Returning to Thoust Keyboard in Earnest

As does anybody still read what I scribble Here, Eh?

 

Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari

FOM Rejects Andretti Cadillac F1 Bid

Guaranteed Indianapolis 500 Starting Spots

Horner Gate

Pre Season Testing

IndyCar Whose Your Daddy $1 Million Sweepstakes Challeng

 

Having completed lap-14 of my eight weeks Open Heart surgery recovery  when I first set about scribblin’ this. Wayback’ on February 7th , I must confess I really didn’t feel like scribbling anything for a future No Fenders post, and have quite enjoyed my sabbatical from said Blogosphere.!

 

Arse-sumedly why I’ve let another two weeks plus slip by without bothering to type any more of my riveting No Fenders Yarn’ below…

 

And even though I’ve been paying loose Attenzione to the motorsports world since returning home from Hospital on January 29^th. Like I said, I’ve just really not been to interested in returning to Blogging Full-time…

 

Whilst naturally three of the then four largest racing Headlines revolved around Formula 1, with IndyCar getting a sniff. Since ther return of 100 Days to Indy’s second season. Which sums up the prevailing attitude of IndyCar ever since I began following it – being  nothing more than a Shill for the Indy 500, even though Thars’ a whole season’s worth of other races o on the calendar! Really is a non-starter news-wise to Mwah…

 

Especially since it’s Funny how one’s opinions of what really matters in life changes dramatically after such a life altering experience like Open Heart surgery!

 

Thus I totally missed IndyStar’s Nathan Browne’s piece about IndyCar and it’s proposed Franchise, Err Charter system guaranteeing starting spots in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing!” And yeah, Bully-who, I’m totally aware that’s a registered trademark of IndyCar or whomever, but I digress…

 

Being a Diehard IndyCar Fan now fast approaching forty years, Youza! Like where did the time go? And why have I stayed so devoted ever since attending my first IndyCar race at Portland Wayback in 1987? Naturally you can All figure out which side of the debate I land upon this bit of ridiculousness!

 

With others having already pointed out how ‘lil “Ronnie” George’s infamous 25/8 rule sit in our Craws nearly some three decades later!

 

Having grown-up as a CART loyalist, obviously Tony George will forever be a thorn in my side! Although it took me many years to accept the fact it takes “Two to Tango”. Yet I still hold TG’ largely responsible for creating the debilitating Split that’s cost IndyCar generations of new Fans…

 

Reading Racer’s February 21st Mailbag, the comments overwhelmingly were Heartedly opposed to the notion of El Capitano’s push for guaranteed starting spots in the Indianapolis 500. Which after all, prides itself upon the ageless tradition of the Fastest 33 Qualifiers; end of statement!

 

Yes, the Daytona 500, NAWSCAR’s “Super Bowl” features 36 guaranteed starting spots with a palty four “Open” grid spots for “Interlopers” to attempt making the field. For which I’d argue does Qualifying for the Day-Toner’ 500 really matter?

 

And how much manufactured “Drama” is really created over two cars apiece advancing to the race during the Twin Gatorade 150 Duel’s or whatever they’re called these days?

 

Now I categorially know that El Capitano’, nee RP’, ergo Roger Penske doesn’t give a Tinkers Dam over what I say or scribble on this No Fenders Blog. Especially if it Ain’t 109% All Sunshine, Bunnies ‘n Rainbows!

 

Yet does Roger really wish to tarnish His legacy as Custodian of Mother Speedway, aka Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) forever by ruining one of the Indy 500’s most cherished traditions?

 

Or as Marshall Pruett wrote. Be remembered as Tony George 2.0 forever?

 

As I get the business aspects of Penske’s insistence over making sponsors Happy, especially since He’s a Businessman first. But for 113 years now, IndyCar Teams and Drivers have truly had to earn their way into the Indianapolis 500! And there should be No Guarantees to race upon Indy Cars Biggest Stage! And if you cannot Qualify as one of the 33 Fastest entries, then you Don’t deserve to make the Show – End of Rant!

