Former IndyCar Driver turns Bobsleigh racer

Move over Alfonso De Portago, there’s a new Italian Bobsledder in town!

 

Presumably by now, Y’all have heard the news about Symona-Symona’, aka Simona de Silvestro competing in this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. As the former female IndyCar driver will compete for Italy in Her debut Olympic Games.

 

De Silvestro, now 37 years old and born in Switzerland, has Italian heritage and will complete Her dream of racing in the Women’s 2X Bobsleigh event for Italy.

 

De Silvestro competed in IndyCar over seven years between 2010-2022, making a total of 71 starts. Spending Her first three seasons (2010-12) driving for HVM Racing. Winning Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honours in the 2010 Indianapolis 500, finishing 14th.

 

As I briefly met Symona-Symona’ in the IMS Flagroom on Carb Day Wayback’ in 2012, when She was saddled with the uncompetitive “Powered by Judd” Lotus lump’. As She graciously came inside the Flagroom to talk to our table and give me Her “John Hancock” as we kibitzed about the Lotus Evora company car She was driving. Which I don’t know why I think was bright yellow…

 

Joining KV Racing Technology in 2013 as Tony Kanaan’s teammate, de Silvestro scored Her career best finish of second place in the first race of the Grand Prix of Houston’s Double Header weekend. Joining Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher as the only females to stand atop the podium.

2013 would also be Her zenith in IndyCar, with a season best finish of 13th overall, before joining Sauber.

 

De Silvestro has made a total of seven starts in the Indianapolis 500, Her latest driving for Beth Paretta’s female Paretta Autosport team in 2022. While ironically, Her rookie start would be Her best finish at Mother Speedway.

 

As de Silvestro served as the Sauber F1 Team’s test driver in 2014, in hopes of becoming the first female in Formula 1 since Lella Lombardi in 1976. Yet reputedly, funding squabbles over Her programme led to Her departure from Sabuer. Moving to Formula E for Andretti during the 2015-16 season. And then gravitating Down Under to Australian Supercars.

 

Reportedly Simona’s interest in Bobsledding dates back to at least 2014, having posted on Twitter about taking a “Fun” run down the St. Moritz Bobsleigh track. Breezily joking about trying to compete in the next Olympics game…

 

De Silvestro’s Bobsledding participation in earnest began in 2022, when she began training in hopes of competing in Italy in 2026. With Simona telling of how Her Great-Great Grandfather was the first to climb Monte Civetta in the Italian Dolomites.

 

Simona first contested the 2022 Swiss championship, and progressing to competing in the 2025-26 ICSF World Cup. Finishing 27th in Monobob, and P28 in two-women Bobsleigh. Which earned Her spot on the Italian Olympic squad., with Monobob competition taking place today; whilst some Roundy-round action takes place at Day-Toner’…

 

Sleds can reach speeds of up to 90mph, with de Silvestro Arse-sumedly competing in the two disciplines. Although serving as the “Pusher”, i.e.; rear seat passenger on the two-woman event

 

As Simona joins very rare company, as Alfonso De Portago is the only other motor racing driver I know of to compete in Bobsleigh. With De Portago portrayed in Michael Mann’s excellent movie Ferrari.

 

De Portago Who? Forgotten Formula 1 Bobsledder

 

Although NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine did develop and build Bobsleds for the U.S. Olympics team, which eventually won two Olympic medals. Including Steven Holcomb piloting a Bo-Dyn sled named Night train to Gold at Vancouver, BC in 2010… 

Ode to DannaCar

Yep! It's that time of the year once again to honour the Disco Queen of 'RASSCAR! Although I’ve got No idea  think She’s got a Valentine's suitor this year?

 

Having just learned that Danica and Carter Comstock Broke up over a year ago. Hmm? Isn’t “Tommy terrific,” aka Tom Brady available?

 

Nevertheless, here we go, And Ah One and Ah Two!

