Another Quiet weekend in January

Before All Hell broke loose at Daytona International Speedway!

 

Purely by happenstance, I stumbled into the Mexico City ePrix being shown on CBS, Sunday, January 10th at 1:30PM. (Pacific) With my Zap-2-It TV Guide telling me it was 1.5hrs duration. Further learning it was a truncated 90mins “Highlights” package of the day’s outing. Including a pre-race preamble, discussing Andretti’s new arrival Felipe Drugavich – who they interviewed. Then Qualie’ result and the entire race, albeit cut up into numerous, annoying 9mins “chunks” before the next commercial break, Spew!

 

As I hadn’t paid any Attenzione to Formula e at all since last scribbling in “earnest” about Portland’s ePrix Wayback’ in the summer of 2023…

 

A Quiet Day in the Rose City

 

Whilst I’ve got zero clue when the last time I sat and “watched”, Err listened to an ePrix race was? Other than many, many years ago…

 

Being Blind Y’all, have I mentioned that lately? Although my ears pricked up over several items. But I must confess, Formula e’s the most difficult racing series to follow for Mwah, due to its lack of any relevant racecar noise.

 

The first thing that caught my Attenzione was Hey! That voice sounds familiar! As it was indeed IndyCar Pit Reporter and IMSA “colour” Commentator Ryan Marin as the lead Announcer. Whilst I swear that had to be Karun “Cowboy” Chandok reporting from Pitlane and hosting the post-race podium interview, Ole!

 

The other bit that caught my No. 4 wire, was the mention of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez only being 1.6 mile lengths. (1.619m) Or as Professor Steve Matchett would say is 2.606Km in “New Money”. As the Formula E circuit is some 1.5 miles shorter and features 16 turns vs. the Gran Premio cicuito’s 17 turn layout.

 

And without going thru everything, albeit a la Formula 1. This year’s 12th season of Formula E is the longest, with a record 17 races. With Mexico City being Round 2.

 

There’s a total of 10 teams. With Nissan’s Oliver Rowland sporting the No. 1 plate as the series defending Drivers Champion.

 

The other nine teams are: Cutra Kiro, DS Penske, Jaguar, Lola Yamaha, Envision Racing, Mahindra Racing, Citroen Racing, Andretti Formula E, and Porsche Formula E Team.

 

There’s a total of three American “flagged” entries, with Andretti Formula E and  DS Penske being familiar. As the latter is owned by Jay Penske, son of El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske.

 

Yet I’ll admit that this mystery Cutra Kiro name is totally foreign to Mwah, which I’ll scribble about a different day, as this No Fenders yarn is starting to unravel…

 

And although I know very little about Formula E, I must admit I was pulling for Pascal Wehrlein and Edoardo Mortara for different reasons. Mortara having won Formula E’s 50th and 100th races, with Mexico City being the series 150th ePrix. Which obviously would have been a great symmetry.

 

Whilst Wehrlein was for sentimental reasons. Including being a former formula 1 driver who never got His due with a proper F1 team. Having driven for the struggling, Minnowesqe Manor alongside Esteban Ocon Wayback’ in 2016.

 

As both drivers were Mercedes Werks’ Pilotes, both winning DTM titles before being elevated to Formula 1. With Ocon still racing F1 a decade later…

 

Although there was typically no sound emitted from these impressive Gen 3’ Evo racecars, other than the associated whine of mechanical parts and tyre noises. It was interesting hearing Wehrlein breathing heavily when conversing on His In-car radio due to the track’s high elevation. With Mexico City being at some 7,350 feet above Sea level, Aye Karumba!

 

The other bit to get used to and understand was the required usage of two separate maximum Overtake modes, Err Attack Mode. Which we’ll All be learning about in Formula 1 this season.

 

As Formula E’s Attack Mode boosts car performance by 50 KW, to a maximum 350 kW. (Kilowatts) Including All Wheel Drive! (4WD)

 

Which if I understand correctly, Ci? Drivers can choose how to utilize the two Attack mode sessions. Either in a 2+6, 4+4 or 6+2 minutes duration during the race.

 

And whilst both Wehrlein and Mortara took there turns in the lead. It was an uber impressive victory by Nick Cassidy for Citroen Racing, storming from 13th place. As look Ma, No David Cassidy jokes Thar, Hya!

 

Fittingly, although planned ahead of time. Porsche ran a special tribute livery at the Mexico City ePrix. As both Wehrlein and teammate Nico Muller’s Porsche’s were running an all silver throwback livery. Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Porsche’s involvement in Motorsports.

 

Porsche Formula E Team marks 75 years of Porsche Motorsports with Carrera Panamericana tribute livery

 

As the special livery tribute was most Apropos, with legendous’ Porsche driver Hans Herrman having died the day prior at the remarkable age of 97, Ja Volt!

