FOX, IndyCar Radio collect Yellow Cards

With a multiple Hours Red Flag for extensive Stoppage time before Mother Nature won in PK’s!

 

Think you’d have to say that the Nashville weekend was a “Wash” at best, Eh?

 

Saturday morning began with Team Penske’s David Malukas crashing, going to Hospital and then not qualifying. Joined by Graham Rahal’s RLLR chariot unable to get away in time and also not qualify.

 

Yet qualifying itself saw FOX, or was it IndyCar drawing a yellow card for pushing the start of Qualie’ forward ten minutes without telling anybody! In order to fit Qualie’ into FOX’s one hour window…

 

As I was Cornfuzed’ when tuning into IndyCar Radio at the advertised time of High Noon (Pacific) only to be greeted by the third car of Caio collet on-track, What-the-Bleep?

 

Yet as many know, Graham’s troubles for the day weren’t over, when hitting the wall during the day’s final qualifying session. With Rahal being joined by Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) Marcus Armstrong and Dale Coyne Racing’s Romain Grosjean. Although all three pit crews had plenty of time to repair their damaged racecars…

 

And so much for that big TV ratings bump, THUD!

 

Listening to the entire World Cup final on my latest “go-to” FOX sports Radio affiliate; Honolulu’s KIKI 990AM, I Arse-sumed that IndyCar would be delaying the race’s start as my talking keychain clock chimed 2:39PM (Pacific) when the game’s extra-time stoppage play began.

 

Believe it was 3:10PM when the World Cup finale match ended? Before I ditched the broadcast and switched to IndyCar Radio, with Mark Gravelly’ James telling us we’re in a weather delay due to nearby lightning strikes. Although the track’s in good condition and hasn’t gotten wet yet.

 

As James made the first of His multiple inclement weather announcement at 3:16PM, before saying they’d be dropping out for awhile, but would give the local radio station updates along the way.

 

So I went back to KIKI, only to be greeted by telling me they were going to LaLa Land and the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball game, Stee-rike!

 

Back over to IndyCar Radio now playing an episode of IndyCar Flashback, featuring the 1997 Los Wages IRL race.

 

As I enjoyed hearing the camaraderie between Bob Jenkins and Gary Lee. With Mike “Yippie-Aye-eh!” King as a turn announcer and a much younger Vince Welch and Mark James as pit reporters.

 

Yet the sound quality was atrocious! As the race coverage was Blasting, Alex Wolff “Just-right” and Paul Kelly mooted, muffled and way too low! Hmm, where’s those three Pigs, Oh Never Mind!

 

Surely there’ll be an hourly update as we approached 5:00PM, Stee-rike 2! Instead simply going to a “Puff” piece by Nicky Salt’ Yeoman, who wasn’t even at the track about IndyCar drivers training regimens, with my clock chiming 5:03PM. Before going straight into another canned program. With some First to the Flag episode also hosted by Messer Yeoman. So I went off to make some dinner, since may be we’re gonna have a night race?

 

Having gone round the horn of checking two IndyCar Bloggers websites and Indycar.com, we’re still in a holding pattern – check back later. Uhm, pretty G-Damn certain that was Stee-rike 3!

 

Now IndyCar Radio was playing a semi-condensed version of last year’s Nashville race with zero commercial breaks. Instead Yeoman would set the stage and we’d jump forward somewhere without ever giving us a Freakin’ weather update. Come on guys, this is pathetic!

 

At 5:24PM I double checked that Lebanon, TN was indeed on Central time, i.e.; two hours ahead. Wondering out loud how late they could start a night race there?

 

Then finally at 6:14PM after having checked Indycar.com multiple times. My screen reader read race delayed until Monday, July 20th at 12 Noon (Pacific) Then the top news story said the postponement story was from one hour ago, Huh?

 

As I never heard IndyCar Radio ever announce this, or give any inkling that the race had been postponed! Which I think was deserving of either a second Yellow Card or Red! 

