Showing posts with label Capitalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Capitalism. Show all posts

Friday, September 25, 2026

Microsoft causes No Fenders Stoppage



Marko Andretti’s wrecked Dallara IndyCar on the “Hook” at Mother Speedway. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Why is that one of my favourite mental images whenever thinking about the wheels of progress? Or as the late, great Rhythm Professor Niel Pert once penned.

 

“You know how that rabbit feels, going under your speeding wheels

Bright images flashing by like a windshield towards a fly

Frozen in that fateful climb, but the wheels of time just pass you by”

 

Just a quick Jot’ as Grizzled, ‘Ol F1 Journo Joe Saward would say. As I miss His Green Notebook blog posts, as why does everything have to go the way of the Dinosaur and Dodo Birds, Eh?

 

Speaking ‘O Dinosaurs, apparently that’s what those blimey Overlords at Microsoft thought of my outdated Office 2016 programme I’ve been faithfully using for the past six years to curn out copious amounts of No fenders blob’ verbiage…

 

Thus, I’m currently in the midst of upgrading to Office 2024, since one of the primary Hot Key features I rely upon as a Blind Vurd butcherer known as temporary place markers suddenly, without warning. Quit working Wayback’ in the middle ‘O Gory July.

 

Whilst I’ve been using a cumbersome “work-around”, but am guessing Microsoft’s decision will further impact me sometime soon Bastardoes!

 

Hopefully this upgrade won’t be terribly painful? And I can resume furiously pppndin’ away riveting No Fenders blog posts soon…

 

As I’ll leave Y’all with a few canned stories, while hopefully my Confuzer’s been returned and functioning 100% Tickity boo! Whilst learning whatever the IT boffins have changed in the New & Improved “wink-wink” Office 2024 version.

 

As what does Oilpressure’s Geo. Pillips say about Change?

 

Uhm, what’s that? Drugs are Bad, Ok?

 

Partial song lyrics from: Rush’s Between the Wheels; 1984 Grace Under Pressure Album. 

Monday, May 25, 2026

Outfoxing Foodies’, bumping Shemozzle and Car Washes



Current day IMS Tenderloin basket. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“Let it rain, let it pour”. Hey I hear an Old Man’s Snore!

 

Certainly, its old news now about Romain Grosjean and Takuma Sato’s Up Close ‘n Personal outcomes with animals at Mother Speedway this April, during the two day IMS Open test.

 

Romain Grosjean, was quite peeved after a bird flew into His cockpit during testing! Grousing about not even getting to have any Chicken pate afterwards!

 

French racing driver Romain Grosjean has angered animal rights group Peta for “flippant” comments after hitting a bird while testing for next month’s Indianapolis 500

 

Whilst Taku-san’ said He saw something “Furry” moving around when entering Turn-1 at some 220mph! Which turned out to be a Fox ambling cross the Speedway!

 

Score 1-1 for the Animals. As Grosjean complained about how His suit stunk, His helmet stunk and He didn’t even get to have any chicken or Courdon Bleu…

 

While no idea why Romain was so mad at Marcus Armstrong following the Sonsio Grand Prix?

 

Hey Romain, its not like Marcus said keep your hands off my Swanson Hungry Man dinner.

 

Letgo my Eggo Romain!

 

“Road Kill lunches

This one’s kinda tough

 

I even like the Chicken

If the sauce’s not too blue”

 

VIDEO: TV Dinners

 

And if you thought those tenderloin sandwiches, Coke and fries, or is it onion rings? Were expensive. Then perhaps Y’all didn’t hear about the $150 caviar with sprinkled gold flakes Hot Dogs sold at the Miami Grand Pris!

 

Whilst Thar was also the Gold Digger steak sandwich available for only $135, or some bite sized ‘lil Debbie caviar muffins for $30, Aye Karumba!

 

Outrage as Miami Grand Prix unveils $150 caviar Hot dog for F1 showpiece: Absolutely tone deaf

 

Then there’s the matter of no Bump Day this year. Which although I don’t have a problem with reshuffling the weekend’s qualifying procedures. Other than I still think artificially boosting the engines is lame!

 

No, I just have a problem with blurring the lines between true Bumping and bumping positions, since they’re not the same. Can you hear me now IndyCar!

 

Nope, No Mother Natured didn’t approve of the Qualie’ format change Jokes here…


David Land: This Didn’t need to Change

 

Lastly, for all of those who drove to Mother Speedway back and their vehicle’s splattered with bugs, road tar and whatever other debris a good road trip entails. Then perhaps you’ll want to make sure your trip to the local car wash pans out far better than Tex’s did!

 

And no, that’s not an ‘Ol SuperTex’ reference either. But John Phillips story is priceless!

 

Don’t Mess with Tex!

 

What’s that ‘Ol song about At the Car Wash, Crunch!

 

Partial song lyrics from: ZZ Top’s TV dinners, 1983 Eliminator Album. 

Thursday, May 14, 2026

INDY 500: Revisiting The Split – 30 Years later

But who really won the war, and does it matter?

