Languid thoughts upon De Ferran and Indy Cars future

As 56 is way too early to die!

 

Nah, No April fools Jokes here upon No Fenders today Kiddoes! Other than the only Joke is that I’m posting this story just now, that I began scribbling upon the first weekend of January. When my, and countless others emotions were still raw over the untimely Death of Gil de Ferran at age 56!

 

Although I suppose in another bout of Tomfoolery’, Uhm, we’re a week removed from the Whose your Daddy Thermal Sweepstakes “All Star” event. For which I wasn’t certain Wayback’ in Gory January if I’d get a chance to watch it on Thy Telie? With whomever was providing my final respite ‘O Home Health Care recovery from my Open Heart surgery.

 

Although pretty G-Damn sure Nurse Catherine would give me Permission to do so! Which sorry Y’all, if you’re tiring of hearing me pontificate about this truly life changing experience; but Gil was younger than me.

 

As Gil’s Death was shocking enough just for it’s unexpected earliness. But hit me even harder due to my then awaiting Open Heart surgery and knowing the same could have happened to Mwah…

 

And since I’m still really not sure when I’ll return to thoust keyboard and Blogging in earnest. Therefore I’m trying to “pad” out some more time before resuming my normal Pre-surgery routine.

 

Look, I’m always Happy whenever IndyCar’s on-track, since it happens way too little during the year. Like can Y’all say El Stupidio 182 days Freakin’ Off-season!

 

And thus I had nothing against the Thermal Club event other then it simply seemed like another Gimmick from Day-1 of it’s announcement!

 

And Marshall Pruett had me laughing in stitches when sardonically mentioning that although the IndyCar press release said only the Top-5 finishers would be given prize money. The same press release went onto claim that positions 6-27 would each garner a cheque for $23,000. As Marshall wryly noted that He needed to finish P13, Brilliant!

 

Hence with the words All Star and The Thermal All Skate event occurring after only one IndyCar race. The word All Star made me think of the late gil de Feran once again!

 

Since like I previously scribbled here upon No Fenders. I’m guessing it must have been 2013? Since All I know it wasn’t the initial Legends Day Gala event of 2011, which had the largest trove of former IndyCar drivers in attendance. For which IMS Sherpa Carpets’ and I waited an hour or hour and a half? For me to get ‘lil Stevie Johnson’s, aka Stefan Johansson’s John Handcock!

 

Well at least I thought that was the one ‘n only time I briefly met De Ferran at Mother Speedway. Perhaps it was De Ferran’s line that was too long and we skipped it instead? Even though I swear I can still see His face and hear Him saying Hi to me…

 

Regardless, this reminded me of another De Ferran memory – that I know for certain happened…

 

As I’d been pestering thee Donald’, No-No-No! Not that Juan’, but Don Kay of Autosport Radio to see if He could procure me Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud’s John Hancock during an Autosport Radio Show interview some 15 years ago, Aye Karumba!

 

And in true De Ferran fashion. Not only did I get Simon’s autograph on a De Ferran Motorsports “Hero” card. But I got several! One each of Pagenaud and De Farran individually, along with the pair’s signatures together during their ALMS days…

 

Don’t need to recap how many times IndyCar shot itself in the foot last year! Other than as Marshall Pruett likes repeating sardonically upon His weekly Podcasts. According to IndyCar management – from the top down, beginning with The Captain, RP’ ergo Roger Penske Everything’s AWSM!

 

And although I’ve never worried before, naturally life’s taken on a whole new meaning to me…

 

In Geo. Phillips Christmas tidings Oilpressure post. Who’ll remain Ye Oldest IndyCar blogger to me! Even if George pointed out casually that The Pit Window’s Mike Silver is older than Him, but I digress…

 

George noted that this May will be fifteen years for His Blogsite, and at age 65, He doesn’t plan to be still blogging in another 15yrs at age 80.

 

This got me thinking that keeping that same thought-bubble’. That I’ve been poondin’ out stories nonstop here on No Fenders for over 17 years, and another 17 would get me to my 77th birthday! For which I have a hard time thinking I’ll still be blogging then also…

 

And I’d Arse-sume similar sentiments from Mike silver? Since that puts three current IndyCar bloggers already at or nearly Senior Citizens today! With I Kissed the Bricks Patty Nolan being 53 and the Field of 33’s Paul Dalbey is soon to turn “The King’s” number, ergo 43. While I have no idea what age For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hamdoat is?

 

All of which makes me wonder if there are any IndyCar Bloggers currently under the age of 40 out Thar? Or are Blogs akin to Facebook? And just what the older generation gravitates towards?

 

As may be there’s young, savy “Digital Warriors” out there in IndyCar-land solely on Instagram? But being Blind, have I reminded Y’all lately? I Don’t do any of the social media stuff, especially Instagram, since obviously I cannot “See” it!

 

As the age old question is how does IndyCar excite and grow it’s next generation of Fans to replace us current Diehard, but aging Fanbase? And nope, No corny NXT jokes here! Even if everything’s AWSM!

 

As it seems that the best way to start this massive “C” Change would for Penske Entertainment and RP’ insert son Greg Penske into the “big chair”, ergo CEO now! With El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske becoming the Chairman, provided He didn’t keep Greg’s Hands tied behind His back decision-wise!

