Markham Syrup

Now if I could only find some Canadian Bacon to put on my Flapjacks…

 

Yeah, I could try scribblin’ something clever about the Jersey barriers Cleco fasteners being in inches instead of millimetres or visa versa. Or those barriers getting held up in traffic on the Gordie Howe Bridge, or victims of our never ending deluge ‘O Tarif’s et al…

 

So I won’t spend any time upon Friday’s disappointment of being cancelled due to track completion issues, which has been covered ad nauseum!

 

Adding insult to injury, reportedly fans would miss the first thirty minutes of qualifying Saturday, unless they had the FS1 App, Seriously?

 

What happened to IndyCar being a priority for FOX! Yuhs know, one third owner of IndyCar, Buh-Buh-Believable!

 

As I’ll agree with The Pit window’s Mike Silver that this is inexcusable!

 

Marcus Armstrong’s prediction of Qualie’ being a red flag derby certainly proved correct! As when’s the last time we’ve seen thee Surgeon’, aka Alex Palou making a mistake and tearing up all four corners of His racecar after hitting the wall on both sides!

 

As Palou’s claims about the track being Wicked certainly played out over the weekend! Telling IndyCar Radio that the track felt like a road course, but the walls were waiting to get you!

 

Yet prior to Palou’s up close and personal liaison with the walls, Will Power did so during Saturday’s second practice session. Sliding wide in Turn 10 and Whamo! Tore off the right side of His Dallara.

 

A.J. Foyt’s Caio Collet also tagged the wall in practice two. As both Collet’s and Power’s crew had to scramble to replace their floor, bell housing )hybrid) and right side suspension, front and rear in time for qualifying.

 

But the mayhem was just getting started! As Will Power added insult to injury by spinning 180-degrees during His first round qualifying session, bringing out a red flag if I remember correctly? As DJ WillyP’ would ultimately start Shotgun on the field in P25 after a six place grid penalty for an unapproved engine change.

 

As several drivers were dolled out six place grid penalties for having their engines replaced. Including both ECR drivers Alexander rossi and Christian Rasmussen. Meyer shank Racing’s Marcus Armstrong is in a terrible funk. Having had tree engines replaced in the last four races, including the previous Portland race, Youch!

 

Power’s Andretti Global teammate “Kirk” Kirkwood joined the party, along with McLaren’s Pato O’ward. Seeing six drivers with new engines at Markham.

 

Collet’s misery continued, also bringing out a red flag during Round 1 Qualie’, reportedly having run out of fuel, Yikes! Before Josef Schlick’ Newgarden slammed the wall during Group 2’s first round qualifying session, Wham!

 

When  the dust settled, it was Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Louis Foster securing His second career IndyCar pole, with McLaren’s Bad Boy Christian Lundgaard alongside the Brit.

 

Row 2 saw Penske’s ScottyMac’ (McLaughlin) third, with Andretti’s Marcus Ericsson fourth. Dale Coyne Racing rookie Dennis Hauger an impressive fifth and Junco Hollinger Racing’s Rinus VeeKay sixth.

 

Although I walked round Thy bungalow-by-the-Sea muttering what a Shit show during the flurry ‘O

full course cautions! I must say it was the most entertaining race overall! Even with the five, or was it six; “Well do Yuhs feel Lucky Punk?” Err however many full course cautions Thar’ were…

 

As Markham’s foreboding walls snatched many competitors, including pole sitter Foster, who got too excited trying to pass eventual race winner Marcus Ericsson. Along with others like Mick Schumacher and Kyle Kirkwood.

 

Marcus Ericsson charges to first win with Andretti at Markham

 

According to For the Love of Indy’s R. Hando, Ericsson’s victory drought of 63 races was the fifth longest. As not surprisingly, Graham Rahal has the longest at 124 races. Followed by Johnny Rutherford’s 97, Marko Andretti’s 77, and Grandpappy Super Mario’, aka Mario Andretti’s 73.

 

Best part of race was hearing Ericsson’s pit strategist saying Go Get ‘Em! Which the Swede dually complied. Even with a somewhat momentarily tense “cozy-up” with Andretti teammate Power when the two brushed wheels during Marcus’s pass for then third place.

 

Next Ericsson passed second place Alex Palou before tracking down and passing Romain Grosjean for an eventual 7.6 second win with five laps remaining.

