Prema Racing makes it’s Indianapolis 500 debut

But will both of it’s Bowtie’ entries make the Show?

 

Those of Y’all following IndyCar closely, will already know of this year’s newest IndyCar team’s extensive, and impressive pedigree. As Prema Racing is an European powerhouse in the various Feeder Series, reportedly having fielded 28 drivers in nine championships for 2023.

 

Prema is the reigning Teams Champion in the FIA’s Formula 3 championship, where it fields three entries. The Nos. 1-3 for Italy’s Brando Badoer, Mexico’s Noel Leon and the totally unheard of Yank’ Ugo Ugochukwu.

 

As Brando’s name was instantly familiar to Mwah. As yes, His father is former F1 driver Luca Badoer. Whilst I’m Arse-sumeing that Montoyer’ feller’s surname below needs no explanation, Ci?

 

Prema also has Sebastian Montoya and Gabriele Mini racing for them in Formula 2. The FIA’s final rung on it’s ladder to thee pinnacle ‘O motorsports, aka Formula 1.

 

Prema has won far too many championships to bother typing all of them here. But to note just some of the accomplished driving talent over the years, here’s some that stand out to me.

 

Current Prema Racing IndyCar Sporting Director Ryan Briscoe won the 2001 Italian Formula Renault and 2003 Formula 3 Euro Series titles. K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi claimed the 2005 Italian Formula Renault and Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Championships.

 

Esteban Ocon, Felix Rosenqvist, Lance Stroll and Mick Schumacher won the 2014-2015-2016-2018 FIA Formula 3 European Championship crown respectively.

 

Andrea Kimi Antonelli won both the 2022 Italian and ADAC Formula 4 titles. And  Stroll and Marcus Armstrong won the Italian F4 title with Prema in 2014 and 2017 respectively.

 

Pierre Gasly won the 2016 GP2 title, today’s Formula 2 Championship. Which the former Italian “Powerteam” has also won with Charles Leclerc in 2017, Mick Schumacher in 2020 and Oscar Piastri in 2021.

 

Yet cynics will be quick to point out that European Feeder Series success doesn’t guarantee you anything in IndyCar, with Carlin’s quick demise being the catalyst to this point. Remember then Y’all with Max Chilton and Charlie Kimball?

 

While I won’t lament over the legendous’ engineer Michael Cannon’s hasty exodus prior to the season’s start after signing on as Prema’s Head of Engineering.

 

Prema secured what appears for now to be the final two IndyCar engine leases with Chevrolet, even though they’re currently the only non charter team in IndyCar. Having inked two of it’s former ladder drivers to race for them Stateside. Presumably on de riggour multi-year contracts…

 

Callum Ilott is the team leader, since we all know about His struggles with Juncos Hollinger Racing, (JHR) where Ilott made His IndyCar debut at season’s end in 2021 with a three race “warm-up” on the West coast.

 

Ilott finished fourth overall for Prema Powerteam in the 2017 Formula 3 European championship with six wins and six podium finishes. He was also a Ferrari Driver Academy member between 2017-2021. Along with being both Scuderia Ferrari and Alfa Romeo Racin’s reserve driver in Formula 1. Making His (Free Practice) FP1 debut at the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix for Alfa Romeo.

 

Ilott finished Vice Champion, Err runner-up to that year’s Formula 2 Champion, Mick Schumacher in 2020. Before gravitating to IndyCar, making His debut for JHR at Portland late 2021.

 

It all went pear-shaped for Ilott at JHR in April, 2023 at the IMS open test, where the team didn’t believe the Englishman telling them the chassis had a major, diabolical flaw. Which the team finally relented and reluctantly built Him another Dallara DW12 chassis, with Ilott vindicating Himself with a 12th place finish in that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

As Ilott has contested three races at Mother Speedway, with a best finish of 11th last year at Arrow Mclaren. And teamed with His former JHR race engineer, will hopefully shepherd both Prema cars into this year’s Indy 500.

 

Israeli born Russian driver Robert Shwartzman is the team’s rookie driver, who first raced for Prema in the 2018 Formula 3 European Championship. The following year, Shwartzman claimed the inaugural FIA Formula 3 Championship title driving for the Prema Powerteam, before graduating to Formula 2.

 

Shwartzman was paired with the next two year Formula 2 Championship winners, i.e.; Mick Schumacher and Oscar Piastri at Prema, before the FIA banned Russian drivers from participating in 2022.

 

Shwartzman, a la Ilott was a Ferrari Driver Academy member, also between 2017-2022, before being dismissed in 2023. Continued to serve as a Ferrari F1 reserve driver that year, before moving to Sports Cars for 2024. Driving the third AF Corse Ferrari 499P Hypercar entry.

 

As the two Prema Racing IndyCar drivers were part of the Ferrari Driver Academy’s 2017 class, which included Enzo Fittipaldi and Marcus Armstrong.

