“Does Anybody know What Time it Is? Does Anybody
really Care?” And will we ever see this racecar livery again? (The Tomaso
Collection)
Yeah, it’s that time ‘O year again, Yuhs know. Uhm,
when I subject Y’all to mor of my witty repartee from thoust Mystical Isle of
Nofendersville with my End of Year Overall Winners selections, Mateys! Which
Y'all Clearly look forward to, Man Overboard!
As Here goes
Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Nonsensical, Zany “First
Take” Off Ye Cuff selections made below….
While Y’all can
Compare ‘N contrast these choices with last year’s No Fenders selections in the
following link.
Golden
Tailpipe Awards: The 2024 Streamliner edition
CATEGORIES
1. Racer of Year
Winner: Alex Palou
Initially chose Circus Maximus for this award,
but I’m biased towards IndyCar. Not to mention that Maxwell Silver Hammer Done
gone Bang-Bang upon Curious George (Russell) at Barcelona erased this platitude
for Verstappen…
As how could I go against Alex Palou who simply
had a “Magical” season. In what very easily could have been an insane 10 races
won! With the exception of making a Uber’ rare mistake at Mid-Ohio, gifting
Scott Dixon His lone W’ of the season. Along with that late race caution at
Milwaukee. Enabling Christian Rasmussen to role the dice with new Flintstone
rubber and storm past Palou…
Yet the affable Spaniard claimed six poles and
eight wins enroute to His third consecutive Championship title, and fourth
overall. Finishing with 13 podiums, 14 Top-5 and 15 Top-10 finishes. And a four
race wins points advantage over runner-up Pato O’Ward, Youza!
Other
Choices
Max Verstappen, Marc Marquez, Lando Norris, et Al.
2. Story of Year
Winner: Team Penske Attenuator-gate’
This has to be the biggest story of the year,
with everyone already knowing about Team Penske caught cheating, again! And
while I applaud Doug Boles fairly significant penalties, I still think they
should have been thrown out! Although I guess being placed P32-33 and given the
final two pit stalls is adequate…
Won’t try re-hashing this, since we also know
about Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski and Kyle Moye all being fired; Team Penske’s
top three members. As it’ll be interesting to “see” how Team Penske responds in
it’s upcoming 60th year celebration during 2026. And if Cindric is rightly
honoured?
Vice Champion: NASCAR Anti-Trust lawsuit
Sneaking in on Dec 11th, NASCAR capitulated,
and settled the Anti-Trust lawsuit filed by 23/XI and Front Row Racing, over
the “Take It or Leave It” Charter renewal. With NASCAR giving teams only six
hours on a Friday evening to sign the 112 page document. As it sounds like it
was a win for the teams for once, after protracted two years of fruitless
negotiations. But since I don’t follow Roundy-Round, I don’t know the specifics
of the deal, or how it impacts the future? Other than we can simply go racin’
again, wisely ahead of the Mac Daddy Day-Toner’ 500…
Other
Choices
Christian Horner’s Firing from Red bull, Will
Power’s Dismissal from Team Penske, Helmut Marco leaving red Bull.
3. Race of Year
Winner: Petit Le Mans
Another sentimental choice, since how else
could I revel over Aston Martin’s Valkyrie finishing runner-up at season’s end?
Not to mention some purple Dragon winning it’s LMP2 class’s Championship, or a
fitting sendoff to Steven Thomas’s retirement. In what was another typical ten
hours “Nailbiter”.
With the fan favourite shrieking Cossie’ V-12
lump’ bolting the Valkyrie into unfathomable competition for an upset W’,
before finishing 5.1 seconds behind the winning No. 31 Whelen Cadillac. Along
with the Lamborghini’s SC63 toying with a podium finish in what is likely it’s
final race. Before finishing fourth, it’s best finish to date…
Other
Choices
Sao Paolo Grand Prix, Milwaukee, Gateway, MotoGP
French GP
4. Sportsperson of Year
Winner: Jamie Chadwick
Once again, Jamie Chadwick wins this award,
based on Her winning three races in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) championship
with co-drivers Daniel Juncadella and Mathys Jaubert. With both being promoted
to the Genesis Magma Racing’s “Weckity Wec” Hypercar entry for 2026.
As the trio finished third overall in the LMP2
category. And I sincerely hope Chadwick will get the nod for a seat in IMSA GTP
in 2027! And that other Femme Fatales get fulltime rides in Motor Racing…
Other
Choices
Brittany Force, Erica Enders, Dorion Pim, Katherine
Legge
5. Hard Charger of year
Winner: Shane Van Gisbergen
Kiwi’ Bad Arse racer Shane Van Gisbergen won
the Supercars title three times, i.e.; 2016, 2021-22, whilst finishing
runner-up to compatriot ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin in 2018. With The
Gis’ scoring 80 wins Down Under before setting His sights upon new horizons.
Van Gisbergen shocked the NASCAR Cup community
when winning upon debut at Chicago in 2023. Becoming the first rookie driver to
win upon debut since Lone Star JR’, aka Johnny Rutherford in 1963. Along with
being the first “Road ringer” to win on debut since Mark Donohue in 1973, Aye
Karumba!
Following a partial Cup campaign during 2024,
The Gis’ ran His rookie Full season for Trackhouse Racing aboard their No. 88
entry in 2025.
Van Gisbergen set a new rookie record for most
wins in a season with five. Surpassing Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson holding
the record with three apiece previously.
Even more impressive was that Van Gisbergen
made the Playoffs in His rookie season. Thanks to scoring five consecutive road
course wins, beginning at Mexico City. Followed by wins at Chicago, Sonoma,
Watkins Glen and Charlotte’s Roval.
Shane will drive the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing
entry this year alongside rookie teammate Connor Zilisch (No. 88) and Ross Chastain.
(No. 1) And has signed a multi-year extension which keeps Him in Cup thru the
2027 season.
Other
Choices
Dennis Hauger, Denny Hamlin, Marco Bezzecchi, Tony Stewart, Brock Feeney