 

And as much as I was happy with Ericsson’s win, I have to admit I had two sets ‘O fingers crossed for Grosjean. Who wryly commented afterwards something about it being a pretty good day when you’re ahead of the No. 10!

 

Yet Grosjean was in a massive fuel save mode the final 15-plus laps and couldn’t use any of His remaining 94 seconds of Push-to-Pass (P2P) extra horsepower. As IndyCar Radio pit reporter Joel Sebastianelli said one of Grosjean’s crew had told Him He felt sick when asking if Grosjean had enough fuel to finish the race…

 

And Nicky Salt’ Yeoman read out the crazy statistic of it being 5,469 days since Grosjean had won a race, Youza!

 

As I loved Romain’s reply to David Land afterwards. Saying Yes! I was in formula 1 for ten years – where if you don’t have the car, you don’t win!

 

As I do still remember Romain giving chase to ‘lil Syd viddle’ at the 2013 U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit Of The Americas. With the Lotus driver being the “sausage” in the Red Bull bun with Sebastian Vettel winning and Mark Webber third.

 

David Land also said that IndyCar’s Kirk Cavin pointed out that Marcus Ericsson finished fifth in Grosjean’s 2011 Hungaroring GP2 win. And ironically, Ericsson’s last win three-and-a-half years ago at St Petersburg. (2023) Was just three races before Romain’s last runner-up finish at Barber Motorsports Park.

 

Further irony over the two former formula 1 pilotes history being intertwined, is the fact that Ericsson replaced Grosjean in the No. 28 Andretti Global entry for 2024 after Grosjean’s rocky, two year tenue…

 

Grosjean now has six runner-up finishes to date, moving one ahead of David Malukas. Now tied with Geoff Brabham for second most career runner-up finishes without a victory, and possibly could be His last in IndyCar? 

Local Bicyclist pedals from Canada to Mexico in Seven Days!

Don’t even want to try figuring out how many miles per day that is! Or how many Saddle sores on gets…

 

Have been sitting Youch! On this story awhile, trying to figure out when to put into thoust rotation of No Fenders Mobius strip. As I’ve never been real good at back-timing Blob’ stories…

 

Nice to know that not everyone was wrapped-up in World Cup Fever. Is it over yet? And did Y’all get your signature, collectible Messi Duracell batteries, eh?

 

Having ran across the following story in my sorta’ local newspaper, Whale’ the closest local city upon my Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service. Since Eugene’s only 50 miles east of Mwah as the Seagulls fly. Although not sure they fly that far inland, Oh Never Mind!

 

Although He didn’t break the current riding time record overall. Its amazing hearing Him discuss how it probably wasn’t the wisest decision Sleep-pedaling down mountain hills before finally stopping to catch some much needed sleep, aye Karumba!

 

Cyclist bikes Pacific Coast from Canada to Mexico border in Seven days 

Microsoft causes No Fenders Stoppage

Marko Andretti’s wrecked Dallara IndyCar on the “Hook” at Mother Speedway. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Why is that one of my favourite mental images whenever thinking about the wheels of progress? Or as the late, great Rhythm Professor Niel Pert once penned.

 

“You know how that rabbit feels, going under your speeding wheels

Bright images flashing by like a windshield towards a fly

Frozen in that fateful climb, but the wheels of time just pass you by”

 

Just a quick Jot’ as Grizzled, ‘Ol F1 Journo Joe Saward would say. As I miss His Green Notebook blog posts, as why does everything have to go the way of the Dinosaur and Dodo Birds, Eh?

 

Speaking ‘O Dinosaurs, apparently that’s what those blimey Overlords at Microsoft thought of my outdated Office 2016 programme I’ve been faithfully using for the past six years to curn out copious amounts of No fenders blob’ verbiage…

 

Thus, I’m currently in the midst of upgrading to Office 2024, since one of the primary Hot Key features I rely upon as a Blind Vurd butcherer known as temporary place markers suddenly, without warning. Quit working Wayback’ in the middle ‘O Gory July.

 

Whilst I’ve been using a cumbersome “work-around”, but am guessing Microsoft’s decision will further impact me sometime soon Bastardoes!

 

Hopefully this upgrade won’t be terribly painful? And I can resume furiously pppndin’ away riveting No Fenders blog posts soon…

 

As I’ll leave Y’all with a few canned stories, while hopefully my Confuzer’s been returned and functioning 100% Tickity boo! Whilst learning whatever the IT boffins have changed in the New & Improved “wink-wink” Office 2024 version.

