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! 

HYDROS: Will Jimmy Shane’s Magical season continue?

    

And can He win another APBA National High Points championship this weekend?

 

Think the IndyCar season is far too short? Then just try wrappin’ your Noggin around the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane season lasting a scant two plus months. Having begun on July 5th at Madison, Indiana, and finishing this Sunday at San Diego’s Bayfair on Mission Bay. With the season ending’s traditional Bill Muncey Cup just 77 days later!

 

As it seems a really, really long time ago since Gory Fourth ‘O July weekend Y’all!

 

Madison, IN Gold Cupp Entry list

(Boat #/Boat Name/Driver)

U-00 Maverick, J. Michael Kelly

U-1 Miss 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-27 Miss Apollo, Jimmy Shane

U-40 Bucket List Racing, Dylan Runne

 

First off, I’ve been critical of the sport for several years now. And Arse-sumedly will continue to do so as long as their Youtube love stream audio continues to Suck!

 

That said, a very cursory look forty years ago, reveals that the 1986 Budweiser Unlimited season opener at Miami had ten boats entered; with Bernie Little, the Dom of Unlimited boat racing running two Hulls. Running two cockpit canopy boats. The U-12 revolutionary 1985 Bubble Bud piston powered Griffon “Monster”. And their very first turbine Hydro. With Scott Pierce in the Griffon Bud, and Jim Kropfeld in the turbine Beer Wagon.

 

Naturally, the top three qualifiers were the fleets trio of Lycoming T55 (Helicopter) turbine powered craft. The U-11 Bud being fastest at 122.719mph. Followed by Steve Reynolds in the (U-711) Miss 7-Eleven  and Chip Hanauer in the U-1 Miller American, with Scotty Pierce the fastest of the piston boats.

 

Ron Snyder was driving the oldest Hull; the lone, remaining conventional (Driver behind engine) 13 year old former Pride of Pay ‘n Pak. Now the U-6 Holset Miss Madison, with Snyder returning to the tiller after a year’s absence. While Jerry Hopp in the U-7 Riggin’s Crab House failed to qualify.

 

Thus my rudimentary math says this year’s season opener at Madison, Indiana, the prestigious Gold Cup no less. Had 23% less combatants, i.e.; two fewer Hydroplanes.

 

Yet the 1986 season opener had five boats in the final. both Miss Budweiser’s, with the Miss Madison sandwiched between the two Beer Wagons. Spoiling Bernie Little’s hoped for 1-2 finish,  with Kropfeld scoring a turbine boat’s first win on salt water. And the Pantry Pride and first alternate, Miss MerCruiser finished fourth and fifth respectively.

 

In comparison, this year’s season opening Madison regatta’s Gold Cup final also had five Hydroplanes racing, albeit four contestants with a fifth trailer boat. As the two BWR Racing boats lined up against the Strong Racing duo, with the Miss Madison the trailer.

 

Jimmy Shane, who’d retired from Unlimited racing at season’s end, 2022. Having won five Gold Cups and seven APBA National High Points championships, and tied for fourth overall in career wins with 25. Equaling the late, great Dean Chenoweth, was returning after a four year hiatus from the sport.

 

Shane replaced the retiring Dave Villwock, who has the most career H1 Unlimited wins with 68 at the sport’s new powerhouse, BWR Racing.

 

This year, the sport has a new race format, where driver lanes are chosen by order of the driver with the most points, which I’ll discuss my thoughts upon this later.

 

H1 Unlimited introduces new Race Format debuting at Madison

 

Thus the two fastest boats got lane choice first ahead of the others, with BWR Racing’s Andrew Tate choosing first. With Tate taking what  He thought was the preferred Lane 2, and Shane taking the dubious Lane 1.

 

Strong Racing’s  J. Michael Kelly was in Lane 3, and rounding out the field was teammate Cory Peabody in Lane 4. With Brandon Kennedy in the Miss Madison trailing the field.

 

I said dubious Lane 1 since new H1 Unlimited Colour commentator and Driver Analyst Dustin Echols, former skipper of the U-40 Bucket List Racing Hydroplane aptly coined Lane 1’s “Hole” the Turf Monster! Even noting how you could see the darker patch of water in this hole.

 

As the Turf Monster reared its ugly head in Heat 3B when current U-40 Unlimited driver Dylan Runne raced down to Turn 1 in Lane 1 and promptly “Hooked” the turn, putting Him out of contention for the rest of the qualifying heat!

 

Yet Shane had won the (2021) Gold cup previously at Madison running in Lane 1 and as the four Hydros made a perfect start, Shane flew thru the corner and effectively never looked back enroute to His sixth gold cup victory!

 

Shane’s only blemish over the weekend occurred in Heat 3B when suffering from rudder “flutter”, with Shane noting the mechanical issue really tore Him up!

 

And although Shane and Tate ran deck-to-deck for three of the final’s five laps. With H1 Unlimiteds Play-by-Play announcer Brad Luce noting how Shane was literally flying the boat! With Shane later saying He’d gotten eight feet out of the water on one lap before settling back down!

 

Nobody could touch Jimmy Shane! Who set two more milestones in His storied Unlimited career. Along with winning on return from a four year hiatus. The win moved His career tally to 26 victories, taking sole possession of fourth all-time. While His sixth Gold Cup win surpassed being tied with the great Gar Wood. And I believe also puts Him fourth overall for Gold Cup victories?

 

Since Chip Hanauer and Dave Villwock are tied for most Gold Cup wins with eleven apiece, and Bill Muncey has eight W’s.

 

Thanks to the three hours weather delay at the Mid-Ohio IndyCar race, I got to “watch”, Err listen to most of Sunday’s Unlimited action. Even with one of the Heats being cancelled with 1:24 on the clock to going Green! As the same weather system was moving thru the Ohio river, along with causing large amounts of debris to clog the river and encroach upon the racecourse. With the final being delayed until 4:35PM Pacific if I remember correctly?

 

Tate was issued a Bearing Out penalty for encroaching on another driver’s lane, thus dropping from second to last. (fifth) Peabody finished second, Kelly third and Kennedy fourth.

20B: No fenders turns Alexander Rossi’s Car number Today!

A much younger Alexander Rossi Meet ‘n Greet at Will Buxton’s Big Time Bash in Austin, during the 2014 U.S. Grand Prix. (The Tomaso collection)

 

as the needle continuously skips upon the scratchy vinyl record on thoust turntable upon Ye mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville…

 

And the needle was definitely skippin’ Y’all! When I began trying to crystalize my thoughts the day after the Portland IndyCar race, with the Golden Oldies radio station playing Waylon Jenning’s Just A good ‘Ol boy YeeHaw song, Say What?

 

VIDEO: Just A Good ‘Ol boy

 

Or that like a skipping record, your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso would still be labouriously poondin’ away on Thy ancient Selectric keyboard here at No Fenders! Still merrily creating fresh content for Y’all weekly consumption 20 Gory years later, Aye Karumba!

 

First ‘n foremost, like All the IndyCar drivers do. Its time to thank the Fans for perusing No Fenders and hopefully reading some of my Zany Blog posts the past 12 months, especially All four of my loyal readers!

 

Being lovingly honed with a dull, rusty knife in Tomaso Manor whilst thoust waves crash upon the jagged coastline of Nofendersville, and All the busy little creatures scurry in their tide pools…

 

As that ‘Ol MacDougals slogan now serving (19 Million) here come to mind again, Hya! Uhm, think its still 19 million, Crickets!

 

While it does blow my mind that I surpassed the 5,000 posts threshold late last year!

A Milestone and ever revolving Racing Movie Choices

 

Orr Y’all can skip directly to my latest Top 10 Racing Movie choices in the link below.

 

Belated top 10 Racing Movie Choices

 

Where to begin another year later, Eh? As the record spins round ‘n round…

 

Suppose I’ll start with the low lying fruit, even though I’m feeling what’s that word Geddy? Oh yeah, Nihilistic over being in a Post IndyCar Season Funk! Even if you, Alex and new Band mates Anika Milles (Drums) and Loren Gold (Keyboard) are busy galavanting on tour…

 

And like that skipping, broken record.  we all know, Alex Palou had another “Magically Delicious” season this year, winning His sixth race of the season at Portland. Has The Surgeon’ carved up any more W’s since?

 

Whilst thankfully I wasn’t trying to take the train to the Rose City during race weekend last month! More on that later Folks.

 

“It’s a Parallax

No Polyester Slacks

Gona Kick some gluteus Max

Get Busy with the Facts Jack

Roll the bones!”

 

“Why are we here,, because we’re here, Roll the Bones”

 

VIDEO: Roll the Bones – R40 live in Toronto

 

Along with visiting my favourite Oregon Coast Beach thanks to Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen. And my treks “Back Home Again” to Warshington’. Albeit not knowing how badly I’ll d Backhoed by the just destroyed )burnt) Centennial Mills building’s closing of Amtrak train travel from Portland to Washington, Yikes!

 

Thoust highlight of the year has to be my debutante visit to the wonderful Martin Auto Museum, which you may have read some of my elongated recapping of said Museo visit, which I just finished posting upon No Fenders.

 

Meanwhile on the technology front, along with constantly trying to keep up with Microsoft’s forced Arse-simulation of its latest products. Now over a year plus, RACER still refuses to become WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliant, and Arse-sumedly will never do so? Which is just downright disappointing to your blind Motorsports enthusiast!

 

Imagine Accessibility for the Blind, RACER!

 

Yet how can I righteously complain about any of my “First World” problems when my Government is complicit in the Deaths and Starvation of thousands of people in the Middle East! Where as of August 12th, 73,438 Palestinians had been Killed by the senseless Genocide! 40,179 being Children. As let that sink in Y’all!

 

12,500 Women, 1,701 Medical and 262 Press being part of that hideous Death toll, and that’s just in Gaza! With who knows how many horrendous deaths in Lebanon?  Not to mention the stupendous war against Iran, where my Government killed 156 civilians and 120 schoolchildren at Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in a triple “tap” missile strike on the first day of war! (Feb 28th)

 

VIDEO: “Be sure to Wear some Flowers in your Hair”

 

As what’s that ‘Ol U2 Rattle and Hum song where Bono says “Am I buggin’ you Man? I Don’t mean to bug You, play the Blues Edge!”

 

As the song Silver and Gold is about Apartheid in South Africa, for which currently is still occurring in the Middle East! As I Don’t mean to Bug Yuhs…

 

VIDEO: Sover and Gold - live

 

For those still following along. Thanks to everyone visiting Nofendersville and reading my eclectic scribblings upon No Fenders the past 20 years!

 

Since this Uber' eclectic mix 'N veritable Spin Cycle 'O finely honed Thomason' Tex-Mex Jambalaya of Wordsmithing wouldn't have been possible over thoust numerous seasons without All of the Usual suspects continued yearly support.

 

And like Melody Sheik brilliantly “Sings” in his Symphony of Science Masterpiece from over a Dozen years ago now. Suppose I’m getting sort of use to Chicago Davey’ Malukas piloting the No. 12 Team Penske entry. But like the late Carl Sagan says, there’s Billions and Billions of Stars, and “We Are All connected”.

 

VIDEO: We Are All Connected

 

Whilst never fear Ladies and Germs’, Your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is planning on sticking round for awhile longer. Celebrating my milestone 20th Anniversary today, I do wish to “see” how the new Dallara IR28 IndyCar pans out…

 

Arrivederci,

Tomaso

 

Partial song lyrics from: RUSH’s 1992 Roll the Bones title track. Video from 2015 R40 Tour live Up North Eh! (Toronto) 

MUSEUMS: My Most Excellent Docent

Tomaso and Martin Auto Museum Docent Jeff standing in front of Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As I’ve mentioned previously, I had the most awesome docent named Jeff during my personally guided three hours tour. Wayback’ this February

 

I really enjoyed Jeff taking His time and not rushing thru the museum. Along with inquiring if I was interested in whatever vehicle we were approaching or standing in front of? As Jeff quickly realized my tastes were quite broad…

 

For example, well into our tour, Jeff asked me if I liked VW’s? Briefly describing their 1973 23 window conversion van built in Brazil.

 

When Jeff had me feel how the windows “popped” out for ventilation. I mused they were exactly like ‘Ol blue’s, the 1980’s Ford Econoline Camper van conversion we’d taken to the 2001 U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Can that really be a quarter of a century ago now?

 

As Jeff seemed genuinely surprised over my description of how it’s windows popped out exactly like the Volkswagen’s, and most interested in my description of it’s custom, unique sliding glass side windows aluminum conversion pop-top…

Jeff mentioned He was a member of the local Red Devils Car club and seemed quite proud of His 1962 and 1/2 Econoline pickup truck with electronic fuel injection.

 

Kudos to Jeff’s excellent presentation of the Martin Auto Museum and some of its vast array of vehicles.

 

Salute Jeff!

 

You can check out the Museo’s website at the link below.

 

Martin Auto Museum

 

Or visit Rick DeBruhl’s YOutube channel (link) below. Where He’s chronicled many of Martin Auto Museum’s cavernous 170-plus strong collection, Momma Mia!

 

Rick DeBruhl

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Martin Auto Museum Hidden Gems

Vintage 1929 custom popcorn truck. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

What’s that ‘Ol sayin’ about a diamond in the rough…

 

There’s simply just far too much to scribble about from my initial visit to the Martin Auto Museum. Which has a bit of everything on display.

 

Like that vintage popcorn & peanuts truck above. To the unheard of and unknonwn likes of the Streetnik Bandit tribute rod and the 1929 Franklin.

 

Yet of growing interest to Mwah after-the-fact is the Museo’s 1929 Franklin Model 135 Sedan. Since I just love the story about how the front radiator grill is fake!

 

Having been added to ease consumers thoughts of what an automobile should look like after dealers demands…

 

In 1929, there were three Franklin models to choose from, the 130, 135 and 137, all powered by the company’s air cooled six cylinder engine.

 

Ironically, there just so happened to be an article about the very 1929 Frankin in question in the April issue of the Martin Automotive Times Newsletter, Shazam!

 

So I’ll let the Museo’s unofficial spokesman Rick DeBruhl do the heavy lifting with His excellent 12 minutes video on this very car instead.

 

VIDEO: 1929 Franklin: Innovation, Elegance and the Crash that Killed It

 

While here’s another Youtube video I found detailing the Franklin’s unique air-cooled engine, ahead of its time.

 

VIDEO: Franklin’s last in-line 274cid engine

 

And thanks to museum Docent Gene, I learned that there’s a Franklin Auto museum in Tucson, Arizona, which I wasn’t aware of. With Gene claiming there’s some 30 Franklins on display, along with a cutaway Franklin air cooled engine.

 

Franklin Auto Museum

 

Lastly, albeit an earlier version of the Franklin. Here’s a good video upon their 1923 automobile, including actually driving said vehicle…

 

VIDEO: They beat Porsche to the Punch: Franklin’s Air-cooled Automobiles

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

Two very different Pace Cars at Martin Auto Museum

The 1963 Chrysler Pace Setter on display in Arizona. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Remember Pontiac’s jingle about Winder’s Better, Y’all?

 

Like the Martin Auto Museum, who’s vast collection quickly outgrew it’s original building. With proprietor Mel Martin buying up an entire city block!

 

There’s just so Mucho to talk about that my story quickly outgrew its original footprint, which is quite typical here at No Fenders. So Y’all guessed it, I cranked out another story, Toh-Duh!

 

Somewhere past the one plus hour mark, my most excellent Docent Jeff steered me past two Pace Cars sitting side-by-side. The first peaking my Attention, being the 1963 Indianapolis 500 Chrysler 300, the year that ‘Ol Rufus Parnelli Jones became the first to qualify at 150mph.

 

As the feat was celebrated by awarding Parnelli 150 silver dollars, before Jones won the race in ‘Ol Calhoun. J.C. Agajanian’s Watson Roadster.

 

A 1963 Chrysler 300 convertible Pace Car was driven in the 47th Indianapolis 500 by 1957 Indy 500 winner Sam Hanks, with IMS owner Tony Hulman riding Shotgun. The last Pace car awarded to the team owner.

 

Thanks to Rick DeBruhl, who’s detailed many of these vehicles with His Auto Evolution series, I learned that said Chrysler 300 was a Pacesetter edition. With 1,861 convertibles being sold as celebratory models to commemorate Chrysler pacing that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

VIDEO: 1963 Chrysler 300 Pacesetter

 

Alongside this Chrysler 300 Pacesetter sat perhaps a Pontiac? Something that paced a NASCAR race, possibly the Day-Toner’ 500? But don’t remember what race it was from.

 

A follow-up phone call with Martin Auto Museum docent Gene revealed that it was indeed a celebratory 1988 Pontiac Pace car.

 

After a little more sluicing, err sleuthing. From the Museo’s website I learned it was a 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix SE Pace Car edition of that year’s Daytona 500 Pace Car. When Bobby Allison won ahead of Davey, with the father-son duo finishing 1-2.

 

Although the sixth generation Pontiac Grand Prix won Motor Trend’s 1988 Car of the Year award, the actual Daytona 500 Pace Car was heavily modified. Since the Grand Prix came stock with an anemic 2.8-litre transverse mounted V-6 lump’ rated at 140Bhp, be still my beating Heart!

 

Rick DeBruhl completely describes this W Body front wheel drive sedan in the video below.

 

VIDEO: The Sleekest car of 1988 - The Pontiac Grand Prix

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Where’s The Judge?

1966 Pontiac GTO. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Strange, but when I think of the Pontiac GTO, I immediately come up with Larry Shinoda’s (1969) version simply known as The Judge!

 

This 1966 Pontiac GTO 400 Restomod is part of the Martin Auto Museum’s vast collection of over 170 vehicles! With the car’s corresponding plaque mentioning being from the Alexander Orzechowski Collection, dated May 15, 2024.

 

I say Restomod since this car has been tastefully modified, most notably it’s 400cid Pontiac V-8 engine, along with “knockoff” Cragar wheels, etc.

 

While once again, Rick DeBruhl “schooled” me on the finer aspects of this vehicle, specifically what it’s Hardtop variant means. Check out the video below…

 

VIDEO: The Car that made Pontiac Famous – The 1966 GTO

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: What a Purdy’ lump!

Pontiac 400cid V-8 engine. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

This Blinged-out’ Chromed 400cid V-8 Pontiac engine provides the motivating power for the Martin Auto Museo’s 1966 Pontiac GTO 400 Restomod!

 

Cannot tell if it comes equipped wit the vaunted tri-power Carburetors available for that year’s production 389cid V-8?

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

More Martin Auto Museum visit recollections

A very Happy Tomaso seated in a Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder Ferrari! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Move over Mustang Sally’, that Ferrari Spyder definitely “Slowed Me Down!”

 

Otay, I’ve tried to scribble this down before it became completely forgotten! Warranting another trip to the wonderful Martin Auto Museum. Hence my placement of vehicles is becoming hazy after my February visit…

 

At one point, my most excellent Docent Jeff asked me if I knew about Transformers? Which I slightly do, since my debutante Indianapolis 500 in 2009 featured  one of that year’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie stars.

 

Funny how I can still vividly recall Crash Gladys of Speed Freaks fame interviewing whomever it was against the window of the IMS third floor Press Room’s windows. Before rediscovering it was Josh Duhamel, who was that year’s Indy 500 Pace Car driver.

 

Transformers Star Josh Duhamel looking for Speed at Indianapolis

 

As the Transformer Bumblebee stood along one side of the building. While Jeff told me we were standing in front of a Transformer Edition Camaro. Which I had no idea how rare these were. As less than 2,000 2010 Camaro’s in Rally Yellow were ordered with the $995 appearance package, available only that year. For either LT or SS models

 

Not sure what we walked past next? But I do know we made our way to the Ford Mustangs, which I’m guessing there must have been two 1968 and 1 /2 models? Since thought we stood and “Gawked” at a black 428CJ (Cobra Jet) model with four speed top loader manual transmission? With Blogmeister’ Miguel telling me there was a white version also. Along with two 1966 289cid V-8 cars on display. One being a convertible I believe, and the other a coupe.

 

Actually, thanks to Martin Auto Museum Docent Gene, I learned it was a white 1968 1 /2 Mustang with that ubiquitous 428cid V-8 cobra Jet engine. While the “Black Beauty” was a 1995 Shelby Mustang Hardtop convertible. With only 499 models being produced.

 

Sauntered past a nice 1957 Chevrolet Bel air, before Jeff asked me if I knew the difference between a Chevy station wagon and Nomad? Telling me that the Nomad has vertical trim “stripes” pieces on the rear door.

 

Stopped briefly in front of my favourite Camaro, i.e.; 1967-69 Z/28. As it had the requisite twin hood stripes, but don’t remember what year it was? Before Jeff explained how you could tell the differences between the three model years…

 

At one point we stood and “Gawked” at the 1930 Duesenberg “J” model Boattail “Speedster” which Jeff said had more chrome than paint! Being Fire engine red, and having been owned by a Gangstah’.

 

Arguably being one of the three most valuable, nee “expensive” cars in the collection. Along with the aforementioned 1965 Cobra 427 continuation car, and the 1948 Tucker.

 

There was a 1973 De Tomaso Pantera sitting alone. Along with a Pontiac GTO, whose doors were locked, when Jeff asked me if I wanted to sit in it?

 

So He took me to the car alongside it, a 1964 ford Thunderbird convertible, which I happily sat in.

 

A Pontiac something-ruther’ with the “revered” W30 package was nearby. Arse-sumedly the very same Pontiac GTO alongside that T-Bird…

 

As history denotes, the GTO was the brainchild of John Delorean.

 

Of course the museum had a Delorean DMC-12 on display, albeit with its gullwing doors closed, but Jeff had me run my hand over the brushed aluminum bodywork. While I’ll let Rick DeBruhl do the heavy lifting…

 

VIDEO; Why Can’t this Delorean go 88 miles per hour

 

There were also a trio of the sedans similar to what Marty McFly drove in the Back to The Future movies I believe, but no flux capacitors on that Delorean DMC-12…

 

There were a few Corvettes parked together. As Jeff described the 1963 split window we stood in front of. Before having me run my hand over the rear window’s “spine”. But guess I threw Jeff for a loop when I said I acutally thought the 1965 Sting Ray was better looking! Which He promptly walked round trying to see if they had one? Only finding a ’67 Sting Ray, along with a 2020 Corvette.

 

While I haven’t even mentioned Jeff asking me if I wanted to sit in a Ferrari, Uh duh!

 

As suddenly I found myself getting low to the ground to climb into a 2001 rosso Ferrari 360 Spyder with black top. Tapping my head upon the convertible’s roof fabric when clambering aboard! As it took me a little while to deduce that indeed, it was equipped with paddle shifters, which I finally found upon the steering wheel…

 

Jeff asked me if I wanted to ride the Merry-go-Round? Which I eagerly said yes! Before ultimately settling on riding the Zebra, with our entourage doing three leisurely circuits, going up and down before we said we’d had enough and Jeff turned off the vintage Merry-go-Round, circa 1950’s.

 

There was a 1929 Ford converted into a Popcorn and Peanuts vehicle, which roasted the peanuts and popped popcorn. Along with a Dump truck from the Mayer mines, being from 1917. As Jeff had me put my hand on what was left of the solid rubber tyres.

 

VIDEO: Omaha’s Douglas 1917 Dump truck History

 

Alongside sat a vintage tow truck, also from Mayer, which is where the Museo’s proprietor Mel Martin, now 95 years old got His start.

 

Then nearly three hours later, Jeff had to go to His next scheduled appointment. As it was a real treat having Jeff personally escort me thru the entire museum! As Jeff gave me the right amount of “verbiage” for the many, countless vehicles He stopped and described and had me run my hands over various portions of; with Jeff’s permission to do so.

 

As it’s a living, breathing Automobile museum, for which you’re allowed to get into many of the cars, provided their doors are unlocked. But as Always, please treat the vehicles with respect.

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel.