Five shiny Prancing Horses in Penske Auto Group’s
stable. (The Tomaso Collection)
Tomaso standing in front
of a row of five Ferrari’s: One is silver, than black, then red, then white,
then red.
Apologies for not having any description of what
Ferrari models these are? Parked outside at the Penske Auto Group’s Mega’
Dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Photo c/o Blogmeister Miguel
The perfect, exotic summer six pack of Prancing
Horses rounded up at Penske’s stable. (The Tomaso Collection)
Tomaso standing in front
of a row of Ferraris. (six of them) Gray, white, gray, gray, White and then
red.
Apologies for not having any description of what
Ferrari models these are? Parked outside at the Penske Auto Group’s Mega’
Dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Photo c/o Blogmeister Miguel
Hmm, that sure is a strange
lookin’ Ferrari Vern! (The Tomaso Collection)
As why is Supertramp’s Dreamer, You know You’re A
Dreamer song playing in my Head right now. You’re Nothing but A Dreamer,
Tomaso!
Trying to “Stitch” together the languishing
thoughts of another great visit to the Penske Racing Museum this past March.
Which naturally is fading away, since time simply marches on, Hut One-Two-four!
Traipsing
thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again
As here’s what I initially scribbled upon my
return home, which I’ve tried adding more context to, along with my usual
corrections…
A lone Lamborghini Huracan Evo sat parked
alongside a stable of Prancing Horses. Next to a Ferrari F8 Tributo, followed
by a Ferrari Roma. Then a pair of SF90 Stradale’s followed by quattro 296GTB’s;
ranging in cost from $320k to $400k, Aye Karumba! Although I believe that the
F8 Tributo was above $500,000, Sheisa!
Pretty sure I had another of my “Strike the
Pose” pictures snapped standing between a pair of Ferrari 488’s. Initially
thinking that one was a coupe and the
other being a Spyder model. Although later, Blogmeister’ Miguel informed me
they both appeared to be Coupes.
Have to say my only minor disappointment was
the fact that there were no 296 GTS models for sale, albeit these were the
previously owned models holding court outside in the Penske Auto Group’s voluminous
parking lot…
As how can one be disappointed with being able
to freely saunter around such a stunning collection of previously owned
Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s! While having Blinders for all of the other luxury
brands, i.e.; Aston Martin, Bentley, etc. Including the Joey “Sliced Bread”
Lagano Ford Mustang GT Taxicab Bomber, Zoink!
Ironically,
Lagano just broke “The King”, aka Richard Petty’s record for being the youngest
driver to reach 600 starts at Dover, being some six month younger than Petty…
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
But being Blind, have I mentioned that lately, Y’all? Naturally I was nervous
posing around such expensive automobile finery with my white cane. Which
contrary to many, is not a walking or hiking stick, seriously people?
Blogmeister Miguel made sure I didn’t get too
close to any of these beautiful Ferrari’s. Or whack ‘em with my cane!
Naturally I have zero clue what looks better?
The Huracan, F8 Tributo or Roma? Although I know which of these three I would
choose to own…
Thought that the F8 Tributo was the final
Ferrari built with its traditional V-8 engine, to which Miguel immediately told
me that the Roma had a V-8, so what do I know, Ci?
As both the F8 Tributo and Roma utilize
Ferrari’s Tipo 154 CV 3.9-litre twin turbocharged V-8 engine, that first
debuted in the 2013 488 GTB. Which contrary to my rudimentary knowledge of
Ferrari’s model naming conventions, for which there appears little, Ci? The 488
denotes the actual per “Cilindri” cubic volume (CC) of its v-8 engine. Hmm, I
just learned something new, Magnifico!
As the Tipo 154 V-8 engine was the first
turbocharged motor developed by Ferrari since the F40’s Tipo 120A Wayback’ in
1987.
Both the F8 Tributo and Roma utilize seven
speed sequential dry sump automatic transmissions. Arse-sumedly with Ferrari’s
de riggour steering wheel paddle shifters.
The F8 Tributo is a two door mid-engine layout,
whilst the Roma is a front engine 2+2 model. Both presumably with plenty “O
Horsepower to Giddie Up!
As the F8 Tributo has 710bhp on “tap” to
claimed 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. 0-124mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 211mph,Magnifico!
Whilst Road & Track reportedly flogged
their U.S. spec model thru the Quarter mile in 10.3 seconds at 132.8mph. Making
Ferrari’s 0-100kp/h (62mph) and 0-200kp/h (124mph) claims slower then stated,
but its still no slouch!
The SF90 Stradale, a la F8 Tributo also debuted
in 2019. While the soon to be out of production Roma debuted in 2020. And is la
Scuderia’s first plug-in hybrid automobile It uses a slightly enlarged
4.0-litre version of the Tipo 154 V-8 twin-turbo engine, which as been produced
in four various capacities.
Fitted with an eight speed dual clutch
automatic dry sump transmission. The car utilizes three electric motors, one on
the transmission, and one on each front wheel. Developing a staggering 986bhp
total output!
Ferrari claims the SF90 can reach 0-62mph in
2.5 seconds, 0-124mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed also of 211mph. Which
I’d say is very impressive since I’d Arse-sume the electric motors and battery
add significant weight to the car.
The SF90 Stradale comes in two body
configurations, i.e.; Berlinetta or Spyder. The latter being an electronically
driven retractable hardtop.
While the 296 GTB’s seem almost not worth
discussing, especially with four various “garden” variety 296 GTB’s parked
together.
But its hard to scoff at any Ferrari, and the
296 GTB is a serious piece of Kit as those Bloody Brits would say. Even if it
utilizes a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V-6 in place of la Scuderia’s traditional V-8
engines…
Joey Lagano’s No. 22 Ford Mustang GT racecar photo inside Penske Racing Museum c/o Blogmeister Miguel.
Miller High Life March 85C on display at the Penske
Racing Museum. (The Tomaso Collection)
If only Jacob Abel could have found one of those
missing three miles per hour Sunday…
This riveting No Fenders story is about ‘Ol
Hollywood’, aka Danny Sullivan. Yet Just to put things into perspective.
Reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou tied Sullivan’s, Tony Kanaan and Jimmy
Murphy’s career tally of 17 wins at road America on just His 90th start!
As the Spaniard, who’s truly having a magical
season, had 17 wins, 38 podiums and eight poles in 90 starts. While Sullivan
had 17 wins, 40 podiums and 19 poles from 171 starts over 12 years, double
Palou’s “short” career to date.
Danny Sullivan came back upon my radar,
presumably like most for it being the 40th anniversary of that most memorable
Spin ‘n win Indianapolis 500 victory on May 26, 1985; which I still believe is
the first modern day Indy 500 I watched on television.
VIDEO: Danny Sullivan’s 1985
Indianapolis 500
It was fun hearing the old soundbite of IMS
Radio Network’s call of the 1985 Indianapolis 500 during the pre-race build-up Sunday
morning for this year’s race. As Paul Page, who turns 80 this November 25th,
certainly sounds His age today, which obviously is part of the aging process we
All experience…
Funniest bit in Page’s post-race live interview
40yrs ago is Sully’ saying He’d read the scoreboard wrong and thought there
were only 14-laps remaining and it was time to G-O when He spun passing Mario!
Which was actually only lap 140…
Along with Sully’ repeatedly yelling Mamma!
Before Page asked who’s that Danny? That’s my mamma! During the live winner’s
interview in victory lane; then being 35yr old.
Daniel John Sullivan III was born on March 9,
1950 in Louisville, Kentucky, which is also where current IndyCar driver Jacob
Abel hails from.
Sullivan who was a Lumberjack and New York City
Taxi driver before becoming a racing star, cut His racing teeth with a 21st
birthday gift to the Jim Russell Driving School in Jolly ‘Ol England.
Sullivan made His CART PPG IndyCar world Series
debut in 1982 for Forsythe Racing at the Stroh’s 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway,
and contested two rounds that year, i.e.; Atlanta and Indianapolis.
Driving Forsythe Racing’s No. 33 March 82C
Cosworth, Sullivan finished an impressive third upon debut at Atlanta. Before making
His rookie debut in that year’s Indianapolis 500. With fellow rookies Chet
Fillip, Chip Ganassi, Herm Johnson, Jim Hickman, Roger Mears, Bobby Rahal,
Hector Rebaque and Dale Whittington.
As this was the race where ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee
A.J. Foyt infamously called Kevin Cogan that Damn Coogan! As Danny qualified
13th and finished P14 after crashing in Turn 4 on lap 148.
For 1983, Sullivan drove for the Tyrrell
Formula 1 team at the behest of the team’s primary sponsor Benetton, who wanted
an American driver in F1. As Sullivan’s highlight would be finishing fifth in
Monaco before being let go at season’s end.
Returning Stateside, Danny joined Doug
Shierson’s race team and promptly won three races during the 1984 IndyCar
season. Including His debutante win at Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront racetrack.
Followed by wins at Pocono, ironically the team’s primary sponsor’s Domino’s
Pizza 500. And the Molson Indy 300 at the Sanair Super Speedway in Quebec,
where future Penske teammate Ric Mears had a nasty crash that year!
Having finished fourth overall in the ’84
IndyCar Championship with five podiums, Sully’ moved to Penske Racing,
alongside teammates :Rocket” Rick Mears and Big al’, ergo Al Unser Sr.
As how many of us remember that Pancho Carter
won the 1985 Indianapolis 500 pole? Or that Mario Andretti started fourth and
Sullivan started eighth…
The zenith of Sully’s racing career came in
1988 when driving that beautiful gold Miller Beer car, nee Miller High Life for
Team Penske. Winning four races that season, including Portland. Amassing eleven
podiums and nine pole positions enroute to winning the CARTPPG IndyCar World
championship.
Whilst Danny would drive for El Capitano’, nee
Roger Penske until the end of 1990. Capping His Penske career by winning His
final race at Laguna Seca,after leading wire-to-wire from pole.
