Alex Palou’s “Magical” season

As we All know Alex’s favourite word Amazing, Righto?

 

Although must say I was tempted to go with Magic Carpet Ride, Magical Mystery Tour or Magic Bus for my title to this riveting No Fenders prose.

 

Every week Palou, and 26 other drivers get in the Queue. “Too much Magic Bus”. Thank you Cheep’ for getting me Here. “Too much Magic Bus”. Your being Watched by the other Team Owners Have No Fear. “too much magic Bus” No! You cannot buy it Zak Brown!

 

Thanks to Racer’s website redesign which isn’t conducive to screen readers! If Y’all haven’t noticed, I’ve sort of tuned-out from IndyCar, Sports Cars and Der Weurld de Motorsporten lately, Ja-Ja!

 

As I hadn’t even listened to any of Marshall Pruett’s podcasts in over a month’s time, i.e.; sometime before this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans. As its just plain wrong that its been over two months now without being able to read Racer’s website, but I digress. And yes, I have contacted them about this matter…

 

Returning to the “Fold”, I tuned into Pruett’s The Week in IndyCar July 15th podcast, and was entertained as always with Marshall’s insight. Not to mention enjoying His enthusiasm for the sport. Since after all He should be quite the Jaded Motorsports reporter by now.

 

According to Marshall there were only four drivers ever in the history of IndyCar to win seven or more races in a season, for which I beg to differ after briefly reading a Sportskeeda article.

 

Although I fell Afoul to trying to read the article too quickly, and mistakingly gave Mikey A’ an extra W’ and podium that year, initially…

 

As Marshall just enthused over how “Amazing” Palou’s season is this year, having claimed then seven of the season’s first twelve races prior to Toronto. As Marshall just laughed in giddy, astonishing are you Freakin’ kiddin’ me uproarious laughter!

 

Whilst a rare “Strategery” mistake saw Palou miss out upon possible victory Up North eh!

 

Leaving me wanting to know who the other three drivers were? As Marshall only divulged what I thought was the latest driver to do so, for which I saw win one of His eight races Wayback in 1994 at Portland International Raceway. As ’94 was the year that ‘lil Al and Team Penske decimated CART! As Al Unser Jr. won eight times including that year’s Indianapolis 500 with the “Unfair Advantage” of the “Stock Block” Mercedes. And Penske drivers finishing 1-2-3 overall, with a total of 12 wins out of 16 races! With Emmerson Fittipaldi winning once and Paul Tracy three times; finishing second and third respectively.

 

Of course I could only guess one other drivers name, being the first ever to accomplish this feat, which Y’all may be able to guess? But I’m getting ahead of myself since we’re going in reverse order, due to total number of wins in a single IndyCar season, i.e.; lowest to highest, according to Sportskeeda’s Five IndyCar Drivers with Most Wins in A Season.

 

I also saw the second most recent driver to accomplish this feat, ditto at Portland. Where I have to say that Mikey A’ was the scourge ‘O Portland since I was then a ‘lil Al fan…

 

Michael Andretti tied His father’s feat of winning eight races during His lone championship winning 1991 season. Claiming a total of 11 podiums and eight poles during the 17 race season.

 

As that tally doesn’t include His winning the Marlboro Challenge event at Laguna Seca from pole. Seeing Michael win a total of nine IndyCar races that season.

 

As I actually saw a quarter of both Al Unser Jr’s and Michael’s wins those two championship seasons. Having also attended the Molson Indy Vancouver races Up North Eh!

 

SuperMario’, nee Mario Andretti won nine races in 1969. Arguably His best IndyCar season due to winning that year’s Indianapolis 500 for Andy Granatelli in the legendary Brawer Hawk.

 

And then the top two of this very exclusive category are also tied with an unbelievable 10 wins in a single season. For which I’d Arse-sume Y’all would guess ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. Righto? But can you name the other driver?

 

Yep, Big Al’ tied Foyt’s record in 1970 aboard arguably one of the most beautiful liveries of All-time. Driving the Johnny Lightning Special PJ Colt of Vels Parnelli Jones Racing. Which included the first of Al Unser Snr’s eventual four Indianapolis 500 victories. Along with back-to-back Indy 500 wins in 1970-71.

 

While A.J. Foyt needs no introduction, arguably thee GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) IndyCar drivers who naturally set the record first, and the bar ultra high! Winning ten times in 1964, including that year’s Indianapolis 500. Foyt won 10 of 13 races that season, with only three DNF’s due to mechanical failures.

 

Ah, I love Zed Intrawoods’, since when I Googled most IndyCar wins in a season a second time, naturally I got a completely different answer. With Autoweek proclaiming there’s actually nine drivers to have won seven IndyCar races in a season. As why wouldn’t we expect both Foyt and Mario Andretti to have accomplished this more than once in their stellar IndyCar careers, Eh?

 

As Foyt also claimed seven wins in 1975, while Mario captured eight wins back-to-back, between 1966-67.

 

And then Thars’ a proverbial logjam at drivers with eight wins in a season, for which we already know about ‘lil Al and Mikey A’. But how could I overlook le Hamburgular’, aka Sealmeister B’, aka SeaBass’ or simply Sebastien Bourdais? As the master of Champ car won eight times in the series final season of 2007. Which naturally I can say, once again I saw Him win at Portland that year much to my chagrin. Being a loyal Justin Big Unit’ Wilson fan!

 

And how could Marshall forget His Buddy “French Fry?” As I do miss those Pruett and Bourdais wacky weekend race videos…

 

Then naturally who would know that Tony Bettenhausen also claimed eight wins during the 1951 season? Giving us four drivers in this rarefied domain. Before Palou joined this club with another crushing victory at Laguna Seca. Leading 84 of 95 laps enroute to His third win in four years at Monterey!

