Foyt to become regional Feeder Series powerhouse?

Although letting others do the Heavy lifting…

 

Indy NXT competitors return to action with a Double Header weekend at Mother Speedway beginning today, after a month’s hiatus. Which currently is a battle of the “Young guns”, with Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR’s rookie Nikita Johnson leading the championship ahead of Andretti global rookie Max Taylr.

 

AJ Foyt Enterprises rookie driver Alessandro de Tullio is making some noise Himself. Having finally “Broke His Duck”  last time out at thee Oh, so Beautiful Barbers’, nee Barber Motorsports Park, scoring His maiden Indy NXT win. Currently fifth overall, de Tullio’s been quick, having scored three poles in the first four races, albeit currently 60 markers adrift of Johnson.

 

Interestingly, Foyt has decided to beef-up its Junior Open Wheel Racing involvement with the decision to partner with Crosslink Motorsports in Formula four U.S. and Formula regional(FR) Americas Championship feeder series, to strengthen its driver development ladder.

 

Crosslink Motorsports, a Dallas, Texas racing organization is a “Powerhouse” itself. Claiming to have won the most F4 U.S. races, plus two F4 U.S. titles. Since the team’s official website mentions their known as Crosslink Kiwi Motorsports. Whilst I’ve also seen this written as Crosslink with Kiwi Motorsports and Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsports, Corfuzed?

 

Having won the U.S. formula 4 title in 2019 and 2023. While Kiwi Motorsports won last year’s championship.

 

Crosslin Kiwi Motorsports won the2023-2024 FR Americas titles with drivers Callum Hedge and Patrick Woods-Toth respectively.

 

Crosslink Motorsports won a third consecutive FR Americas Championship with Titus Sherlock last year. Although I’m still not sure how the FR Americas Championship fits into the grand scheme of Feeder Series?

 

Since I’m Arse-suming nobody’s heard of either Woods-Toth or Sherlock, and I cannot find what they’re currently doing? With Sherlock garnering a measly $100,000 cash prize for winning the championship, Youch!

 

SCCA Pro Racing’s Alternate Single Seaters Feeder series

 

By my rudimentary records, Kiwi’ Hedge is the latest FR Americas driver to graduate to Indy NXT, having raced two years for HMD Motorsports and Abel Motorsports between 2024-2025, with a best finish of fourth overall in 2024.

 

Although the Road to Indy and now USF Pro championships run by Anderson Promotions still seemingly is the preferred pathway to Indy NXT.

 

America’s preferred Open wheel Racing ladder system

 

Currently four FR Americas Alumni; Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Kyffin Simpson and Jacob Abel are IndyCar drivers. Kirkwood and Simpson are past champions, with Malukas finishing runner-up. While Abel will race in His first Indy 500 this year, after failing to qualify in 2025.

 

Yet being a champion of both series doesn’t guarantee a long term IndyCar career. As just ask Linus Lundqvist about that! Having won the 2020 FR Americas and 2022 Indy NXT Championships, who's still trying to return to IndyCar…

 

Crosslink appears to be mimicking Indy NXT juggernaut HMD Motorsports by having the most cars on the grid with six. With rookies Alejandro Bobadilla, (#8) Kekai Hauanio, (#29( Evagoras Papasavvas (#71) and Aidan Schuh driving the storied No. 14. Plus Barrett Wolfe (#13) and Kevin Janzen. (#24)

 

While Kiwi Motorsports has just two entries for rookies Harbir Dass and Cooper Shipman.

 

Papasavvas briefly made waves in Indy NXT last year upon debut driving for HMD Motorsports. Qualifying third and finishing runner-up to Dennis Hauger at Barber in the vacated No. 24 seat Sophia

Florsch occupied for one round. Having signed for a partial season, before finishing P21 overall after five races.

 

Perusing the entry list for drivers, another Indy NXT Journeyman’s name jumped out to Mwah. Noticing that Christian Bogle is driving for Toney Driver Development this year. Having raced four seasons in Indy NXT, beginning with Carlin, remember them Y’all? And then a further three seasons with HMD Motorsports, but I digress…

 

Crosslink’s drivers will be welcomed into the Foyt program to interact with Engineers and other team personnel to help them advance their careers, while giving Foyt access to more talented, potential future drivers…

 

Further muddying the waters, when trying to find out more about Kiwi Motorsports, I learned that Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) formed the same “strategic” partnership alliance with New Zealand Kiwi Motorsports them late 2024. Seeing Kiwi Motorsports and Crosslink become fully separate entities for 2025.

 

Along with learning that Kiwi Motorsports are Toyota’s entry in the Formula Oceania series.

 

Thus giving us two FR Americas operations with clearly defined links to Indy NXT, and possibly IndyCar. 

