Former IndyCar Driver turns Bobsleigh racer

Move over Alfonso De Portago, there’s a new Italian Bobsledder in town!

 

Presumably by now, Y’all have heard the news about Symona-Symona’, aka Simona de Silvestro competing in this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. As the former female IndyCar driver will compete for Italy in Her debut Olympic Games.

 

De Silvestro, now 37 years old and born in Switzerland, has Italian heritage and will complete Her dream of racing in the Women’s 2X Bobsleigh event for Italy.

 

De Silvestro competed in IndyCar over seven years between 2010-2022, making a total of 71 starts. Spending Her first three seasons (2010-12) driving for HVM Racing. Winning Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honours in the 2010 Indianapolis 500, finishing 14th.

 

As I briefly met Symona-Symona’ in the IMS Flagroom on Carb Day Wayback’ in 2012, when She was saddled with the uncompetitive “Powered by Judd” Lotus lump’. As She graciously came inside the Flagroom to talk to our table and give me Her “John Hancock” as we kibitzed about the Lotus Evora company car She was driving. Which I don’t know why I think was bright yellow…

 

Joining KV Racing Technology in 2013 as Tony Kanaan’s teammate, de Silvestro scored Her career best finish of second place in the first race of the Grand Prix of Houston’s Double Header weekend. Joining Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher as the only females to stand atop the podium.

2013 would also be Her zenith in IndyCar, with a season best finish of 13th overall, before joining Sauber.

 

De Silvestro has made a total of seven starts in the Indianapolis 500, Her latest driving for Beth Paretta’s female Paretta Autosport team in 2022. While ironically, Her rookie start would be Her best finish at Mother Speedway.

 

As de Silvestro served as the Sauber F1 Team’s test driver in 2014, in hopes of becoming the first female in Formula 1 since Lella Lombardi in 1976. Yet reputedly, funding squabbles over Her programme led to Her departure from Sabuer. Moving to Formula E for Andretti during the 2015-16 season. And then gravitating Down Under to Australian Supercars.

 

Reportedly Simona’s interest in Bobsledding dates back to at least 2014, having posted on Twitter about taking a “Fun” run down the St. Moritz Bobsleigh track. Breezily joking about trying to compete in the next Olympics game…

 

De Silvestro’s Bobsledding participation in earnest began in 2022, when she began training in hopes of competing in Italy in 2026. With Simona telling of how Her Great-Great Grandfather was the first to climb Monte Civetta in the Italian Dolomites.

 

Simona first contested the 2022 Swiss championship, and progressing to competing in the 2025-26 ICSF World Cup. Finishing 27th in Monobob, and P28 in two-women Bobsleigh. Which earned Her spot on the Italian Olympic squad., with Monobob competition taking place today; whilst some Roundy-round action takes place at Day-Toner’…

 

Sleds can reach speeds of up to 90mph, with de Silvestro Arse-sumedly competing in the two disciplines. Although serving as the “Pusher”, i.e.; rear seat passenger on the two-woman event

 

As Simona joins very rare company, as Alfonso De Portago is the only other motor racing driver I know of to compete in Bobsleigh. With De Portago portrayed in Michael Mann’s excellent movie Ferrari.

 

De Portago Who? Forgotten Formula 1 Bobsledder

 

Although NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine did develop and build Bobsleds for the U.S. Olympics team, which eventually won two Olympic medals. Including Steven Holcomb piloting a Bo-Dyn sled named Night train to Gold at Vancouver, BC in 2010… 

Time to “Race to the clouds”, Again

As can the Blue Oval win for a second year in-a-row?

 

Arse-sumedly like many, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb probably goes largely unnoticed. Although I’d guess it’s got it’s legions of Hardcore Fans…

 

Must say I know very little about this legendary race, other than it once was the playground of the Unser’s, most notably Uncle bobby, who has the most King of The Mountain titles overall with ten. Having broken His tie with His uncle Louis Usner in 1986 in a Audi Quattro. With Bobby having a total of 13 wins at “Unser’s Peak”, with a further two Stock Car and single Sports Car category victories.

 

While ironically, bobby’s streak of six consecutive wins ended when younger brother Big Al’ (Unser Sr.) won in 1964…

 

The first race was held in 1916; with the years 1917-19 and 1942-45 not being held due to both World Wars.

 

Paving of the dirt road began in 2002, with the final mixed dirt/asphalt event being 2011. During this time, Nobuhiro Tajima won six consecutive events driving for Suzuki, in Escudo, SL7 and SX4 models. Becoming the first driver to break the ten minute mark with a new course record in 2011. Nobuhiro subsequently became the first driver to break the ten minute barrier in an

Electric vehicle in 2013 with a time of 9:46.530.

 

The same year, (2013) Sebastien Loeb shattered the nine minute mark aboard His King of The Mountain overall winning Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak special with a time of 8:13.878.

 

In 2015, Rhys Millen became the first overall winner driving an electric vehicle, winning in9:07.222 aboard an eO PP03, whatever that is? With Tajima second, giving EV’s a 1-2 sweep.

 

And then Romain dumas bettered countryman Loeb’s record by 15 seconds behind the keyboard of His Volkswagen electric racer…

 

This Sunday, June 22nd is the 103rd running of the race, Where defending overall race winner Romain dumas will be aiming for His sixth King of The Mountain (overall) victory.