 

While we have to go all the way back to over a decade ago to Gory 1922, when Jimmy Murphy won seven races that season, including that year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile International Sweepstakes race.

 

While I’d have to say that Murphy’s accomplishment is probably the most impressive, since some of these wins came upon the diabolical Board tracks of the Day!

 

As my foggy memory said that the long defunct Tacoma Speedway Board track was part of that year’s AAA National Championship. Which indeed, Murphy began the fourth ‘O July Montemarathon 250 from pole, with arch nemesis Tommy Milton winning the race.

 

Yet I love Pruett’s enthusiasm for what Alex Palou has done this season. Making me want to “See” Alex get to at least eight wins this year, Mission Accomplished! Which puts Him into very “Heady company. Although like Marshall says, I don’t feel Palou is one of the sport’s “Great” IndyCar Drivers yet! And certainly not in Scott Dixon territory, whom with the second most IndyCar titles and wins, doesn’t even make this list of nine drivers, Crikeys!

 

Nine IndyCar Legends with the Most Wins in a Single Season

 

Can Palou win His ninth race of the season at Portland, where He’s won twice before? As you’ve gotta love Alex’s attitude when interviewed in victory lane about going for more wins? For Sure He bluntly stated!

 

My witty Magic Carpet Ride lyrical “Ditty” was inspired by The Who’s 1968 Magic Bus song. Which No, you still cannot buy it Zak! 

F1: Where will Horner go Now?

And can Red Bull turn around its Sinking Ship?

 

Have to say it came as a surprise to Mwah, reading the news over Christian Horner, the Pied Piper of Red Bull Racing being released of His duties as CEO effective immediately on Wednesday morning, July 9th.

 

Horner, alleged of “Bullying” and sexually harassing a female Red Bull employee, His personal assistant at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season, in which the Daily Mail is calling a sext texting scandal, claims that Horner has gotten His “Cumuffins”, which I find overly rich…

 

As Horner was cleared twice from this sexual harassment allegation by two separate Barristers, and had seemed to weather the storm, especially after Max Verstappen won His fourth, consecutive World Championship last year.

 

While I do not condone any form of sexual harassment, I find the Hypocrisy of one of His fiercest critic, once fondly known as Jos the Boss Verstappen dubious at best! Since Verstappen Senior seemed to be spearheading the charge for Horner’s dismissal over a year ago.

 

As why is no one writing about Jos’s former multiple Domestic Assaults? Having surrendered to Dutch police in January 2012, spending two weeks in Jail for Attempted Murder! Having supposedly tried to run down His former girlfriend, before being released due to lack of evidence.

 

This followed His ex-girlfriend being taken to hospital in November, 2011, after physical beating by Jos. For which the former 24 year old girlfriend, when Jos was 39 said had happened before.

 

Not to mention being fined and given three months suspended jail sentence in 2008 for domestic violence against his ex-wife, Max’s Mum. Or being convicted of Assault for breaking a man’s skull at a Karting track some ten-plus years prior…

 

Although I’m in no way defending the Dutchman’s unscrupulous antics. I’m now wondering if the Headline about the team imploding if Horner remained in power after the sex-texting scandal by Jos, stemmed from His personal experience?

 

Like Him or not, Horner led Red Bull to eight F1 Drivers and six Constructors Championships over His twenty-plus tenue as leader of Red Bull. Not to mention 124 Grands Prix victories in 405 starts, the fourth most ever by a Formula 1 team.

 

Therefore, at age 51, I cannot see Horner being finished in F1, and three current F1 teams jump out immediately to Mwah as possible landing destinations. Even though it sounds like Horner is on mandatory “gardening Leave” for the moment.

 

Horner has been rumoured to be on Ferrari’s radar previously, which He’s turned la Scuderia down previously to stay at Red Bull. Seeing currently embattled Team Principal Frederic Vausser landing the job.

 

But if F1 Pundit Ralf Schumacher is correct over Horner not appreciating criticism, then Ferrari seems like a bad fit. Since the Italian press is constantly castigating Scuderia Ferrari over its poor performance, and continuously demanding the dismissal of whomever is in charge! Not to mention uprooting wife Geri Halliwell and family to Italy.

 

No, for Mwah the two most likely future destinations would seem to be either Alpine or Cadillac.

 

The move to Cadillac would be brilliant, giving them instant creditability. Not to mention somebody in charge with a winning pedigree. Although not sure how this would work out for current boss Graeme Lowdon?

 

Although again, the TWG Group seems intent on running the F1 operation out of its Fishers complex in the future, implying that Horner would need to move to another country. Unless perhaps Lowdon became Deputy Team Principal and oversaw the Stateside operation?

 

While I’d say the most logical choice would be Alpine, provided it gave Horner a long enough leash to turn the franchise around. Since they’ve got a nasty habit of dumping leadership routinely!

 

Although reportedly, Horner is good friends with HMS Monogram’, aka flavour Flav’, nee Flavio Briatore, who may be quick to snap up the services of His friend?

 

Whilst what about Steve Nielsen? Just confirmed as the team’s new Managing Director, effective September 1st. As Nielsen will be responsible for day-to-day operations.

 

But being a truly British team based at Enstone, and supposedly with updated premises, this would be the most convenient for Horner. As who knows where it could lead?

 

While you’d have to think that Aston Martin’s a longshot, since I think there’s already too many Cooks in the kitchen! And how would Adrian Newey feel about re-uniting with Horner?

 

As only time will tell where Messer Horner lands, provided He does return to Formula 1 in the future, which feels inevitable to Mwah…

 

Meanwhile, Laurent Mekies, previous Boss of Racing Bulls takes over as CEO of Red Bull Racing. As the Frenchman began His Formula 1 career with Arrows, and engineered several F1 drivers at Minardi and Scuderia toro Rosso. He spent a brief stint as the FIA’s Safety Director and Deputy Race Director. Then moved to Ferrari as its Sporting Director before becoming Racing Bulls Team Principal.