 

Since with many current IndyCar team owners being in their 60’s or older? Whilst I think the two youngest owners are Zak Brown and Riccardo Juncos currently. We don’t exactly have an infusion of age in the ownership ranks!

 

And being Captain McObvious. Without a younger, more vibrant Fanbase, it really won’t matter if IndyCar gets a new chassis, goes Hybrid, lands a third engine manufacturer, etc. Making me wonder if IndyCar will just keep plodding along before fading into obscurity sometime in the future?

 

As I’ve done my part supporting IndyCar for nearly four decades. And as Queen Danica would say. It’s Not my Fault that we had The Split and lost a generation of IndyCar Fans!

 

Which naturally made me think of Rush’s great song Between the Wheels!

 

Y’all know how that Rabbit feels going underneath your spinning wheels,

Windshield towards the Fly,

Time just passes you by,

Another lost Generation…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj1eUnNOvpY

 

Partial song lyrics from: Rush Between the Wheels; Grace Under Pressure, 1984 

A few Drivers with Heart issues

Who’ve obviously had different life outcomes…

 

Naturally, as I’ve scribbled previously here upon No Fenders, Gil de Ferran’s unexpected Death on December 29, 2023 at age 56 was a total shock for Mwah! For which sent a Chill down my spine, especially since I was awaiting Open Heart surgery when Gil unexpectedly died!

 

I’m sure there’s been countless more racing drivers with Heart issues over the 37-odd years I’ve been dutifully following motor racing! But off the cuff I’m hard pressed to come up with many names. With only two popping up upon my internal Jukebox.

 

Obviously the most famous would be ‘Ol shel’, aka Carroll Shelby. As this legendous’ Texan raced with nitroglycerin tablets underneath His tongue, in case of having a Heart Attack whilst racing!

 

Nevertheless, Shelby who’s more famous for His Shelby cobra’s and winning the 24 Heurs du Mans as leader of Shelby American, Spearheading FoMoco’s (Ford Motor company) victories in 1966-67. Recently being immortalized in the 2019 film Ford v Ferrari, also won Le Mans as a driver in 1959 for Aston Martin with Roy Salvadori.

 

Shelby suffered from serious Heart issues for many hears before finally receiving His long awaited Heart transplant in 1990. Also having a Kidney transplant in 1996, before dying at age 89 in 2012.

 

As Shelby’s the only person I’ve paid for an autograph. Doing so in 1997 at Laguna Seca’s Monterey Historics. Where I readily agreed to pay $25.00 which was entirely donated to His Childrens Heart Fund! With ‘Ol shel’ doing His Texan bit by drawling son, what’s your name as I handed Him my Historics program.

 

The only other driver I could come up with, and I had to “google” His name, since I’d long forgotten the RASSCAR’ driver! Was Brian Vickers, who I knew once drove for the Red Bull Racing NASCAR team, which also featured A.J. Allmendinger, Scott Speed and others.

 

Vickers, whose now 40yrs old, ultimately had to retire from racing after suffering a bout of numerous Blood Clots before going on Blood “thinners”, which I’m told is misleading nomenclature! And really should be called Blood “Slipperiers” instead. Which I myself unfortunately have begun taking for life following my mechanical Heart valve replacement surgery…

 

And like De Ferran’s lifelong friend tony Kanaan said, although it was actually His wife Lauren who said you’re getting a Check-up! With TK’ admitting racing drivers are Athletes who Don’t go to the Doctor’s…

 

Whilst I never thought I’d be doing so myself here upon No Fenders, But! If you’re feeling Bad or not well like Gil was, then get yourself check out by a doctor immediately!

 

And if you have any sort of Heart palpitations or Arrythmia that lasts over five minutes like I did, (twice) Dial 911! As I feel extremely lucky that I got away with ignoring my first elongated Heart palpitation episode.

 

For which my Heart, Brain and body said five days later, apparently you didn’t get the Memo we sent you dude! Which like I said before, scared the Crap outta me!

 

And then, if like Mwah.  Having to persistently barrage my Primary Care Physician (PCP) throughout my ordeal, stay determined! Like seriously Dude, you want to know why I want a referral to a Cardiologist? Can you say severe Aortic stenosis, WTF!

 

Yeah, it’s Freakin’ fantastic becoming Old, cough-cough!

 

Naturally, that was what I’d uploaded onto Ye Blob’ a day earlier. Before hearing via my ESPN Online Motorsports Headlines news feed about Wilson Fittipaldi Jr.

 

As the 80 year old brother of Emerson suffered Cardiac Arrest on Christmas Day, also being Wilson’s birthday! As His wife later reported on His Instagram page, Her Husband had choked on a piece of meat whilst celebrating His 80th birthday before going into Cardiac Arrest!

 

Wilson was subsequently resuscitated and taken to Hospital where He was sedated and intubated, awaiting recovery. As Wilson’s son Christian Fittipaldi was at Hospital with Him…

 

Wilson raced in 38 Grands Prix, along with creating the Fittipaldi Copersucur F1 Team that competed between 1974-82. Briefly racing alongside His brother, Two-times Formula 1 World Champion. With Emerson further winning the Indianapolis 500 twice and the CART/IndyCar Championship once.