 

As what does Oilpressure’s Geo. Pillips say about Change?

 

Uhm, what’s that? Drugs are Bad, Ok?

 

Partial song lyrics from: Rush’s Between the Wheels; 1984 Grace Under Pressure Album. 

MOTO GP: Upcoming Adelaide Street Race causes Concern

Will somebody please put some shrimp on the Barby’…

 

Yeah, as typical, your humble No Fenders scribe was off in LaLa land! Where if truly wishing to acquire more than four loyal Blob’ (blog) readers – I’d have been scribblin’ furiously about the Markham Mudfest’ and ensuing one Helluva street race immediately afterwards…

 

Instead, I found it to be a slow Monday news morning following the race. Hence drifting off to other continents and stumbling into the news concerning another upcoming street race Down Under in Oz, Mates!

 

I’ll admit having zero clue over the picturesque Phillip Island MotoGP race being replaced by Adelaide next year. Which it seems like a conundrum hearing the Mayor of Adelaide saying its not worth the Headache!

 

MotoGP Boss responds to concerns over Adelaide Street Circuit

 

Being a transplanted Oregonian Tree Hugger, its easy for me to say I don’t like reading about the need to cut down 50 or is it 60 mature, “Old growth” tees for the sake of a new motor race!

 

Calling up visions of the devastation that occurred Up North Eh! In order for Vancouver, British Columbia’s hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics. As how many acres of wooed forest were destroyed just for a new Bobsleigh track, Oh Never Mind!

 

Although perhaps this future tree cutting spree in Adelaide has now been mitigated? Yet I find the word mitigate to be a dirty word! Conjuring up images of appeasement or compromise…

 

While a  just “leaked” track map upgrade image was hurriedly released afterwards…

 

MotoGP Adelaide Street Circuit Map planned changes Leaked

 

Hmm, now where’d I put my Birkenstocks? As my Granola cereal’s getting soggy… 

Charter, Road Rage and New Chassis Hoopla

Which All seems a very long time ago…

 

Felt like any euphoria I might be having over IndyCar rolling out it’s new Dallara IR28 chassis, was quickly extinguished by the propensity of pathetic volume issues when trying to listen to all three days of the Portland weekend via IndyCar Radio. As it’s a really long way for those paper cups and waxed string to stretch from Indianapolis to Portland, as speak up Mark James!

 

Don’t want to say it was a boring race, but in-between being able to hear ‘Ol Gravelly’, aka Mark James. It was funny hearing Him call out my “go-to” radio station KIKI Hawaii.

 

As Honolulu’s KIKI FOX Sports Radio wasn’t carrying the race, but instead had some lame Arse Stick ‘n Ball Sports Yahoos’ prattling away, Oh Never Mind!

 

Yeah, it’s really old news now that Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) sold it’s third IndyCar Charter to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. (DRR) As DRR will become a one car IndyCar Charter entry in 2027.

 

While Graham Rahal spilled the beans to David Land Wayback’ at Portland (August 8th) that DRR would be forming a technical alliance with the reconstituted two car RLLR entry, thus switching from Chevrolet to Honda.

 

DRR was briefly a Powered by Judd, Err Lotus engine customer in 2012 before switching to the Bowtie’, which they’ve run ever since. And while I know they’ll bristle at this, effectively become RLLR’s third Honda entity.

 

Which made it curious that IndyCar Radio’s Davey Hamilton was denying this a week later during the Markham Morass…

 

Its been well documented that Marshall Pruett claims the charter was sold for $13 million, setting a somewhat steep baseline for future charter sales. While Conor Daly is the frontrunner for the unannounced DRR driver.

 

The move appears to leave rookie IndyCar driver Mick Schumacher out of a ride at RLLR next year, with us Wags’ ponderin’ where Mick will land next season?

 

With IndyCar Radio’s Michael Young saying at Markham there were already paddock rumblings of Mick having found a seat for next year, while RLLR confirmed Graham Rahal and Louis Foster as its drivers next season.

 

Yet I’d say it was “Eyes Forward” over the Road America 6 Hours Sports Car Shemozzle, Err weekend, with most eyes focused solely upon Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Where the long awaited Dallara DW12 replacement chassis was making its public debut.

 

As IndyCar wisely invited the media and public to view the brand new Dallara IR28 IndyCar making validation runs on the IMS road course over the August 2nd weekend.