 

Having just learned that Herrmann finished third overall, and first in the under 1.5-litre Class in the grueling Carrera Panamericana in 1954 behind the wheel of an iconic silver Porsche 550 Spyder.

 

Whilst I love the story about Herrmann, a Baker by trade’s racing instincts during the 1954 Mille Miglia.

 

Approaching a railroad crossing’ lowering gate , and deciding it was too late to brake! Hans simply knocked on the back of navigator Herbert Linge’s helmet to make Him duck! As the pair barely made it underneath the lowering gate, And the Porsche 550 Spyder rocketed past the train to the stunned crowd’s approval! With Herrman and Linge winning the race’s 1.5-litre Class.

 

Although I did know from my extensive five part Triple Crown Winners story, that Herrmann was the first of nine drivers who’ve won le 24 Heurs du Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring overall. Which Y’all can read in the following No Fenders link below.

 

LE MANS 100C: Celebrating Drivers who’ve Claimed the Triple Crown of Endurance Races 

Presenting two of Honda’s Indy 500 Rookies

As Honda spreads the love with three rival teams. Although sadly, One of these Doesn’t look like the others…

 

This year’s Indianapolis 500 Rookie Class features seven diverse drivers. With five Honda runners and two Chevrolets. For which one of these Bowtie Boyz’ will most definitely be Hogging the limelight Ad Nausea ! Hmm, who could that be, Eh?

 

Tom Blomqvist

#66 Meyer Shank Racing

Engine: Honda

Country: New Zealand

DOB: 11/30/93, Age: 30

IndyCar Starts: 7

2022 IMSA Prototypes Champion

 

The son of Rallying legend Stig Blomqvist, the 1984 World Rally Champion. (WRC) As forty years seems a lifetime ago, Yikes! I’ve long been a Fan of whom I call tom “the bomb!” Blomqvist. Although I’m embarrassed to admit how little I know about Him…

 

Thus learning that Tom was a multi-times Karting Champion in New Zealand before progressing up the European single seater ladder. Discovering that He suffered a broken back during a German Formula 3 race in 2011 at the notorious EuroSpeedway Lausitz racetrack, Youch!

 

Or that ironically, future IndyCar teammate Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) won the 2014 Macau Grand Prix, while Blomqvist was punted off-track by future Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon!

 

Tom raced in the DTM, nee Deutch Tourenwagen Masters between 2015-17, claiming one win. Then spent the next several years in Formula E, along with a stint in the FIA World Endurance championship before joining Meyer shank Racing’s IMSA Sports Car team fulltime in 2022.

 

Blomqvist and teammate Oliver Jarvis won that year’s Prototype Championship, along with the first of Tom’s two back-to-back Rolex 24 victories. As it was Blomqvist’s amazing, raw speed that made me a fan of His…

 

Blomqvist first tested an IndyCar at an Sebring test session in October, 2022. Then at the 2023 Toronto IndyCar race, Tom made His IndyCar debut as a substitute for the injured Simon Pagenaud, before running athe season’s final two races at Portland and Laguna Seca.

 

Confirmed as the Fulltime driver of Meyer Shank Racing’s No. 66 entry as Helio Castroneves successor. Tom has scored two Top-20 finishes to date, with His season best result being P15 at St Pete’s season opener. Whilst currently languishing in 23rd overall, one place below the “Cut” line for Leaders Circle prize find…

 

As Blomqvist, who’s never driven on an Oval before, prepares to make His Roundy-round’ debut on the world’s biggest stage!

 

Nolan Siegel

#18 Dale Coyne Racing

Engine: Honda

Country: USA

DOB: 11/9/04, Age: 19

IndyCar Starts: 1

 

As previously noted, 19yr old Palo Alto, California native Nolan Siegel plans to contest four races this season at the ever revolving Dale Coyne & company’s cockpits. Having made His IndyCar debut at this year’s Thermal Club event, driving the No. 18 entry He’s primarily “sharing” with Jack Harvey.

 

Nolan then made His official IndyCar debut at “the Beach!” One of Nolan’s Home track’s, ergo Long Beach, where He drove the No. 51 Coyne Ware Racing entry with local “eatery” King Tacos sponsorship.

 

Siegel will also contest the Toronto race this July, along with attempting to qualify for this year’s Indianapolis 500, both in the No. 18 entry. Running just a maximum of four IndyCar races in order to preserve His rookie IndyCar status for 2025.

 

Nolan made His single seater debut in the 2019 U.S. f2000 National Championship driving for Newman Wachs Racing, finishing 15th overall.

 

The following year, Siegel switched to Jay Howard Driver Development for His sophomore U.S. F2000 campaign, finishing P13 overall.