 

Toe to toe
Dancing very slow
Barely breathing
Almost comatose…

(pressdog!)

Wall to wall
People hypnotized
And they're stepping lightly
Hanging on her every move each night in Rapture

Back to back
Sacrailiac
Spineless movement
And a wild attack

Face to face
Sadly solitude
And it's finger popping

Twenty-four hour shopping

In ‘DannaCar Land!

“Flavour Flav HMS Monogram told me everybody's high
DJ's spinning' are saving' my mind
Flash is Fast, Flash is cool
Jacke Vanilla sez fast, Flashe' no do

And you try to stop

(Watching’ MAC Montoya, Sam Hornish & ALL those Open Wheel DEFECTORS!)

SURE SHIT!

Just go out to the parking lot
Get in your car and you drive real far

Away from the track!

After you drive all night, you see a bright flashing light

And it comes right down and lands on the ground
And out pops a Girl in a shiny sequin bathing suit from RASSCAR!

And you try to run but She's got a gun
And She shoots you dead and “She eats your head
And then you're in the Girl from RASSCAR!

You go out at night, eatin' Racecars

 You eat Marches, Reynard’s, Swift’s and Panoz’s too…

And you don't stop, you keep on eatin' Single Seaters
Then, when there's no more Racecars left
You go out at night and eat up Open Wheel Racing series instead

Like Champ Car and the IRL

While ‘Ol timers desperately cling to fantasies of a renaissance…

 

Face to face, dance cheek to cheek

One to one, man to man
Dance toe to toe
Don't move to slow, 'cause the Girl from RASSCAR is cutting thru

(Excuse me HULIO!)

 

But Mrs. Hospenthal is through with the competition

‘cause She's been eatin' a ton ‘O snicker bars
Yeah, wall to wall, door to door, hall to hall
She's gonna eat 'em all
Rapture…

 

Be pure
Take a tour; through the sewer
Don't strain your brain

Just check out that Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue instead!

And then say it real fast

Boog-itee- Boog-itee- Boog-itee!

Paint a train, cause you’ll be singing' in the rain

If dare ain’t some ‘Tin Tops on real soon
I say stop throwin those mountain dew cans at Pretty Boy Floyd

Junior Nation!

Just be good ‘ol boyzs and cheer for ‘dannaCar instead!

Well now you see what you want to be

Just like Mike, who’s trying to pump up ‘Dem Spin-Car ratings on TV
'Cause the Girl from RASSCAR won't eat Candy bars when She’s PEAK-ing

In the bright lights…

 

As now She's gone back up to MARS Where She won't have a hassle with the human race ‘cause now its ‘DannaLand!

And you hip-hop, and you don't stop
Just blast off, sure shot
'Cause the Girl from RASSCAR stopped eatin' Racecars
And now She only devours IndyCar

get up, ‘Cause She’s gone HOLLYWOOD!

 

(Original lyrics: Blondie, Rapture)

 

Originally written by Tomaso on Feb 15, 2008

(Last Modified: February 7, 2023) 

HYDROS: Atlas Van Lines latest Hotschue’

But Don’t blink, or you’ll Miss Him sticking His Boots in Lake Washington…

 

Yeah, I know we’re All getting wound-up over Ye momentous Day-Toner’ 500 upcoming this weekend.

As typical, this story got washed down sometime last year, and I just managed to finally spool-up Ye waterlogged turbine…

 

Actually managed to tune-in to Heat 3B and Seattle Seafair Final race this past August via H1 Unlimited’s Youtube channel. Which had somewhat better sound quality, only needing to crank up the volume by 16-20 levels…

 

Reading H1 Unlimited’s pathetic dribbled of News content on their website, I learned that ‘Ol JJ’, aka Jimmie Johnson would be driving the Atlas Van Lines fabled “Blue Blaster” during an exhibition run Friday afternoon on Lake Washington.