Next, Sullivan spent one forgettable season at
Patrick Racing with its recalcitrant Alfa Romeo project. Then two fraught years
with His final two IndyCar wins as ‘lil Al’s (Unser Jr) Galles Draco teammate,
and then a subpar partial season for local PacWest Racing in ’95 before
retiring from Open wheel Racing after a major shunt during the Michigan 500.
Having regaled
Y’all a decade ago with more esoteric ramblings upon ‘Ol Hollysood’ in the
following No fenders tome…
Sullivan also tried His hand at Touring Cars
races for Alfa Romeo and NASCAR. Along with making a total of four 24 Hours of
Le Mans starts. With His best finish being third in the 1994 24 Heurs du Mans
with Hans-Joachim Stuck and Thierry Boutsen, driving the Dauer 962 Le Mans
entry.
Meanwhile, back when I could still “See”, I
recall that the Team Penske Miller High Life March 85C was the only Indy 500
winner on display with a “Duckbill” nose, which I interpreted as being a road
course nose. Since every other Indianapolis 500 winner on display at the Penske
Racing Museum had needle nose’s. For which I’ve got no idea what shows up in
the picture above?
Whilst I was disappointed that the legendous’
Spin ‘n Win car wasn’t on display at the Penske Racing Museum this March. For
which it apparently showed up in Gasoline alley in May. Along with the man
Himself, now 75 years old taking a celebratory lap of honour Sunday morning.
Which I suppose makes it even more disappointing that Jacob Abel wasn’t able to qualify His Dale Coyne Racing’s Dallara DW12 Honda replete in Miller High Life livery for this year’s 109th running of that ‘lil Oval race held now each Memorial Day weekend…
2023 Shell V-Power Nitro+ IndyCar. (The Tomaso Collection)
Front view of Josef Newgarden’s 2023 Team Penske
Indianapolis 500 winner, replete with de riggour Aeroscreen.
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Side view of Shell V-Power Nitro+ Dallara DW12
Chevrolet. (The Tomaso Collection)
Here’s Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Team Penske
chassis, winner of the 107th Indianapolis 500 on display in Scottsdale.
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Menards 2019 Dallara DW12 Chevrolet. (The Tomaso
Collection)
Front view of Simon Pagenaud’s 2019 Menards Team
Penske IndyCar. Winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500.
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Side view of Menards 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner. (The
Tomaso Collection)
Here’s Simon Pagenaud’s bright, neon green Menards
2019 Indianapolis 500 winner on display in Scottsdale. As Symone’, nee
Pageantry’ (Simon Pagenaud) gave John Menard His debutante Indy 500 winners
ring, after forty years of frustration!
Long ago Bruce Martin story on John Menard’s path
to finally claiming victory in the Indianapolis 500.
https://www.indycar.com/News/2019/05/05-29-BMartin-John-Menard
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Verizon Dallara DW12 Chevrolet IndyCar. (The Tomaso
Collection)
On display at the Penske Racing Museum this March,
sat DJ WillyP’s, aka Will Power’s shiny red Verizon racecar He drove to victory
at the final Belle Isle IndyCar race in 2022, along with winning that year’s
Astor Cup aboard.
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Scott McLaughlin’s 2018 Supercars Championship
winning Ford Falcon on display in Scottsdale. (The Tomaso Collection)
As no jokes about ScottyMac’ needing His Ford
Falcon to bounce off the walls at Mother Speedway. Or Team Penske’s travails
during Ye Month ‘O May…
In what’s become a cherished tradition during
every visit to The Valley of The Sun, once again your Humble No Fenders Scribe
Tomaso was blissfully ensconced in the Penske Racing Museum this past March.
Some three weeks plus after my latest visit, I
suddenly found myself wondering if my recollection of my inaugural visit was
correct? To which I’m happy to say it was fairly spot-on nearly twenty years
later. Albeit it was actually November 30, 2005 when I first set foot inside
the Penske Racing Museum thanks solely to Blogmeister Miguel taking me there.
Having seen El Capitano talking to Ye ‘Ol Windbag Dave Despain on Wind Tunnel
the same year from the museum…
Although it slays me now, I guess I really
shouldn’t be surprised that I launched a nine page story on my first visit to
la Museo some 13yrs ago. For which if you’re inclined. Whale’ Yuhs better be
Damn well inclined or comfy if you’re gonna read All Gory 4,253 words written
in Thy No Fenders Post, Aye Karumba!
http://www.nofenders.net/2012/04/penske-racing-museum-inaugural-visit.html
Arriving at 1PM, Blogmeister Miguel and I
accidently walked into the adjoining Aston Martin dealership, where we were
immediately met by a friendly Salesman curtly asking if He could help us? To
which Miguel seeing the rest of our party waving at us thru the glass walls,
said I guess the museum is next door…
The first IndyCar chassis encountered was Josef
Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner. Followed by His 2017
Championship winning mount. Other various IndyCars sat on display, including
two Norton Gould Rick Mears cars. Mears 1984 No. 6 “Yellow Submarine” Indy 500
winner. Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ read to me the information plaque upon Tom sneva’s
racecar that He set the first official 200mph lap at the Brickyard in.