 

Last year, Dumas won driving a highly modified Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck with a time of eight minutes, 53 seconds and change. As this PickemUp’ truck reportedly produced a massive 2,200bhp generated by its three electric motors and producing some whopping 6,000lbs of downforce.

 

Dumas said the truck simply shut off during His eventual winning run to the clouds. After recycling the electrics and continuing on His way, He won the event.

 

Recall that Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge made Her Pikes Peak debut last year, driving an Acura Integra Type S DE5 thru Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) in the Time Attack 1 division. But no idea how She fared on the 12.42-mile paved tarmac to the 14,115 foot summit.

     

Whilst another Femme Fatale was busy winning the newly created GT4 Division. As Laura Hayes in a Toyota Supra GT4 raced to the clouds in 10:20.487, winning the category. Becoming the fastest woman on the mountain in a car.

 

As Germany’s Lucy Glockner set an astonishing time of 9:58.878 upon a motorcycle in 2019! Before the motorcycle’s category was discontinued in 2021, following the death of motorcyclist Carlin Dunne during the 2019 event.

 

Also tend to recall that David Donohue, son of the late Mark Donohue was competing in the Hillclimb last year…

 

As Donohue recorded His fifth sub-ten minute run enroute to winning the Time Attack 1 division driving His 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo R entry. Along with winning the bergmeister award with His 9:49.429 run being the fastest Porsche overall.

 

Dumas has won Pikes Peak five times to date, i.e.; 2014, 2016-18 and 2024. Having set the current overall record time in VW’s monster I.D. R electric racer at 7:57.148 in 2018, which He hopes to surpass this year.

 

This year’s vehicle of choice is a Ford Mustang Super Mach E, which sort of resembles the production vehicle, if you don’t stare at it too hard! With Ford being coy upon vehicle specifics, most notably horsepower. Although having divulged it produces a Mega 6,225lb of downforce, Aye Karumba!

 

No idea whom else is competing this year in the Top Dawgs’ Unlimited division. Or who Dumas’s competition for King of The Mountain contest will be? Or if Four-times winner Robin Schute will be competing?

 

Meanwhile, just learned that Katherine Legge finished in the top five of the TA1 division last year with a time of 10:51.359, just three seconds off the current front wheel drive record.

 

As Legge will contest this year’s event once again driving for Honda. This time aboard the No. 93 Acura Integra Type S DE5, seeking to eclipse the record mark of 10:48.094 set in 2018. With Legge being one of six females competing this year.         

The Dakar keeps making History

Especially since the entire race finished three times Faster than IndyCar’s 42 days Hiatus…

 

Yes Ladies ‘n Germs’, it’s another way behind the proverbial eight ball No Fenders story that I’ve been sitting on whilst recuperating…

 

Yet it still seems worthy of noting that Sara Price became the first U.S. Female to win a stage in the grueling Dakar! As the 31yr old Californian just went for broke this year after cobbling together $500,000 in various fund raisers. Saying She didn’t care if it cost every penny of Her savings, She was going!

 

Price is not only a Stunt Driver, but has also won medals at X-Games and won 17 Motocross titles. Along with being an accomplished racer. Having driven previously for Chip Ganassi Racing’s Extreme E team during the 2021-22 season, becoming the very first Female driver hired by Ganassi. Plus contesting Stadium Super Trucks during 2016-17.

 

Yet Price has focused primarily upon rallying and in 2019, became the Baja 1000’s first Ironwoman, finishing runner-up in the Trophy Truck spec class wile driving solo!

 

Sara arrived at this year’s Dakar with just Her Mechanic, Navigator, Best Friends and Boyfriend Ricky Bravic. As perhaps Y’all have heard of Him?

 

As Bravic was the first American to win the Dakar, winning the 2020 Motorcycle class, which He repeated this year.

 

Sara and navigator Jeremy Gray warmed up for this year’s Dakar in last October’s Rally du Morac. Where Price made more history by winning stages and finishing second overall in the Rally of Moraco.

 

Price made Her Dakar history when winning the third to final stage in the Can Am (Side-by-Side) class. With the Californian becoming only Dakar’s third female to ever win a stage. Joining Jutta Kleinschmidt and Christina Gutierrez.

 

As Spaniard Gutierrez won this year’s ATV class, becoming only the second woman to ever win the Dakar. Joining Germany’s Kleinschmidt, who previously won in 2001.

 

As Kleinschmidt was a true trailblazer. Claiming a Hat trick of first in the Dakar. Winning the first Stage by a woman at Dakar Wayback’ in 1997. Then becoming the first female pairing with co-driver Tina thorner to stand atop the podium in 1999, when they finished third overall.

 

And then for la piece di la resistance, Kleinschmidt won the 2001 Paris Dakar with co-driver Andreas Schulz in a Factory Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution  With All of Her “firsts” coming in the Cars category.

 

Meanwhile El Matador, aka Carlos Sainz won His fourth Dakar at age 61, breaking His previous record for oldest winner. While Sainz’s win aboard Audi’s technological marvel, the RS Q e-tron, becomes the first ever electric vehicle to win the Dakar.

