MotorCup des Nations Group Stage – Singles

As ‘Ol Three Dog Night crooned. “One is the Lonleiest Number that You’ll ever Know!”

 

This elabourate No Fenders MotorCup des Nations topic has become fun for Mwah, having learned of two Nations I’d never heard of before. Along with learning where many Nations were located and in proximity to others.

 

Obviously some Countries have an abundance of active motor racing drivers. Most notably the United States and England (United Kingdom) having the most.

 

Hell, the United States Indy NXT Boyz’ could form their own team, including one substitute, with a total of 12.

 

Eight Yanks’ in IndyCar ranks second, followed by England having five formula 1 drivers, which are we really surprised by either of these statistics?

 

Spain leads the ultimate Kneedraggers’ category, with a robust nine MotoGP riders, followed by Italy’s seven, if we include Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, who fills in occasionally for stricken Duc’ riders. With France having the third step on this podium, with two riders.

 

Naturally, I gave up recording several drivers from France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and United States. As Sports Car drivers are the largest contingent worldwide, and  many compete in multiple series.

 

These five powerhouses (All G7 Members) sport vast riches for overall motorsport competition. Although interestingly, Germany’s drivers seem largely to be in the Sports Car realm.

 

With just five Open Wheel Racers. Including thee Incredible Hulkster’, (Nico Hulkenberg) Germany’s lone F1 pilote. Mick Schumacher a rookie in IndyCar Oliver Goethe in formula 2. And Pascal Wehrlein and Maximilian Gunther in formula E.

 

As the following 15 Nations successfully completed 11 Man rosters, i.e.; Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain and USA, USA, USA, Oh Never Mind!

 

Not to overlook their contribution to motorsports, several countries, Err Nations presumably just don’t have the per Capita monetary might of our Gold standard bears above.

 

With these eleven Single Driver Nations simply not having the firepower to go toe-to-toe with the Big Boyz’, as my late Awntie Harriet would have called ‘em.

 

Andorra’s Jules Gounon, (SC) Barbados Zane Maloney, (FE) Cayman Islands Kyffin Simpson (ICS) Chile’s Nico Pino, (IMSA) Columbia’s Sebastian Montoya, (F2) Costa Rica’s Danny Formal, (IMSA) Greece’s Georgios Volovos, (IMSA) Indonesia’s Sean Gelale, (WEC) Paraguay’s Joshua Durksen, (F2) Scotland’s Paul di Resta (SC) and Singapore’s Christian Ho (F3) failed to advance past the Group stage.

 

Have heard that Montoyer’ fellah according to ‘Ol superTex’, aka Anthony Joseph Foyt is “shopping” His son round the IndyCar paddock. Meaning I guess His formula 2 career is stalling out?

 

Cayman Islands IndyCar driver Kyffin Simpson’s the biggest name of this singles group. Yet the  KyffDog’ didn’t advance out of Group C after knocking off Seb Montoya and Columbia.

 

Whilst Barbados Zane Maloney, Costa Rica’s Danny Formal and and Greece’s Georgios Volovos of the Islands Conference were eliminated.

 

Paraguay’s Joshua Durksen never had a chance in the “stacked” Group A vs.Canada, Mexico and the USA. Nor did Andorra’s Jules Gounon vs. Spain, Netherlands and Austria in the Bavarian Conference.

 

I’d never heard of Andorra before, although I must have first learned of Jules Wayback’ in February, 2020 when reading Raymond Hando’s For the Love of Indy’s Bathurst 12 Hours preview. Which Jules would give Bentley it’s first Bathurst 12 Hours win that year!

 

Having briefly chronicled Jules success in a long ago No Fenders blog post regarding the debutante 8 Hours of Indy IGTC race.

 

IGTC Saloon’s Coming to Indianapolis

 

Whilst I most recently heard His name being mentioned as part of that tantalizingly close 24 Hours of Nurburgring winning team. Featuring You-know-Who! Circus Maximus’s Night train Crew, i.e.; Max Verstappen, Danny’ (Daniel) Juncadella and Lucas Auer. (Gerhard Berger’s nephew)

 

As how awesome would it be having Verstappen Racing entered in the LMGT3 category at Circuit de la Sarthe! Which if the FIA was smart, they’d make this possible for next year’s calendar…

 

Scotland’s Paul di Resta vs. the potent Luxemburg Conference’s Belgium, Poland and Republic of Ireland’s squads was never going to get very far…

 

Then during the Mid-Ohio Indy NXT Double Header, I heard Sebastian Murray (NXT) saying what about me? I’m from Scotland too. But even Murray’s addition couldn’t help Scotland beat the Republic of Ireland, Aye!