 

Thanks to David Land, we got copious amounts of “viewage” upon the new IR28, along with its startup, leaving the garage and at “song” briefly. With Alexander Rossi being the first to drive Saturday, and Alex Palou driving Sunday. Giving Chevrolet and Honda each one respective driver fir the Dallara IR28’s first validation test.

 

Naturally, the debut came the week after the annual Brickyard 400 and ironically was affected by rainy weather both days.

 

The lone IR28 racecar was a “Mule” chassis. Running a 2022-spec, unbadged Ilmor first generation 2.4-litre twin turbo V-6 lump’, and sounded great!

 

Running without the new hybrid system, and just weight ballast instead, as the hybrid system won’t debut until next year, Arse-sumedly when the new second generation 2.4-litre engines arrive.

 

It was funny listening to the media Bullpen Scrum’ sessions, as everyone acted like we’d just landed on the Moon! All trying to beat others to their most important questions.

 

But like IndyCar’s project leader Mike O’Gara said. This was just the first validation test, and the teams are pretty busy in August. So, they won’t do any more validation testing until after season’s end. With Mother Speedway’s Oval on the docket, along with Sebring’s short course and Nashville’s Super Speedway.

 

 

And while it’s fantastic that a new IndyCar has finally arrived, could we please quit talking about breaking track records! How ‘bout we just get the finished product delivered to all of the teams for St Petersburg’s March 2028 season opener instead!

 

Since funniest thing I heard about the initial test was the alternator that was supposed to be running with the hybrid kept causing computer glitches…

 

Tuned into the majority of Sunday’s (August 2nd ) inaugural 6 Hours Michelin Endurance Cup Road America IMSA Sports Car race, which seemingly turned into an Argey-Bardgie show!

 

The officiating was called into question, with John Hindhaugh talking about the controversy caused by not calling a penalty on Jack Achey Breaky Aitken’s tussle with Felipe Nasr, perhaps? Since know it was one of the Penske Porsche Motorsport Boyz’.

 

Thus suppose the karmic whip caught up with Aitken at race’s end when trying to pass the always aggressive Porsche Hotschue’ Kevin Estre for second place. As Estre was having none of it, with the two colliding and both wrecking out of the race!

 

This saw Ricky Taylor claiming the chequered flag, with co-driver Felipe Albuquerque in the No. 10 Cadillac V-Series.R, marking 792 days since Wayne Taylor Racing stood atop the podium, Aye Karumba!

 

As WTR’s last win came at Detroit in 2024, and an emotionally relieved Wayne Taylor used how He was starting to doubt Himself over everything He did!

 

Wayne Taylor Racing’s return to Victory Lane “A big relief”

 

Think it had been a long time for WTR, Eh? Well it had been even longer for Pfaff Motorsports, who gave the brand new Lamborghini Temerario its maiden IMSA GT3 win. With the Canadian racing team having not won since the 2023 Sebing 12 Hours, three-plus years ago, Crikeys!

 

Ironically, the win came on the heels of Pfaff announcing it was leaving IMSA GTD Pro competition at season’s end…

 

Wayne Taylor Racing breaks through at Hot tempered Road America 6 Hours 

Warbirds Invade Roswell

Although there from this world…

 

The legendous’ reno air Races have moved to Roswell, New Mexico this year, having run this past weekend. (Sept 16-20) And feature seven different classes this year. With the top two being the Jet and Unlimited classes.

 

Roswell’s Racers ready

 

Thanks to ray, who informed me about Juan Brown’s blancolirio Youtube channel. Which is primarily devoted to Air accidents, i.e.; Civilian and Commercial Aircraft, plus Helicopters. It also periodically covers vintage Aircraft.

 

As here’s Juan’s Heat 1A “close-up” 8 minutes coverage of this year’s Roswell Air Races from the Home pylon! Featuring several vintage piston-powered WWII Warbirds. Having learned the Bardahl Special is a P-51 Mustang.

 

Unlimited Air Racing Home Pylon - Roswell

 

You can check out Juan’s Youtube Channel at the following link below.

 

Blancolirio 

HYDROS: New Rules, Old Blues

Where another season comes to a close with last year’s same ‘Ol issues…

 

As previously mentioned, this year H1 Unlimited has introduced a new racing format for how long I don’t know?

 

For Mwah, a longtime Unlimited aficionado, the best part of the events final was the five minute milling period. As it was always fascinating over who’d outfox who for the preferred Lane 1.

