindric and Ron Ruzewski being banned from taking further part in this year’s Indianapolis 500; for the second straight year, Boo-Hoo-Hoo!

 

I understand Boles decision of keeping the fastest 33 cars in the field, but I also believe what Pato O’Ward said. Claiming that the cars were in their altered configuration on Saturday, for which we’ll never truly know…

 

But I say that IndyCar’s penalty wasn’t harsh enough. As the only message that can truly be sent about altering a safety component on a racecar, however slight is simply for immediate Disqualification. End of Story!

 

As the IndyCar statement claims that the Attenuator’s seams were filled in order to gain an aerodynamic advantage, which regardless of whom you believe, is just another of the countless examples of Penske seeking it’s legendous “Unfair Advantage!”

 

My “gut” feeling is that as long as Roger Penske holds the keys to everything. Sadly, there will forever be a dark cloud overhead IndyCar! Which I really don’t know the solution to, but I’d say it’s quite the conundrum.

 

Since once again one of the little teams is taking it in the shorts financially, whilst the Big Dawgs’ keep rollin’ on! As how much did Dale Coyne just lose out upon?

 

As the spotlight should have been solely focused upon the incredible accomplishment of rookie Robert Shwartzman, which was Freakin’ Amazing! With only five IndyCar races to His (and Prema’s) credit, He becomes just the third rookie in Indy 500 History to win pole!

 

The last being Italian Teo Fabi in 1983, the year Prema was formed. And first rookie team since the “Gasman” Tom Sneva driving for Mayer Motor Racing in ’84.

 

Totally Unbelievable!

 

Yet lie Pato O’Ward said in the IndyStar article I listened to late Sunday night, following the Fast Twelve Shootout. The real question is why does Penske feel they need to do such things? As they’ve got really good drivers, good equipment,  so why?

 

And who will Roger put on Double Secret Probation this time? Uhm, guess that Doug Boles did that for Him, Eh?

 

Although I’d like to point out what at least I heard Boles say during His press conference announcing the harsher penalty. The Nos. 2 and 12 weren’t disqualified, Team Penske simply elected to withdraw them on Sunday. As they were allowed to run in the Fast 12 Shootout but most certainly would be disqualified afterwards for failing post technical inspection.

 

While I still do not believe Cindric’s comment about ScottyMac’s No. 3 car not having a modified attenuator. Unless that means that Team Penske made the modification between McLaughlin’s practice crash and Sunday qualifying? Even though reports claim that other teams have photographs of Penske’s car running with this modification going back to last year, Huh?

 

As it’s a really Ugly problem! And no matter how it was handled/not handled? Somebody in the Last Row shootout got screwed! Especially when it’s the series owner caught cheating at the racetrack He owns!

 

As congratulations to Robert Shwartzman and Prema Racing! And may somebody beside Team Penske win this Sunday! Since can you imagine the scuttlebutt if either the No. 2 or No. 12 wins?

 

Aftermath

Naturally, the story wasn’t finished. Since a day after I finished penning this article, Roger Penske dropped a Bombshell with the firing of Tim Cindric, Rob Ruzewski and Kyle Moyer, His top three IndyCar lieutenants on Wednesday, May 21st.

 

This is quite significant, since I like many believed that Cindric would one day take over control of Team Penske when El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske had finally taken the chequered flag…

 

I should also say that I’ve found Doug Boles to be very pragmatic during this whole ugly situation, and as a lawyer saying He’s just been working with the facts. As Boles has been decisive and straightforward in what appropriate punishment He could deal out. Thus I find myself unexpectedly defending Him, by just saying that He’s only been president of IndyCar since early February. And as Boles said, the Penske penalitespenalties are probably Harsher then what was handed out to other team violations at the Thermal club this past March…

 

I also know that whilst photographic evidence of Josef Newgarden’s 2024 Indy 500 winning car sporting the exact same alterations exist. Boles has noted that He’s been told the Aerodynamic modification would net 0.0mph gain.