 

Ditto for Indonesia’s Sean Gelale didn’t have a chance against Oceania powerhouse teams Australia and New Zealand, and was knocked off by Thailand.

 

While Singapore’s Christian Au, a rising Formula 3 prospect? Similarly was up against fierce competition in the Asian Conference, i.e.; Japan, China and South Korea. With Ho being knocked out of the tourney by rival South Korea.

 

For a list of all Racing Series abbreviations, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

MotorCup syllabus

MotorCup des Nations Syllabus

Its just All Rock ‘n Roll to Me…

 

Here’s my list of racing series abbreviations. Note that Sports Cars (SC) stands for drivers competing in more than one Sports Car series, i.e. IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC) Or the European Le Man Series (ELMS) and WEC, etc.

 

The Supercars championship (SPC) from Down Under’ will always be the V8 Supercars series, but changed it’s name whenever…

 

For some of the Sports Car drivers, I simply listed the series where their names “popped-Up” first.

 

Racing Series Key

ALMS: Asian Le Mans Series, ELMS: European Le Mans Series, DTM: Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, F1: Formula 1, F2: FIA Formula 2, F3: FIA Formula 3, FE: Formula E, GTWC: GT World Challenge Europe, ICS: IndyCar series, IMSA: WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, MASS: Moto America Super sport, MGP: MotoGP, NCR: NASCAR, NXT: Indy NXT, SC: Sports Cars,  SF: Super formula championship, SPC: Supercars Championship, WEC: FIA World Endurance Championship, WRC: World Rally Championship, WRR: World Rally Raid, WSBK: World Superbike. 

No fenders MotorCup des Nations

Although it’s a different type of racing…

 

Initially, I wasn’t planning on paying any Attenzione to this year’s World Cup, especially with the FIFA and it’s president Gianni Van token pandering to the West. Allowing my Host Nation to subjugate one Foreign country to what was colloquially known as Sundown law. Having to “High-tail” back across the border nightly! Where Mexico has graciously set up facilities in Tijuana to host said Nation.

 

Iran and Egypt will see Rainbow Flags at World Cup Match

 

Yet after being asked a third time if I was watching any World cup Football, and having heard Marshall Pruett briefly discuss his participation in a World Cup liveries story on His The Week in IndyCar podcasts. The flame was lit, sparking me down this long, deep and dark Wabbit’ Hole for my own Motorcup des Nations.

 

And like many stories here upon Nofendersville, it kept growing and growing. Initially searching for Open Wheel Racing drivers competing in the top major categories, i.e.; Formula 1 and IndyCar. Before reviewing FIA Formula 2, Indy NXT and Formula 3, plus Formula E.

 

Casting my net further, I then ended up reviewing both the IMSA SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship. And if that wasn’t enough, I also considered MotoGP and the World Rally Championship. Along with knowing a few European Le Mans Series drivers before finally briefly perusing the Asian Le Mans Series, Aye Karumba!

 

Whilst I also knew about one prominent “World Rally Raid” multi-times DAKAR Champion before briefly examining the unknown UAE single seater landscape…

 

Naturally this extensive search led me to coming up with 52 nations before calling Quits! All with driver currently competing in various motorsports categories, Crikeys!

 

Having intended to only include 32 Nations, but as you’ll “See” below, I’m not a very good counter, Hya! And got carried away as always…

 

Whilst like many Yanks’, your humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is Geographically Challenged, in case some of the following brackets don’t make sense. Since after all this is just my zany attempt at some Hippopotamus Err Hypothetical Football matches to join in the World Cup fever sweeping the globe.

 

Bracketology’

 

Group A                        Group B                                 Group C

Americanas Conference                 Latin America Conference  Islands Conference

Canada                                   Argentina                                           Barbados

Mexico                                    Brazil                                       Cayman Islands

Paraguay                                 Chile                                        Costa Rica

United States                          Columbia                                Greece

 

Group D                        Group E

Bavarian Conference          Luxemburg Conference

Andorra                                  Belgium

Austria                                    Poland

Netherlands                            Republic of Ireland

Spain                                       Scotland

 

Group F                        Group G              Group H

Europa Conference             Nordic Conference  Oceania Conference

England                                  Denmark                     Australia

France                                     Finland                        Indonesia

Germany                                 Sweden                       New Zealand

Italy                                         Switzerland                 Thailand

 

Group J                         Group K

Middle East Conference     Asian Conference

Palestine                                 China

Qatar                                       Japan

Turkey                                     Singapore

United Arab Emirates             South Korea

 

My “wacky” concept was to “See” how many of these 52 countries I could build 11 Man roster, after finding at least one driver racing currently somewhere around the globe.

