LE MANS: Six pack of Aspiring Debutantes

Seeking to rebuild or advance their motorsports careers, who’ll find the mythical glass slipper?

 

This year, I became intrigued in the outcomes of six prominent drivers. Two being former Formula 1 pilotes, and four being sons of former F1 drivers who won Grands Prix.

 

And although it took much sleuthing, I vicariously deduced that all six Debutantes  are “coming Out” at this year’s Circuit de la Sarthe “Ball”.

 

Jack Doohan

DOB: January 20, 2003, Age: 23

Formula 1: Alpine, 2024-2025; 7 Starts. Haas, 2026

LMP2: #24 Nielsen Racing, Oreca 07/Gibson V-8

The son of Mick Doohan, five times GP500 World Champion, with 54 wins, and currently ranked fourth overall. Prior to graduating to Formula 1. Jack’s In His second and final full season in formula 2 finished third overall. With two poles, three wins, five podiums and two fastest laps.

 

Jack became the first Alpine Academy member to graduate to Formula 1, making His debut at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024 as the departing Esteban Ocon’s replacement.

 

Yet the Aussie’ garnered only a cuppa’ coffee in F1, being unfairly dropped in favour of Franco Colapinto after the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Remaining as Alpine’s reserve driver through season’s end, before cutting ties with Alpine and becoming Haas’s reserve driver this season.

 

Doohan tested a Super Formula car, but three identical crashes at Suzuka’s tricky Degner 2 corner ultimately led to signing to contest this year’s European le Mans Series (ELMS) for Nielsen Racing in the top tier LMP2 category. Doohan’s co-drivers were David Heinemeier Hansen and Edward Pearson

 

Enzo Trulli

DOB: April 15, 2005, Age: 21

FIA formula 3, 2023; Super Formula Lites, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

LMP2: #25 Algarve Pro Racing, Oreca 07/Gibson V-8

The son of Trulli Scrumptious’, aka Jarno Trulli, winner of the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix for le Reggie’, aka Renault. Seemingly has had the most mediocre career of sorts, albeit that’s easy for me to say, eh?

 

As Enzo was selected as Porsche Motorsports Asia pacific selected driver in 2025, succeeding Dorian Boccolacci.

 

Trulli began His single seater career by winning the 2021 Formula 4 UAE Championship with four wins and thirteen podiums. Then finished seventh in that year’s Euro Formula Open championship.

 

As second Euro Formula Open campaign saw Enzo win once, but finished tenth overall. Progressing next to FIA Formula 3 for 2023, Trulli finished an unflattering P34, with two 17th place finishes His best results.

 

Enzo then switched to Super Formula Lites where He won twice enroute to fifth overall. Followed by a partial FR Japanese Championship season, scoring a trio of podium finishes at Motegi, ending up tenth overall.

 

Unable to find a seat in Super formula, Trulli contested the Italian GP Championship for 2024. Then moved to the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia series last year.

 

Trulli also competed at season’s end in the Asia Le Mans Series (ALMS) with current team Algarve Pro Racing. Plus two rounds of the 24H series for Earl Bamber Racing, and now is concentrating upon this year’s European Le Mans Series. )ELMS)

 

Driving the team’s No. 20 LMP2 Pro Am (PA) entry with co-drivers Malthe Jakobsen and Michael Jensen.

 

Enzo will make His first Le Mans start for Algarve Pro Racing in the LMP2 Pro Am class with co-drivers Michael Jensen and Jake Hughes aboard it’s No. 25 entry.

 

Logan Sargeant

DOB: December 31, 2000, Age: 25

Formula 1: Williams, 2023-2024; 36 Starts, 1 point

LMGT3: #88 Proton Competition, Ford Mustang GT3 Evo

After winning two races in Formula 2 and securing the necessary FIA Super Licence, Logan was announced as a Williams Racing Formula 1 driver for the 2023 F1 season. With the Williams Driver Academy member making His Formula 1 Free Practice debut appropriately at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in October, 2022.

 

Sargeant went onto score a single point as a rookie after being elevated to tenth place ironically at the United States Grand Prix, in Auston. Becoming the first American to score a championship point since Michael Andretti at the 1993 Italian Grand Prix.

