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? 

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. 

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 

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?” 

RETRO: Dale Earnhardt, 25 years later

As Y’all know the drill. Where has the Freakin’ time gone?

 

Little did I know that my day would be bookended by thee Intimidator’, aka ‘Ol Ironhead, ergo Dale Earnhardt Sr.

 

Began the day, Thursday Feb 12th by listening to a great story about the young girl who gave Dale Earnhardt a lucky penny in 1998. Listening via my Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service’s ESPN Online Motorsports Headlines section.

 

Earnhardt’s Lucky Penny

 

Then I finished the day off by Watcin’, Err listening to the Dale Earnhardt 25 Years later one hour TV Show on FOX. As don’t tell anybody, I “watched” one and a quarter of the two NASCAR Cup Duels preceding this program…

 

Yet like many stories here upon thoust mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville. I hadn’t gotten round to scribblin’ my thoughts before another month’s time slipped by. Hoping to watch an encore presentation March 8th. But ironically, due to the Phoenix Cup race running long, it was pre-empted.

 

It was weird hearing former NASCAR boss Mike Helton speaking again. And His words were most prophetic when simply saying We’ve lost Dale Earnhardt.

 

As I enjoyed Helton’s perspective on Earnhardt, who was also a friend of His. But found it odd there was nothing from arch nemesis Jeffry Pretty boy Floyd’ Gordon.

 

And I enjoyed Curt Busch’s recollections of tangling with thee Intimidator’, and how it was only a matter of time until He got paid back!

 

Now twenty-five years later, obviously I remember very little from that fateful day. Other than I know I watched the race live and heard ‘Ol Boogity-Boogity-Boogity DW’ (Darrell Waltrip) crapping His pants over His brother Mikey, ah Shucks Waltrip getting ready to win the Day-Toner’ 500!

 

As Earnhardt Sr. was running third and blocking both Kenny Schroeder and Sterling Marlin in order for the two Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) entries of Waltrip and His son ‘lil e’, aka Dale Earnhardt Jr. running 1-2 to finish ahead of Him.

 

After light contact with Marlin, Schroeder and Earnhardt collided on the final lap, with Earnhardt hitting the wall Head-on!

 

And I’m fairly certain we as an audience, or at least myself didn’t know that Earnhardt had perished in that last-lap pile-up…

 

As all I remember now, is that snowbyrd’ MJ mailed me a copy of Times Magazine with thee Intimidator on its cover. Along with His death being the lead story.

 

As I had a co-worker at the time who wore shorts all year round, no matter the temperature in Seattle who was a ginormous Dearnhardt fan, i.e.; T-Shirts, Diecasts, etc. So I ended up giving the magazine to Him. Although I don’t remember if He even said anything to me afterwards? Since He still seemed in shock over His Hero’s death…

 

Thus I was eager to “See” how FOX would portray Earnhardt’s death, and discuss any of the real facts of what happened? With Bill Simpson and His Simpson Performance Products company being made the scapegoat for Earnhardt’s death…

 

Now I understand the need to burnish ‘Ol Ironhead’s legend, despite His on-track antics. He did do many good things behind the scenes, and away from the camera’s eye.

 

Perhaps there’s still some legal ramifications over what transpired? Or FOX simply didn’t wish to paint a true picture of how Earnhardt Himself was responsible for His death, or how NASCAR was wrong. And thus I had a hard time swallowing the narrative of how thee Intimidator brought about new safety standards that haven’t seen another drivers death since…

 

After the Daytona Beach Police Department and NASCAR opened two investigations into Earnhardt’s death. Allegations over the crash regarding seat belt failure forced Bill Simpson to resign from His company. Having received many death threats.

 

Now I’m going off of memory here, so bear with me. As I tend to recall that Earnhardt enjoyed driving with loose lap belts and refused to wear a HANS device. The Head And Neck restraint System that has long since become mandatory in racing around the world, because it was uncomfortable to Dale. Who preferred open faced helmets instead.

 

Reportedly NASCAR claimed that Earnhardt’s left lap belt failed, allowing His head to strike the steering wheel upon impact with the wall. Yet I also tend to recall there was speculation over paramedics using a boey knife to cut Earnhardt from His seat following the accident.

 

Dr. Barry Myers, a Crash Incident expert from Duke University was appointed to independently study Earnhardt’s death, and concluded the broken lap belt held no cause regarding His death, rejecting NASCAR’s assertion. Which Bill Simpson said was the best news He’d heard in several weeks.

 

Subsequently, three doctors, including Dr. Steve Olvey, CART Medical Director during Greg Moore’s death, all concurred that they agreed with Dr. Myres assessment.

 

Simpson subsequently sued NASCAR $8.5m for Defamation, since Dr. Myers accident investigation rendered the seat belt failure moot. Although Simpson held steadfast to the lap belts being installed incorrectly, which NASCAR said nothing about.

 

The lawsuit was settled out of court for an unspecified amount, while the HANS device became mandatory in NASCAR in October that year. (2001) Along with a total of 37 safety recommendations being made.

 

So the program ended by making Earnhardt a Hero for propelling the sport forward. And skillfully side-stepped telling the real story behind the late Intimidator’s death… 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2025 Streamliner edition

“Does Anybody know What Time it Is? Does Anybody really Care?” And will we ever see this racecar livery again? (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Yeah, it’s that time ‘O year again, Yuhs know. Uhm, when I subject Y’all to mor of my witty repartee from thoust Mystical Isle of Nofendersville with my End of Year Overall Winners selections, Mateys! Which Y'all Clearly look forward to, Man Overboard!

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Nonsensical, Zany “First Take” Off Ye Cuff selections made below….

 

While Y’all can Compare ‘N contrast these choices with last year’s No Fenders selections in the following link.

 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2024 Streamliner edition

 

CATEGORIES

1. Racer of Year

Winner: Alex Palou

Initially chose Circus Maximus for this award, but I’m biased towards IndyCar. Not to mention that Maxwell Silver Hammer Done gone Bang-Bang upon Curious George (Russell) at Barcelona erased this platitude for Verstappen…

 

As how could I go against Alex Palou who simply had a “Magical” season. In what very easily could have been an insane 10 races won! With the exception of making a Uber’ rare mistake at Mid-Ohio, gifting Scott Dixon His lone W’ of the season. Along with that late race caution at Milwaukee. Enabling Christian Rasmussen to role the dice with new Flintstone rubber and storm past Palou…

 

Yet the affable Spaniard claimed six poles and eight wins enroute to His third consecutive Championship title, and fourth overall. Finishing with 13 podiums, 14 Top-5 and 15 Top-10 finishes. And a four race wins points advantage over runner-up Pato O’Ward, Youza!

 

Other Choices

Max Verstappen, Marc Marquez, Lando Norris, et Al.

 

2. Story of Year

Winner: Team Penske Attenuator-gate’

This has to be the biggest story of the year, with everyone already knowing about Team Penske caught cheating, again! And while I applaud Doug Boles fairly significant penalties, I still think they should have been thrown out! Although I guess being placed P32-33 and given the final two pit stalls is adequate…

 

Won’t try re-hashing this, since we also know about Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski and Kyle Moye all being fired; Team Penske’s top three members. As it’ll be interesting to “see” how Team Penske responds in it’s upcoming 60th year celebration during 2026. And if Cindric is rightly honoured?

 

Vice Champion: NASCAR Anti-Trust lawsuit

Sneaking in on Dec 11th, NASCAR capitulated, and settled the Anti-Trust lawsuit filed by 23/XI and Front Row Racing, over the “Take It or Leave It” Charter renewal. With NASCAR giving teams only six hours on a Friday evening to sign the 112 page document. As it sounds like it was a win for the teams for once, after protracted two years of fruitless negotiations. But since I don’t follow Roundy-Round, I don’t know the specifics of the deal, or how it impacts the future? Other than we can simply go racin’ again, wisely ahead of the Mac Daddy Day-Toner’ 500…

 

Other Choices

Christian Horner’s Firing from Red bull, Will Power’s Dismissal from Team Penske, Helmut Marco leaving red Bull.

 

3. Race of Year

Winner: Petit Le Mans

Another sentimental choice, since how else could I revel over Aston Martin’s Valkyrie finishing runner-up at season’s end? Not to mention some purple Dragon winning it’s LMP2 class’s Championship, or a fitting sendoff to Steven Thomas’s retirement. In what was another typical ten hours “Nailbiter”.

 

With the fan favourite shrieking Cossie’ V-12 lump’ bolting the Valkyrie into unfathomable competition for an upset W’, before finishing 5.1 seconds behind the winning No. 31 Whelen Cadillac. Along with the Lamborghini’s SC63 toying with a podium finish in what is likely it’s final race. Before finishing fourth, it’s best finish to date…

 

Other Choices

Sao Paolo Grand Prix, Milwaukee, Gateway, MotoGP French GP

 

4. Sportsperson of Year

Winner: Jamie Chadwick

Once again, Jamie Chadwick wins this award, based on Her winning three races in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) championship with co-drivers Daniel Juncadella and Mathys Jaubert. With both being promoted to the Genesis Magma Racing’s “Weckity Wec” Hypercar entry for 2026.

 

As the trio finished third overall in the LMP2 category. And I sincerely hope Chadwick will get the nod for a seat in IMSA GTP in 2027! And that other Femme Fatales get fulltime rides in Motor Racing…

 

Other Choices

Brittany Force, Erica Enders, Dorion Pim, Katherine Legge

 

5. Hard Charger of year

Winner: Shane Van Gisbergen

Kiwi’ Bad Arse racer Shane Van Gisbergen won the Supercars title three times, i.e.; 2016, 2021-22, whilst finishing runner-up to compatriot ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin in 2018. With The Gis’ scoring 80 wins Down Under before setting His sights upon new horizons.

 

Van Gisbergen shocked the NASCAR Cup community when winning upon debut at Chicago in 2023. Becoming the first rookie driver to win upon debut since Lone Star JR’, aka Johnny Rutherford in 1963. Along with being the first “Road ringer” to win on debut since Mark Donohue in 1973, Aye Karumba!

 

Following a partial Cup campaign during 2024, The Gis’ ran His rookie Full season for Trackhouse Racing aboard their No. 88 entry in 2025.

 

Van Gisbergen set a new rookie record for most wins in a season with five. Surpassing Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson holding the record with three apiece previously.

 

Even more impressive was that Van Gisbergen made the Playoffs in His rookie season. Thanks to scoring five consecutive road course wins, beginning at Mexico City. Followed by wins at Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen and Charlotte’s Roval.

 

Shane will drive the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing entry this year alongside rookie teammate Connor Zilisch (No. 88) and Ross Chastain. (No. 1) And has signed a multi-year extension which keeps Him in Cup thru the 2027 season.

 

Other Choices

Dennis Hauger, Denny Hamlin, Marco Bezzecchi, Tony Stewart, Brock Feeney 

The 2025 IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Awards edition

Everybody loves Alex, except Zak. But Cheep’ loves winners better! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As who will Santa be Awarding “Gifts” to this year? Whilst pretty sure I know who’s getting a lump ‘O coal! (Zakery)

 

Once again,  I’m finishing off the year’s No Fenders posts Here upon Ye mystical’ Isle of Nofendersville, with Thy yearly IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Award selections. Hence these choices were Jotted down after somewhat quick deliberation.

 

Whilst Y’all can compare ‘n contrast this year’s choices with my Elongated 2024 Selections in the following link.

 

The 2024 IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Awards edition

 

WINNERS

2025 IndyCar Champion: Alex Palou, Spain

2025 Indy 500: Alex Palou; Chip Ganassi Racing

2025 Rookie Of the Year: Louis foster, UK

 

CATEGORIES

1. Driver of The Year

Winner: Alex Palou

Yeah, this one seems obvious, even though I typically try thinking outside the box. Yet “vice Champion” Pato O’Ward finished 196 points behind, and with six less victories!

 

As let that sink in Uno Momento. Alex Palou’s margin of victory was ten points shy of four “Clean Sweep” race weekends, i.e.; Pole, ONE lap LED, Most laps led and the Win. (54 points maximum) Or four points shy of a four race wins lead!

 

As we All know that Alex truly had a magical season, with 8 wins, 6 poles, 14 Top-5’s and 15 Top-10 finishes, enroute to crushing the competition.

 

And for the cherry on top, Palou won His first ever Oval race at none other than the Indianapolis 500, Bravo!

 

Other Choices

Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, and I suppose Scott Dixon?

 

2. Biggest Disappointments of The Year

For Mwah, this one’s simple. As the two biggest disappointments are Roger Penske’s Dismissal of will Power, and Zak Brown’s refusal to settle out of court vs. Alex Palou.

 

We all know that Power was Penske’s best finishing driver the past two seasons, not to mention all of His other glittering stats.

 

As how do you replace a Two-times IndyCar Champion, Indianapolis 500 winner. The All-time career Pole winner, (71) and fourth All-time career wins (45) with David Malukus?

 

As no disrespect to Chicago Davey’, having been a Fan of His since entering Indy Cars, But! The Kid’s only raced four seasons with a total of 44 starts. Zero pole positions or wins and three podiums.

 

Although He did finish a career best 11th overall driving for A.J. Foyt Enterprises last year…

 

Yet how does one replace the legendous’ Will Power? While Shame on Roger for treating Him like a commodity on a ledger sheet and deciding it’s past it’s best used by date, which He also did with Helio Castroneves…

 

An Inglorious end to a Glorious Partnership

 

Yet even worse, is Zak Brown’s insistence upon ruining Alex Palou for life! Claiming the Four-times IndyCar Series Champion and reigning Indy 500 winner owes Him an eye watering $19.5m, as in millions for alleged “Damages” over Palou rescinding His desires to drive for Zak!

 

As I cannot confirm this, or heard it anywhere else. But I believe I heard Marshall Pruett say on His Podcast that at one point Zak was willing to settle for just a few million dollars…

 

The “long and expensive” McLaren v Palou war comes to a Conclusion

 

3. Race of The Year

Oval Track Winner: Milwaukee

Like most choices here, this was simply a process of elimination. As I’d have to say that Gateway ranked towards getting the nod, but ultimately fell short due to the fact that Milwaukee featured our latest debutante IndyCar winner, that being Christian Rasmussen.

 

Not to mention that Rasmussen and Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) boldly chose to pit on the final caution to bolt on fresh Firestones and storm to the lead from I believe being P19, or was it 9th? Audaciously passing none other than Alex Palou for the victory!

 

Sugarplums, Rainbows and Splenda Sweetness abound at Milwaukee

 

Twisties' Track Winner: Portland

This probably was the hardest choice for Mwah, since the season finishes so long ago! But giving my Home-track the nod. Since Thar was actually passing at Portland, with Pato O’Ward starting on pole due to pole winner Christian Lundgaard serving a six grid place drop for an unapproved engine change.

 

While Lundgaard and Palou had a mighty scrap over second place, while Will Power returned to the top step of the podium a year later after His last win at Portland. As DJ WillyP’ started third, but won again!

 

4. Most Improved Team of the Year

Winner: Meyer Shank Racing

Initially considered two other teams for this honour, i.e.; A.J. Foyt Enterprises and Ed Carpenter Racing. Since both improved overall. Yet Foyt’s Santino Ferrucci slid down, and even with one win, ECR’s two drovers were only 13th and 15th.

 

Yet with MSR’s two drivers finishing inside the Top 10. With Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) sixth, and Marcus Armstrong only 8 points behind in eighth. (372-364) This is “Heady” territory for the Midfield team. As now they need to win a race to continue their upwards trajectory.

 

5. Most Disappointing Team of the Year

Winner: Team Penske

Yeah, their three drivers finished P9-10-12 in the championship, with a paltry two wins. Which naturally you’d expect more from El Capitano’s eponymous race team.

 

Yet being caught cheating at Mother Speedway, the second time in 14 months, ultimately left shock waves at Team Penske. And then there’s the bungling of Will Power’s dismissal to boot! Which makes this choice a no brainer.

 

INDY 500: Penske to the Forefront Again 

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…