MOTO GP: The Show must go On

With riders Deaths and serious injuries just being part of the business…

 

Par of being a one band Blind Word Butcher, aka Basement dwelling Blogger is you can never keep up with the onslaught of racing news. Nor know how much is too Mucho content here upon No Fenders, Eh?

 

Thus being fully ensconced in the single day Qualie’ at Mother Speedway, and awaiting the canned, highlights MotoGP package upon Ye Intrawoods’. Naturally I was totally unaware of the devastating outcome for two of these ultimate Kneedraggers’, i.e.; Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco.

 

Thanks to Raymond Hando’s Musing from the Weekend post on For the Love of Indy Blog, this is where I first became aware there had been two serious crashes at Circuit Barcelona de Catalunya’s Grand Prix.

 

Listening to the highlights, it sounded like KTM’s Pedro Acosta suddenly slowed for no reason. And as His hand shot up to warn riders behind Him, Alex Marquez who was in His slipstream had absolutely nowhere to go! Seeing Marquez presumably “High-side” with His bike’s carbon fibre bits exploding,! Cart-wheeling from striking Acosta’s rear tyre, reportedly at some 250kp/h! Wit the hapless rider tumbling in lock-step with His stricken Ducati thru the gravel trap!

 

Acosta’s Scooter’ had slowed suddenly due to an unexpected electrical problem. While Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo said He had “Goosebumps” riding past the accident scene!

 

Then upon the race’s restart; having been red flagged for Marquez’s savage accident. Pro Honda LCR’s Johann Zarco fell, causing the unexpecting duo of Luca Marini and Francesco Bagnaia to be caught up in Zarco’s accident. With one of Zarco’s leg’s becoming tangled between Bagnaia’s rear wheel and motorcycle!

 

Naturally I was stunned reading Monday morning, following the Catalan Grand Prix that Alex Marquez had suffered a broken neck and shoulder in this incident! Whilst Zarco tore ligaments and had a fibula tear in the ankle region. But acknowledged He hadn’t broken His femur…

 

As I hesitate to even remotely speculate upon Marquez’s injury, while Zarco got off with less serious damages to an extent, albeit will surely also be out of action for awhile.

 

Marquez underwent successful shoulder surgery to repair His fractured right collarbone. With no surgery performed upon His C7 vertebrae.

 

“Not Necessary”: Champion rides say MotoGP should have been Axed 

The Tomaso Files: More Blind Travel Escapades

Two Space Age Whiz Kid Coyboys’. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Ran into Sasquatch’s cousin, Not Me! Resplendent in Seahawks colours, before making the Patriots Black ‘n Blue! Now if only the Space Age Fuel Depot had been off of Exit 51 instead of 52, Oh Never Mind!

 

“Just a song before I go
To whom it may concern
Traveling twice the speed of sound It's easy to get burned”

 

I’m always amazed at the Universe’s synchronicity. Since the day I was packing for my trek to thee Valley of the Sun. Turning on the local Old fogey’s radio station, Crosby, Stills and Nash’s Just A Song Before I go started playing on my ancient transistor radio…

 

VIDEO: Just A song before I go

 

Whilst its funny how I was madly type-type-typing away on various, riveting No fenders Blog stories like this 12 Hours before departing.

 

Yeah, I chose the number 12 on purpose. And not because of the Seahawks 12‘s, but for DJ WillyP’. Say What! He doesn’t drive the No. 12 anymore?

 

Have I mentioned that I spent half of February traveling to Warshington’ and Arizona lately, Yall? Meaning that my No Fenders posts will be a Wee Bitamyte’ sporadic and somewhat dated. Since as typical, I’ll be busy playin’ Ketsup on Ye Blob’, just Sayin’. And having caught my first cold in several years isn’t helping matter either. Since isn’t that what vacations are for?

 

Thy trip started off swimmingly, since Southwest Airlines didn’t send the “Memo” (email) until 15mins after my Taxi driver had called to say He’d left Eugene. Informing me that my flight had been delayed by two hours, Crap!