 

While it’s also somewhat hard to believe that Roger Penske would wish such negative publicity focused upon Him at the racetrack He so cherishes, and has spent millions improving to make “Penske Perfect”. Not to mention the huge stain this puts upon His legendous’ racing organization. Not to mention All of the people who work so diligently for Him…

 

Yet I still say that the only acceptable punishment for modifying a safety component. With the rear attenuator designed presumably with said seam gap to crumple in a rearwards accident and dissipate crash energy away from the driver, is for immediate Disqualification of said racecar!

 

While it will be very interesting to see how IndyCar moves forward from this massive scandal… 

INDY 500: Worthwhile Cinderella Choices

Marco Andretti in search of some elusive speed in Gasoline Alley. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

But can any of these Drivers find their mythical Glass Drivers Boot?

 

Every year it seems like it takes longer, but arrives sooner, that hallowed day “Back Home in Indiana?” As where has another year gone already? As fortunately history is against Josef Schlick’ Newgarden three-peating…

 

In the past ten years, there have been four non-Penske or Chip Ganassi winners, with the third member of the touted Big Three, i.e.; Andretti Global not having won since 2017. While Penske has five wins over that period, i.e.; 2015, 2018-19, 2023-24. And Ganassi has won once in 2022.

 

Although I suppose Alexander Rossi’s 2016 win for Andretti Herta Autosport counts as an Andretti W’, Eh?

 

As here’s what I came up with whom I think would be deserving Cinderella stories drinking milk this May 25th.

 

Santino Ferrucci

No. 14 A.J. Foyt enterprises, Chevrolet

This one should be obvious for multiple reasons, as how can you not root for someone with the bravado of thee Great Santini, eh? Keying His radio and saying should we go lead this Boys? While piloting the storied No. 14 racecar.

 

And how much longer will ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. be round to witness victory and celebrate winning the only race that matters to Him…

 

Marco Andretti

No. 98 Andretti Global, Honda

Yeah, we all know about that dreaded Andretti curse at Mother Speedway. Which is like 75-1 or something for drinking milk at Mother Speedway. And while Marco’s been on pole once, it’s hard to believe His closest shot to victory came as a rookie nearly twenty years ago!

 

Rinus VeeKay

No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing, Honda

Although I cannot say I’m a fan of the Dutchman, having given Him the dubious nickname Count Dracula after taking out Alex Palou during the 2023 Indianapolis 500. Nevertheless, I’m happy seeing His renaissance at the Minnoweqse’ DCR outfit.

 

We know how good VeeKay is when it comes to qualifying for the Indy 500,albeit usually crashing out of the race. And how magnificent would if be for Dale Coyne and Rinus to win at the Speedway.

 

Ed Carpenter

No. 33 Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet

Think this one’s a no brainer! As we know Ed’s love for the Brickyard, not to mention His step-father’s connection to Mother Speedway. As this is the only race Fast Eddie’ has wanted to win in His racing career. And what more do you need to say other than His car number being 33, eh?

 

Conor Daly

No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing, Chevrolet

Every time the Noblesville, Indiana native takes the lead at Mother Speedway, there’s always an audible roar of approval from the stands! As Conor’s had His ups and downs as a journeyman IndyCar racer. And what better way to cap His return to fulltime driving status in Indy Cars than by winning at the Brickyard.

 

Felix Rosenqvist

No. 60 Meyer Shank racing, Honda

Although I suppose the media will vainly try keeping the “Drive for Five” with Hulio’ alive. It’s the driver that Racer’s Marshall Pruett calls Fro’ that I think has the best chance of winning for MSR. As it seems a lifetime ago that Felix-the-Cat’ won His debutante IndyCar race at Road America, Wayback’ in 2020.

 

As I’m a huge fan of Rosenqvist’s and would really enjoy seeing this no nonsense, down-to-earth fairly unflappable Swede’ drinking milk this May. And getting some of the long overdue recognition He deserves.