Gil de Feran’s 100th race winning Reynard/Honda
resplendent in Team Penske’s long standing Marlboro white with Dayglo red also
graced the museum’s main floor. Being the car that won El Capitano His “Ton” of
IndyCar victories, becoming the first ever IndyCar team to do so.
Along with Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500
winner, there were a further three chassis I’d never “seen” before. One being
the red No. 12 Verizon of Will Power, the Aussie’s 2022 mount that He won the
final Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle, along with that year’s Astor Challenge
Cup aboard. Nee 2022 IndyCar Series title.
Both Blogmeister Miguel and Artiste Dave were
“wowed” by and audaciously bright neon lime green IndyCar bellowing to Symone’,
nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud. Being Simon’s 2019 Menard Indianapolis 500
winner.
The fourth and final “New” car that initially
stumped me as Snowbyrd MJ’ said it was the #17 of ScottyMac’s, Huh? Turned out
to be Scott McLaughlin’s No. 17 Ford Falcon FG X racecar that He campaigned for
FordDJR Team Penske between 2017-18. The last Falcon model raced Down Under in
V-8 Supercars.
As it makes sense that the car that Mclaughlin
first came tantalizingly close to winning the 2017 Supercars Championship with,
and then securing the first of His three consecutive Supercars titles in 2018
with, is now proudly on display in Scottsdale.
https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/mclaughlin-reunites-with-first-supercars-title-winner/
Also, initially I was Cornfuzed’ over why
Newgarden’s 2023 Indy 500 winner wasn’t the same chassis that He used to repeat
winning in 2024? And I still hadn’t figured it out some three weeks later,
until No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets came up with a close answer.
Whale’, at least He pointed Mwah in the right direction…
Having “read”, err listened to the IndyStar’s
article on the gala reopening of the IMS Museum, which includes the Penske
Gallery. Replete with the 1988, 1994, 2009 and 2024 Indianapolis 500 winning
chassis on loan. Along with Penske Racing’s first Indianapolis 500 entry, Mark
Donohue’s 1969 Lola T152. And the winner from El Capitano’, aka roger Penske’s
very first trip to Mother speedway in 1951.
Do Y’all know the answer to this riveting
trivia question? Time’s up, put them pencils down…
Yep, that’s right, the 2024 Dallara DW12
chassis featured the new for that season’s Hybrid Energy Recovery System, (ERS)
adding some 100lbs to the ageless DW12 racecar. Having made it’s 200th start at
St Pete one year ago!
Although IndyCar didn’t introduce the Hybrid
ERS system until Mid-Ohio in July, 2024. I’m 86% certain that the 2024 Dallara
DW12 was decked out with the new magnesium bell housing/transmission casing and
other ERS ancillaries, minus the ERS unit…
Hence, Arse-suming this Dallara DW12 also
included the auxiliary “plumbing” systems. Most notably the right hand side ERS
cooling radiator, that Chevrolet teams used the “blocker” plate , louver or
whatever they’re called at the Thermal Club this year to negative effect. When
the increased temperature sent the ERS into “limp” mode to preserve itself from
overheating!
Or was it simply the fact that I heard sometime
this May that Penske simply pulls every Indianapolis 500 winner out of service
for posterity’s sake to be displayed in perpetuity?
Naturally, as time marches on, and we’ve just
wrapped up another vaunted “Month of May”. Especially with how crazy this
year’s race was! I’m beginning to forget what else was on hand? Although I know
Mark Donohue’s 1973 IROC Porsche 911 Carrera RSR was there. Along with El
Capitano’s 1963 Catalina NASCAR Tintop’.
Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that the 1972 Hurst
Oldsmobile Pace Car was on display. Although I don’t remember if Donohue’s 1972
McLaren M16 Sunoco Indy 500 winner was on display?
And although I knew it wouldn’t be there, I was
still disappointed that one of the Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsch 963’s
weren’t present. Then again, Id Arse-sume that the All conquering No. 7 will
once day in the future grace the Penske Racing Museum.
And that’s just a slice of what was Thar’, since I didn’t even mention Joey “Sliced bread” Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500 winning Pennzoil Ford fusion, or All of the “Eye Candy” outside the museum…
An upright, mobile Tomaso poses with a brace ‘O
Prancing Horses. (The Tomaso Collection)
What do you mean, I can’t take my Easter Basket
thru Security?
Yeah, as I’m surrounded to the tranquil sounds
of a chainsaw, Timber! Hopefully just “pruning” the bushes? As I prefer my
shade trees, Numbskulls! And in lieu of hunting for chocolate Bunnies,
Marshmallow Peeps, Jellybeans, etc. I thought I’d serenade Y’all with this
Easter tale of woe. Or should that be Lake woebegone?
This March I went to Arizona, being the first
time I’ve flown on a Big ‘Ol Jetliner post Open Heart surgery, for which I was
somewhat apprehensive over going thru security now with “metal” in my body. As
not only do I have a mechanical heart valve, to which I have zero clue over
it’s materials composition, but supposedly also carry stainless steel “bailing”
wire around my sternum that was cut in half…
SO I asked the friendly Check-in Agent, who
breezily said to tell TSA when I got to security. Then I awaited my “Chariot”,
Err wheelchair to take me to my Gate. Since I’ve long since given up “fighting”
over going by wheelchair thru crowded airports, which really is the easiest way
for all involved.