 

Yet I’ll confess that I’ve actually parachuted a few current No Fenders stories in-between my 27 “Canned” posts I uploaded before my surgery. And have been paying closer Attenzione to Der Wurld de Motersporten since the end of February. As Y’all can probably figure out which arecurrent No Fenders yarns…

 

As I won’t bore Yuhs with recapping my major story Headlines above, since everybody already knows about them. Instead I’ll leave Y’all with the following dribble, Pun intended! Over how much of the loop I’m out of racing right now. Especially since I still haven’t found a decent MotoGP website to keep abreast of what’s happening.

 

Thus I was totally unaware that Turner Sports had swooped in? And bought the TV Broadcast rights to MotoGP this season, Huh?

 

After searching in vain on CNBC for a MotoGP race. Only to finally discover after a half hour’s searching or more? That my ridiculously Overproced Spectrum Cable TV provider did carry Turner Sports on the totally unknown TRUTV channel, who? Which I did two nights before “watching”, Err listening to Grand Canyon University beat Saint Mary’s in the NCAA’s March Madness.

 

Being even funnier since I never watch any Stick ‘n Ball Sports! 

INDYCAR: The Series we Love to Hate!

As how’s that “New & Improved” Marketing Department working out?

 

For Mwah, the words Mission accomplished came to mind following the conclusion of the “Whose Your Daddy” Million Dollar Sweepstakes event held at the Thermal club.

 

As I have to agree with Racer’s Marshall Pruett that Sunday’s Non Championship (points-wise) event was an event that none of the competitors were truly interested in. And simply was a convenient way for IndyCar to fill a Humungous six weeks gap in it’s schedule due to Texas Motor Speedway pulling the Plug upon them.

 

Being Blind, have I mentioned that Y’all lately? I had issues with the sound quality during both the Qualifying coverage on IndyCar Radio and Sunday’s race on Big NBC, with the latter’s being overly wonky, i.e.; constantly fluctuating up ‘n down the entire 2.5hrs TV Broadcazt.

 

For the IndyCar Radio “Simocast”, I had to Jack up my volume 16 levels in order to hear Mark Gravelly’ James and Jake the Riddler’ Queiry pontificating about everything but the action on-track during the first five minutes of the ridiculously short eight minute Qualie’ sessions. With Qualifying being delayed due to Marcus Ericsson’s crash – backing into the tyre barrier when potentially a Flinstone’ rear tyre went down…

 

Have to say that Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) has really grown on me. And I’m now a Huge Fan of the Swede’s! And I really appreciate His Dry Wit! Noting how the $500,000, the winner’s amount for the Million Dollar challenge. Would help for His upcoming wedding in September and buy a lot of nice flowers…

 

Enjoyed sitting on the couch with Snowbyrd MJ’ and explaining various questions about the day’s event. As I found the day’s first Heat race far more entertaining due to the collision between “Count Dracula”, aka Rinus VeeKay and Romain Grosjean. Although in both’s defense, Scott Dixon punted romain, who collided with VeeKay, who “Hip checked” Christian Lundgaard and left a gaping Hole in the Dane’s sidepod. Whilst ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLaughlin made Rosenqvist work for His victory…

 

The second Heat race was a Snoozer with Alex Palou leading wire-to-wire, with the first four cars following in procession…

 

This was the first time I’d “watched”, Err listened to an NBC TV Broadcast in over a year and-a-half! So it was nice hearing lead announcer Leigh Diffey’s voice again, along with (Townsend) T-Bell’ and thee Mayor’, nee James Hinchcliffe. Yet the two Pit reporters Kevin Lee and Marty Snyder were their usial, annoying selfs! As Lee, whom I call the Werewolf! Was His usual over-the-top, trying to emulate manufactured excitement! And may be had one too many cups of coffee? WhilstSnidely Whiplash’, akaMarty Snyder doesn’t need explanation…

 

I only bring this up since scuttlebutt suggests that Diffey may be leaving IndyCar for a new NASCAR Gig later this year? Meaning potentially a new lead announcer would be needed.