 

Graham Rahal

No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda

Won’t belabour the year when Graham failed to qualify on the 30th anniversary of His father Bobby failing to do so. Before Graham was given a lifeline as Stefan Stork’ Wilson’s injury replacement…

 

Or how Graham finished a disappointing third the year RLLR teammate Takuma Sato won His second Borg Warner trophy. Since when I think of all of the heartache Graham’s endured at Mother Speedway, I inevitably think of 2021 when He seemed destined to win before a wheel came off exiting His lightning quick pitstop on lap-119, Butterfingers!

 

I’ll add a further three drivers I’d enjoy seeing win again at Mother Speedway, for various reason.

 

Marcus Ericsson

No. 28 Andretti Global, Honda

Without that faux Red Flag and going Green with one lap remaining two years ago, Marcus Ericsson instead of Josef Schlick’ Newgarden would be a two-times consecutive Indianapolis 500 winner. As I’ll just say that Ericsson was robbed!

 

Couple that with how His first season at His new home Andretti Global went, along with the miserable outing He had at Alabama this May. And Y’all can see why I think this affable Swede should win His second Indy 500.

 

Alexander Rossi

No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet

Yeah, it’s nearly a decade now since that shock win driving for Bryan Herta as a rookie during the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. And it’s been nearly three years since His last win, ironically on the infield road course at Indianapolis on July 30, 2022, when driving for Andretti Autosport! Which in turn broke a previous three year winless streak. And I’d just like to see Him get the proverbial “Monkey” off His back. Not to mention winning again with a non “big-3” race team…

 

Takuma Sato

No. 75 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda

Taku-san will forever be inexorably linked with His brilliant tag-line of “No Attack, No chance!” Along with the gritty duel with Dario Franchitti during the 2012 Indy 500, for which arguably we could be talking about a three-times Indianapolis 500 winner today.

 

Thus, I’d really enjoy seeing Sato cap off His IndyCar career by becoming only the seventh three time winner at Mother Speedway! And how can you not root for this wonderful driver, Eh? As I’ve still got His 2013 Tsunami relief fund T-Shirt in a drawer somewhere.

 

As we’re now just over 72 Hours from finding out if any of these unlikely drivers are drinking milk at Mother Speedway this Sunday… 

F1: What’s Going On at Alpine?

And who’s really in charge?

 

While IndyCar is Brickyard centric right now, with only eyes for Mother Speedway. As I’ve typed many times before, Motorsports never sleeps!

 

Alpine has long been Renault’s sports car brand and the two firms have long associations with Formula 1. With Alpine’s dating back to 1968 and Renault first being a Formula 1 Constructor in 1977.

 

Renault has been in and out of Formula 1 many times, with it’s zenith being double world champions, i.e.; winning both Drivers and Constructors titles back-to-back in 2005-06.

 

With the team’s low point being 2008’s Crash Gate, for which a disgruntled Nelson Piquet Jr. divulged the following year when sacked by Flavio Briatore…

 

Diehard f1 Afficionados will know that Renault bought Benetton in 2000, and became the Renault F1 Team in 2002. Before morphing into the Lotus F1 Team in 2012, then Lotus Renault GP, or visa versa? Next becoming Renault Sport F1 Team in 2016 and finally Alpine in 2021.

 

The team has had much staff turnover since becoming the BWT Alpine F1 Team, with then team principal Cyril Abiteboul leaving after their transition from Renault to Alpine. As Davide Brivio, former Suzuki MotoGP team boss took over for Abiteboul, albeit with mixed results.

 

In January 2022, Marcin Budkowski, who’d risen to the role of director at Alpine, previously Renault’s executive technical director. And non-executive director Alain Prost both left the organization. With Otmar Szafnauer, previously Aston Martin’s F1 team principal, taking over the same role at Alpine.