 

Alan “Bat” Permane becomes Racing Bulls new Team Principal. Which will be interesting to see how the ‘lil bulls progress?

 

As Racing Bulls were currently tied for seventh place with Aston Martin on 36 Markers apiece, in the vaunted Constructors Championship before Mekies moved to Red Bull. With Sauber vaulting five points ahead to sixth, thanks to Nico Hulkenberg’s excellent third place finish at Silverstone. 

Two Championship leaders Stumble, A third Driver triumphs

As a forgotten Superhero finally Flex’s His Muscles! And its not Superman…

 

Yeah, this is old news, especially since IndyCar has just completed its Iowa Double Header weekend on the 0.875-mile Bullring (short track) Oval. Not to mention just returning from Up North eh! On the streets of Toronto…

 

Have to say that it was amusing to see both the IndyCar and Formula 1 Championship points leaders stumble at Mid-Ohio and Silverstone respectively, albeit both were self-inflicted wounds…

 

Having mused to myself that the race was over, when on lap 74 of 90, Alex Palou’s pit crew made the perfect stop with Strategist Barry Wanser’s superb call for Palou’s third pitstop enabling the Spaniard to beat Scott Dixon back on-track.

 

As Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) teammate Dixon was attempting to run the less preferred two stop strategy, being the master of fuel saving. But the race seemed over, as even the IMS Radio Network Booth boyz’ focused upon other “lesser” battles taking place further back in the pack. Tending to recall that Conor Daly and Rinus VeeKay got shout-outs. Which had nothing to do with Daly calling Santino Ferrucci a Clown!

 

Then the unthinkable happened with just five laps remaining, as Palou inexplicably slid offtrack at Turn 9, Hmm, who’s car number is that? And Dixon being 3.5 seconds behind said thank you very much Alex, Ole!

 

As thee Iceman 2.0 was not to be denied, even with Palou doing everything possible besides giving Dixon the Chrome Horn treatment the final four laps of the race, all to no avail! As Dixon became only the third different winner in IndyCar this season, with Honda having won all ten races to date. And if we include last year’s season finale at Nashville, Honda’s won 11 straight races, say what?

 

Dixon now has 59 career wins and has won an IndyCar race in  a record 21 consecutive seasons! Along with breaking Mario Andretti’s All-time IndyCar career starts tally of 407 upon making His 408th IndyCar start at this year’s Indianapolis 500, Aye Karumba!

 

Meanwhile, across thoust Gory Puddle, we all know what happened at Bloody Silverstone, during typical English summer weather. Before the skies fell down upon thee Pied Piper Chris Horner!

 

As race leader Oscar Piastri was penalized 10 seconds for braking erratically behind the Safety Car, with Max Verstappen almost colliding with Him! As Max pirouetted down to tenth place, before recovering to finish fifth.

 

As the penalty did seem harsh, albeit Sky Sports Pundit Martin Billybob’ Brundle seemed to think the penalty was warranted. Saying “they’ll” want to have a look at that, insinuating that Piastri had been too clever and indeed braked erratically. As McLaren would later divulge that Piastri had applied some 59.2psi braking force and somewhere else I read the Aussie’s speed plummeted from 218kph down to 52kph, Anchors Away!

 

Thus Piastri had to dejectedly settle for second place behind McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who was gifted victory at His home race, which I suppose is fitting for Formula 1 celebrating its 75th anniversary.

 

Thus Piastri’s points lead over Norris shrinks to eight, with Oscar leaving five wins to Lando’s four at the halfway point of the F1 season.

 

But I’m certain that both Palou and Piastri will learn from these mistakes and only become stronger in the future, an ominous sign for their competitions…

 

Yet for Mwah, the highlight of the weekend was The Incredible Hulk’, Err Hulkster’, nee Nico Hulkenberg claiming His first podium on His 239th start, the current Formula 1 record for most starts without a podium, Sheisa!

 

Hulkenberg had a meteoric rise thru Karting and Junior series with multiple championships, including the 2009 GP2 title; today’s formula 2 Championship, which he won as a rookie.

 

Williams signed the promising rookie for 2010. As its hard to believe I still remember Nico winning pole at the Brazilian Grand Prix 15 years ago. Which I tend to recall was done in the wet, under not ideal conditions.

 

Yet Nico would be replaced by Pastor Maldonado the following year at Williams, presumably bringing barrels full of Venezuelan PDVSA Oil money. Although Maldonado scored Williams last Grand Prix victory in 2013.

 

Hulkenberg became Force India’s reserve driver for 2011, contesting Friday practice sessions before promoted to a race seat the following year.

 

Having then raced for Sauber, Racing Point and Renault, before spending three years as Racing Point and Aston Martin’s reserve driver. Deputizing for Sergio Perez and Sebastian Vettel. Before a two year stint at Haas, joining previous Bosom Buddy Kevin Magnussen. As the Dane’ famously told Him to suck a part of His lower anatomy once!

 

As Hulkenberg replaced fellow German Mick Schumacher at Has, and then moved to Sauber this year, which will become the Audi Werks’ team for 2026.

 

Hulkenberg won the 2015 24 Heurs du Mans driving for Porsche. Something only He and Fernando Alonso have done as Formula 1 drivers the past decade.

 

Hulkenberg’s podium is the first for Sauber since K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi finished third at the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix.

 

While it was wonderful reading how truly excited Alonso was for Hulkenberg. While Carlos Sainz Jr said He’d known that Nico has always been a top-five driver. Just never had the equipment to prove it.