 

If this is the boat I think it is? Since have I reminded Y’all I’m Blind lately? Although I’m fairly certain having confirmed it was the first of the successful Cabover designed Unlimited Hydroplanes. Then its Uber Funny for Mwah. Since I recall always thinking the boat looked ugly!

 

As I can visually remember it having no engine cowling for the exposed Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 (WWII Airplane) engine behind the cockpit, and the boat always lunging forwards out of the water, with a dull, silver engine plemum exposed…

 

Yet that being said, it was one of the most successful Hulls in Unlimited Hydroplane racing. With Bill Muncey “Three-peating” at its tiller. Winning the 1977-79 APBA Gold Cup races, and the 1978-79 National High Points Championships. Along with a total of 24 victories aboard this Hull.

 

Yet being a devoted Miss Budweiser fan, it wasn’t until Bernie Little claimed another “Unfair Advantage” with the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Miss Bud, which ended Muncey’s streak! As the Griffon powered Budweiser itself became unbeatable between 1980-84. Although we lost the second star Unlimited driver Dean Chenoweth, when His Mis Bud Hydroplane flipped at the Tri-Cities race on the Columbia River in 1982.

 

But back to ‘Ol JJ’ and last summer’s romp in the fabled Blue blaster. Having read that Johnson was reuniting His longtime association with the Muncey family and Miss Atlas Van Lines.

 

During Jimmie’s 2024 induction to the Motorsports Hall of Fame Of America, (MSHFA) a picture resurfaced of Jimmie Age 4 sitting upon the Blue Blaster at Mission Bay in 1979. When Bill Muncey’s Hydroplane had broken down during competition on Mr. Hydro’s Home court in San Diego.

 

As this is the very same Blue Blaster that Muncey lost His life aboard in Acapulco in 1981. Which ironically I “celebrated” the 30 year anniversary the very same weekend that Danny-boy Spike’ Wheldon was meeting His maker in Las Vegas…

 

HYDROS: The Day the Sport’s King met His Maker

 

Jimmie mused His Dad used to take Him to the Hydroplane races, which fell on His birthday weekend. Watching the action from Fiesta Island. Where Muncey’s Blue Blaster floated to after retiring that day, some 46 years prior…

 

Another Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee, Chip Hanauer, Class of 1995. The youngest ever MSHFA inductee “reached out” to Johnson during His induction ceremonies over possibly driving the restored Miss Atlas Van Lines. Which naturally, JJ’ got very excited about!

 

As I love hearing Jimmie wryly not He’d learned where the Merlin’s redline was, and pushed the Blue Blaster up to the limit…

 

VIDEO: Jimmie Johnson Drives the 1977 “Blue Blaster” Unlimited Hydroplane

 

While you may enjoy this 16 minutes H1 Unlimited Onboard video, which chronicles the entire driving experience, i.e.; somewhat troublesome start-up to returning to the Stan Sayres Dock…

 

VIDEO: Onboard with NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson driving Bill Muncey’s 1977 Atlas Van Lines Blue blaster

 

As Chip Hanauer, third winningest Unlimited Hydroplane driver, including 11 Gold Cup wins served as Jimmie’s mentor. And can be heard saying Well Fucking done! At the end of the video.

 

While its interesting hearing Johnson describing how physical driving the Hydroplane was. How it wanted to hunt round and constantly moved about after getting on plane…

 

Meanwhile, Johnson’s “Day Job”, if Yuhs can call it that? Since JJ’ has only been contesting NASCAR Cup races on a part-time basis since 2023. Will once again enter this year’s Daytona 500 in His No. 84 Toyota Camary.

 

As the seven times NASCAR Champion became majority owner of Legacy Motor Club last year. With the team fielding Charter team entries for the No. 42 of John Hunter Nemechek and No. 43 of Erik Jones also driving Toyota’s.

 

As Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing (RWR) have settled their lawsuit of last year, stemming over sale of one of RWR’s vaunted Charter.