 

As reportedly, Mr. Dakar, the legednous’ Stephan Pederhansel claimed that the RS Q e-tron was a super physical car to drive. And that it’s brutality was akin to being in a Boxing match while driving it! 

Remembering Robbie Knievel – One year later

As Captain Robbie Knievel was a great showman, following His Father’s footsteps…

 

Yeah Kiddoes’, I’ll admit that I’ve done run outta Gas trying to think up riveting topics for the last of my 26, Err, Uhm 27 “Canned” No Fenders stories scribbled before January 23rd. And thus like the late Robbie Knievel, hopefully I’ll make the gap and not break any bones uponlanding!

 

And it’s so long ago now,that I cannot remember when the originally intended date for IndyCar racing at Texas Motor Speedway was this year? But keeping the same weekend as 2023 would have seen it landing on Easter Sunday, which I highly doubt would have happened! Even with it’s 5,000 faithful Fans on hand…

 

And thus I tend to recall that the Powers to be at Penske Entertainment had been shooting for this coming Sunday. (4/7)

 

As Y’all may be wonderin’ what’s this got to do with the late Robert Edward Knievel II who died on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Age 60 from Pancreatic Cancer.

 

Well, Robbie successfully Jumped 21 Hummer H2’s at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) Wayback in Gory 2008  before the start of that year’s June 7th Indy Racing League (IRL) race!

 

As talk about your “Are U Ready to Go Racing” Highwire Act! As Robbie had planned on jumping some 25Hummers that evening, but due to strong winds. Nah, no Gale Force winds Ah-Blowin’ Jokes  from TMS Impresario  Eddie “the goose” Gossage here! But Knievel shortened the Hummer Queue to 21 instead!

 

As Target chip Ganassi Racing Pole sitter Scott Dixon won Round 7 ahead of the Penske Racing duo of Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe respectively that year, enroute to one of his eventual six IndyCar Championships…

 

Not sure why, but when I think of Robbie Knievel, I remember sitting thru nearly two hours of Bullshit “Hype” on the Discovery Channel Wayback in 1999, Uhm, a quarter century ago now, Crikeys! Before Robbie successfully jumped the Grand canyon on His Honda CR500 Motocross “Scooter!” Although He crashed heavily upon landing and ended up with a broken leg…

 

As Robbie, son of the great Evel Knievel, began His Stunt Jumping career at the tender age of four. When jumping His “BMX” bicycle before graduating to motorcycles at age seven! And performed His very first show with His Father Evel at Madison Square Garden at age eight! Before touring with Evel at age twelve.

 

While Robbie replicated many of His Father Evel’s jumps. As noted, Robbie used a Honda Motocross motorcycle vs. Evel’s Harley-Davidson XR750, which weighed 90lbs more and was a Flat-track motorcycle. Making the Harley heavier and more unwieldly to land due to it’s lack of suspension travel!

 

Robbie successfully jumped the Caesar Palace Fountain in 1989, 22yrs after Evel’s failed attempt. Along with other such outlandish jumps including: Jumping 30 limousines a record distance of 231 feet at the Tropicana Hotel!

 

Robbie also jumped 130 feet between the two 13 story Jockey Club towers in Vegas. Purposely crashlanding on His side into Haybales to keep from falling off upon landing!

 

Also jumping five aircraft upon the deck of the USS Intrepid. And jumping a moving locomotive at 80mph. As the locomotive traveling at 30mph demolished Knievek’s takeoff ramp while Robbie was in Mid-air!

 

As that’s just some of the plethora of jumps Robbie attempted and completed during His illustrious Stunt-riding career for the Father of three daughter… 

Marshall Pruett interviews Richard Noble

“Hashtag” WTHTSLTPT!

 

During the past Turkey Lurkey Day Holidaze’. (And Arse-sumedly during the Christms-New Years Holidazes…) Like many, I was looking for some “Fresh” Moto Racing content. Dark or light, Bon Appetit!

 

Thus I was pleasantly surprised to run across Marshall Pruett’s “Canned” interview with Richard Noble, which I believe Marshall said was recorded sometime in 2021.

 

As it’s Uber Funny hearing Marshall bemoan His “Hashtag” WTHTSLTPT! Stood for What The Hell Took So Long To Post This! For which All I can say is I’ve got a story revolving around land Speed record pursuers waiting to be “Penned” from over four years ago now, Yikes!

 

As it’s a wonderful interview that weighs in at some One Hour Me thinks. And is worth listening alone to for Messer Noble’s description of making a run over 600mph aboard Thrust 2 at Black Rock Desert, Nevada! And the “Tricks” one uses to pilot a rocket powered Beast straight and true in the Desert’s featureless “moonscape!”

 

As Richard Noble actually held the world’s Land Speed Record of 633.468mph from 1983 until 1997. When His Thrust SSC piloted by RAF Squadron Commander Andy Green went Supersonic on land at 763.065mph!

 

https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/podcast/mp-1344-richard-noble-my-racing-life-career/

 

As why did listening to Richard Noble’s “Pedestrian” description of Manhandling a Jet rocket Car to some Bloody 600mph make me think of Coldplay’s wonderful Speed of sond song?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k_1kvDh2UA 

A Brief Glimpse at the storied Segrave trophy

And some of it’s Amazing Winners…

 

The Segrave Trophy was created in Honour of Sir Henry Segrave, following His Death in 1930. When His widow Lady Doris, (Stocker) a British Actress He married in October, 1917 had the trophy commissioned to Honour Her Husband’s legacy.