 

As I’m guessing that even Magnussen would be happy for Him… 

Talking “Tech” with Tino Belli

Although the Dallara DW12 Ain’t going anywhere soon…

 

Back when I could easily read Racer’s website before the maligned Racer 2.0 launch of its graphically laden website on May  12th. Which doesn’t conform to WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, Urgh! Which reputedly Racer’s working to rectify. Although I’ve been holding my breath for several weeks now, eagerly awaiting its update, chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

As the website’s got other issues or bugs to iron out, which I doubt will happen, but I digress…

 

Marshall Pruett’s story Wayback’ in March regarding Tino Belli being called upon to “Beautify” the next generation Dallara IndyCar, has a very interesting podcast associated with it.

 

As Pruett spent nearly 90mins talking with Belli Wayback’ in 2018 after the introduction of the UAK 18, i.e.; Universal Aero Kit, which being unable to “See”, know it’s vastly superior to those dreaded, and thankfully forgotten about Chevy v Honda Aero Kit Wars of 2015-17.

 

As it’s a great interview worth listening too…

 

IndyCar turns to Tino Belli to enhance looks of next Chassis

 

Reading between the proverbial tea leaves, it sounded to Mwah that IndyCar is planning on sticking with just presenting a “warmed” over updated version of the current Dallara DW12 as the next generation IndyCar, with Belli leading the design of its aesthetics…

 

Yet we all know that on Friday of this year’s Road America IndyCar race weekend, IndyCar and IMS leader Doug Boles announced that IndyCar would be debuting the long awaited next generation chassis in 2028.

 

The racecar will once again be produced by Dallara, targeting to be 85-100lbs lighter. Which basically gets back to pre-Hybrid, Err Energy Recovery system (ERS) weight, since the ERS added an ungainly 100lbs to the DW12’s rear!

 

Xtrac, the current gearbox supplier will continue in this role, providing a new 25lbs lighter unit that shares components with the Indy NXT chassis, for those running in both series.

 

While current brake supplier Performance Friction Corporation (PFC) will continue as sole supplier of braking systems.

 

A new ergonomic cockpit will be utilized, including the integration of the Aeroscreen, which was an “Add-on” component to the current DW12 chassis.

 

On the power side, the new racecar will get the previously announced 2.4-litre V-6 twin turbocharged lumps’, ergo Internal Combustion Engine. (ICE) Replete with ERS, albeit the Hybrid unit will feature more power and improved performance…

 

As you’d like to Arse-sume this new “clean-sheet” chassis design will allow for better weight distribution, leading to better handling and better performance overall.

 

Track testing of the new Dallara chassis will commence in 2026, and then once again, all teams will have to buy brand new racecars for the 2028 IndyCar season, when the venerable 15yr old DW12 is finally retired! 

RETRO: Renault’s Glory Years

Suppose that’s a sad takeoff upon an ‘Ol Bruce, the Boss’s song, Eh?

 

Formula 1 mandated the use of naturally aspirated 3.5-litre engines for the 1989 F1 season, with seven engine manufacturers supplying their wares in various guises.

 

As Ferrari and Lamborghini were the only V-12 producers, while the majority of the field relied upon the Ford Cosworth DFR V-8 unit. Although Benetton who had Ford Cosworth Werks’ status, received the “clean sheet” design HB unit at Circuit Paul Ricard. Judd provided its V-8 lumps in both CV and EV guise. Whilst Zakspeed had a Yamaha v-8, and Honda and Renault opted for the V-10 solution.

 

After a three year hiatus, Renault returned to Formula 1 as an engine supplier to Sir Frank’s Team Willy’, aka Williams Grand Prix Engineering. And once again pioneered another first in motor racing. As the Williams FW12C would use the Renault RS1 V-10 that introduced today’s de riggour pneumatic valve spring technology. Which allows valve springs being pushed by compressed air or nitrogen to operate at higher RPM’s without the dreaded valve “float” of traditional wire, coil valve springs past 12,000RPM’s; if I understand this technology somewhat correctly?

 

Although I just heard Bobby Rahal claiming that Toyota were running their IndyCar engines at 18,000-19,000RPM during the latter stage of CART with normal coil valve springs on Unchained with Paul Tracy…

 

Williams had struggled mightily the year prior with the underperforming and “sluggish” FW12 powered by the Judd 3.5-litre CV V-8 normally aspirated lump’. As reportedly, the Judd engine produced 400bhp less than the all conquering Honda 1.5-litre V-6 turbo, that McLaren almost completed a Clean sweep season with in 1988. Ironically, with the exception of Jean-Louis Schlesser tangling with race leader Ayrton Senna at Monza, gifting Ferrari an unexpected 1-2 finish just a month after Enzo Ferrari’s death! With Schlesser deputizing for Nigel Mansell at Williams; as the Brit was suffering from chicken Pox…

 

The FW12C was designed to accommodate the narrower angle, longer Renault V-10, which Riccardo Patrese would qualify second at the season opening Brazilian Grand Prix. The Italian driver’s 176th Grand Prix start, tying the record jointly held by Graham Hill and Jacques Laffite. As Patrese would go onto set the Ironman mark at 256 Grands Prix, before being bested by Rubino’, nee rubens Barrichello. For which Honda decided that the 2008 Turkish Grand Prix was Rubino’s 257th start, with Barrichello the first to surpass 300. And so it goes, now that Fernando Alonso has surpassed 400 Grands Prix starts, Aye Karumba!

 

Now It’s a Record!

 

Theirry Boutsen would give Williams Renault its maiden victory at the rain swept Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve that summer, the team’s only win of 1989.