 

Ironically, Shwartzman competed against Ilott in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) last season. With Ilott scoring Porsche’s first, and only to date privateer victory at thee Mighty Spa, aka Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. With Ilott driving for Hertz Team Jota last year, which has become the factory Cadillac effort this season in WEC, where le Hamburgular’, aka Sealmeister B’, nee Sebastien Bourdais has replaced Him…

 

Thus, it will be fascinating to see how Prema Racing fares at this year’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. If both cars qualify and how their Month of May pans out. For which I hope both drivers make the “Show” and have a successful race outing. 

Japan’s Next Wave?

Although will any of these prospects succeed to the Pinnicle of Motorsport?

 

As my working title was Japanese Drivers Logjam…

 

Japan has a long, storied history with formula 1. As the very first Japanese driver to Enter a international Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) sanctioned race fifty years ago was Hiroshi Fushida, who failed on both of His entries with the uncompetitive Maki Engineering F101 normally aspirated 3.0-liter Ford-Cosworth DFV V-8 racecar.

 

Hiroshi’s Cossie’ lump’ “Done blown Up!” at that year’s Dutch Grand Prix, for which the team didn’t have a spare motor! And then He failed to qualify (DNQ) at the 1975 British Grand Prix.

 

Hiroshi also contested the SCCA’s Can Am and Trans Am series Stateside. And made history alongside countryman Tetsu Ikuzawa, when they became the first two Japanese drivers to compete in the 24 Heurs du Mans. Driving a Mazda  Wankel rotary powered Sigma MS73 (SARD) in the 1973 event.

 

Japan’s first Formula 1 race was the epic 1976 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway, where a further four Japanese drivers entered their country’s inaugural Grand Prix; Masahiro Hasemi, Kazuyoshi Hoshino, Masani Kuwashina and Noritake Takahara.

 

Although reputedly Kuwashina’s sponsorship Cheque failed to materialize, scratching Him from competing, i.e. DNS. (Did Not Start) Being replaced by Hans Binder.

 

Whilst Hasemi, Hoshino and Takahara all contested the race, becoming Japan’s first three Formula 1 drivers. Although I’d surmise this accomplishment was totally overshadowed by that year’s Mega’ F1 Drivers championship showdown between Niki Lauda and Jame Hunt, which is wonderfully documented in ‘lil Ronnie Howard’sexcellent Rush movie…

 

Kazuyoshi Hoshino’s nickname was “The Fastest Man in Japan”, which is pretty “Heady” suff!

 

Reportedly there have been 21 Japanese drivers to attempt a Grand Prix to date, with 18 making starts. Which I won’t attempt chronicling! Other than three have stood on the third step of the podium. First Aguri Suzuki in1990. Followed by arguably Japan’s “Greatest” driver Takuma sato in 2004. And finally K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi in 2012. With Kamui now firmly established as a Sports Car star; including a World Endurance Championship (WEC) title and 24 Heurs du Mans and Rolex 24 wins to His credit.

 

Currently, Yuki Tsunoda is the only Japanese driver competing in Formula 1, entering His fifth season driving for thee ‘lil bullz’, aka Racing Bulls. Which you’d have to say that Tsunoda’s inclusion in Formula 1 is backed by Red Bull’s engine, Err Power Unit (PU) supplier Honda. Even if Honda “withdrew” from full Factory F1 involvement at the end of 2021.

 

Yuki did finish a very respectable fourth overall in FIA Formula 3, and third overall in Formula 2 with Four poles and three wins before graduating to then AlphaTauri in 2021. Yet with Honda becoming Aston Martin’s Werk’s PU supplier beginning next year, the only option I “See” for Tsunoda is becoming one of Aston Martin’s reserve drivers.

 

But Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 FIA F2 champion has been the team’s reserve driver since 2023. And obviously neither Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll seem intent on departing Formula 1 anytime soon…

 

Ironically, Tsunoda turns 25 one day after Helio Castroneves 50th birthday on May 10th…

 

Ritomo Miyata who turns 26 this August, appears to be Japan’s best bet for joining the F1 Circus in the future. As Miyata will contest His sophomore season of F2 this year driving for ART Grand Prix. (#15) Having finished P19 overall last year for Rodin Motorsport.

 

Ritomo is a member of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Driver Challenge programme, along with being a multiple title winner. Having won both the Super formula and Super GT Championships in 2023. Along with the 2020 Super Formula Lights and 2016-2017 Japanese Formula 4 titles.

 

Miyata was diagnosed with Autism early in life and is an ardent “gamer”. Having won some 500 iSports races!

 

Thanks to Toyota’s technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team, Miyata tested a Haas VF-23 at Jerez recently. Where race drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman ran one day apiece, with Ritomo getting valuable “Seat-time” at the end of each day.

 

Although Miyata’s trajectory seems aimed more for eventual Hypercar duty in the WEC for Toyota, unless a seat on the Formula 1 grid opens up…

 

Although Ayumu Iwasa, who currently competes in Super Formula might have something to say about that . As the 23yr old Red Bull Junior Driver and Honda Formula Dream Project member has already tallied two seasons in formula 2. Finishing fifth and fourth overall respectively between 2022-23. And finished fifth overall last year during His rookie Super Formula campaign.