Pato O’Ward celebrates another Year

Although He might wish for something a bit stronger than that energy drink, ci? (The Tomaso Collection)

 

And I’m quite certain He’d like a Borg Warner trophy as one of His presents!

 

For those of you following the gossip columns, today marks Patricio O’Ward Junco’s 27th Birthday. While I’ve got zero clue how Pato’s celebrating today.

 

Arse-sumedly all of the IndyCar drivers busses, Err motor coaches are parked at Mother Speedway. So perhaps Pato will be searchin’ for a tenderloin sandwich or some fried chicken to share with Alex Palou, Ole!

 

INDY 500: Searchin’ Far and Wide

 

Meanwhile, like typical. Thinking of my Numero Uno IndyCar driver’s nationality, I wondered who was the last Mexicali IndyCar Pilote before Him to race at Mother Speedway?

 

Think it was Michel Jourdain Jr, who last raced in the 2012 Indianapolis 500. Before failing to qualify the next year, when Bump Day saw ten cars vying for the final nine grid spots.

 

Ironically, Katherine Legge sat on the Bubble, driving for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. While Jourdain’s Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) “Steed” just wouldn’t Giddy-Up! As RLLR took several swings to get the Dallara-Honda entry to run fast, but no dice! Before the team finally gave up at 5:45PM with Jourdain never having made a qualifying attempt.

 

Fast forwarding to today, there’s  currently two aspiring Indy NXT drivers hoping to join Pato in IndyCar.

 

Ricardo Escotto, age 21 is in His third season. Having driven for Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) in 2024 for five races. Then joining Andretti Cape NXT for the season’s first nine races, before leaving the team.

 

For 2026, Escotto as returned to JHR, and presumably plans on completing His first full season Indy NXT campaign.

 

Salvador de Alba Jr, age 26 is racing for HVM Motorsports in His third Indy NXT season.

 

De Alba spent His rookie season in 2024 competing for Andretti Cape NXT, finishing fifth in the championship.

 

Last year, Salvador graduated to Andretti Global, where He played “third fiddle”. Being overshadowed by Dennis Hauger and Lochie Hughes, albeit the entire grid was overshadowed by eventual champion Hauger. While Hughes finished third overall.

 

Nevertheless, de Alba scored His maiden Indy NXT win with an emphatic triumph on the Milwaukee Mile! Followed by being a disappointed runner-up at Nashville’s season finale. Once again finishing fifth overall.

 

And now, having just learned of the totally unknown rookie Alejandro Bobavilla, competing in this years Formula Regional Americas championship for powerhouse Crosslink Motorsports.

 

Whilst you can read my elongated, previous No Fenders tome about our Southern “Brothers” and Mexico’s involvement in Open Wheel Racing below.

 

On The Border - Mexicali Racing Talents

 

Happy Birthday Pato! 

Silent Force daughter Red lights

Obviously being one of the few times John’s at a loss for words…

 

Thanks to No Fenders Offical Photographer and roving reporter Carpets’, whose “Acting’ Indiana Bureau Chief tag should have come off years ago…

 

Having passed the John force Racing building in Brownsburg, Indiana recently, He wondered why its flag was at half mast?

 

Having since found out it was in honour of Adria Force Height having passed away on April 28th.

 

Think everyone knows of the Force daughters, albeit just Ashley, Courtney and Brittany. All having raced professionally, all three having won NHRA “Wally’s”, and Brittany a two-times Top Fuel champion.

 

Thus one tends to forget about Adria, John and Laurie’s oldest daughter who died at age 56. And yes, She was previously married to triple NHRA Top Fuel Funnycar champion Robert Height.

 

Was also unaware that Robert had stepped-down and retired from being President of JFR last March. While Adria had risen to CFO of John Force Racing, (JFR) having been one of its first employees.

 

The former couple had one daughter, Autumn, who raced NHRA Junior dragsters.

 

Adria K. (Force) Height 

A Weekend of What Ifs?

When Fairytale endings don’t quite happen…

 

Cannot say the Long Beach weekend of IndyCar and IMSA racing was overly exciting. In truth, both races seemed exceedingly processional. Which perhaps was a biproduct of excessive marbling offline? Or the propensity of different rubber compounds being applied over the weekend?

 

Saturday’s Wat If naturally involved thee young Wicky’, aka Robert Wickens. With that nickname being indelibly ingrained thanks to who’s going by the handle Jimmy Hinge’ these days…

 

Everyone knows Robby’s story and life changing effects from that 2018 Pocono IndyCar incident. Thus how cool was it having Wickens claim His maiden IMSA pole position after the No. 89 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F racecar was DQ’ed (Disqualified) for exceeding minimum ride height during post tech inspection.

 

Wickens not only led the race’s first 25 laps, but pulled out a healthy lead, in part to minimize the time loss of extracting Him from the cockpit during their first pitstop some 35+ minutes later. The minimum drive-time requirement.