 

Yet obviously not all nations have enough established “Name” drivers or racers in general to participate. So sit back and let’s find out who makes it to the MotorCup Final, and who stumbles along the way.

 

Or as ‘Ol Derek Daly would say, “Hang onto Your Hollyhocks!” 

Road America Rampage

As many drivers were singing “don’t Fence me In!” over the weekend…

 

Nope, the water’s fine at Elkhart Lake! Y’all can go in as No Algae Blooms to worry ‘bout. Or simply Hang out on the shore, have a picnic and take picture of our scenic Lake. As Thars Nothin’ for Barney Fife to arrest anybody over, ‘cept littering…

 

Having gorged Thyself over the Road America weekend, listening to Friday’s IndyCar practice session. Saturday’s first Indy NXT race and IndyCar Qualie’. And lastly Sunday’s second Indy NXT race plus the IndyCar finale. (race)

 

Including my favourite portion of IndyCar Radio’s pre-race, when they talk to an abundance of IndyCar drivers. Obviously I got my fill of Open Wheel Racing!

 

Thus, I’m still not sure which series race’s were more wild, i.e.; Indy NXT or IndyCar?

 

As I loved the comment from Mark Gravelly’ James about Alex Palou having fun over the abundance of Anybody But Palou signage. With Palou going up to one RV Camper and signing their banner!

 

Whilst James also casually noted that Josef Schlick’ Newgarden hadn’t won on a Twisties’ circuit, i.e.; road course or street circuit in four years! His las win being at Long Beach, 2022.

 

Saturday’s Indy NXT race opening laps were quite chaotic. With Enzo Fittipaldi braking too late and slamming into one of the Max’s, think it was Garcia? Or more likely Taylor. Resulting in a broken nose and finishing a lowly P22!

 

But the most bizarre moment of the first eight of ten laps run under caution was Jordan Missing’s incident. When He simply followed whomever He was trying to pass offtrack, careening thru the gravel-trap and slamming hard into the concrete retaining barrier! As Davey Hamilton said it looks like He just followed so ‘n so offtrack!

 

Lochie Hughes who’d had a impressive start, drafted polesitter and leader Alessandro de Tulio down the front straight on a restart and swept past on the outside into Turn-2? Effectively never giving up the lead, giving Andretti Global it’s 100th Indy Lights victory.

 

Josh Pierson, Hughes teammate made a masterful pass at Canada corner on the final lap to take second away from de Tullio, who came home a dejected third. Whilst Hughes definitely needed the win to hopefully get His season pointed the right direction.

 

Yet what’s that ‘Ol ABC Wide World of Sports slogan? Oh yeah, “The Thrill of victory and Agony of Defeat!” As Pierson collided with Hughes at the start of Race 2! With Lochie eventually finishing P20, two laps behind, Youch!

 

But without doubt the star of the show was Tymek Kucharczyk who started a lowly P16, before Steadily working forwards. As the Polish rookie made 20 on-track passes for positions!

 

Tend to recall Kucharczyk battling points leader Nikita Johnson for third. With Johnson playin’ Argey Bargey’ and shoving Kucharczyk wide, dropping down to seventh. Yet Kucharczyk who set fastest lap and had the fastest car in traffic repassed Johnson for third place and made it stick second time around!

 

As de Tullio held off both Matteo Nannini and Kucharczyk for the win at Elkhart Lake on a Green-White “Chequers or Wreckers” one lap shootout finish. With de Tullio winning His second race of the year…

 

Then tuned back in for My favourite portion of IndyCar Radio’s pre-race coverage at start of broadcast, when they talk to various drivers.

 

For example, talking briefly to 13 of the 25 IndyCar drivers before/during Driver introductions is always cool! With

Alex Wolff asking ScottyMac’ if He can channel some of His World Champion NY Knicks Mojo’, with McLaughlin saying I knew you were gonna bring that up, Mate!

 

Although the drivers don’t give anything away, I do enjoy how they all seem to answer the questions straightforward. And it interesting listening to the new guard vs. elder statesmen, i.e.; Rasmussen, Armstrong, Lundgaard, Siegel vs. DJ WillyP”, (Power) and Scotty thee “Iceman 2.0” Dixon. Along with Felix-the-Cat’, (Rosenqvist) “the Surgeon, (Palou) etc.

