F1: alpine Boss Briatore making Waves Again

But are we really surprised by this Italian’s panache for Controversy?

 

Once again, the man knowing no boundaries for controversy, HMS Monogram, aka Flavor Flav, nee Flavio Briatore is making waves again…

 

Recently, in the long running kerfuffle over the outcome of this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, with Alpine having first successfully appealed Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly being stripped of third place. Subsequent appeal by rival Formula 1 teams McLaren and Red Bull saw Gasly’s reinstatement overruled prior to this year’s Italian Grand Prix.

 

The row centers over Gasly having had two five second time penalties for speeding in pitlane overturned on appeal by Alpine, being the only team to do so, albeit multiple teams were handed speeding penalties, regardless of apparent technical issues with monitoring equipment…

 

The ever colourful Briatore, best known for incurring a lifetime ban from F1 over Renault’s infamous Crashgate, before being overturned. Extraordinarily accused one of the FIA’s International Court of Appeals (ICA) judges of being “very linked” to McLaren.

 

Stating we have a very nice photo of American judge Filippo Marchino speaking at a McLaren Special Operations (MSO) function in Beverly Hills, California while holding up a picture. And then claiming that McLaren had given two, or three McLaren cars to His foundation.

 

Naturally, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella seated next to Briatore during the FIA press conference found Briatore’s accusatory comments inflammatory and totally denied such nonsense!

 

While subsequently, the ICA has hit out at Briatore’s accusations by saying it was very odd that Alpine hadn’t raised such allegations twice during the initial appeals process.

 

FIA Court says Alpine raise no objections to Appeals panel list

 

With the ICA having overruled Alpine’s appeal, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was reinstated as finishing third at Monaco, with Gasly dropping to seventh. A swing of nine points. With Alpine being sixth in the F1 Constructors Championship as of the Italian Grand Prix with 62 points, 13 behind now fifth place Racing Bulls with 75.

 

F1 Points standings after Monaco ruling – Alpine loses out

 

On a happier note, Pierre Gasly scored a shock, maiden F1 pole at Monza on His 189th Grand Prix start! The second longest streak for starts before a first pole. Surpassed only by Sergio Perez’s maiden pole on His 215th start at Jeddah in 2022, then driving for Red Bull.

 

Yet Gasly was swiftly overtaken by front row starter George Russell in the superior Mercedes and ultimately faded to seventh by race’s end.

 

The pole position at Monza’s renown “Temple of speed” was also Alpine’s debutante pole, in the guise of its latest team name. Since “Team Enstone” has a long, glorious and controversial history. Having won four F1 Drivers titles and three F1 Constructors crowns as Benetton and Renault, all under Briatore’s leadership.

 

Gasly was ranked 10th in the drivers’ standings following Monza with 41 points. His best finish being sixth at Shanghai International circuit. (China) With a total of eight top-10 finishes. (As of Round 13)

 

Teammate Franco Colapinto was 12th with 21 points. Also, with a best finish of sixth at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. (Montreal) With a total of seven top-10 finishes. (As of Round 13)

 

As Colapinto finished seventh at the new Madring circuit at Madrid a week later, with Gasly P12. Where thankfully, HMS Monogram’, (Briatore) kept his “Piehole” shut! And hopefully will just let the Monaco ruling stand and move along without stirring the pot any further this season… 

Red Bull’s Junior Drivers programme gets new “Minder”

As who’ll be the next to graduate to Formula 1?

 

Old news now, but couldn’t carve out a spot in the No Fenders rotation for this riveting prose, Y’all…

 

Upon Formula One’s summer break commencing, Red Bull announced that Gwen Lagrue will join the Milton Keyes operation in 2027. Arriving from Mercedes to become its next Director of Red bull’s vaunted Junior Driver Academy.

 

Lagrue reportedly has spent the last decade at Mercedes in the same role, instrumental in Shepherding the likes of Curious George (Russell) and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the team’s current driver lineup.

 

Lagrue inherits the role that Der Helmut’, aka Helmut Marco ran for some two decades before His ouster, err retiring in 2025…

 

The Red bull Junior Team has enabled the likes of Christian Klien, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Daniel Ricciardo, Alexander Albon, Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar making it to the Big Bulls’, aka Red Bull Racing.