 

It was interesting hearing Davey Hamilton of IndyCar Radio commenting on how Wickens has to switch hands on His specially adapted steering wheel hand Controlled Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R at Long Beach’s famous Hairpin turn. Assuring everyone its not easy! Which I thought was fascinating coming from another driver who’s been through the adversity of having some 20-plus foot operations!

 

And although the crew was ecstatic over their work of dragging Robby to the pit wall. Unfortunately co-driver Mason Filippi first ran into trouble with a GTP car. And then got roughed-up by the Turner Motorsports BMW with Robbie Foley at the wheel! Ultimately finishing sixth in the GTD class.

 

Listening to IMSA Radio Saturday afternoon, I first heard John Hindhaugh mention the rumours of Acura pulling its IMSA GTP programme at season’s end, Huh? But I’m getting ahead of myself…

 

Apparently Colin Brown had a massive shunt during Friday, necessitating the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06B being completely rebuilt. While the Seester’ No. 93 claimed pole in the hands of Nick Yelloly.

 

And although the No. 93 lost the lead once in traffic, Yellowly and Renger van der Zande were victorious for Acura at their home race. The team’s first wins since Watkins Glen six hours Enduro’ last June, by the nO. 60. While the No. 93’s last victory was last year’s street race at Detroit. And Acura’s first win at Long Beach.

 

Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) said it best Saturday after capturing His first IndyCar pole in two years, ironically also at Long Beach. Telling boss Mike Shank to soak it in, it doesn’t get much better than Y’all know. Isn’t that a beer slogan for somebody? And not Mike Shank’s favourite Busch lite, but I digress…

 

Winning the IMSA race from pole, having Green Day on His No. 60 IndyCar and also being on pole . For which we know the only blemish to the weekend was that solitary full course caution on lap 58. When the entire field pitted, and with a slight bobble and worse pit box selection after leading 51 of 58 laps. “The Surgeon” Alex Palou and His pit crew roared out ahead of Rosenqvist, Frick! And as IndyCar Radio pit reporter Ryan Marin said. Say Good Bye! With Palou winning again, Rosenqvist second and Scott Dixon third. With Honda sweeping the podium Sunday.

 

Suppose it should have been inevitable? With it being suggested that MSR will run the Honda Charter entry in 2028, giving them three cars in IndyCar.

 

And with Honda, Err Acura winning almost everything in IMSA recently. And the massive financial loss just incurred. Acura confirmed the rumour Wednesday, April 22nd they would “pause” their factory IMSA GTP programme at season’s end.

 

Interestingly, Honda HRC U.S. boss David Salters said Acura will beef-up its presence in IndyCar, with Marcus Armstrong’s No. 66 MSR entry now sporting Acura branding. Which previously had Spectrum listed as its primary sponsor for the 110th Indianapolis 500.

 

Whilst MSR said it will seek opportunites with other OEM partners for future IMSA participation, which may occur? I’m also reminded of Chip Ganassi Racing saying something similar after losing its service provider contract with Cadillac in IMSA GTP.

 

Scuttlebutt suggests the two MSR Acura ARX-06B’s most likely will end up in the Asian Le Mans Series newly created Hypercar category as true privateer efforts. While I’d forgotten that Sports Car regulations will “reset” in 2030, which could see an Acura/Honda return to top flight prototype racing?

 

Yet obviously, its always sad to have a manufacturer leave motor racing. And so much for celebrating Acura’s 40th birthday over the Long Beach weekend… 

A Beautiful Sports moment

When the goodness of Mankind sparkles…

 

Today being May Day, which forever will conjure up images of Ayrton Senna, Roland Ratzenberger and Black Sunday…

 

F1: Remembering Roland Ratzenberger - 25 Years later

 

May Day also signifies the beginning of summer, International Worker’s Day or Labour Day, not to mention that ominous distress signal…

 

Being a day to recognize our “Tired, Poor, Huddled” Brothers and Sisters who toil relentlessly doing the jobs nobody wishes to do.

 

As I was truly moved by this demonstration of Brotherly Love! As perhaps you’ve heard of the two selfless runners in this year’s Boston Marathon?

 

Having only used the word Mankind since the story involves three male runners, with American Ajay Haridasse had fallen for the fourth time at the 26-mile mark.

 

As the 21 year old Massachusetts University student was gathering strength to crawl on hands and knees the final two-tenths mile distance. Aaron Beggs, a 40 year old Northern Ireland runner stopped on His left side and pulled Haridasse to His feet. Then when Ajay stumbled again, a second runner, Robson De Oliveira, a 36 year old Brazilian caught Him from behind! 

 

Beggs and De Oliveira then put Haridasse arms upon each of their shoulders, and the trio triumphantly ran the remaining distance and crossed the finish line together!