 

Meanwhile Bruno Famin was hired to lead Renault’s Power Unit organization at Viry-Chatillon. And somebody named Oscar Piastri replaced Daniil Kvyat as test driver, as we all know how that worked out, El Correctomundo!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/08/i-will-not-be-driving-for-insert-race.html

 

In July 2023 Laurent Rossi was replaced by Philippe Kreis as CEO, before Szafnauer and longtime employee Alan “Bat” Permane, having risen to Sporting Director were “let go” following the Belgian Grand Prix. With Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry leaving at the end of the year for Williams. Which are just some of the staff exodus over the past four years…

 

Monsieur Famin, who’d taken over as team principal was replaced by Oliver Oakes during the 2024 F1 Summer Holiday and began as team principal at last year’s Dutch Grand Prix on August 25th. Which brings us full circle to the latest management shakeup.

 

As Renault hired the highly controversial HMS Monogram’, aka Flavio Briatore to an executive advisor role last May, having already noted Briatore’s role in Crash Gate, not to mention Benetton’s legendous’ “trick” Option 13 launch control on the B194 chassis that Michael Schumacher drove to the first of His eventual seven F1 world championships…

 

Briatore signed Franco Colapinto as one of the team’s reserve drivers this January. for which I tend to recall that before the season began, scuttlebutt suggested that Jack Doohan was only guaranteed six Grans Prix races, with cynics suggesting this was why Doohan’s F1 debut was pushed forward to last year’s season ending Abu Dhabi GP.

 

Naturally, Oakes shock resignation was confirmed just days following the Miami Grand Prix; Tuesday, May 6th. One day prior to Alpine making official Doohan being replaced by Colapinto on a five-race deal beginning at Imola, with the team’s statement saying nothing more would be said regarding Oakes sudden departure.

 

Yet 24 hours later, Briatore, now the acting team principal felt the need to comment further, claiming Oakes departure had nothing to due with Doohan’s demotion to reserve driver and Colapinto’s insertion into the Aussie’s race seat. And was of a personal nature instead. For which that all seems a wee Bitamyte’ too convenient, or just plain good ‘Ol CoInky-dense, eh? Since rumours suggest that Oakes felt under minded by Briatore’s drivers decision…

 

Yet two days after Oakes resignation, it was reported that His younger brother William Oakes, age 31 had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police on the charge of transferring criminal property. Claiming that He had a large amount of cash in His possession when detained nearby Silverstone, where Hitech Racing’s located.

 

As William is listed as a director of Hitech Racing, founded by older brother Oliver, with the latter not being implicated of any wrong doing.

 

Whilst I’m doing my best to stay away from the previous majority owner Dmitry Mazepin angle to this story. Yes, that’s former Haas F1 driver Nikita “Mazaspin’s” father…

 

Although it’s also been pointed out by Racer’s Chris Medland that the writing for Doohan as been on the wall ever since Colapinto was signed to Alpine’s cast of rotating test and reserve drivers due to His sizeable sponsorship backing from Argentina and previous race pace at Williams last season.

 

But I simply do not understand how a rookie F1 driver is supposed to flourish in such a hostile environment! Since Doohan was Alpine’s first Driver Acadamey member to actually graduate to a race seat, albeit briefly. Meaning is it worth being an Academy member after all?

 

Since former Alpine Academy member Christian Lundgaard is doing quite nicely in IndyCar now, currently lying second in the championship – when I began scribbling this.

 

Alpine currently sits ninth in the vaunted F1 Constructors championship, only ahead of Sauber, who are in a transition year before becoming the Audi Werks’ outfit next season.

 

As Briatore, who’s now 75 is tasked with making Alpine into a winner once again, albeit for Mwah, it’s completely sacrilegious over Alpine becoming a Mercedes customer team next year! But that’s another story waiting to be laboriously poonded’ out here on No Fenders…

 

As can Alpine ever claw it’s way back to the sharp end of the grid? Since they’ve only one once as a F1 Constructor, when Esteban Ocon took an unlikely victory at the Hungaroring in 2021.

 

Prior to that, Renault hadn’t won a Grand Prix since the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix as a constructor. Albeit Red bull ran le Reggie’s 2.4-litre normally aspirated V-8 enginesas a customer between 2010-2013 enroute to four consecutive doubles championships, i.e.; F1 Drivers and Constructors titles…