 

Next during the pre-race build-up, Nicky Salt’ Yeoman broke in with the news that both A. J. Foyt Enterprises Indy NXT cars had been disqualified for inadvertently mounting the two cars qualifying tyres on the wrong racecars. Thus seeing Alessandro de Tullio stripped of His victory! With Matteo Nannini becoming the winner, Tymek Kucharczyk second and Nikita Jhonson third. As don’t think I’ve ever heard of that before.

 

And we all know the outcome of the IndyCar race, when Christian Lundgaard went from last on lap-1 with a cut tyre, to first on the podium. With Marcus Armstrong being robbed of a deserved maiden IndyCar victory after leading 14 laps at races end!

 

As Lundgaard said on His cooldown lap, How did We do that!

 

And when’s the last time Palou forgot to engage the pitlane speed limiter in the pits? Although as Mark James and Davey Hamilton said in mock surprise; a yellow comes out and Palou’s sniffing roses again…

 

As Palou’s bad day at the office turned out to be a fifth place finish, sigh! Although I’m getting a bit tired of the Spaniard’s bowling ball tactics with Nolan Siegel, who seems to be a spare pin in the way of a strike!

 

Yet my heart goes out for Marcus Armstrong who was cruelly denied a maiden IndyCar W’ when reportedly His Honda engine gave up the Ghost with three laps remaining.

 

Now, I’m not saying it was this, or putting my tin hat on that I keep on a peg on the basement’s door but…

 

I turned off the IndyCar Radio broadcast saying I certainly hope for Honda and IndyCar’s sake that wasn’t a Hybrid failure…

 

Notice that Honda HRC U.S. Boss Daid Salter issued a public apology to Armstrong and Meyer Shank Racing. But why hasn’t Honda disclosed what it was?

 

As Chevrolet has ben quick to divulge their valvetrain supplied parts for their numerous engine failures, but Honda’s “Keeping Clam”, Oh Never Mind!

 

As suppose this will all be academic now that we’ve just raced at Mid-Ohio. 

Oscar Meyer outdraws Sonsio at IMS

And presumably Thar weren’t no chili Dogs entered…

 

Although No Fenders Offical’ photographer Carpets’ alerted me to this riveting news. Something sounded corny about wanting to be an Oscar Meyer Wiener…

 

Last year’s inaugural Wienie 500 drew a paltry 85k viewership on Fox sports App. But this year’s second annual Wienie 500 featuring six identical Oscar Meyer Wienermobiles television audience outdrew the Sonsio Grand Prix.

 

The two lap, five mile event held on Carb Day saw 781,000 viewers tune-in on FOX TV, vs. only 656,000 viewers for the Sonsio Grand Prix. FOX’s lowest IndyCar TV audience to date

 

Hmm? Perhaps Indy Cars Month ‘O May’s kickoff classic’s race’s viewership was so paltry since it’s during Mums Day weekend? With somebody I’m calling “The Surgeon”, aka Alex Palou wasn’t even on the podium, finishing a lowly fifth! Arse-sumably His second worst finish this year after Gateway?

 

As perhaps Palou should switch from fried chicken to a hot dog next time He wins a race? Since His mesmerizing win percentage has dropped to only 11 wins in 25 starts following Gateway, Sheesh!

 

And don’t know if its just CoInky-densethat the New York Dog won this year’s Wienie 500 or good omen for those New York Knicks…

 

As the Fans loved the race so much, that FOX aired it again after the Mid-Ohio Indy NXT Race-1.

 

And with All of the lightning around and the three hours delay. Was that Gilligan in the Seattle Dog-mobile? Hope they brought enough wieners for everybody seeking shelter during the storm… 

The 2026 Unlimited Hydroplane season is Finally Here!

But will anybody see or hear ‘em. And how many boats will show up in Indiana?

 

Think Indy Cars Offseason is long? Whale’, then think about H1 Unlimited having gone a gory 292 days since it’s season finale in San Diego, Aye Karumba!

 

And I still Don’t get it? Why H1 Unlimited’s coverage of the sport is so pathetic! Since they held their annual pre-season test at Tri-Cities on May 30^th.

 

Grousing to Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen over there being no report on the sport’s official website! And how the Tri-cities Herald, which only publishes twice weekly seemed to be running a canned story from a year ago? Since it talked about Dave Villwock and another driver who aren’t racing anymore. To which she replied curtly; that’s because Hydroplanes are Dying!

 

Then around June 3rd, I suddenly thought the season kickoff should be occurring any day, Righto? Being surprised to learn that the Guntersville Hydrofest had been cancelled this year, say What?