 

Then for His third and final U.S. F2000 season, Nolan switched to DEForce Racing, finishing eighth overall while claiming His maiden victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

 

Siegel made His Indy Pro 2000 series debut at the 2021 Gateway Oval race. Then graduated to the Indy Pro 2000 championship for a full season drive with DEForce Racing.

 

Nolan won first time out at St Pete, before dominating the next round at Barber Motorsports Park. Yet that would be the last of Siegel’s victories, ultimately finishing fourth overall in the title fight.

 

Siegel also contested the final Indy Lights race at Laguna Seca driving for HMD Motorsports before joining Indy NXT fulltime in 2023, remaining with HMD Motorsports. Impressing as a rookie by winning two races and finishing third overall, also claiming Indy NXT’s rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honours.

 

Siegel’s “Day Job”, the 2024 Indy NXT Championship is off to a blazing start! Having won Round-1, leading wire-to-wire from Pole at St Pete. Followed by a second place finish at Alabama. Entereing the IMS Road Course Double Header weekend tied for the points lead with Jacob Abel.

 

But the Indy GP Double Header weekend wasn’t what Nolan hoped for, with finishes of second and fifth, seeing Him fall 25 “markers” behind Points leader Abel.

 

 As it’ll be interesting to “see” how Nolan fares on His first Super Speedway Oval. While having landed a ride with United Autosports for this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans. As talk about your veritable driver’s “bucket list” as a teenager! As All that’s missing is Monaco…

 

Yet Siegel’s Fast Friday was definitely not what He needed. Having apparently “wiggled” coming out of Turn-2 and ultimately over-correcting. Nolan’s front-left tyre Hit the wall after spinning, shearing the wheel assembly off! With the car getting airbourne momentarily before flipping upside down and grinding down the track before finally coming to a stop!

 

The good news being that Nolan was medically cleared and was Ok. But the team was scrambling to assemble a backup chassis for Him. Being Jack Harvey’s Indy GP road course racecar. Which sadly the team never recovered from!

 

Since it’s odd hearing that 229mph is Slow! But this is the Indy 500 where ultimately, you needed to be at 230mph or above to “safely” qualify for the race!

 

Alas, Nolan gave it a brave effort, but the teenager simply was never able to wrastle’ the necessary speed out of this backup chassis. And at the end of the One hour Last Row Shootout, Nolan was the slowest of four cars. And trying to throw a Hail Mary, Siegel’s wickedly loose trimmed out racecar was too much to handle – with Nolan losing the back end entering Turn-1 on lap-2 and crashing into the wall! Seeing the No. 18 Failing to make the Show. 

No Fenders Schuey’ Day – “Double Nickel” edition

Photograph of a jubilant Michael Schumacher during the Ferrari glory days. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As it’s very Hard and Sad, and I suppose somewhat Dark to think that Herr Schumacher’s now been Asleep at the Wheel for a Decade…

 

Any Hardcore Formula 1 Aficionado knows today is Michael Schumacher’s birthday, being His 55th birthday to Boot…

 

As it’s been five years since I’ve celebrated what had become an annual tradition here upon No Fenders, since I felt that celebrating HerrSchumacher’s 50th birthday was an appropriate number to stop at honouring the man I fondly call der Terminator’.

 

Yet having just celebrated? The ten year anniversary of that fateful day when Michael decided to brazenly ski Off Pist in the French Alps and Hit His Head upon a rock! For which we All know the outcome, even if we Don’t know how Michael’s doing today…

 

It seems a lifetime ago, when on December 29, 2013 Schumacher’s life irrevocably changed. For which I really only recall now is how we decided to not inform my Awntie’ Harriet, who was suffering Dementia about Schuey’s misadventure…

 

As I’d spent countless hours watching Formula 1 races and Talking Smart about Herr Schumacher with Harriet. Not to mention accompanying Her to Harriet’s one and only F1 race at nearly age 87, aye Karumba! Appropriately at Mother Speedway in 2006. Being a very Hot July 2nd, but a joyous day nonetheless. Since Schumacher won His fifth and final United States Grand Prix that Hot ‘n sunny day!

 

For which I did my Schumacher “Bad boy” impersonation of waving my Director’s Baton during the playing of the Italian national anthem during the podium celebrations. As Y’all recall when Schumi’ was unfairly crucified for doing so during a previous podium celebration, Righto?

 

And thus, as I’m surrounded by the litany of Schumacher merchandise I’ve acquired over the years. I suppose somehow I’ve moved on since I can no longer see any of it. With only a few pieces not gathering dust in the closets of Tomaso Manor.