Thus, a very no-nonsense, curt, All business
woman briskly pushed me to my Gate, first going thru security. As I repeated my
inquiry about my heart valve when handing my ticket and ID to the first
security worker, who once again just said tell TSA.
Now in years past, after I’ve removed my shoes,
put them, my folding white cane, backpack, etc. into the bins for screening,
I’ve always been allowed to walk thru the X-Ray machine with the assistance of
a TSA worker guiding me thru by taking my hand. Yet little did I know this
wouldn’t be an option on this trip! For which I wasn’t even asked about, or
given the option. Which I must say I found disconcerting…
But first I had to deal with the woman
assisting me, who was very gruff and apparently didn’t understand what being
Blind means? Curtly telling me to put my boots in the bin, on the table. Uhm,
Hello? Do you realize I’m Freakin’ blind and cannot see the table or bin
sister! As the “fun” was only beginning!
Little did I know that I’d be receiving a full
body pat-down. With the TSA security worker explaining how He would be running
the back of His hand in a horizontal and vertical motion over my groin and
buttocks, Swell! After telling me to raise my arms up and hold them like
somebody on a cross. Hey, after all the Easter Bunny does make Her yearly
appearance today, Righto?
Telling me I could remain seated in the
wheelchair, but to hold my arms up as He ran His hands over them, before
patting down both the front and back of my torso, beginning with my backside…
Before He got to my buttocks, He inserted His fingers
inside my jeans waistband. Yo Dude, you’re getting a Wee bitamyte’ Frisky! Before
asking me to slide to the right and left of the chair, and raise my buttocks
into the air for Him. As I lifted one butt cheek at a time, before it was time
for my frontal lobotomy, Err probe of my groin, Ooh la lah! Before He
thoroughly patted down my legs to my ankles on both sides, with All of this
“screening” occurring in full public view, since I’d declined the “privacy”
screening…
And as I sat there being frisked, I suddenly
realized that I’d brought my metal Hiking water bottle fully filled. Musing to
myself kiss that goodbye! Before a female security agent pleasantly asked if
I’d like Her to empty it for me? Yes, that would be wonderful, after She’d
inquired if I had water inside it? Not only putting it back into the plastic
bag I had it in, to prevent having a wet backpack. But also put the twisty
“zip-tie” back on it…
Then my friendly wheelchair attendant, HaHa!
Told me to put on my boot, which you guessed it, were on the table, Sigh! And
then just pushed me to my Gate, said it’s right in front of you and simply
walked off without saying a word.
Parked at my Gate a half hour before boarding,
suddenly Southwest Airlines made a Gate change announcement for my flight, as
my waiting area simply became a Ghost town with me being the only person left
there in my forlorn wheelchair, WTF? Wondering if somebody was going to
“collect” me? But nothing happened…
As I started to get a little bit concerned
after they’d made the second Gate change announcement for my flight and I still
sat alone. Hearing what sounded like an Airport worker nearby, I unfolded my
cane and prudently called out to this
lone man in the concourse. Hearing His walkie talkie squawking “Airport-speak”,
asking if He worked here? Who then summoned somebody to come get me, take me to
the new Gate, which thankfully I made my flight!
Ah Contrair, the
fun’s just beginning, as that was only round one of going thru security.
And it’s funny, Haha?
How each airport does their security screening. Since in Phoenix I didn’t
bother to remove my portable CD player from my backpack. Hey, everybody still
uses those, Righto? But Gee Wally! My backpack made it fine thru the x-ray
machine without removing it, which I’d done in Seattle…
Yep, you guessed it.
Once again, I got to be up close ‘n personal with a TSA security agent for
another wheelchair pat-down. Although I had zero clue that this would be an
enhanced full body pat-down! Being the youngest of the three wheelchair bound
travelers; with a woman who was 81 and a man 72, I just sat there parked alone
for several minutes.
Then two agents
approached me and asked if I had anything to declare? Telling them about my
heart valve and bailing wire, they asked if I was able to stand for 4-7mins?
Standing upright,
once again I got to spread my arms like being on a cross. Before the one man
said I could put them down after He’d seen my one hand shaking apparently?
After they’d been thoroughly patted down.
Now, not only did I
get to have my buttocks and groin patted down with the backs of His palms. But
this time they had me give myself a “wedgie!” Asking me to pull my jeans
waistband up as high as it would go and then hold it there!
Yet first I needed to
remove the empty plastic produce bag I’d forgotten was in my rear pants pocket.
With the agent asking if I could remove it for Him please. Which He handed back
to me later…
As I hiked up my
jeans, holding them by the empty belt loop on each side, once again a hand
slipped inside my waistband front and back. And then He asked me if I could
spread my legs? A little further, please…
As the second man
then instructed the one patting me down, where to thoroughly frisk me. Making me guess He must
have been in training? He lightly “caressed” the insides of my groin down to my
ankles before I could put my legs back together. Then said I could get back
into the wheelchair, before my much friendlier male wheelchair attendant
collected me.