 

Originally, it looked like my riveting No Fenders yearly preview would be somewhat abbreviated, due to the fact that my primary source H1 Unlimited’s website went “Dark” when visiting the page on June 17th. After there had been no new stories since April 8th. Before noticing the message on the Homepage saying a new website is coming, Huh?

 

Hopefully it will be far superior to RACER’s abomination! Which now over one year later, still isn’t WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliant! Meaning my screen reader cannot read any of the graphic titles or authors bio’s, being fairly annoying!

 

And that’s after multiple emails with two RACER staff members netting me zero improvement, Urgh!

 

Trying to follow IndyCar is a Hard Job!

 

Otay, rant over, as here’s what little I’d gleaned before the website went Dark. Although I was pleasantly surprised after more sleuthing, or was that sluicing upon Zed Intrawoods’. To learn that nine Hulls had been slated to participate at the Tri-cities test Wayback on May 30th.

 

Tri-Cities Entry list

(Boat #/Boat Name/Driver)

U-00 Maverick, J. Michael Kelly

U-1 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-12 Graham Trucking, Jeff Bernard

U-21 Spirit of America, Gunnar O’Farrell

U-27 Miss Apollo, Jimmy Shane

U-40 Bucket List Racing, Dylan Runn

 

The biggest news being the retirement of Dave Villwock at season’s end, being immediately replaced by the returning Jimmy Shane. As Bruce Rachford’s BWR Racing will have a potent two boat line-up with reigning, three times National High Points Champion (2018, 2024-2025) Andrew Tate proudly carrying the U-1 designation.

 

While Shane, a seven times National High Points Champion (2013-2017, 2019, 2022) was busy testing two Hulls at Kennewick, WA. The U-27 and U-127 Miss Apollo’s, trying to decide which Hull He felt most comfortable in, and which Hull He’ll campaign this season.

 

A five times APBA Gold cup winner, (2014-2015, 2017, 2019, 2021) Shane will be looking to break His tie with the legendous’ Gar Wood. While Tate has won the Gold Cup once in 2018.

 

Second biggest news was the announcement that Strong Racing has rebranded it’s two Hulls for this season, the former U-8 and U-9 now becoming the U-00 and U-3 in a nod to Unlimited history. With funding courtesy of Stephen Hayden and His Tahoe Unlimited museum.

 

Strong Racing rebrands for 2026 with U-00 Maverick and U-3 Tahoe Miss

 

As J. Michael Kelly (2016, 2023) and Cory Peabody (2022, 2024) have both won two Gold Cups apiece. With Kelly also claiming the 2009 and 2023 National High Points championships.

 

Peabody’s first Gold Cup triumph came at Shane’s expense. As Shane appeared to have won His sixth Gold Cup at Guntersville in 2022, only to be disqualified for going off-plane, (below 80mph)enabling Cory His first gold Cup Victory.

 

As H1 Unlimited eliminated the minimum 80mph Planing rule requirement in 2023.

 

Looks like the Miss Madison’s recovering from it’s financial hardship and will campaign a full season with backing from Royer and Goodwin Real Estate. As the latter was Tate’s U-91 primary sponsor last year…

 

Great news to hear that the U-40 Bucket List Racing from Snohomish, WA is returning after sitting out last year’s season. As not sure of either it’s Skipper Dylan Runn or Brendan Kennedy’s rookie status?

 

Although subsequently learned that Runn drove the Miss Madison’s U-6 Miss Home Street Bank in 2023 as Shane’s replacement. And Kennedy earned His rookie status last year also in the U-6 Miss Madison.

 

Whilst totally surprised over the return of the U-12 Graham Trucking which has been off the water for several years now. With returning veteran Skipper Jeff Bernard at the tiller.

 

Then there’s the driver I’d most like to see finally “break His Duck!” And get the Monkey off His back. As Jamie Nilsen and the U-11 crew are long overdue for a maiden Unlimited victory. And Nilsen’s always sniffing at the chequered flag…

 

Lastly is the U-21, which seems to have undergone another name change. But don’t look for the boat at Madison, at least that’s what Gunnar said when interviewed at Tri-Cities.

 

2026 H1 Unlimited Pre-season testing Driver interviews

 

If you’re wondering why I’ve eluded to Gold cup winners, its because with Guntersville’s cancellation, the Gold Cup at Madison, Indiana becomes this year’s season opener.