 

Ayumu helped make “Waves” at last year’s Japanese grand Prix, driving in His first Free Practice outing during FP1. Driving alongside Racing Bulls “teammate” Tsunoda. Having last tested for RB during last year’s Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Ryo Hirakawa (Age 31) is a Toyota Werks’ (TGR) FIA World Endurance Championship driver, having won two WEC titles along with the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans. And was announced this January as an Alpine F1 test and reserve driver.

 

As I’m guessing the latter has something to do with team principal Oliver Oakes and Hitech Racing’s involvement with TGR in it’s Junior Open Wheel Racing categories. As Hitech TGR competes in both the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships.

 

Interestingly, and this is purely conjecture on my part. But this arrangement gives Toyota two possible paths to future Formula 1 involvement. But that’s just pure conjecture Folks!

 

Lastly, Kakunoshin Ohta made His IMSA GTP debut at this year’s Rolex 24 as part of Meyer shank Racing’s No. 93 Acura ARX06 entry. As the 25yr old Japanese Sports Car driver will also drive the No. 93 at this year’s Watkins Glen and Indianapolis endurance rounds.

 

Kakunoshin also recently tested for era Motorsports, aboard it’s No. 18 LMP2 entry during the Pre-Sebring 12 Hours test in February. And was slated to ad further LMP2 outing to His busy 2025 schedule.

 

Then naturally, as I was putting this story to bed, word came that indeed Ohta would race for Era Motorsports at both the Sebring 12 Hours and later Road America races in the LMP2 category. With HRC US further cementing it’s “ties” with Era Motorsports in a collabourative effort to promote young Japanese drivers to Sports car racing. As Era has already restored previous Acura Sports Car prototypes for Historic Racing…

 

This is just further speculation. But with HRC US (Honda Racing Corporation) President David Salters recently noting how Honda would like to take it’s Acura GTP racecar to Le Mans, could we see Iwasa or Ohta as part of the drivers lineup? 

Presenting the 2025 Formula 1 Rookies Class

But who’ll come out on top. And who’ll perform best overall in their respective F1 careers?

 

Can the 2023 Formula 1 season really be that long ago? Or is it just due to the immeasurably long 24 Grands Prix calendar? That its hard to remember just two years ago we had four “Fresh Faced” F1 rookies on the grid.

 

Whilst I realize it’s a totally different era, but fifty years ago, there were 18 F1 rookies, including the three who failed to qualify. With a total of 63 drivers attempting to participate that season, Youza!

 

Whilst I’ll freely admit I know very little about any of this quintet ‘O aspiring Formula 1 drivers…

 

Gabriel Bortoleto

Team: Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

Nationality: Brazilian

Birthplace: Osasco, Sao Paolo

DOB: October 14, 2004; Age: 20

Car No. 5

 

Interestingly, Gabriel’s father is the CEO and co-owner of Brazil’s Stock Car Pro series. Not to mention coming from a wealthy family, with part of their fortunes coming from creating an internet company that merged with Vero in 2023.

 

The family also runs the KTF Racing team in Stock Cars and Karting, and Gabriel’s elder brother Enzo formerly raced in F4 and British F3…

 

Gabriel began Karting at age seven and made His single seater debut in 2020, in the Italian Formula 4 series. Which seems to be one of the main proving grounds for aspiring racers

 

After stints in the Formula Regional European and Formula Asia series, Bortoleto graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship, driving for Trident in 2023. He got off to a strong start with an early win, and led the championship until the season’s end. Winning the title with two victories in His maiden campaign.

 

For 2024, Gabriel moved up to FIA Formula 2, driving for Invicta Virtuosi Racing, alongside Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini.

 

Gabriel fought all season long vs. Isack Hadjar for the title, scoring His first Feature race win at Austria. And then becoming the first Formula 2 driver to win from last place at Monza.

 

Entering the season finale on Yas Isle, bortoleto led Hajar by 0.5 point! Increased to a four point lead following the Sprint race. Then finishing Vice, Err runner-up on Sunday to claim the title. Becoming only the seventh rookie to win the championship and fourth to do the “double” as a rookie. Following the likes of Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri.

 

Gabriel joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme between 2023-24 and is under the “tutelage” of A14 Management, owned by Fred Alonso. As McLaren released the Brazilian in order to be signed by Sauber for 2025, before becoming the Audi Werks’ F1 team in 2026.

 

Isack Hadjar

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team

Nationality: French

Birthplace: Paris, France

DOB: September 28, 2004; Age: 20

Car No. 6

 

Isack Hadjar was the final driver confirmed for the 2025 F1 season as Liam Lawson’s replacement at thee ‘lil bulls’, aka Racing bulls operation. The French born Algerian driver began Karting at age seven and made His single seater debut in 2019 in the French formula 4 series. Having first raced in the Ginetta Junior Sports car category.

 

The following year Hadjar finished third overall in the French F4 championship with three win, before graduating to the Formula Regional European and Formula Asian series. As Hadjar’s best weekend appropriately came during the Monaco outing, where He scored His first FR European win along with a runner-up finish.

 

Hadjar finished third overall in the 2022 FR Asian series driving for Hitech, before racing in that year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship also with Hitech. Where His season started off with a “Bang at Bahrain”, being declared the winner after Oliver Bearman received a time penalty.