 

Sargeant was dropped by Team Willy’ following the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, in favour of Franco Colapinto. Having already been dismissed for the 2025 F1 season with the arrival of Carlos Sainz Jr.

 

Logan appeared set to drive for IDEC Sport LMP2 in the ELMS in 2025, before backing out of the team. Later running the final two IMSA Sports Car rounds for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.

 

Logan contested this year’s Rolex 24 driving for Era Motorsport in LMP2, also being confirmed as one of Ford’s initial three drivers for it’s 2027 (LMDH) Hypercar programme. Along with racing this year in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Proton Competition.

 

Logan will campaign the No. 88 Darkhorse Mustang with co-drivers Stefano Gattuso and Giammarco Levorato. Making his “proper” Le Mans debut in preparations for next year’s Hypercar effort. 

A few, Quick F1 thoughts

For which I’m still astounded over…

 

Have “watched”, Err listened to the past two Formula 1 races in Austin and Mexico City from two different locations. For which I must say overall, they both were somewhat “Dull”, i.e.; processional…

 

Recall how the current F1 technical regulations were supposed to make it easier for the trailing car to overtake the leading car?

 

Although think it was Herr Toto Crying Wolff’ who said this year’s championship would become a Qualifying race instead, Eh?

 

What most astounded me, and still did a week later was Sky Sports lead F1 Pundit, Err Presenter’s quip about Circus Maximus’s domination at the Circuit Of The Americas, where Max Verstappen led wire-to-wire from pole.

 

As Kroftie’, ergo David Kroft incredulously said that it looked like Max was out on a Sunday Stroll pushing the Pram, I Kids Yuh Not!

 

Yet if that was what Max Blunderhead’s romp in Austin looked like, then what was Lando Norris’s at the following Mexico City round? As Lando spanked the Competizione by a whopping 32 seconds! And points leader Oscar Piastri continued His Shrinking Violet act. Finishing a distant fifth and losing the points lead to dreaded McLaren teammate Norris by one point, Urgh!

 

Meanwhile the crowd seemed most receptive to Verstappen, who you could hear the crowd roaring for during the closing stages of the race. Along with getting the largest applause during the post race podium interview. As who’d Ah thunk It?

 

As I still find it amusing when thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, ergo James Hinchcliffe conducts these F1 post race podium interviews…

 

Whilst Ollie’, aka Oliver Bearhan deservedly was voted Driver of the Day upon His fine fourth place finish in Mexico. His career best F1 finish, driving for the smallest team on the grid. 

Alien Shivers in Lone Star State

But at least like All Ghoulish Ghosts, He didn’t Break any bones!

 

Whale’, my original working title was COTA Ghost Haunts Marquez, or something to that effect. Although when attending multiple U.S. grands Prix at Circuit Of The Americas, I believe that Austin Sherpa Claudio told me that they were Aliens! Although back then I think that The doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi was the lead Alien, ci? With Jorge Lorenzo and Rossi’s arch nemesis Ye Pinball Wizard, aka Marc Marquez making up this trio of Kneedraggers’ who could simply do things out of this world on their Scooters!

 

Although before I attended those COTA rounds over a decade ago, the Aliens were known to be Rossi, Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and apparently even Danni Pedrosa was included…

 

Whilst don’t know about Y’all, but I’m getting really tired of playing TV Network Wackamole for MotoGP! And after first thinking that Tru TV was Dropping the Ball again, since I couldn’t find the Austin round of MotoGP on it’s programming lineup. I was surprised to discover that it was on Fox Sports now instead…

 

Although not sure how effective hosting the premiere Kneedraggers motorcycle racing on the planet on FS1 and FS2 is? Hmm, makes me think of IndyCar and Motorsports, sans NASCAR getting third or fourth preference, but I digress!

 

As others will already be far ahead of Mwah, since it wasn’t until after COTA that I discovered that Fox Sports had inked a multi-year contract to host MotoGP beginning this season. While I have to say that I found last year’s Tru TV and Turner Sports Simulcast of the former Eurosports coverage far superior…

 

Although I didn’t know about it until after Sunday, Ye Pinball Wizard reportedly had His first crash aboard the Werks’ Ducati during Friday practice, which sounds like it was an outlier of things to come, Eh?