 

When Two is Better than One: Pair of Boston Marathon runners help struggling Runner

 

Making me wounder out loud rhetorically, why can’t our Government show the same compassion and Humanity to the rest of the world? 

Truncated 2026 Sebring 12 Hours Postscript

Everyone remembers this March’s 12 Hours of Sebring, Righto?

 

Have I mentioned lately how Mucho I’m having a hard time getting my Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to rev-up over motor racing lately Y’all? Or seemingly stuck in second gear? Even if Y’all are quivering with Month ‘O May excitement…

 

Is there something going on in Indiana this month, eh?

 

While at least I don’t have to lament over the fact of the entire 12 Hours of Sebring being shown only behind Peacock’s Paywall, WTF! A la Formula 1 gong behind Apple TV’s curtain, err Paywall, meaning half of my motor racing series have gone “Dark!” Since I no longer have television, but I digress…

 

Tuned in via IMSA Radio somewhere during High Noon, (Pacific) with some seven hours remaining. Although I flitted about during this duration…

 

And its sad when the most poignant part of the entire 12 Hours race was the great story John Hindhaugh waxed poetically upon…

 

Yes, I understand there’s good, bad and mediocre race officials, which obviously applies to all walks of life. But I found the following yarn extraordinary.

 

Hindhaugh recounted about what I believe was the 1999 Petit Le Mans race? And one unnamed pit crew was limbering up for an impending pit stop.

 

The race official was none other than the top overseer of the entire pitlane, and spotting one crew member with His visor still up before the team’s car lumbered to a stop. Went over and slapped the members helmet and whack! The visor slid shut, the team made their pitstop and the car raced off.

 

The chief mechanic having observed what happened, came over and inquired if they were going to receive a penalty? To which the official said, I’m not here to give out penalties, I’m here to make sure you’re being safe! And I bet that won’t happen again!

 

With Hindhaugh saying that the official was Dick Martin and as I listened to this wonderful story, tears began streaming down my face. Due to Martin’s display of humanity. Which we, as a nation are sorely lacking right now. Brandishing our version of the Good, Bad and Ugly!

 

I must also say my mind began wondering about if we’ll have another Arab Oil Embargo, which I was just a Wee lad when that occurred. Due to the starvation of crude oil slipping thru the Straight of Hormuz. And how will the Iran War impact motor racing in general? Since it seems to only be worsening; as somebody pass me the raw, bloody meat…

 

Tend to recall somewhere within five hours remaining. One of the announcers mused over how Renger van der Zande said the Porsche’s were just playing with everybody! Which turned out to be prophetic.

 

Didn’t catch what happened to cause the two leading Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963’s swap positions. With Felipe Nasr in the No. 7 basically pulling over on the straight to allow Keven Estre’s No. 6 by.

 

Yet I marveled over Nasr’s bravado. Telling the team over the in-car radio He’d pull over before asking if they were cleared to race each other? Saying He’d pull over but they’ll lose the race if He stays second!

 

As think it was the No. 31 Whelen Cadd-Oh-lac’ breathin’ down the Penske’s backsides? Before Nasr was given the Ok and swiftly repassed Estre to lead them  home to a 1-2 sweep. On the very same day that El Capitano’, nee roger Penske was serving as the race’s Grand Marshall.

 

Initially Ricky Taylor in the #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac v-Series.R claimed the third podium spot. But was DSQ’ed (Disqualified) following a post-race tech inspection violation. Elevating the No. 31 Whelen to third.

 

The win was Porsche’s 20th overall victory at Sebring. With the two Penske Porsches running special red, white and blue Mobil 1 tribute liveries. Commemorating 30 years of Porsche and Mobil 1’s partnership, dating back to the 1996 Porsche GT1 running Mobil 1 livery at Circuit de la Sarthe.

 

Whilst its also Team Penske’s 60th anniversary of racing, and Porsche’s 75th anniversary of Motorsports. Making it ironic that Porsche won’t be competing in Hypercar this June at Le Mans…

 

In LMP2, Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport claimed a 1-2 finish, with Nikkel Jensen, Phil Fayer and former IndyCar, Indy Lights and current ECR IndyCar reserve driver Hunter McElrea coming out on top in the No. 2. With the Seester’ No. 22 second, and the No. 8 Tower Motorsports third.

 

Porsche claimed a “Double” 1-2 finish with the Manthey Racing No. 911 leading AO Racing’s Roxy’, the prehistoric pink Dinosaur No. 77 pair of Porsche 911 GT3 R’s across the stripe in GTD Pro. Being Manthey’s breakthrough victory at Sebring.

 

Yet it was the GTD Class that featured the most drama and eventful outcome. As AF Corse’s Antonio Fuoco suffered three Drive-thru penalties for various violations, i.e.; avoidable contact, too many crew members over the wall and a second collision on-track!