 

As hopefully Wilson’s made a speedy recovery since this incident! Making me ponder what is it about former Brazilian racing drivers? With these two incidents occurring four days apart… 

Gil de Ferran Dies at Age 56

Gil de Ferran and Good Buddy Helio Castroneves at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2023. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As De Ferran accomplished so many things inside and out of the cockpit. Including being a team owner in Sports Cars and IndyCar, to BAR Honda F1 Sporting Director and more…

 

Late Friday evening, I was listening to my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone news, and was shocked by what I heard upon the Indianapolis Star’s Sport section!

 

As the news that Gil de Ferran had died from a Heart attack at age 56 sent a chill down my spine! For which naturally the entire motor racing fraternity is shocked over. Not to mention obviously gil’s family!

 

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, De Ferran who was racing along with His son Luke in Boca-Locka, florida suddenly wasn’t feeling good and pulled over, before eventually dying from Heart attack!

 

I only met De Ferran once briefly during a long ago Legends Day outing at Mother Speedway. Where Carpets’ was my IMS Sherpa, and I recall several people running past us due to our slow pace. Leading us to a shorter autograph line that included De Ferran.

 

Gil always seemed to be the consummate Gentleman with a laconic vocal style which led me to believe He was somewhat cerebral. Yet this allowed Him to also play pranks upon unsuspecting friends and fellow racing drivers. As just ask Helio Castroneves about being pulled over on 16th and Georgetown for speeding!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwVT3oM_Fuw

As my favourite racing memory of De Ferran has to be the year He won at Portland International Raceway, for which I initially guessed was 1997. Before quickly remembering that was when Mark Blundell triumphed for Home-team PacWest Racing.

 

De Ferran held off  hard charging Target Chip Ganassi Racing’s Juan Pablo Montoya, who’d started from Pole and led much of the race. With Montoya finishing runner-up and Dario Franchitti for Team Cool Green third

 

As the win at Portland in 1999 was Gil’s first in three years, before moving to Penske Racing the following season…

 

As Gil was driving for Walker Racing and running on Goodyear tyres, which at that point were inferior to Firestone rubber. Yet the cagey Derrick Walker called another master-class strategy that enabled De Ferran to win!

 

Gil is obviously best remembered for winning the 2003 Indianapolis 500 for Penske Racing, after finishing runner-up to Penske teammate Castroneves in ’01.

 

De Ferran won a total of 12 IndyCar races and 21 Poles. Along with the 2000-01 CART/FedEx IndyCar Championships, also driving for Roger Penske.

 

Along with setting the All-time closed course fastest lap speed at Fontana Speedway. Where De Ferran went an astounding 241.428mph in a Penske Racing Reynard 2k Honda in 2000!

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

The Year that Jimmy Clark Stole the Show!

Long forgotten Indianapolis Times Front page regaling Jimmy Clark’s Indianapolis 500 victory. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As the British Invasion was in full force at the Speedway…

 

This just in from No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’. Who recently found His old copy of the 1965 Indianapolis Times Newspaper, whose Headline proclaims: Jimmy Clark Wins With Record 150.636. (mph)

 

Underneath it says Parnelli  Second Andretti Third.

 

I had Parnelli autograph it years back.  He cringed at the Headlines,  don't remember what he said, then he laughed and signed it.   ‘Ol Rufus is a great guy.

 

Guess I need to get Mario to sign it now.

 

Having just learned that that’s a collectors item in more than one way. Since the Indianapolis Times ceased publication on October 11, 1965.

 

As CARPETS’ memorabilia made me flash back to the time I got ‘Ol rufus Parnelli Jones “John Handcock” at Pacific Raceways, ironically twenty years ago this summer.

 

During that year’s SOVREN Fourth ‘O July Vintage Race. On a magazine commemorating the Trans Am series, which I’d previously had Dan Gurney autograph…

 

Whilst here’s a long ago No Fenders tome loosely incorporating thee legendous’ Jimmy Clark and Lotus’s victory on the hallowed Milwaukee Mile. When the Flying Scot and Colin Chapman scored the first rear engine USAC victory sixty years ago.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/06/retro-lotus-victorious-during-time-when.html

 

While it’s somewhat hard to believe it’s eleven years now since the Luddi’ Powered by Judd (Lotus) lumps’ failed so miserably! 

INDYCAR: Right Team, Wrong Driver!

Long ago, then only three times IndyCar Champion Scott Dixon Hero Card from McGilvery’s in Speedway, Indiana. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Sing it Dr. John! What’s that ‘bout the Right Place, but the Wrong Time? Your Head is in a Bad Space, but it must have been the Right Time? Or was that Wrong Place, but Right Time, How-How-How!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4RainY-lY

 

Anybody paying attenzione to this weekend’s Portland IndyCar race already knows the Championship fight is a two Horse race! Seeing Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou v Scott Dixon, being the only two drivers left in the title fight.

 

As thee “Iceman 2.0”, aka Scott Dixon’s made it interesting by trimming 27-points off of Alex Palou’s 101-point lead entering Gateway last week.

 

Thus Palou led Dixon by a still healthy 74 markers:565-491 prior to this weekend’s outcome in the Rose City. Where All Palou needs to do is lead Dixon by 55-points following Sunday, and it’s Game Over!

 

As I want Alex Palou to Claim His second NTT IndyCar Series championship at Portland for many reasons.

 

Go Get ‘Em Alex!