 

The likes of Scott Speed, Sebastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari, Brendon Hartley, Jean-Eric Vergne, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Arvid Lindblad have driven for the various iterations of the ‘ill bullz’, i.e.; Scuderia Toro Rosso, Scuderia AlphaTauri and Racing bulls.

 

Obviously the two most successful members of the Red Bull Junior programme are ‘lil Syd Vidle’ and Circus Maximus, aka Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

 

As both drivers are four-times Formula 1 World champions. Verstappen being the sport’s third most successful driver with 73 wins and 50 poles to His credit, following the Singapore GP weekend.

 

Whilst Vettel currently ranks fourth overall with 53 wins and 57 poles scored between 2008-2019, before retiring at season’s end, 2022.

 

The third most successful Red Bull Junior Team member is DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo, with the Aussie scoring seven of His eventual eight career F1 wins at Red Bull.

 

While Pierre Gasly gave the junior team Racing Bulls its second and most recent Grand Prix victory at Monza in 2020.

 

Thus, Lagrue will have His work cut out for Him to add to this staggering promotion of Junior Drivers. Although his latest two Silver Arrows graduates aren’t exactly slouches…

 

Meanwhile, just announced, was the signing of somebody named robin Raikkonen to the Red bull Junior Team. With the 11-year-old son of 2007 formula 1 World champion Kimi Raikkonen set to begin His Junior programme next year in Karting.

 

Robin Raikkonen joins Red Bull Junior Team 

New stricter IndyCar licensing rules throw Spanner into the Works

Not taking into consideration mechanical maladies jeopardizing Drivers careers…

 

 

Just when we thought we knew where everyone was going in IndyCar for 2027, the series introduced its strictest ever rules criteria for graduating to IndyCar on September 3rd.

 

IndyCar sets new driver licensing criteria for 2027

 

A quick perusal of these new guidelines for Indy NXT driver advancement allow for only the top three finishers or drivers having won two or more races in the past 24 months the ability to graduate to the Big Boyz’ series.

 

This regulation change directly affects Portland, Oregon’s Josh Pierson’s plans to graduate to IndyCar as the new chauffeur of the No. 4 A.J. Foyt Enterprises entry next year, regardless of his reported $25m Dowery…

 

Pierson, in His fourth Indy NXT season driving for Andretti Global, ultimately came up just short of making the cut anyways at Laguna Seca.

 

Pierson has won races in the Asian Le Mans Series and FIA World Endurance Championship.

 

His first Indy NXT season with HMD Motorsports saw Him miss five races due to His FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMP2 commitments, driving for United Autosport. Winning that year’s 6 Hours of Portugal LMP2 category with co-drivers Oliver Jarvis and Giedo van der Garde.

 

Pierson spent three years at HMD Motorsports, with a best overall finish of sixth last year; scoring His first two series podiums at Laguna Seca. Third in Race-1, and second in Race-2.

 

Pierson scored His maiden Indy NXT pole at Milwaukee, and led the first 54-laps before it all unraveled in turn 2. Spinning into the wall while being hounded by eventual race winner Max Garcia.

 

A week later, Pierson made a clean sweep of Race-1 at Laguna Seca. Leading wire-to-wire from pole, along with setting the fastest lap enroute to His maiden Indy NXT win.

 

Starting second in Race-2, ironically Josh was punted by the hapless Garcia! Even though initially IndyCar Radio driver analyst Davey Hamilton thought Garcia had just lost His mind and rammed Pierson! Receiving a Drive-true penalty for avoidable contact. Before later, Pierson told pit reporter Alex Wolff that the car had bogged down upshifting from fourth to fifth gear. Causing Pierson to have to lift off, leaving Garcia with nowhere to go…

 

Thus, in what I’m dubbing the Josh Pierson Rule. Is it fair that Pierson won’t be able to graduate to IndyCar in 2027 due to a mechanical malady? Or for making one tiny mistake on an Oval? As how many IndyCar drivers have crashed into Mother Speedway’s walls during the Indianapolis 500?