Putting on my boots,
the other male wheelchair bound member of our trio, who’d apparently watched
these proceedings bemusedly proclaimed
to Mwah afterwards: My Gawd, I didn’t know I was traveling with Osama Bin
laden!
Having watched the
TSA agent search every inch of my body from neck to toes front and back
thoroughly!
And that’s just a
“small” flavour of some of my Blind travel Hijinx
As just don’t Call me
Shirley! Roger-Roger. Guess I picked a Bad day to Quit sniffing Glue, Hya!
As sing it Bon Scott. It’s a long way to the Top if
you wanna Rock ‘n roll!
Thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’, I
learned about aspiring IndyCar driver Jace Denmark earlier this year, who hails
from Phoenix, Arizona. Having previously scribbled about Him on No Fenders in
the following tome.
http://www.nofenders.net/2024/05/an-aspiring-racer-named-jace.html
Thus, I’ve been loosely following Jace’s USF
Pro 2000 season exploits. After learning how tantalizingly close He came to
winning the 2022 U.S. F2000 National Championship vs. Pabst Racing teammate
Myles Rowe, who finished runner-up by a scant six points While Michael
d’Orlando driving for Cape Motorsports “Zoom Zoomed” past the two Sparring
teammates enroute to the title.
Myles Rowe won the 2023 USF Pro 2000
Championship, scoring five wins and four Poles enroute to the title in His
rookie season. Seeing Rowe graduate to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports and His
backers Force Indy.
Fellow rookie Michael d’Orlando finished fourth
overall, with six total podiums, including four wins whilst amassing seven
Poles! Also made the leap to Indy NXT for 2024, albeit with less than expected
results. As d’Orlando was plagued with funding issues and only ran a partial
season for Andretti Cape Indy NXT.
Jace Denmark who finished third overall in
the year’s prior U.S. F2000 National championship, 18 points behind Rowe. Finished
seventh in His maiden USF Pro 2000 Championship season. With three podiums; a
pair of thirds and a second place finish.
For 2024, Denmark was second for much of the
season before slipping to third overall, ten points behind eventual runner-up
Nikita Johnson. As Denmark scored a frustrating five second place finishes,
plus a trio of third place finishes, for a total of eight podiums.
Meanwhile, another aspiring IndyCar driver from
South of The Border named Ricardo Escotto finished 13th overall in
the 2023 USF Pro 2000 championship with one top ten finish, a win at Indianapolis
Moto speedway’s road course’s first round. Then followed up His sophomore USF
Pro 2000 season finishing ninth overall, with just two third place finishes to
His credit.
As Y’all may be wondering why I drug Escotto’s
name into the mix? Well, that’s because Andretti Cape Indy NXT has announced
the Mexican driver as the Piloto’ of its No. 3 entry for 2025. Presumably with
one more seat to fill for next year…
Of
the 22 drivers participating, Myles Rowe, whose joined Abel Motorsports for His
sophomore Indy NXT campaign was quickest. As Rowe finished P11 in His rookie
Indy NXT campaign for HMD Motorsports with Force Indy.
Second
quickest was rookie Dennis Hauger. As the Norwegian, who won the 2021 Formula 3
championship, along with winning five races in Formula 2 will drive for
Andretti Global next year.
As could Hauger become the heir apparent to The
Viking’, aka Anders Krohn?
Aussie’
Lochie Hughes, this year’s USF Pro 2000 champion, also driving for Andretti
Global was third quickest. Moving up to Indy NXT next year courtesy of His USF
Pro 2000 title prize fund.
Fourth
fastest was Callum Hedge, testing with Abel Motorsports. As the Kiwi who just
celebrated His 21st birthday raced for HMD Motorsports this year, finishing
fourth overall in His rookie Indy NXT season. And previously won the overlooked
(Formula Regional) FR Americas title in
2023.
Rounding
out the top five was rookie Kiwi’ Liam Sceats behind the keyboard of one of HMD
Motorsports six car armada, or is it nine? As ironically Sceats finished fifth
overall in this year’s USF Pro 2000 Championship. Winning His maiden race at
the second of the Indianapolis Motor speedway’s road course triple header in
May.
Meanwhile,
Jace Denmark tested for Andretti Cape Indy NXT once again. Having tested with
them last October. With Jace finishing P14 overall.
Being only the second time He’s tested an Indy NXT racecar. And possibly takes
solace from outqualifying Christian Brooks. (P16)
As Brooks was Denmark’s Pabst teammate this
season, along with also driving for HMD Motorsports in Indy NXT. Taking over
the vacated seat of IndyCar bound Nolan siegel.
Escotto finished a respectable ninth overall.
Yet the Mexican driver contested five races for Juncos Hollinger Racing this
season. Making His Indy NXT debut on the “Mean” Streets of Detroit, and now is
set for His first full season Indy NXT campaign.