 

Picture Credit

2013 Autographed Scott Dixon Hero Card obtained by No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ during the Autosport Radio Show at McGilvery’s. 

Two Bad Arse Racing Drivers make Competitive Comebacks

As it’s Always Great News Hearing about Driver’s Perseverance…

 

Not sure if Y’all Heard the Great News! That Thee young Wicky’, aka Robert Wickens has returned to the cockpit this year, having just completed his first race for Bryan Herta Autosport’s (BHA) Hyundai elantra Touring Car team. As Wickens is part of BHA’s Michelin Pilot challenge series six car Armada, and Robert competes aboard the No. 33 with co-Driver Mark Wilkens.

 

https://racer.com/2022/01/27/pruett-wickens-staying-hungry-as-racing-comeback-begins/

 

As Wickens isn’t the lone Paraplegic racing for Bryan High Speed Hurdle’s Herta’s Touring Car Squad. Since Michael Johnson competes aboard the No. 54 BHA Hyundai Elantra N TCR Saloon, with both drivers using custom adapted Hand Controls, I.e.; Bespoke “Ringed” Steering wheels with Brake, throttle and Gearshift levers All controlled by Hands.

 

Having read it’s Wickens first race outing in 1,258 Gory Days! Which I reckon is some three and a half years, Yikes! Which makes it that much funnir that Robert was Disappointed over his Qualifying P7. As Wickens drove for 90 minutes during the four Hour Endurance race, moving up to third place, before Co-Driver Mark Wilkens took over with the pair finishing third overall! And Wickens being “Pummeled” on the podium after locking his wheelchair’s brakes in order to spray his bottle of Champagne with both hands. As the other five Drivers Ganged Up on him mercilessly, Gleefully “Hosing” Down Wickens over his return to the Podium! With Robert saying it was a bit Unfair since He couldn’t go anywhere…

 

Whilst the Daytona Beach News Journal had an interesting story on another of their BHA teammates. As A.J. Muss who drives the #2, represented the USA in Snowboarding at the 2018 Winter Olympics. And is a Mondo Adrenalin Junkie’, Jumping Out of Aeroplanes, Hot Air Balloons and Helicopters, Aye Karumba! With nearly some 500 Skydiving Jumps to his credit, including some 250 Wing Suit Jumps!

 

Fortunately Muss came out of a two weeks medically induced Coma after suffering from Post Operative High Altitude Sickness, having Flatlined for some 30 seconds when being rushed to Hospital! After routine surgery to repair his Separated Shoulder at the end of the 2014 season, after Crashing into a Snowboard Course’s Gate during Training!

 

Meanwhile, another former IndyCar and Sports Car Driver made his competitive return to Prototypes racing on Daytona’s High Banks after his arduous eight year physical rehabilitation from his Monstrous 2014 Rolex 24 Crash! As Memo Gidley raced in the IMSA Prototype Challenge Championship’s season opener January 21^st aboard the #23 JDC Motorsports Duqueine D-08 LMP3 entry.

 

As Gidley stuck the #23 on Pole position before he and Co-Driver Alexander Koreiba ultimately finished third in the three hours race’s constantly changing weather conditions. As Estonia’s Tonis Kasemets Stormed back from being One lap Down to the No. 23 to rocketing back up from sixth during his final stint to take the lead with 22mins remaining.

 

https://www.imsa.com/news/2022/01/22/kasemets-hamilton-rally-for-emotional-prototype-challenge-triumph/

 

Yet I found it Funny how I immediately recognized Kasemets name and mused to myself He was a Chump Carz’ Driver for Rocketsports. Which ironically I witnessed his Champ Car world Series Debut at Portland International Raceway Wayback in Gory 2006, Crikeys!

 

As Casemets made five Champ Cars start in ’06 after finishing runner-up to Charles Zwolsma jr. in the 2005 Toyota Atlantic series. As Zwolsman is another Shady character from Wayback, since I recall him and his Father Charles Zwolsman Sr. being in trouble with the Law! As “chuck Junior” was implicated in Money Laundering Charges in his native Netherlands in 2011, before ultimately being Cleared in 2016. While his Father was serving time in Jail before Dying in Twenty-eleven, making me now wonder if this had anything to do with Chuck Junior’s Charges going away?

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2011/01/charles-zwolsman-sr-dies-whilst.html

 

Arse-sumedly I’ve got both Zwolsman Junior’ and Kasemets “John Handcock’s,” along with some 15-20 others on that long ago, still unframed Molson Indy Vancouver poster I trundled thru two years of Chump Carz’ Autographs session lines to get the 2006 Portland Champ Car Drivers signatures upon, which I’ve lamented about A very long time ago in another languishing No Fenders post. As I had to go back a second year to get le Hamburgular’s Autograph since He’d Snubbed me the year prior when following the lead of Whiney Bagz’, nee Bruno Junquiera! As how many Blind people do you think go to Drivers Autograph sessions, Eh? And why was I being told to Hurry Up…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2006/12/champ-car-sends-devoted-fan-fuming.html 

Bob Bondurant Instructs No More

Although He certainly left his mark upon the Thousands who went thru His Driving School’s Doors…

 

Suppose it was most appropriate that I first heard the news of Bob bondurant’s passing during this year’s Petit Le Mans when listening to John Hindhaugh, Jeremey Shaw, Johnny Mowlen and Shea Adam via IMSA Radio. As it was a Choked Up Jeremy Shaw announcing his Death, as we now know that Bondurant Died on November 12^th in Paradise Valley, Arizona at the Age of 88.