 

Whilst some on Ye Blogosphere have “Championed” Kevin Lee as the perfect replacement for years. I for one think that Lee makes a Horrible lead announcer whenever filling in for Diffey! As His Fake enthusiasm which sounds simply like shrieking is what led to His No Fenders moniker…

 

As I’d say that Brian till would be the perfect replacement if necessary, as Kevin’s a fine Pitlane reporter. But is one of the main reasons I’ve switched over to listening to All IndyCar races on IndyCar Radio instead, but I digress…

 

Fortunately I wasn’t playing any drinking games for every-time Diffey mentioned the One Million Dollar challenge, which only paid $500,000 to the winner! As surely El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske with All of His Business connections could have squeezed $500k from somebody to be the “title” sponsor, El Correctomundo?

 

As Kudos to IndyStar’s Nathan Browne Me Thinks? Or whomever it was who pointed out that IndyCar couldn’t even get their message straight! Regarding boasting over it being the largest non-Indianapolis 500 purse…

 

Uhm, Wrong again IndyCar! Since Jimmy Vasser won an actual $1.0 million at the 1996 U.S. 500 during the first year of The Split. With the U.S. 500 being contested in front of 110,000+ Fans on the same Sunday as that year’s inaugural Indy Racing League (IRL) Indianapolis 500. Which CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) teams were Boycotting due to Tony George’s infamous 25/8 Rule!

 

With the U.S. 500 held at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) paying out some $3.6 million-plus in total purse. As can Y’all say Oops, Butterfingers?

 

Now I have no clue over what I’d do to improve the “All Star” $1 Million Challenge Sweepstakes format, as you have to say that the first 10-laps segment was a Snoozer! Other than the mild intrigue caused collectively by Andretti Global’s Colton Herta’s decision to run excrutiatingly slow in order to conserve His Firestone rubber for the race’s second 10-laps segment, since tyres weren’t allowed to be changed. Only tyre pressures could be adjusted.

 

Have to say I like the addition of the “P2P”, ergo Push to Pass forty seconds of additional Horsepower, but this also only allowed effectively for one lap’s duration. But did aadd a nice wrinkle of “Strategerie” as Marshall Pruett would say…

 

Unfortunately the three podium finishers All effectively ran nose-to-tail the entire twenty laps after McLaughlin jumped Rosenqvist on the first race start, with Alex Palou simply being untouchable the entire weekend, including the entire race.

 

Yet Herta did manage to ultimately go from Dead last in P12 to finish in fourth, being the best part of the “Show”. Finishing ahead of Marcus Armstrong, who netted a paltry $50,000 for His Team Boss Chip Ganassi.

 

Since Nathan Browne wrote that drivers typically average only 40% of the prize winnings before taxes, etc.

 

Along with Alexander Rossi and Josef Newgarden playing “Argie-Bargie”, allowing rookie Linus Lundqvist to slip past both and finish P6.

 

Yet positions 6-27 paid a measly $23,000, which probably didn’t even pay the corresponding teams Hotel Bills?

 

Which leads me wondering who actually paid the Bill for this event? As did IndyCar charge the Thermal Club a sanctioning Fee? And how did those limited, 75% reduced price limited attendance tickets work out? Since Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that only strategically “shot” television coverage showed All of the “Beautiful” people dining on members decks. Before showing a few empty decks but NO Fans attending…

 

Regardless of how this event is perceived by us Hardcore Fans, or Ye legions of les Miserables. You have to concede that we’re All talking about it! And we were treated to having 27 Indy Cars on-track for our entertainment. Along with filling a sizeable gap in the IndyCar schedule.

 

So I’d say that the event did it’s “Job” overall… 

Some “Quick” Double S’ weekend race thoughts

And No, that’s not for S**T! But my OH, so Clever slang for Saudi Arabia and Saint Pete…

 

It’s Funny how your tastes & priorities change over your lifetime. Since as of this past Thursday, I was still undecided on whether or not I wanted to “waste” my time “watching”, Err listening to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Saturday morning before the live airing of Indy Cars St Pete Qualifying. Especially since they “butted” up against each other…

 

As I still cannot adequately explain why it was completely Fantasmic when Der Terminator’, nee Michael Schumacher was crushing the opposition weekly at la Scuderia, ergo Ferrari! But now, I don’t have the time, interest or patience to witness MaxiMillions similar domination of the sport I once so cherished.