 

The trophy is Awarded for “Outstanding Skill, Courage and Initiative on Land, Sea or In the Air: The Spirit of Adventure.” And is presented by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) of Great Britain.

 

As the winner’s list of the Segrave trophy beginning in 1930 reads like a veritable Who’s Who of Great Britain Motorsports and Aviation Acilites. With Major Sir Malcolm Campbell becoming the first Double recipient in 1933 and 1939. Then for five years there was No award due to World War II! Whilst the trophy is not necessarily awarded yearly, if the RAC feels nobody has done enough for recognition…

 

A partial list of other British luminaries to win the Segrave trophy include: John cobb in 1947. And Sir Malcolm’s son Donald Campbell is the only Four times winner, i.e.; 1955, 1958, 1964 and then posthumously in 1966.

 

Another of the four Posthumous winners was Bruce McLaren in 1969.

 

Sir Stirling Moss won twice. First in 1957 and later in 2005, the latter for lifetime achievement.

  While the Wee Scot Sir Jackie’, aka JYS or simply Jackie Stewart also won twice. First in 1973 when becoming the then most successful Grands Prix winner, and later in 1999, also for lifetime achievement.

 

Scooters’ legend Barry Sheene won in 1977 and then a second time in ’84. Mike “The Bike” Hailwood won in 1979. Steve Webster was awarded the trophy in 1991 and Carl Fogarty claimed it in ’94.  Whilst John surtees won in 2012, being the only person to ever win a World Championship on both two wheels and four!

 

Richard Noble, who inspired this story. Won the trophy in 1983 for setting the then Land Speed record aboard Thrust 2 at an amazing 633.468mph! And then Noble’s protge Andy Green won the trophy when piloting Thrust SSC to the current Land Speed Record of 763.065mph. When becoming the first ever to Break the Speed of Sound on land!

 

Whilst Richard Franson was awarded the Seagrave trophy in ’86 for His Virgin Atlanticchallenger Sailing “Slooo” that He’d hoped to break the Atlantic crossing record with.  

 

And Martin BillyBob’ Brundle won in 1988, the year that He won the World sports Car championship driving for Tom Walkinshaw’s Werks’ Silk Cut Jaguar concern. Also having won that year’s 24 Hours of Daytona.

 

Brundle would go onto later win le 24 Heurs du Mans also for TWR Jaguar in ’90. The same year He earned His nickname of BillyBob’ when winning the Cleveland Burke Lakefront round of the International Race Of Champions, (IROC) where He finished third Overall…

 

Bloody Nige’, aka Red 5 or Il Lione’, ergo Nigel Mansell was the first recipient to win the Segrave trophy Back-to Back. Naturally in 1992-93, the same two years He became the only Driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship and PPG CART/IndyCar World series consecutively!

 

Although Nige shared His ’92 trophy with former Boss Sir Frank Williams.

 

The late Colin McRae netted the trophy in ’95 followed by Damon Hill a year later. With Lewis Hamilton taking the Honour during His F1 Rookie season in ’07. With Ye Scottish Terrier Allan McNish winning for the first time in 2008. Followed by a second trophy in 2013.

 

Adrian Newey won the trophy in 2010 for  being the only F1 Designer winning the Formula 1 Drivers and Constructors World Championships with three separate teams, i.e.; Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

 

Billy Monger at Age 20, the youngest Segrave trophy recipient, was rightly awarded the Honour in 2018. As you may know that Monger’s a Double Amputee and won the Award for showing Great Determination and Courage in returning to High level of Motorsports.

 

While our second consecutive winner is the unknown to Mwah James Ketchell in 2019-20.

 

And that’s with No Disrespect at All even remotely intended by All of the amazing Aviators to be awarded this prestigious trophy! With Charles Kingsford-Smith being the inaugural winner. Whilst it’s Sad that only five women have ever won the trophy in it’s 93 years existence. Beginning rightly with English Aviatrix Amy Johnson in 1932 for Her record breaking flight from London to Cape Town… 

RETRO: Time Capsule of an Early Land Speed Record Holder

As move over Tom Sneva! This Gasman was way Ahead of You!

 

Although I’m guessing I’ve heard the name before, cannot say I’ve ever been curious about Sir Henry Segrave. For which the Segrave trophy is named in Honour of this Speed records pioneer.

 

Interestingly, Henry was born in Baltimore, Maryland in September, 1896 to an American Mother and Irish Father. And attended schooling in Ireland before attending College in England.

 

Enjoy the brief respite of His travails of Military service during World War I. Having been rushed thru Officer Training School. Henry was apparently known as the “Lion’s Cub” for His determined Trench fighting. Having thrown an Ammunition Belt at a German Soldier after His gun had become clogged in Mud, causing the enemy’s shot High and Hitting Him in the shoulder!

 

Recovering from this, Sir Henry next joined the RoyalFlying corps in 1915 and became a Fighter Pilot in 1916. Even shooting down a German two seater Aviatik on May 1st.