 

Most notably, the 1:43 Ferrari Schumacher Diecast I gave Awntie’ Harriet once as a gift, since She coveted Her own Schumacher racecar. Now sits above my Confuzer’ monitor. Since we “secreted” away from Harriet due to Her Dementia, and not wanting to remind Her of Her own impending mortality, with Harriet passing away a year later…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2015/09/holiday-tribute-to-very-special-lady.html

 

While another of the few Diecasts I was able to discern from the multitude of storage boxes, mmany still unopened some five-plus years later. Was a 1:64 Minichamps Me thinks? Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters model that Michael drove…

 

As here’s what I scribbled’ upon No Fenders for Schuey’s 50th birthday. For which sadly, Michael’s still Asleep at the Wheel…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/01/another-schuey-day-celebration-red-no-5.html 

Penske-A.J. foyt IndyCar Technical Alliance Announced

Meaning Bosom Buddies ScottyMac’ (Scott McLaughlin) and everybodies favourite IndyCar driver Benjamin Pederson will now be “Working together!”

 

Like IndyCar that was in a Thunderstorm ‘n Rain Delay last Saturday, your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso’s also been shuffling planned “Posts” here upon Ye Blob’, as Thy late Awntie’ Harriet called it…

 

Found this to be very interesting news, which I first spotted during my daily News Trawl on Racer.com last week. Wit Marshall Pruett noting how the previously discussed Technical Alliance between Team Penske and A.J. Foyt enterprises had been rekindled upon Larry Foyt making a phone call to Tim Cindric.

 

As Foyt should improve with technical feedback on “go Fast” parts. Arse-sumedly most notably those All critical Dampers programme. (Shocks) Along with other engineering expertise, albeit Foyt’s main man Mike Cannon Ain’t exactly No Slouch! With No Disrespect towards any of the other Foyt Engineering Staff.

 

Where it got interesting for Mwah was Cindric openly talking about where do they place a Miles Rowe or Ernie Francis, Jr. in the future if either is ready to graduate to IndyCar from Indy NXT? Noting how Penske typically doesn’t insert fresh face rookies into it’s team.

 

Not to mention the alliance will allow Penske to also develop staff for future promotion, i.e.; Engineers and Crew members.

 

Cindric said it’s a work in progress and they’ll work out the long term details as they go along. For now just helping Foyt as much as possible over the final three races.

 

While Pruett mentions how interest has already percolated regarding potential future drivers for Foyt due to the new technical alliance, a la Andretti Autosport and Meyer Shank Racing on the Honda side of the equation.

 

And it seems that Marshall’s mentioned the possibility of new technical alliances being formed, mainly with Arrow McLaren if it decides to expand to a four car operation next year? Since they’re not moving into Mikey A’s current race shop until 2025 when Andretti moves to it’s new Fisher’s complex.

 

Butt I’d Arse-sume McLaren’s plans for four Fulltime IndyCar entries has been delayed now that Zak’s Boy Alex Palou has changed His mind, again. With Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) seeming to be the most logical Bowtie’ runner choice.

 

Yet Pruett noted over the WWTR weekend that He was keeping an “Eye” upon a possible Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) technical alliance “tie-up” with McLaren instead. Although noting that Callum Ilott was one of the drivers on McLaren’s “shopping list” to fill the vacated No. 6 Palou seat…

 

And although I know it’s not the same situation. Nonetheless, I’m old enough to remember how Tony Junior’s Bettenhausen Motorsports Sharp lookin’ IndyCar team ran year old Penske’s exclusively during the early 1990’s, when Penske Cars were building their own IndyCar chassis in Bloody Poole, England. Notably when ‘lil Stevie Johnson’, aka Stefan Johansson was running those Alumax sponsored PC chassis Indy Cars…

 

As just think of how this alliance should remarkably help the Great Santini’s, aka Santino Ferrucci’s overall performance. And how Ferrucci’s prowess on a one, certain 2.5-mile Oval. Some place that El Capitano’ owns potentially benefit Team Penske! Which I prefer calling Mother Speedway…

 

Whilst the idea of B-Teams isn’t anything new, since Scuderia AlphaTauri has been Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 Defacto B-Team since 2006! While I think Mercedes has had linkage with Williams over the years. Not to mention turning the long defunct Manor Racing team into it’s B-Team with AMG Mercedes DTM chauffeurs Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon…

 

Update

Whilst waiting out the Rain Delay at WWTR last Saturday, I read Marshall Pruett’s latest Silly Season update. With Marshall noting that Santino Ferrucci was still unsigned for Foyt next year, with teammate Benjamin Peterson being on a multi-year contract.

 

Think it would be a shame if Foyt didn’t retain Ferrucci! But with Pruett also noting how Fast Eddie’, nee Ed Carpenter doesn’t like being “Ghosted!” Which possibly David Malukas will end up doing to Ed? Ferrucci in the ECR No. 20 entry would be a great “Change-up”. Or may be as an unlikely addition to either Meyer Shank Racing or Juncos Hollinger Racing who both could benefit from Santino’s Oval prowess, Just Sayin’. Especially since the 2024 IndyCar Silly Season is far from being done! With everyone besides Team Penske still having potential vacancies… 

Tintop Pilotes’ Near and Far

As what did ‘Ol Bonn Scott of AC/DC Croon about “It’s A long Way to the Top, if You wanna Rock ‘n Roll!”