 

Whilst I was totally unawares’ that RASSCAR’ will be racing at Naval Base Coronado, beginning this June 19-21. Until reading Jimmie’s press release for His participation in this year’s Day-Toner’ 500. Ironically making the announcement the very same day that Greg Biffle’s Jet crashed in North Carolina…

 

As Johnson, now Age 50, a native of El Cajon, California, will also compete in this summer’s inaugural San Diego Street Race., aboard His No. 84 Legacy Motor Club’s Toy-Yoter’ Camry. Thus completing another “full Circle” adventure, albeit I believe Four Lefts makes a Circle!

 

As JJ’ will plull “Double Duty” in San Diego. Also driving the No. 1 Tricom Garage’s Toyota Tundra PickEmUp’ Truck in the inaugural Craftsman Truc Series race at Naval Base Coronado.

 

Since that’s where this story all began at, Wayback’ in Gory 1979 on Mission Bay’s Fiesta Island. Arse-sumedly just a Hop ‘N Skip away from Naval Base Coronado, Righto?

 

Johnson, who’s tied with Cale Yarborough for sixth in career victories with 83 apiece, finished third in last year’s Day-Toner’ 500. With the two times Daytona 500 winner (2006, 2013) capping His 700th Cup start in last year’s Charlotte Coca-Cola 600 All Star race. 

Biffle Jet Crash update

When things go wrong in a Hurry…

 

The NTSB reported its preliminary findings upon the Greg Biffle Citation Jet crash apparently on Saturday, January 31st? But as typical, I “Missed the Memo”.

 

Dennis Sutton, the 67 year old retired Delta Captain was in the pilot’s left seat and flying the aircraft. His 30 year old son Jack was in the right Co-pilot’s seat, and Greg Biffle was in the rear of the cockpit.

 

Obviously, we’ll never know truly what caused this devastating crash that claimed seven lives, so one can only speculate. But did the fact that Dennis Sutton was only certified to fly the Citation Business Jet with a qualified second-in-command pilot. And that His son Jack wasn’t qualified. Nor was Greg Biffle, who was also in the proximity of the cockpit, since His voice was also picked up on the cockpit cabin’s voice recorder, contribute to this crash?

 

As I’ll leave it up to you to decide what happened in this truly sad event.

 

VIDEO: Biffle Family Crash – NTSB Preliminary report 

Biffle, Hamlin and North Carolina Blues

Making me wonder if Thars’ something in the Water, there?

 

What’s that old saying about Bad things come in Three’s? Although obviously this could occur in any state or locale…

 

VIDEO: Song Sung Blue

 

By now, its old news that on December 18th, a Cessna Citation C550 Business Jet carrying the Biffle family and three associates, a total of seven people were killed when their aircraft crashed and erupted into flames following an emergency landing.

 

NASCAR Star Greg Biffle, His wife Christina, their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Plus Dennis and Jack Sutton, and Craig Wadsworth were the seven identified victims of this crash.

 

As Dennis Sutton was a retired Delta Airlines pilot, Age 67, whose son Jack was 30yrs old and had just obtained His private pilot’s license. While Wadsworth was a friend, and former Kenny Wallace Motorcoach driver.

 

The flight was intended to go to Sarasota, Florida, presumably to attend Cleetus McFarland’s (Garrett Mitchell) Bradenton Christmas Tree  Drag Races on December 20th.

 

Dennis Sutton was a Captain at Delta, and theoretically was flying the Citation 550 that fateful day. Although there has been some conjecture on whether or not He held the certification for flying the Jet in single pilot configuration? And if His son, or somebody else was in the co-pilot’s seat? While the NTSB’s onsite briefing claimed they had a pretty good idea of who was in the pilot’s left seat…

 

The Jet took off and then immediately began a return to the airfield ten minutes later. As we’ve also been told of one person aboard texting the words emergency landing before the crash. As I can only speculate to the plane having some sort of engine malady, prompting this return. Since much speculation seems to focus upon the right hand No. 2 engine…

 

I’m certainly not a pilot, nor know the correct Airplane “lingo”. But from what I’ve been told, the plane came in too slow and too low. Before clipping an airfield light stanchion and adjoining trees some 1,800 feet short of the runway, before violently erupting into flames!