 

Yet despite Fuoco’s transgressions. Before working His way back up to second place again. Running some scant 1.1 seconds with eight minutes remaining behind Heart Of Racing’s Tom Gamble in the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage. Gamble made a slight bobble on the final lap and Fuoco pounced, giving the No. 21 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo the victory… 

Diving into Crime 101’s Vehicles list

Hmm, was the Toyota Prius the get-away car?

 

Following “seeing” Crime 101 on the Big-screen, naturally I was curious what type of automobile Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) was driving? Since all I knew was it was a green Sports Car, Arse-suming it was a “Cherry” 1968 Ford Mustang, after that Steve McQueen banter…

 

VIDEO: Crime 101 Steve McQueen Clip

 

After all, the iconic 11 minutes chase scene in Bullitt features a Narly’ 1968 Highland Green Mustang fastback with a 390cid V-8 jumping those streets of San Francisco!

 

The Ford Mustang GT in the movie Bullitt that Steve McQueen drove

 

Initially the All knowing Intrawoods’ claimed there were five “prominent” cars used. A Cadillac CT5-V, Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, Dodge charger and Chevrolet Camaro.

 

Took me awhile to discern those five automobiles years, especially since the Chrysler 300 completely threw me! Since I immediately thought of  the classic 1960’s 300. Having just “seen” the 1963 Indianapolis 500 convertible Pacesetter vehicle in Arizona.

 

Thus, I was quite surprised learning that Chrysler had carried on this nameplate into the new Millenium. Learning that the first generation “letter” series Chrysler 300 debuted Wayback’ in 1955. With that 1963 convertible being a third generation model, with these letter series cars running thru 1970. And the 300 nameplate running all the way until 2023.

 

Whilst I know nothing about the Caddy’, with the Challenger and Charger having been out of production. Although think Chrysler’s trying to resurrect both of those nameplates? And the “Hero” car Ain’t no Freakin’ Sports Car Y’all!

 

·         2015 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300

·         2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

·         1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS

 

Obviously, I do not intend to go through the entire list of vehicles used in the movie, which ranges from cars, including hybrids and EV’s. to pickup trucks and SUV’s, along with a bunch ‘O sedans thrown-in. Not to mention a bus and a Hummer H3.

 

There’s only one unknown model motorcycle mentioned being a KTM. As the Scooter’ Barry Keoghan rides sounded like a “Thumper” to Mwah. Although guessing its some sort of dual purpose motorcycle? Presumably of four-stroke design.

 

Labouriously going thru the list of vehicles provided by IMCDB, the following makes were used in the film.

 

Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, KTM, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, NABI, Nissan, Porsche, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

 

Learning that the NABI was a 2008 low floor bus LSW model produced by North American Bus Industries. Available in 30, 35, 40 and 60 foot versions.

 

And while I’ve heard of the Audi A4, hadn’t heard of the A3 Sportback e-tron, a plug-in hybrid Audi debuted in 2014.

 

Several Toyota Prius models were used, along with two Tesla’s a Model 3 and Model S. Plus a Hyundai Ioniq Electric in the mix.

 

Two BMW 3 series “Sedans” are listed, along with the following Mercedes-Benz models. A 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 coupe, EQS 580, CLA

C Klasse and E-Klasse.

 

Our short-list of Muscle Cars includes the previously mentioned Dodge Challenger and Charger, plus that elusive Camaro. With a 1994 ford Mustang being listed.

 

With a lone 2023 Nissan Z Sports Car also of interest to Mwah…

 

IMCDB: Crime 101 Vehicles list

 

Yet it’s the 1968 dark green Chevrolet Camaro that’s the star of the movie, noted as being an “RS” variant.

 

According to Wikipedia, for 1968, there were 159,087 base models produced. 40,977 RS, 27,884 SS and 7,199 Z/28’s built. For a total production volume of 235,147 units.

 

As the first generation Camaro’s of 1967-69 are my favourite, with the Z/28 being the “Holy Grail” of Camaro’s! With a 1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 V-8 convertible being that year’s Indianapolis 500 Pace car, with 100 replicas also produced.

 

Being a FoMoCo’ (Ford Motor Company) devotee, naturally the Camaro is the “Enemy!” And thus, I didn’t know that these RS (Rally Sport) variants featured hidden headlight bucket that retracted behind the front grille. Along with other distinguishing features, i.e.; trim, rear tail lights, etc.

 

Reportedly four V-8 engines were available for the 1968 RS; 327 and 350 small blocks. And 396 and 427 big blocks, albeit the 427cid V-8 was an aluminum engine, so I’m wondering if it was really available for the “Mid-level” RS?

