Can Colton Herta close His Formula 2 Points Deficit?

Or will His Formula 1 aspirations fizzle?

 

Still have to commend Colton Herta for making the bold decision to leave IndyCar to chase His dream of racing in Formula 1.

 

Yet that said, this year hasn’t exactly gone to plan for Herta. Beginning with the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 races, where Formula 2 was part of the weekend. We all know how  the calendar revisions to race at Miami and Montreal impacted Colton’s plans of running Andretti Global’s fourth Indianapolis 500 entry.

 

Reportedly, Herta currently has 34 points from His IndyCar Vice Champion (second place) finish in 2024 and seventh place finish in 2025. Putting Him just six points shy of the 40 points threshold required for the mandatory FIA Super Licence to race in Formula 1.

 

Thus Colton needs to finish eighth or better this year in Formula 2 to collect His Super Licence. Although think I heard Colton can amass one extra point for each F1 Free Practice session He contests?

 

Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in sprint races. And top ten in feature races, a la F1 scoring format.

 

Two extra points are awarded for feature race pole position. And a bonus point is awarded for fastest lap in each race, provided it’s set by a driver finishing in the top ten. Otherwise awarded to the fastest driver inside top ten places.

 

Sprint points: 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.

Feature races: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.

 

In the seven rounds (14 races) prior to the Mighty spa weekend. (Spa-Francorchamps) Colton had scored five top ten finishes, and one top five finish. Finishing seventh, (Australia) eighth (Miami) and seventh (Montreal) in feature races. Plus ninth (Montreal( and fifth (Barcelona) sprint races for a total of 20 points, classified P17. While Norway’s Martinius Stenshorne was eighth with 48 points.

 

His best weekend was Montreal, where He finished ninth and seventh, albeit one position out of the points in the sprint race.

 

Following Spa-Francorchamps, with P13 in the Sprint race, and seventh in the Feature race. Moving up one position to 16th overall with 26 points.

 

Herta finished P14 during Saturday’s Hunga-boring’ Sprint race; one place behind Hitech teammate Ritomo Miyata, 25.7 seconds behind winner Gabriele Mini in what was anything but a boring race.

 

Sunday’s Hungaroring feature race saw Colton finish a disastrous P19 out of a 22-car field. Nearly one minute adrift of maiden race winner Noel Leon.

 

As Herta trails current eighth place Laurens van Hoepen (65 points) by 39 markers, still languishing in P16. (26 points) With Hitech teammate Ritomo Miyata P13. (34 points)

 

Following the summer break, (July 27-Sept 4) five rounds remain. Monza, the brand new Madrid circuit, Azerbaijan’s Baku street circuit and the final two rounds at Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

 

Yet will the stupendous attacking of Iran and the ensuing war impact these final two events for all concerned, including Formula 1? Which with the constant escalation of attacking Iran, these races, and racing in the Middle East in general now seem quite threatened.

 

Meanwhile, even if Colton achieves His objective and secures a FIA Super Licence, where would He race? Since I’ve already speculated that current Cadillac F1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez surely have multi-year contracts?

 

Yet a somewhat larger obstacle is Colton’s age. Having turned 26 this March 30th. As I cannot think of recently hearing ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson telling Paul Tracy a story about Felix-the-Cat’, who Johansson manages.

 

Saying He’d rung up Helmut Marco to try getting Felix Rosenqvista test for Formula 1 and Marco said forget it, He’s too old!

 

FIA F2 points leader Nikola  Tsolov is 19yrs old. Campos teammate Noel Leon 21yrs old. Whilst Invicta Racing’s Rafael Chaves Camara is 21yrs old, with teammate Joshua Durksen being 22yrs old.

 

DAMS Lucas Oil’s Dino Beganovic, a Ferrari Academy driver is 22yrs old and in His second full F2 season.  ART Grand Prix driver Kush Maini turns 26 in September. But with 91 starts, 3 wins, 2 poles and 8 podiums in four seasons, I highly doubt will progress to F1. Even if Maini is having His best season to date so far; currently sixth overall when scribbling this. One position ahead of Beganovic.

 

And lastly is Trident’s John Bennett, age 22. In His sophomore campaign, having won His maiden F2 race in Austria’s Sprint race. Being the first driver to step up to Formula 2 directly from the GB3 championship.

 

As the following drivers above have won the majority if not all F2 races preceding Hungary.

 

Then again, Bottas and Perez are both in their mid-thirties, so who knows, Eh?

 

Especially since Herta’s now completed two Friday (Free Practice) FP1 sessions in Barcelona, replacing Perez. Then at Hungary replacing Bottas, with speculation suggesting Colton’s in-line to replace Bottas next year. Although Valtteri says its complete Balderdash!

 

As for scoring extra FIA super Licence points when driving in Friday practice sessions. Reportedly a driver can earn up to 10 points over any three year period, gaining one point per session, provided said driver completes a minimum of 100km in that session.

 

So, will we see Cadillac insert Colton an additional six times during Friday practice and running long to obtain the necessary points? Which increasingly, seems His only pathway left.

 

Whilst could Cadillac be so bold to go for an all new lineup in the future with Herta and Guanyu Zhou, we’ll “See”.

 

Good luck Colton! 

Who’ll win this year’s Indy NXT Championship?

And more importantly, will it matter?

 

Suppose its due to gorging Thyself upon motorsports over the Mid-Ohio weekend. Having listened to both Indy NXT races, IndyCar Qualie and race, along with tuning in for Sunday’s Unlimited Hydroplane Heats and Gold Cup finale on the Ohio river. I’ve simply become waterlogged regarding motor racing!

 

Not to mention casually following the World Cup. Hell even managing to find a few games on FOX Sports radio, streamed via Zed Intrawood’s – when they felt like airing them.

 

Along with strangely feeling deflated over my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward winning His first race of the season in Lexington. As I’d wanted Christian Lundgaard to stick the knife in Zak Brown’s punting Him Kerbside!

 

As its quite odd, since I’ve never been a fan of Lundgaard’s, but feel He’s getting a raw deal a la James Hinchcliffe, Oliver Askew, Theo Pourchaire, but I digress…

 

Adding to this malaise I suppose is the absolute Beatdown Enzo Fittipaldi put upon the entire Indy NXT field at Lexington.

 

Leading Friday’s practice, then claiming both poles for the Double header weekend. Along with a new pole record. And then leading both races wire-to-wire to go from 27 points behind to leading the title fight by 17 markers was nothing short of impressive!

 

Nikita Johnson who led the points standings entering Mid-Ohio slid down to third, 20 points adrift, while thee other TK’. Nope, not Tommy Kendall or Tony Kanaan, butt Tymek Kucharczyk, Fittipaldi’s HMD Motorsports teammate wound-up second after Mid-Ohio.

 

As these three drivers have played leapfrog with each other over leading the championship. As Fittipaldi had four wins, two poles and nine Top-5 finishes after Mid-Ohio. (431 points) While Johnson had two wins, 0 poles and six top-5’s. (411 points) And Kucharczyk had one win, 0 poles and ten top-5’s, (414 points) with everyone else some 100 markers adrift of this trio.

 

But guess we really shouldn’t have expected things to stay status quo, Eh?

 

Nashville Super speedway’s 1.33-mile concreate oval was an impound race. Presumably due to the weekend’s format being a two day event. Meaning drivers had to set their cars up for the race before qualifying, with no adjustments afterwards.

 

Matteo Nannini claimed pole, with A. J. Foyt Enterprises Alessandro de Tullio second. As de Tullio who has the most poles this season with seven, came up just 0.0931-seconds short of His eighth pole. With Fittipaldi’s two lap average speed being 177.427mph vs. de Tullio’s 177.114mph.

 

 Nikita Johnson was third and the driver Kevin Lee calls the Oval-meister’, Myles Rowe lined up fourth.

 

Don’t know what happened to points leader Enzo Fittipaldi, who qualified P14. Or Tymek Kucharczyk down in a lowly 17th, Youch!

 

Sadly, Kucharczyk’s woes weren’t over, as the Pole’ finished an uncharacteristic P18; three laps down, albeit I cannot find out any reason for this. As there’s no report upon His race outing, Say What?

 

Fittipaldi gradually worked His way forward for an eventual 11th place finish, but all the action naturally was up front. And all that was covered…

 

Nannini had a spirited fight with teammate Johnson over the lead, which the Italian never surrendered. With the exception of Rowe passing the Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR Boyz’ briefly before a yellow flag came out.

 

The race’s main battle was over who’d eventually finish runner-up? As Johnson, Lochie Hughes and Rowe all took turns sharing it, before Johnson finally secured second place with Row claiming the podium’s final step.

 

Yet it was Nannini cruising home with a 5.6+ second lead for His second win of the season. While Johnson reclaimed the points lead over Fittipaldi by a lone, solitary marker; 451 vs. 450 points. With Kucharczyk falling 25 markers behind in third with 426 points.

 

Only four races remain. With this weekend’s Portland event, (Aug 9th ) Milwaukee (Aug 30th) and Laguna Seca’s season ending Double Header. (Sept 5-6th)

 

Thus two permanent road courses and a historic oval sandwiched in-between round out the calendar’s 17 events.

 

Although the last three year’s Indy NXT champions, i.e.; Dennis Hauger, Louis foster and Christian Rasmussen are all currently IndyCar drivers. Hauger’s tenure isn’t certain next year.

 

As for every Indy NXT champion making it to IndyCar and securing a future there, there’s far more who have either never gotten to IndyCar, or had very short tenures…

As Linus Lundqvist’s name is on the tip of my tongue. With the likes of Oliver Askew, Ed Jones, Kyle Kiser, Spencer Pigot, you get the idea – not being round in IndyCar anymore. And the path to an open IndyCar seat is only becoming more daunting each year… 

IndyCar Rolls On

And the future’s so bright, Oh Never Mind!

 

Was going to pontificate upon IndyCar’s bungling of its T-Shirt fiasco prior to the Indianapolis 500. But I’m certain that Bud Denker, Mark Miles and All of the top Braintrust at Starship Penske would tell us Thars’ nothing to see here. All the suites were sold out for Detroit. We’ve had more sponsors sign up, ticket sales are up and everybody just loves IndyCar, Spew!

 

IndyCar’s ‘One Nation, One Race’ controversy is no surprise amid its rightward drift

 

Yeah, I realize after this year’s race and the amazing finish, my topic will probably be moot to many. Wallowing in Felix-the-Cat’s comments following His monumental victory; “I’m not thinking about Detroit right now!”

 

Nor am I still thinking about it. Being an Uber good weekend to step away from the All consuming keyboard and go for Walkabout’ in Mother Nature, thanks to Tacoma Bureau chief Mary Ellen…

 

Nevertheless, I’ll still briefly try tackling what’s been on my mind during this Month of May, until race day. When Mother Nature was “Tops of the Pops!” Although allowing us to run all 200 miles…

 

Yet I’m sure many have thought about preceding the race. That being the lack of bumping this year, and how “Quite” this made qualifying.

 

What I still don’t understand, albeit having guessed that Andretti Global was loathe to give-up its fourth Honda engine lease for fear of loosing it permanently? Is the fact that there was a spare Honda lump’ available this May.

 

So why couldn’t Bryan Herta and Andretti Global have run a fourth car program with Stefan Wilson, who reportedly had the necessary budget?

 

Although in hindsight, the three Andretti Global entries didn’t exactly light up the field during qualifying…

 

This led me to pondering if both Chevrolet and Honda were required to field 18 engines apiece, meaning we’d have 36 entries and three drivers going home. Would this be beneficial sporting-wise?

 

And who’d make up these three entries? Since today, almost the entire field is comprised of current IndyCar teams fielding extra entries, with the exception of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and Abel Motorsports this year…

 

As Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure fame, Ye “Oldest” IndyCar blogger has already opined. We need a third engine manufacturer a la Buick to ease the load upon Chevy and Honda. Although they seem content having a stranglehold upon IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500…

 

Yet I’m guessing this option’s already been taken away from us with the highly cough-cough! Anticipated Dallara IR28 chassis and 2.4-litre V-6 twin turbo hybrid lumps arriving for 2028. When IndyCar becomes a completely “closed Shop” with two final charters going to the engine suppliers, and 27 charter entries being the maximum grid allowance. With the exception of the Indy 500.

 

Obviously, the main obstacle is cost, since there hasn’t been a third OEM engine supplier since the perpetually underperforming Lotus by Judd lumps’ Wayback in Gory 2012, Yikes!

 

And I can only Arse-sume that nobody has found the return on investment (ROI) to be enticing enough to join IndyCar, El Correctomundo?

 

Also, I’m not an Engineer and don’t know if technically possible or not? But why couldn’t a “Boutique” manufacture of high performance Supercars engine be allowed. Say something from Koenigsegg, Glickenhaus, Isotta Fraschini, Vanwall, etc. Since for instance, the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 uses a 3.0-litre hybrid V-6 twin turbo produced by HWA.

 

As perhaps I’m wrong? But it really seems like IndyCar has made it virtually impossible for a third engine manufacturer to ever enter the series, which is a shame! Along with presumably Andretti Global and Honda not willing to allow the likes of Stefan Wilson to enter this year’s Indy 500.

 

Since after all, isn’t the Indianapolis 500 supposed to be all about having the fastest 33 racers in the field? 

A Beautiful Sports moment

When the goodness of Mankind sparkles…

 

Today being May Day, which forever will conjure up images of Ayrton Senna, Roland Ratzenberger and Black Sunday…

 

F1: Remembering Roland Ratzenberger - 25 Years later

 

May Day also signifies the beginning of summer, International Worker’s Day or Labour Day, not to mention that ominous distress signal…

 

Being a day to recognize our “Tired, Poor, Huddled” Brothers and Sisters who toil relentlessly doing the jobs nobody wishes to do.

 

As I was truly moved by this demonstration of Brotherly Love! As perhaps you’ve heard of the two selfless runners in this year’s Boston Marathon?

 

Having only used the word Mankind since the story involves three male runners, with American Ajay Haridasse had fallen for the fourth time at the 26-mile mark.

 

As the 21 year old Massachusetts University student was gathering strength to crawl on hands and knees the final two-tenths mile distance. Aaron Beggs, a 40 year old Northern Ireland runner stopped on His left side and pulled Haridasse to His feet. Then when Ajay stumbled again, a second runner, Robson De Oliveira, a 36 year old Brazilian caught Him from behind! 

 

Beggs and De Oliveira then put Haridasse arms upon each of their shoulders, and the trio triumphantly ran the remaining distance and crossed the finish line together!

 

When Two is Better than One: Pair of Boston Marathon runners help struggling Runner

 

Making me wounder out loud rhetorically, why can’t our Government show the same compassion and Humanity to the rest of the world? 

INDY 500: Bump Day goes Thud!

Fernando Alonso’s name atop IMS Scoring pylon. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Fernando Who!

 

Was gonna scribble about my waning desire to continue following Formula 1 via television today, but I’ll let that simmer a little longer…

 

Nope, like many, this year’s lack of Bumping at Mother Speedway’s upon my mind. As I could go thru what’s already been covered extensively over the recent lack of entries since 2020. Or going back even further to 2016, when the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 only had 33 entries, reportedly…

 

While we all know about Colton Herta’s fourth Andretti Global entry being scrubbed due to Formula One’s brilliant idea to race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve the same day, Spew!

 

It seemingly comes down to the financial plight of the current economy. Although there are reportedly drivers with the necessary budget for a “One-off” entry at Mother Speedway.

 

While I’m not a fan of Honda’s unwillingness to grant its fourth Andretti Global engine lease to an Indy only entry. And I’m not sure how it helps them publicly? But perhaps due to Honda having just suffered its first ever earnings loss since the 1970’s, Honda’s suddenly pinching pennies?

 

And what about all of the Young Guns wishing to race in IndyCar these days? With the likes of Linus Lundqvist, Hunter McElrae, Toby sowery, Juri Vips and others. Not to mention Callum Ilott, Katherine Legge, Stefan Wilson and Devlin DeFrancesco for starters…

 

Nope, the saddest part of all is that we as Fans live by the credo of it being the fastest 33 Cars in the field and revel over the uncertainty of somebody going “Home” utterly disappointed. Even if its only one single driver and team. The sheer “Spectacle” of those vying for the final grid spot is typically Herculean! And for Mwah, Bump Day’s Last Row Shootout is always far more thrilling than the Pole shootout.

 

As one needs only look back to 2019, when the Minnowesqe Junco Racing and Kyle Kiser in a “Frankenstein” car Bumped Two-times Formula 1 World champion Fernando Alonso from that year’s Indianapolis 500!

 

Meanwhile, and it cannot just be Mwah. But “Isn’t It Ironic?” That with the 25 current IndyCar Charters being assured of making the field. We’re suddenly back to that Good, ‘Ol 25-8 rule.

 

As Shame On You IndyCar! As this is what the whole spirit of the Indianapolis 500 is supposed to represent…

 

Incredible radio from Kyle Kiser after Bumping Fernando Alonso from the 2019 Indianapolis 500 

F1: Super clipping sucking soul out of Sport

As “Battery world Championship” isn’t an encouraging F1 moniker!

 

Why did I think of that ‘Ol Kansas song with the following lyrics, Eh?

 

“Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher
But I flew too high”

 

VIDEO: Carry On Wayward Son

 

Max Verstappen

“I found a cheaper solution. I swapped the simulator for my Nintendo Switch and yeah, practicing a bit of Mario Kart, actually.

 

“Finding the mushrooms is going quite well. The blue shell is a bit more difficult, but I'm working on it. The rocket's still not there. It's coming.”

(Source: grandprix.com)

 

Those were the words of Four-times F1 World Champion Max Verstappen during Thursday’s Chinese Grand Prix press conference. When asked if simulator work helped drivers in managing the complex 2026 car’s energy systems.

 

This year’s Formula 1 season finds myself at multiple crossroads. Having religiously “watched”, Err followed Formula 1 for nearly 40 years now, with my debutante F1 race being the 1986 Detroit Grand Prix. And cannot say I’m overly impressed with the latest interpretation of thee “Pinnacle of Motorsports”.

 

Think we’ve all heard Max Blunderhead’s critique of it being Formula E on Steroids, which I tend to agree with. As what’s happened to the late Ayrton Senna’s famous quip “If you no longer go for a Gap that exists, then you’re no longer a racing driver!

 

“As I’m mot here to finish third, fourth or fifth, I drive to win”.

 

VIDEO: Ayrton Senna – If you No longer Go for a Gap

 

And Fernando Alonso’s sarcastic quip about how the (Aston Martin) chef could drive the car. Hell, half the team could drive the car now! Since you no longer need any skill to drive these cars, instead just managing the energy management system…

 

As formula 1 used to be about skill, bravery and bravado of finding the outer limit of driving a car through flat out corners like Spoon and 130R at Suzuka, which have been neutered!

 

Whilst Lando Norris has rightly pointed out how the current F1 chassis has killed the soul of formula 1! With Charles Leclerc lamenting how its all become about consistency over a lap and not being able to drive on the ragged edge anymore…

 

While I’m guessing we’re all learning about what this Super clipping is, eh? Which if I understand correctly, is when today’s F1 chassis is left with no battery power on the straight and depending solely upon the internal combustion engine (ICE) to propel the car forwards. Seeing to a dramatic drop in performance and overall top speed.

 

Although I’ve read that this Super Clipping phenomenon can even occur when the Power Unit is under full power, with the energy management system deciding to “cut-in”.

 

F1 2026 Super Clipping explained

 

Today’s racecars are dependent upon the 50% battery power, and with the subtraction of the MGU-H, (Motor Generator Heat Unit) harvesting exhaust gasses to limit turbo lag. Drivers can only recharge their battery during braking in corners, which leads to a lack of electrical energy on circuits with long straights and little corner braking, which Suzuka used to be.

 

Now am I advocating for the return of those shrieking 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10’s. I said speak up Sonny! What do you mean my hearing Sucks? Huh? Did you say something eh?

 

I’m just left feeling that Formula 1 has gone too far forward with this technical regulation cycle. With two immediate thoughts, Err three springing to mind…

 

Do you all remember that despised Delta wing racecar? Once hailed as the next generation of Indy Cars. As where did the Delta wing go?

 

Along with the Handford device which made overtaking occur Ah-Plenty’ in (CART) IndyCar racing. Perhaps being the original Yo-Yo racing format, Eh?

 

Or how about the ridiculous amount of drivers passing and then being repassed during the 2013 Indianapolis 500 Me Thinks? Or whatever year there was some ridiculous 68 passes for the lead or something to that effect.

 

As I’ve said many times before, I’m not an engineer, nor do I pretend to play one. Or stay at Motel 6 or whatever the tag-line is? Meaning I’ve got zero clue on how to solve this current dilemma…

 

But you only need to look at Oliver Bearman’s nasty crash at Suzuka when encountering Franco Colapinto at a closing speed of 28mph. And indeed, Formula 1 is extremely lucky that Ollie’ walked away from His 50G impact at 191mph with only bruising to His extremities!

 

Since why does the late Gilles Villeneuve crash come to mind?

 

Whilst Lando’s comment about how He repassed Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka even when He didn’t want to, solely due to the battery system kicking in. And then having Hamilton immediately repass Him when His energy store was depleted and Lewis could call “Slingshot On!” Is definitely not real racing!

 

Although Lando sarcastically quipped after the Japanese Grand Prix: “this is the Best racing ever!”

 

Yeah, I understand that IndyCar has its vaunted P2P, ergo Push-to-Pass turbo boost system, going back at least to Champ Car. And Formula 1 previously had DRS. (Drag Reduction System) Both artificial methods to increase overtaking.

 

Its just that I’ve always thought F1 was supposed to be the pioneers of technology that one day would filter down to our road cars. Meaning do we really want everyone saying Slingshot On! Or pushing the turbo boost button on our Freeways and residential streets?

 

And is Formula 1 really all about Megajoules deployment? You make the call…

 

Partial song lyrics from: Kansas’s Carry On Wayward Son; 1976 Leftoverture Album. 

Stop the Hating!

Will we ever progress our behaviour as Humans. Or just continue being Neanderthals?

 

Had been planning on scribblin’ about this sometime early this season, after last years dearth of irreprehensible behaviour! But thanks to Daniel Dye, it came front ‘n center no less then upon St Patrick’s Day.

 

As I thoroughly applaud NASCAR and Kaulig Racing’s swift decision to suspend Dye indefinitely! For making a grotesque comment towards David Malukas, over the “Desert Double” NASCAR-IndyCar weekend at Phoenix Raceway.

 

As Craftsman Truck Series driver Daniel Dye was rightly suspended indefinitely for His mocking of Team Penske driver David Malukas when opening trading cards. Making His voice a much higher pitch and smearing Malukas’s sexuality. Calling Him you know what!

 

This follows on the heels of last year’s irreprehensible behaviour towards Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Jack Doohan. Not to mention Zak Brown’s really bad and inexcusable joke regarding His wife!

 

Antonelli received Death Threats after Max Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase inferred the rookie Italian driver had let Lando Norris pass Him at the end of the Qatar Grand Prix in order to insure a Mercedes powered driver won the Formula 1 World Championship, Balderdash!

 

Of course Lambiase’s cryptic comment “Looks like He just pulled over and let Lando thru”, with one lap remaining was preposterous! Before Helmut Marco joined the fray. Pronouncing that Antonelli had let McLaren drivers by twice in the race, including Oscar Piastri earlier…

 

Naturally, this was complete rubbish! As Antonelli simply made a mistake and slid wide under the pressure of trying to secure a podium position and hold off Norris for fourth place.

 

Yes, I was disappointed over the extra two points Norris garnered, which eventually led to His securing His drivers title. But I never thought Kimi had done that on purpose.

 

Lambiase and Red Bull subsequently issues public apologies regarding this accusation, but the damage had been done!

 

Next, former Alpine F1 driver Jack Doohan joined Antonelli in blocking His social media account in December, after receiving vulgar harassment by “vile Trolls”. Following the Aussie’s three nearly identical crashes at Degner corner over three successive days testing a Super formula car at Suzuka.

 

Then there was Zak Brown’s bizarre speech at the McLaren team’s end of season meeting, where He told a really bad joke about His wife Tracy, when thanking family.

 

“We've been married 26 years, see the black eye? Like I said, we've been married 26 years,' Brown said.

‘No, I am joking, the dog hit her this morning.”

 

Reportedly Oscar Piastri couldn’t stomach the Domestic Violence joke and simply staired down at His feet as the smile left His face!

 

Not to mention the Aussie’ was firmly in Brown’s crosshairs during His bizarre rant…

 

And this doesn’t even include the vulgar abuse Callum Ilott was forced to endure not once, but twice when driving for Juncos Hollinger Racing.

 

As the team, specifically Ricardo Juncos and Agustin Canapino did little to quell the social media abuse seemingly the Argentine Fan base directed towards Ilott!

 

Then just learning that Esteban Ocon suffered a similar fate after His collision with Franco Colapinto during the Chinese Grand Prix.

 

Although Ocon fully took responsibility for the crash, and Colapinto raced to a tenth place finish. (scoring one point) Argentinians once again took to torching Ocon on social Media, including Death Threats!

 

While somehow I suspect that none of Ollie Bearman’s Fans will be attacking Franco Colapinto for causing the Haas driver’s massive shunt at suzuka when His Alpine began “Harvesting” in the corner.

 

While don’t forget about Kyle Larson and Juri Vips past transgressions…

 

Like the immortal Rodney King said: “Can’t we just All get along?” 

The 2025 IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Awards edition, Positions 6-10

How strange will it be not having Will Power in this car? (The Tomaso Collection)

 

    As DJ WillyP’ says “Somebody give Me a Cheeseburger!”

 

Hard to believe its already been a whopping 107 days since IndyCar raced! Meaning its somewhat hard to make my yearly choices, which I try doing spontaneously, going with whatever comes to mind first…

 

CATEGORIES 6-10

6. Most Improved Driver of the Year

Winner: Kyle Kirkwood

Almost overlooked the driver affectionately known as “Kirk” Kirkwood. Yet being a fan of His ever since His Scorched Earth Road to Indy campaign, it seemed only a matter of time until having His Breakout season in the “big” Cars!

 

Yeah, its somewhat odd thinking of Him being “improved”. Yet the Floridian won three races this season. Including His first Oval track win at Gateway.

 

At one point, Kirkwood was the only driver not named Palou to win! And looking like Alex’s main competitor for the title, but we know how that went…

 

As Kirkwood finished a career best fourth overall this year, and has just signed a multi-year contract extension with Andretti Global.

 

7. Most Disappointing Driver of the Year

Winner: Marcus Ericsson

Just for the record, I’ve been a Fan of Marcus’s since meeting Him in person in Austin Wayback’ in 2014! Which is why it pains me to nominate Him for this dubious No Fenders award.

 

The Affable Swede’s life obviously changed after winning the 2022 Indianapolis 500, before He was Robbed the following year!

 

No idea why, but ever since He’s moved to Andretti Global, its just been a super bumpy road for Him. As this year was supposed to be when He improved at Andretti.

 

Ericsson started off with a sixth place finish at St Pete before multiple 20-something finishes, with a resounding thud of P26 at the Indy Road Course race.

 

And then when it looked like the page had turned for Marcus, with a fine second place finish at Mother Speedway. Through no fault of His own, Ericsson and teammate Kyle Kirkwood’s (6th) scars failed post-race tech inspection. With unapproved modifications to the Dallara’s Energy Management System’s )EMS) cover with modified spacers and unapproved parts. Seeing Ericsson and Kirkwood reclassified P31-32, Youch!

 

Resetting at Detroit, Marcus finished 13th, with the remainder of the season seeing a string of “Tweens” and twentieths. With the lone bright spot being a fifth at Toronto, His highest finish of the season. Wit a total of only two Top-10’s and one Top-5 finish.

 

Thus it pains me to keep bangin’ on about how I think Marcus will be replaced by Dennis Hauger when His contract expires next year. But I hope Ericsson will remain in IndyCar…

 

8. Comeback Driver of The Year

Winner: Callum Ilott

How can you not admire a driver for eschewing a Factory Sports Car drive in order to race in IndyCar? Even if it’s a brand new team. Coming on the heels of winning the Six Hours of Spa for Team Hertz Jota in a Porsche 963.

 

Returning to IndyCar with the brand new “ground-up” Prema Racing, which naturally struggled early. Ilott showed flashes of His old-self toward season’s end. Claiming His first Top-10 finish at Toronto in eight. Followed by back-to-back sixth place finishes the next two round at Laguna Seca and Portland. And then capped off the season by finishing ninth at Nashville.

 

As it’s a shame that Ilott possibly won't race in IndyCar this year…

 

9. “Big Boyz Pants” Award

Winner: Will Power

Know it’s the “Nature of the Beast”. But I found Ryan Marin’s question on whether He’d be back at Penske or not during His winner’s podium interview at Portland disgusting!

 

As no driver should have to endure such relentless haranguing by the media!

 

As Kudos to DJ willyP’ for being a class act about this! As He deserved to lose His cool  from the relentless, repeated barrage of the same question. And give somebody the Will Internal I’m on fire Power response! As where’s a Double Bird salute when Yuhs need one, Eh?

 

As I love the fact that Power said NO to El Capitano’, and is extending His IndyCar career at Andretti Global.

 

As why did that ‘Ol Little River Band’s “It’s A Shame” song come screaming into my Head? Yuhs know, in the wrong garden…

 

VIDEO: Red-Headed Wildflower

 

10. Rookie of The Year

Winner: Robert Shwartzman

Yeah, know that Louie’ foster nipped Shwartzman for the IndyCar rookie Of the Year Honours, but! Shwartzman clearly comes out on top for Mwah!

 

As the Israeli born Shwartzman, at age 25 was making His debut not only in IndyCar, but driving on totally foreign tracks to Him. Along with driving for the brand new rookie Prema racing outfit…

 

Shwartzman scored the team’s first Top-10 at Gateway, and then backed it up with His season best finish of P9 in Iowa’s Race-2.

         

Yet undoubtably, Shwartzman’ crowning achievement was His shock pole position at Mother Speedway! Becoming the first rookie to claim pole for the Indianapolis 500 since Teo Fabi in 1983, Aye Karumba!

 

Along with Prema being the first “rookie” team to claim pole at the Brickyard since Meyer Motor Racing with The Gasman’, aka Tom Sneva in 1984.

 

Interesting how Robert’s best finishes, and performances all came upon Ovals, something brand new to Him. While we’re all awaiting the outcome of Prema Racing for next season, and if they return to IndyCar? 

Plenty to Take away from Annual Chris Griffis test

But who will emerge as the true Front runners next year?

 

There seems to have been a seismic shift in Indy NXT for the forthcoming 2026 season. With nearly half of the IndyCar grid now being involved. Which I suppose you could say swells to six IndyCar team “alliances”, if we include Cusik Morgan Motorsports.

 

Not sure when the Ball began rolling forwards, since I missed the kickoff; Oopsadaisy, Butterfingers! With Chip Ganassi Racing “Doubling Down” when expanding to four cars next year.

 

As this seems to be inline wit the new regulations allowing a maximum grid of 24 cars and teams being limited to four entries apiece.

 

Thus interestingly, HMD Motorsports, who’ve run with a nine car armada the past few seasons now fields just four cars itself. But also enters a technical and strategic alliance with the newly reformed A.J. Foyt Enterprises two car entry.

 

Whilst HMD Motorsports also provides the “muscle” behind the two car Cusik Morgan Motorsports entry, hence seeing HMD involved with eight entries overall.

 

Also joining the fray is Ed Carpenter Racing, forming a technical alliance with Cape Motorsports who previously partnered with Andretti Global last season. As the team will now be known as Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, running a two car entry.

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) returns after a one year hiatus with its traditional two car entry. While Andretti Global, current reigning back-to-back Indy NXT Champions continues its march on the competition with its usual, stout four car entry.

 

As it was new Andretti Global recruit Sebastian Murry being quickest during the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test outing held on October 27th on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course.

 

As Murray led a 1-2-3 sweep with Andretti teammates Max Taylor and Josh Pierson close behind. With the pair also being new to Andretti.

 

Nikita Johnson in the No. 21 Cape Motorsports entry was the day’s quickest rookie. With rookie  Alessandro de Tullio rounding out the Top-5 aboard the No. 14 Foyt entry.

 

Yet as typical, one shouldn’t read too much into testing times. Especially with the top two title protagonists Lochie Hughes and Myles Rowe working upon their driving styles and testing the new Xtractransmission., instead of hunting for quick times.

 

As Hughes, who was having to “recompute” after having driven an IndyCar for the first time ever a Fortnight earlier, said it was a little bit strange going back to the NXT  chassis. With the Aussie’ finishing sixth overall. While Myles Rowe was P7, with the pair finishing third and fourth last year respectively.

 

Hughes was one of the seven drivers running the new for 2026 Xtrac semi-automatic gearbox, which replaces the older  units.

 

Xtrac had one new unit for each of seven teams to test, with additional ballast added to ensure bench-line testing vs. the older, heavier spec transmissions.

 

And speaking of Aussie’s’, a total of four took part in the test, with three now being confirmed. As HMD Motorsports who ran a quartet of European race series talent. Confirmed 17yr old rookie Josh Beeton following the test, as the first of its four announced drivers…

 

Oh Contrair, Enzo Fittipaldi, younger brother of Pietro was confirmed on October 30th. Wit the 24yr old former F2 driver saying that His goal now is IndyCar. Uhm, just like All of the others Enzo!

 

Beeton joins the aforementioned Hughes, with fellow rookie Nicolas Stati confirmed at Cusik Morgan Motorsports. Whilst Tommy smith tested for Chip Ganassi Racing.

 

Twenty-four car took part in the test; Arse-sumedly the entire field, with a total of 13 rookies participating. With the following teams and number of entries as follows.

 

Abel Motorsports, (4) includes single Abel Motorsports with Force Indy entry. A.J. Foyt enterprises, (2) Andretti Global, (4) Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, (2) Chip Ganassi Racing, (4) Cusik Morgan Motorsports, (2) HMD Motorsports (4) and Juncos Hollinger Racing. (2)

 

Chris Griffis Test Outing Recap

 

As the majority of the Indy NXT field will be sawing logs for the foreseeable Winter’s Slumber. With another Gory 88 days until the season kickoff at St Pete on March 1st, 2026, G-R-R-R-Roan!

 

Since I don’t know if any of these Indy NXT drivers will be making cameos at the forthcoming Rolex 24?

 

As it looks like a pretty stout field, as the driving talent only seems to be ratcheting up with the steady influx of European lads’ coming across thoust gory Puddle…