 

And then my Cabbie’ called again warning me He’d most likely be somewhat late since it was snowing really good at the “Pass”, albeit the Ralph A. Petersen tunnel’s elevation is a whopping 990 feet MSL. (Mean Sea Level) With Cougar Pass being situated at some 715 feet. Which for Mwah, a former Warshingtonion Skier isn’t exactly what I call Mountainous! But I digress…

 

Naturally, we’d be having our very first day of snow the morning I was trying to travel to the warmer climes of Arizona, Ya Sure Yuh Betcha!

 

And although the snow had stopped, the sky brightened and the road was virtually dry. With the exception of the overhead trees dripping, making the windshield wipers scratch in protest. After we’d passed a Fed Ex “Box” truck in a ditch, and I mused out loud those packages will be late! Traffic came to a complete halt on Highway 126 and we sat still for 15mins. Before traffic moved again and we passed a further two deliver Box-trucks off the road, with another in a ditch…

 

Standing in the check-in line and waiting for assistance. Melissa, a TSA employee said She’d take me to my gate since She wasn’t busy at the moment. Telling me things were a bit slow that morning.

 

Huh? I’ve never had my own, personal TSA escort agent before. Informing Her of my mechanical Heart valve, we suddenly went down a long hallway into a private “screening” room where She said Her co-worker George would pat me down.

 

Melissa mentioned George was one of Her good friends, and as He was explaining how His hand would go over my buttocks and groin area I couldn’t resist. And said George and I are going to be “Good” Friends too, Hya!

 

Although this TSA Airport screening “Pat-down” wasn’t any worse than last year’s in Arizona…

 

The Perks of being A Blind Traveler

 

Seated at my gate, a further announcement was silently made, as a friendly woman in a wheelchair said they’d just texted Her saying our flight wouldn’t depart now until 3:37PM; a further hour and twenty minutes plus, and three an one quarter hours later than originally slated, Urgh!

 

Reportedly the weather in Denver, with winds Ah-Blowin’ Almighty was causing all of the delays. But what became mondo annoying was the departure time kept playing Whack-ah-Mole! Since after a kind Airport employee had escorted me to the bathroom and we returned to the gate at 2:06PM. The gate agent said we’re boarding now!

 

And then we sat on the tarmac forever before finally departing for Denver.

 

Funniest bit for Mwah was riding in a golf cart to my connecting flight’s gate. As it still blows my mind there’s no direct flights from Eugene to Phoenix, Ack!

 

As we slowly made our way through the concourse, Tom Petty’s I’m Free, Free Falling wailed upon the concourse’s speakers. Which I mused to myself they shouldn’t be playing that song in an airport!

 

Hey, I like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and like the song also. But Free, Free Falling isn’t something I want to be hearing at an airport or doing on an Aeroplaine, Hya!

 

As the arrival time for Phoenix apparently constantly rubber-banded before four hours later after our scheduled arrival, we finally arrived! And so much for arriving at dinner time. Which it really doesn’t help just having the airline employees apologize for our being late profusely…

 

Returning home was a relative “Breeze”. As there were no flight delays and TSA was “entertaining”, after they told me to look at the camera. Hmm, I’m Blind Sister!

 

Then another friendly TSA worker said He’s walk me thru the Ronald Dumbsfeld Bodies R Us (Body) Scanner. Asking me if I knew how to do the YMCA pose?

 

As He helped me walk sideways up the ramp, spread my feet and then positioned my arms being splayed backwards with my elbows out. Or something to that effect, which apparently was the aforementioned YMCA pose…

 

What, you mean no full body Pat-down, say what?

 

After collecting my suitcase, it was outside into “frigid” 43 degrees damp weather across the street to the designated Taxicab pickup area. Where two “enterprising”, Cabbies’ worked me over good trying to steal another’s fair. With both men telling me countless horror stories of how my cab company never shows up, Yada-Yada-Yada…

 

As my cab was 20mins late, but I stuck with the company I’d already made a reservation with. Which ironically turned out being the exact same driver who’d driven me to Eugene a week earlier.