As the burning $64k question is can Jace Denmark land one of the coveted, remaining Indy NXT seat next year? As Denmark recently left Pabst Racing after a successful four seasons stint with Auggie Pabst’s championship winning team…
As Hopefully He’ll be Strummin’ His way to the Indy
NXT Championship next year…
Typically I pay very scant attenzione to the
myriad of Open Wheel Racing Feeder Series, since my Cranium’s already crowded way
too mucho with the Big boyz’ series, i.e.; IndyCar, Formula 1, Sports Cars and MotoGP…
Thus thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd
MJ’, I recently learned about aspiring Open Wheel Racing driver Jace Denmark,
who hails from Phoenix, Arizona.
Jace will turn 20 on July 1st and currently
competes for Pabst Racing in the USF Pro 2000 Championship, and is currently
ranked fifth overall after five of 18 rounds.
As most aspiring racers these days, Jace Denmark
began racing Karts at the tender age of five, and has been racing ever since.
As I don’t know the results of His Karting career, other than His website
claims He represented the United States at the Rotax Grand Finals in Sarno,
Italy in 2022, finishing eighth overall for Team USA.
From what I can tell, Jace made His single
seater debut in the 2020 United States Formula 4 Championship. Although contesting just three races for DC Autosport,
finishing 23rd overall.
The following year, He began the year by
contesting three rounds of the F1600 Championship series for K-hill Motorsports
with a ranking of P27.
Next, Jace graduated to the U.S. F2000 National
Championship, then the first run on the Road to Indy ladder system. Joining Pabst
Racing, where His teammates were Yuven Sundramoorthy and Josh Pierson. With
Pierson hailing from Portland, Oregon.
Denmark had a typical rookie season, claiming
His maiden podium finish at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park enroute to
finishing 11th overall.
For 2022, Denmark remained with Pabst Racing
for His Breakout season. Having won four races that season,
including my “Home” track Portland International Raceway. Along with six Pole
positions and nine podiums.
Jace began by winning the season opener at St
Pete in round one, before notching His second W’ at Road America in June.
Then at season’s end, Jace went on what
appeared to be a “Hot” streak, winning back-to-back races. First Up North Eh!
Winning at Toronto from Pole. Followed by winning race one of Portland’s triple
header season finale that decided that
year’s U.S. F2000 National championship, which He finished third overall.
I say Hot streak since Jace started from Pole
for All three of Portland’s title deciding races. Being in a three-way title
shootout for the 2022 U.S. F2000 championship vs. teammate Myles Rowe and
DEForce Racing’s Michael D’Orlando
As it was rounds two-three which changed the
eventual outcome for whom would become champion. As Rowe broke the Cardinal
rule of racing; Don’t take out your Teammate! Driving over Denmark’s rear wheel
and leaving the door wide open for Mac Clark to inherit the win.
On an interesting sidenote, Clark became the
F1600 Championship series Canada’s youngest ever champion when winning 14 of 15
races in 2020. And at age 16, He broke the long standing record of somebody
known as PT’, Sugar Ray tracy’, The Thrill from the West Hill! Or simply Paul
Tracy…
Trailing championship points leader Rowe by a
scant six points. The final saw Jace on Pole Hit once again in Portlan’d
Turn-1. This time being punted by Thomas Nepveu, tumbling out of the points!
Whilst Rowe also struggled with contact before finishing fifth. With D’Orlando
claiming the chequored Flag and the championship title to boot
As Jace’s teammate Rowe
finished the season with 5 wins. While both D’Orlando and Denmark finished with
4 wins apiece.
For 2023, Jace, along with Bosom Buddy Rowe
both graduated to USF Pro 2000 with Pabst Racing. Where Rowe would go onto take
the championship title, while Jace finished seventh.
For 2024, now in His fourth season with Pabst
Racing, Denmark is contesting His sophomore USF Pro 2000 campaign, and is
currently ranked fifth overall with 77 points.
Having claimed two podium finishes at the
recent triple header weekend at Nola Motorsports Park. Finishing third in
Race-1, and second in Race-3. Although everybody’s currently chasing Velocity
Racing Development’s Nikita Johnson!
As Denmark’s teammates this season are
Christian Brooks and Simon Sikes, the latter being the reigning U.S. F2000
National Championship champion. Whilst I’ll admit I know nothing about Brooks…
As you can check out the USF Pro 2000 series
and the rest of the USF Pro Championships “Junior” support series this weekend on
Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course. (May 9-11)
While you can visit Jace’s website at:
jacedenmark.com
Good Luck Jace!
What’s that well used slogan ‘bout What Happens in
Las Vegas, Uhm Stays in Vegas…
Perhaps it’s just Mwah? But I was simply
Cornfuzed over the time F1, ostensibly Liberty Media decided to host it’s
inaugural “Ninety Nine percent” Showcase Las Vegas Grand Prix at.
Here upon the West coast, you needed to have a
score card to keep track of the Dizzying’ (Walt Disney) Network of Shopping
channels Formula 1 was being aired upon. With Thursday night’s FP1 (Free
Practice) on le Deusch’, aka ESPN2 at 8:25PM Pacific. And FP2 on ESPN at
11:55PM; both being One Hour and five minutes duration.