 

As the schedule consists of just four races, with Madison July 5th. Followed by the Warshington’ double, i.e.; Tri-Cities and Seattle. With Tri-Cities Water Follies taking place July 26th, and Seafair the following week on August 2^nd.

 

Then the season closes out once again in San Diego on Mission Bay, with the Bill Muncey Cup on September 20th.

 

There’s also a new scoring system, which I think now simply tallies all points collected from Qualie’ to Final Heats, but more later, since I’m flying “Blind” on that, Oh Never Mind! 

HYDROS: San Diego Thriller gets waterlogged over elongated Offseason

Like does anybody remember last September?

 

Yeah, it feels like a really, really long time ago when I tuned in for Heat 5 of the Bill Muncey Cup from Bayfair in San Diego via H1 Unlimited’s Hideous Youtube channel Wayback’ on September 14th! As I still don’t understand why I need to jack up the volume an excruciating 46-48 levels! Just in order to be able to hear Brad Luce and Tanner Foust, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot!

 

Came into the broadcast when Luce was pontificating over Ray Fageol, grandson of the legendous’ Lou Fageol. And everything Ray had done for Bayfair and San Diego regarding Unlimited Hydroplane racing. And “With a little Help from some Friends”, i.e.; the Fageol Family and Fran Muncey, widow of Mr. Hydroplane Bill Muncey. Ray’s ashes were riding along with Dave Villwock aboard the U-27 Miss Apollo. With Luce saying it wasn’t planned, but there goes Villwock as the whoosh of a turbine filled my speakers, Whoosh!

 

While they were killing time for the apparent winner of Heat 4, Villwock to be confirmed. They ran a piece about how the U-11 Flav-R-Pac out of Cle Elem, WA has the youngest crew in the pits. With five 30-somethings working on the boat. As co-owner Sharon Reiny noted their youngest member was only 21 and had been with them since age 11!

 

As they were busy the entire weekend in Mission Bay. With Luce and Foust making jokes about diving deep in the trailer when pulling out their fourth Lycoming T-55 Chinook Helicopter turbine for the final heat…

 

Yet it wasn’t to be for Villwock, who was handed a one minute penalty for encroachment upon J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Z. As Kelly had backed out during the race in order to keep from ingesting Salt water, which apparently does grave damage to the turbines. With Kelly electing to save His equipment for the finals.

 

Tuning in early for the final Heat, the Bill Muncey Cup. Luce eulogized Ron Snyder, who passed away that afternoon at age 86. As Snyder drove for many, including the late Bernie Little aboard the Miss Budweiser.

 

Once again had to jack up the volume, come on guys, this is so Mickey Mouse! And even though only four boats were competing it was indeed a Barn Burner! As Brad Luce called a Whale’ of a boat race, in His usual exuberant style…

 

After the four boats played Hide ‘n Seek during the five minutes milling period to the 1:15 minute score-up. Luce mentioned how He hoped Jamie Nilsen had brought His fishing line with Him since the U-11 was practically dead stop floating at the top of the course. With Foust cracking up over this quip!

 

3-2-1 looks like a clean start! With three boats side-by-side. With J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Electric in lane two, and the two Bruce Ratchford (BWR Racing) Hydros of Dave Villwock’s U-27 Miss Apollo in lane three. And Andrew Tate’s U-91 Goodwin Real Estate on the outside in lane four.

 

As the boats accelerated down the backstraight, believe Villwock lifted, albeit later Tanner Foust would claim He’d heard a compressor stall, turning it into a two boat battle royale for the bill Muncey cup.

 

Although Tate, the newly crowned 2025 APBA National High Points champion was having to take the longer outside route, with Kelly having boat speed, the two played leapfrog for the lead over the remaining four laps. With Kelly having a two and-a-half boat lead on lap two. Then Tate flexed the U-91’s muscles and led on lap three.

 

Then Kelly led by a slim one and-a-half boat lengths on lap four. While it appeared Tate was pulling away down the backstretch, with Foust saying both drivers were flying their boats!

 

Then Luce emphatically shouted that Kely had taken the lead at the north’s top end corner and would hold on to beat Tate by a very slim margin. Before an exhausted Luce said He was going to sit down!

 

Claiming that was worth the trip, the whole weekend, the whole season. With Foust saying He’d never witnessed a closer boat race…

 

As have to say it totally reminded me of my All-time favourite race on Lake Washington. Which unfortunately today, some fifty-plus years later, I still haven’t been able to decide which year it was between 1973-1975 when the Miss Budweiser and Pride of Pay n’ Pak went deck-to-deck for all five laps with the dreaded Pak winning by 100 yards…

 

But Hey, that was some friggin’ eight and one half Gory months ago! And how many people remember it or watched the race?