 

And although I didn’t “get to climb in the back with the Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes”. The road was completely empty and we made excellent time home, with another day’s Madcap journey over!

 

Partial song lyrics from: Crosby, Stills and Nash Just A song before I Go; 1977 CSN Album. 

A Milestone and ever revolving Racing Movie Choices

A much younger Tomaso supporting TAG’, nee Indy 500 polesitter Alex Tagliani at IMS fountain race day. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Once again, being Everything One wishes to read about, Righto?

 

Yeah, I’m tootin’ my own horn here upon thoust mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville. Uhm where are Yuhs ‘lil Toot-Toot!

 

Making it under Ye Foghorn, when that Foghorn Blows, sing it Van Morrison…

 

VIDEO: Into the Mystic

 

As where’s ‘Ol Jeffie’ of One Lap Down to tell me to stay focused Man, Outside, Still Outside…

 

Late last year. No Fender posted it’s Gory 5,000 blog story on Monday, December 22^nd. With that Oh, so delectable Happy Holley Four Barrel Holidayzes tiding, Aye Karumba!

 

As I could have “padded” this tally by posting about the tragic death of thee Biffster’, nee Greg Biffle, His family and three others, but will save for a later day…

 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d post 5,000 “riveting” blog stories, or still be going strong some 19-plus years later, Crikesy! Although I cannot imagine reaching 10,000 posts in another 20 years…

 

This all crystalized for Mwah when thinking about how my Top 10 racing movie choices have expanded and evolved over the past two decades. Since it all began with my elongated Grand Prix review Wayback’ over Christmas, or was it New Years eve, in Gory 2006. When No Fenders was still in “Nappies”, just some three-plus months old, Youza !

 

At that point in time, I only knew of four racing films, albeit two were definitely Clunkers! Leaving me with just Grand Prix and Le Mans. Before learning of three more thanks to the late Robin Miller, i.e.; Winning, The Big Wheel and To Please a Lady.

 

Yet with the arrival of Rush, now just over a dozen years ago; Uhm, a baker’s dozen. Naturally the debate over best racing films resurfaced.

 

RUSH: The Best Racing Movie of All Time?

 

Or Y’all can directly pass Go, without collecting your $200. And read Wee Willie Buxom’s Top 10 review below…

 

The Top 10 Racing Films… Ever

 

Hence, my racing movie choices expanded following Rush, becoming a true Top 10 finally, excluding Clunkers and Alternate choices.

 

Yet following the arrival of Ford v Ferrari in 2019, once again my list evolved, with a new Top 10 list written in 2020. Yet never making it onto thoust Hallowed pages of No Fenders. As Y’all know the drill here Mateys…

 

Thus, with the arrival of F1: The Movie last July, naturally this subject once again became all the rage. For which I finally hammered out and posted my current Top 10 list just days ago. Which didn’t include what have become outcasts or alternates. Whilst the Clunkers really shouldn’t surprise Yuhs.

 

Alternates

While I never saw The 2019 Art of Racing in the Rain movie. A “Pet” project of Dr. McDreamy, aka Patrick Dempsey, with Kevin Costner as Enzo’s voice. I did read the delightful 2008 book about Enzo the dog and His master’s Denny’s travails as a racing driver written by Garth Stein over a decade ago.

 

The Art of Racing in the Rain in More ways than One can  Conjure

 

Whilst you already know about the others noted above: Paul Newman’s Winning. Mickey Rooney’s The Big Wheel and Clark Gable’s To Please a Lady…

 

Clunkers

Shouldn’t even need to tell you or scribble what the worst racing film ever is! Like can Y’all say Joe Tanto? With Sly Stallone’s Driven undoubtably standing atop the podium!

 

Vice Champion, runner-up or second place belongs to Tom Cruise’s Dazes ‘O Blunder. (Days of Thunder( With Burt Reynolds Stroker Ace being third.

 

Hey, anyone wearing a Chicken suit in a racing film with Gomer Pyle sayin’ gollee is a lock for the podium…

 

Others

Naturally, everyone and their Dog, even Enzo has a Top 10 racing movies list. Having learned about Speed Racer, the film and the unknown of The Pit Stop when perusing Autoweek and Esquire’s Top 10 selections following the release of F1: The Movie.