 

Yet Hadjar who was in the title fight didhimself no favours when crashing on the final corner during qualifying in Monza, colliding with Kush Maini in the race and ultimately finishing fourth overall, before moving onto the FIA Formula 2 championship the following year.

 

Continuing with Hitech in Formual 2 where His teammate was Yank’ Jack Crawford, Isack had a typical, difficult rookie season. Finishing 14th  overall in the standings, two points behind Crawford.

 

For 2023, Hadjar switched to Campos Racing where He fought tooth ‘n nail for the championship title vs. Gabriel Bortoleto. Yet once again, the pressure was too great, as Hadjar stalled at the start of the season finale’s final Feature race!

 

As Hadjar had built up a 36 point lead with four wins prior to the Summer’s break before having to settle for vice Champion behind Bortoleto. Yet being a Red bull Junior driver beginning in 2023, it was only natural to promote Him to the Racing Bulls Formula 1 team. And I like His honesty, saying He’s scared of being a formula 1 driver! But expects to compete for reaching Qualie’s Q3 (Top 10) sessions and score points. And is even hopeful of scoring His first podium finish.

 

As this is the rookie F1 driver I know the least about, but have to say I like His bravado, and will be interested to “See” how He fares vs. established teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

 

As the legendous’ Der Helmut, aka Helmut Marco says Isack is fast but impulsive! Whilst Hadjar himself admits He’d like to drive for Red bull one day, but only if merited… 

The F1 rookie most prominently in the Spotlight

But how will He perform under such pressure?

 

Rightly or wrongly, this Italian teenager seems to have the biggest spotlight of our five Formula 1 rookies upon His shoulders this year. Presumably since He’s replacing legendous’ Sir Lewis at the Silver arrows…

 

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

Nationality: Italian

Birthplace: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

DOB: August 25, 2006; Age: 18

Car No. 12

 

As I’ve already scribbled above, the youngest driver on the Formula 1 grid for 2025 is also thought to be the most sensational. Nevertheless, the young Italian will also have the most pressure to perform for Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement…

 

Andrea or Kimi’s as most are now calling Him, Father Marco is a Sports Car racer in Saloons, winning the 2018 Italian GT championship and currently runs the Family’s AMK Motorsports racing team, which has competed in the Italian F4 championship since 2022.

 

Kimi, like Gabriel Bortoleto, both claim the late Ayrton Senna as their Idol! With Antonelli having drawn inspiration from Senna’s use of the number 12 in formula 1, along with using the number during His stitnt driving for Prema in Junior formulaes.

 

Interestingly, both Antonelli and fellow F1 rookie Jack Doohan requested the No. 12 as their car number, but since Kimi asked first, He got the number ahead of Doohan…

 

Reputedly a family friend gave Antonelli’s father Marco the name Kimi in deference to that Ice Cream eating Kimi Raikkonen. Since Marco was set upon giving His son a boring middle name.

 

Thus, with All of the hyperbole out of the way, let’stake a brief gander at Kimi’s racing “CV”. (career) As Kimi also began competitive Karting at age seven, and was a prodigious Karting talent. Winning too numerous championships to chronicle, along with suffering a broken leg during a wet weather accident.

 

Antonelli was spotted by Giovanni Minardi early on , and quickly signed to Minardi Management. Before winning multiple karting titles driving for Rosberg Racing Academy. Hmm, why does it sound like He was already headed for the pinicle of motorsports so early on, Eh?

 

For 2021, Kimi made His single seater debut in Italian Formula 4 following His 15th birthday, contesting a partial season and finishing a respectable P10 overall.

 

Remaining with Prema Powerteam, Antonelli claimed both the 2022 Italian and ADAC Formula 4 championships along with a Gold Medal in the FIA Motorsports Games. As Kimi dominated the Italian F4 series with a record 13 wins, including six consecutive victories! Then followed that up by claiming the ADAC F4 title. Having amassed 26 wins, 24 poles and 37 podiums in 67 Formula 4 starts, the second most successful in F4 History!

 

The following year, He graduated to the Formula Regional European Championship, where once again He secured another title driving for Prema, along with that year’s inaugural FR Middle East Championship driving for Mumbai Falcons.

 

Thus, Kimi’s “Star” shone brightly! Having secured two titles in Formula 3, the Italian prodigy skipped the FIA formula 3 Championship, Preceding directly to FIA Formula 2 the following year, again with Prema. Where His teammate would be Ferrari Driver Academy member Oliver Bearman.

 

Reportedly Prema initially struggled with the Formula 2 Ground Effects chassis, seeing both drivers get off to a slow start. Kimi scored His maiden F2 win in the wet Silverstone Sprint race, and then clamed a Feature race win at Budapest.

 

Antonelli withdrew from the season finale Abu Dhabi F2 weekend due to illness and finished sixth overall in the championship on the back of His two wins. And then took part in the afternoon session of the post Abu Dhabi F1 Young Drivers test, where naturally He was the fastest rookie.