 

As the incident occurred at North Carolina’s Statesville Regional Airport approximately 10:20AM local time. And the Cessna Jet was below the tree-line and light stanchion due to erratic level of flight upon approach.

 

VIDEO: Greg Biffle Dec 18th Initial Crash report

 

Gregory Jack Biffle was born on December 23, 1969, in Vancouver, Washington, and is one of only two Warshingtonion’ natives who’ve won races in the modern-day NASCAR Cup series. The other being that ‘lil Boy from Enumclaw, WA, Kasey Kahne.

 

Local Boy Done good again!

 

Believe I read or heard somewhere that The Bif’, aka Greg Biffle was one of only 36 Drivers to have won races in all three major series, i.e.; Trucks, Busch and Cup…

 

Biffle was the 1998 Craftsman Trucks and 2001 Bush Series Rookie Of the Year. Along with winning Most Popular Honours in both series in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

 

Biffle was the 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Trucks and 2002 NASCAR Busch Series Champion. And drove the majority of His career for Jack Roush. Including His 14 Fulltime seasons with Roush Fenway Racing between 2003-2016.

 

Biffle amassed a total of 515 NASCAR Cup starts over 16 years. Claiming 19 wins, 175 Top 10 finishes and 13 Poles. And was voted one of NASCAR’s Greatest 75 Drivers in 2023.

 

Biffle died five days before His 56th birthday, making me wonder if the trip to Florida wasn’t to also celebrate His upcoming birthday, as well as the Holidays…

 

As Biffle’s plane crash was preceded by Shigeaki Shigi’ Hattori’s death on April 9, 2025, in Huntersville, North Carolina. When Shigi’s car crossed the centerline and was involved in a Head-on collision.

 

Then just three days prior to New Years, we learned that the home of Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin, parents of Denny’s, was engulfed in fire Sunday evening. (Dec 28th)

 

Although the couple escaped the fire, Dennis, Age 75 was pronounced Dead following the incident. With Denny’s 69yr old mother Mary Lou in Critical condition and taken to Hospital. Presumably for serious Burns from the fire. While I haven’t read anything further upon Her condition…

 

As I’ve waited posting this, hoping to here what the NTSB’s preliminary findings report would say. Which should theoretically have been published 30 days afterwards.

 

Yet due to some Comedian at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Thars’ a lack of competent Federal Employees working these days! As these findings seem to now be taking 45-60 days or more to be released.

 

And that’s before any “partial” Government Shutdowns or invading Foreign countries like I dunno, Grenada?

 

Ah, I love the Smell of Narcissism in the Morning!

Update

How could I have forgotten about Derrike Cope, who grew up in Spanaway, Washington. Winner of the 1990 Daytona 500, His debutante NASCAR victory! Driving for the long forgotten Whitcomb Racing team, in their No. 10 Purolator Pontiac. As ‘Ol Ironhead’, aka Thee Intimidator’, ergo Dale Earnhardt Sr. had dominated the 1990 race. Before running over debris in Turn-3 on the final lap, and cutting a tyre. Allowing Cope to drive pass for the unexpected victory.

The Road to Hell is paved with Good Intentions

Ferrari 512BB LM in action at Monza. (Image source: Bin.com/Dreamstime.com)

 

“this Ain’t no technological breakdown, No! This is the Road to Hell!”

 

As typical, I struggled Ah-Mighty’ to find a “suitable” Ferrari racecar image that I could successfully upload onto Ye Blog!