 

As I must say, I feel somewhat like Grizzled F1 Journo’ Joe Saward’s feeling “Dirty” over the Bahrain GP weekend. And I find the whole Horner Gate affair to be rather Sleezy! Which has done nothing more than turn me “Off” even further towards thee Pinnicle of Motorsports, nee Formula 1!

 

And thus, with a certain precocious Chihuahua fondly known as Hang 10’ Hilo here upon No Fenders, and in My Heart! Who surprisingly showed up on my Doorstep unexpectedly over a week ago! Not to mention Verstappen’s utter domination of the field in Bahrain with a 23-second Whitewashing! Well, Y’all can probably guess which way I was leaning, Eh?

 

Whilst I cannot say I’m overly surprised also by the ongoing investigations regarding FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. For which I’d simply say that there’s multiple Power Struggles occurring in F1, which has always been it’s nature! Since what was ‘Ol Uncle Bernaughty’s maxim? Oh Yeah, Divide and Conquer!

 

Since obviously certain elements wish to see the removal of ye Pied Piper Chrstian Horner and Messer Ben Sulayem! Which perhaps is All a concerted power vacuum of Liberty Media to completely control the sport and spice up the Show? Since Fernando Alonso’s Quip Hits the mark the best. Saying F1 is Dull On track and needs the scandals off-track, or something to that effect…

 

At the last moment, albeit the “Universe” told me in Spades I shouldn’t be trying to “watch”, Err listen to the Grand Prix. I opted to switch on, mostly because I was curious how 18yr old teenager Oliver Bearman would do as Carlo Sainz Jr’s replacement.

 

Yet with Catherine “babysitting” me thru my Open Heart surgery recovery’s convalescence, who wanted to run a load of laundry during the Grand Prix, albeit promising to close the laundry room’s door…

 

Preceded by the telephone obnoxiously ringing during the F1 Broadcast. And with MaxiMillions leading again and disappearing off into the sunset, Err Moon’s rising underneath the floodlit race track. I simply elected to switch off Thy Telie’ with more than halfway left to go. Although I did snort over the F1 Pundit whom proclaimed Eat, Sleep, Win again when calling Verstappen over the line first to the Chequered Flag once again, yawn! Upon later watching the F1 race Highlights package.

 

Thus Ollie’ Berman had just moved up to ninth place when I switched off, with the Englishman being either the twelfth or fourteenth English F1 driver to race for la Scuderia, nee Ferrari – depending on whom you believe? Did an excellent job by finishing a credible seventh deputizing for Sainz Jnr, who’d had emergency Appendicitis surgery over the weekend. With both Carlo Sainz and Berman’s father being shown standing together in the Ferrari garage during the race.

 

Although Arse-sumedly Bearman will go back to His “Day Job” of racing for Prema Racing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, where He’s a multiple race winner. Whilst Sainz Junior returns to His Ferrari cockpit Down Under in bloody Melbourne…

 

The other point of interest for me is the raging battle Heating up between the two Racing Bulls drivers. As I’d expected DannyRic’ to be waxing Yuki Tsunoda. But the Japanese driver has outqualified Daniel Ricciardo 2-0 I believe. With the duo being tied 1-1 on race results. With the Bahrain GP’s results being engineered by Racing Bulls, when Tsunoda resentfully pulled over to let Ricciardo by for P13. Before the Japanese driver gave Daniel the Irvine “swerve” during the races Cooldown lap!

 

As DannyRic’ needs to pick up the pace to give His Dream of returning to Red Bull next year any Hope!

 

Thus I just eagerly awaited IndyCar Qualifying from ST Pete instead. Although my new “Vilan” Josef Newgarden captured His first Pole position since Belle Isle, 2022. And the 17th of His career, BOO!

 

Hey, what did the late Robin Miller say about “Hate is Good!” As I’ve gotta have somebody to root againxt now that Hulio’s effevtively out of the picture… 

INDYCAR 101: Revisionist History Explainer

As when is an Open Wheel Racing driver an IndyCar driver?

 

Recently Ye Oldest IndyCar blogger Geo. Phillips wrote another interesting story about Graham Rahal’s career on His Oilpressure Blog. For which the only part of the story I took exception to, was it’s claiming that Graham Rahal had won as an IndyCar rookie on His very first entry at St Pete in 2008.