 

While a Chevrolet 307cid V-8 wasn’t available until 1969. And the 302cid V-8 was only available in the Z/28. Being produced for Homolgation to compete in the SCCA Trans Am Championship. Where Mark Donohue and Roger Penske made those Nasty Sunoco blue Zed-28’s World Beaters!

 

Suppose its worth noting you could combine the RS and SS (Super Sport) packages together to create an RS/SS model. Which the RS badging was predominant upon…

 

Yet without any definitive information easily available on this specific 1968 dark green Camaro RS, which presumably had a four-speed manual transmission? Its hard knowing the exact configuration of this “Anti-McQueen” Muscle Car… 

Crime 101: A Blind Movie-goer’s perspective

That’s a wonky shade ‘O gray Lt Bullitt! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

But inquiring minds wanna know what type of vehicle that green “Sports Car” is?

 

Have to say I’m really disappointed over the apparent lack of any automotive media coverage, i.e.; Car & Driver, Motor Trend, Hot Rod magazine, etc. Having any stories at all upon this car “Heavy” movie. Or more particularly, the movies “Star” automobile, which I was summarily faked out on!

 

But I’m getting ahead of myself there. As buckle up, hopefully this won’t be too bumpy of a ride, EH?

 

As its all Brad Pit’s fault! That I’ve started going to the movies Solo here in sleepy ‘Ol Bumfiddle’ Florence! Having wanted to “See” F1: The Movie last summer.

 

And with the wonderful assistance of their Awesome employees, I’ve become a bit of a regular movie goer, which I never thought possible! Since hopefully the story title gives away the factoid I’m Blind Y’all…

 

Crime 101 stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan and Halle Berry. Along with Monica Barbaro, Nick Nolte and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

 

Have to say I’d never “seen” (heard) any of the main cast, i.e.; Hemsworth, Ruffalo, Keoghan or Berry perform before. Although I tend to recall that Berry was once all the rage in a Batman film decades ago?

 

it took me awhile to get used to how old Nolte sounded, who’s voice was barely discernable to Mwah. And Jennifer Jason Leigh had a very small part, so I didn’t even recognize Her. With Monica Barbaro also being a newcomer to me. While trying to figure out who was playing Sharon the whole movie.

 

The story takes place in Los Angeles, where Mike Davis (Hemsworth) is a sophisticated jewel thief, who meticulously plans each heist. Which don’t involve any violence to the targets, leave any DNA behind and occur on Highway 101, hence the film’s title.

 

Detective Lou Lubesnick (Ruffalo) relentlessly chases Mike, despite pressure from His boss to give-up and agree the case is closed.

 

As the film opens, Mike heists three million in Diamonds, with His victim grazing Him with a bullet, blowing out the get-away vehicle’s window and Mike racing off in what my Audio Description Headset merely said was a black sedan.

 

This incident causes Mike to reassess His line of work when delivering the loot to His Fence Money. (Nolte) Money then enlists Ormon Keoghan) to perform the next heist Mike was supposed to perform. With Money wanting to know if Ormon, a hungry young, psychotic, violent “Hoodlum” is ready to step-up as Mike’s replacement…

 

Meanwhile, Mike’s rear-ended by Maya, (Barbaro) wit the two becoming romantically involved.

 

Sharon combs (Berry) is a jaded Insurance agent who specializes in wealthy high-end clientele. Yet being passed over for promotion again, becomes disillusioned with Her job.

 

Mike tracks down Sharon and approaches Her to feed Him information upon a lucrative wedding that totals some $11 million. With Sharon first telling Mike that’s not who She is.

 

Yet after Sharon’s promotion to Partner is put on hold another year, She decides to help Mike in a “Walk-away” crime. With Mike deadpanning, first you’ve got to be able to walk away…

 

Meanwhile, Mike discovers that Ormon’s tracking Him, having put a bug upon His automobile, after Mike notices Ormon’s watching Him. As Mike doggedly chases Ormon on His motorcycle, in what seemed like a good chase scene…

 

Next, Ormon violently beats up Sharon during His interrogation to learn what Mike’s up to, has a change of heart and decides to tell Lou everything. With Lou having previously begun attending Sharon’s Yoga class.

 

There’s one scene where Sharon and Mike are waiting for the restaurant’s valets to retrieve their vehicles. With Mike saying He’ll give His to Sharon if She can guess what colour and make it is? As Sharon guesses its dark green and a Chevelle. Before saying She got one half right.

 

Also in the beginning, Lou’s partner says something to the effect of you’re still driving that old piece of crap? With the vehicle never being revealed.

 

Before another chase scene which involves a “Muscle” car. Leaving me totally perplexed over what type of automobile this is? Along with what is Lou driving?