 

Initially announcing His retirement at the end of 1990, Sir Frank wooed Nigel Mansell to return to Williams for the 1991 Formula 1 season, after giving Him clear number one status in writing. While Adrian Newy joined Williams from Leyton House March, designing what would become the technological tour de force, the FW14B of 1992. As the B spec model featured active suspension, semi-automatic gearshift, traction control and anti-lock braking.

 

Mansell would dominate the 1992 season with a crushing nine victories and 14 pole positions enroute to that year’s F1 Drivers title! With Williams claiming the first of four F1 constructors Championships with Renault engines; its fifth of nine eventual titles. While le Reggie’s V-10 engines took six Constructors titles on the trot, i.e.; 1992-97.

 

With thee Professor Alain Prost joining Williams for 1993, Mansell made His shock move to IndyCar with Newman Haas Racing, while Prost secured His fourth and final Drivers Crown with Williams Renault that season.

 

We all know that Michael Schumacher effectively turfed off Williams driver Damon Hill for the 1994 title at Adelaide, and then repeated as F1 World champion in ’95, when Benetton had switched to Renault V-10 engines. Before Hill was victorious in 1996, followed by Jacques Villeneuve in ’97, becoming the seventh and final Williams driver to win the championship.

 

Following the ’97 F1 season, Renault quit Formula 1 again, and instead supplied Williams with Mecachrome 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10 lumps’. Being followed by Supertec V-10 units being supplied to Williams, Arrows and BAR. While Benetton ran the customer badged Playlife V-10 engine for three season; All being based off of the championship winning Renault RS V-10 engine.

 

Renault then bought the Benetton team, which became the Werks’ Renault F1 team between 2001 and 2010. Although running the ’01 season as Benetton…

 

The team’s zenith was Fernando Alonso winning back-to-back F1 Drivers titles in 2005-06. Along with Renault winning both years Constructors championship, led by the imperious HMS Monogram’, aka Flavour Flav’, nee Flavio Briatore. Hmm, why is that name familiar, eh?

 

Although it was also under Briatore’s reign that Renault had its darkest day, simply known as Crashgate! When Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed to enable Alonso to win the 2008 Singapore grand Prix!

 

Renault pulled the plug as a Constructor once again, at season’s end of 2010. Seeing dueling Lotus-Lotus F1 Teams on the grid for 2011, i.e.; Team Lotus v Lotus GP. For which the most memorable portion of the Lotus era was thee Kimster’, nee Iceman, aka Kimi Raikkonen famously telling the team to “Just leave Me Alone, I Know What to do!” Over the In-car radio enroute to winning the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

 

Renault once again returned to Formula 1 as a Werks’ outfit under the Renault Sport banner in 2015. Then being rebranded as Alpine in 2021, and now once again under the tutelage of Briatore…

 

Renault also supplied its 2.4-liter normally aspirated V-8 engines to Scuderia Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing. With Red Bull scoring a quadruple “double” between 2010-13.

 

With ‘lil syd Viddle’, aka Sebastian Vettel setting many F1 records during this period. Including then setting the record for most wins in a season with 13, which included the record of nine consecutive wins in 2013; both since eclipsed by Max Verstappen’s 2023 season.

 

As Vettel still holds the record for most poles in a season at 15. Along with winning the Drivers title and Red Bull the Constructors title four consecutive years. Before le Reggie’s engine dominance waned, having scored just one single victory during the Power Unit (PU) era. When Esteban Ocon scored a surprise victory for Alpine at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.

 

Yet its sad to “See” Renault, who’ve wone twelve F1 constructors and eleven Drivers World Championships with the fourth most wins as an engine manufacturer leave the sport, again… 

RETRO: A Sad Day for French Motorsports

Will le Reggie’ ever return as a Power Unit manufacturer?

 

Strange how the Renault in Motorsport’s website proclaims that Motorsport is written in their History. And that they’ve Always been motivated by the challenge and yearn for something new. Hmm, then how come you’ve given up on producing your own Formula 1 Power Units, especially when the new regulations commence in 2026, merci?

 

Denoting that founder Louis Renault’s first major technological achievement was His direct drive transmission in the Model A voiturette, being the first to climb Montmartre’s Rue Lepic in the fall of 1898.

 

Other early models I’ve never heard of before include the Model K, the first equipped with a Renault engine,  and the 40CV, winner of the 1925 Monte Carlo Rally. Or the modern day Megane RS, which just ended production in 2023.

 

As we all know, the Alpine F1 Team will brazenly become a Mercedes PU customer beginning next season after nearly a half century of racing with Renault engines in the pinnacle of motorsports, nee formula 1. Which I find to simply be blasphemy!

 

Reportedly, Renault has the fourth most Grands Prix victories with 169, with only ford, Mercedes and Ferrari ahead of them. With Ferrari’s next victory being the firm’s momentous 250th Grand Prix win…

 

Ultimately, Renault’s Formula 1 history goes Wayback’ to the 1930’s and Amedee Gordini, who was then tuning engines for Simca, FIAT’s French car assembler. With the Simca-Gordini Type 5 Le Mans contesting the event in 1937, for example. As Gordini would contest Formula 1 with little success between 1950-57, albeit having success in Formula 2.

 

The Simca-Gordini relationship began dissipating in 1951, and by the 1960’s Gordini was tuning engines for Renault, along with entering Renault-Gordini works at Le Mans. Amedee retired in 1968 and sold a majority 70% stake of His company to Renault.

 

Renault-Gordini moved to Viry-Chatillon in 1969, becoming Renault’s Sport division before merging with Alpine in 1976 to become Renault Sport.

 

We know that the first formula 1 turbocharged racecar was the Renault RS01 powered by the Renault Gordini EF1 1.5-litre V-6 engine, but try finding anything substantive upon how we arrived at this point in history?