 

During Saturday’s Sprint race, Marc Marquez left an ominous, long black rubber streak upon the circuit when He nearly went down during the beginning stages of the Sprint. When being harried by Pecco’ Bagnaia and brother Alex for the lead! Yet Marc managed to inexplicably save His “slide” by simply putting the Hammer down and romping off for what the announcers gushed over being “Five for Five, in 25!”

 

As Marquez had set history to that point, having claimed all three pole positions, all three Sprint races, and both Sunday races to date.

 

But All streaks must come to an end sometime, to which Marquez’s was no exception. Seemingly enroute to another dominating victory on Sunday, leading by a comfortable 2.2-seconds. Marquez planted His front tyre on the white kerbing which still had some Slippery liquids on it. Lost traction and control of His bike and presto-change-O-O-Oh’, Crashed whilst leading!

 

As I have to say I admired Marquez’s spirit and determination to not Quit, which is probably why He’s a multi-times MotoGP World Champion! Even though He’d destroyed His all important fairing, along with ripping off a footpeg. Marquez tried soldiering on in P18 and dropping for five more laps before retiring.

 

As the announcers prattled on about how you simply cannot ride a modern MotoGP bike without a fairing due to the incessant buffeting. Especially when you’re doing routine laps above 300 Clicks’, i.e.; over 186mph, Sheisa! Since I think they were reaching 200mph at COTA?

 

Whilst I haven’t even discussed the pre-race rain shower that reaked havoc upon the grid. As Fabio Quartararo crashed during a “sighting” lap when trying to navigate the wet Ash-fault’ on a “Dry” Scooter’, i.e.; dry, slick tyres. With satellite Yamahopper’ rider  (Jack) Thriller’ Miller stopping to pick up the French rider.

 

Have to say it was during that Saturday’s Sprint race when Marquez almost crashed that I began wondering to myself how long it will be until He crashes again? And how long until He injurs Himself again?

 

Since Sunday’s race saw Werks’ Ducati teammate Bagnaia picking up the pieces after having aggressively broken up the Marquez train, as the two Spanish riders have been glued together, finishing 1-2 in every event until Sunday! As Pecco’ had barged His way into second place before Marquez crashed out!

 

As have to say the rider I’m most impressed by early on is Alex Marquez, the younger and mostly overlooked brother of Marc. Who’s been outstanding on the satellite Gresini squad on it’s year old Desmosedici GP24 Duc’. Leaving Austin with the MotoGP championship points lead, by one marker ahead of His brother. Having finished Vice champion, Err runner-up in all six races…

 

Another rider who’s impressed Mwah is Japanese MotoGP rookie Ai Ogura, riding for the Trackhouse MotoGP Team, on the “second” tier Aprilia outfit’s bikes.

 

As believe He netted an impressive fourth place finish in the season opener at Thailand, and was sixth overall prior to Qatar. Where Aprilia’s top Dawg’ and reigning MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin will make His debut for the Italian manufacturer, having been medically cleared by MotoGP on Thursday, prior to Qatar’s Friday practice.

 

As it was just plain weird not having thee Martinator’ on the MotoGP grid these past three events. Since with a nickname like that, you’d Arse-sume’ He’d fall into thoust “Alien” category, Eh?

 

Although Jorge’s certainly being Haunted by the Ghouls of Christmas Past right now! 

No Fenders Post Milwaukee Rewind

As who’s that IndyCar driver participating in the Mexican Grand Prix FP-1 (Free Practice) session this October?

 

Otay, Y’all are probably getting tired about reading of your fairly Humble No Fenders Head Scribe having been on Holiday again, Righto? And being in a virtual motor racing News Blackout for nearly a Fortnight thru this year’s Milwaukee Mile Double Header weekend…

 

As here’s just some of the news I missed, with arguably the biggest being NASCAR’s announcement of going to Mexico in 2025. As the Taxicab Bombers will invade the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez permanent road course, site of the Mexican Grand Prix next June in a points paying race.

 

Naturally this is another strike against IndyCar, and Penske Entertainment in particular! With Penske’s No. 1 Puffed Shirt Mark Miles earning a new, very unflattering nickname regarding His CEO title, Youch! Since it just seems to nasty to type! (With the Executive portion being changed to something Brown)

 

As Y’all know my Numero Uno IndyCar driver just so happens to hail from Monterey Mexico, Pato Who? And has been beating His Head upon the Safer Barrier trying to get an IndyCar race in His Home country the past three years.