 

The series even introduced a rule requiring the drivers to a minimum speed of 80mph, and effectively staying on a plane.

 

Having just watched the 1985 Miami regatta, this rule caught out Steve Reynolds in the Miss 7-Eleven. With Reynolds cheekily saying something about bill Muncey would have tried getting away with it, or something to that effect!

 

While boat owner Steve Woomer argued with officials to no avail…

 

Then H1 Unlimited cancelled the minimum 80mph rule, presumably from too many violations impacting race outcomes.

 

Thus for 2026, H1 Unlimited has introduced a points-based accumulation system, with every point counting towards lane selection. Beginning with the fastest qualifier assigned Lane 1 for the events first Heat.

 

Boats are then “split” (inverted) between Heats 1A and 1B on a odd-even basis, with the second fastest Hydroplane being in Lane 1 for Heat 1B. While I believe this 1-3-5-7; 2-4-6-8 “split”, or Heat draw continues for the remaining qualifying Heats up to the final.

 

H1 Unlimited introduces new Race Format debuting at Madison

 

This new weekend points accumulation system only allows for each competitor choosing Lane 1 and Lane 2 once per season for the finals.

 

Andrew Tate chose Lane 2 for Madison, and Lane 1 for Seafair. BWR Racing teammate Jimmy Shane chose Lane 1 at Tri-Cities and Arse-sumedly chose Lane 2 at Seattle, since that’s the lane He raced in.

 

Therefore, I believe both BWR Racing skippers will only be able to choose Lane 3 for this weekend’s San Diego Bill Muncey Cup finale.

 

Also new this year, and for Mwah a breath ‘O fresh air. The H1 Unlimited livestream has replaced Tanner Foust with former Unlimited Hydroplane driver Dustin Echols. And I find it a vast improvement, with no disrespect towards Foust.

 

Echols brings a youthful, infectious manner to His “Driver analyst” colour commentator role, and the chemistry between Play-by-Play announcer Brad Luce is excellent!

 

Not to mention, I appreciate how Luce doesn’t take Himself too seriously. Fessing up to His mistake of trying to make Dustin older than He was when asking Him what it was like transitioning between an open cockpit to racing an enclosed canopy Unlimited Hydroplane. Saying He noticed Dustin’s look at Him while taking one for the team and answering politically correct without throwing Luce under water…

 

That said, for another year in-a-row, the livestream’s volume level is simply Atrocious!

 

I really do not understand why I need to Jack Up the volume 30 levels in order to be able to hear Echols and Luce’s pre-race banter. And then turn it down 8-10 levels during race when Luce starts screaming…

 

Guessing its Broadcasting 101? Since All the announcers do this screaming trick, but I don’t understand why!

 

As Mark Gravelly’ James and Michael Screech’ Young’s screaming over Kyfinn Simpson and Christian Lundgaard banging wheels during the middle of Portland’s IndyCar race definitely woke me up while fighting over ninth place! But I digress…

 

Also, I don’t understand why H1 Unlimited cannot have a microphone to pickup the sound of the Hydroplanes on course. As they managed to do so for the gold Cup event in Madison, but the two Warshinton’ races, i.e.; Tri-Cities and Seattle were completely devoid of any Hydroplane noise.

 

As I’ve come to enjoy the whooshing sounds of the Unlimited boats screaming by, and for someone who’s blind, I cannot watch any of the action onscreen!

 

Which is why without any mechanical race boat noise and trumped-up, manufactured Hype of screaming at me all race long, its pretty hard for me to get excited!

 

Yeah, I know Brad Luce says if that didn’t get me excited than I better look for some other sort of entertainment…

 

Yet I do love Hydroplane racing. I just wish I didn’t have to turn my Confuzer’ speakers up to 99 in order to hear the announcers and then down to 76 when one’s screaming and there’s no turbine whine of the Unlimiteds racing by! 

HYDROS: Will Jimmy Shane’s Magical season continue?

    

And can He win another APBA National High Points championship this weekend?

 

Think the IndyCar season is far too short? Then just try wrappin’ your Noggin around the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane season lasting a scant two plus months. Having begun on July 5th at Madison, Indiana, and finishing this Sunday at San Diego’s Bayfair on Mission Bay. With the season ending’s traditional Bill Muncey Cup just 77 days later!