 

Other than being able to vaguely discern that Alpine was racing in the European Formula 2 Championship for many years, while Gordini was busy building race engines. As the Renault Alpine A442 racecar, propelled by a Renault-Gordini 2.0-litre turbocharged 90 degree V-6 lump’, won the 1978 24 Heurs du Mans.

 

As Alpine had turned its attention towards endurance racing in 1973, and its A441 dominated the 1974 Group 5 European 2.0-liter championship. With the A441 Sports prototype winning seven of seven races and that years manufacturer and driver titles. For which I’d Arse-sume that this was the basis of the future Renault-Gordini EF1 Formula 1 engine…

 

Derisively known as the Yellow Peacock, Renault made its Formula 1 debut at the 1977 British Grand Prix with Jean-Pierre Jabouille as its chauffeur. And like all new technology, suffered many technical issues during its teething period. Before finally scoring its first points at the 1978 USGP at Watkins Glen, finishing fourth.

 

For the 1979 F1 season, Renault added Rene Arnoux as the team’s second driver. As the team began the season with its RS01 chassis, while its Ground Effects RS10 was completed.

 

After Jabouille claimed the first ever pole position for a turbocharged car at the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Appropriately, Jabouille claimed the first ever turbocharged victory at the team’s home race at Dijon. As Monsieur “Jelly Belly” started from pole with Arnoux second, with the duo finishing one-three, with Ferrari’s Gilles Villeneuve sandwiched in-between le Reggie’ teammates.

 

Jabouille claimed pole for the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, followed by Arnoux scoring His debutante pole the following round at the Osterreichring in Austria. Arnoux claimed pole at Zandvoort and Jabouille took P1 at Monza, seeing Renault score four consecutive pole positions. As Arnoux would finish eighth overall with three podiums vs. Jabouille finishing P13 with two wins.

 

1980 saw Jabouille score two poles; Brazil and South Africa. While Arnoux claimed victory at Brazil and Kyalami. Along with claiming a Hat trick of pole at Austria, Zandvoort and Monza.

 

Jabouille scored His second and final Grand Prix victory that year in Austria, before suffering a nasty crash at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, breaking a leg. As the crash effectively ended His F1 driving career, being replaced by Alain Prost for 1981.

 

The Professor, aka Prost would appropriately win His debutante Grand Prix at Dijon in His sophomore season, eventually scoring more than one fifth of His career wins driving Renault powered racecars. Finished fifth overall with three wins that season.

 

Prost and Arnoux were a front running affair, finishing fourth and sixth overall respectively in 1982. Before Arnoux moved onto “Greener” pastures at la Scuderia, nee Ferrari, partnering countryman Patrick Tambay.

 

Although scoring four wins, Prost missed out on the 1983 F1 World Championship by two points, with rival BMW becoming the first ever turbocharged engine to win a world title with Nelson Piquet. While Prost was fired two days afterwards for supposedly berating Renault over its lack of development upon the RE40, after finishing Vice Champion, Err runner-up.

 

Prost was immediately snapped-up by thee Ronster’, nee Ron Dennis to drive for Mclaren, and the rest was history…

 

For 1984, Renault hired Tambay and Derek Warwick as the team’s two drivers, while Renault provided customer turbo engines for the first time to rival F1 constructors Ligier and Lotus.

 

As le Reggie would go scoreless in the wins column that season. With Lotus’s Elio de Angelis’s pole at the season opening Brazilian Grand Prix and Tambay’s pole at the French Grand Prix being Renault’s season’s highlights. As the Mclaren duo of Prost and Niki “The Rat” Lauda ruled the championship with their TAG-Porsch turbos.

 

1985 saw Renault expand to a third customer team, supplying Ligier, Lotus and Tyrrell with its engines, in what would be Renaults final season as a F1 Constructor. (During its first foray)

 

This would be Ayrton Senna’s breakout year, having moved to Lotus. Sweeping the season’s second round in Portugal. Claiming His maiden pole, fastest lap and win. As Senna would go on to win again at Spa-Francorchamps and rack up an impressive tally of seven poles. While Italian teammate Elio de Angelis would score victory at Imola, being Renault engine’s only three wins that season.

 

With Renault suffering heavy financial losses, CEO Georges Besse declared they could no longer afford to maintain the commitment to a Formula 1 team. Hmm, sound familiar to just departed Renault CEO Luca de Meo, who consigned the Alpine f1 Team to become a Mercedes PU (Power Unit) customer beginning in 2026, curtailing production of Werks’ PU at Viry-chatillon, Merci!

 

Thus Renault became just an engine supplier one final year in 1986, once again supplying Ligier, Lotus and Tyrrell. With Senna once again being the Renault’s highlight reel. Winning the Spanish and Detroit Grands Prix, and capturing a further eight poles, before le Reggie quit formula 1 for the first time… 

IMS: The Real Danny Sullivan

’Ol Hollywood’s still got it! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Danny Sullivan riding in pickup before the Race Sunday, waving to the crowd and in His Miller Beer red Fire-suit.

 

According to Carpets’, Danny’s not a Hulio’ Just for Men type ‘O guy, Hya! But still looks good.

 

The picture is nearly in the exact spot where He gathered up his car after the famous spin 40 years ago…

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

IMS: The Original Miller Beer Car

Team Penske March 85C. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

The original Penske Racing March 85C that Danny Sullivan drove to victory sits quietly in Gasoline Alley.

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

IMS: Miller High Life 2.0

No. 51 DCR entry during Qualifying. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Thee “New” No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing Miller High Life entry of Jacob Abel, during Saturday qualifying at Mother Speedway.