 

Antonelli was signed as a Mercedes Junior Driver in 2018 at age 12! Making me think of another youngster name Lewis Hamilton’s signing by thee Ronster’, aka Ron Dennis of McLaren fame Wayback’ when…

 

Antonelli got His first taste of Formula 1 machinery in April, 2019 when He drove a Mercedes W12 at the Red bull ring in Spielberg, followed by further private tests at Imola and Spa-francorchamps.

 

The “Kimi” rule, re-allowing 17 year olds to hold FIA Super licence’s, enabled Antonelli to make His Free Practice debut at Monza that fall. Antonelli set the fastest lap time before spinning at Curva Alboreto just ten minutes into the FP1 session, colliding with the tyre barriers in a 52G incident! And then participated in another F1 practice session at Mexico City. Once again incurring damage to His Mercedes chassis upon running over debris and damaging the W15’s floor…

 

Antonelli has been undergoing an extensive testing programme over the winter in preparations for His Formula 1 debut alongside team leader George Russell. And passed His public driving test just six weeks prior to the season opener at Melbourne. As Italians must be at least 18 years old before being eligible for a Drivers licence… 

Presenting the 2025 Formula 1 Senior Member Rookies

Although a total of four Grands Prix Ain’t exactly a large sample size…

 

It has been a very long times since I can recall such an abundance ‘O Formula 1 rookies joining the grid. Which according to my informal archives, last occurred nine seasons ago in 2017. As Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll remain upon the F1 Grid. Whilst the 2019 and 2023 seasons saw four F1 rookies apiece. With 2019 featuring the top three F2 finishers: Lando Norris, George Russell and Alexander Albon. Whilst 2023 F1 rookies Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri remain on the grid…

 

Oliver Berman

Team: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team

Nationality: United Kingdom

Birthplace: Havering, London

DOB: May 8, 2005; Age: 19

Car No. 87

 

Believe that “Ollie”, aka Oliver Bearman is still a rookie, albeit having made three starts last season, substituting for Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari and Kevin Magnussen at Haas. As His three Grands Prix starts excluded Him from participating in the Post Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Ollie’ began racing Go Karts at age seven, capping a very successful Karting career in 2020, before graduating to Single Seaters.

 

Bearman made His racecar debut in the 2020 ADAC (German) Formula 4 series and scored His maiden win at the Hockenheimring. Later that year He made His debut in the Italian F4 series and also claimed victory at Vallelunga.

 

Twenty Twenty-One was a magical year for Bearman, as the Bloody brit’ dominated the Italian F4 Championship, sweeping the title with eleven wins! And then claimed the German F4 Championship title with a further six victories.

 

The following year, Oliver graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship, driving for Prema Racing alongside Jack Crawford and Arthur Leclerc. Bearman wound-up third overall and claimed one W’, the Sprint race at thee Mighty Spa, aka Spa-Francorchamps. He also became a Ferrari Academy driver that year.

 

For 2023, Ollie made the step up to FIA Formula 2, continuing with Prema, alongside Mercedes Junior Driver Frederik Vesti. Bearman would claim sixth in the championship with four wins, including an impressive “double” at Baku. Becoming just the fourth F3 rookie to win both Sprint and feature races on the same weekend.

 

Continuing with Prema, now partnered by Mercedes Junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Bearman had a disappointing season, finishing 12th overall with three Sprint race wins to His credit.

 

Bearman missed the Jeddah and Baku rounds due to deputizing as reserve driver in F1. First in a last minute call-up for Carlos Sainz Jr. having an emergency appendectomy, where He finished a sensational seventh for Ferrari!

 

Next Bearman scored points again as Kevin Magnussen’s substitute at Azerbaijan, where the Dane’ was serving a one race ban. Finishing P10 for Haas. Then slithered home P12 at Sao Paolo after being given a 10 second penalty for colliding with Williams Franco Colapinto.

 

Jack Doohan

Team: BWT Alpine F1 Team

Nationality: Australian

Birthplace: Gold Coast, Queensland

DOB: January 20, 2003; Age: 22

Car NO. 7

 

Yes, Jack Doohan is the son of five times GP500 Grand Prix Motorcycle World Champion Mick Doohan. Interestingly, Jack began Go Karting at age nine with a go Kart given to Him by none other than  Michael Schumacher!

 

After a successful Karting career, Jack made His single seater debut at age 15 in 2018, when competing in the F4 British championship. Racing for Arden alongside Red Bull Junior Driver Dennis Hauger, Doohan finished fith overall with three wins.

 

Next Doohan raced in the F3 Asian series, finishing Vice Champion, Er runner-up twice consecutively. Along with racing for Double R Racing in the Euro Formula Open series.

 

Doohan then graduated to the FIA formula 3 Championship for 2020, where He had less than stellar results driving for HWA Racelab. The following year He moved to Trident, where one of His teammates was David Schumacher, son of Ralf.

 

Jack made history at the Spa-Francorchamps round by becoming the first driver to win two races in a weekend. Yet ultimately lost the F3 title to Dennis Hauger; who will contest His rookie Indy NXT campaign for Andretti global this year

After contesting the final two rounds of that year’s Formula 2 season, Doohan raced His first full FIA F2 season for Virtuosi Racing alongside Marino Sato in 2022. Doohan scored three poles and three wins enroute to sixth overall in the championship.