 

Yeah, I suppose I’m the only one who cares about this topic? But since I lived thru it and its my Blog. I can Gory well scribble about what I want!

Although thirty years is a long ways to go in the Wayback’ machine, and my recollections are Hazy at best…

 

As what most prominently stands out, beside that scourge simply known as TG’. Whom I preferred calling Ronnie or ‘lil Napoleon, aka Tony George forever ruining Open wheel Racing, with the creation of the Indy Racing League and that infamous 25/8 rule! And yes, I’m well aware it takes two to Tango.

 

Since All I really recollect now is that tag-line of CART having All the Stars, IRL All the Cars! Or something to that effect. Which one must say bit CART in the Toosh when having a massive pile-up on lap one of its competing race, Butterfingers!

 

Although I do recall a T-Shirt which one side said This is your Brain. (CART) And the other side saying This is your Brain on Drugs! (IRL) A takeoff of that infamous Just Say NO to Drugs era…

 

Supposedly Anton Hulman George didn’t like the escalating costs and lack of American drivers in His namesake’s race. And as early as 1989 proposed a new racing series, which didn’t progress pas the planning stage.

 

George than became a Board member of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) between 1992-94 before resigning, to ultimately create the Indy Racing League. (IRL)

 

The IRL would begin in 1996 wit a three race schedule, with the Indianapolis 500 its showpiece. And since the new, normally aspirated “lower” priced racecars wouldn’t be ready until 1997, older CART machinery (circa 1991-95) was allowed for the inaugural season.

 

The final straw in what became irrevocably known as The Split was the invoking of the 25/8 rule. With the top 25 drivers in IRL points guaranteed starting places in the Indy 500, and eight “At large’ open entries for all competitors, including CART.

 

1996 Indianapolis 500 Rookies (17)

Michele Alboreto, Robbie Buhl, Buzz Calkins, Mark Dismore, Paul Durant, Raccin Gardner, Joe Gosek, Jim Guthrie, Davey Hamilton, Scott Harrington, Richie Hearn, Michel Jourdain Jr, Brad Murphy, Johnny O’Connell, Tony Stewart, Johnny Unser, Fermin Velez.

 

Reportedly, there were 49 entries, albeit I could only come up with 44. With 17 rookie drivers being the third most ever, only eclipsed by 19 rookies in the 1919 and 1930 races. With former CART entrant Hemelgarn Racing and driver Buddy Lazier winning “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.

 

CART boycotted the race, with the exception of two teams, i.e.; Galles Racing and Walker Racing participating. Although both teams sent backup drivers instead. With Galles running Davy Jones and Walker utilizing Mike Groff.

 

The Cars of the 1996 Indy 500 Part 1

 

CART Drivers at the rival U.S. 500 had 109 starts and 5 wins amongst entrant vs. 75 starts and one win for the Indy 500 field, the lowest since 1932. And further highlighting this disparity; CART Drivers had 127 wins and seven National Championships vs. IRL Drivers having a paltry 14 wins and no National Championships.

 

27 Drivers in nine rows of three took the green flag at the U.S. 500 held on the same day as the 80th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Michigan International Speedway, with Jimmy Vasser the eventual winner.

 

1996 U.S. 500 Rookies (7)

Mark Blundell, Fredrik Ekblom, Juan Manuel Fangio II, Greg Moore, Jeff Krosnoff, Eddie Lawson, Alex Zanardi.

 

Yet I suppose one could say that the IRL effectively won the war the following year, when CART raced at Gateway on Saturday, choosing not to go head-to-head with the Indianapolis 500 for the remainder of the arduous, stupid 12 year split!

 

25 Years Ago: CART used the U.S. 500 to take down the Indy 500

 

Chip Ganassi Racing was the first CART team to race at the Speedway in 2000, when rookie Juan Pablo Montoya waxed the field. And I still recall crowing over how the first seven drivers finishing were CART drivers, albeit not 100% correct…

 

Marlboro Team Penske joined the field the following year, and the floodgates essentially opened. With Penske winning three consecutive Indy 500’s.

 

CART further shot itself in the foot with the Firestone Firehawk 600 at Texas Motor Speedway having to be cancelled just hours before race’s start in 2001. As drivers had complained of dizziness, along with experiencing vertigo and blackouts due to the excessive G-Forces their racecars generated at over 230mph upon the 1.5-mile oval.

 

Penske was the first major CART team to leave for the rival IRL in 2002, after having won the CART Championship the previous two years.

 

Then seven years into The Split, the landscape truly shifted. As both Honda and Toyota moved to the IRL, along with CART teams Target/Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Rahal and Mo Nunn Racing.

 

I tend to recall that Chris Pook, the creator of the Grand Prix of Long Beach and then CEO of CART spent $100 million before filing for Bankruptcy at season’s end!

 

As the miserable Split should have ended then, but Tony george’s bid was still deemed “Hostile” and the Champ Car World Series (CCWS) arose out of the ashes of CART. With Gerald Forsythe, Paul Gentilozzi and Kevin Kalkhoven as its owners.

 

CCWS, or what soon became Chump Carz’ to Mwah soldiered on a further four seasons before finally, mercilessly The Split ended with Mergification in February 2008 with that year’s unified IndyCar series.

 

Then the strangest thing occurred in 2019. Ironically being the 40th anniversary of CART’s inaugural season.

 

Tony George sold His beloved Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar series and IMS Productions to Roger Penske for an undisclosed amount. With the irony being that El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske had been one of CART’s primary founders…

 

For those interested in a more detailed examination of The Split. May I recommend John Orovitz’s Indy Split: The Big Money Battle that nearly Destroyed Indy Racing book, which hopefully I can read one day. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Canamax goes Flush on both sides of Ye Puddle

“Said get back Honky Cat! Yuhs Redneck, trying to drink Whiskey from a bottle of Wine!”

 

VIDEO: Honky Cat

 

At the Canamax World HQ’ in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, the phones were rigging off the hook. One moment please Mr. Duncan. Mr. Winchester, Gerrard Duncan’s on line three.

 

Good news Preston, the High court has ruled in our favour against that scoundrel Truxbury. Although not entirely in our favour…

 

As Lord Dennis ruled that Jonathan Truxbury was in breech of contract and awarded us $22m Australian pounds. But said the losses of $65m Australian pounds over Formula Libre loss of revenue is irrelevant due to our hiring of multiple drivers to fill our vacated race seat.

 

AS I thought I told you to delete those Sparto-Cuss messages of promising JT’ (Truxbury) a chance to be a Formula Libre reserve driver. You do know that Elroid’s Geeks can read your encrypted Sparto-Cuss account…

 

Therefore Preston, the Nabisco account portion of the losses will have to be written off as a business expense, but we’ve won the case overall, and Truxbury’s ruined!

 

Mr. Winchester, Mr. Lovett’s on line one. Yes Mr. Lovett. Congratulations on winning your lawsuit Preston. I’d like to see you in my office in Detroit please…

 

Audrey, I’ll be out of the office a few days, I’m going to Detroit to see Mr. Lovett. And then I’ll swing over to Brownsburg to check-in with Hugo (Marques) and the Armani Canamax Boyz. Before we fly down to Fort Lauderdale for the Champ Car season opener.

 

Hon, Julian. Does this suit make me look fat? As Russell Lovett’s summoned me to His Detroit office. What’s that? Wear the paisley coloured Armani suit, thanks Jil’.

 

Russell Lovett was in His  mid-70’s with snow white hair, inquisitive azure blue eyes and a neatly trimmed goatee. He was the proprietor of a vast business empire for which many called Him the Commodore for His firm grasp of business. And His Lovett Industries owned the Champ Car series amongst other holdings…

 

Sit down Preston, thanks for coming. Now I know you won your drawn-out lawsuit and you really wish to break JT’. But I think it’s a bad “Optic” for our sport.

 

I’ve already spoken to Chester Betuzi and Jonathan Truxbury. And Chester says He’ll pay you one million British Sterling for each year of your squabble. And that He’ll garnish Truxbury’s wages until the amount’s paid off in full to you. Do we have a deal Preston? As I’ve already scheduled the conciliatory press releases to be sent out the morning of the Fort Lauderdale season opener…

 

Armani Canamax’s lead Champ Car driver Adrian Ozwaldo, Nicolas Brenner and Brian Boxer had a fairly typical outing in Fort Lauderdale. With the Finn Brenner finishing on the podium ahead of Argentine Ozwaldo. While Boxer languished down in 23rd once again. Yet it was that G-Damn Truxbury winning by a country mile and making the whole Champ Car field look silly!

 

Billy Jo Bradshaw and His wife Bianca had flown to Jolly ‘Ol London to meet with King Henry and His latest wife Veronica. Although Bianca found it very cold in the Castle, and Billy Jo wasn’t impressed with the dark tapestries…

 

Thus they decided upon a last minute visit to Winfred’s estate in nearby Tolkenshire. As Winferd had been boasting about some contraption he uses every morning to help Him feel invigorated.

 

As Preston was showing off His Cryogenic Chamber, saying just 15 seconds in the morning and I’m invigorated the entire day. Never feeling sleepy or nodding off during meetings…

 

Upstairs, Bianca was asking Jillian how She got that black eye? Oh, I tripped on our dog Lilly. And when Bianca told Billy Joe, He said well just let me have Christina (Nomeski) drop by and She’ll take care of your dog for you. Christina Hates Dogs…

 

Next, the Winchester’s gave the Bradshaw’s a guided tour of the Canamax Technology Centre, where Billy Joe was more interested in the platters of Nutter Butter and triple fudge stuffed Oreo cookies in the canteen, than the various racecars on display. Before the Bradshaw’s had to “Jet” off back to the Everglades.

 

Audrey, tell Roscoe Snow to contact His Dad and have Him meet me at the usual place. Yeah, I know, we really should put Cletus on the payroll…

 

Hello Snowman, yeah we’re starting to become regulars here. Yes, I already ordered Hushpuppies to go for Butch.

 

I need you to go to Weehawken again. Usual arrangement, the white Cascadia sleeper cab will be awaiting you. As I need you to deliver a truckload of our Aqua tyre minerale to Miami International Airport.

 

Just ask Security, they’ll know what to do. Its for a friends plane. As the Bhermodians gave Him one of their Comet 480 Double Decker Jets. But the Florida marsh water has gunked up all of the gold faucets.

 

Then back up to Weehawken to pick-up a double trailer load of Nabisco products. Yeah, we’re still trying to get rid of them!

 

The first lady had decided to hold the annual Easter Eg hunt on the Palace’s front lawn. Nah, it doesn’t matter if they’re past their sell-by dates, they’re for the children…

 

But take your time, as may be you should drop by your relatives in Bucksnort. As they’re having a royal problem with infestations! Even though they built a fence around the garden. Those pesky Armilla Stencha Bugitoes are just getting in everywhere. So they’re having a few Helicopters fumigate the lawn.

 

Yeah, your son Roscoe’s bringing up one of our older Champ Cars, along with a Formula Libre Showcar and last year’s winning Thundrdome V8 Outback series championship winner. As Billy Joe’s a real fan of old fashion pushrod V-8 technology.

 

Hugo, I need you to come up to the Potomac in Maryland and 1200 Chattanooga Avenue, and bring all of our current racing drivers.

 

Yes, pick-up (Canamax Formula Libre drivers) Charlie (Little) and Harry (Pastorini) at La Guardia, the limousine will be waiting for you. As the Bradshaw’s want to meet the drivers and have them pass out Easter “goodies” to the children allowed to attend Sunday’s car show on the Palace’s lawn.

 

Your Highness, perhaps you remember shaking Charlie Little’s hand last year during the Miami Grand Prix? Yes, you brought Him good luck, as He won the drivers title. And this is our second driver Harry Pastorini, He’s from Alice Springs. No, its in Australia, its Sheep country…

 

What’s that Billy Joe? You’re not a fan of the new 50% pure lithium ion Energizer Bunny racecars we’re using this year? Oh, I didn’t know you followed motor racing…

 

What’s that? You’ve had the gardeners did up the front lawn and install a nine hole golf course? Absolutely, Charlie, Harry and myself would love to play a round of putt-putt golf with you Billy Joe! No, I don’t think the kids should be a problem, as they’ll all probably be running round silly from the sugar high those Nabisco products give them.

 

And if we Hit one of them, well, just think of the story they’ll have for their lifetime. And besides, Y’all got good Health insurance, right?

 

FOUR!

 

What’s that El Presedente? You and Bianca have set up a charity for Special Needs Children, how kind of you. And donors can either choose (faux) Faberge egg tokens or (Fools) Gold Bunny statues…

 

Nah, there’s no way that shot will Hit that Champ Car, nice swing Billy Joe!

 

Yeah, that Dogleg near the Ballroom’s got a wicked hook to it! Uhm, Mr. Bradshaw, I found your Elitest No. 1 golf ball next to the Rose Garden…

 

That’s ok Billy Joe. Don’t worry, we’ll put a new mirror on Bryan’s (Boxer) racecar when we get back to the shop. Besides that’s His last year’s backup chassis…

 

FOUR!

 

For the previous Canamax Capers installment. Please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

Canamax seeks Justice while Traipsing the Globe 

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Will Apple TV take a Bite Out of Formula 1’s Popularity?

And does Liberty Media really Care?

 

By now, unless you’re living underneath a rock. Or hiding in a Hidey Hole to escape premeditated persecution! Then Y’all know that Apple TV has become the exclusive Broadcast rights Holder of Formula 1 in the United States, beginning this year.

 

Apple TV’s acquisition of the U.S. F1 TV rights runs in conjunction with the latest F1 Concorde agreement, i.e.; 2026-2030. With Apple reportedly paying an eye-watering $140-180m, as in millions! For its five seasons contract. Reputedly doubling what ESPN paid for its final three year contract, i.e.; $75-90m between 2023-25.

 

As I have to say the transformation of Formula One’s popularity Stateside has been unbelievable to Mwah! And really, all it took was the Real Housewives of F1 Drive to Survive NefFlix Docu programme?

 

Although surely, and I know that I’ve not only appreciated it, but have come to “expect” it. Airing the races commercial Free was a master stroke!

 

Having lamented Y’all about my Stumblin’, Bumblin’ and most definitely Fumblin’ travails of playing find where the F1 Broadcast is Whack-Ah-Mole’ for more than three decades prior to ESPN re-acquiring the Formula 1 TV rights…

 

Foggy Recollections of Jumping Thru Multiple TV Network Hoops to Watch Motor Racing Stateside Over the Years

 

Making this transformation even more remarkable is how F1 once was virtually unknown Stateside. Unless Yuhs were an Formula 1 Diehard like Mwah…

 

As Chris Rea’s recent death sent me down another Wabbit’ Hole after learning He’d performed twice in New York on Late Night TV.

 

Stumbling into this song, when searching for appearances on Late Night with David Letterman. Presumably sometime mid-summer in 1991. As Letterman & Rea briefly discuss His  attending the Canadian Grand Prix at the end of the video.

 

VIDEO: Looking for the Summer – Live on Letterman

 

As the Canadian GP has typically been held early-mid June. Although there’s been an understandable uproar about moving it to Memorial Day weekend this year! Clashing wit the Indianapolis 500, Seriously?

 

As Liberty media claims this is in effort to reduce its Carbon Footprint of flying back ‘n forth around the globe. Twinning it with the Miami Grand Prix.

 

Only problema with this, is that the Miami Grand Prix is May 3rd, with a three weeks gap until clashing with the Indianapolis 500, Butterfingers! And do you really “reduce” your carbon footprint by flying everybody back ‘n forth? Since I highly doubt the team’s personnel will be staying Stateside for three idle weeks…

 

Rea notes how surprised He was over how easy it was to get into the Canadian Grand Prix that year. To which Letterman quips if you think that was bad, try going to the USGP in Phoenix! Stating how you could simply walk right up, go in and back out in a breeze…

 

As 1991 was the final year of the Iceberg Grand Prix held on Phoenix, Arizona’s Downtown Streets; Year 3 of its slated 5 year contract.

 

For which your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso attended, and attendance was pitiful! As I don’t know if even 20,000 attended? Probably more like 10-15,000 Diehards?

 

RETRO: Phoenix’s last Grand Prix - Two-decades ago almost slipped past

 

But back to the present. As Yahoo Sports claims that ESPN barely averaged over 550,000 viewers when reacquiring Formula 1’s TV rights in 2018. And with the advent of Drive to Survive, Commercial Free Broadcasts and Social Media access and content. ESPN recorded a record 1.3 million viewers average last year. With 1.5m tuning into the season finale Abu Dhabi GP on Yas Isle. With the F1 Drivers title being decided…

 

As ESPN averaged over 1m viewers the final four seasons of it long running contract, with Formula 1 now firmly being the second most watched Motorsports Stateside behind NASCAR.

 

In contrast, this year’s NASCAR finale at Phoenix averaged 2.78 million viewers. But with the addition of six races on Amazon Prime, viewership dropped by 14% this season. While NASCAR’s viewership is down overall. Having reported a 4.15 million average for the 2018 Homestead Miami finale, itself being a 32% drop from the 2015 season finale.

 

Reportedly part of Formula 1’s surge in popularity is driven by young women. With females making up 46% of the vaunted 18-29 years old target demographic.

 

Yet how much will F1’s viewership drop this season, and overall? And does Liberty Media really care, having gotten its money out of Apple up front.

 

As surely, the F1 Bubble’s gotta pop sometime, Righto? And what better way to do so, then by forcing your audience to have to pay for Streaming… 

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Canamax seeks Justice while Traipsing the Globe

As where’s ‘Ol Sandy Duncan when Yuhs need her? And why did A little Dab will do Yuh spring to mind?

 

We last left off with Preston Henry Winchester III, the guiding force of the Canamax concern. Most notably the Armani Canamax Champ Car team having implored His hired counsel of Dumfries, Duquione and Duncan to enforce withering, punitive monetary damages against His nemesis’s scourge. Err championship winning driver Jonathan Truxbury!

 

Yet instead, Truxbury and arch rival Betuzi Motorsports, and more notably team owner Chester’ have run roughshod over the entire Champ Car field once again. This time seeing Truxbury win ten races enroute to His fourth title, or was it five? Since the BM Champ Car team was currently unstoppable…

 

Mr. Winchester, Gerrard Duncan’s on line three.

 

Yes Gerrard, I agree. We’ve got no other choice than to proceed with the litigation in the High court of Cornwall. Yes, I’ll be there for the proceedings…

 

Audrey, tell Roscoe Snow to please see me. And tell Hugo I need to see Him toot sweet! Yes Mr. Winchester, although Hugo’s at the Gym right now.

 

Hugo Marques was of average height for a former Champ Car driver. Barrell chested, with a clean shaven head, bushy black eyebrows, inquisitive brown eyes and a pugnacious nose.

 

As the former Iron Maiden 5000 winner had run His last race for the ever improving Armani Canamax racing team, albeit a loose wheel nut had caused Him to finish P27…

 

Winferd’, as many called Him collegially. Had initially hired Hugo to be the team’s Sporting Director, before elevating Him to the vacated Team Principal position. As Garret McCloud had left to spend more time in His vegetable garden.  Before joining the rival Champ car operation, now renamed as Torrez Waltrip McCloud Racing.

 

Hugo, a fitness fanatic, during His free time could be most likely found in the team’s state-of-the-art Gym doing one handed push-ups, usually in sets of 100!

 

Yes Boss, you wanted to see me. Yeah Hugo, I’ve got to go to Cornwall next week to sue the BeeGees’ out of that Fucking Truxbury! Meaning you’ll be in charge while I’m gone. As perhaps you can spend some QT’ with your protégé Bryan Boxer. Since finishing 23rd won’t cut it next year!

 

If you need to get ahold of me, have Audrey call me. No, don’t use your encrypted SpartoCuss account. As I hear Elroid’s got a bug up His tea kettle with Billy Jo Bradshaw and is monitoring it for any devious behaviour. Since Elroid’s still got the exclusive contract with Washington for His Neptune Satellite system. And tell Roscoe to come in.

 

Roscoe, I need you to contact your Dad Cletus for me again on your old fashioned Ham radio, Err CB. No, don’t worry, Thars nobody at the FCC these days to monitor your transmissions. Just tell Him to meet me at the Mockingbird Cafe again.

 

Yeah, I know its not located in Memphis where His favourite haunt Graceland’s at. But the Mockingbird does a mean Hushpuppies brunch. And there’s always leftovers for His Hoond Butch…

 

Audrey, have the jet pick me up in Charlotte. As I need to check in on our Sports Car Boyz’. Then to Italy to pick up the last of my hand sewn Georgio Armani four piece double breasted suits. Since I need to look sharp for court.

 

Hello Snowman, thanks for meeting me again Yes, I already ordered Butch His own plate of Hushpuppies…

 

Look, I need you to make a few deliveries for me. We had to take a bloodbath of Nabisco products, which doesn’t concern you. Well, we thought we had a deal as title sponsor with a certain Champ Car driver, Oh Never Mind!

 

Yeah, I know you’re strictly a Kenworth man. But we’re trying to keep this somewhat anonymous, even though our fearless leader’s favourite colour is gold. But you’ll be needing a refrigerator trailer for some of these errands. So we’ve leased you a 2024 artic white Cascadia sleeper cab.

 

Yes, its even got what I’m told is a super comfortable Murphy bed in the sleeper, with plenty of room for Butch…

 

Know you’ve got family in Bucksnort who work at the local Fireworks plant, but there’s no time for a visit Cletus.

 

You’ll find your Big rig waiting for you in Weehawken, loaded and ready to go. No the Port Authority won’t give you any trouble. As Wade Wetterly, Billy Jo’s Lieutenant General has already had His office contact them.

 

Ok, if you really need to know, we’re writing off a Shit, Err Shipload of Nabisco products. As I need you to take the truckload of Nutter butter, Mega Stuffed Oreos, Fudgebusters, Triple Double Neapolitan Oreos, Big Stuff Oreos, Rocky Road and Chunky Monkeyd Ice Cream to the Bradshaw’s vacation house. While His wife Bianca likes the Bite Size Oreos, Irish cream Ginger Snaps and Wheat Thins, I’m told…

 

Yep, you’ll head directly south to deliver all of these treats to Billy Jo’s Mullbury Manor in the Florida Keys. And make sure you keep Butch inside the cab, since I hear there’s Gators’ down Thar!

 

Nah, don’t worry about the Toll roads. I hear that ever since Billy Jo shut down the local mall in DC, and sent everybody home on Holiday. There shouldn’t be anybody to collect the Tolls…

 

But make sure you leave some of that El Speciale Fizzy water at Mullbury. As I hear that Wade’s a Cat person and Bianca’s feline only drinks bottled water. And make sure you keep it nicely refrigerated, say 45 degrees Fahrenheit?

 

Then I need you to drop off a couple of pallets of that Aqua Tyre Minerale at Homestead, where Hugo and the Armani Canamax Boyz’ should be giving Enrique Capelli an evaluation day’s testing. No, you let the team worry about what that gaseous mineral water’s for…

 

Next stop is the Gulf of Arkansas, even if it comes from Across the Border. And pick up a dozen live Blue Crabs.

 

Just pour some of that Aqua Tyre Minerale into a cooler and put it inside the Sleeper compartment. Hell, I don’t care what you feed ‘em. Although I hear they do enjoy Popeye’s Fried Chicken. Exactly, I’m sure Butch likes Popeye’s too!

 

As I promised my wife Jillian some fresh crabs for dinner, as She doesn’t like turkey…

 

Then up to Delaware. As Billy Jo should have shot His pet Turkeys by then! No way Fred and Barney are getting pardons this year. Although He’ll probably have His friend Cristina Nomeski over to take care of them!

 

No just leave the Crabs and freshly butchered turkeys with me. Our Chef knows what to do with them! As we’re having company over. Hell, we’re stuck hosting the team again, Shite!

 

And then take the truck back to Freightliner’s factory in Oregon. As it’s a good thing we’re using transportation built in America!

 

But just be careful in the Rose City. As I hear they’ve got Bearded women   in Flannel shirts trying to save the trees eating granola wanderin’ the streets up there!

 

Hell! Billy Jo’s sendin’ the Calvary to Portland! I hear that the Screamin Eagles, you know, the 82nd Airbourne’s gonna show those Tree Huggers what happens when they FAFO!

 

And then have somebody give you a lift to PDX, where you’ll find a first class seat booked for you and Butch to fly back to Indianapolis for dinner at our house. Yeah, your son Roscoe will be there too. And of course Butch is welcomed.

 

As we’re having Crab Cakes and Turkey for the main course, and plenty ‘O Coors beer too…

 

For the previous Canamax Capers installment. Please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

Rotten Tomatoes, or should that be Tamales? 

Friday, November 21, 2025

F1: Show Me the Money!

But definitely Don’t expect any Change back…

 

Although why did Bernie and The Muppets come screaming in my Head initially?

 

As once again, I wasn’t able to “Back-time” this properly, having already poonded’ out a plethora ‘O No Fender stories for your dining consumption…

 

Did somebody say dining? Was that the 12:45 reservation being called aboard my train? As think its past my lunchtime, Hya!

 

Even if I could have squeezed it in? I wasn’t going to celebrate a one Bernard Charles Ecclestone’s 95th Birthday on October 28th. For whomever will simply be Uncle Bernaughty to Mwah!

 

As what more can I say than Uncle Bernaughty simply cutting a cheque for a cool $100m to the German authorities to wiggle His way out of a Bribery trial! Whilst lest we forget? The miserable Fall-man Sob in the morass, disgraced German Banker Gerhard Gribkowsky sat rotting in jail for 8.5 years while Ecclestone, then a spritely 83 years young, serenely continued doing Business as Usual, Ja Volt!

 

While Formula One’s Teflon Man Slips the Noose, another ties His own Knot

 

Nor should we forget that Messer Bernaughty plead guilty to tax fraud two years ago. Agreeing to pay the British Tax authorities HS Revenues nearly $653m British pounds for failing to properly divulge multiple trusts in 2015.

 

Or accidentally taking a revolver with Him to Sao Paolo when attending the Brazilian Grand Prix with wife Fabiana. With Bernie denying being arrested, yet paying $1,740 in Bail. Before joking that He hadn’t had any publicity lately and thought He needed to drum up some. Along with being mugged for His luxury Hublot watch some 15 years ago…

 

But don’t worry. In typical Bernie fashion, He turned the 2010 mugging into a presumably profitable Advert’. Or at the very least garnered His much sought after public attention He craves!

 

Hublot’s tactic with the Blackey Bernie Ecclestone Watch Ad

 

Not to mention having recently sold His fantastic 69 vintage F1 car collection, reportedly worth $500m to Red Bull Heir Mark Mateschitz. Son of the late Deeter Majestic! Aka Dietrich Mateschitz

 

Along with reportedly just having sold the first of His two private yachts for $17m. With the 176-foot “Petara”, named after daughters Pietra and Tamara. Which the Ecclestone’s only used eight days a year…

 

And how surreal to be 95yrs old and have a five year old son named Abe. Along with His eldest daughter Deborah being 70; some 20-plus years older than His current wife.

 

Yet when reading the London Telegraph’s article honouring His momentous birthday. Interestingly, Eccleston mentioned of His four closest life friends; Jochen Rindt, Niki Lauda, Max Mosely and Flavio Briatore, only one was still alive.

 

Ironically, it just so happens that His pal “HMS Monogram”, Flavour Flav or simply Flavio Briatore is at the heart of Ecclestone’s latest court case. With Felipe Massa persevering over the noxious Crashgate affair that one could say cost Him the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship!

 

As Massa is reportedly suing Ecclestone, Formula One Management (FOM) and the FIA for $64 million Australian pounds for breech of contract and duty. As I love how the London Telegraph always quotes monetary amounts in Australian pounds, and not British…

 

Massa claims that Ecclestone’s public statement in 2023 about how He and Arse-sumedly the deposed Max Mosley knew about Crashgate before the end of the 2008 F1 season and chose to do nothing about it! Would have summarily revised the results of said Singapore Grand Prix, which future Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso won. And thus Massa would have been that year’s F1 Driver’s Champion instead of Lewis Hamilton winning His maiden Driver’s crown.

 

As I’m most intrigued over how this turns out. Since one could argue that Massa has a valid point. But is it worth overturning History?

 

As sadly, Fernando will Always be Faster than you Massa, Confirm…

 

Meanwhile, on this side of the Gory Puddle. Its nice knowing that Liberty Media has sold out Formula 1. Awarding the 2026 U.S. TV rights to Apple for a rumoured $140-180m per season for the next five years. As basically Liberty Media has just effectively doubled what ESPN paid for its latest three year contract extension between 2022-25, i.e.; $75-90m. Which was far north of the earlier ESPN F1 rights deal of a paltry $5m per year!

 

Thus nobody Stateside with old fashioned Cable TV will be able to “consume” Formula 1 on their Telie’s next year, Bastardoes!

 

Yeah, I know I’m not the desired target audience. And perhaps more people stream these days vs. traditional TV? Especially when your Cable company just adds on an extra $10 per month willy nilly. Not Willie Vanilla; since Thars’ a whole lot of lip synching going on over no better service, Oh Never Mind!

 

But I’m left wondering how is a legally blind motorsports fan supposed to stream? And is this the end of my four decades of faithfully watching Formula 1 on Ye Boob Tube?

 

As why should we be left scrambling once again to support a sport that wasn’t even in the mainstream’s consciousness or lexicon when I began following it religiously in 1986, Eh?

 

Thus, a large part of me hopes this move backfires for Liberty Media, Err Formula 1. Since sometime the F1 bubble’s gonna burst Stateside, and this seems the perfect catalyst!

 

But then again what do I know? Simply being a cellar dwelling Blogger who still lives in the 20th Century… 

Friday, September 5, 2025

FOX in The Hen House

Y’all knew that one was Ah-Comin’, didn’t Yuhs? Now where’s Foghorn Leghorn, I Say, I Say?

 

First ‘n Foremost, suppose I should remind Y’all that I’m apparently a card carrying member of les Miserables, Wee-Wee…

 

As its old news now that the FOX Corporation has acquired one third ownership in Penske Entertainment, i.e.; IndyCar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions.

 

And that FOX is excited to bring Innovation to IndyCar’s, Supercharge its potential, Make its Drivers and IndyCar Household names, along with telling us great stories about the Sport All year round…

 

As some of that’s true. And let’s just same some I’ve Embellished upon…

 

Overall, I’m really not sure what to make about this surprising development that “Dropped” on Thursday, July 31st.

 

funniest bit in the press release is the quote from El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske or simply RP’. About the long-standing trust and shared vision for the future in this partnership with FOX is perplexing to Mwah…

 

Hang on uno momento, how do you have long-standing trust with a company; Err Corporation you haven’t even been working with for one year?

 

But now they’re tied at the Hip and FOX will be helping to guarantee energizing IndyCar’s future, Spew! Can Y’all say Rucky Dawgs’ and Checkers or Wreckers, Yeehaw! Or Playoffs and All Star race?

 

Why not incorporate ‘Ol Uncle Bernaughty’s desire for sprinklers on-track at F1 circuits? Or scheduling races during the afternoon’s Monsoons, eh?

 

As FOX started off this new relationship swimmingly Y’all! As I’d had no clue what the “Programming” Delay was during the Portland IndyCar race, when the start was delayed 15mins.

 

Having subsequently learned via David Land that many Folks in TV Land were rightly peeved with FOX! Having bumped IndyCar over to FS1 as the Live Golf match went long, Four!

 

Along with some local FOX Affiliates dropping the race entirely. Most notably Chicago, where David Malukas and Dale Coyne Racing Hail from. In favour of a Chicago Bears NFL Pre-season game instead! Uhm, let that sink in Y’all, BARF!

 

Along with FOX gaining a multi-year broadcasting rights extension, I doubt the season’s calendar will expand anytime soon, i.e.; begin sooner or end later, since FOX has the Day-Toner’ 500 and Football bookending IndyCar’s take it or leave it schedule…

 

Another entertaining part of this acquisition is how the whole FOX airing the entire season on Network TV was supposed to increase viewership; hopefully to one million viewers average outside the Indy 500 race. Yet FOX is actually averaging less than NBC did.

 

As FOX had its sixth consecutive broadcast of less than 800,000 viewers at Laguna Seca, and I couldn’t see how this trend doesn’t continue for the Portland broadcasts. Which it did, dropping from 734k to 708k viewers, whilst no idea how Milwaukee did?

 

Still not sure how FOX is going to “energize” IndyCar going forwards? Or how their metrics claim a 31% increased growth for year over year broadcasting?

 

On the positive side, selling a third of Penske Entertainment perceivably shores up its weakest link, i.e.; marketing and promotion of the series. But the other strange comment from FOX CEO Eric Shanks, which I heard on David Land’s Youtube Channel. Was about the potential for “Storytelling” of IndyCar year round, Say What?

 

How do you do that when your Hyper-energized racing series is Hibernating for Half the Freakin’ year? Having already begun its long winter’s slumber before Labour Day, Chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

What little I’ve read and listened via Podcast on FOX becoming a vested partner in IndyCar, tends to make me believe that Roger will never sell IMS. And wishes to keep in the “Family” for generations to come. And with a 66% controlling interest, that sounds feasible to Mwah for the time being. But who knows, Eh?

 

As I “See” this basically as a way for Roger to insert a “Poison Pill” into others trying to buy Penske Entertainment into the future, along with getting somebody to do the marketing work His team is Failing at currently…

 

Since as Marshall Pruett notes, FOX now has a vested interest financially to make the series grow, in order to please its Shareholders, and their bottom lines.

 

My only question is what happens if FOX decides its not going well and wishes to divest itself from IndyCar in the future? Although I’d guess there would be some sort of buyout clauses in their contract?

 

Now I’ve gotta go find my Coastal.com Tristan Turbo’ Vautier Cheap Sunglasses from Mother speedway, cause’ the Futures so Bright!