 

As it seems a really, really long time ago since Gory Fourth ‘O July weekend Y’all!

 

Madison, IN Gold Cupp Entry list

(Boat #/Boat Name/Driver)

U-00 Maverick, J. Michael Kelly

U-1 Miss BWR Racing, Andrew Tate

U-3 Tahoe Miss, Cory Peabody

U-6 Miss Madison, Brandon Kennedy

U-11 Miss Flav-r-Pac, Jamie Nilsen

U-27 Miss Apollo, Jimmy Shane

U-40 Bucket List Racing, Dylan Runne

 

First off, I’ve been critical of the sport for several years now. And Arse-sumedly will continue to do so as long as their Youtube love stream audio continues to Suck!

 

That said, a very cursory look forty years ago, reveals that the 1986 Budweiser Unlimited season opener at Miami had ten boats entered; with Bernie Little, the Dom of Unlimited boat racing running two Hulls. Running two cockpit canopy boats. The U-12 revolutionary 1985 Bubble Bud piston powered Griffon “Monster”. And their very first turbine Hydro. With Scott Pierce in the Griffon Bud, and Jim Kropfeld in the turbine Beer Wagon.

 

Naturally, the top three qualifiers were the fleets trio of Lycoming T55 (Helicopter) turbine powered craft. The U-11 Bud being fastest at 122.719mph. Followed by Steve Reynolds in the (U-711) Miss 7-Eleven  and Chip Hanauer in the U-1 Miller American, with Scotty Pierce the fastest of the piston boats.

 

Ron Snyder was driving the oldest Hull; the lone, remaining conventional (Driver behind engine) 13 year old former Pride of Pay ‘n Pak. Now the U-6 Holset Miss Madison, with Snyder returning to the tiller after a year’s absence. While Jerry Hopp in the U-7 Riggin’s Crab House failed to qualify.

 

Thus my rudimentary math says this year’s season opener at Madison, Indiana, the prestigious Gold Cup no less. Had 23% less combatants, i.e.; two fewer Hydroplanes.

 

Yet the 1986 season opener had five boats in the final. both Miss Budweiser’s, with the Miss Madison sandwiched between the two Beer Wagons. Spoiling Bernie Little’s hoped for 1-2 finish,  with Kropfeld scoring a turbine boat’s first win on salt water. And the Pantry Pride and first alternate, Miss MerCruiser finished fourth and fifth respectively.

 

In comparison, this year’s season opening Madison regatta’s Gold Cup final also had five Hydroplanes racing, albeit four contestants with a fifth trailer boat. As the two BWR Racing boats lined up against the Strong Racing duo, with the Miss Madison the trailer.

 

Jimmy Shane, who’d retired from Unlimited racing at season’s end, 2022. Having won five Gold Cups and seven APBA National High Points championships, and tied for fourth overall in career wins with 25. Equaling the late, great Dean Chenoweth, was returning after a four year hiatus from the sport.

 

Shane replaced the retiring Dave Villwock, who has the most career H1 Unlimited wins with 68 at the sport’s new powerhouse, BWR Racing.

 

This year, the sport has a new race format, where driver lanes are chosen by order of the driver with the most points, which I’ll discuss my thoughts upon this later.

 

H1 Unlimited introduces new Race Format debuting at Madison

 

Thus the two fastest boats got lane choice first ahead of the others, with BWR Racing’s Andrew Tate choosing first. With Tate taking what  He thought was the preferred Lane 2, and Shane taking the dubious Lane 1.

 

Strong Racing’s  J. Michael Kelly was in Lane 3, and rounding out the field was teammate Cory Peabody in Lane 4. With Brandon Kennedy in the Miss Madison trailing the field.

 

I said dubious Lane 1 since new H1 Unlimited Colour commentator and Driver Analyst Dustin Echols, former skipper of the U-40 Bucket List Racing Hydroplane aptly coined Lane 1’s “Hole” the Turf Monster! Even noting how you could see the darker patch of water in this hole.

 

As the Turf Monster reared its ugly head in Heat 3B when current U-40 Unlimited driver Dylan Runne raced down to Turn 1 in Lane 1 and promptly “Hooked” the turn, putting Him out of contention for the rest of the qualifying heat!

 

Yet Shane had won the (2021) Gold cup previously at Madison running in Lane 1 and as the four Hydros made a perfect start, Shane flew thru the corner and effectively never looked back enroute to His sixth gold cup victory!