Friday’s FP3 session was on ESPN U at 8:25PM
before Qualie’ bounced over to ESPN at 11:55PM; both being 65mins airings.
Before the race on Saturday Nite’, what’s that Sir Elton? (John) About Saturday
Night’s Alright for Fighting…
With Saturday night’s TV coverage with the ridiculous
85mins Preamble beginning at 8:30PM Pacific. Followed by race coverage starting
at 9:55PM, lasting for a further Two Hours and five minutes, provided No Red
flags or Safety Cars were deployed!
Having never been real good on ryth-Muh-tickin’,
with No Fenders Offical’ Potographer Carpets constantly reminding Mwah that
Indianapolis, along with the desired East Coast TV market is plus three Hours
ahead of the West Coast. Meaning that the race itself won’t see the Starting lights
going Green until a skosh after 1AM Eastern!
Making me wonder who’s this race really being
held for? The vaunted U.S. market that’s being discussed Ad Nausea? Or instead
for the British to have something to watch during their breakfast instead?
As that was before Thursday night’s Debacle! Y’all
know when a concrete “frame” came loose around a Manhole cover that caught out
an unexpecting Carlos Sainz Jr! Effectively writing off His Ferrari SF23
chassis after only eight minutes of Free Practice 1! Not to mention also
seriously damaging Estabon Ocon’s Alpine when the Frenchman too collided with
the errant Manhole cover, WHAMOE!
As I find it
totally inconceivable that Sainz was forced to incur a 10-place Grid Penalty
for excessive PU (Power Unit) components usage due to this accident, and not of
His own making! And that the FIA has No Force Majure clause in it’s sporting
regulations for such outcomes!
And do Not even get me started on the El Stupidio’,
Err Stupendous Olympic themed Opening Ceremonies Bullshit! Y’all know when Max
Verstappen said He felt like a Clown!
As a Huge part of Mwah wanted to simply Boycott
“watching”, Err listening to any of the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend’s
theatrics!
Although like watching a train wreck or really
bad traffic accident. I was semi-intrigued over how Horrific the Pre-race
Rope-ah-dope F1 Driver introductions would be?
And it sounded like that many of the insanely
overpriced “Hospitality” Grand Stand seats would be empty! While General
Admission tickets were sold out, with would be Fans clambering for more GA
availability! Especially if Y’all gotta pay to stay in some Vegas Strip’s
Hotel? Not to mention Air Fare and presumably a rental car to boot?
And that was before the possibility of All of
the major Hotel’s Chefs being on Strike, Gobble-Gobble!
Not to mention the CEO of Liberty Media taking
the extraordinary step of publicly Apologizing to the local Las Vegas residents
for the Disruption to their Daily lifes! All of which made me Flash back to Phoenix,
Arizona’s Iceberg Grand Prix! Which was much unloved by locals for the same
reasons. Not to mention being outdrawn by a rival Ostrich Festival!
https://www.grandprix.com/news/liberty-issues-public-apology-for-las-vegas-f1-chaos.html
Although I’m not sure how much of an “Apology”
Gregory Maffei was making by telling the people of Las Vegas that His event
would net them $1.7b as in Billion! Revenue for hosting the event.
Now may be I’m still cornfuzed, But? Liberty
Media’s trumpeting how they want to make Las Vegas’s Grand Prix the Bestest Fan
experience ever! But with General Admission tickets reportedly costing
$1,156.00, which basically equates to $400 per day being sold out. And Grandstand
tickets starting at an outrageously eye watering $11,247.00! Which Fans are
Liberty Media pandering too? And Yes, I realize it’s a business, but five
nights minimum stay in a Hotel, Yada-Yada-Yada!
Not to mention racing in 50 degrees Fahrenheit
with Rain expected! Along with Yuhs know it, Stupendous Drivers introduction
just makes me shake my Head in Disgust, and wonder who is this race really for?
Having been a true Fan of Formula 1 for nearly 40
years now, and supporting F1 Stateside thru it’s “lean” times when nobody but
Hard core Fans followed it. I find myself completely turned off by the Disgusting
Spectale’ Liberty Media’s turned this Bombastic Grand Prix Uhm, race into!
And with it’s truly being “99% Show and 1%
Sporting Event!” I personally decided to Boycott “watching”, Err listening to Any
of the weekend’s TV coverage, which is one of the few reasons I still pay an
outrageous amount for Cable TV…
As I’d say I made the right choice for at least
Thursday night’s Blunder, err “show”. As (Free Practice) FP2 was delayed two
and a half Hours in order to inspect All of the track’s Manhole covers! With
Fans being forced to go Home instead of attending the 2:30AM Pacific start
time, for an extended 90mins practice. Because of a lack of Security personnel!
With practice ending at Gory 4AM, WTF!
Whilst I was doing a rain dance in Oregon for
Friday night’s Qualie’ session…
As I far more care about the MotoGP Championship instead! And simply tuned into Sunday’s 90mins “packaged” Qatar Grand Prix instead. Where the temperatures were cooler than Formula One’s Farcical event in October! Not to mention being a far more competitive Sporting event…