 

For which I asked George how could it be Graham’s first ever IndyCar race? Since Rahal had run 15 Champ Car races the previous year for Newman Haas Racing as le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka Sebastien Bourdais’s teammate in those resplendent looking Panoz DP01 racecars.

 

Even though Rahal’s first IndyCar W’ officially was his 16th premiere Open Wheel Racing event, which I revisited when scribblin’ my No fenders two part prose upon IndyCar First time winners.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/05/so-just-how-many-first-time-indycar.html

 

George told me this was during the Randy “the CandyMann” Bernard era, albeit the CandyMann moniker is my own, and not George’s, but I digress…

 

George pointed out that upon reunification, IndyCar wasn’t combining All of Open wheel Racing’s statistics, primarily Champ Car World Series statistics from it’s four seasons, i.e.; 2004-07.

 

The topic flared up for Mwah again when reading Eric Smith’s story about the Top 5 IndyCar Rookies over the Past 20yrs, which Y’all can read below.  

 

https://www.indycar.com/news/2023/11/11-28-toprookies

 

As the part that caught my Attenzione and tripped my No. 4 wire. And No! It wasn’t about Queen Danica ranking number five, Ack!

 

No, instead it was the bit about Simon Pagenaud being an Honourable mention.

 

As Pagenaud was classified as a rookie in 2012 driving for Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports. Which Eric notes is somewhat Cornfuzing since Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Monsieur Pagenaud, a la Graham had also contested the entire 2007 Champ Car 15 race calendar, so how could He be a rookie?

 

As can Y’all name the third and final ’07 Champ Car driver on this year’s IndyCar Grid? As He was Pagenaud’s teammate and won two Champ Car races, i.e.; Las Vegas and Toronto. Plus five Poles that year!

 

Yet Eric notes that Pagenaud was technically classified as an IndyCar rookie since the ’07 champ Car World Series (CCWS) calendar didn’t include any Oval races…

 

As this seems a really farcical reason to Mwah! And what did ‘Ol Winston Churchill say? Something to the effect of How History will be Kind to the victors, Eh?

 

As I try these days refraining from bringing up the Split, especially since it was a total waste of a dozen years of infighting! But this cavilier approach to the History Books is quite gauling for me, and instead keeps the Split alive whilst whitewashing the Facts!

 

Oh Yeah, did you figure out who Pagenaud’s teammate was? As I’ll give Y’all an obvious Hint. They both drove for Derrick Walker’s Team Australia outfit! And sometimes is called the Toowoomba Tornado! Or better known as DJ willyP’, aka Will Power.

 

Yuhs know the 2014 & 2022 IndyCar Champion and All-time career Pole winner! Who I guess also didn’t win His first IndyCar race until the ’08 Long Beach Grand Prix, driving for KV Racing Technology, eh?

 

Although this is Uber’ funny to Mwah, since that race is Historically denoted as Race 3B of the 2008 IndyCar Series calendar. And was the final Champ Car race ever run. Oh Never Mind! 

So, just How many First time IndyCar Winners Have there been lately?

And can Romain Grosjean join this category this season?

 

Following Debutante IndyCar winner Kyle Kirkwood’s maiden W’ at Long Beach, remember that Y’all? I began wondering How many first timeIndyCar  winners there’s been recently? For which I’ve elected to go back to when the series became Whole once again, i.e.; since the Reunification. For which it turns out, Thars far more than I’d expected! And can you guess How many?

 

2008

Whilst I still believe I watched that race, is sure Don’t feel like “Yesterday” to Mwah! As Graham Rahal in only His 16 Start, and second round of the newly Mergified IndyCar Series, having failed to compete at Homestead. As Rahal crashed in Miami and the Newman/Haas/Lanigan Boyz’ weren’t able to repair His damaged Dallara/Honda in time for the race. Won His Debutante IndyCar race at St Pete. As Rahal became the series youngest winner at 19yrs and 93 Days Old, eclipsing Marco Andretti’s 2006 Breakthru victory.

 

The record books claim that Graham also became just the fourth IndyCar winner to win in His first IndyCar Start. Joining Buzz Calkins, Juan Pablo Montoya and Scott Dixon, Huh?