 

In the end, Lou’s figured out who Mike is, and with Sharon’s help knows what His next Heist is. As both men prepare for their parts in the planned robbery of the wealthy couple who Sharon had initially landed as customers for Her employer…

 

Thus both men set out to outwit each other. As Mike commandeers the security guard’s vehicle and masquerades as the security guard driver.

 

Meanwhile, Lou takes the place of the courier flying from Switzerland with the jewels, and meeting Mike at the airport, gets in the car’s back seat.

 

Driving thru a “sketchy” part of Los Angeles, where Homeless people live, the duo delve into their childhoods. With I believe Lou saying how He’d always wanted a Mustang growing up.

 

To which Mikes says like Steve McQueen. With Lou saying something about you’re too young to know about Steve McQueen. Before asking Him what His favourite McQueen movie was?

 

Mike replies that it would have to be Bullitt. Before Lou says His is the Thomas Crowne Affair, about a high-end jewel thief…

 

As anyone whose a Car “Nut” knows that Lt Frank Bullitt (McQueen) drove a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang in that iconic movie, best know for its epic chase scene.

 

Thus, fading to the proverbial black, where everybody happily drives away into the sunset. I left the theater with a smile on my face, thinking that Mike had to be driving a green Mustang…

 

VIDEO: Sheryl Crow’s “Like” Steve mcQueen

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel. 

INDY 500: Bump Day goes Thud!

Fernando Alonso’s name atop IMS Scoring pylon. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Fernando Who!

 

Was gonna scribble about my waning desire to continue following Formula 1 via television today, but I’ll let that simmer a little longer…

 

Nope, like many, this year’s lack of Bumping at Mother Speedway’s upon my mind. As I could go thru what’s already been covered extensively over the recent lack of entries since 2020. Or going back even further to 2016, when the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 only had 33 entries, reportedly…

 

While we all know about Colton Herta’s fourth Andretti Global entry being scrubbed due to Formula One’s brilliant idea to race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve the same day, Spew!

 

It seemingly comes down to the financial plight of the current economy. Although there are reportedly drivers with the necessary budget for a “One-off” entry at Mother Speedway.

 

While I’m not a fan of Honda’s unwillingness to grant its fourth Andretti Global engine lease to an Indy only entry. And I’m not sure how it helps them publicly? But perhaps due to Honda having just suffered its first ever earnings loss since the 1970’s, Honda’s suddenly pinching pennies?

 

And what about all of the Young Guns wishing to race in IndyCar these days? With the likes of Linus Lundqvist, Hunter McElrae, Toby sowery, Juri Vips and others. Not to mention Callum Ilott, Katherine Legge, Stefan Wilson and Devlin DeFrancesco for starters…

 

Nope, the saddest part of all is that we as Fans live by the credo of it being the fastest 33 Cars in the field and revel over the uncertainty of somebody going “Home” utterly disappointed. Even if its only one single driver and team. The sheer “Spectacle” of those vying for the final grid spot is typically Herculean! And for Mwah, Bump Day’s Last Row Shootout is always far more thrilling than the Pole shootout.

 

As one needs only look back to 2019, when the Minnowesqe Junco Racing and Kyle Kiser in a “Frankenstein” car Bumped Two-times Formula 1 World champion Fernando Alonso from that year’s Indianapolis 500!

 

Meanwhile, and it cannot just be Mwah. But “Isn’t It Ironic?” That with the 25 current IndyCar Charters being assured of making the field. We’re suddenly back to that Good, ‘Ol 25-8 rule.

 

As Shame On You IndyCar! As this is what the whole spirit of the Indianapolis 500 is supposed to represent…

 

Incredible radio from Kyle Kiser after Bumping Fernando Alonso from the 2019 Indianapolis 500 

Aston Martin: Britain’s Great Pretenders?

As what’s that overused cliché about the perfect Storm?

 

Thursday’s press conference preceding the Australian Grand Prix saw Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey dropping the “Bombshell” over both His drivers fearing permanent nerve damage to their hands/fingers due to the unrelenting vibrations the Honda Power Units (PU) were experiencing.

 

As Newey claimed star driver Fernando Alonso thought 25 consecutive  laps was His limit, with Lance Stroll saying He could only do 15 laps.

 

As Alonso said when driving this year’s AMR26 chassis, His legs and hands feel numb, which obviously isn’t a normal sensation drivers are accustomed to!

 

Although Alonso contradicted Newey by saying He could race for three hours is necessary. While Lance Stroll described the vibration like sitting in an Electric Chair…

 

What I fail to comprehend is how could Honda worked itself into the position a second time in Formula 1? Since I think we all remember Alonso’s famous quote about the previous Honda PU being slower than a GP2 car! And making “friends” with Honda eternally…

 

Although some claim this is political theatre, certainly Newey publicly stating He hadn’t had time to discuss this with Honda Racing Corporation’s (HRC) boss Koji Watanabe cannot go over well with the Japanese hierarchy, Righto?