 

For 2023, Jack remained with virtuosi and finished third overall on the strength of two poles and three victories, before leaving F2 at season’s end.

 

Having been a Red bull Junior Driver between 2017 and 2021, Doohan switched to the Alpine Academy for 2022, and got His first taste of Formula 1 machinery in Qatar that year. Making His Free Practice (FP) debut at Mexico City, and then again at Abu Dhabi. Also participating in that year’s post Abu dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Continuing His testing duties for Alpine the following year, Jack was named as the team’s reserve driver for the 2024 F1 season, before making His Formula 1 debut at the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the ousted Esteban Ocon.

 

Not sure why I felt compelled to track Doohan’s F1 debut outing, other than I suppose I was curious how He’d acquit Himself? Thus recording the following weekend’s positions, beginning with Friday’s (Free Practice) FP1 outing: P19-19-14-20-15.

 

Thus finishing 15th in His first Grand Prix, where He dorve the team’s No. 61 entry, Arse-sumedly it’s reserve car number.

 

As now the pressure surely rachets up, with the season commencing Down Under on Home soil in Bloody Melbourne, March 16^th, Righto? Where the Aussie’s will be delirious over having two of their Mates’ on the Formula 1 grid… 

Making it to Indy NXT is a Hard Slog’

As sing it Bon Scott. It’s a long way to the Top if you wanna Rock ‘n roll!

 

Thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’, I learned about aspiring IndyCar driver Jace Denmark earlier this year, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona. Having previously scribbled about Him on No Fenders in the following tome.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/05/an-aspiring-racer-named-jace.html

 

Thus, I’ve been loosely following Jace’s USF Pro 2000 season exploits. After learning how tantalizingly close He came to winning the 2022 U.S. F2000 National Championship vs. Pabst Racing teammate Myles Rowe, who finished runner-up by a scant six points While Michael d’Orlando driving for Cape Motorsports “Zoom Zoomed” past the two Sparring teammates enroute to the title.

 

Myles Rowe won the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship, scoring five wins and four Poles enroute to the title in His rookie season. Seeing Rowe graduate to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports and His backers Force Indy.

 

Fellow rookie Michael d’Orlando finished fourth overall, with six total podiums, including four wins whilst amassing seven Poles! Also made the leap to Indy NXT for 2024, albeit with less than expected results. As d’Orlando was plagued with funding issues and only ran a partial season for Andretti Cape Indy NXT.

 

Jace Denmark  who finished third overall in the year’s prior U.S. F2000 National championship, 18 points behind Rowe. Finished seventh in His maiden USF Pro 2000 Championship season. With three podiums; a pair of thirds and a second place finish.

 

For 2024, Denmark was second for much of the season before slipping to third overall, ten points behind eventual runner-up Nikita Johnson. As Denmark scored a frustrating five second place finishes, plus a trio of third place finishes, for a total of eight podiums.

 

Meanwhile, another aspiring IndyCar driver from South of The Border named Ricardo Escotto finished 13th overall in the 2023 USF Pro 2000 championship with one top ten finish, a win at Indianapolis Moto speedway’s road course’s first round. Then followed up His sophomore USF Pro 2000 season finishing ninth overall, with just two third place finishes to His credit.

 

As Y’all may be wondering why I drug Escotto’s name into the mix? Well, that’s because Andretti Cape Indy NXT has announced the Mexican driver as the Piloto’ of its No. 3 entry for 2025. Presumably with one more seat to fill for next year…

 

The annual Chris Griffis Memorial test held on October 18th saw a total of 22 drivers participating in the Indy NXT test session. With Indy NXT being the final rung on the ladder before IndyCar’s.

 

Of the 22 drivers participating, Myles Rowe, whose joined Abel Motorsports for His sophomore Indy NXT campaign was quickest. As Rowe finished P11 in His rookie Indy NXT campaign for HMD Motorsports with Force Indy.

 

Second quickest was rookie Dennis Hauger. As the Norwegian, who won the 2021 Formula 3 championship, along with winning five races in Formula 2 will drive for Andretti Global next year.

 

As could Hauger become the heir apparent to The Viking’, aka Anders Krohn?

 

Aussie’ Lochie Hughes, this year’s USF Pro 2000 champion, also driving for Andretti Global was third quickest. Moving up to Indy NXT next year courtesy of His USF Pro 2000 title prize fund.

 

Fourth fastest was Callum Hedge, testing with Abel Motorsports. As the Kiwi who just celebrated His 21st birthday raced for HMD Motorsports this year, finishing fourth overall in His rookie Indy NXT season. And previously won the overlooked (Formula Regional)  FR Americas title in 2023.

 

Rounding out the top five was rookie Kiwi’ Liam Sceats behind the keyboard of one of HMD Motorsports six car armada, or is it nine? As ironically Sceats finished fifth overall in this year’s USF Pro 2000 Championship. Winning His maiden race at the second of the Indianapolis Motor speedway’s road course triple header in May.