 

I understand IndyCar’s desire for having talented drivers over the nebulous “Pay Drivers” finding their way into the series in years past.

 

But I think a more measured approach would have been to emulate the FIA Super License points system instead. Where former IndyCar driver Colton Herta with second (2024) and seventh place finishes (2025) only needs to finish eighth to secure the necessary Super Licence points to graduate to Formula 1.

 

While I’m left uncertain if the two or more wins over 24 months is just for Indy NXT competitors, or anybody, including Formula 2 drivers wishing to come Stateside instead…

 

Certainly, IndyCar wouldn’t deny a FIA Formula 2 Champion unable to find a seat in Formula 1 the opportunity to race in their series, would they?

 

Or haw about reigning five-times IndyCar Champion Alex Palou, winner of 25 IndyCar races to date.

 

Although Palou won three races in the Japanese Formula 3 series and finished third overall in 2017. By today’s standards He wouldn’t have been eligible to compete in IndyCar!

 

Having won from Pole at Fuji Speedway in Japan’s Super formula in 2019. On pole for the final round at Suzuka, Palou looked to be the favourite to win. Yet a problem with a ventilation duct slowed His car and the Spaniard finished P19, dropping to third in the final championship standings before coming Stateside to race for Dale Coyne Racing in 2020. Having amassed only one Super formula win, would IndyCar have said Palou was eligible to drive after the obligatory evaluation test?

 

Not to mention thee Great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci, Eh? Who most definitely wouldn’t meet today’s stricter eligibility guidelines!

 

Ferrucci made His Formula 2 debut in 2017 with a best finish of ninth driving for Trident. Then in 2018 He was banned for four races after intentionally crashing into teammate Arjun Maini at Silverstone. Fined $60,000 Euros and ultimately fired by Trident!

 

Before the Woodberry, Connecticut native made His IndyCar debut for Dale Coyne Racing at Detroit in 2018, and the rest as they say, is history…

 

Marshall Pruett points out how its G-R-r-REAT! That IndyCar wants to improve the talent quality of its drivers. But should they be doing that at the expense of cash strapped teams? Especially when they’ll need to come up with $6-8 million for new Dallara IR28 chassis in 2028!

 

Whilst For the Love of Indy’s r. Hando goes into even greater detail over how Indy NXT might not be the greatest “Feeder series” leading to IndyCar…

 

IndyCar’s Talent Evaluation: Be Careful of What You Wish for 

Is it Thanksgiving yet?

Yuhs know, when Dale Coyne starts ponderin’ His next year driver selections…

 

In what’s become a reoccurring theme her upon thoust mystical island of Nofendersville, once again it seems a very, very long time ago when the annual IndyCar silly season erupted over Father’s Day weekend at Road America! Yet as typical, I was late to thee party, having missed the memo. And am still playing Ketsup!

 

Has IndyCar silly Season finally Started?

 

As prior to the Road America race, the scuttlebutt over driver movement seemed to center around Felix-the-Cat’, which seemed a bit odd since Rosenqvist had just won the Indianapolis 500! With the other Swedish Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson also potentially being on the move.

 

Playing Ketsup’, I tuned into my first Marshall Pruett the Week in IndyCar podcast in a very long time. Being Uber amused over Pruett mentioning how His head was about to explode trying to wrap it around the rumour of the Cat’ and Scotty thee Iceman 2.0’ Dixon’s impending movements. Which I scribbled about sometime afterwards confirmation of Dixon leaving Ganassi for another rival team. Uhm, where’d I put that No Fenders story, eh?

 

IndyCar, World cup and lots of smoke

 

The Fourth ‘O July weekend at Mid-Ohio was celebrated with the news that Rosenqvist and Dixon would both be joining Arrow McLaren next year alongside McLaren’s Golden boy Pato O’Ward, all seemingly for Pato’s sake…

 

With the next major domino falling; being Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s (RLLR) sale of its third IndyCar charter for $13m, and the first in the league’s history – to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. With DRR becoming a one car entity, albeit we’re just Ah-Waitin’ confirmation of its technical alliance wit RLLR. Effectively becoming the satellite squad racing with Conor Daly, and switching to Honda engines for 2027.