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

RETRO: Remembering the original Miller High Life’s Chauffeur

Miller High Life March 85C on display at the Penske Racing Museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

If only Jacob Abel could have found one of those missing three miles per hour Sunday…

 

This riveting No Fenders story is about ‘Ol Hollywood’, aka Danny Sullivan. Yet Just to put things into perspective. Reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou tied Sullivan’s, Tony Kanaan and Jimmy Murphy’s career tally of 17 wins at road America on just His 90th start!

As the Spaniard, who’s truly having a magical season, had 17 wins, 38 podiums and eight poles in 90 starts. While Sullivan had 17 wins, 40 podiums and 19 poles from 171 starts over 12 years, double Palou’s “short” career to date.

 

Danny Sullivan came back upon my radar, presumably like most for it being the 40th anniversary of that most memorable Spin ‘n win Indianapolis 500 victory on May 26, 1985; which I still believe is the first modern day Indy 500 I watched on television.

 

VIDEO: Danny Sullivan’s 1985 Indianapolis 500

 

It was fun hearing the old soundbite of IMS Radio Network’s call of the 1985 Indianapolis 500 during the pre-race build-up Sunday morning for this year’s race. As Paul Page, who turns 80 this November 25th, certainly sounds His age today, which obviously is part of the aging process we All experience…

 

Funniest bit in Page’s post-race live interview 40yrs ago is Sully’ saying He’d read the scoreboard wrong and thought there were only 14-laps remaining and it was time to G-O when He spun passing Mario! Which was actually only lap 140…

 

Along with Sully’ repeatedly yelling Mamma! Before Page asked who’s that Danny? That’s my mamma! During the live winner’s interview in victory lane; then being 35yr old.

 

Daniel John Sullivan III was born on March 9, 1950 in Louisville, Kentucky, which is also where current IndyCar driver Jacob Abel hails from.

 

Sullivan who was a Lumberjack and New York City Taxi driver before becoming a racing star, cut His racing teeth with a 21st birthday gift to the Jim Russell Driving School in Jolly ‘Ol England.

 

Sullivan made His CART PPG IndyCar world Series debut in 1982 for Forsythe Racing at the Stroh’s 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and contested two rounds that year, i.e.; Atlanta and Indianapolis.

 

Driving Forsythe Racing’s No. 33 March 82C Cosworth, Sullivan finished an impressive third upon debut at Atlanta. Before making His rookie debut in that year’s Indianapolis 500. With fellow rookies Chet Fillip, Chip Ganassi, Herm Johnson, Jim Hickman, Roger Mears, Bobby Rahal, Hector Rebaque and Dale Whittington.

 

As this was the race where ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee A.J. Foyt infamously called Kevin Cogan that Damn Coogan! As Danny qualified 13th and finished P14 after crashing in Turn 4 on lap 148.

 

For 1983, Sullivan drove for the Tyrrell Formula 1 team at the behest of the team’s primary sponsor Benetton, who wanted an American driver in F1. As Sullivan’s highlight would be finishing fifth in Monaco before being let go at season’s end.

 

Returning Stateside, Danny joined Doug Shierson’s race team and promptly won three races during the 1984 IndyCar season. Including His debutante win at Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront racetrack. Followed by wins at Pocono, ironically the team’s primary sponsor’s Domino’s Pizza 500. And the Molson Indy 300 at the Sanair Super Speedway in Quebec, where future Penske teammate Ric Mears had a nasty crash that year!

 

Having finished fourth overall in the ’84 IndyCar Championship with five podiums, Sully’ moved to Penske Racing, alongside teammates :Rocket” Rick Mears and Big al’, ergo Al Unser Sr.

 

As how many of us remember that Pancho Carter won the 1985 Indianapolis 500 pole? Or that Mario Andretti started fourth and Sullivan started eighth…

 

The zenith of Sully’s racing career came in 1988 when driving that beautiful gold Miller Beer car, nee Miller High Life for Team Penske. Winning four races that season, including Portland. Amassing eleven podiums and nine pole positions enroute to winning the CARTPPG IndyCar World championship.

 

Whilst Danny would drive for El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske until the end of 1990. Capping His Penske career by winning His final race at Laguna Seca,after leading wire-to-wire from pole.

 

Next, Sullivan spent one forgettable season at Patrick Racing with its recalcitrant Alfa Romeo project. Then two fraught years with His final two IndyCar wins as ‘lil Al’s (Unser Jr) Galles Draco teammate, and then a subpar partial season for local PacWest Racing in ’95 before retiring from Open wheel Racing after a major shunt during the Michigan 500.

 

Having regaled Y’all a decade ago with more esoteric ramblings upon ‘Ol Hollysood’ in the following No fenders tome…

 

Remembering ‘Ol Hollywood’

 

Sullivan also tried His hand at Touring Cars races for Alfa Romeo and NASCAR. Along with making a total of four 24 Hours of Le Mans starts. With His best finish being third in the 1994 24 Heurs du Mans with Hans-Joachim Stuck and Thierry Boutsen, driving the Dauer 962 Le Mans entry.

 

Meanwhile, back when I could still “See”, I recall that the Team Penske Miller High Life March 85C was the only Indy 500 winner on display with a “Duckbill” nose, which I interpreted as being a road course nose. Since every other Indianapolis 500 winner on display at the Penske Racing Museum had needle nose’s. For which I’ve got no idea what shows up in the picture above?

 

Whilst I was disappointed that the legendous’ Spin ‘n Win car wasn’t on display at the Penske Racing Museum this March. For which it apparently showed up in Gasoline alley in May. Along with the man Himself, now 75 years old taking a celebratory lap of honour Sunday morning.

 

Which I suppose makes it even more disappointing that Jacob Abel wasn’t able to qualify His Dale Coyne Racing’s Dallara DW12 Honda replete in Miller High Life livery for this year’s 109th running of that ‘lil Oval race held now each Memorial Day weekend… 

Foust ‘n Quiet!