 

Meanwhile, Jace Denmark tested for Andretti Cape Indy NXT once again. Having tested with them last October. With Jace finishing P14 overall. Being only the second time He’s tested an Indy NXT racecar. And possibly takes solace from outqualifying Christian Brooks. (P16)

 

As Brooks was Denmark’s Pabst teammate this season, along with also driving for HMD Motorsports in Indy NXT. Taking over the vacated seat of IndyCar bound Nolan siegel.

 

Escotto finished a respectable ninth overall. Yet the Mexican driver contested five races for Juncos Hollinger Racing this season. Making His Indy NXT debut on the “Mean” Streets of Detroit, and now is set for His first full season Indy NXT campaign.

 

As the burning $64k question is can Jace Denmark land one of the coveted, remaining Indy NXT seat next year? As Denmark recently left Pabst Racing after a successful four seasons stint with Auggie Pabst’s championship winning team… 

Ganassi Stacks the Indy 500 Rookies Deck

But which of these three will come out on top?

 

Not only does thee Cheepster’, nee Chip Ganassi have the most entries at Mother Speedway with five. But also has the most IndyCar rookies on His squad.…

 

Marcus Armstrong

#11 Chip Ganassi Racing

Engine: Honda

Country: New Zealand

DOB: 7/29/00, Age: 23

IndyCar Starts: 16

2023 IndyCar Rookie Of the Year

 

After winning Karting titles in His native New Zealand, Marcus made the jump up to single seaters in 2014. Armstrong steadily advanced and in 2017, driving for the Prema Powerteam had His breakout year. Winning the Italian Formula 4 Championship and finishing runner-up in the ADAC F4 Championship to Juri Vips. Armstrong also became a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy that year.

 

Next Armstrong graduated to the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, where His teammates were Robert Shwartzman and future Formula 1 driver Guanyu Zhou, finishing fifth overall. Before finishing runner-up in the 2019 FIA F3 Championship.

 

Marcus contested three seasons of FIA Formula 2, scoring a total of four wins before moving to Indy Cars. Where He contested the Twisties’ Only portion of the 2023 IndyCar calendar driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, with Takuma Sato driving All of the Ovals.

 

Marcus scored five Top-10 finishes with a best result of seventh at Toronto enroute to winning Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honors, before being inked to a Full season campaign this year for Ganassi. Having just scored His first IndyCar Top-5 finish in the Indy GP. Nipping at team leader Scott Dixon’s heals at race’s end. Armstrong now prepares to race in His first ever Oval event, and rolls off 16th, the second highest Ganassi starter…

 

Linus Lundqvist

#8 Chip Ganassi Racing

Engine: Honda

Country: Sweden

DOB: 3/26/99, Age: 25

IndyCar Starts: 7

2022 Indy NXT Champion

 

After considerable success Karting, Linus Lundqvist made His single seater debut in 2015, before gravitating to Europe where He spent a few seasons driving for Double R Racing. A race team owned by some Cool Cat known as The Iceman’, aka Kimi Raikkonen and Steve Robertson, Kimi’s manager. As Robertson is one of only three Indy Lights Champions to have never raced in IndyCar…

 

Linus won the 2018 British BRDC F3 title before moving Across thoust Bloody Puddle’ to contest the 2020 (Formula Regional) FR Americas Championship, which He totally dominated. Winning the title, scoring victory in 16 of 18 races!

 

After a positive rookie Indy Lights campaign, claiming three wins. Linus claimed the title the following year driving for HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing. Yet despite His title, Lundqvist sat sidelined due to Penske Entertainment slashing His championship Advancement Prize…

 

Lundqvist’s IndyCar break came late in 2023. Contrary to popular belief, Linus made His IndyCar debut on Nashville’s City streets as Simon Pagenaud’s substitute at Meyer Shank Racing, (MSR) where He qualified 11th. Ultimately running three races for MSR, i.e.; Nashville, Indy GP and Gateway. Before eventual 2024 MSR replacement Tom Blomqvist ran the season’s final two events…

 

Yet Linus suitably impressed during His three races and was signed to a multi-year contract with Chip Ganassi Racing for 2024. Where the Swede’ scored His first IndyCar podium in His sixth race at Barber Motorsports Park. Starting P19 and finishing third, vaulting Him up to eighth in the points standings.

 

Yet the next time out at Mother Speedway’s permanent road course during the Indy GP. Lundqvist ran out of fuel entering the Pits, taking forever to restart His engine! And painfully finished P24 after flirting with another Top-10 finish! And dropped to 13th in the points standings…

 

Then Linus made the “smallest” of mistakes during Thursday’s practice at IMS, clipping the Turn-2 curb which sent the No. 8 into a spin. First impacting the rear end and then snapping round, hitting the car’s right side in a long slide before coming to a halt! As you never want to be the first driver to crash during the Month of May. But obviously, Lundqvist will bounce back since He’s drives for one of the preeminent IndyCar teams. Dually qualifying P27 for His debutante Indy 500.

 

Kyffin Simpson

#4 Chip Ganassi Racing

Engine: Honda

Country: Cayman Islands/USA

DOB: 10/9/04, Age: 19

IndyCar Starts: 4

 

While I’ve got very little to say about Kyffin Simpson, whose Indy Lights/NXT results really don’t say much. Nonetheless, you’d have to admit that Kyffin’s rise thru the ranks to becoming an IndyCar driver was quite rapid.