 

BWR Racing: Bruce Ratchford’s bold vision for Hydroplane’s future 

Has IndyCar’s Silly Season finally Started?

As it sure seems like it ramped-up at Road America…

 

During the Gateway weekend, IndyCar Radio spent the entire weekend saying how one of IndyCar’s Silly Season Drivers had been taken off the board. With the announcement of Christian Rasmussen’s contract extension at ECR. Arse-sumedly the standard two year “multi-year” contract.

 

Have to say my level of following IndyCar and motor racing in general has taken a dip this season, so I’m outta the loop on latest rumours.

 

Initially, I  only knew of three drivers who were out of contract at season’s end, i.e.; Josef Newgarden, Marcus Ericsson and Nolan Siegel. While thought I heard on Marshall Pruett’s podcast that Marcus Armstrong’s contract is up? While noting that Rinus VeeKay has a one year Dealio’ with Juncos Hollinger Racing, with an option for a second year. But Marshall claimed He didn’t know who got to trigger the extension; team or driver?

 

Have read scuttlebutt suggesting that Newgarden wants out of Team Penske, which seems very strange to me. As nobody leaves Penske; Penske dismisses the drivers instead. Although I suppose you could say that DJ WillyP’ walked away from Team Penske. But only after they didn’t seem to want to keep Will Power anymore…

 

If true, and I’m having a hard time believing this, obviously the vacant Team Penske seat would be the biggest seat available on the grid. So I guess that Newgarden would be the biggest domino waiting to fall.

 

Second biggest is Marcus Ericsson’s plight of remaining at Andretti global. As I’ve long thought that some who call Him the “Norwegian Nightmare”, aka Dennis Hauger’s current Dale Coyne Racing adventure is just a tune-up before joining the Andretti Mothership.

 

Yet Pruett made a compelling argument for Andretti Global standing pat with the Swede, who was ninth in the championship at the halfway point. (Gateway) So does Andretti Global give Ericsson a one year extension? And Hauger remain with Coyne a second year?

 

Definitely feel that Nolan Siegel’s time at Arrow McLaren will come to an end, especially with Tony Kanaan having said He needed to finish tenth in this year’s championship.

 

Believe I read/heard something making me wonder about McLaren Formula 1 reserve driver Leonardo Fornaro waiting in the wings?

 

Reportedly, the reigning FIA Formula 2 champion will test an McLaren IndyCar after season’s end, when driver evaluation testing days can take place. Although team principal tony Kanaan said don’t read too much into it, Fornaro’s focus if Formula 1. But TK’ would like to see how Fornaro handle’s an IndyCar…

 

Forgot that Christian Lundgaard’s also out of contract at season’s end. But this one seems a slam dunk for staying at Arrow McLaren. (Especially after His second win of the season at Road America) As it just Mwah who finds it interesting the team shifted master strategist Kyle Moyer onto Lundgaard’s timing stand this season from Siegel’s car…

 

Then I suppose Romain Grosjean at Coyne could be on a one year contract? And Junco’s Sting Ray Robb seemingly is on a year-to-year deal. But I have zero clue who’s available or will potentially fill these seats? Especially since I’m awaiting Marshall Pruett’s next Silly Season installment like many…

 

Shazam! Tuning into IndyCar Radio’s Friday first IndyCar practice session from Road America, Mark Gravelly’ James brought up Pruett’s June 19th Silly Season article apparently making waves in the IndyCar paddock.

 

Michael Young talked to Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan on the subject, who was totally uncomittal – saying He’s just focused on winning and the weekend. But He’s been in that position before and wants to help everybody…

 

Along with Team Penske’s Tim Cindric; ScottyMac’s (McLaughlin) Strategist. With cindric’s answer being the best. Noting how a long time ago He learned to not believe everything you read.

 

Yet the babble over Newgarden wanting “Out” of Team Penske seems to be picking up momentum, as I’ve now had a second person tell me this rumor…

 

While obviously, only time will tell how close to the mark Pruett’s June report was? With the biggest gossip being over Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) on the move, most likely to Andretti Global as Marcus Ericsson’s replacement.

 

Not to mention apparently big changes taking place over the ownership structure of Juncos Hollinger Racing, so stay tuned Race Fans!

 

Then after having put this story to “bed”, naturally news broke Wednesday (June 24th) that MSR had officially confirmed Rosenqvist’s departure from the team at season’s end. With Felix headed either to Andretti Global or Arrow McLaren… 

Myles Rowe puts on Clinique at Gateway

As I’m certain He saw the Chequered flag being waved!