 

Which if you’re curious? I’ll let your fingers do the walking and search the All knowing Intrawoods’ for others choices… 

The Curse of Blogger!

Mario Andretti belatedly trying to find His way to Denny Hamlin’s Timing Stand, Err Pit Box in Avondale. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Apparently the Andretti’s aren’t the only one’s Cursed…

 

Since for reasons unknown, Blogger has become super persnickety over uploading pictures on No Fenders. And apparently Mario wasn’t the only one who got lost!

 

As you’re gonna Drive Me to Drinkin’ if You Don’t Stop Uploading Broken Images Blogger, Oh Never Mind! 

Traipsing thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again

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… 

Dempsey returns to Cockpit

As Dr. McDreamy returns to racing once again…

 

Yeah, Y’all might have noticed the struggle I’m currently experiencing in getting thoust IWG (Internal Writing Generator) to work proficiently. Or at peak 100% operating capacity since returning from my latest, fantastic three weeks sojourn to Warshington’ and Arizona, Chirp-chirp, Bueller?

 

Look Ma, No Danica Peaking Jokes included this time, Hya!

 

Having definitely felt like ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin’s frustrating race outing at the Thermal club lately. Albeit I having been Bangin’ Wheels with anybody like Sparky’, ergo Devlin DeFrancesco, Youch!

 

Whilst I didn’t catch the final portion of Felix-the-Cat’s flattering compliment ‘bout Sparky at The Beach either!

 

Since I suppose all sriters, including the few of us remaining IndyCar Bloggers suffer from the well known plight of “Writer’s Block” occasionally. For which I never consider it being that, always having more ideas and items to scribble about swimming round my mental Jukebox than I can ever poond out!

 

Nope, it’s just simply the fact of not feeling inspired or wishing to spend All day at the keyboard! Even if another motor racing season is now upon us, and about to ramp up to full output. I simply haven’t gotten excited about racing yet.

 

Even though I feel like I’m just relentlessly poondin’ away on Ye Selectric to have something ready for posting Justin-time’ these Dazes…

 

Enjoyed this brief interview Marshall Pruett posted recently on Racer with former Dr. McDreamy of Grays Anatomy, ergo Patrick Dempsey.

 

Ultimately it was to promote Dempsey’s Documentary, which I haven’t “watched”, Err listened to, and doubt I’ll ever get a chance. Since I still have zero inkling over how a Blind person’s supposed to do the Oh, so cool Daddy O’ streaming everyone does these days?

 

As there’s a trailer at the bottom of the article which I did listen to, but found it somewhat hard to follow audibly…

 

As here’s the link to Marshall’s Racer article, where Dempsey discusses being lured back to motor racing after playing the role of Piero Taruffi in Michael Mann’s excellent movie Ferrari! And driving alongside Porsche Factory Hotschue’ Patrick Long, also having His own racing renaissance.

 

https://racer.com/2025/03/14/how-patrick-dempsey-was-lured-back-behind-the-wheel/ 

A Soothing Lullaby

Sure to induce Sleep in some of Yuhs…

 

Just a brief Jot’ as Grizzled F1 Journo Joe Saward would say. To let Y’all know that your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso’s On Holiday again, Groan!

 

Meaning Thar  won’t be any riveting recaps of the season’s first IndyCar race, since I’m busy pushing the P2P button Schlick! Having methodically poonded’ away some 26 No Fenders Blog stories for your dining pleasure, Err consumptions…

Hmm, perhaps that will give Colton Herta some No Fenders Mojo’ for Saint Pete, Eh?

Not to mention totally missing the Thailand MotoGP season opener. Along with there not being  any other mesmerizing No Fenders rants upon the latest ‘n greatest whatever, like I dunno?? But its always a goody thingy’ to push away from the All consuming Confuzer and keyboard. Especially when I get to visit a very special lap Hoond named Hang 10’ Hilo!