 

Then on Friday, Alonso failed to run at all if the first practice, with Lance Stroll only doing three laps. With Newey admitting they were short on battery units.

 

As two of the units were swiftly out of commission, leaving just the two units in the cars for the remainder of the weekend. Although one unit was repaired, leaving them with a single back-up unit for the Chinese Grand Prix. With teams limited to four battery “packs” for a season, before presumably incurring grid penalties. In the name of cost control, Cough-cough!

 

Yet its a sad state of affairs, when Aston’s Mike Krack, the former Team Principal pronounces Frederico Suave (Alonso) finishing the team’s first Grand Prix at Suzuka P18 as a major accomplishment, Huh?

 

Whilst Stroll retired with a suspected water pressure issue for the Internal Combustion Engine. (ICE) Which I cannot help but wonder if that was caused by more harmonic vibrations?

 

According to Adrian Newey, it came as quite a surprise to Him, major domo Lawerence Stroll and Andy Cowell Some four months prior to Melbourne when visiting Japan. That Honda had lost a lot of their experienced staff after announcing the withdrawal from Formula 1 in 2021. Before making a “U-turn” during 2022, being behind their F1 rivals ever since…

 

It seemed quite odd that Newey was elevated to the Team Principal role at the time, which I just Arse-sumed was the team firmly telling Newey’s former boss Chris Horner, the ex-Pied Piper of Red Bull that He wasn’t welcomed at Aston!

 

But it just didn’t make any sense to me, since Newey was signed on a $25 million per year contract to sprinkle His design “Genius” upon Aston Martin’s chassis. In conjunction with Honda Werks’ engines, Err Power Units and Presto Chango, instant “World Beaters”, Tuh-duh!

 

Yet for Mwah, Aston Martin has some sort of systemic problem at its core. And team owner Lawrence stroll’s idea of simply throwing money around will solve everything doesn’t seem to be working.

 

Not sure how many millions have been spent upon the new state-of-art factory premises, err F1 campus at Silverstone. Or the top flight wind tunnel coming online, et al.

 

It just seems that the constant turnover of staffing speaks volumes.

 

As Mike Krack replaced outgoing Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, who left Aston Martin at the end of 2021. Being part of the “Old Guard”, i.e.; Force India, thru Stroll’s takeover as Racing Point and then becoming today’s Aston Martin F1 Team.

 

Krack became Chief Trackside Officer at the beginning of last year, when then Group CEO Andy Cowell took over His position. Before Newey’s elevation to Team Principal; Cowell was announced as the new Chief Strategy Officer last November, to coordinate the integration of the Honda PU into the Aston Martin AMR-26 chassis.

 

Which makes sense now, after that November meeting in Japan.

 

As Cowell had originally replaced Martin Whitmarsh when joining Aston Martin from Mercedes, with scuttlebutt suggesting Cowell will leave Aston shortly. And so it goes…

 

Since we’re all eagerly awaiting the introduction of Jonathan Wheatley, former Sauber/Audi Team Principal, becoming Aston Martin’s newest Team Principal. Probably after the summer break while on Gardening leave currently.

 

Meanwhile, Simulator Jockey Daniel Juncadella claims He didn’t see any of Honda’s problems coming during His simulator work, while I still don’t quite grasp the need, or what Pedro de la Rosa’s role as Global F1 Ambassador is?

 

Aston Martin Global F1 Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa talks racing and resilience

 

Thus, this ever revolving door makes it reasonable that El Supremo Engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has just been confirmed going to McLaren when His current Red Bull contract expires at the end of 2027, albeit does Red Bull really want Him sticking round after the end of this season?

 

As the exodus of “Rats” is now in high gear at Milton Keynes, with Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s championship winning engineer having had offers from McLaren, Aston Martin and Williams. I’d say He chose to work at the most stable, competitive Formula 1 outfit on the grid, behind Herr Wolff’s mighty Silver arrows, Ja volt!

 

Although I must say I marvel over how Uber’ diplomatic Alonso’s been this go-around, perhaps wishing to continue on past His contract expiring at season’s end. Yet the soon to be 45 year old driver surely is nearing the end of His time in Formula 1, Ci?

 

And Lance Stroll will never deliver anything substantial in F1. Since would He still be in F1 without His billionaire father?

 

Meaning even when Aston Martin and Honda get the kinks worked out. With one rival F1 boss saying they weren’t falling for giving Honda concessions a second time after Red Bull’s latest F1 dynasty…

 

It seems that Aston Martin will still have a major problem without new, capable winning drivers in their cockpits…

 

Whilst lastly, I’ll leave you with the entire trilogy of my epic 75 Years of Honda Racing No Fenders story below. Since I’d like to believe that Honda will once again soar to the top in F1.

 

Honda turns 75 years old