 

As RLLR’s third entry created in 2022 with Jack Harvey, and then Pietro Fittipaldi and Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco, before Mick Schumacher’s arrival this year has never blossomed into a certifiable midfielder, and instead just a drain upon the organization’s resources…

 

As the entry looks set to miss out upon the vaunted Leaders Circle prize fund of now $1.65m for a third time in five seasons, with Pietro Fittipaldi’s finish of 19th being its best season finish.

 

As of the Nashville weekend, there were seven drivers on the Hot-seat for next year. Both Foyt and Dale Coyne Racing drivers. Along with at least one Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) driver, With the two biggest names of drivers potentially looking for new seats being the sacked Christian Lundgaard and JHR’s Rinus VeeKay.

 

Prior to the Portland weekend, the 2026 silly season seemed to be in a virtual Holding pattern, with the biggest seat on the grid being the second Meyer shank Racing (MSR( No. 66 entry. Although the No. 9 chip Ganassi Racing seat was still publicly open. It seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the series lone Dane’ had landed the coveted drive.

 

Fast forwarding to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. weekend; Uhm, it Ain’t no Grand Prix Y’all! That was being run in Zandvoort instead, ironically the very same day, but I digress…

 

A team-by-team analysis reveals that after Marcus Ericsson rewarded Andretti Global for His one-year contract extension by winning at Markham. Andretti, Arrow McLaren, ECR, (Ed Carpenter Racing) RLLR and Team Penske’s lineups are set for next year.

 

AJ Foyt enterprises appears set to retain thee Great Santini, aka Santino Ferrucci for a fifth season in the No. 14. While Portland, Oregon’s Josh Pierson, rumoured to have a $25m budget to offer, Say What! Will replace Caio Collet in the No. 4 for the next two years.

 

Won’t even bother on trying to predict what Dale Coyne will do? With both drivers on the bubble…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing’s protracted break-up between Ricardo Juncos and Brad Hollinger is slowly creeping forwards. As Hollinger’s ready to find new investors and rekindle His alliance with Zak Brown.

 

Pruett predicts the team will sign VeeKay to a multi-year extension. While collet with a rumoured $6m budget will replace Sting Ray Robb. Implying the team is more interested in quality drivers, since reportedly, Robb has a $15m budget.

 

Yet Robb and Nolan Siegel, who also supposedly has major funding to offer don’t appear to feature in any IndyCar teams futures.

 

That just leave MSR to confirm its second driver, albeit Pruett’s money is upon Mick Schumacher filling the seat. Even with the recent kerfuffle made over Yuki Tsunoda’s name being mentioned as a candidate for the #66 ride.

 

Thus, that just leaves us with the two Coyne seats to be confirmed, which I can “See” a few scenarios including Nolan Siegel taking one of the seats. And being joined by either Dennis Hauger or one of this year’s top three Indy NXT title Contendahs’. With Enzo Fittipaldi’s names coming to mind…

 

The only other major unknown is the whispered possibility of Andretti Global dropping its Honda lumps’ in favour of switching to the Bowtie’. Which make some sense since its parent company TWG Global owns the Cadillac F1 Team. Even if Mark Walters Delaware Life and Guggenheim Partners are under Federal investigation for potential fraud.

 

Questions mount for Andretti global Owner as Federal probe targets TWG Global 

F1: Drivers left fighting over Crumbs

As who’ll pick up the few remaining seats?

 

The Formula 1 summer break feels like such a long time ago. When the annual Silly Season “officially” kicked off, albeit not knowing what goes on behind the scenes, Err closed doors…

 

Are we really surprised that Circus Maximus decided to stay put at Redl Bull? The Dutchman having signed a contract extension that runs until the 2030 F1 season.

 

Although naturally, you’d have to Assume that Verstappen’s contract extension is loaded with its typical performance-based escape clauses. While I don’t understand why there’s any speculation over His Wingman Isac Hadjar retaining His seat next year.