 

Forgive me for Dusting Off another languishing No Fenders tome. But what’s that ‘Ol sayin’ about whilst the Cat’s Away, those Mice definitely Play!

 

As I’m Hoping that last Sunday, I did indeed get to listen to the St Pete IndyCar race via the IndyCar Radio network, while “On Holiday,” again. Meaning No riveting race recap here Y’all. And that both Juncos Hollinger Racing Boyz’ had a good race! And that Argentine Touring Cars Standout Augustin Canapino had a good debut IndyCar outing.

 

Since by my very unofficial “rolodex,” I’m pretty sure that Canapino is only the second ever Argentine to race in Indy Cars, Ci? Following Juan Manuel Fangio II, nephew of the country’s greatest ever racer! Where all I recall of Fangio II was driving for Dan Gurney’s All American Racers (AAR) concern during 1996-97. First in an AAR’s Eagle Mk-V Toyota chassis, and then aboard a year old Reynard 96i Toyota.

 

Yet I’d forgotten that Fangio II’s Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART( IndyCar career actually began in 1995 when driving for my Home team Pacwest Racing as Danny Sullivan’s replacement. As ‘Ol Hollywood’ (Sullivan) broke His pelvis amongst other injuries at Michigan that year, leading to His retirement. With Fangio II beginning at Mid Ohio with a seventh place finish.

 

Yet after two Full seasons in IndyCar, Fangio II told his friend and Boss Dan Gurney He no longer could bring 100% commitment to the sport and left Open Wheel Racing, before completely retiring in 1999.

 

Forgive Mwah for also having sat upon this story for nearly some six years now, Aye Karumba! But Lucas Auer’s name came screaming to my Attenzione, like many others upon breaking His Back during practice for this year’s Rolex 24 behind the Keyboard of the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo GTD entry.

 

Since I’d previously begun scribbling about how another aspiring DTM Chauffeur was getting set to make His Formula 1 debut in a test outing for Force India, but would it lead to Formula 1?

 

Although I'd previously read some rumours of this F1 Test occurring Wayback’ in gory 2017, Yikes! I must say that I simply Knew Nothing! About this then 22yr old Austrian Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) Tintop driver Lucas Auer. For which you could say even having an Uncle named Gerhard Berger doesn’t guarantee you landing a Formula 1 ride…

 

As Auer tested alongside another “rising Star” that summer who ultimately earned the Dubious nickname of MazzaSpin’, Youch! Formally known as Nikita Mazepin. With the pair testing for Force India at the HungaBoring’, Err Hungoraring on August 1, 2017.

 

As Auer seemingly was “Peaking” in the DTM that summer. Having won two races and trailing Mattias Ekstrom by only two points in the title fight, before apparently fading. Since Auer ultimately finished sixth Overall that season with three wins, while Rene Rast won the title ahead of Ekstrom.

 

As the Austrian’s primarily spent His Tintops’ career racing in the DTM and other Touring Car categories. And finished a career best in the DTM last year driving for Team Winward Mercedes, finishing runner-up to Sheldon van der Linde. While His Team Winward links have enabled Lucas to race at the Rolex 24 on multiple occasions…

 

And it was interesting to Mwah back then, how the DTM seemed to have become somewhat of a training ground for Mercedes drivers to graduate to thoust Pinnacle 'O Motorsports, nee Formula 1. With the two Mercedes Werks’ DTM HotSchues’ Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon graduated to F1.

 

As Wehrlein who won the DTM title in 2015, was the first to be promoted to the Back marker Manor Racing team, albeit  naturally just plodding along as a Tail Gunner Charlie!

 

And then Pascal spent His second and final season in Formula 1 racing for Sauber, before returning to DTM. And since has found refuge in Formula E, where He currently competes for Tag Heuer Porsche. Having just won both rounds of the Diriyah ePrix, on the city streets of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 

Esteban Ocon was even “Faster” tracked into F1. With Mercedes also placing the Frenchman alongside Wehrlein at the struggling Manor Racing outfit. Beginning at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix, following the traditional F1 Summer Break.

 

Ironically Ocon was replaced by current Indycar Driver Felix Rosenqvist in DTM. While Ocon went onto race for Force India between 2017-18.

 

Although Ocon had to sit out the 2019 season of Formula 1 after being the Odd Man out at what then became Racing Point. Ocon’s currently the only driver to graduate from the DTM that’s still in F1, now starting His fourth season for Alpine.