 

Since is this just one more Slight towards the Champ Car World Series? (CCWS) Revisionist History? Or simply trying to Not recognize that Ugly twelve year chapter in Open Wheel Racing forever known as The Split!

 

As I’ve got a Hard time believing this “Record.” Especially since Graham contested the entire 15 rounds 2007 Champ Car campaign for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing aboard one of those stellar Panoz DP01 Cosworth XFE 2.65-litre V-8 turbocharged racecars! For which I’m certain I “Saw” Him racing alongside my then Numero Uno IndyCar driver Justin Big Unit’ Wilson at Portland International Raceway, but I digress!

 

The next race was held in Japan on Twin Ring Motegi on April 19, when History was made again. When Danica Patrick, along with Helio Castroneves and Ed Carpenter played the Fuel Strategy game by topping up Her tank on Lap-149 in Hopes the race would remain Green until the end. As Danica resumed in seventh place in Fuel saving mode. Then with 10-laps remaining, the leaders All began making Splash ‘N go Pitstops. Seeing Patrick steadily moving forwards, before passing a slowing Castroneves with two laps remaining to become the first ever Female to win an IndyCar race.

 

At the Milwaukee Mile, one week after Scott Dixon won the Indianapolis 500. Dixon dueled with eventual first time winner Ryan Briscoe, whose victory was El Capitano’s, nee Roger Penske’s 300th victory Overall!

 

2009-10

No First time IndyCar winners.

 

2011

Following His very scary, wicked last lap accident with Ryan Hunter-Reay’s slowing car at Indianapolis in 2010. Mike Conway scored His maiden IndyCar victory for Andretti Autosport at the 2011 Long Beach event.

 

Ed Carpenter, whose become known as Fast Eddie’ here upon No Fenders, scord His maiden IndyCar win on the Kentucky Oval for Sarah Fisher Racing.

 

2012

No First time IndyCar winners.

 

2013

This was a Busy year! As thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, aka James Hinchcliffe won for the first of three times this year at the season opening St Pete race.

 

Next at Round 3, Takuma Sato driving for A.J. foyt claimed His Debutante IndyCar win at Long Beach aboard the storied No. 14. Which sadly, is a.J. foyt enterprises last IndyCar win, a decade ago!

 

At Round 8, Belle Isle’s Detroit Double Header Race 2 saw Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud claim His first IndyCar win for Schmidt Peterson Hamilton HP Motorsports. The first of His two victories this season. As Pagenaud and Hinchcliffe had Breakout seasons.

 

And then ‘Ol Narly Pinball’, aka Charlie Kimball scored His First and Only IndyCar victory at Round 14’s Mid Ohio Sports Car course driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.

 

2014

Obviously it’s a little Foggy now. As I believe it was the Master of Strategy Dale Coyne that got the long forgotten Carlos Huertas His first and Only IndyCar victory in Round 9’s Houston Double Header Race 1 for Dale Coyne Racing.

For the Conclusion of this First time Winners story covering years 2015-2023, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/05/can-romain-grosjean-win-at-indianapolis.html

MOTO GP: 2023 Season Starts with New Sprint Race Format and Plenty of Fireworks

But How many Riders will become Injured during these Sprint Races designed just to Spice Up the Show?

 

The 2023 MotoGP season got off to a late start this year, due to Qatar’s’ Losail International Circuit being renovated. Thus the premiere road racing Kneedraggers’ began their season on March 26th in Portimao, Portugal.

 

On Friday, KTM Satellite GasGas Tech 3 rider Pol Espargaro lost adhesion with His rear tyre and slid thru the gravel trap Sans Motorcycle before impacting the Wall Himself with a vicious Thump! As the younger Espargaro suffered contusions to His lungs and ribs, a broken Jaw and broken Vertebrae! Being taken to Hospital and obviously missing the weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix.

 

As His older brother Aleix has revealed following His visit to the Barcelona Hospital Pol was recovering at. It will obviously be a long recovery process due to needing Jaw surgery, and dealing with His Back, ribs and lung issues…

 

Although presumably the satellite KTM team would draft in a replacement rider, albeit I’d read nothing on this prior to MotoGP’s Friday practice of the second round at Argentina a week later.