 

As Classic & Sports car had the perfect story title to fit with Chris Rea’s penchant for vintage Ferrari racecars. Titled to Hell and Back in a Ferrari 512BB LM…

 

Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer, 24 Hours to Hell and Back

 

Since if Y’all don’t know from Messer Rea’s obituary. Arse-sumedly one of His biggest “Hit” songs was the aptly titled Road to Hell from the same 1989 Album.

 

As Chris was smitten with Wolfgang Von Trips and owned at least four vintage Ferrari’s. Including the custom built Sharknose 156 Monoposto… 

Chris Rea: A long ago, Forgotten Musician

Who was a true Racer at Heart…

 

Perusing the New York times Obituary section on December 24th, I heard the name Chris Rea, which immediately grabbed my attenzione.

 

A self-taught slide guitar virtuoso. Following a Short illness, Rea died on Monday, December 22nd at age 74.

 

I was introduced to Chris Re’s delightful gravelly Yorkshire voice sometime in the early 1990’s. Arse-sumedly on Sunday Night Blues on an “Ol, defunct Seattle Radio Station.

 

Having first purchased His The Road to Hell CD, His 10th studio album; His most successful, having been certified 6X Platinum. And then gravitating to On the Beach, my second Chris Rea CD, before I lost track of Him…

 

VIDEO: The Road to Hell Part 2

 

Born on March 4, 1951 in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire. (England) Chris was one of seven children, whose  father owned a series of Coffee Shops and Ice Cream Parlours.

 

Chris worked for His father’s Ice Cream Parlours along with being a Bricklayer. Before a friend introduced Him to the James Gang when He was 20 years old. With Chris claiming He played that record so much He wore holes thru it! Went out to buy a guitar and the rest was History…

 

Enjoyed Chris’s quip about He studied Motorbikes instead of the Pen in Secondary School, which He was kicked out of.

 

In His last interview with John Earls of the Daily Express, Rea mused how He’d just been banned from driving when the song Driving Home for Christmas was released. Claimed He’d written the song for Van Morrison in 1978, but never heard back from Him. So eventually, eight years later, He recorded it Himself and released it as the “B” side to the ‘Hello Friends single. Before a re-recorded version arrived two years later. Then in 2021, the song reached No. 10 in the UK, becoming His second Top 10 single.

 

Rea claims people say you can hear His infectious tone in the song, noting He was in a good mood when recording it…

 

VIDEO: Driving Home for Christmas

 

Rea also once stated in an interview how He’d gone into music simply because He liked music, not to become Rich ‘n Famous. As He always knocked on the Musician’s door, and not the Rock Stars door.

 

Musical influences included Sonny boy Williamson and Muddy Waters, which somewhat clashed with His Albums genres…

 

Chris’s first band was Magdalene, a local Yorkshire Band whose previous members had included David Coverdale, before He departed for Deep Purple in 1973

 

In 1978, Rea began His Solo career with the Hit song “Fool if you think it’s over”. His biggest U.S. Hit, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard’s Hot 100. Being nominated for a Grammy in 1978 for Best New Artist.

 

Progress has been slow, since I haven’t gone out of my way to promote myself. If I’d been into Show Biz, it might have helped pay the bills. But then again I might not be making the music I’m making.

 

In 2000, Doctors stated He most likely had Pancreatic cancer, electing to have His  pancreas and parts of His stomach removed. Choosing to have a risky Whipple procedure performed in 2001, making Him a diabetic.

 

Following His recovery, Rea released His 17th studio album, Dancing Down the Stony Road in ’02.

 

His record company refused to release the album. So Rea set up His own company Jazzee Blue and released it independently as a double CD album. Edel Records released a shorter, single CD album titles simply Stony Road in Europe,. The album reached No. 14 on the UK Album Charts.

 

Naturally, Chris was very pleased when it was certified Gold, having sold more than 500,000 copies, after its initial rejection. As Rea had pledged to Himself that He would return to His Bules roots if He recovered, and knew His Fans wouldn’t have a problem with it…

 

Rea studied Journalism in College, before dropping out. Saying He’d fancied writing about motor racing, but chose music instead…

 

His 1993 album Espresso Logic was partially promoted by appearing in a non-Championship British Touring Car championship (BTCC) “TOCA Shootout” event.

 

He wrote and produced the 1996 film La Passione, inspired by His boyhood passion of Formula 1 and Ferrari driver Wolfgang Von Trips.

 

Rea was passionate about Historic Car Racing and raced a number of vintage automobiles. Including a Ferrari Dino, Ferrari 328, a 1955 Lotus 6 and a 1964 Lotus Elan 26R. Plus the Caterham 7 featured on His Auberge album cover,  which He sold for Charity in 2005. With all proceeds going to the NSPCC.

 

His Ferrari 330 was used as the donor car for the 250LM replica in La Passione. And in 2014, He was finishing a 22 year restoration of an original replica of a Ferrari 156 Sharknose.

 

Chris also wrote and recorded the song Saudade in honour of Ayrton Senna in 1994. Although it was the final song on The Very Best of Chris Rea compilation album in 2001.

 

Reportedly, the word Saudade roughly means the “Feeling” of emotion and euphoria of a certain moment…

 

VIDEO: Saudade

 

Rea sold over 30 million Albums worldwide, but never toured the United States. Preferring to stay home with His family; wife Joan, who met as teenagers. And their two daughters Josephine

and Julia. With both daughters having songs named after them.

 

Although Rea refused to tour the United States, I did learn He appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, apparently twice?

 

Stumbling into Rea and Letterman kibitzing over Formula 1 upon performing in New York sometime late summer of 1991. With Dave pleading to hear The Road to Hell…

 

VIDEO: Looking for the Summer – Live on Letterman 

Three Japanese Trailblazers

Who left their indelible mark upon Motorsports and Automobiles…

 

Like many stories here upon Ye Isle ‘O Nofendersville. This one has been growing barnacles along thoust rocky shoreline, where All the ‘lil Creatures play in their Tide pools…

 

Yet before the 2026 racing season begins in earnest, I’d like to honour a few men who made a difference upon motorsports, which I’ve been neglecting awhile. As Marshall Pruett’s words still resonate with me, even if it now some ten months since hearing them, when I first began thinking about this.

 

Reflecting upon Shigeaki Shigi’ Hattori’s death last April. Marshall said He was embarrassed over His Dickishness towards Shigi! For which I say Kudos to Marshall for “Manning” up to this, since I surely also fall afoul to! Since I’m guessing I would have lambasted Shigi during His brief tenue at Bettenhausen Motorsports Wayback’ in 1999.

 

Think about this, Hattori came to the U.S. in 1995 after winning the 1994 Toyota Racing Series in Japan. And at Age 32! Was a rookie in Indy Lights, driving for Dorricott Racing.

 

Hattori’s teammate was Jeff Ward, with Shigi finishing 13th overall. Scoring a best finish of fourth at Toronto; amassing seven Top 10 finishes.

 

Following a sophomore slump driving for Lucas Place Motorsports, with His only Top 10 finish coming at Long Beach. (9th) Hattori moved to Indy Regency Racing in 1998 for His third Indy Lights campaign, which began brilliantly! As Shigi dominated at the season opener, leading the most laps enroute to His maiden Lights win at Homestead. Hattori followed this up with another dominant victory at Gateway, while ultimately finishing P14 overall.