 

And there’s probably more than I can recall. As the names of Bernd Schneider, Gary Paffett and Paul di Resta come to mind as DTM Chauffeurs who made their way into Formula 1, albeit briefly. Although I tend to recall that Paffett only ever was an McLaren F1 Test Driver…

 

Fast forwarding to Indy Cars. Obviously Canapino has a rough transition to make. And having V8 Supercars Superstar, and Triple series Champion ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin on the Grid has to be somewhat Daunting to the Argentine driver!

 

But then again, and with No Disrespect towards Juncos Hollinger Racing. Obviously JHR Ain’t No Team Penske! And I just wish for both Canapino, Callum Ilott and JHR to have a successful season this year.

 

Oh Yeah, naturally along with Lucas Auer having a Speedy recovery and returning to Touring Cars racing shortly… 

RETRO: Remembering Dario franchitti’s Most controversial Indy 500 Win

Y’all know, the race that made  the following motto famous: No Attack, No chance!

 

Earlier this year when “Watching,” Err listening to Marshall Pruett’s great video remembering Greg Moore 20 years later. With Dario Franchitti, Max Papis and Paul Tracy reminiscing over the exploits of their Fallen driver. Dario made a comment which I’d Heard before, but forgotten.

 

As Franchitti noted how He had been watching CART/IndyCar with Norbert Haug and said Who is this guy! In regards to Greg Moore. For which Haug was then Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, for which I always forget that Dario was once a contracted Mercedes Driver, albeit in tintops’, and Not single Seaters…

 

As Greg Moore, who drove His entire CART/IndyCar career for Players Forsythe Racing, competed in only Mercedes-Benz powered equipment between 1996-1999. And like Dario says, the Mercedes-Benz’s were Underpowered during the ’98 CART/IndyCar campaign. Which is Funny, since Dario, Max and Paul All elude to how difficult it was driving those Nasty, Narly 900+ Horsepower Bucking Bronc CART chassis!

 

And although I’m now well aware that Dario “REO Speedwagon” Franchitti, whom I later took to calling Dashley LePew’ for several years! Was a Rookie in Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) for Hogan Racing in 1997.

 

Yet Dashley’ Didn’t come onto my radar until ’98 when He drove for Team Kool Green alongside Mr. Chrome Horn, aka Paul Tracy. Where I always felt that Dario gave Pt’ Fits! As Dario finished third Overall that season with three wins before finishing Runner-up to Juan Pablo Montoya in 1999. As Montoya won on Tiebreaker with seven wins vs. Dario’s two.

 

George Dario Marino Franchitti was born on May 19, 1973 in Bathgate, Scotland. And Hence will celebrate His 50th Birthday this upcoming May, possibly at Mother Speedway?

 

As Dario was a Bad Arse in Go Karts, winning the 1984 Scottish Junior, 1985-1986 British Junior and 1988 Scottish Senior Karting Championships before graduating to the Formula Vauxhall Jr. Single Seater series, where He won the Championship in 1991.

 

Franchitti then joined Paul Stewart Racing in ’92 and won the Formula Vauxhall Lotus title in 1993 before moving up to British Formula 3. Yet following the ’94 British F3 season, Franchitti was dropped by Paul Stewart Racing and became a Werks’ AMG Racing Driver in the Deutsche Touren Wagen series, along with the International Touring Car (ITC) series behind the wheel of a Mercedes C-Class Saloon for two seasons before Mercedes placed Him at Hogan Racing.

 

And although Dario made His Indianapolis 500 Debut twenty years ago for Team Kool Green, I’m afraid I paid Him No Attenzione as a Rookie. Especially since I was a Diehard CART loyalist and feverishly rootin’ Against HULIO’, whom ‘Ol Sugar Ray Tracy still Swears Stole the 2002 Indy 500 victory away from Him!

 

Franchitti joined the Indy Lacing League (IRL) Fulltime in ’03, what I was then feverishly calling the Indy Retirement League! When Mikey A’, who’d bought majority control of what became Andretti Green Racing, moved the team to the Death Star IRL! And being a Champ Car Devotee, I only paid scant attention to the IRL during some Oval race during the Month of May…

 

Yet I know I was quite Happy when Dario won the first of His three eventual Indianapolis 500’s during the Rain shortened 2007 race. Although I remember that race more vividly for the cameras zooming in on then wife Ashley Judd skipping Jubilantly down Pitlane in the soaking rain after Dario’s victory!

 

Next Dario tried unwisely becoming a Roundy Round Taxicab Bombers Rasser’ the following year. Although His Cup career was Short lived, partially due to His breaking an Ankle

 

Thus returning to today’s IndyCar series a year after it’s Mergification, Franchitti soon became known as the aforementioned Dashley LePew’ due to being the Target Chip Ganassi Racing Scourge who continuously Defeated DJ WillyP’, nee Will Power for the Championship each year! Since I was a Huge Power Fan then.

