Formula One’s other “New” team

With a Swiss German Oxfordshire Qatari twist…

 

Yeah, Y’all might be saying its really not a new team per se. Especially since its even longer since Michael Andretti’s Dealio’ to purchase the Alfa Romeo branded Sauber F1 Team from Finn Rausing and His Longbow Finance company collapsed in the eleventh hour, Wayback’ in Gory 2021!

 

Michael Andretti Slams “Joke” terms after failed Alfa Romeo takeover

 

We all know that Audi AG swooped in and successfully negotiated with Rausing, Arse-sumedly for a larger payout; buying out Sauber Motorsport AG over a three year period of gradual shareholding increase. Beginning with 25% in 2022.

 

The Sauber F1 Team began competing at the 1993 South African Grand Prix under the direction of founder Peter Sauber before undergoing ownership change at season’s end, 2005. When BMW became it’s owner and rebranded the team as BMW Sauber F1 Team. (2006-2009) Then reverted back to Sauber when BMW exited, and Peter Sauber rescued His namesake entity.

 

In 2016, Rausing’s Longbow Finance took control, before the team ran as Alfa Romeo Racing between 2019-2023, albeit simply a marketing exercise with technical support from Ferrari, whose power units it was still utilizing.

 

The team was rebranded again as Stake F1 Teams Kick Sauber between 2024-2025 while Audi’s shareholding increased, before complete 100% ownership occurred in January, 2025.

 

Audi AG, who in turn is owned by Volkswagen AG now holds a 70% stake in the venture after having sold 30% to the Qatar Investment Authority. (QIA) Who are a major shareholder of Volkswagen AG.

 

Interestingly, Rausing also played a key role in Marcus Ericsson’s career, although I think He’s not involved anymore. Since Ericsson moved to Andretti Global and the Huski Chocolate sponsorship ended…

 

Audi, along with Ford and later Honda, all agreed to become manufacturers of the new Yo-Yo racing’s E-E-ElectraFried’ 50/50 power units (PU( for 2026, and in turn ultimately became a full blown Formula 1 constructor.

 

Interestingly, one of Formula One’s most vocal critics, reigning F1 World Champion Lando Norris told the media how F1 was chasing money by making rules to entice new manufacturers vs. drivers recently…

 

Lando Norris Hits out at Formula 1 for putting Money Ahead of Drivers

 

Yo Lando, newsflash. Welcome to reality!

 

Yet Audi’s involvement in Formula 1 dates back to the pre-war era of the 1930’s. When Auto Union, forebearer of Audi competed against the original Silver arrows, nee Mercedes. When the two German marques competed for supremacy of the European Championship between 1935-39. With Bernd Rosemeyer winning the drivers title for Auto Union in 1936.

 

Initially, McLaren’s Team Principal Andreas Seidl was announced as the CEO of Audi’s Formula 1 project in mid-2022. Leaving McLaren immediately and beginning His new role on January 1, 2023. Then a year later Seidl was appointed CEO of the Audi F1 race team.

 

Yet just four months later, Seidl and Chief Technical Officer Oliver Hossman were both “let go”, with Mattia Binotto assuming the dual roles of CEO and COO.

 

Longtime Red bull stalwart and Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, who’d became Sauber’s Team Principal in April, 2025. Also left Audi in March, 2026 for personal reasons. With Binotto assuming the role of Team Principal.

 

While thee Scottish Terrier’, aka Allan McNish, who’d previously been announced as Audi’s Driver Development “Minder”. Took on the added role of Audi F1 Racing Director, responsible for all trackside operations.

 

Despite getting off to a somewhat troubled start, with Nico Hulkenberg unable to start at Melbourne. And Gabriel Bortoleto at Shanghai due to power unit technical issues. Bortoleto did score Audi’s maiden Formula 1 points Down Under at Bloody Albert Park (Melbourne) in ninth place.

 

Bortoleto’s just announced having signed a multi-year contract extension, and thee Incredible Hulkster’ (Hulkenberg) is set to continue in 2027. With the pair having scored 12 points as of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

 

Thus, as of the summer break, Audi F1 was eighth in the vaunted F1 Constructors championship, one point ahead of Williams. And comfortably ahead of their newcomer arrivals Aston Martin (Honda) and Cadillac. 

F1: Cadillac upgrades Team Boss

No “Schools Out Forever” jokes here, its only Summer break for Formula 1…

 

Late Wednesday night, I heard the announcement of Cadillac F1 appointing Marcin Budkowski as its new team principal. Surprisingly in the Detroit News Auto section.

 

I’ll admit that I’d never heard of this Budkowski Chap, who’s 49 years old. Having a long track record in formula 1. Reportedly including senior roles with Prost, Ferrari, McLaren, the FIA and most recently Renault/Alpine. Serving as an executive director. (2017-2022)

 

The press release is full of the typical boiler plate accolades, with Dan towriss, head of TWG Motorsports and Cadillac formula 1 Team CEO thanking former team principal Graeme Lowdon.

 

“We’re grateful to Graeme Lowdon for his leadership and the role he played in forming the Cadillac Formula 1 Team from the ground up. His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well.”

 

As Budkowski’s appointment is part of their “planned” management “upgrade”, with Budkowski tapped to guide the team forward to more consistent reliability, score crucial F1 Constructors points and progress towards competing for “glory”. The latter being my own words…

 

Lowdon, now 61 years old, was previously CEO of the long forgotten Virgin and Marussia F1 teams. And I have no idea if this was planned all along, or simply Towriss showing another valued team member, a la Michael Andretti the door? You make the call.

“TWG Motorsports chief executive Dan Towriss confirmed that Lowdon's departure was not agreed mutually and that Lowdon learned of the decision on the morning Cadillac announced it.”

 

Cadillac replaces Team Principal         

F1 Constructor: Cadillac

This Ain’t no Pink Caddy’

 

Team

Full Name: Cadillac Formula 1 Team

Base: Fishers, Indiana; Concord, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; Silverstone, England

Previous Team Name: None

 

Key Personnel

Team Principal(s) Graeme Lowdon; Dan Towriss, (CEO) Rob White (COO) Chief Technical Officer: Nick Chester

 

Stats

First Race: 2026 Australian Grand Prix

Races: 11

Wins: 0

Poles: 0

Last Race Win: None

 

Chassis

Model: MAC-26

Engine: Ferrari 1.6-litre V-6 Turbo (067/6)

Tyres: Pirelli

 

Drivers

#11 Sergio Perez, Mexico

#77 Valtteri Bottas, Finland

Test/Reserve Drivers) Guanyu Zhou, China; Colton Herta, USA

 

Summary

It seems a really long time ago now since Mikey a’ was “ousted” from His Andretti Global namesake operation, having competed in IndyCar since 2003 as Andretti Green Racing. With Michael Andretti having begun as Team Green’s third wheel under the Team Motorola banner in 2001…

 

As I don’t feel like reinventing the wheel over how Dan Towriss and Mark Walters TWG Group took over Andretti Global in order to gain Cadillac the 11th entry on Formula 1’s grid, which has been dissected Ad Nauseam! Being their clever way to diversify their holdings and make money…

 

GM announces Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s launch

 

Interestingly, wasn’t aware that Cadillac (331 series V-8) powered Kurtis Kraft roadsters had failed to qualify for the 1952-53 Indianapolis 500, when it was part of the Formula 1 World championship.

 

While ironically, the team’s debutante F1 chassis designation “MAC” is in honour of Mario Andretti, who serves as  an Advisor on their Board of Directors. And possibly as a “Brand” Ambassador?

 

Past IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud is also involved in the Cadillac project. Taking on the role of Simulator Jockey and enjoying the challenge of improving their new racecar.

 

With Pietro Fittipaldi, Charlie Eastwood and Alex Udell also serving as simulator drivers.

 

Valtteri Bottas leads the way in the Driver’s scrum with a best finish of 13th at Shanghai. While Checo’, nee Sergio Perez has a pair of 14th place finishes at Barcelona and Silverstone. (As of the Hungarian Grand Prix)

 

I don’t want to say I’m out of the loop, but! Before beginning this quick dive into Team Caddy’s debut F1 season, I was under the illusion that Checo’ had scored the team’s maiden Formula 1 point. Since I recall hearing somewhere how the team was “outperforming” last place Aston Martin, Youch!

 

Little did I know, after Sergio had apparently finished tenth at the Monaco Grand Prix. Post-race, Stewards demoted to Perez to 15th – the final car running at race’s end.

 

As Perez’s car had been out of it’s starting box following a ref flag. With Perez’s penalty ironically moving Frederico Suave’, aka Fernando Alonso into thenth place. Vaulting Aston Martin ahead of Cadillac “One-Nil” in the vaunted Constructors standings.

 

Regardless, even though I’m barely following Formula 1 this season. I find Cadillac’s efforts most impressive. Having been rejected in 2023, then gaining tentative approval in November, 2024, before final approval in March 2025. Giving a year-plus to design, build, pass scrutineering and successfully debut two team cars Down Under in Bloody Melbourne this March!

 

Although Cadillac’s utilizing a tried ‘n true Ferrari customer PU (Power Unit) until 2029, when it’s own bespoke General Motors PU comes online. The team could be struggling the reliability issues rival Aston Martin has with it’s Honda and chassis Harmonics issues.

 

As I’d like to believe that sometime after the F1 summer break, Cadillac will score it’s maiden F1 point, and even better yet, surpass Aston Martin in the Constructors battle… 

Can Colton Herta close His Formula 2 Points Deficit?

Or will His Formula 1 aspirations fizzle?

 

Still have to commend Colton Herta for making the bold decision to leave IndyCar to chase His dream of racing in Formula 1.

 

Yet that said, this year hasn’t exactly gone to plan for Herta. Beginning with the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 races, where Formula 2 was part of the weekend. We all know how  the calendar revisions to race at Miami and Montreal impacted Colton’s plans of running Andretti Global’s fourth Indianapolis 500 entry.

 

Reportedly, Herta currently has 34 points from His IndyCar Vice Champion (second place) finish in 2024 and seventh place finish in 2025. Putting Him just six points shy of the 40 points threshold required for the mandatory FIA Super Licence to race in Formula 1.

 

Thus Colton needs to finish eighth or better this year in Formula 2 to collect His Super Licence. Although think I heard Colton can amass one extra point for each F1 Free Practice session He contests?

 

Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in sprint races. And top ten in feature races, a la F1 scoring format.

 

Two extra points are awarded for feature race pole position. And a bonus point is awarded for fastest lap in each race, provided it’s set by a driver finishing in the top ten. Otherwise awarded to the fastest driver inside top ten places.

 

Sprint points: 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.

Feature races: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.

 

In the seven rounds (14 races) prior to the Mighty spa weekend. (Spa-Francorchamps) Colton had scored five top ten finishes, and one top five finish. Finishing seventh, (Australia) eighth (Miami) and seventh (Montreal) in feature races. Plus ninth (Montreal( and fifth (Barcelona) sprint races for a total of 20 points, classified P17. While Norway’s Martinius Stenshorne was eighth with 48 points.

 

His best weekend was Montreal, where He finished ninth and seventh, albeit one position out of the points in the sprint race.

 

Following Spa-Francorchamps, with P13 in the Sprint race, and seventh in the Feature race. Moving up one position to 16th overall with 26 points.

 

Herta finished P14 during Saturday’s Hunga-boring’ Sprint race; one place behind Hitech teammate Ritomo Miyata, 25.7 seconds behind winner Gabriele Mini in what was anything but a boring race.

 

Sunday’s Hungaroring feature race saw Colton finish a disastrous P19 out of a 22-car field. Nearly one minute adrift of maiden race winner Noel Leon.

 

As Herta trails current eighth place Laurens van Hoepen (65 points) by 39 markers, still languishing in P16. (26 points) With Hitech teammate Ritomo Miyata P13. (34 points)

 

Following the summer break, (July 27-Sept 4) five rounds remain. Monza, the brand new Madrid circuit, Azerbaijan’s Baku street circuit and the final two rounds at Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

 

Yet will the stupendous attacking of Iran and the ensuing war impact these final two events for all concerned, including Formula 1? Which with the constant escalation of attacking Iran, these races, and racing in the Middle East in general now seem quite threatened.

 

Meanwhile, even if Colton achieves His objective and secures a FIA Super Licence, where would He race? Since I’ve already speculated that current Cadillac F1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez surely have multi-year contracts?

 

Yet a somewhat larger obstacle is Colton’s age. Having turned 26 this March 30th. As I cannot think of recently hearing ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson telling Paul Tracy a story about Felix-the-Cat’, who Johansson manages.

 

Saying He’d rung up Helmut Marco to try getting Felix Rosenqvista test for Formula 1 and Marco said forget it, He’s too old!

 

FIA F2 points leader Nikola  Tsolov is 19yrs old. Campos teammate Noel Leon 21yrs old. Whilst Invicta Racing’s Rafael Chaves Camara is 21yrs old, with teammate Joshua Durksen being 22yrs old.

 

DAMS Lucas Oil’s Dino Beganovic, a Ferrari Academy driver is 22yrs old and in His second full F2 season.  ART Grand Prix driver Kush Maini turns 26 in September. But with 91 starts, 3 wins, 2 poles and 8 podiums in four seasons, I highly doubt will progress to F1. Even if Maini is having His best season to date so far; currently sixth overall when scribbling this. One position ahead of Beganovic.

 

And lastly is Trident’s John Bennett, age 22. In His sophomore campaign, having won His maiden F2 race in Austria’s Sprint race. Being the first driver to step up to Formula 2 directly from the GB3 championship.

 

As the following drivers above have won the majority if not all F2 races preceding Hungary.

 

Then again, Bottas and Perez are both in their mid-thirties, so who knows, Eh?

 

Especially since Herta’s now completed two Friday (Free Practice) FP1 sessions in Barcelona, replacing Perez. Then at Hungary replacing Bottas, with speculation suggesting Colton’s in-line to replace Bottas next year. Although Valtteri says its complete Balderdash!

 

As for scoring extra FIA super Licence points when driving in Friday practice sessions. Reportedly a driver can earn up to 10 points over any three year period, gaining one point per session, provided said driver completes a minimum of 100km in that session.

 

So, will we see Cadillac insert Colton an additional six times during Friday practice and running long to obtain the necessary points? Which increasingly, seems His only pathway left.

 

Whilst could Cadillac be so bold to go for an all new lineup in the future with Herta and Guanyu Zhou, we’ll “See”.

 

Good luck Colton! 

Hands Up! Good Things do come to Nice Guys

As watch for the Hands powering the No. 28 forwards in the Rose City…

 

Presumably this was timed? With the announcement of Marcus Ericsson’s one year extension at Andretti Global being announced afterwards.

 

And I realize that Marcus isn’t the only IndyCar driver doing good things behind the scenes for community and fans. But this story really makes me Happy! Being impressed with the Swede’s commitment to the children.

 

May be you’ve already read the Indianapolis Star’s story about the special Hands livery of Peyton Manning children’s Hospital patient ambassadors on the rear wing of His No. 28 Andretti global racecar this weekend?

 

As Marcus has been wearing specially adorned hats decorated by children at Peyton Manning children’s Hospital during the course of this year’s IndyCar season. And now Marcus and Andretti Global have taken it a step forward. Along with helping a very special girl named Chloe attend the race!

 

So how can you root against Ericsson this weekend, Eh?

 

Marcus Ericsson’s Portland run powered by painted Hands and a 7-year-old’s promise 

IndyCar unveils the long awaited 2028 IR28 Chassis

    15 years after rolling out the DW12 Race Car…

 

Author’s Note

For those who don’t know the drill. Have I reminded Y’all lately that I’m Blind. Not to mention always being late to thee Party!

 

Therefore Captain McObvious here, I cannot give any thoughts upon how the new Dallara IR28 chassis looks, or what visual cues are different. For which perhaps you’ve already seen during its initial track testing on the Indianapolis road course last weekend. When Alexander Rossi and Alex Palou ran one day apiece in what I’d call a “Mule” chassis.

 

As IndyCar has released digital sketches and a swanky video narrated by Matt Damon regarding the new racecar replacing the aged Dallara DW12.

 

New NTT IndyCar Series Race Car introduced for 2028 and Beyond

 

From the press release I gleaned the following tidbits, beside all of the typical boiler-plate it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread comments from various people like J. Douglas Boles, etc. Along with claiming it’ll break track records.

 

Uhm, why do we need to break Arie Luyendyk’s 30 years old one and four lap Indianapolis 500 records? Especially when we’re artificially upping turbo boost to do so. Then turning it back down during the race, but I digress…

 

“Watching” David Land’s 18mins video on the digital reveal. He repeatedly mentions the front and rear wings looking very formula 1-ish. While the press release mentions the integration of the new, lighter Aeroscreen makes it look like a Jet Fighter.

 

There’s the return of LED panels, which like David Land muses. Hopefully this time they work! Along with a viewable top portion of the engine cover allowing us to see Chevrolet and Honda badging. Arse-sumedly on the cam covers.

 

The new 2.4-litre twin turbo V-6 lumps’; Uhm, weren’t those gonna be introduced in 2022-2023? Err, second generation units will initially produce between 640Bhp up to 760Bhp, depending whether Speedway or Road course/Street Cricut specification. Coupled to a brand new hybrid system producing 60Bhp from a chassis that’s 100lbs lighter. Along with 65Bhp Push-to-Pass (P2P) with longer RPM duration.

 

As it’s the new hybrid system I’m most interested upon more details. Changing from the original super capacitor version to a battery pack system instead. Presumably once again a la Formula 1, being produced by either an UK firm named Helix, or a Spanish outfit called Vold; or perhaps both? Claiming to store up to 14 times more energy than the previous incarnation.

 

While the IR28 also uses spec suspension and spec Dampers, taking away the IndyCar teams last customization area, albeit I’ll Arse-sume that Damper (Shocks) Engineers will still be important in tuning said spec components.

 

While BBS becomes the spec supplier of wheels, which I believe will be aluminum instead of magnesium, and many more details to come…

 

VIDEO: Up close and Personal with the New IndyCar

 

As welcome to the 21st Century Dallara IR28 chassis. What’s that Bono? “It’s a Beautiful day!” 

Who’ll win this year’s Indy NXT Championship?

And more importantly, will it matter?

 

Suppose its due to gorging Thyself upon motorsports over the Mid-Ohio weekend. Having listened to both Indy NXT races, IndyCar Qualie and race, along with tuning in for Sunday’s Unlimited Hydroplane Heats and Gold Cup finale on the Ohio river. I’ve simply become waterlogged regarding motor racing!

 

Not to mention casually following the World Cup. Hell even managing to find a few games on FOX Sports radio, streamed via Zed Intrawood’s – when they felt like airing them.

 

Along with strangely feeling deflated over my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward winning His first race of the season in Lexington. As I’d wanted Christian Lundgaard to stick the knife in Zak Brown’s punting Him Kerbside!

 

As its quite odd, since I’ve never been a fan of Lundgaard’s, but feel He’s getting a raw deal a la James Hinchcliffe, Oliver Askew, Theo Pourchaire, but I digress…

 

Adding to this malaise I suppose is the absolute Beatdown Enzo Fittipaldi put upon the entire Indy NXT field at Lexington.

 

Leading Friday’s practice, then claiming both poles for the Double header weekend. Along with a new pole record. And then leading both races wire-to-wire to go from 27 points behind to leading the title fight by 17 markers was nothing short of impressive!

 

Nikita Johnson who led the points standings entering Mid-Ohio slid down to third, 20 points adrift, while thee other TK’. Nope, not Tommy Kendall or Tony Kanaan, butt Tymek Kucharczyk, Fittipaldi’s HMD Motorsports teammate wound-up second after Mid-Ohio.

 

As these three drivers have played leapfrog with each other over leading the championship. As Fittipaldi had four wins, two poles and nine Top-5 finishes after Mid-Ohio. (431 points) While Johnson had two wins, 0 poles and six top-5’s. (411 points) And Kucharczyk had one win, 0 poles and ten top-5’s, (414 points) with everyone else some 100 markers adrift of this trio.

 

But guess we really shouldn’t have expected things to stay status quo, Eh?

 

Nashville Super speedway’s 1.33-mile concreate oval was an impound race. Presumably due to the weekend’s format being a two day event. Meaning drivers had to set their cars up for the race before qualifying, with no adjustments afterwards.

 

Matteo Nannini claimed pole, with A. J. Foyt Enterprises Alessandro de Tullio second. As de Tullio who has the most poles this season with seven, came up just 0.0931-seconds short of His eighth pole. With Fittipaldi’s two lap average speed being 177.427mph vs. de Tullio’s 177.114mph.

 

 Nikita Johnson was third and the driver Kevin Lee calls the Oval-meister’, Myles Rowe lined up fourth.

 

Don’t know what happened to points leader Enzo Fittipaldi, who qualified P14. Or Tymek Kucharczyk down in a lowly 17th, Youch!

 

Sadly, Kucharczyk’s woes weren’t over, as the Pole’ finished an uncharacteristic P18; three laps down, albeit I cannot find out any reason for this. As there’s no report upon His race outing, Say What?

 

Fittipaldi gradually worked His way forward for an eventual 11th place finish, but all the action naturally was up front. And all that was covered…

 

Nannini had a spirited fight with teammate Johnson over the lead, which the Italian never surrendered. With the exception of Rowe passing the Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR Boyz’ briefly before a yellow flag came out.

 

The race’s main battle was over who’d eventually finish runner-up? As Johnson, Lochie Hughes and Rowe all took turns sharing it, before Johnson finally secured second place with Row claiming the podium’s final step.

 

Yet it was Nannini cruising home with a 5.6+ second lead for His second win of the season. While Johnson reclaimed the points lead over Fittipaldi by a lone, solitary marker; 451 vs. 450 points. With Kucharczyk falling 25 markers behind in third with 426 points.

 

Only four races remain. With this weekend’s Portland event, (Aug 9th ) Milwaukee (Aug 30th) and Laguna Seca’s season ending Double Header. (Sept 5-6th)

 

Thus two permanent road courses and a historic oval sandwiched in-between round out the calendar’s 17 events.

 

Although the last three year’s Indy NXT champions, i.e.; Dennis Hauger, Louis foster and Christian Rasmussen are all currently IndyCar drivers. Hauger’s tenure isn’t certain next year.

 

As for every Indy NXT champion making it to IndyCar and securing a future there, there’s far more who have either never gotten to IndyCar, or had very short tenures…

As Linus Lundqvist’s name is on the tip of my tongue. With the likes of Oliver Askew, Ed Jones, Kyle Kiser, Spencer Pigot, you get the idea – not being round in IndyCar anymore. And the path to an open IndyCar seat is only becoming more daunting each year… 

FOX, IndyCar Radio collect Yellow Cards

With a multiple Hours Red Flag for extensive Stoppage time before Mother Nature won in PK’s!

 

Think you’d have to say that the Nashville weekend was a “Wash” at best, Eh?

 

Saturday morning began with Team Penske’s David Malukas crashing, going to Hospital and then not qualifying. Joined by Graham Rahal’s RLLR chariot unable to get away in time and also not qualify.

 

Yet qualifying itself saw FOX, or was it IndyCar drawing a yellow card for pushing the start of Qualie’ forward ten minutes without telling anybody! In order to fit Qualie’ into FOX’s one hour window…

 

As I was Cornfuzed’ when tuning into IndyCar Radio at the advertised time of High Noon (Pacific) only to be greeted by the third car of Caio collet on-track, What-the-Bleep?

 

Yet as many know, Graham’s troubles for the day weren’t over, when hitting the wall during the day’s final qualifying session. With Rahal being joined by Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) Marcus Armstrong and Dale Coyne Racing’s Romain Grosjean. Although all three pit crews had plenty of time to repair their damaged racecars…

 

And so much for that big TV ratings bump, THUD!

 

Listening to the entire World Cup final on my latest “go-to” FOX sports Radio affiliate; Honolulu’s KIKI 990AM, I Arse-sumed that IndyCar would be delaying the race’s start as my talking keychain clock chimed 2:39PM (Pacific) when the game’s extra-time stoppage play began.

 

Believe it was 3:10PM when the World Cup finale match ended? Before I ditched the broadcast and switched to IndyCar Radio, with Mark Gravelly’ James telling us we’re in a weather delay due to nearby lightning strikes. Although the track’s in good condition and hasn’t gotten wet yet.

 

As James made the first of His multiple inclement weather announcement at 3:16PM, before saying they’d be dropping out for awhile, but would give the local radio station updates along the way.

 

So I went back to KIKI, only to be greeted by telling me they were going to LaLa Land and the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball game, Stee-rike!

 

Back over to IndyCar Radio now playing an episode of IndyCar Flashback, featuring the 1997 Los Wages IRL race.

 

As I enjoyed hearing the camaraderie between Bob Jenkins and Gary Lee. With Mike “Yippie-Aye-eh!” King as a turn announcer and a much younger Vince Welch and Mark James as pit reporters.

 

Yet the sound quality was atrocious! As the race coverage was Blasting, Alex Wolff “Just-right” and Paul Kelly mooted, muffled and way too low! Hmm, where’s those three Pigs, Oh Never Mind!

 

Surely there’ll be an hourly update as we approached 5:00PM, Stee-rike 2! Instead simply going to a “Puff” piece by Nicky Salt’ Yeoman, who wasn’t even at the track about IndyCar drivers training regimens, with my clock chiming 5:03PM. Before going straight into another canned program. With some First to the Flag episode also hosted by Messer Yeoman. So I went off to make some dinner, since may be we’re gonna have a night race?

 

Having gone round the horn of checking two IndyCar Bloggers websites and Indycar.com, we’re still in a holding pattern – check back later. Uhm, pretty G-Damn certain that was Stee-rike 3!

 

Now IndyCar Radio was playing a semi-condensed version of last year’s Nashville race with zero commercial breaks. Instead Yeoman would set the stage and we’d jump forward somewhere without ever giving us a Freakin’ weather update. Come on guys, this is pathetic!

 

At 5:24PM I double checked that Lebanon, TN was indeed on Central time, i.e.; two hours ahead. Wondering out loud how late they could start a night race there?

 

Then finally at 6:14PM after having checked Indycar.com multiple times. My screen reader read race delayed until Monday, July 20th at 12 Noon (Pacific) Then the top news story said the postponement story was from one hour ago, Huh?

 

As I never heard IndyCar Radio ever announce this, or give any inkling that the race had been postponed! Which I think was deserving of either a second Yellow Card or Red! 

IndyCar, World Cup and lot’s of smoke

Is the World Cup over yet?

 

“Heard it in a love song, Heard it in a love song, Heard it in a love song, Can't be wrong”

 

VIDEO: Heard It In a Love Song

 

It takes news a long time to reach thoust mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville. First the Pony Express riders must stop to water their Horses, and then they have to paddle by canoe, Oh Never Mind!

 

I first began hearing whispers that thee Cat’, aka Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) was leaving Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Wayback on June 24th.

 

Then I realized I hadn’t listened to a Marshall Pruett The Week in IndyCar podcast in ages. And late to the party, I tuned into His June 25th episode five days later, and Shazam!

 

Pruett mentioned how His Head was about to explode over the fluidity of Silly Season during the Road America race weekend. (June 19-21) Saying one source He trusts had told Him next year’s McLaren lineup will be Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist and Scott Dixon. And don’t be surprised if two or more Key team personnel from Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) also defect, Err go to Mclaren.

 

Pruett said Zackery’ Brown isn’t exactly the most liked person in the paddock, but He sees Browns tactics similar to what losing NFL teams do after every Super bowl. When the winning team’s assistant coaches are hired as new Head Coaches and unprotected players go to new teams. And Dixon’s true value would be bringing infinite knowledge of how CGR ticks and what makes them the current Super bowl Champions.

 

Interesting angle upon Rosenqvist’s departure. Saying that after winning the Indy 500 you’d have thought MSR would have made it either known or a priority to “lock-up” Felix’s contract extension. But MSR apparently never reached out to the Cat while His phone was blowing up from other teams. And Felix apparently felt “unwanted” at MSR and took a “better” offer…

 

Then the following day,  read Marshall Pruett’s July 1st Silly Season update. Stating  that sources have now confirmed the Dixon to Mclaren rumour as being a done Dealio, along with the Cat’s arrival. Noting how having Rosenqvist, the current Indy 500 winner and Dixon gives endless marketing and sponsorship opportunities. Not to mention a greater shot at winning the coveted Borg Warner trophy.

 

Yet immediately afterwards, I had a different take on the situation. McLaren’s “Golden Boy” (Pato) O’Ward is simply getting shown-up by Lundgaard this year. So perhaps to keep Pato happy. Who after all is the series most popular driver. (And face of Arrow McLaren) Which I’m guessing translates into sponsorship dinero, ci? Zakery Brown decided to jettison Lundgaard in favour of Pato’s best buddy the Cat? Just a thought…

 

Having connected the dots prior to the Mid-Ohio IndyCar weekend and Arrow McLaren’s Charm offensive led by Team Principal Tony Kanaan. For which my thought was confirmed when Kanaan reportedly Bear Hugged O’Ward after winning the race in victory lane. Need I say more?

 

Suppose if I really think about it, you could “see” Lundgaard’s perceived flaws upon His behaviour when celebrating His maiden IndyCar win at Toronto three years ago. Having shaved off His mustache and crowing like the second coming after the victory. Which I recall reading or hearing somewhere about how Bobby Rahal was rolling His eyes over Lundgaard’s celebratory “antics”.

 

Yet Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing hadn’t won a race in three years, and hasn’t won since!

 

And whatever you think of Lundgaard, who definitely is a talented driver. All I can hear in my head is Alexander Rossi’s famous Quip about “I’m not here to make Friends!”

 

From Marshall’s July 7th podcast, I came to the conclusion that Lundgaard’s best landing spot will be Andretti global. Yet ten days later during the Nashville weekend, it  sounded pretty certain that an extension for Marcus Ericsson was imminent– and may have already happened?

 

While its also obvious that with McLaren’s Sports Car programmes around the Globe. They give both Rosenqvist and Dixon longer runways for their racing careers…

 

Meanwhile, and I’m happy for IndyCar and FOX. But it bothers me over how much noise is being made over the massive TV ratings increase. Since its got nothing to do with IndyCar itself, just casual Fans sticking round after World Cup Football matches instead…

 

FOX uses World Cup to push IndyCar TV ratings to 15 year High

 

Meaning what will next year’s “true” IndyCar ratings look like? And are sponsors really drinking this Kool-Aid?

 

Yet even if Nashville had happened as planned and gathered it’s massive TV ratings trove. Momentum would have been killed by the three weeks break following Nashville, Yawn!

 

While the Silly Season spicket is wide open now, with far too much to scribble here! Other than during Nashville, Thars’ two seats available at Coyne, Foyt and Juncos Hollinger Racing. With one seat available at Andretti, Ganassi, Meyer Shank Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

 

Although I’ve already mentioned above, I think there’s no vacancies at Andretti Global. Then IndyCar Radio’s Davey Hamilton said Mick Schumacher’s out of a ride at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, (RLLR) who are selling their third IndyCar Charter. With plenty more Silly Season fodder to scribble about in another riveting No Fenders story…

 

Partial song lyrics from The Marshall Tucker Band’s Heard It In a Love Song; 1977 Carolina Dreams Album. 

MotorCup des Nations Grand finale

What’s that Bon Scott? It’s a long way to the Top if You wanna Rock ‘n Roll!

 

For those of you still reading this zany, Madcap No Fenders MotorCup Fairytale, “We Salute You!”

 

As I really hadn’t intended upon scirbblin’ this, or running so long, and cannot “See” doing this again! But I did enjoy learning of several drivers names I’d never heard of before. Their countries and where they’re located…

 

Hey, at least like FIFA, I didn’t go for 27 straight days in-a-row with this nonsense. Or subject Y’all to 39 days and 104 Gory Matches!

 

But think we all needed some distraction from that super fizzle, Fart Nashville weekend! Yuhs know where everyone just wanted to be done! And it was so Hot that they were selling bottled water for the reduced price of a single George Warshtinton’, Blimey!

 

Quarter Finals

The eight teams making the MotorCup Quarter Finals were: Australia vs. Denmark; Netherlands vs. Germany; New Zealand vs. Japan, and Mexico vs. Italy.

 

Denmark easily handled DJ willyP’s squad. With Will Power and Co. unable to slow down the two Christians. (Rasmussen & Lundgaard) Winning Two-Nil.

 

Circus Maximus and His Orange Army (Netherlands) crushed Germany Five-Nil, Ja Volt!

 

New Zealand and Japan saw Scott Dixon vs. Takuma Sato in a penalty kick shootout. With Japan prevailing 4-2 in PK’s.

 

And whilst Kimi Antonelli and Italy gave Mexico a run for it’s Peso. Mexico prevailed 3-2 with a second half stoppage time goal by Pato O’Ward…

 

Semi Finals

Our four semi-finalists saw Netherlands vs. Denmark and Japan vs. Mexico.

 

Circus Maximus and His Orange Marauders lined up against the two Christians at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium.

 

In the 33rd minute, overloading the right side, Nyck de Bries barely beat the offside flag. Then flicked a pass to Max Verstappen who promptly smashed the ball in the back of the net!

 

Two minutes into stoppage time, Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen booted a set piece to a wide open Christian Rasmussen who headed the ball into the lower left corner of the net. With the Halftime score being 1-1.

 

In the 57th minute, Christian Lundgaard blasted a free kick against the defender’s wall. Ricocheting past a perplexed Thierry Vermeulen, giving the Danes a 2-1 lead.

 

The Loon’, (Lundgaard) had been taunting Max the whole game and smugly said what about that Free kick Max!

 

Becoming increasingly annoyed, in the 69th minute during a Denmark substitution, Verstappen pulled Lundgaard’s pants down and said what do you think about that Smart arse!

 

Max was immediately shown a red card and the Dutch had to play a man down for the remainder of the match. While Lundgaard got the last laugh, scoring His second goal in the 86th minute and then bowing towards Netherlands bench! With Denmark winning 3-1.

 

Playing at sofi Stadium before a raucous crowd. Although Ryo Hirakawa did score off a sublime pass from K-Squared’ (Kamui Kobayashi) for a One-Nil lead.

 

Japan was simply outgunned by Mexico, specifically Pato O’Ward and Daniel Suarez, with the pair scoring a goal apiece. Before Rafael Villagomez scored Mexico’s third and final goal in the 84th minute, securing a 3-1 victory.

 

Third place

Unsuccessfully lobbying FIFA’s Gianni Van token to overturn Verstappen’s red card suspension, Coach Lammers had to revise His starting lineup.

 

Playing at Toronto’s BMO Field, Japan played a steady, consistent ring around the rosy game of keep-away, preventing Netherlands mounting an attack. Before Renger van der Zande got so incensed and tackled Takuma Sato in the Box.

 

Taku-san brushed Himself off and then serenely skipped a slow roller ground shot past Thierry Vermeulen with Japan winning One-Nil.

 

Finale

And then there were two! With our mythical MotorCup des Nations final being held at Mexico city’s Estadio Azteca.

 

The 80,000-plus sold out crowd erupted in uncontrollable pandemonium when El Tri’ marched down the field and Rafael Villagomez drilled a shot into the back of the net in the match’s fifth minute!

 

Mexico simply dominated the opening 20-plus minutes of the match, with several shots on goal. Including a monster save by Benjamin Pederson.

 

In the 28th minute, Christian Lundgaard took a Free kick from the 25-yard line and beautifully curled an arcing cannon blast over the outstretched fingers of Ian Aguilera.

 

Yet whilst Lundgaard was still busy celebrating His goal, Mexico expertly marched down field, with Salvador de Alba passing to Daniel Suarez, who back-flicked to Pato O’ward who rocketed a shot into the goal’s upper corner. Seeing El Tri’ resume the lead 2-1 just 61 seconds later, Ole!

 

In the 44th minute, Suarez scored off an assist by Ricardo Escotto, with the raucous Elstadio erupting into delirium over Mexico’s 3-1 lead at Halftime.

 

The 66th minute saw O’Ward score His second goal of the match on a magnificent give and go with Villagomez. Giving El Tri’ a presumably unbeatable 4-1 lead, before Coach Fernandez substituted His star players with their counterparts on the bench and Mexico won 4-1 to the delight of the partisan crowd!

 

As Bugs bunny would say, That’s all folks!

 

Ironically, I chose my two finalists and eventual winner prior to learning about this year’s dramatic team changes at Arrow McLaren…