 

Shane’s only blemish over the weekend occurred in Heat 3B when suffering from rudder “flutter”, with Shane noting the mechanical issue really tore Him up!

 

And although Shane and Tate ran deck-to-deck for three of the final’s five laps. With H1 Unlimiteds Play-by-Play announcer Brad Luce noting how Shane was literally flying the boat! With Shane later saying He’d gotten eight feet out of the water on one lap before settling back down!

 

Nobody could touch Jimmy Shane! Who set two more milestones in His storied Unlimited career. Along with winning on return from a four year hiatus. The win moved His career tally to 26 victories, taking sole possession of fourth all-time. While His sixth Gold Cup win surpassed being tied with the great Gar Wood. And I believe also puts Him fourth overall for Gold Cup victories?

 

Since Chip Hanauer and Dave Villwock are tied for most Gold Cup wins with eleven apiece, and Bill Muncey has eight W’s.

 

Thanks to the three hours weather delay at the Mid-Ohio IndyCar race, I got to “watch”, Err listen to most of Sunday’s Unlimited action. Even with one of the Heats being cancelled with 1:24 on the clock to going Green! As the same weather system was moving thru the Ohio river, along with causing large amounts of debris to clog the river and encroach upon the racecourse. With the final being delayed until 4:35PM Pacific if I remember correctly?

 

Tate was issued a Bearing Out penalty for encroaching on another driver’s lane, thus dropping from second to last. (fifth) Peabody finished second, Kelly third and Kennedy fourth.

20B: No fenders turns Alexander Rossi’s Car number Today!

A much younger Alexander Rossi Meet ‘n Greet at Will Buxton’s Big Time Bash in Austin, during the 2014 U.S. Grand Prix. (The Tomaso collection)

 

as the needle continuously skips upon the scratchy vinyl record on thoust turntable upon Ye mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville…

 

And the needle was definitely skippin’ Y’all! When I began trying to crystalize my thoughts the day after the Portland IndyCar race, with the Golden Oldies radio station playing Waylon Jenning’s Just A good ‘Ol boy YeeHaw song, Say What?

 

VIDEO: Just A Good ‘Ol boy

 

Or that like a skipping record, your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso would still be labouriously poondin’ away on Thy ancient Selectric keyboard here at No Fenders! Still merrily creating fresh content for Y’all weekly consumption 20 Gory years later, Aye Karumba!

 

First ‘n foremost, like All the IndyCar drivers do. Its time to thank the Fans for perusing No Fenders and hopefully reading some of my Zany Blog posts the past 12 months, especially All four of my loyal readers!

 

Being lovingly honed with a dull, rusty knife in Tomaso Manor whilst thoust waves crash upon the jagged coastline of Nofendersville, and All the busy little creatures scurry in their tide pools…

 

As that ‘Ol MacDougals slogan now serving (19 Million) here come to mind again, Hya! Uhm, think its still 19 million, Crickets!

 

While it does blow my mind that I surpassed the 5,000 posts threshold late last year!

A Milestone and ever revolving Racing Movie Choices

 

Orr Y’all can skip directly to my latest Top 10 Racing Movie choices in the link below.

 

Belated top 10 Racing Movie Choices

 

Where to begin another year later, Eh? As the record spins round ‘n round…

 

Suppose I’ll start with the low lying fruit, even though I’m feeling what’s that word Geddy? Oh yeah, Nihilistic over being in a Post IndyCar Season Funk! Even if you, Alex and new Band mates Anika Milles (Drums) and Loren Gold (Keyboard) are busy galavanting on tour…

 

And like that skipping, broken record.  we all know, Alex Palou had another “Magically Delicious” season this year, winning His sixth race of the season at Portland. Has The Surgeon’ carved up any more W’s since?

 

Whilst thankfully I wasn’t trying to take the train to the Rose City during race weekend last month! More on that later Folks.

 

“It’s a Parallax

No Polyester Slacks

Gona Kick some gluteus Max

Get Busy with the Facts Jack

Roll the bones!”

 

“Why are we here,, because we’re here, Roll the Bones”

 

VIDEO: Roll the Bones – R40 live in Toronto

 

Along with visiting my favourite Oregon Coast Beach thanks to Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen. And my treks “Back Home Again” to Warshington’. Albeit not knowing how badly I’ll d Backhoed by the just destroyed )burnt) Centennial Mills building’s closing of Amtrak train travel from Portland to Washington, Yikes!