 

And I’ve long known some of the exploits of the man I called Bondo’ due to his stint at Shelby American as one of ‘Ol Shel’s Ace Cobra Drivers.

 

Since we All know that Bondurant’s crowning motorsports achievement was winning the GT Class in the 1964 24 Heurs du Mans, when he and Co-Driver Dan Gurney finished 4^th Overall aboard one of Carroll Shelby’s Nasty Cobra Daytona Coupes. For which Bondurant then helped Shelby American win the 1965 FIA GT Manufacturers Championship in these All Conquering 289cid V-8 Daytona Coupes which Decimated Enzo Ferrari’s 250 GTO’s that year. Being the Only American marque in History to ever win this Championship!

 

Yet Bondo’ first cut his teeth racing Indian Motorcycles on Oval Dirt tracks as a teenager before being noticed for winning an SCCA B Production West Coast Championship behind the wheel of his 1957 Corvette in 1959, winning 18 of 20 races!

 

This impressed Santa Barbra, California Chevrolet Dealer Shelly Wasburn who hired Bondurant to drive his #614 Corvette beginning in 1961 to 1963.

 

Ironically, I now feel I’ve seen one of these #614 Vette’s racing in some SOVREN Vintage Racing Historics in the past without knowing the significance of the racecar. Perhaps at the hands of Susan Armstrong? Whose Hubby’ tom Armstrong was part of the formation of PacWest Racing.

 

As I Swear I saw that Vette’, and certain it was a light blue and may be a ’63 Splint Window? Ah, how thoust Memory plays Tricks upon Yuhs when you cannot See Anythingy’

 

Reportedly Bondo’ won a stellar 30 of 32 races between 1960-1963! Including winning the ’62 Los Angeles Times Grand Prix aboard one of Washburn’s Corvettes. With some of his most memorable battles being against another Corvette racer named Dave MacDonald.

 

Interestingly, both MacDonald and Bondurant’s services were snapped up by Carroll Shelby for his soon Dominant (Shelby American) Cobra race team, which now makes me wonder what lured them away from their Bowtie’ rides. Hmm, cubic Dollars or the fact that the Corvettes were No match for the Cobras?

 

As Bondurant claims Shelby had been promising to build the Cobra awhile and that it would beat the Corvettes to which Bondo’ said bullshit! Then it finally happened and Carroll told Bob he’d be driving a Cobra in Colorado in ’63 where Bondurant won first time out…

 

Although Sadly, Indianapolis 500 Diehards will know that 27 year old MacDonald perished in the 1964 Indy 500 along with Eddie Sachs in a Fiery Accident.

 

While I always forget that Bondurant was a Formula 1 Driver, albeit briefly with just nine starts between 1965-1966 for Ferrari’s U.S. Importer’s North American Racing team, (NART) Reg Parnell’s BRM and Dan Gurney’s Anglo American Racers, the European Arm of (AAR) All American Racers. With Bondurant’s best finish being fourth place in the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix in a Privateer BRM.

 

Bob also drove a Ford GT40 Mk II and Ferrari 365/P2 amongst the many racecars he “Strapped On” during his career.

 

But surely bob’s better known for his Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, which he formulated his plans for while recovering from a Mega Shunt at Watkins Glen during a 1967 Can Am race. As bondo’s McLaren flipped eight times after suffering a mechanical failure at 150mph! And Doctor’s told him He may Never Walk again…

 

As the idea came to Bob in Hospital bed after he’d taught Actor James Gardner how to drive racing cars for the iconic 1966 movie Grand Prix. As Bondurant’s Driving School opened in 1968 at Orange County International Raceway and two of his first pupils were Paul Newman and Robert Wagner for their upcoming Film Winning. While tom “I Feel the Need, The Need for Speed” Cruise, Nicholas Cage and Christian Vale were just a few of the apparently Half Million Students to seek tutelage at Bondurant’s school over it’s 50-plus years before filing for Bankruptcy in 2019.

 

Yet for Mwah, I have two personal memories regarding Bondo’. As the first is still seared into Thy Memorex’ some 26 years later! As it was my Debutante outing to whatever will be Sears Point Raceway for Mwah. The event was the 30^th Anniversary of those legendous Cobra Daytona Coupes Championship at the Mollie Stone’s Historics at Sonoma Raceway.

 

In the paddock, for which I’ve got the pictures “Squirreled” away in a photo album, resplendent in Thar glorious Guardsman Blue paint with twin White stripes in the gleaming California Sun sat four of the six Cobra Daytona Coupes parked side-by-side!

 

I watched transfixed in sheer amazement from behind the “ropes” as Bondo’, apparently wearing his original Cobra team jacket signed an autograph for somebody by using the roof of one of the Daytona’s as his “Clipboard!”

 

As Bondurant’s “John Hancock” was the one signature I always coveted from those 1960’s “Heros” but never got. As I just thought it would be ultra cool to have it along with ‘Ol Shel’s, (Shelby) Phil Hill’s and Dan Gurney’s, for which I’ve gotten All of over the years when I could still See…

 

As I Don’t really care about the autographs per sai, rather I just enjoy the actual meeting of the Drivers instead, with some of my fondest memories being from meeting Stefan Johansson, Billy roe, Adrian Fernandez, Didier Theys and countless others at various Legend’s Day outings at Mother Speedway with Indy 500 Sherpa Carpets!