 

Segrave was later Hit by Anti-Aircraft artillery and crashed Heavily that July! And severely breaking His Ankle effectively ended His flying career.

 

 

 

But the funniest part is Henry bemoaning His being a terrible pilot and how the landings were the worst, which He was constantly “Mucking” Up! With Henry taking up Administrative roles until resigning His Royal Air force Commision in 1919.

 

Next Henry took up the emerging Boom of Motorsports, making His way onto Britain’s Sunbeam Works team. Racing in the 1922 French Grand Prix, where He was forced to retire.

 

Segrave triumphantly won the 1923 French Grand Prix in a Sunbeam! Along with winning the 1924 San Sebastian Grand Prix before retiring from the Sport in order to focus upon the exhilarating pursuit of Speed records.

 

As I believe these triumphs were set aboard a Grand Prix Sunbeam 1921 racecar? For which the name Sunbeam always makes me think of it’s latter years, when it was part of the Roots Group before Chrysler purchased it.

 

When some ‘Ol Codger’ named Carroll Shelby was commissioned to see if He could get a Ford “Hi-Po” 289cid Small block v-8 Shoehorned into what became known eventually as the Sunbeam tiger!

 

Having just learned that these 1964-67 Sunbeam tigers were so named in Honour of Henry Segrave’s record setting Tiger! With the Series I Tiger usiing a production Ford 260cid Small Block V-8. And the much rarer Mark II Tigers having standard 289cid V-8 lumps’ as Thar motivation.

 

Segrave set a total of three land Speed records, His first coming on March 16, 1926. Utilizing a 4-litre Sunbeam tiger named Ladybird, He set a record of 152.33mph at Ainsdale Beach on southport, England. With the record standing for just a month before another prominent land Speed record Chaser, J.G. Parry-Thomas broke it.

 

Then just over one year later, on March 29, 1927, Henry became the first person to record a speed over 200mph! Using a custom 1,000 Horsepower Sunbeam known affectionately as “the Slug.” (Or Mystery) Recorded a speed of 203.79mph on Daytona Beach’s Road Course.

 

As Daytona Beach’s sandy Beach Road course was the site of multiple land Speed records during the 1900, way before someplace “big bill” (France) had built inland in 1953. Perhaps Y’all have Heard of it? Someplace called Daytona International Speedway…

 

As the first recorded land Speed record set at Daytona Beach was in 1906 with Steam power! With Fred Marriott aboard His Stanley Rocket claiming a speed of 127.66mph.

 

 With the Beach being the “Place” for land Speed records exclusively between 1927-1935 before Bonneville Salt flats took over the LSR scene. While NASCAR’s final race on the Beach was held in 1958.

 

Seagrave’s third and final land Speed record was set aboard His Golden Aero, which He used to up the record to 231.45mph, also at Daytona Beach Road course on March 11, 1929.

 

As Segrave Quit pursuit of any further land Speed records following witnessing the High Speed Death of Lee bible at Ornond Beach,  Florida two days later.

 

Henry turned His attenzione next to water Speed records, having had the Miss England I built in 1928 to recapture the Harmsworth trophy from the legendous’ Gar Wood and His Miss America’s.

 

As the boat used a single Napier Lion “Aero” (Aircraft) engine for propulsion. As Segrave believed the speed could be found in the Hull’s advanced Planing design instead of just raw, outright Horsepower.

 

As I love the fact that Woods “Sportingly” offered Segrave assistance in propeller and rudder design. And then Henry traveled to Miami and Defeated Wood for the first time in nine years at their Speedboat races!

 

Upon His return to Jolly ‘Ol England, Henry Segrave was Knighted for His Speed record achievements. Yet shortly after, on July 13, 1930, Segrave’s luck finally ran out!

 

Upon setting a new water Speed record on Windermere of 98.76mph in two recorded runs. Miss England II capsized on Her third run, instantly Killing it’s Chief Engineer. Whilst it’s Mechanic survived with just a broken Arm. Segrave would Die from massive lung Hemorrhaging at the Age of 33yrs Old that Fateful day…

 

As Sir Henry Segrave was the first person to simultaneously Hold the land and water Speed records, along with the first to go 200mph on land. 

The Other “Half” of Indy Lights 2022 Title Rivals

As can the HMD Motorsports Juggernaught Defeat Andretti Autosport this year?

 

By now, the Indy Lights Championship has wrapped up hosting it’s third round of the season at Mother Speedway. It’s first of three Double Header outings this year; the others being at Detroit’s Belle Isle and Laguna Seca. As perhaps Y’all caught them Trackside as part of IndyCar’s “guns & Roses” IndyCar GP “Undercard,” Eh?

 

Prior to this weekend’s action on Indianapolis’s Road Corse, the winners were split 1-1 between the two Big Dawgs’, i.e.; Andretti Autosport’s four car entity vs. HMD’s five car Armada. Whilst “We” shouldn’t take Anything Away from the other Lights Competizione…

 

Global Racing Group with HMD Motorsports (1)

#24 Benjamin Peterson, USA

 

Had never heard of this racing Organization before last year’s Lights season, which is funny since the Global Racing Group’s based in Samammish,Washington, on the East side of Seattle. Having apparently spent the past several years competing in the unknown U.S. F4 and F3 Americas Championships, with the latter having been rebranded Formula Regional Americas Championship in 2020. Having won the Championship twice (to Date) between 2019-2020 with drivers Dakota Dickerson and Linus Lundqvist respectively.

 

Benjamin Peterson is a Danish American racing driver currently living in Seattle and holds Dual Citizenship. He’s contested Single Seater racing around the Globe, including a best season finish of fourth in the U.S. formula 4 Championship in 2017.

 

Peterson also finished Runner-up behind Dakota Dickerson in the 2019 FR Americas Championship, and finished fourth Overall in last year’s Lights Championship.

 

Prior to the Indianapolis Lights rounds, He’d scored two second place finishes, including a wild All Skate’ on Shreaded rain tyres  with HDM Motorsports teammate Linus Lunqvist at Barber Motorsports Park! And surely is close to finally standing on the Top step of a Lights podium soon.

 

HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing (4)

#7 Christian Vogle, USA

#26 Linus Lundqvist, Sweden

#59 (R) Manuel Sulaiman, Mexico

#68 Danial Frost, Singapore

 

This season, HMD Motorsports in conjunction with Dale Coyne Racing, where David Malukas has joined their IndyCar team, Bulks up to four cars, albeit really a five car operation, including Peterson’s GRG/HMD effort.

 

Christian Vogle moves over from the departed Carlin effort, having finished 11^th Overall last year. While Danial Frost moves over from Andretti Autosport where He finished 5th Overall last season, one place Ahead of former Lights teammate and now Rookie IndyCar Driver Devlin DeFrancesco.

 

Mexico’s Manuel Sulaiman previously won the NACAM Formula 4 Championship consecutively between 2018-2019 before joining Juncos Racing’s Indy Pro 2000 effort, where He won at Road America, before jumping up to Indy Lights with HMD Motorsports in 2021 at Portland for a partial season. As Manuel tackles his first full season Lights campaign with the HMD/DCR Boyz’ Alphabet Soup Brigade, Hya!

 

Sweden’s Linus Lundqvist is a multi-times Championship winning driver, including winning the 2018 BRDC British F3 title and the 2020 FR Americas Crown, where He thoroughly Dominated the season. Crushing Runner-up David Malukas with 15 total wins, including eight in-a-row at Seasons beginning!

 

As his reward was that year the FR Americas began giving the Champion a fully funded Indy Lights Scholarship, which Lundqvist put to good effect with the Global/HMD Partnership. As Lundqvist won at Alabama and Road America enroute to finishing third Overall in the championship.

 

As mentioned, Lundqvist won a very entertaining All Skate’ at Barber Motorsports Park this May, barely Holding off teammate Peterson for his third Lights win to date. As these two drivers seem to be early favourites for the Championship this year.

 

TJ Speed Motorsports (2)

#12 (R) James Roe Jr, Republic of Ireland

#21 (R) Kyffin Simpson, Barbados

 

(R = Rookie Driver)

 

This team was born out of the former Belardi Auto Racing Lights team, which team owner Tim Neff purchased late 2020. As Neff said it was too late for a “proper” Lights campaign last year, so they focused upon the FR Americas Championship instead, which they won first time out!

 

As Aussie’ Neff is an interesting character, being a former triple World Jet Ski champion who competed against the likes of Beth Boles, Conor Daly’s Mum’. Not to mention being a veteran Open Wheel Racing Engineer whos worked both in Lights and IndyCar, and won Lights Championships with the former Powerhouse Sam Schmidt Motorsports effort.

 

Irishman James Roe Jr. came Across thoust Bloody Puddle and finished fifth Overall in the 2019 FR Americas Championship behind Global Racing Group teammates Dakota Dickerson and Benjamin Peterson who finished 1-2 that year. Roe graduated to the Indy Pro 2000 championship and claimed his first W’ at the 2021 Season Finale at Mid Ohio before moving to Lights this year.

 

Kyffin Simson who Hails from the Cayman Islands is a 17yr Old Teenager, who’s only in his third year of racing  Single Seaters. Making his debut in 2018 in U.S. formula 4 after nine years of Karting in the Caribbean, and already has a Championship title to his credit. As Simpson won seven races in last year’s FR Americas Championship and graduates to Indy Lights courtesy of his title winning Honda Scholarship.

 

As Kyffin also was Guest of the Haas F1 Team at the just concluded Miami Grand Prix, which you can read about below…

 

https://racer.com/2022/05/10/fr-americas-champion-simpson-looking-to-build-on-haas-secondment/

 

And now on the Heels of scribblin’ this No Fenders story comes word that Chip Ganassi Racing has just signed Simpson to a multi-year Driver Development Deal, which will allow him access to it’s IndyCar Drivers along with being part of Driver Debriefs, etc. 

Blind Drag Racer sets New Speed record!

But Don’t think it’ll let Him into Bonneville’s 200 Club…

 

So I’ve had this sitting in my email for a few weeks now. As Florentine F1 Spotter Jeannie sent it to me. As it’s about the Blind Drag Racer I scribbled ‘bout here on No Fenders awhile ago. As Dan Parker’s finally set a new Guiness World Record for Blind Speed Merchants at an incredible speed a skosh North of  211mph!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Q-sPL7kRU

 

Like I said, I wrote about Dan here on No Fenders Wayback in 2020, having originally Heard about Him via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone service’s Car and Driver magazine section.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2020/05/autos-blind-mans-quest-for-breaking.html

 

As I’d still like to know more upon the technical side of Dan’s Corvette, i.e.; his custom computer aided Guidance system, and the dual steering controls, etc. But still it’s pretty Freakin’ Amazing!

 

As naturally, being Blind, this subject’s fascinated Mwah for almost a Decade now, having first scribbled about the subject in the following No Fenders tome…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2013/09/breaking-blind-speed-record-on4-wheels.html 

Two Bad Arse Racing Drivers make Competitive Comebacks

As it’s Always Great News Hearing about Driver’s Perseverance…

 

Not sure if Y’all Heard the Great News! That Thee young Wicky’, aka Robert Wickens has returned to the cockpit this year, having just completed his first race for Bryan Herta Autosport’s (BHA) Hyundai elantra Touring Car team. As Wickens is part of BHA’s Michelin Pilot challenge series six car Armada, and Robert competes aboard the No. 33 with co-Driver Mark Wilkens.

 

https://racer.com/2022/01/27/pruett-wickens-staying-hungry-as-racing-comeback-begins/

 

As Wickens isn’t the lone Paraplegic racing for Bryan High Speed Hurdle’s Herta’s Touring Car Squad. Since Michael Johnson competes aboard the No. 54 BHA Hyundai Elantra N TCR Saloon, with both drivers using custom adapted Hand Controls, I.e.; Bespoke “Ringed” Steering wheels with Brake, throttle and Gearshift levers All controlled by Hands.

 

Having read it’s Wickens first race outing in 1,258 Gory Days! Which I reckon is some three and a half years, Yikes! Which makes it that much funnir that Robert was Disappointed over his Qualifying P7. As Wickens drove for 90 minutes during the four Hour Endurance race, moving up to third place, before Co-Driver Mark Wilkens took over with the pair finishing third overall! And Wickens being “Pummeled” on the podium after locking his wheelchair’s brakes in order to spray his bottle of Champagne with both hands. As the other five Drivers Ganged Up on him mercilessly, Gleefully “Hosing” Down Wickens over his return to the Podium! With Robert saying it was a bit Unfair since He couldn’t go anywhere…

 

Whilst the Daytona Beach News Journal had an interesting story on another of their BHA teammates. As A.J. Muss who drives the #2, represented the USA in Snowboarding at the 2018 Winter Olympics. And is a Mondo Adrenalin Junkie’, Jumping Out of Aeroplanes, Hot Air Balloons and Helicopters, Aye Karumba! With nearly some 500 Skydiving Jumps to his credit, including some 250 Wing Suit Jumps!

 

Fortunately Muss came out of a two weeks medically induced Coma after suffering from Post Operative High Altitude Sickness, having Flatlined for some 30 seconds when being rushed to Hospital! After routine surgery to repair his Separated Shoulder at the end of the 2014 season, after Crashing into a Snowboard Course’s Gate during Training!

 

Meanwhile, another former IndyCar and Sports Car Driver made his competitive return to Prototypes racing on Daytona’s High Banks after his arduous eight year physical rehabilitation from his Monstrous 2014 Rolex 24 Crash! As Memo Gidley raced in the IMSA Prototype Challenge Championship’s season opener January 21^st aboard the #23 JDC Motorsports Duqueine D-08 LMP3 entry.

 

As Gidley stuck the #23 on Pole position before he and Co-Driver Alexander Koreiba ultimately finished third in the three hours race’s constantly changing weather conditions. As Estonia’s Tonis Kasemets Stormed back from being One lap Down to the No. 23 to rocketing back up from sixth during his final stint to take the lead with 22mins remaining.

 

https://www.imsa.com/news/2022/01/22/kasemets-hamilton-rally-for-emotional-prototype-challenge-triumph/

 

Yet I found it Funny how I immediately recognized Kasemets name and mused to myself He was a Chump Carz’ Driver for Rocketsports. Which ironically I witnessed his Champ Car world Series Debut at Portland International Raceway Wayback in Gory 2006, Crikeys!

 

As Casemets made five Champ Cars start in ’06 after finishing runner-up to Charles Zwolsma jr. in the 2005 Toyota Atlantic series. As Zwolsman is another Shady character from Wayback, since I recall him and his Father Charles Zwolsman Sr. being in trouble with the Law! As “chuck Junior” was implicated in Money Laundering Charges in his native Netherlands in 2011, before ultimately being Cleared in 2016. While his Father was serving time in Jail before Dying in Twenty-eleven, making me now wonder if this had anything to do with Chuck Junior’s Charges going away?

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2011/01/charles-zwolsman-sr-dies-whilst.html

 

Arse-sumedly I’ve got both Zwolsman Junior’ and Kasemets “John Handcock’s,” along with some 15-20 others on that long ago, still unframed Molson Indy Vancouver poster I trundled thru two years of Chump Carz’ Autographs session lines to get the 2006 Portland Champ Car Drivers signatures upon, which I’ve lamented about A very long time ago in another languishing No Fenders post. As I had to go back a second year to get le Hamburgular’s Autograph since He’d Snubbed me the year prior when following the lead of Whiney Bagz’, nee Bruno Junquiera! As how many Blind people do you think go to Drivers Autograph sessions, Eh? And why was I being told to Hurry Up…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2006/12/champ-car-sends-devoted-fan-fuming.html 

AUTOS: Maranello Cruiser' goes Silent, Stuttgart Classic follows..