 

Although I’m Arse-suming that Mary Ellen will be able to furnish the St Pete IndyCar race via IndyCar Radio from Ye Apple Orchard…

 

As I’ll leave Y’all with the soothing, Eh? I said speak up sonny! Thars some darn blasted v-12 contraption making a Bloody racket in the background…

 

As the Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH-spec Hypercar makes its racing debut at Sebring this March 15th. And although its been out for awhile now. Like Marshall Pruett says on the Podcast. The exclusive in-car audio recording from the Valkyrie’s right hand sidepodon the High Banks of Daytona during testing should definitely leave a smile on your face! Not to mention some of the Heavy Hitters giggling afterwards.

 

So check it out, if you want to hear a proper ‘Ol school 6.5-litre normally aspirated glorious sounding V-12 motor getting a proper workout on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course!

 

https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/podcast/mp-1569-aston-martin-valkyrie-amr-lmh-in-car-at-daytona/ 

Welcome to the New Year 2025

As Y’all know that well worn cliché about time Zoom-Zooming by!

 

Or as ‘Ol Pink Floyd says something ‘bout another year older, tired and liking to warm my bones besides the fire…

 

Nah, no “Meet the New Year, Same as the Old Year” Jokes here! Since apparently the Jokes upon Mwha! And I’m not talking about the weather. Which has done nothing but pummeled us with rain upon Ye Gory Oregonian coast since New Years Day. Not to mention being perpetually cold, but I digress…

 

No, the joke is that Microsoft decided to update/modify some coding upon its All knowing Edge internet browser. Since believe they got tired of it being referred to as Internet Exploder! And broke the Intrawoods’ for All of us whom use Zoomtext Fusion Screen Reading software to interface with the Digital world, Buggers!

 

As I first began not being able to “surf the Web” on New Years Eve. But didn’t learn of this issue until contacting Zoomtext Tech Support on Friday, January 3rd. With the workaround solution being to use Firefox Moohzillah’, after the kindly tech support Boffin’ updated my out-of-date Moohzillah’ browser.

 

As this Ain’t exactly a good sign for the New Year ahead, Eh! Although I Don’t have a lot to say. Since it also seems fruitless of Mwah to say I’ll take it easy scribblin’ stories here upon No Fenders for your consumption.

 

As once again, I found myself getting wound-up trying to Hammer away at year’s end, before ‘Ol Santa Claus’s arrival Ho-Ho-Ho!

 

Not to mention originally scribblin’ this riveting post in the wrong text font, but I further digress…

 

Arse-suming everybody knows that Juncos Hollinger Racing announced Conor Daly as the new chauffeur of its No. 77 entry one week before Christmas. Meaning Romain Grosjean will now just focus upon His Sports Car career, unless He can land one of Coyne’s two seats?

 

Although hopefully nobody’s holding Thar’ breath over Dale Coyne announcing His two IndyCar drivers anytime soon. Like I mean we’ve still got 55 days until St Pete, Hya! Although I’m really hoping His lineup will be Rinus VeeKay and Toby Sowery. Or Grosjean and Sowery would be fine also…

 

Formula 1 capped off the year with a flurry of expected announcements from Red Bull. With Checo’ (Sergio Perez) told not to come back! And Liam Lawson filling His seat for 2025. Along with the relatively unheard of Isack Hadjar graduating to F1 filling Lawson’s Racing bulls seat.

 

The F1 grid will have a massive quarter of its seats filled by rookies. Led by reigning Formula 2 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber/Audi. F2 runner-up Hadjar at RB. Oliver Bearman at Haas. Jack Doohan at Alpine and Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.

 

The annual Dakar Rally, once again being contested in Saudia Arabia, began on Friday, January 3rd, and ends on January 17th. Although I’ve got zero clue who’s competing this year? Whilst Arse-sumedly with mediocre TV coverage behind the nebulous Peacock Paywall…

 

Then on Christmas day, I read that the Lamborghini SC63 IMSA GTP program will be run by Bill Riley and His Riley Motorsports concern this season, with a single entry in the five Michelin Endurance cup rounds.