 

Meanwhile it’s hard to believe it was 24 years ago when I traveled to The Valley of The Sun to watch Blogmeister Miguel partake in a One Day outing of Bondurant’s Driving School at Phoenix International Raceway, when Bob’s School was under the Auspices of the Blue Oval. As I was even allowed to “Shadow” Miguel during the initial Driver’s briefing before they got into their respective Formula Ford Single Seater mounts.

 

And then I had the privilege of Ridin’ Shotgun in one of the school’s Ford Taurus SHO “Sedan” Pace Cars with (then) School Instructor and Racing Driver Tim Moser.

 

As one of his fellow Instructors casualy told me while Belting me into the front passenger seat said: Wait until Turn 3 and ask him about racing a Dodge viper! As Tim obliged and quicly told me about his adventures of racing one of those Narly Chamberlin Engineering FIA GT2 Viper GTS/R’s while pacing the row of Formula ford Cadets behind him…

 

So even though your Blind Word Butcher never got his “Dream” of driving a racing car, I do feel like an Honourary Bondurant participant thanks to Joyce who made my day also special at PIR nearly a quarter centry ago! Not to mention Snowbyrd MJ’ who bought me a Bitchin’, as No Fenders Moniker King Randal would say Bondurant  Driving School Windbreaker…

 

Salute Bob! 

A late Not to Bobby Unser

As Thar will only ever be one Uncle bobby!

 

Yeah, it’s Old News now, which caught me by surprise when I first heard about it on Racer.com Monday, following the Tex-Arse’ Double Header IndyCar weekend. And I was uncertain ‘bout writing about it since it’s already been National News that’s long since Moved On due to our never ending insatiable 24/7 News Cycle.

 

Yet surely everybody has a “Uncle bobby” story or three, Righto? As I must confess I didn’t originally know about bobby Unser the Driver since he retired before I began following Open Wheel Racing in earnest. Although my introduction to Indy Cars came as a Wee lad’ Wayback in the 1970’s, but all I really remember now is the voices of Jim McKay and Chris Shenkel calling the Indianapolis 500 on a Tape-delayed format on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

 

While I’d have to say my all-time favourite IndyCar TV Broadcast Booth Trio will forever be Paul Page as “MC” or Referee? With Uncle bobby and his veritable Punching Bag Sam Posey! For which I’ll forever remember Unser’s denoting Thar’s some Slippery liquids On-track! And the perfunctory “No, you’re Wrong Sam!” Endless retorts….

 

Later on, Bobby’s notoriety grew After once punching an Albuquerque Policema at the Airport, when I think he was trying to issue him a Parking Citation. Along with Stealing an Army Tank or getting lost Snowmobiling “Out-of-Bounds,” with the National Guard being sent to find Him!.

 

Not to mention my personal favourite, when reputedly throwing a lighter into his demolished Rolls Royce during a Demolition Derby!

 

As I heard about this on a long ago edition of Speed Freaks, when they were interviewing Cary Agajanian, son of the legendous’ Promoter J.c. Agajanian.

 

As it was Carey who claimed bobby threw a lighter into the Rolls, which probably was a Silver Shadow model? Since according to the New York times Archives article dated February 23, 1973. This Demolition Derby was touted as the World’s Richest Demolition Derby featuring some 30 vehicles including Rufus Parnelli Jones in a Cadillac Eldorado and Uncle bobby in the aforementioned Rolls Royce. Noting that Unser stuffed the nose of the Rolls after Jumping a Hay bale before everybody Ganged Up on Unser and continuously rammed him!

 

The event took part sometime in early 1973 in the Los Angeles Coliseum with almost 24,000 Fans paying $156,000 to Attend! And after the Demolition Derby concluded, multiple vehicles were piled up in the center before Daredevil Extraordinaire Evel Knievel Jumped the mass of twisted carnage! Reportedly jumping a further distance than his famous Caser’s Palace Fountain’s Jump.

 

And this whole Spectacle may have also been shown on ABC’s Wide World of Sports sometime that same year?

 

As I had the good fortune of meeting Bobby Unser once in person at the IMS Flagroom, a wonderful “Watering Hole” popular Destination with All of the Drivers and Fans. Which Sadly as far as I know has been Closed for No good reason now for years, Sigh!

 

The year was 2012, when I was attending my third Indy 500 and No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’ spotted Uncle Bobby naturally Holding Court in the Flagroom, before asking me if I wanted his autograph? So Dave went and inquired with a then 78 year old Unser who said he had to go meet some people but would be back in 5mins, to which Dave said may be he’s Ducking Out on us?

 

But true to his word, Bobby returned and after Dave guided me towards Uncle Bobby, telling me everything I couldn’t Ask HIM! Bobby promptly stuck out his hand to me before pumping it firmly. Then after signing a Miller Lite table-top Advert’, he turned round and put his hand on my shoulder and began directing me which way to stand and look at the camera for the best picture, which naturally I dually complied!