 

Have to say that was one of the most bizarre race weekends I can remember in awhile, at Gateway. Yeah, it will always be Gateway to this ‘Ol Codger. Not Wide World Technology Raceway, Spew! (WWTR)

 

Missed Indy NXT live Qualie’, so I was unaware of the drama afterwards. As pole sitter Myles Rowe, who’d been faster by one mile per hour was disqualified for taking an extra flying lap after finishing His run. Failing to follow race officials instructions.

 

Have to say I agree with IndyCar Radio’s Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton, who said you cannot blame your radio for not hearing what lap you’re on. You need to be visually aware of your surroundings and situation and never trust your equipment.

 

Davey said He loved Myles, but just didn’t agree with Rowe trying to blame His radio, while Myles had said He needed to have a talk with the Bell Helmet guys…

 

Thus Myle was relegated to the final row, rolling off last in P24. But Hamilton said He was excited to see what Rowe and Enzo Fittipaldi could do coming from the back.

 

Also missed the memo over points leader Enzo Fittipaldi not being able to qualify Saturday due to a mechanical failure, meaning He’d start P23, alongside Rowe.

 

Yet as the race got ready to start, IndyCar Radio’s Michael Young and Davey Hamilton noticed a lack of two cars from the grid. Most notably Fittipaldi standing on pitlane waiting the arrival of His No. 67 HMD Motorsports racecar, before walking to the front of the grid.

 

As Hamilton said He couldn’t see any cars being pushed towards the track from their vantage point, with the other delinquent racecar being Matteo Nannini’s #20 Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR entry.

 

Then Fittipaldi ran to the garage as the race got ready to start, before His racecar with driver was pushed into pitlane. But race officials wouldn’t let Fittipaldi on-track until the entire field had taken the green! While Nannini also appeared and entered the race behind, possibly two laps down?

 

As queue the JAWS’ theme music! As Rowe was up to tenth place by lap 19 of 75. He’s coming boys!

 

“the High line is the Right line!”

 

Really have to say I was rootin’ for Homeboy’ Josh Person who’d gotten round Andretti Global teammate Max Taylor for second place; believe Alessandro de Tullio who’d started second dropped down the order. With Pierson then harrying pole sitter and Andretti global teammate Lochie Hughes before passing the Aussie’ for the lead.

 

Yet not only was Myles faster than everyone else, He also could place His car wherever He wanted to pass the opposition. Going down low to pass Taylor on lap 32 for third place, with His next victim being Hughes.

 

Rowe passed Hughes on lap 41 with a spectacular three wide pass and set sail for leader Person.

 

Target acquired, as Rowe went to the bottom again six laps later to pass Pierson and never looked back! Making history in the process of starting deepest in the field to win. Shattering Esteban “Ratta-Tat-Tat” Guerrieri’s record climb from P18 to first at the 2012 Freedom 100.

 

Fittipaldi’s day starting from the back wasn’t as stellar as Rowe’s, yet did climb ten places to finish 13th . With title protagonist Nikita Johnson finishing seventh.

 

De Tullio regained positions and finished runner-up to a distant Rowe, while Pierson held on for third, His best finish of the season.

 

Swear I heard Team Penske boss Jonathan Diuguid congratulating Rowe during Myle’s post-race winners interview. As it was Rowe’s third career win, all coming on ovals, and this one being extra special.

 

While Marshal Pruett has reported that Team Penske is considering giving Rowe a post season test aboard one of it’s Indy Cars.

 

Following Gateway, Nikita Johnson led the championship by two markers over Enzo Fittipaldi. (285-283) Both having won twice. And a further three markers adrift (280-points) was Tymek Kucharczyk. As the Polish driver’s been the revelation of the season so far! Scoring His maiden victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s second Indy road course race. Along with finishing third the first three races, and four thirds to date.

 

Max Taylor was fourth, 27 points behind. (258-points) And Vaulting to fifth was Myles Rowe, albeit 73 markers adrift. (212-points)

 

While the $64k question was whether Rowe could continue this momentum at the following Double Header weekend at Road America and to the end of the season?

 

Meanwhile, we learned that both Fittipaldi and Nannini’s racecars had suffered fuel leaks, being the cause of their maladies. Which struck a third, unrelated racecar. As Dennis Hauger failed to start the IndyCar race due to also suffering a fuel leak.

 

As don’t think I’ve ever heard of three cars suffering fuel leaks over a race weekend!