When a pair of 40 year old Classics gets 21st Century Makeovers, You've gotta wonder is this what the Future Holds for Us?

Ironically, this past weekend of June 13-14 was exactly 50 years to the running of the 38th 24 Hours of Le Mans, when two of Automotives most legendous' Marques fought Hammer 'N Tongs for that year's outright victory of what arguably was then the largest Sporting event, or certainly Motorsports marquee event.

As may be you've heard that the Rebellion-Williams E-Sports team won this past weekend's virtual Le Mans 24H race, which featured such luminaries as Fredrico Suave' and Rubino', nee Fred Alonso and Rubens Barrichello as one team. Along with current Formula 1 Pilotes Chuck Luh-cluck', aka Charles Leclerc, plus Max Verstappen and Lando Norris teaming up for the event...

Alas, as I've been tirelessly Serenading Y'all 'bout lately, what do you do when you're "rationing" your limited amount of CD Audiobooks which have Dried Up due to the local Library being Closed now for 3-plus months due to the COVID 19 Pandemic?

Whale', in my case, I've gravitated towards actually watching; Err, Uhm, Oh Yeah that's right Mary Ellen, I'm Blind! Meaning I'm mostly; SHUSH! Be Berry-Berry Quiet, we're Hunting Wabbits... OOPSADAISY, Wrong Soundtrack; Hya!

Uhm, I meant mostly listening to Thy Telie', primarily the Motor Trend TV Channel. Hey, are you really surprised that I'd gravitate towards this totally Automotive related TV Channel, Eh?

VIDEO: Vintage Voltage's EV Man Cave'

Funny how Time has kept Zoom-Zooming by even though we've been in Lockdown mode here in Oregon since March 13th, albeit many Counties, including Lane have now just graduated to Stage-2 implementation of "Re-Opening" on June 5th, whatever that means Hmm, why does that make me think of an 'Ol Boston Album I bought on vinyl during its initial release - largely Panned by Critics called Stage III; Err, Uhm I meant Third Stage; But I Certainly Digress...

As I've included Thee "launch sequence" track, which I've always enjoyed, but let it at least play thru to Ye beginning of the Cool The Engines track, which is one of the singles from this album...

VIDEO: Boston - The Launch/Cool the Engines

Over a month ago now, somewheres round May 7th, when I first jotted notes for this riveting; Err, Uhm Electrifying No Fenders story, Z-A-P! I sat down and watched my first ever Gory Electric Vehicles (EV) TV Show.

A fairly entertaining episode of Vintage Voltage, which takes classic automobiles and converts them into fully Electrified Rides. With the episode's vehicle in Questione being a "Clapped-out" Ferrari 308, for which I found what seems to be the final portion of this build?

VIDEO: Vintage Voltage - Ferrari 308 Phase 3

And then two more episodes I viewed revolved around Volkswagen and Porsche Classics, whose two companies are tightly intertwined. As I enjoyed the modest makeover the Karman Ghia received.

But I was far more interested in the show about the Porsche 914, which sadly wasn't finished due to the Client's constantly changing his Build requests bumping up against the interruption of the COVID 19 Pandemic...

And although I couldn't find anything related to this specific Vintage Voltage's Porsche 914 EV Conversion, Thar seems to be plenty 'O 914's that have made Ye Switch to Electric. As this Porsche was the Highlight of an EV Show in Colorado, albeit I have to say I was more impressed with the EV Skateboard; CRIKEYS!

VIDEO: EV Converted 1972 Porsche 914

Nonetheless, I did unearth an article 'bout whether or not Porsche should bring back the 914 as a 21st Century EV.

Will the Beloved Porsche 914 be Reborn as an EV?

But if you're A Died in Thee Wool Gearhead like Mwah, albeit a Revhead' Devotee. Which makes discovering a totally new website appropriately titled Petrolicious so very Karmic or Apropos. And especially when you're Blind, then ambulatory noise takes on even more significance regarding your passion for Automobiles...

Although I applaud the remaking of these motoring Classics, and think it's totally Cool to give  them a second lease on life. Thars still nothing better than the sounds of a true Blue' Err Momma Mia! Rosso or Teutonic Silver Internal Combustion engine vehicle!

VIDEO: 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS Carburetor "Soundtrack"

DAKAR: Motorcyclist Dies During 2020 Event

Motorcycle racer Paulo Gonçalves has Died from injuries during Stage-7 of this year's Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. As the 40yr old Portuguese rider is the Dakar's first fatality since the 2015 event. Ironically when Goncalves had his best career finish during his 13 Dakar's contested, finishing runner-up to Marc Comas, who's now Fernando Alonso's Navigator.

As Stage-8 has been Canceled for the Bikes and Quads category in respect over Goncalves Death.

Portuguese Motorcycle Rider Paolo Goncalves Dies in Dakar Rally