 

Saturday afternoon saw the commencing of the inaugural Sprint race, which MotoGP has introduced for All 21 rounds this year on Saturday’s at 2PM local time. Which simply adds an extra race each weekend, being Half Distance of Sunday’s main event.

 

With the Sprint race’s paying out Points for the Top Nine riders, with a maximum of 12 points offered to the Sprint winner. With the remaining eight points places descending from 9-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.

 

Hence, there will be a maximum of 777 points on offer for the season’s 21 races, with a maximum score of 37 points per weekend available.

 

And the Hits just kept Ah-Comin’, Yowza! As newly anointed Ducati Factory rider Enea Bastianini, whose nickname is “The Beast was collected in the first ever Sprint race by fellow VR46 Duc’ rider Luca Marini.

 

As Marini, Half Brother of somebody named “The Doctor,” aka Valentino Rossi, who just so happens to own the racing team. Apparently Overcooked the entry to Turn-5 on lap-2 and Knocked down Bastianini, who went down Hard on His right shoulder! Which afterwards was diagnosed as being fractured, ruling Bastianini out of Sunday’s main race.

 

But wait Folks, we’re Not done yet with the melee! As the opening laps of Sunday’s main race saw Ye Pinball Wizzard’, nee Marc Marquez Outbrake Himself, when locking up a “cold” front Michelin tyre. Glancing off of Jorge Martin, who later claimed to have a broken toe from this incident.

 

Followed by Marquez ricocheting into a Hapless Michele Oliveira, for which the majority of the crowd was rooting for their Countryman to be victorious again. As both riders went down Hard and Marquez was met with a chorus of Boos when trying to apologize to the partisan Portuguese crowd!

 

And thus the Scoreboard would eventually tally these four riders not racing a week later in Argentina! With further controversy surrounding Marquez and Repsol Honda, after if was confirmed that the Spaniard had suffered a broken right Thumb in the incident.

 

Having initially been docked with a Double Long Lap Penalty to be served at Argentina. The Team believed the wording of the initial ruling thus circumvented Marquez from serving the penalty at a further race by skipping Argentina after having Hand surgery…

 

Yet it basically turned into The Pecco’ Bagnaia Show, as the reigning MotoGP World Champion Blitzed the field in both Saturday and Sunday’s event.

 

Since even though Maverick “top gun” vinales gave Francesco Bagnaia a spirited chase, Vinales could never get close enough to the Italian for an attempt to pass for the lead, which Bagnaia managed effectively Flag-to-Flag. Whilst VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi was a somewhat distant third for an all Italian manufacturer Podium sweep Sunday at Portimoa.

 

And with Bagnaia winning both races, the Italian left Portugal with 37 points in the bag, ahead of Vinales with 25 points.

 

Argentina’s Round 2 saw both the RNF Aprilia and GasGas Tech 3 KTM satellite Squads electing to not replace their injured riders. As Oliveira who suffered injuries to His Foot, possibly including ligament damage chose to sit out to Heel fully for Round 3 at Circuit Of The Americas at Austin on April 16th.

 

Then just hours prior to Friday practice commencing at Argentina, the GasGas Tech 3 team announced that KTM Test Rider Jonas Folger would replace Pol Espargaro beginning at Austin, for an undetermined duration during Espargaro’s recovery.

 

As Folger’s only previous MotoGP campaign was in 2017 as a Rookie with the then Tech 3 Yamaha satellite outfit,. With Folger finishing runner-up to Marc Marquez at His Home race at the Sachsenring, Before the German was diagnosed with Gilbert’s Syndrome, prematurely ending His MotoGP career.

 

Have to say I’m surprised that neither Factory Ducati or Honda Squads elected to have their Test Riders Deputize for their injured Werks’ riders at Argentina. Leaving us with a paltry 18 riders taking the Green Flag for Saturday’s second Sprint Race. Which Hopefully wouldn’t see any more riders being seriously injured!

 

Yet little did I know that Repsol Honda’s sole remaining rider for the weekend,

Joan Mir would be ruled out of Sunday’s main race in Argentina. As Mir suffered a concussion on lap-1 of the Saturday Sprint Race after Crashing! And suffering Nausea and Dizziness Sunday morning, was ruled Unfit to race.