 

Meanwhile, it’s a mad scramble to poond’ out another batch o’ riveting No Fenders blog stories for this year’s fast approaching Rolex 24. With 61 entries set to take the green flag at Daytona International speedway on Saturday, January 25th; just 19-days from now, Yikes!

 

Preceded by the three day Roar before The Rolex 24 taking place between Jan 17-19. Which sees the return of Qualifying moving back to  Thursday afternoon, January 23rd.

 

As Race Fans, Start your Engines! But first, a ‘lil Equine adventure, Giddy Up Y’all…

Eight truly Awesome Vintage Racing Magnets!

Eight Bitchin’vintage racing magnets depicting Grans Prix, 24 Heurs du Mans ant the Indianapolis 500! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Being Blind, have I mentioned that lately, Y’all? It has become harder and harder to properly format blog stories on the Blogger platform I use.

 

Case in point being that the insert image link doesn’t work with my antiquated No Fenders blog! Which is probably a good thing, since I cannot see the Add Caption tab. Nor can I seem to manually insert multiple images inside a story’s post, Urgh!

 

Therefore, I’ve split the two pictures I’d intended to use for the preceding Cuban Grand Prix story into two separate blog posts. And without further Adu…

 

Above is the Full Grid eight Awesome vintage motor racing magnets that Florentine’s  Jeannie, John and Beverlee gave me for Christmas a few years ago now!

 

As these include the aforementioned Cuban Grand Prix magnet. Plus two 24 Heurs du Mans, Belgian Grand Prix, Grand Prix de l’Albigeois, (Albi, France) two Monaco Grands Prix and Indianapolis 500 magnets that proudly adorn the side of my refrigerator!

 

As I feel another future story about some of these classic Grands Prix coming on, especially that totally unknown Albi, France venue. Whenever I can find time to poond’ them out…

 

Photograph c/o J&J Images 

18B: No Fenders turns Jack Harvey’s, Nolan siegel, Hunter McElrea’s Car Number today!

Two very Happy couch Surfers! Starring Hang 10’ Hilo whom aided Tomaso with His Heart surgery recovers. The Tomaso Collection)

 

Along with All of the other Suspects to drive the No. 18 Dale Coyne entry like Chicago’s “Davey” Malukas, Sealmeister B’, ergo Sebastien Bourdais and everyone else…

 

Hopefully not sounding like a broken record here upon No Fenders? But I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d still be labouriously poondin’ at Ye ancient keyboard here upon thoust mystical isle of Nofendersville! Or still merrily creating fresh content for Y’all weekly 18 Freakin’ years later, Aye Karumba!

 

First ‘n foremost, like All the IndyCar drivers do. Its time to thank the Fans for perusing No Fenders and hopefully reading some of my Zany Blog posts the past 12 months, especially All four of my loyal readers!which are lovingly honed with a dull, rusty knife in Tomaso Manor whilst thoust waves crash upon the jagged coastline of Nofendersville Mateys, R-R-R!

 

 

As why does that ‘Ol MacDougals slogan now serving (insert number) here come to mind, Hya!

 

Uhm, where to begin, Eh? As this year in the life of Tomaso has been singularly unique, especially since I never thought I’d be having Open Heart surgery this past January! Or when I tell people about it, they All tell me I’m too young for that.

 

Along with being my first surgery ever. Whale’ Y’all know that saying about “Go Big or Go Home”, Righto? And thus off I went to Springfield for surgery. Having scribbled about my “primer” in the No Fenders story below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/02/the-tomaso-files-my-first-hospital.html

 

And I’ve got a million fading memories of spending six days in Hospital and everything new associated with it still swimming round my Head! Like my “Head” Nurse Molly taking pity on me and saying we’re gonna put a second hospital gown on you backwards – so nobody’s gotta look at my tailfeathers when walking the Halls!

 

Or the rehab Nurses giving up on my trying to use a walker while being Blind! As I’m a really “good” driver, Hya! Just putting a belt around me and having me walk the hallways instead. And I could go on and on…

 

Whilst it’s funny how quickly we regress back into our daily routines, since it seems so long ago since those six days in Hospital following my surgery. Not to mention how quickly one’s muscles atrophy!

 

Then going home after my INR number had stabilized sufficiently for my initial eight weeks recovery period; when not allowed to raise my arms over my head. Twist, push, pull, pickup or carry anything over 8lbs, i.e.; one gallon of milk! Although typically the sternum bone cut in half isn’t fully “Healed” until twelve weeks, which now all seems like a distant memory…

 

as I’d said I was gonna “Dial” back upon Blogging so much info weekly, but here I am scurrying to poond’ out another riveting story Justin-time for your consumption! After having previously written about the perils of placing stress upon one’s self…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/02/the-tomaso-files-how-blogging-saved-my.html

 

Having celebrated seven months since said Open Heart surgery over a Fortnight ago, its amazing how much I’ve gone back to my normal, daily grind; which obviously is a good thing…

 

Thus, I really don’t have a whole lot else to offer for this year’s anniversary’s salutations. Other than I’ve just returned from my very first trip outside of the state since said surgery. A very enjoyable trek to Warshington’ to visit friends & family. And oh yeah, a one certain precocious Hoond fondly known as Hang 10’ Hilo. Thee Star of the Show!

 

Another casualty for Mwah is the ridiculousness of IndyCar’s Start-Stop-Start G-O really fast to the end before F$$KING’ Football! Is my having missed three of the season’s last five races – having listened to every single one via IndyCar Radio thru Toronto before some stupid Sports games in Paris interrupted! And then having missed Gateway and Milwaukee’s Double Header, whilst listening to the Portland race from Tacoma.

 

As this is what happens when life gets busy, and one prefers to take advantage of summer’s fleeting weather vs. staying home to listen to IndyCar and other motor racing series around Ye Globe, i.e.; Formula 1, MotoGP and Sports Cars. And I’m pretty certain this will only increase beginning with next year’s even further condensed IndyCar schedule to appease it’s new television provider FOX, Brilliant!

 

No idea why this caused an ‘Ol Robbie Robertson song’s opening lyrics to spring to mind? For which I’ve cleverly “adapted” to hopefully make some reason or rhyme…

 

“As you know I’ve got a million stories to go,

As this is just one more of the million I’ve got left to tell”

 

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

 

As I won’t prattle on too much longer here. But just wanted to say that I’ve got a bunch ‘O stories I’ve been wanting to scribble awhile now and will do so. Which may not relate to anything current in Der Vurld de Motorsporten, Ja-Ja! Otherwise,

 

Thanks to everyone visiting Nofendersville and reading my eclectic scribblings upon No Fenders All these years!

 

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

 

Led First 'N Foremost by Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen, the late Kuhnaidiun' lass Claire and Blogmeister' Miguel!, who keeps this Site Alive and makes All of my Zany Updates whenever requested.

 

Along with Mary Ellen’s G-R-r-R-Reat Hoond’ who’s I affectionately nickname Hang 10’ Hilo! Being the most laid back Chihuahua I’ve ever met! Whom I eagerly look forward to “Seeing” every single time I have the opportunity to do so!

 

Plus continuous contributions from Offical' Photographer CARPETS', Snowbyrd MJ', Randal, Thy Moniker King' . Along with the still Mega' Killer official No Fenders logo provided by Artiste Dave!

 

And like Melody Sheik brilliantly “Sings” in his Symphony of Science Masterpiece from over a Dozen years ago. Uhm, whose IndyCar Number is that? “We Are All connected!”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGK84Poeynk

 

Whilst never fear Ladies and Germs’, Your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is planning on sticking round for awhile. Especially since I just had a new mechanical Heart valve insertion!

 

Arrivederci

Tomaso

 

Partial Song lyrics from: Robbie Robertson

Song: Sacrifice, Album: Contact from the Underworld of Redboy, Year: 1998