 

Thoust highlight of the year has to be my debutante visit to the wonderful Martin Auto Museum, which you may have read some of my elongated recapping of said Museo visit, which I just finished posting upon No Fenders.

 

Meanwhile on the technology front, along with constantly trying to keep up with Microsoft’s forced Arse-simulation of its latest products. Now over a year plus, RACER still refuses to become WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliant, and Arse-sumedly will never do so? Which is just downright disappointing to your blind Motorsports enthusiast!

 

Imagine Accessibility for the Blind, RACER!

 

Yet how can I righteously complain about any of my “First World” problems when my Government is complicit in the Deaths and Starvation of thousands of people in the Middle East! Where as of August 12th, 73,438 Palestinians had been Killed by the senseless Genocide! 40,179 being Children. As let that sink in Y’all!

 

12,500 Women, 1,701 Medical and 262 Press being part of that hideous Death toll, and that’s just in Gaza! With who knows how many horrendous deaths in Lebanon?  Not to mention the stupendous war against Iran, where my Government killed 156 civilians and 120 schoolchildren at Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in a triple “tap” missile strike on the first day of war! (Feb 28th)

 

VIDEO: “Be sure to Wear some Flowers in your Hair”

 

As what’s that ‘Ol U2 Rattle and Hum song where Bono says “Am I buggin’ you Man? I Don’t mean to bug You, play the Blues Edge!”

 

As the song Silver and Gold is about Apartheid in South Africa, for which currently is still occurring in the Middle East! As I Don’t mean to Bug Yuhs…

 

VIDEO: Sover and Gold - live

 

For those still following along. Thanks to everyone visiting Nofendersville and reading my eclectic scribblings upon No Fenders the past 20 years!

 

Since this Uber' eclectic mix 'N veritable Spin Cycle 'O finely honed Thomason' Tex-Mex Jambalaya of Wordsmithing wouldn't have been possible over thoust numerous seasons without All of the Usual suspects continued yearly support.

 

And like Melody Sheik brilliantly “Sings” in his Symphony of Science Masterpiece from over a Dozen years ago now. Suppose I’m getting sort of use to Chicago Davey’ Malukas piloting the No. 12 Team Penske entry. But like the late Carl Sagan says, there’s Billions and Billions of Stars, and “We Are All connected”.

 

VIDEO: We Are All Connected

 

Whilst never fear Ladies and Germs’, Your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is planning on sticking round for awhile longer. Celebrating my milestone 20th Anniversary today, I do wish to “see” how the new Dallara IR28 IndyCar pans out…

 

Arrivederci,

Tomaso

 

Partial song lyrics from: RUSH’s 1992 Roll the Bones title track. Video from 2015 R40 Tour live Up North Eh! (Toronto) 

MUSEUMS: My Most Excellent Docent

Tomaso and Martin Auto Museum Docent Jeff standing in front of Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As I’ve mentioned previously, I had the most awesome docent named Jeff during my personally guided three hours tour. Wayback’ this February

 

I really enjoyed Jeff taking His time and not rushing thru the museum. Along with inquiring if I was interested in whatever vehicle we were approaching or standing in front of? As Jeff quickly realized my tastes were quite broad…

 

For example, well into our tour, Jeff asked me if I liked VW’s? Briefly describing their 1973 23 window conversion van built in Brazil.

 

When Jeff had me feel how the windows “popped” out for ventilation. I mused they were exactly like ‘Ol blue’s, the 1980’s Ford Econoline Camper van conversion we’d taken to the 2001 U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Can that really be a quarter of a century ago now?

 

As Jeff seemed genuinely surprised over my description of how it’s windows popped out exactly like the Volkswagen’s, and most interested in my description of it’s custom, unique sliding glass side windows aluminum conversion pop-top…

Jeff mentioned He was a member of the local Red Devils Car club and seemed quite proud of His 1962 and 1/2 Econoline pickup truck with electronic fuel injection.

 

Kudos to Jeff’s excellent presentation of the Martin Auto Museum and some of its vast array of vehicles.

 

Salute Jeff!

 

You can check out the Museo’s website at the link below.

 

Martin Auto Museum

 

Or visit Rick DeBruhl’s YOutube channel (link) below. Where He’s chronicled many of Martin Auto Museum’s cavernous 170-plus strong collection, Momma Mia!

 

Rick DeBruhl

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel.