Wood Brothers Honour Jimmy Clark

As almost makes me wanna “Tune-in” to this NASCAR race…

 

Ran across the following article when scurrying thru Racer.com to “See” what has happened in Ye Wurld de Motorsporten whilst away from Thy Gory keyboard…

 

Very cool to read that the Wood Brothers of NASCAR fame are honouring Jimmy Clark’s 1965 Indianapolis 500 victory with a Throwback theme Ford Mustang at Darlington over April 5-6.

 

The No. 21 Wood Brothers entry of Josh Berry will be resplendent in the iconic Lotus colours of Colin Chapman’s British racing green and yellow. Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Clark’s Indianapolis 500 victory. The first for Ford and the first for a rear engine racecar.

 

While this year also commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the legendous’ Wood Brothers racing team. With Glen, Leonard, Delano and Ray Lee Wood amongst Clark’s Pit crew at Mother Speedway that May sixty years ago. Having been brought aboard the Lotus Indianapolis effort to speed up the team’s pit stops, which saw Clark lead 190 of 200 laps that day!

 

The Wood Brothers tribute car was presented at the Henry Ford museum in Dearborn with Clark’s Lotus alongside. And the Wood Brothers received the full blessing of Clive Chapman, son of Colin for the Throwback livery… 

Today marks 25 years since Greg Moore’s Death

As can it really, already be that long ago?

 

As stated above, today marks a quarter century since the loss of the prolific IndyCar racer Greg Moore, that fateful day at Fontana. Then known as California Speedway. For which I happened to be watching the race live, and can still recall His tumbling car and thinking that Ain’t good!

 

As here’s the wonderful 36mins video that Marshall Pruett cut with Moore’s compatriots Dario Franchitti, Paul Tracy, Max Papis, and the still unknown to Mwah Mark Zivvo five years ago. Which I highly recommend watching.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arl_VOXJeAk

 

While Y’all may be interested in reading my previous nod to Moore five years ago in the No Fenders post below. As it’s hard to believe it’s now fifteen years ago when I visited the Greg Moore Gallery. For which I don’t even know if it still exists?

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/10/indycar-greg-moore-20-years-on.html

 

And as always, when I think of Greg Moore’s passing. I think of the totally overlooked and overshadowed Gonzalo Rodriguez. Who lost His life at Laguna Seca driving for Team Penske on September 11, 1999 at age 28. 

RETRO: Portland celebrates 40th Anniversary of it’s Debutante IndyCar race

As what’s that ‘Ol Grateful Dead song ‘bout How it’s been A long Strange trip indeed…

 

Yesterday’s Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland, try saying that fast five times! At Portland International Raceway (PIR) marked forty years since ‘lil Al, aka Al Unser Jr. won His maiden IndyCar race in the Rose City in that year’s inaugural Stroh’s/G.I. Joes 200. Winning Aboard His Galles Racing’s March 84C Cosworth.

 

As the venue has had a litany of title sponsors over the past four decades, most notably for Mwah being the Budweiser/G.I. Joes 200 during my yearly treks to Portland over Fathers Day weekend…

 

And Instead of trying to rehash the past which I’ve done previously. As can it already be 15 years since I scribbled about Portland’s Centennial here upon No Fenders, Yikes! And thus I won’t try remounting any “Flintstone” tyres here, Hya!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2009/06/portlands-centennial.html

 

Having attended 19 of those initial 24 events, beginning in 1987 thru 2007. Prior to IndyCar returning after a Gory ten year’s absence in 2018! Obviously I saw a Heckabunch ‘O racing Thar, including the likes of El Zorro’, aka Alex Zanardi, Mark Blundell, Max Papis and A.J. Allmendinger All win their debutante IndyCar races there! Where Also Al Unser Jr. did so with that ’84 Portland victory.

 

Having attended my latest IndyCar event in 2022, when ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin was untouchable – leading 104 of 110 laps! When it was blistering Hot and I understand the reason why. But still I was a little bit sad knowing that my yearly West End Grandstand had been long removed and turned into RV Camping instead…

 

Thus I’ll try reminiscing about Portland’s 40 years in a different tack. As it seems tedious to recall every winner to date. Not to mention what traditionally was the Kershaw knives Pole winner’s award…

 

Looking back to the final Chump Carz’, Err Champ Car World Series (CCWS) event held on June 10, 2007. Thars’ a total of three drivers from that race still on today’s IndyCar grid.

 

The most “famous” of this trio would be none other than William Steven Power. Whom presumably hasn’t given ScottyMac’ any more love taps since Toronto, Eh?

 

DJ Willy P’ (Age 43)  was in His sophomore Champ Car season with Derrick Walker’s Team Australia that year, driving the team’s No. 5 Aussie Vineyards entry, finishing fourth. Paired with another future Indianapolis 500 winner known here upon No Fenders as Symone’ or Pagentry’, aka Simon Pagenaud.

 

While Power finished a lowly P19 in His Rose City debut the year before, also for Team Australia, classified as being 13 laps down.

 

Although only one of Power’s 43 IndyCar wins has come at Portland in 2019, where He’s scored more than one of His All-time career leading 70 Poles.

 

Graham Rahal, now age 35, was an 18 year old teenager when making His first start at Portland in 2007. Driving for Newman Haas Racing, the rookie IndyCar driver finished ninth on debut at Portland.

 

Katherine Legge who celebrated Her 44th birthday in the Mid-Ohio paddock on Friday’s first practice, complete with birthday cake! Was making Her second start for Dale Coyne Racing. Finishing dead last – P17 due to a mechanical failure.

 

Whilst Thy Leggy Juan’ finished P13 at Portland for PKV Racing during Her rookie season in Champ Car in 2006.

 

One other current IndyCar driver participated in two Portland CART events prior to the ’07 Finale, can Y’all guess who that was?

 

Scott Dixon who turned 44 this July, made His IndyCar debut in 2001 for the local PacWest Racing team. Finishing fourth as a rookie in Portland. Then the following year driving for Target Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) finished seventh, before CGR migrated to the Dark Side, ergo Indy Racing League for ’03.

 

Also from my initial perusal of the 2007 Mazda Cham Car Grand Prix of Portland, where a total of 17 drivers lined up in spec Panoz DP01 2.65-litre turbocharged Cosworth XFE’s for Champ Car’s first and only standing start. I reckon there’s a further four Alumni still racing today…

 

Obviously the most prominent of these would be none other than le Hamburgular’, SealmeisterB’ or SeaBass, ergo Four-times Champ Car Champion Sebastien Bourdais, having won a total of 37 IndyCar victories. Now age 45, Bourdais competes fulltime for Chip Ganassi Racing’s IMSA GTP factory Cadillac operation.

 

As Bourdais is responsible for winning half of Newman Haas Racing’s eight Championship titles. And ironically His win at the ’07 Portland Champ Car race was Newman Haas Racing’s 100th victory.

 

Neel Jani, age 40 driving for PKV Racing and finishing 12th at Portland has moved onto a long, successful European Sports Car career. Having won the 2016 24 Huers du Mans for Porsche. And currently competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Porsche Penske Motorsport as a Werks’ driver.

 

Jan Heylen, better known here upon No Fenders as Jan Van Hagar Heylen, (Age 44) contested the 2006 Grand Prix of Portland for Dale Coyne Racing and finished P15. The following year He drove for Conquest Racing and finished 15th again. And now races for Wright Motorsports in IMSA’s GT Daytona (GTD) category. Having raced for the team for the past ten years. Having won the 2020 12 Hours of Sebring GTD Class and the prestigious Porsche Cup.

 

Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Dalziel whose now 42yrs young, drove for the short lived Pacific Coast Motorsports team and finished P14. Dalziel has gone onto a long successful Sports Car career and currently competes for ERA Motorsports in IMSA’s LMP2 category.

 

Meanwhile, reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou has a good chance at tying Mikey a’ and ‘lil Al for most wins at Portland at three apiece. As Michael Andretti claimed a Hat trick of W’s between 1990-92 for Newman Haas Racing. Who have the most wins for teams currently.

 

Al Unser Jr. won in 1984 and then 1994-95, the latter two for Team Penske, including Penske sweeping the podium in ’94 with EMMO’, aka Emerson Fittipaldi and Paul Tracy joining Unser on the podium. When Marlboro Team Penske won a staggering 12 of 16 races that season! Unser taking eight enroute to the Championship, Tracy three and Fittipaldi one.

 

Naturally Team Penske, most notably in it’s Bad Habits’ (Marlboro) red & white colours, Chip Ganassi Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, A.J. foyt enterprises, whom I also saw ‘Ol superTex’ running at the tail end in His Copenhagen racecar. Not to mention Rocket rick Mears in the original Yellow Submarine. And lastly Bobby Rahal, whose team then was simply known as Team Rahal were All present at Portland over the years prior to Portland being unceremoniously dropped from IndyCar’s calendar for ten years…

 

Whilst who knows how many teams came ‘n went during Portland’s heydays between 1984-2007? Like Bobby Rahal winning for Truesports, Kraco Racing, Doug shierson Racing, etc.

 

While surprisingly, Portland is one of the very few tracks that Scott Dixon has never previously     won at.

HYDROS: The “Jet city” celebrates seafair’s 75th Anniversary

Although as Y’all know? Boeing’s taking a mighty shellacking right now! And I’m sure Seattle would have preferred me using it’s other moniker, the “Emerald city” instead…

 

Until perusing H1 Unlimited’s fairly annoying website earlier this summer in order to find out it’s limited schedule. I first learned that this year’s Seafair regatta, with it’s ever changing name was celebrating its 75th Anniversary.

 

Naturally this made me flash back to my childhood, growing up on the somewhat sleepy streets of Seattle. That even today, every August I still harbour fleeting memories of the thrill of Seafair as a Wee lad’. And the tradition of young boys towing cutout wooden planks, usually plywood fashioned in the shape of a front engine Hydroplane by string behind their bicycles through their neighborhoods.

 

Although for Mwah, this was always entertaining since we lived on one of Seattle’s rare, remaining cobblestone streets!

 

Having previously scribbled about these plywood “planks”, and the surrounding Hydroplane mania here upon No Fenders in the link below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2018/08/hydro-mania-turf-thundreboats.html

 

Having grown up in the era of the pre-turbine’s, today’s Hydro’s just don’t have the same lustrous sound or notoriety to me name wise or in spirit, as the turbine whoosh has long since replaced those glorious open cockpit, front engine and subsequent Cabover rear engine World War II surplus V-12 Allison and Rolls Royce Merlin powered monstrosities known as the “Blue Blaster” and the “Beer Wagon,” dueling for supremacy opposite of the finger piers of the Stan Sayre’s pits, where Miss Budweiser, Atlas Van Lines and the Pride of Pay ‘N Pak all left their indelible mark  as Seafair victor’s, Gold Cup winners and National High Points Champions.

 

As luminary drivers like Bill Muncey and Dean Chenoweth immediately come to mind, not to mention Mickey Remund, Jim Kropfield, Tom D’Eath and local hero Chip Hanauer to name a few.

 

While everybody fought to beat the sport’s Kingpin owner Bernie Little and His dominant Miss Bud! During a time When yearly contestants named the Squire Shop, Miss Rock (KISW 99.9FM), Oh Boy Oberto and Miss Madison were local Fan favourites…

 

And thus, although I no longer live in the Jet city. Seafair always signals to Mwah the zenith of summer in the Pacific Northwest.

 

As the annual Seafair Hydroplane Regatta on Lake Washington, for which I enjoy remembering as the Fat Albert Cup in deference to a past title sponsor – when it was the Albert Lee Appliance Cup. Caps a month long’s celebration of events including the landing of the Seafair Pirates on alki Beach. The Torchlight Parade and the piece de la resistance, the fabulous Blue Angels. For which I first witnessed Wayback’ when they flew the Douglas A-4 Skyhawks before upgrading to the McDonald Douglas F/A-18 Hornets at the end of 1986, their 40th Anniversary season.

 

Boeing was then awarded a $12 million contract to upgrade the “blues” to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, which they began performing in in 2020.

 

Presumably still flying out of Boeing Field in Seattle, which triggers another memory of when yearly, I and my co-workers got to witness them up close and personal from behind the flight lines chain link fence!

 

Not to mention their transport plane that carries support personnel and spare parts is aptly nicknamed Fat Albert…

 

Whilst in its heyday, I fondly recall the Goodyear Blimp making its yearly trek to Seattle during the 1970’s and being stationed at the Sand Point Naval Air Base. Which I witnessed in earnest two summers while practicing as a member of Seattle’s All-city Marching Band.

 

Seafair ’77, which apparently was then simply known as the Seafair Trophy race stands out for several reasons now some 47 years later. Most notably for the death of the Squire Shop’s Jerry Bangs during Heat 1A. As Bangs death would pave the way for Chip Hanauer to truly make His mark as one of the sport’s All-time greatest Unlimited Hydroplane drivers.

 

As I’ve just rediscovered the fantastic Hydroplane History website, and watched my first video from it’s cavernous archives, which Y’all can watch below. But beware, the video clocks in at 24mins…

 

https://hydroplanehistory.com/races/1977_seafair_trophy_video_1977_seafair_trophy.html

 

As it’s hard to believe that its taken me nearly some fifty odd years to learn which of two years Seafair races is so idyllically burned into Thy memory banks. When that dastardly Pride of Pay ‘n Pak beat the Miss Budweiser by mere feet during the 1973 UIM World Final Seafair Trophy race. Being perhaps a boat length or less distance, Aye Karumba!

 

As I tend to recall that The Seattle times headline the following day proclaimed that the Miss Budweiser would have won if the race had been a further 100 yard, Yikes!

 

Yet instead, I lost to my pops tomas Senor who was a Pay ‘n Pak fan. Whilst I was rooting  for the Miss Budweiser, with the legendary Dean Chenoweth at it’s tiller. And losing the bet, had to wash the family car, Urgh!

 

Fast forwarding  some four plus decades, into the 21st century. I must confess I further lost my admiration for the sport of Unlimited Hydroplanes and Seafair upon the local CBS affiliate KIRO7 pulling the plug upon its yearly tradition of day long live Hydroplane coverage in 2017! Which little did I know, would be the final Seafair event I “watched” live from the Emerald City. Which I scribbled about here upon No Fenders seven years ago. Hmm, what’s that ‘Ol saying about Seven year Itch, Eh?

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2017/08/hydros-hot-air-hazy-skies-blanket.html 

A Sad Day at Indianapolis 50 years Ago

As Father Time continuously Marches On…

 

Today used to be known on No Fenders as Art Pollard Day, in Honour of that transplanted Oregonian’s contributions to Life! Along with being a pretty G-Damn Good racecar driver!

 

Sadly, today marks the 50th Anniversary of Art Pollard’s Death when practicing for the 1973 Indianapolis 500.

 

As I’ll simply point Y’all towards my original No Fenders tome upon being introduce to Art Pollard some eleven years ago…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/05/art-pollared-forgotten-driver.html

 

Salute Art! 

INDY 500: Open Test at IMS Commences

But will Mother Nature attempt being on Pole Position?

 

Although  according to Racer’s Marshall Pruett, Friday is just a contingency day in case Mother Nature does indeed play Havoc on thursday…

 

Without going into any detail, other than I needed Long Beach as a Pick Me Up, since it was an extremely tough week for Mwah emotionally! It’s Hard to believe it’s already time for the yearly Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, just over one month prior to Race Day. Or to be concise, 38 days as of April 20th.

 

Yet speakin’ of Long Beach, albeit I first learned about it from The Pit Window Blog. Very Cool thing McLaren, Err Arrow Mclaren’s doing for this year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

Guessing Y’all have heard about Arrow McLaren’s special “One Off” Indy 500 liveries the team’s running on it’s four car entry commemorating McLaren’s 60^th Anniversary, Righto? Which were introduced at “The Beach” on Friday morning, preceding the day’s first IndyCar practice session.

 

And is it just Mwah? Or Isn’t it Ironic? How Mr. Zakery Brown has borrowed from former McLaren Superstar Fredrico Suave’s coveting of thoust mythical Triple Crown playbook. With Mclaren paying homage to it’s Triple Crown winners of years past.

 

As Pato  O’Ward’s No. 5 IndyCar entry will feature an All Black motif honouring McLaren’s 1995 24 Heurs du Mans victory wit it’s 1995 McLaren F1 GTR.

 

“Felix-the-Cat” Rosenqvist’s No. 6 entry will be adorned in a Red and White livery recalling those iconic “Bad Habits” Marlboro years and Alain Prost’s 1984 Monaca Grand Prix winning MP4/2 TAG-Porsche.

 

While Alexander Rossi’s No. 7 will be a solid Papaya livery recalling Lone Star Jr’, aka Johnny Rutherford’s 1974 Indianapolis 500 victory aboard it’s McLaren M16C/D Offenhauser. With Tony Kanaan’s yet unrevealed No. 66 entry said to be a tribute “Collage” of All three primary team cars entered at this Month of May’s Indy 500.

 

Here’s a list of everybody I’m aware of that’s running in this year’s Indy 500 to date.  

 

Chevrolet (16)

(2) A.J. foyt Enterprises: #14 Santino Ferrucci, #55 Benjamin Peterson; (4) Arrow McLaren: #5 Pato O’Ward, #6 Felix Rosenqvist, #7 Alexander Rossi, #66 Tony Kanaan; (2) Dreyer & Reinbold Racing: #23 Ryan Hunter-Reay, #24 Stefan Wilson; (3) Ed Carpenter Racing: #20 Conor Daly, #21 Rinus VeeKay, #33 Ed Carpenter; (2) Juncos Hollinger Racing: #77 Callum Ilott, #78 Augustn Canapino; (3) Team Penske: #2 Josef Newgarden, #3 Scott McLaughlin, #12 Will Power.

 

Honda (17)

(5) Andretti Autosport: #26 Colton Herta, #27 Kyle Kirkwood, #28 Romain Grosjean, #29 Devlin DeFrancesco, #98 Marco Andretti; (4) Chip Ganassi Racing: #8 Marcus Ericsson, #9 Scott Dixon, #10 Alex Palou, #11 Takuma Sato; (1) Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing: #51 Sting Ray Robb; (1) HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing: #18 David Malukas; (2) Meyer Shank Racing: #06 Helio Castroneves, #60 Simon Pagenaud; (4) Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: #15 Graham Rahal, #30 Jack Harvey, #44 Katherine Legge, #45 Christian Lundgaard.

 

Yes, I realize that the five Mikey A’ Cars are being run under three different Banners, but I Didn’t feel like typing All of that! As Dale Coyne and His veritable Alphabet Soup Brigade were taxing enough…

 

There are only three Rookies in this year’s field. With Benjamin Peterson, or Pederson it He’s being a Dane’ and Augustin Canapino for the Bowtie contingent. Whilst Sting Ray Robb is Honda’s lone entrant.

 

There’s also a massive nine former Indianapolis 500 winners in this year’s field: Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power, Alexander Rossi and Takuma Sato.

 

Nah, that wasn’t typed in Age before Beauty, Hya! But alphabetical order instead…

 

Whilst the only Big News were All Ah-Waitin’ with Baited breath. Is whether or not Indy NXT entrant Abel Motorsports in conjunction with the Enerson’s will be able to enter a 34th “One Off” Indy Only entry for R.C. enderson with a 17th Chevrolet engine lease?

 

For which I’m Arse-suming will be at least one of the “Talking Points” over the next two days testing at Mother Speedway. Along with whether or not anybody Sticks it Into the Wall, Err Safer Barrier? Which Y’all know RASSCAR’ invented; Buh-Buh-Believable!

 

Presumably coverage will be provided via Peacock and the IndyCar Radio Network. So Check your local listings as Always, since Arse-sumedly Testing has already begun this Morning… 

Remembering Indy Cars Greg Moore

As regardless of His Stats, like Max Papis says: Greg was A Bad Arse!

 

Today marks the Twenty-third Anniversary of Greg Moore’s Death at Fontana. And as usual, where Has the Time gone? As I was amazed it had been three years since this Great Interview by Marshall Pruett with Dario Franchitti, Max Papis and Paul Tracy was published. As it’s a Great video that’s definitely worth watching again! And I love Dario’s Wordsmithing; Noting the Johnny Fever Bus…

 

https://racer.com/2019/10/31/greg-moore-at-20-with-dario-franchitti-paul-tracy-max-papis-and-mike-zizzo/

 

Or Y’all can read what I scribbled Here upon No Fenders three years ago in the link below. Although unfortunately the ESPN RPM2Night Youtube video’s no longer available…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/10/indycar-greg-moore-20-years-on.html 

Ten Years later, Trick or Treating on IndyCar’s Past

But let’s Not forget the late, Great Justin B-I-G Unit’ Wilson…

 

Although DannyBoy Spike’ Wheldon perished 10 years ago this October 16^th, it’s kinda Sad and Funny that what I recall is that prior to watching the events of the Who’s Your Daddy Sweepstakes Spectale live on ABC that Fateful Day, and knowing almost immediately that Wheldon was Dead! Certainly long before it was publicly announced., which I just Deduced from several unspoken Clues.

 

Like Paul Tracy’s flatness in his tone when he simply said “It’s Not good” before Stoically walking away from the Cameras eye. Or the total lack of not Hustling the Emergency Helicopter away from the Pad,  as it casually warmed up it’s engines before a normal takeoff. While the Talking Heads just kept us occupied going round in circles awaiting News upon wheldon’s Condition…

 

No, I just recall that I’d already put to bed my upcoming week’s Canned No Fenders stories since I was flying off to The Valley of The Sun two days later for a week’s plus vacation. And when everybody in the IndyCar’s Universe’s Blogsites and Websites were simply “blowing Up!” Instead I was celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of Bill Muncey’s Death instead…

 

Hence, I waited a few weeks afterwards before posting the following No Fenders tome upon my thoughts on the Stupid, Wasteless Death of Dan Wheldon, for which I still hold true to today, even after having just read Marshall Pruett’s excellent two part retrospective 10 years later on Racer.com, denoting Randy Bernard’s Critics, for which I’m still one of! As this race should have never Happened! Regardless of the need to Spice up the Indy Racing League’s, Err IndyCar’s then dismal TV Ratings which Randy “the CandyMann” Bernard was so Hell Bent upon…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2011/10/indycar-taking-hard-look-in-mirror.html

 

While lest we forget? Today’s also the Anniversary of Greg Moore’s Death at Fontana’s California Speedway 22 years ago…

 

As you can read what I posted here on No Fenders two years ago about a Different Hoser’, The Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, aka James Hinchcliffe’s ties to Moore, along with a great Racer video interview celebrating this unfortunate milestone with fellow IndyCar racers Dario Franchitti, Max Papis and Paul Tracy.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/11/retro-moore-remembrances.html

 

Or my No Fenders tome on the 20^th Anniversary of Moore’s Death, which includes links to my long ago 2009 Trek to Ye Great White North, when paying Homage to the Fallen (CART) IndyCar Star by visiting the Greg Moore Gallery, in commemoration of then the 10^th Anniversary.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/10/indycar-greg-moore-20-years-on.html

 

Or lastly, Y’all can check out a long lost Post from that fine Kuhnaidiun’ lass Meesh’, who’s sadly left Ye IndyCar blogosphere awhile ago…

 

https://meeshbeer.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/remembering-the-good-times/

 

As sorry for All of the Hyperlinks Folks. But I was just trying to present some Treats from the past for Yuhs, whilst thoust Trick is thanks to being blind! Your Humble No Fenders Scribe can No longer adequately See to Highlight these links upon having been forced to upgrade to a Super bitchin’ 24-inch High Def Monitor. Since Not Always is Wider, Err Bigger Better for the Blind, but I digress…

 

Salute Dan, Greg, Justin and All the Others! 

RETRO: Doin' thee IndyCar Time Warp'

Tomaso posing with just three of the many racecars on Display at the Penske Racing Museum during Fall 2019 visit. ((The Tomaso Collection)

"In Another Dimension, Time's Fleeting, Madness Takes Control! It's Just A Jump to the Left, Put your Hand's on your Hips, Let's do The Time Warp again..."

Once again, your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso's burrowin' down another Wabbihole', which Y'all should really be used to by now, El Correctomundo?

As several thoughts struck me upon returning to my Numero Uno Arizona Haunt in Scottsdale; Uhm, can Y'all guess what it is? Yeah, it's the Penske Racing Museum, which I first learned of its existence via that long ago, Defunct TV Show called Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain. When Ye 'Ol Windbag' held court with El Capitano', nee Roger Penske live from thou museum Wayback circa 2005; Aye Karumba!

Cannot recall the last time I stepped foot into the museum, albeit several years ago now, while I'll admit I had mild reservations 'bout going this past November since I knew I would most likely not be able to see the cars, although I've seen most of them previously, especially several of the "Classic" Indianapolis 500 winners, i.e.; 1972, 1984-85-87-88, etc.

But what I enjoy most 'bout visiting, is there's always something new I haven't seen before on display, which case in point was the Mario Andretti 1979 Championship winning IROC Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. For which I'll confess I was momentarily Cornfuzed by...

As I pondered out loud to my museum Sherpa, No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel that I didn't think 'Ol SuperMario', nee Mario Andretti drove for Thee Captain that season since I knew he was busy defending his Formula 1 World Championship title for Lotus that year.

Mario Andretti's 1979 Championship winning IROC VI Camaro. ((The Tomaso Collection)

Although it Hit Me like A Two Ton Heavy Thing! Last May whilst the Media focused Magnanimously upon the 50th Anniversary of Mario's lone Indianapolis 500 victory, it was his eventual Team Penske replacement Rick Mears 40th Anniversary of his first of Four Indy 500 Wins! Which seems to have gone largely unnoticed.

As Y'all might enjoy my take upon Team Penske's racing pursuits, albeit labourisly Scribbled here on No Fenders now a Decade ago; Crikeys! Hmm, may be a sequel's warranted?

Penske's Willpower'

And perhaps I missed another Memo? As I've also now realized that it was also 40 years ago being the final season of McLaren Racing's exploits in IndyCar's.

Which I suppose I'm thinking of this largely due to that Mario IROC Camaro and the year 1979, Righto? although may be Thars' Somme-thun' eluding to that in the following video? That I Don't recall having watched last year when McLaren touted it's return to IndyCar with the No. 66 on its flanks.

VIDEO: Route 66 - McLaren Racing's return to Indianapolis

Having previously chronicled the exploits of McLaren's original IndyCar endeavours in another of my many No Fenders tomes...

McLaren at Indy

Continuing on this Wayback' theme, although I thought it prior to the occasion. Perhaps it's just Mwah, but isn't it ironic with the Official Completion of Roger Penske's purchase of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, January 6th. After the Shock announcement of this transaction late 2019.

Ironically, one of the Key Figures in the formation of then rival IndyCar Series CART, nee Championship Auto Racing Teams, which held its Debutante Season in 1979 was also a one Mr. Penske!

As we All know that CART would Feud with somebody with the initials TG', and his rival Indy Racing League, Most famously when Tony George infamously Decried his 25-8 Rule favouring his IRL Brethren at his family's hallowed Speedway in what ultimately became known forever as The Split!

And then four decades later, Shuhzamm! He'd sell the Whole Kit 'N Caboodle, nee Mother Speedway, the IndyCar Series and IMS Productions to El Capitano'; Strange Days indeed. As what A Waste!

Formation of CART: Dan Gurney's White Paper

Lastly, speakin' of Roger, McLaren and the number 66. I left the museum ponderin' if the Mark Donohue Porsche Carrera RSR I've seen previously there, albeit not on display this time round, perhaps was Donohue's 1974 IROC Championship winner?

Which I'm now 100% totally convince it is, as it's Funny how when I previously saw the 911 Panzerwagon I never wondered what it was? Or its significance in the scheme 'O Donohue's career, especially since it's his final Championship winning racecar.

But since I'm Not a RASSCAR' Fan! Which is essentially what I recall the IROC Series evolving into, I'm guessin' this had some unknown Knock-on effect upon my previous lack of Curiosity, perhaps?

And for those who Don't Know, Donohue, who won Penske's first Indianapolis 500 in 1972 did so in an McLaren M16 Offenhauser with the No. 66 on it.

Remembering Penske's first racer Mark Donohue - 40 Years after...

And if Fernando Alonso does indeed run the third Arrow McLaren SP Dallara-Chevrolet IndyCar at Mother Speedway this May, will it once again sport the No. 66 this time in the correct hue of Kiwi Orange?

NOTES

Let's Do the Time Warp Partial Song Lyrics taken from The Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie, 1975.

Racecars trio photo includes: Rick Mears 1984 #6 Pennzoil Special March 84C/Cosworth Indy 500 winner, Mark Donohue's 1974 #28 First National Travelers Checks Penske PC1/Cosworth DFV Formula 1 chassis, and the aforementioned Mario Andretti 1979 IROC Camaro.

(Photos c/o No Fenders Blogmeister' Miguel)