 

Whilst the late Justin BIG UNIT’ Wilson was my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver and How Dare Dashley make El Stupidio Quips Against Him!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/06/may-be-ganassi-should-add-sazzall-to.html

 

And although I’m certain I watched His second Indy 500 win on Ye Telie’. Instead that year, I chose to attend the 2010 MotoGP over the 500 in what I turned into my own version of celebrating Mother Speedway’s first two Centennials, i.e.; 2009-2010-2011.

 

As I had to watch the 2010 Indy 500 Highlights to remember before the Chequered Flag flew, that Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway was involved in that Horrendous accident when colliding with The Dude! Aka Ryan Hunter-Reay’s running Out of fuel racecar!

 

Now a decade later, my memories of the 2012 Indianapolis 500 are naturally somewhat fleeting. As it’s hard to believe it’s over ten years ago when I saw Doctor Who’, aka Tim Wardrop for the last time. When Tim was Race Engineer for whom I took to playfully anointing “Mean Jean” Alesi in the Luddi’, Uhm Powered by Judd Lotus lumps Dallara DW12! Which sadly, quickly became the laughing stock of IndyCar for being woefully underpowered As I miss my yearly Chinwag’s with Dr. Who at the long forgotten IMS Flagroom Bar!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/10/sayonara-doctor-who.html

 

And besides the delayed wafting of tyre smoke filling the Stands, we all know the outcome of that race. For which I believe I was seated in Turn-1. And I Don’t begrudge Dario for what He did to Taku-san’, aka Takuma Sato, since after all they were fighting to win the Indy 500! As I now just believe that Dario “Squeezed” Sato towards the Wall. But this is the only time I’ve ever Heard an audible, vehement Booing of an Indianapolis 500 winner on the race’s Cool Down lap!

 

As little did anyone, especially Dario know that would be His final IndyCar victory. As I last saw Franchitti racing in person at the following year’s Indy 500, when He caused the race’s final Caution that  cemented Tony Kanaan’s win!

 

And then there was that Uber Nasty accident at Houston’s Reliant stadium! As I can still being able to see Dario’s racecar going somewhat vertical in the Sky as He Flew Up, Up and Away into the Catch Fencing! Which Dario was super lucky to get away with twice! Since I recall Him Summersaulting over the Hapless, unsuspecting “Sofa King,” nee Kosuke Matsuura after having lost count of the final lap at Kentucky, and careened off of Kosuke’s rear wheel in what Marty Reid described as a Hydroplane Blow Over!

 

Thus wisely, Franchitti took His Doctor’s Medical Advice seriously and retired from racing in November, 2013…

 

As Dario retired from Indy Cars with 265 Starts, 31 Wins, 91 Podiums and 34 Poles. Along with being a Four times IndyCar Champion (2007, 2009-2011) and Three times Indianapolis  500 winner. Which Ain’t too shabby, Eh! 

LE MANS: le Femmes, 2021 Encore

Although how many even remember this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans race now?

 

Presumably only Hard Core 24 Heurs du Mans Aficionados will remember that last year's Le Mans event made history with the advent of two 100% Le Femmes Drivers line-ups, one LMP2 Prototypes entry, and one LM GTE Am Tintops' "Saloon."

 

As the Prototypes entry was the No. 50 Richard Mille Racing Team Alpine A470/Gibson V-8 with Columbia's Tatiana Calderon, then contesting Japan's Super Formula series being the only name I recognized of this  trio of drivers. Due to her being a former FIA Formula 2 Driver and a Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Test and Development Driver.

 

Calderon was partnered with Co-Drivers Sophia Florsch, then a German 19yr old  Teenager contesting her Rookie season in the FIA Formula 3 championship where she finished 29^th out of 35 Drivers Overall. Along with Netherlands Beitske Visser who finished runner-up in the 2019 (Women's) W Series at it's controls. With the trio finishing 13th Overall, and 9^th in Class.

 

For 2021, Calderon, who recently tested an A.J. foyt Enterprises IndyCar at Mid Ohio following the series race, and favourably impressed the Foyt team during her 87-laps outing, remains an Alfa Romeo F1 Development and Test Driver. Along with continuing splitting her time between Super formula and Sports Car racing this year.

 

Twenty-year old Florsch has switched this year to Tintops racing by moving to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) Championship, driving for ABT Sportsline, aboard an Audi R8 LMS Evo in her Rookie campaign alongside team-mate Mike Rocky’ rockenfeller.

 

Following the cancellation of last year’s Women’s W Series, Visser made her LMP2 Prototypes debut at the 2020 Four Hours of Spa as Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge’s replacement at Signature Team after Legge suffered multiple fractures in a testing accident. Beitske remained with the team for the rest of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) Championship.

 

Beitske is once again contesting this year’s W Series and recently made the Headlines at Spa Francorchamps. As perhaps you heard about the Massive six car Pile-up during their Qualifying session, which included two of the drivers being sent to Hospital for further evaluation, with one of them being Visser. As both Drivers were later released,  with the Dutchi’ Visser being sore from Back and leg injuries and Did Not Start (DNS) the season’s fifth of eight races, further denting her Championship standing.

 

Visser sat 12^th with 18 points vs. Series leader Alice Powell’s 109 points, with reigning Champion Jamie Chadwick tied with Powell, albeit Powell held the tie breaker. As they’ll decide the Championship at the just concluded final two rounds at Circuit Of The Americas as part of the Formula 1 race’s Support Series.

 

As it took quite a Bitamyte’ of energy, and time to discern that the Signature Team was renamed as Richard Mille Racing for the 2020 ELMS season…

 

The Femme Fatale trio  is contesting this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Richard Mille Racing aboard it’s No. 1 Oreca 07 Gibson V-8 LMP2 entry.

 

As it’s Funny how I didn’t put together who Richard Mille was until learning of McLaren F1 Driver Lando Norris having his timepiece, a limited edition 1 of 33 Me Thinks? Custom Richard Mille $55k wristwatch in McLaren’s Papaya Orange and Blue team colours stolen off his wrist at the Euro 2020 Finals!

 

But as they say, it All went “Pear Shaped” for the No. 1 team in the sixth hour when Florsch crashed in the Dark during one of the multiple Rain Storms that popped up unexpectedly, frequently during the event. As Sophia went Offtrack and I’m not sure if she either tangled with the #26 G Drive LMP2 or was taking Avoiding action? Since they were both involved in the initial incident.

 

But then it got even Stranger when Florsch was trying to reverse out of either the Tyre barrier or “Kitty litter” and the #74 Racing Team India EurAsia LMP2 didn’t see her in the Flashing Yellow lights/Flags and Plowed into her!

 

As I Don’t recall who said it on the Radio Le Mans Broadcast, perhaps John Hindhaugh? But I recall whomever saying that the Track Marshals were knocking on the roof while Sophia was on her Cell phone to tell her to exit the car, since the collision with the #74 had triggered the In-car Medical Safety Alert, meaning Florsch needed to go for a mandated Medical Check-up, with the No. 1 ultimately being retired.

 

Meanwhile last year’s Gran Torismo entry was the #85 Iron Lynx Ferrari 488 GTE Evo chariot in the "lower" tier GTE Am (Amateur) category driven by Rahel Frey, Manuela Gostner and Michelle Gatting. They finished 34th Overall, and 55-laps behind the winner.

 

An as I’ve mentioned before, Frey's name sounded vaguely familiar to Mwah, before learning that she was part of an All Swiss le Femme's Driving trio Wayback in 2010. Aboard one of Matech Competition's Ford GT1's that I've previously scribbled bout here on No Fenders in a story titled Swiss Misses invade Le Sarthe…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2010/06/swiss-misses-invade-le-sarthe.html

 

Italy's Gostner cut her teeth in regional Ferrari Challenge series, as her family’s name is synonymous with Ferrari’s, along with reportedly being an ex-Professional volleyball player. While Gatting is another Dane' cutting her teeth in Sports Car racing - wishing to follow in the Footsteps of Christina Nielsen, a Two-times IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship GTD (Daytona) Class Champion.

 

Thanks to Raymond Hando’s For the Love of Indy’s Le Mans preview, as ‘Ol Hobbo’, nee HobbsCapp’, aka David Hobbs would say that Boy’s got eyes Sharp as Rats, Hya! I learned that this year’s #85 Iron Links LM GTE Am Ferrari 488 GTE Evo entry was sporting a new Driver lineup.

 

Whilst Frey and Gatting remain, Belgian Sarah boby replaced Gostner as of the previous six Hours of Monza round, where she made her FIA World Endurance championship debut, an thus Has  just made her 24 Heurs du Mans debut this year.

 

At one point in her racing career, former Belgian Formula 1 Driver Thierry Boutsen took her “Under His Wing” to help Sarah develop as a race car driver as part of his Boutsen-ginion Team, in GT, silhouette and Touring Cars. This followed Sarah’s Single Seater debut in the Renault 1.6 Belgium series before transitioning to “Saloons” in an On Again, Off Again Sports car career due to lack of funding…

 

Boby was confirmed as one of the inaugural W Series Reserve Drivers and made three starts in 2019, beginning at her Home race at Zolder where she failed to start due to technical issues. She claimed her best finish of 12^th at Misano and finished 19^th at the Season Finale at Brands Hatch after a first lap incident.

 

As No Clue on how Thar race went, other than by my unofficial counting, they finished eighth in Class, listed as 36^th Overall, +39 laps to the winning Toyota.