 

Whilst I know one year following one of the Legend’s Day Autograph sessions, as I can no longer recall if it was 2012 or 2013? Where Dave spotted Johnny Unser alone outside, and we saddled up to him to just say “Hi.” As Carpets’ asked him something about Uncle Bobby, to which Johnny said Yeah, He’s still telling me how to coil up the (garden) hoses outside the Motorhome correctly!

 

And then last year, the night before the fairly Surreal running of the Indy 500 in August! As I eagerly awaited the running of the race, I sat transfixed at my Confuzer’ “watching,” Err listening for nearly an hour to ‘Ol R’, aka Robin Miller as MC of a Hilarious Bobby Unser Roast that was held at the famous Stutz building in Indianapolis in 2018.

 

As the then 84 year old Unser was being Roasted in front of approximately 150 “guests” honouring bobby on the 50^th anniversary of his first Indianapolis 500 victory.

 

As Miller does a very good Undle Bobby impersonation, where I learned the legend of Bobby’s praying upon innocent women to cook him a Turkey dinner! While El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske was full of “Piss ‘N vinegar’ towards his former driver. With former Penske team-mate “Rocket Rick” Mears getting in on the action. Along with Rufus Parnelli Jones and Lonestar JR’ (Johnny Rutherford) featured on the Racer.com video.

 

As Y’all can find this Hilarious bit ‘O tomfoolery by simply searching for the Racer article titled Retro: The Roast of Bobby Unser. (August 22, 2020)

 

And All of this doesn’t even address his driving ability, after all having won the Indianapolis 500 in three different decades, 35 IndyCar wins, 52 Poles and two National Championships for starters. Not to mention being the King of Pikes Peak with an unbelieveable 13 victories!

 

And while it’s the Character of Uncle bobby we cherish the most. I have to say I always find it somewhat ironic how he likes to wax On ‘N On ‘bout Formula 1 Drivers being Sissies whenever on Speed Freaks!

 

Yet he himself once contested the 1968 United States grand Prix as a third BRM entry and summarily got his Arse waxed! After being Disqualified from that year’s Italian Grand Prix along with SuperMario’, (Andretti) but that’s a whole nother story… 

IndyCar Bowtie’ Brigade Year-by-Year: 2013-2016

As can Anybody Best El Capitano’s illustrious Team Chevy Juggernaut?

 

Although I’ve been pondering this awhile now, since I know it nagged at me All last season whilst rootin’ for Pato O’Ward at SPAM’, aka Arrow McLaren SP. I suppose after reading one of IndyCar’s Oldest Blogger Geo. Phillips, Hya! Oilpressure Posts back in February about is there really A Big Four in IndyCar’s? ?

 

Oh Swell! Now George has jumped on the Pato O’Ward Bandwagon, which makes me wonder if he’s given him the Dreaded Oilpressure.com Curse?

 

Although when I hear the term Big Four, I always think of Formula 1 instead, when it had it’s Big Four which I tend to recall was McLaren, Ferrari, Williams and Lotus.

 

Uhm, the Questione I’ve been ponderin’ a really really long time is: Has there been Anybody besides the Big Three, i.e.; Penske, Ganassi and Andretti, albeit primarily Penske since Ganassi and Andretti have been Hondre’ runners a longtime as ‘Ol Leigh Diffey would say to win an IndyCar race with a Chevrolet engine?

 

As Michael Andretti switched to Honda Wayback in 2014 and promptly rewarded Honda and HPP by winning that year’s epic Indianapolis 500 when Ryan Hunter-Reay passed Castroneves in the grass to Win! While thou Cheepster’, nee Chip Ganassi switched back to Honda in 2017 after initially being part of the Bowtie’ Brigade from 2014, effectively giving Honda two “big Guns” vs. Penske and Chevy.

 

Originally I could only remember Tony Kanaan’s victory for KV Racing Technology at the 2013 Indianapolis 500 being aboard a Non Big-3 Bowtie’ runner. Yet after I started researching thou Record Books and reacquainted Thyself with le Hamburgular’, Formerly Sealmeister B’, aka Sebastian Bourdais took over Kanaan’s KVRT seat and won at Toronto in 2014, I foggily remembered SeaBass putting a Beatdown upon the IndyCar field at Milwaukee Wayback in 2015, even if they got penalized monetarily afterwards for a technical infraction.

 

2016

Season: March 13^th to September 18th

Races: 16

 

Team Penske and Chevrolet thoroughly Waxed the competition, with Penske claiming ten of Chevy’s Decimating 14 wins! While four different Bowtie runners found Thar way into victory lane, albeit only when Team Penske wasn’t busy monopolizing the rostrum’s top step.

 

Juan Montoya claimed his lone W for Penske at St Pete, while relative Penske newcomer Simon Pagenaud won a total of five races en route to winning the title, including three in-a-row between Long Beach and the Indy GP. With past IndyCar Series Champion Will Power nipping at Pagenaud’s Heels with a further four W’ and finishing runner-up Overall.

 

Scott Dixon claimed a modest two wins for Ganassi. With Sebastian Bourdais winning once at Detroit’s Belle Isle, now in the rebranded KVSH Racing outfit. And Josef Newgarden once at Iowa for Ed Carpenter Racing. (ECR)

 

2015

Season: March 29^th to August 30th

Races: 16

 

Although this is probably my favourite Championship of the past several years, as I still recall sitting in the Dark over the weekend we’d had an unexpected Windstorm knock our Power Out for 48-plus Hours! Which I suppose was Nothin’ compared to Texas, especially since it happened during Summer… As I blindly found an old portable AM/FM Cassette “Walkman,” and if I sat just right next to the patio’s sliding glass door and held the headphone’s wire just right without moving, I could listen to the Sonoma IndyCar Finale coming off an Everett, WA Radio Station!