Where’s Richard Rawlings and those Gas Monkey garage Monkeys when Yuhs need them, eh?

 

The “big” news is that Tanner Foust joins H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Livestream Broadcast team this year, as co-host alongside Brad Luce. As Foust, a four times Rallycross Champion. Along with two Formula Drift titles, multiple X Games medals and being part of BBC America’s U.S. Top Gear trio. Has been brought in to help Amp up the Livestream Hydroplanes broadcast…

 

Unfortunately I could never hear Tanner or Brad (Luce) the entire Freakin’ weekend at Lake Guntersville. Can You Hear Me Now H1 Unlimited?

 

But first off, let’s review H1 Unlimited’s pathetic reporting upon it’s website. As they may be the fastest boats on water, but you’d be hard pressed to know who All of the Playah’s are?

 

No surprise that Andrew Tate in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate served notice during Tri-Cities testing in May with a top speed of 163mph plus, with six teams testing. Yet not surprisingly, only four of the day’s six runners are mentioned. With Gunnar O’Farrell’s spectacular Blow-over aboard the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Hydro’. Along with mentioning Cory Peabody behind the tiller of the U-9 Beacon Plumbing and Jamie Nielsen skippering the U-11 Flav-R-Pac. But no mention on the other two mystery Hulls or any of the actual testing speeds…

 

Thus, with this usual lack of information, I purposely skipped Friday’s Hydrofest action. Which it behooves Mwah that H1 Unlimited cannot post a daily report at the end of each day, Say What? As this is a common practice for IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula 1, IMSA, etc.

 

Then on Saturday, I tried a few times to listen to the Livestream both via H1 Unlimited’s website and Youtube directly with zilch, nada, nothing during the morning, Groan!

 

That afternoon I vainly  attempted the same ridiculous rinse, lather, repeat process of trying to get a functioning Livestream, complete with sound. Check-Check, One-Two-testing…

 

Then when the Big Boyz’ should have been racing, after jacking up my sound level a ridiculous 40 levels, What the Flock! I suddenly could hear two announcers calling some sort of “Junior” stock race-boat race, before the announcer began repeatedly calling for a red flag!

 

As one of the boats had blown over! Noting how the driver and throttle-man sat side-by-side, Err shoulder-to-shoulder with helmets, life vests and separate oxygen supply. And with the boat upside down in the drink’, they shouldn’t even get wet when exiting thru the cutout escape hatch on the bottom of the boat; unless the roof, presumably canopy was impacted and damaged…

 

With said red flag deployed and not knowing what support series this was? Or how long until the Big Boyz’, nee Unlimited Hydroplanes would appear, I logged off for the day.

 

Having subsequently learned this was the Offshore Super Stock class, with Team Bermuda S-25 having experienced that Blow-over, with both of the boat’s occupants safely recovered and escaping unharmed before the safety boats arrived…

 

Sunday morning I tried again in vain, since I couldn’t get any sound, i.e.; anybody talking on the “live”Youtube stream, after having jacked up the volume a ridiculous 30 levels, Urgh! During what should have been Heat 3.

 

Didn’t even bother trying again at 11:00AM (Pacific) before trying one final time that afternoon to tune-in to the finals, chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

Logged on at 2:20PM and first got a garbled soundtrack before a litany of instrumental rock songs, for which I’d Arse-sumed at least the finals would be on time, beginning at 2:30PM? But the music just kept playing. So I closed the browser and tried logging into the H1 Unlimited Lake Guntersville Sunday “live” feed again. As somewhere between 2:35-39PM the page claimed a whopping 766 people were currently watching. Which then jumped up to 785 after I refreshed and searched again on Youtube for a current live stream feed. But nothing! As I did this again a few more times before noticing at 2:52PM Thar were a staggering 813 people watching, Woo-Hoo! Since by this point I was pretty fed up, and finally gave up in disgust around3:05PM, Sigh!

 

Some three plus hours later, and not sure what I was looking for? I checked the H1 Unlimited website one more time before logging off and Shazam! Sunday evening I finally learned thanks to their pathetic lack of information, Urgh!

 

That basically the weekend had been a Bust, with the majority of the Unlimited action being scrubbed due to inclement weather. But why should we have to wait until Sunday evening to learn that both Saturday and Sunday’s action has been cancelled?

 

Saturday morning’s Heat-1A saw four boat take the green flag, i.e.; Tate, (U-91) Peabody, (U-9) Villwock (U-27) and Nielsen. (U-11) And although Nielsen got the jump upon the field, Villwock lost control and had a major Blow-over, which also damaged Peabody’s Hydroplane from being watered down! Plus being damaged by debris from Villwock’s Hydro, Aye Karumba!

 

Then high winds and an afternoon thunderstorm curtailed any further activity, before high winds all day Sunday cancelled any further competition. Which if H1 Unlimited had their act together, at the very least would have put up a quick note informing us of this, so I wouldn’t have spent two days wasting my time trying to listen to their pathetic Livestream!

 

BWR Racing said that the U-27 Miss Apollo will compete at this weekend’s Madison Regatta, presumably in the backup Hull known as “Sharkey”, the Hull Tate drove in 2023.

 

Whilst the U-6 Miss Madison struggled mightily at Guntersville with engine problems all weekend and never got its rookie skipper Brian Kennedy qualified. But presumably will have better luck this weekend at its home event, the 75th anniversary of the Madison Regatta.

 

For which I’d like to think that H1 Unlimited’s Livestream service will be better this weekend? And it would really be nice if they could also tell me what radio station is broadcasting the event? Meaning I could probably actually Hear what’ going on race-wise, without having to Jack U-P my volume an El Stupidio 40 levels, Oh Never Mind!