 

Hadjar’s done a great job in the second Red Bull despite allegedly breaking a bone in His wrist when boxing during training. As it seemed odd to Mwah to elevate Racing Bulls Liam Lawson as His replacement at Zandvoort. Ironically where the Kiwi’ substituted for DannyRic’ (Daniel Riccardo) who’d broken His wrist at the same circuit…

 

Was this some sort of tryout for Lawson? Whilst Red bull reserve driver Yuki Tsnoda, who’s name was making waves in IndyCar just days earlier deputized for Lawson at the ‘lil bulls.

 

Williams, which forever will be Team Willy’ to me saw both drivers ultimately sign contract extensions. Alex Albon jumping first, and then Carlos Sainz Jr. apparently? Reluctantly re-signed with the Grove squad, albeit rumours of performance-based escape clauses were also mentioned for the Spaniard.

 

Speaking of Spain, the biggest “fish”, Err seat apparently left on the market as of Zandvoort was Frederico Suave’s cockpit at Aston Martin. With the 45-year-old Alonso rumoured with a return to Alpine making little sense to Mwah. Arse-sumedly Fernando would be punting out once touted Franco Colapinto – whom I’m pretty sure is still on loan from Williams…

 

If Alonso did leave, who replaces Him at the steadily improving Aston Martin, now with a brand-new Honda power unit in its backside. Perhaps a straight swap with Colapinto? Or could Checo’, nee Sergio Perez return to His former F1 team?

 

And speaking of Cadillac, team CEO Dan Towriss says both drivers, most notably Checo’ aren’t going anywhere next year, which seems to make Colton Herta’s pursuit of a FIA Super Licence somewhat moot, ci?

 

The main two seats that reportedly are in play are at Haas and Racing Bulls.

 

Scuttlebutt suggests that Esteban Ocon will not return to Haas next year, reportedly three drivers in the frame. McLaren F1 reserve driver, and reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli is reportedly in pole position. And I’ve heard McLaren IndyCar team principal Tony Kanaan say Formula 1’s the Italian’s focus and He’s free to sign with any other team.

 

Former Alpine F1 driver Jack Doohan reportedly has a TPC (Testing of Previous Car) outing with Haas after Madrid’s inaugural grand Prix. And think also Ferrari Academy and current Formula 2 driver Rafael Canara’s name was mentioned.

 

Although I’d already forgotten that Doohan is Haas’s reserve driver this year, so probably His TPC drive is related to that, instead of Ocon’s seat?

 

Prior to this year’s summer break, Formula 2 points leader Nikola Tsolov was being mentioned as Lawson’s replacement at Racing Bulls next year, and I have to Arse-sume Tsolov is still on the Faenza squad’s radar…

 

Oh, regarding Cadillac and getting a Yank’ on the F1 grid. I’ve got no idea how much further forwards Herta would need to finish during a second F2 campaign; guessing ideally in the top three?

 

As I accidently ran into the name of Ugo Ugochukwu back at the end of July. As the 19-year-old Yank is currently making waves in the Formula 3 championship. So, might He make a better choice than Herta? 

Markham Syrup

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Marcus Ericsson charges to first win with Andretti at Markham

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Local Bicyclist pedals from Canada to Mexico in Seven Days!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Microsoft causes No Fenders Stoppage

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

 

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

 

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

Bright images flashing by like a windshield towards a fly

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Uhm, what’s that? Drugs are Bad, Ok?

 

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

MOTO GP: Upcoming Adelaide Street Race causes Concern

Will somebody please put some shrimp on the Barby’…

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

MotoGP Boss responds to concerns over Adelaide Street Circuit

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

MotoGP Adelaide Street Circuit Map planned changes Leaked

 

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

Charter, Road Rage and New Chassis Hoopla

Which All seems a very long time ago…

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Warbirds Invade Roswell

Although there from this world…

 

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

 

Roswell’s Racers ready

 

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

 

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

 

Unlimited Air Racing Home Pylon - Roswell

 

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

 

Blancolirio 

HYDROS: New Rules, Old Blues

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

H1 Unlimited introduces new Race Format debuting at Madison

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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