How strange will it be not having Will Power in
this car? (The Tomaso Collection)
As DJ WillyP’ says “Somebody give Me a
Cheeseburger!”
Hard to believe its already been a whopping 107
days since IndyCar raced! Meaning its somewhat hard to make my yearly choices,
which I try doing spontaneously, going with whatever comes to mind first…
CATEGORIES 6-10
6. Most Improved Driver of the Year
Winner: Kyle Kirkwood
Almost overlooked the driver affectionately
known as “Kirk” Kirkwood. Yet being a fan of His ever since His Scorched Earth
Road to Indy campaign, it seemed only a matter of time until having His
Breakout season in the “big” Cars!
Yeah, its somewhat odd thinking of Him being
“improved”. Yet the Floridian won three races this season. Including His first
Oval track win at Gateway.
At one point, Kirkwood was the only driver not
named Palou to win! And looking like Alex’s main competitor for the title, but
we know how that went…
As Kirkwood finished a career best fourth
overall this year, and has just signed a multi-year contract extension with
Andretti Global.
7. Most Disappointing Driver of the Year
Winner: Marcus Ericsson
Just for the record, I’ve been a Fan of
Marcus’s since meeting Him in person in Austin Wayback’ in 2014! Which is why
it pains me to nominate Him for this dubious No Fenders award.
The Affable Swede’s life obviously changed
after winning the 2022 Indianapolis 500, before He was Robbed the following
year!
No idea why, but ever since He’s moved to
Andretti Global, its just been a super bumpy road for Him. As this year was
supposed to be when He improved at Andretti.
Ericsson started off with a sixth place finish
at St Pete before multiple 20-something finishes, with a resounding thud of P26
at the Indy Road Course race.
And then when it looked like the page had
turned for Marcus, with a fine second place finish at Mother Speedway. Through
no fault of His own, Ericsson and teammate Kyle Kirkwood’s (6th) scars failed
post-race tech inspection. With unapproved modifications to the Dallara’s Energy
Management System’s )EMS) cover with modified spacers and unapproved parts. Seeing
Ericsson and Kirkwood reclassified P31-32, Youch!
Resetting at Detroit, Marcus finished 13th,
with the remainder of the season seeing a string of “Tweens” and twentieths.
With the lone bright spot being a fifth at Toronto, His highest finish of the
season. Wit a total of only two Top-10’s and one Top-5 finish.
Thus it pains me to keep bangin’ on about how I
think Marcus will be replaced by Dennis Hauger when His contract expires next
year. But I hope Ericsson will remain in IndyCar…
8. Comeback Driver of The Year
Winner: Callum Ilott
How can you not admire a driver for eschewing a
Factory Sports Car drive in order to race in IndyCar? Even if it’s a brand new
team. Coming on the heels of winning the Six Hours of Spa for Team Hertz Jota
in a Porsche 963.
Returning to IndyCar with the brand new
“ground-up” Prema Racing, which naturally struggled early. Ilott showed flashes
of His old-self toward season’s end. Claiming His first Top-10 finish at
Toronto in eight. Followed by back-to-back sixth place finishes the next two
round at Laguna Seca and Portland. And then capped off the season by finishing
ninth at Nashville.
As it’s a shame that Ilott possibly won't
race in IndyCar this year…
9. “Big Boyz Pants” Award
Winner: Will Power
Know it’s the “Nature of the Beast”. But I
found Ryan Marin’s question on whether He’d be back at Penske or not during His
winner’s podium interview at Portland disgusting!
As no driver should have to endure such
relentless haranguing by the media!
As Kudos to DJ willyP’ for being a class act
about this! As He deserved to lose His cool from the relentless, repeated barrage of the
same question. And give somebody the Will Internal I’m on fire Power response!
As where’s a Double Bird salute when Yuhs need one, Eh?
As I love the fact that Power said NO to El
Capitano’, and is extending His IndyCar career at Andretti Global.
As why did that
‘Ol Little River Band’s “It’s A Shame” song come screaming into my Head? Yuhs
know, in the wrong garden…
10. Rookie of The Year
Winner: Robert Shwartzman
Yeah, know that Louie’ foster nipped Shwartzman
for the IndyCar rookie Of the Year Honours, but! Shwartzman clearly comes out
on top for Mwah!
As the Israeli born Shwartzman, at age 25 was
making His debut not only in IndyCar, but driving on totally foreign tracks to
Him. Along with driving for the brand new rookie Prema racing outfit…
Shwartzman scored the team’s first Top-10 at
Gateway, and then backed it up with His season best finish of P9 in Iowa’s Race-2.
Yet undoubtably, Shwartzman’ crowning
achievement was His shock pole position at Mother Speedway! Becoming the first
rookie to claim pole for the Indianapolis 500 since Teo Fabi in 1983, Aye
Karumba!
Along with Prema being the first “rookie” team
to claim pole at the Brickyard since Meyer Motor Racing with The Gasman’, aka
Tom Sneva in 1984.
Interesting how Robert’s best finishes, and performances all came upon Ovals, something brand new to Him. While we’re all awaiting the outcome of Prema Racing for next season, and if they return to IndyCar?