 

And due to Miles less than flattering words, which I missed. O’Ward’s taken out two Billboards simply saying Pato Who? One on the way to the Nashville Super Speedway, and once coming to I-465 in Indianapolis later this year. Uhm, can Y’all say Butterfingers!

 

While perusing the RASCAR news, I came across an enjoyable Podcast with Marco Andretti. Who I didn’t even know was racing in ARCA and Trucks this year. Not to mention shortly becoming a father.

 

 

It’s a good interview with Marco, who’s just a straight shooter with no BS! And gives a lot of good information between His former IndyCar ride and wraslin’ Stock Cars and PickemUps’…

 

https://racer.com/2024/08/29/podcast-marco-andrettis-transition-to-nascar/

 

And since I missed both Dutch and Italian Grands Prix, I don’t have anything substantive to report upon Formula 1…

 

Thus naturally I was Cornfuzed when I heard this Harry whoever Chap mentioning some Colapinto name during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Cola Who? As little did I know that Williams had sacked Logan Sargeant after He wrote off another chassis during the Dutch Grand Prix! Being replaced by FIA Formula 2 driver Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season. As the 21yr old Argetinian is a member of the Williams Driver Academy.

 

As Colapinto has shone brilliantly to date. Scoring His maiden points with an eighth place finish in Baku, along with outqualifying team leader Alex Albon in only His second F1 outing…

 

On this side of Ye Gory Puddle’, Chip Ganassi Racing confirmed the already known news that CGR would indeed be downsizing to only three IndyCar entries next year in light of the forthcoming Charter system. Yet I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Ganassi will field a two car Indy NXT program beginning next year. Which will undoubtably utilize some of it’s “Discarded” IndyCar staff. As the Nos. 11 and 4 entries will be shuttered.

 

Arse-sumedly Kyffin Simpson, who’s father’s enterprise Ridgline Oil brings major sponsorship to CGR will “slide” into the No. 8 entry next year alongside Scott Dixon and reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou.

 

The only question left for Cheep’ is whether or not He’ll find a new Sports Car operation to field for the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season? Along with where will current IndyCar drivers Marcus Armstrong and Linus Lundqvist land?

 

As Lundqvist clinched this year’s IndyCar rookie Of the Year (ROY) title at Milwaukee…

 

Meanwhile, the Sports Car world saw the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) make it’s lone United States appearance at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) over the Labour Day weekend. As the Lone Star Le Mans race was won by the privateer No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari P499, driven by thee Krakow Kid’, aka Robert Kubica, Robert Shwartzman and Yifei Ye.

 

The lower tier LM GT3 category was won by Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo with Team Boss Ian James, Danny Mancinelli and Andrea Riberasclaiming a dominant win on Home soil.

 

On a side note, local Texan Ben Keating went from being a spectator to getting a last minute call-up to race aboard the No. 88 ProtonCompetition Ford Mustang GT3. Learning that Keating is a third generation Ford Dealer and has four Ford Dealerships in Texas…

 

In the worst kept secret, Cadillac finally made it official that Wayne Taylor Racing will be running a two car Caddy’ V-Series.R IMSA GTPFactory program alongside Action Express Racing’s (AXR) Whelen Engineering Cadd-Oh-lac’ #31 entry next year.

 

General Motors reportedly asked that the new two car effort replacing the outgoing Chip Ganassi Racing effort be simply known as Wayne Taylor Racing due to it’s winning heritage with WTR previously. Even though it’s definitely a WTR Andretti entry.

 

Lastly, and I only heard the results after Tacoma Bureua Chief Mary Ellen asked me if I wanted to know about the MotoGP race? Before telling me that thee Alien’, ergo Marc Marquez had won in Spain at Aragon.

 

As it was the Pinball Wizard’s first victory in an astounding 1,043 days! 

Maverick returns to the Top of the Mountain

Even if it was only briefly. As You’ve come a long way from riding for Paris Hilton!

 

Yeah, I know Y’all are looking for some riveting Dribble’ over what I playfully call the Guns ‘N Roses Indy GP. Or has practice begun for some ‘lil ‘Ol Oval race? But if you’re a frequent visitor to No Fenders, then Y’all know that’s not the way I roll…

 

Having already droned on about how disappointing TNT Sports handling of this year’s Circuit Of The Americas MotoGP race was, I waited unpatiently until the following evening, Urgh!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/04/motogps-maddening-hunt-for-its-new.html

 

Funny what tricks our ears play upon us, eh? As I thought I’d mucked up by listening briefly to The Guardian’s Sports section Sunday evening and heard who won the MotoGP race in Austin. Since I knew better! Yet The Guardian via Reuters uses lots of Spanish “Floranets” in their spelling. So I thought I’d “accidently” heard that Jorge Martin had won.

 

But I decided since I pay so Friggin’ mucho for Cable TV, even though the replay was during dinner-time. I’d “watch” the Encore presentation Monday night anyways.

 

Thus I sat Thar with both sets ‘O fingers crossed with three and-a-half laps remaining during the litany ‘O commercials – Hoping that Maverick Top Gun’ Vinales would hang on to win His first race since 2021. Thinking All the while Oh No, don’t tell me He’s going to throw another win away?

 

Yet Vinales who started from Pole before dropping to P11 on lap-1 was victorious! Becoming MotoGP’s first modern-day rider to win a Grands Prix for three different manufacturers! Although the Pundits claimed that Maverick was only the third rider in the premiere road racing Motorcycle series history to ever do so!

 

Vinales claimed His maiden MotoGP victory for the factory Suzuki team at the 2016 British Grand Prix, before moving onto Yamaha. Where He replaced departing Jorge Lorenzo for 2017.

 

Maverick’s maiden season with Yamaha ultimately was His best. Winning upon debut at Qatar. Then winning at Argentina and Le Mans and ultimately finishing third overall. As Maverick would claim eight W’s at Yamaha before immediate dismissal in the summer of 2021.

 

Thus it was Maverick now sporting a Batman image on the back of His Helmet and donning a cape who came back from the ultra lows of deliberately trying to Blow-up His Yamaha MotoGP race bike in Austria, the most bizarre thing I’ve heard of, being Fired immediately! To redemption by sweeping the Austin weekend. Claiming Pole position and winning both Saturday’s Sprint race, which I watched live. And then the main Sunday race to Boot, both for Aprilia! With Maverick notching His tenth MotoGP victory.

 

As I’ll leave out All of the twists ‘n turns during the race, since there were several different leaders before Maverick took control! And I simply don’t feel inclined trying to type All of the ensuing Madness…

 

Case in point. I noticed that seven of the top-10 riders on Friday were aboard Ducati’s, with only the two Factory Werks’ Aprilia riders and rookie KTM phenomm Pedro Acosta breaking the Duc’s stranglehold.

 

Following enjoying Maverick’s podium celebration, during another commercial break I found myself trying to think of whom the other two riders were, I nailed “Steady Eddie” Lawson and Randy Mamola by accident when trying to guess what the third Make Lawson had won on? As Mamola and Moto Guzzi came to mind…

 

According to Fox Sports Australia reporter Michael Lamonato, the answer is actually four previous riders. As how could I overlook Mike “the Bike” Hailwood, who naturally was the first to ever do so. Followed by Mamola, Lawson and the other rider I’d never have guessed Lorris Capirossi, especially  since I don’t know anything about this Italian rider. As All four did so during earlier Grands Prix eras…

 

But this is why I follow MotoGP, which is a Helluva more interesting than Formula 1 is! Even if I have to spend copious amounts ‘O time trying to figure out when the next MotoGP TV Broadcast will Air, Buggers!

 

Salute Maverick 

MotoGP’s Maddening Hunt for it’s New Television Home

And Who the Bloody Hell is TruTV?

 

If you’re a MotoGP Fan, then you’ve already heard about Liberty Media, owners of Formula 1 jut having acquired control of MotoGP. As it must be nice being Flush with Cash! Since reportedly Liberty Media’s paying $4.2b as in billions for an 86% ownership stake in MotoGP. With Dorna Sports, the current owners and promoters of MotoGP retaining 14%.

 

Although the deal is subject to approval by Foreign Countries legal approval, most notably the European Commission’s Anti-Competition laws. Since previous Formula 1 ower CVC Capital had to divest it’s ownership of Dorna sports in 2006 for approval to sell F1 to Liberty media…

 

But this riveting No Fenders yarn is about how much time I wasted trying to discover where MotoGP was airing upon my ridiculously overpriced Spectrum Cable TV.

 

Having learned earlier this year during March Madness that TNT Sports had scooped up MotoGP at the last minute from NBC Sports, I wondered where this new entity I’d never heard of before resided Stateside, and whether or not I even had access to it?

 

Stumblin’ ‘n bumblin’ my way, as where’s ‘Ol chris Berman when Yuhs need Him, eh? I somehow discovered that TNT Sports resided on TruTV, Who? As I think I spent nearly an hour figuring that out…

 

Whilst naturally, the first MotoGP race I could have “watche”, Err listened to went directly Head-to-Head with that stupendous Whose your Daddy $1 million Sweepstakes Challenge at the Thermal Club, which I elected to view instead.

 

Having missed the first two MotoGP races of the season, I was intent to watch the U.S. Grand Prix from Austin, Texas April 14th, since Thar still weren’t no IndyCar racing to partake, Urgh!

 

Thus naturally, I Arse-sumed that the biggest MotoGP race of the year Stateside would be on TruTV, El Correctomundo? For which my repeated searching upon my Zap2It’ TV Guide showed zero Sunday live race coverage, Say What?

 

This led me down a very long Wabbit’ Hole of vainly trying to deduce where if at all TNT Sports was located upon my Cable TV package? For which I felt like I’d spent at least another hours time trying to deduce this, Frick! As who was it that wrote about the U.S. market being a really tough “Nut to Crack”.

 

I tried repeatedly entering my street address and zip code into the Spectrum Channel guide, which kept saying I needed to enter a complete address, which I did you El Stupidio website! Before I broke down and called Spectrum to see if they could tell me if I had TNT Sports?

 

To which the amiable customer representative said He’d never heard of that channel before. Wait a minute it’s a UK and Ireland channel. To which I replied no, that’s TNT International. Before He tried searching for TNT Americas before saying I definitely didn’t have that channel!

 

Now little did I know that TNT Sports is the umpteenth rebranding of what began life as separate sporting entities of Ted Turner’s Turner Broadcasting System’s (TBS) empire Wayback’ in the early 1970’s before officially becoming Turner Sports in 1995. And has since gone thru major ownership changes since then. Most recently under Warner Brothers and Discovery Sport’s control until 2023. Better known as WBTV Discovery Sports, and I think it’s still owned by this faction today, Cornfuzed?

 

Looking up TNT Sports (United States) on the All knowing Intrawoods’, nee internet revealed that of their multitude of current Sports properties, i.e.; NBA, NHL, MLB, etc. As of 2024 MotoGP would air upon TruTV for both Saturday Sprint races and Sunday races. As I felt like I’d just gone past gO, but definitely didn’t get to collect my $200 Aye Karumba!

 

As TruTV’s Sunday April 14th broadcast schedule felt like a bad impersonation of the USA Network. With Wall-to Wall airings of World’s Dumbest and Impractical Jokers, Spew! Interupted at 12:30PM Pacific by Multi-versus Beloved Warner Bros. Discovery characters take center ice in a matchup of two recent Stanley Cup Champions: Colorado Avalanche vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights. (3Hrs)

 

Meaning that the MotoGP race from Austin, Texas was being preempted by Friggin’ Hockey. Like talk about your Major 5mins Penalties JackArses!

 

As I did manage to find the Saturday Sprint Race and “watched”, Err listened to it’s entire 90mins broadcast, just to compare ‘n contrast to CNBC’s former MotoGP TV coverage. For which I was suitably impressed, even if there was way too much fillig of time by the TV Pundits! Since it appears it’s another European Sports production, perhaps Eurosport? Although I don’t know if it still exists?

 

Then adding insult to injury is the fact that I could watch shortened TV Broadcasts of both Saturday & Sunday’s action back-to-back Monday evening from 4-7PM Pacific. But I Don’t want to wait a whole Flippin’ day after to listen to a race replay Buggers!

 

Leading me to shake my Head in Disgust over how Liberty Media will be able to improve MotoGP’s “reach” in the United States if this is the current treatment the Sport receives. Like I mean, if the United States MotoGP race cannot even be shown live on TV, how do they ever expect the Sport to Grow?

 

Since last time I checked, I believe that the Discovery Channel is owned by Liberty Media, although I couldn’t deduce through All of the Shell companies who owns Discovery Sports, which appears to be part owners of TNT Sports with WBD Sports and the BT Group. (Eurosport) Oh Never Mind!

 

Shame On You MotoGP! 

Rodney Sandstorm Invades COTA

But what did His Alter Ego think about racing at Circuit Of The Americas?

 

For those of Y’all who Don’t know who Rodney Sandstorm is? I’ll leave it to yourselfs to figure that out. Other than let’s just say He’s the Uber Funny side of a very accomplished Championship winning Sports Car Racer…

 

Here’s another of Marshall Pruett’s Catching Up Podcasts with IMSA Sports Car Ace Jordan Taylor. With Marshall finding out what it was like for Jordan to tackle RASSCAR-Land’ at the recent Circuit Of The Americas Bumper Cars Fest! Where Jordan was making His Cup debut substituting for the injured Chase Elliot.

 

As Beatin’ really is Bangin’ After All! But it’s worth a listen, to hear how Insane NASCAR Drivers race each other. Not to mention the Jenson Button reference. Or how vastly different the Le Mans Garage 56 Camaro is vs. it’s NASCAR Cousin…

 

https://marshallpruett.podbean.com/e/mp-1377-catching-up-with-jordan-taylor-march-27-2023/ 

NASCAR’s “European Vacation” Road Race at COTA

As All that was missing were Chevy Chase and His Sweetheart Cristie Brinkley…

 

Yeah I know, Y’all are Jonesin’ for some riveting Banter on that other Oval race from Texas Motor Speedway. But that’s Not how I roll Here in Nofendersville…

 

As late Saturday Nite’, since ‘Ol Elton John sez’ Saturday Nite’s for Fightin’, Righto? (March 25th) I was perusing my NFB Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service, when my Minneapolis Star Motorsports “feed” popped up a story about the forthcoming Roundy round race at Circuit Of The Americas. (COTA) The first Road Course race of the season.

 

What Tripped my No. 4 Wire from my normally pressing Next was the mention of not one, but two former Formula 1 World Champions competing, Say What?

 

As I had Zero Clue that Bloody ‘Ol Jense’, aka Jenson Button had inked a three race Dealio to go Cup racing, presumably All three races driving for Rick Ware Racing. (RWR)

 

As RWR announced Wayback’ on March 10th that Button would run three Road Course events for them. The first being at Austin. And then Jense’ will compete at the inaugural Chicago Street race and finish with the Indianapolis Road Course race in August…

 

Not to mention that thee Iceman’, aka Kimi Raikonnen would be making His second Cup start for Trackhaus Racing’s Project 91 entry. The Team’s third car dedicated to running International Drivers on a limited basis. As Raikkonen made His RASSCAR’ Debut with the team last year at Watkins Glen.

 

Thus I made a mental note of this, but didn’t plan on “Watching” the race. Having chosen the MotoGP season opener from Portimoa, Portugal instead as my Sunday event.

 

Yet as I was making lunch just after noon, I decided to switch over to FOX and decided I could at least Hear how the start went? Before I decided what the Hell! I’ll just make it a lazy Sunday afternoon instead…

 

Pretty sure it was just before the green Flag finally flew for the overly drawn out start, complete with Mikey “Aw Shucks!” Waltrip pimpin’ His Pace Car ride, Spew!

 Before Mike Joy mentioned Thar were 35 regulars and four Road Course Ringers, Huh?

 

As I’d forgotten this was one of the possibly seven Cup races this year that Conor Daly would attempt racing in, since after all, He had a Free weekend like all of His IndyCar “Buddies.” With Daly once again behind the wheel of The Money Team Racing’s No. 50 Chevy  Camaro. As Conor rolled off 35^th, ahead of former IndyCar driver Cody Ware.

 

While I did hear Mike Joy mention that perennial IMSA Sports Car Ace Jordan Taylor had qualified an impressive fourth, after an early race “Dust Up” saw Him drop back to 10th. As Jordan was making His NASCAR Debut substituting for Chase Elliot in the No. 9 Hendrick Chevrolet Camaro. As Elliot had broken His leg Snowboarding.

 

But Thar was No mention of where 2007 and 2009 F1 World Champions Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button started. As noted, Button was also making His Roundy Round Cup Debut aboard the No. 15 Rick Ware Racing Ford Mustang. While Raikkonen and His Oophlats were making their second outing behind the wheel of the No. 91 Trackhaus Racing’s Camaro.

 

And it was funny how I felt bad for ‘Ol JJ’, aka Jimmie Johnson getting punted on lap-1. Arse-sumedly since I came to enjoy Johnson’s Humbleness during His two year IndyCar experiment. With Johnson later opining that’s what happens when you’re starting from 31^st, after being cleared from the Medical Center.

 

As lookie Dar’ Mom, IndyCar aren’t the only ones to Crash on lap-1, Zoinks! Although the clean-up seemed to take forever…

 

And who was that funny sounding “Foreign” speaker on FOX? As it took me a little while to figure it out. But I’m 99% certain it was Herr Guenther! Although absolutely No Freakin’ idea why Haas F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner was doing Colour commentary on a Roundy Round Taxicab Bombers’ race? Other than He had an “Off” weekend and was helping with NASCAR’s unexpected Circuit Of The Americas

race’s international flair?

 

Was Rootin’ for A.J. Allmendinger to win as He ran in second. Although don’t know what happened on His second Pitstop when He went from third down to P15?

 

As I found myself getting annoyed over the lack of talkin’ up either of the former Formula 1 World Champions in the race. As it was just the RASSCAR’ Centric dribble per usual, albeit I did enjoy Curt Busch being in the booth.

 

And then somewherez’ after the remaining Top-3 leaders, William Byron-Allmendinger-Daniel Suarez pitted after lap-24; Mike Joy ‘N Company finally commented upon the “Road Ringers.” With Kimi 13th, Taylor P27, Button 31st and Daly 36th.

 

And then they started talkin’ briefly about thee original Iceman, nee Kimi Raikkonen running 13^th and something about His wearin’ sunglasses at Night? Before it seemingly became the Tyler Reddick show.

 

Obviously Curt Bush, former driver of Reddick’s 23/Xi No. 45 Toy-Yoter’ was pullin’ for Reddick, who after all replaced Him. As Curt Busch retired due to having sustained a Nasty Concussion! As Reddick would lead 40 of the race’s eventual 75 laps enroute to victory.

 

Then the lullaby sounds of 30-Something High revvin’ V-8 Stock Car engines making was it up to 25 Shifts per lap according to LarryMac’ (McReynolds) promptly put me to Sleep! With McReynolds also noting they’d average 1,700 Shifts during the race, prior to “Overtime.”

 

Before waking up just before the first of three “Checkers or Wreckers,” aka Green-White Flag race finishes. Since after all, the day’s TV coverage lasted some insanely long four-plus Hours!

 

Thus being a Wee Bitamyte’ groggy, I didn’t quite catch who was where for the three drivers I was tryin’ to follow, i.e.; Raikkonen, Taylor and Button. Who I think were P17-20-26 respectively?

 

Whilst pretty certain that Joy said that Taylor had vaulted all the way up to fifth on the the third race finish attempt, with Button 20^th and Raikkonen having dropped to P24 with slight damage to His Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Although Raikkonen actually ran as High as fourth at one point before dropping back.

 

As the Box Score denotes that Button was the Highest finisher of the four Road Course Warriors with a fine 18th place finish. With Taylor P24 and Raikkonen P29. While Daly went behind the wall to repair His transmission and was classified 36th. Arse-sumedly why the Talkin’ Headz

Quit mentioning Conor’s name later in the broadcast…

 

Ironically, it was Kyle Busch finishing Runner-up to Reddick aboard His former ride, the #8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro. For which Reddick was supposed to drive this year as a Lame Duck Driver waiting to go to 23/XI Racing in 2024.

 

Yet with Curt Busch’s retirement, 23/XI was able to buy out Reddick’s remaining year and now the 27yr Old has promptly repaid the team by winning His first race in the No. 45 Toyota Camary.

 

And since we’re doing the “European Vacation:” theme here, I’ll mention the final driver on the third step of the podium being Alex Bowman in the No. 48 Hendrick Chevrolet. Whilst the top Ford driver was Team Penske’s Austin Cindric finishing sixth behind the wheel of His #2 Mustang…