 

For 1999, Shigi joined Bettenhausen Motorsports in CART, contesting only eight races. With a best finish of 15th at Gateway. Unfortunately after a spate of crashes, CART Steward Wally Dallenbach revoked His IndyCar Competition license. While its worth noting that Bettenhausen was running the then uncompetitive Mercedes-Benz in a year old Reynard chassis. And these racecars were known for their brutal horsepower…

 

Hattori then migrated to the Indy Racing League (IRL) in 2000. Making over two-dozen starts between 2000-03, with a best finish of sixth at Texas Motor Speedway. Along with two Indianapolis 500 starts in 2002-03. Driving for Bradley Motorsports and A.J. Foyt Enterprises respectively. With a best finish of P20 in 2002.

 

Shigi capped off His driving career with a partial season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series in 2005, making ten starts. Before forming Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) in 2008, competing in NASCAR and ARCA.

 

As a team owner Shigi reached His zenith in 2018, when HRE won the Trucks title with Brad Moffitt driving. With the team winning a total of 14 Truck races. While HRE also raced in Xfinity and ARCA, before the team closed its doors in 2025, following Hattori’s death.

 

Sadly, Shigi died on April 5, 2025 at Age 61 when crossing over into oncoming traffic in North Carolina, succumbing  in the Head-on collision

 

While Marshall rightly points out, Shigeaki came to America to do what He loved, racing cars. And Shigi, Dr. Jack Miller. Or “King Hiro”, (Hiro Matsushita) Dennis Vitolo or whomever we as Fans lambast can drive one Helluva lot better than we can! Which you can check out Pruett’s comments in the link below.

 

MP1595: The Week in IndyCar, April 9, 2025

 

Whilst karmically, a day after revisiting Marshall’s podcast above. I ran across an old Car & Driver magazine article by Rich Zeppos, noting how He got His Arse kicked contesting His first Short-track Oval!

 

I got My Ass Kicked in my first Short-track Oval Race

 

Robert Clarke was Honda Performance Development’s (HPD) very first employee, Known today has HRC US. (Honda Racing Corporation U.S.) Clarke was instrumental in turning Honda into the IndyCar Juggernaut of today as HPD’s founder…

 

Clarke was responsible for the formation of HPD in Santa Clarita, California, when their was no facility. As Honda had decided to return to Open Wheel Racing Stateside in 1994, in Championship Auto Racing Teams CART PPG IndyCar World Series.

 

As Clarke would lead Honda from unsatisfying initial results with the HRX 2.65-litre turbo lump’. Before Cheep’ (Ganassi) scored Honda’s first of six consecutive IndyCar Championships in 1996 with Jimmy Vasser.

 

Clarke shepherded Honda to it’s first, elusive Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004, along with its maiden Indy Racing League (IRL) title that year. Followed with a second “Double”, i.e.; IRL Championship and Indy 500 win before Honda became the IRL’s sole engine supplier in 2006.

 

Before retiring from HPD, Clarke was responsible for Honda’s very first racing engine built outside of Japan, with the Acura Sports Car engine. As Clarke would become Head of De Ferran Motorsports in 2008, overseeing its Acura LMP2 Sports Car effort. While Clarke was also president of the SCCA for two years.

 

Clarke died on September 20, 2025 at Age 75 from Heart failure.

 

Ironically, on the very same day Clarke’s death was being announced. (Sept 22nd) Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the “Father” of the first generation Miata’s obituary was also being published.

 

Although graduating from Seikei University as an Engineer. “California Cool” called, with Matano attending California’s Art Center of Design in 1970.

 

After stints with GM in Australia and BMW in Germany, Matano joined Mazda’s Design Studio in California, and the rest as they say, was History…

 

Matano “penned” the first generation Mazda MX-5, which Mazda Brass had desired to revive British Sports Cars of past, i.e.; MG, Triumph, but without their legendous’, porous reliability!

 

And then Matano was instrumental in the third generation Mazda RX-7, arguably the best looking RX-7 of all.

 

As Tom was known to be warm, engaging and willing sparing His time with the legions of Mazda Fans worldwide. Joking He’d lived long enough to become the Miata’s Great Grandfather. Before dying at Age 76 this past September.