 

And although I delighted in Montoya seemingly “Choking,” but obviously the entire season was Overshadowed by the Death of my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver Justin B-I-G UNIT’ Wilson at Pocono.

 

There were four different Chevrolet winners that year claiming a total of 10 victories. As Scott Dixon scored three W’s for Ganassi en route to his fourth IndyCar title, with Penske claiming three W’s; Juan Pablo Montoya netting two, including that year’s Indy 500 and Will Power winning once.

 

Josef Newgarden capped his first two IndyCar career victories for CFH Racing (Ed Carpenter, Sarah Fisher and Wink Hartman) at Alabama and Toronto. Whilst Sebastian Bourdais won twice for KVRT at Belle Isle and Milwaukee.  

 

2014

Season: March 30^th to August 30th

Races: 18

 

It’s Funny to Mwah, since all I really remember now about this season is that Ryan Hunter-Reay Beat Hulip’ (Castroneves) at Mother Speedway, and that I got to tell DJ Willy P’ (Will Power) in person at the Sonoma IndyCar race Autograph session: Beat this guy! When pointing to Castroneves who was seated next to him. Where Power very diplomatically said I’m Trying!

 

Which I suppose is why I’ve forgotten that four different Bowtie runners won races that season, as Chevrolet Dominated with 11 wins. With Penske scoring five, Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) three times, Ganassi winning twice, having switched this year and KV Racing Technology one W.

 

Will Power won three times for Team Penske en route to his lone IndyCar Championship, with team-mates Castroneves and Juan Pablo Montoya winning once apiece; Hulio’ at Belle Isle’s Double Header second race and JPM at Pocono.

 

Mike “Ice-Ice, Baby!” Conway won at Long Beach and Toronto’s Double Header second race for ECR. Whilst his boss Fast Eddie’, nee Ed Carpenter won at Texas Motor Speedway, the latest of his three IndyCar career wins to date.

 

Le Hamburgular’, nee SeaBass’ or just good ‘Ol Sebastain Bourdais won Toronto’s Double Header Race-1 for KVRT. With Scott Dixon winning twice for Ganassi.

 

2013

Season: March 24th to October 19th

Races: 19

 

Andretti Autosport and Team Penske won nine of the ten races won by Chevrolet over a 19-race season, with the only other Bowtie winner being TK’ Follow-your-Schnoz! Kanaan’s victory at Mother Speedway for KV Racing Technology, giving Chevy a total of 10 wins vs. Honda’s 9. As Chevrolet won Indianapolis, but Scott “the Iceman 2.0” Dixon won the Championship, his third of an eventual six titles to date.

 

As Thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown, aka James Hinchcliffe won three times for Andretti, i.e.; St. Pete, Sao Paolo and Iowa, with his team-mate The Dude’, Ryan Hunter-Reay winning twice, netting Mikey A’s Squad five W’s. While DJ WillyP’, aka Will Power led Team Penske wit three wins, along with Helio Castroneves notching one victory. 

INDYCAR: Bob Lazier, Virtual Unknown CART Rookie Of the Year Dies at 81

1996 Indy 500 Winner Buddy Lazier poses with Tomaso in the IMS Flagroom, circa 2012. (The Tomaso Collection)

A Gentle Giant 'O Yesteryear's Pre-eminant Open Wheel Racing series...

Yeah, I know we can All be easily swayed by an Ex-Racing Driver's public persona, but Bob Lazier, the Patriarch of the Lazier Racing Dynasty seemed like a genuinely kind man to Mwah, who I only had the privilege of meeting once briefly during a past Legends Day Autograph session at Mother Speedway.

Yet Bob seemed very outgoing and willing to talk with me as my IMS Sherpa CARPETS' introduced me, as Dave, Dave's Not Here; Oh Never Mind! Seemingly became good friends with the Lazier's - including Treks to Thar Tivoli Lodge in Colorado.

Along with meeting both of his sons, albeit Jaques just once along the Pitlane fencing at Mother Speedway, for a brief Chin-wag[, it's Buddy who most impressed me.

As Buddy, the 1996 Indianapolis 500 Winner was most outgoing to Mwah, having met him a few times at the long forgotten IMS Flagroom where  I once interrupted his conversation with the late Dr. Who'.

But Buddy genuinely seems like a Stand Up Guy and loyal to those he worked with and a pleasure to briefly interact with all those years ago, which I can only surmise is part of his father's legacy for true inclusion and treating everybody like they're family...

Former CART Rookie Of the Year Bob Lazier Dies at 81

Update

Ran across this wonderful story by Racer's Marshall Pruett further cementing Bob Lazier's Zest for Life and being Friendly towards everybody quite enjoyable. Also Didn't know he was a Two-times Rolex 24 Winner, notching two GTU Class victories along with a third place finish as Co-driver in Amos Johnson's Shrieking twin rotor Mazda in the late 1980s...

RETRO: Bob Lazier's Ageless Passion