 

Simpson only made His single seater debut four years ago, when contesting the U.S. Formula 4 Championship for Velocity Racing Development. Along with contesting His maiden FR Americas season driving for HMD Motorsports.

 

For 2021, Kyffin won the FR Americas title driving for TJ Speed Motorsports whilst notching seven wins. Before contesting that year’s Indy Pro 2000 Championship for Juncos Hollinger Racing, finishing eighth overall.

 

For 2022, Simpson graduated to Indy Lights with TJ Speed Motorsports, before jumping to HMD Motorsports for the latter half of the season. As Kyffin would spend two seasons in the IndyCar training ground with a best finish of ninth overall in 2022. The same year He was inked to a multi-ear IndyCar development role with Chip Ganassi Racing.

 

Simpson has also spent considerable time racing in Sports Cars, most notably winning the 2023 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) LMP2 Class for Algarve Pro Racing in 2023. Along with contesting the Rolex 24 and other major Sports Car races…

 

Kyffin made His IndyCar debut this year at Saint Petersburg, where He finished a very respectable 12th. Followed by P19 at Long Beach and 14th at Alabama. And then P15 in the Indy GP, netting Kyffin 18th overall in the points standings.

 

And who would have predicted that Kyffin would qualify three places ahead of Scott Dixon in His maiden Indianapolis 500? As Simpson will roll off 18th… 

LE MANS: Triple Crown Winners, Part 4

As Hang On to your Hollyhocks Folks! We’re two thirds of the way done…

 

Positions 6-7 on the “Depth Chart” of the informal Triple crown of Sports Car endurance racing includes our second and final Bloody Brit’. Along with the lone Italian to have accomplished this feat.

 

Andy Wallace

Birthplace: Oxford, England

DOB: February 19, 1961, Age: 62

Wins: Le Mans 1988; Daytona, (3) 1990, 1997, 1999 and Sebring 1992-93

 

When I began to scribble ‘bout Messer Wallace, our sixth driver to win the Triple Crown. I immediately remembered having posted something here upon No Fenders about enjoying Racer’s Richard S. James article upon Hall of Famer Andy Wallace Taming the Bumps at Sebring.

 

As Bad Arse’ Sports Car Ace Andy Wallace was inducted into last year’s Sebring Hall of Fame. With the stellar class of inductees including ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson, the original Mr. Le Mans, nee Jacky Ickx, ‘Ol Hobbo’, nee HobbsCapp’, ergo David Hobbs and Oh Yeah, that Walter Cronkite! For which I never knew that Cronkite actually contested the 12 Hours of Sebring in a bloody Lancia!

 

And for those of Y’all who still Don’t think Racing Drivers are Athletes! I especially loved the part about Wallace not telling His Boss, the late Dan Gurney about his two broken Ribs for fear of being replaced prior to winning that year’s Sebring 12 Hours race aboard the All conquering All American Racers (AAR) Toyota Eagle MkIII!

 

As here’s James article that triggered thoust memory about Wallace…

 

https://racer.com/2022/03/25/sebring-hall-of-famer-wallace-reflects-on-a-career-spent-taming-the-bumps/

 

Very little seems to be known about Wallace’srise thru the ranks of motor racing. Other than He began His racing career by taking part in the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School in 1976. Meaning I’ve got zero clue if Andy raced single seaters or not afterwards? Or if He progressed thru the ranks of Saloons before reaching top flight prototypes?

 

Amazingly Wallace won the prestigious 24 Heurs du Mans on His debut at Circuit de la Sarthe driving for Tom Walkinshaw Racing’s eponymous Silk cut Jaguar’s. Behind the keyboard of an XJR-9.

 

What I like about Wallace’s winning of these most iconic endurance races is that He did so driving threetotally different racecars. From the closed top mighty Jag’s with it’s V-12 normally aspirated lump’. To the high revving 2.1-litre “four-banger” turbocharged Toyota eagle. And then later winning aboard Dyson Racing’s riley & Scott Mk III normally aspirated Ford V8 open top “Spyder”prototype.  

 

As it was certainly Foggy Bottoms for Mwah, as the more I Hunt ‘N Pecked at my keyboard, the more I slowly recalled about Messer Wallace from ye Wayback’ machine.

 

Like remembering that Andy had gotten married to Catherine Crawford, daughter of then Andy’s Boss Max Crawford of Crawford Composites while driving for Howard-Boss Motorsports. Where one of His regular season teammates was thee Wanderin’ Milka, aka Milka Duno.

And then I also remembered that Wallace had driven with “Smoke”, aka tony Stewart at the Rolex 24, the year being 2004 Me Thinks? When I think Stewart must have Hit the Wall when leading? Since I vaguely recall Stewart trying to limp to the finish on Sunday morning when a two by four had been inserted to try fixing the damaged suspension…

 

Yes, it was the ’04 Rolex 24 where the Crawford’s DP’s rear tyre inexplicably came off with some 17 minutes remaining in the race. Where Stewart spun but apparently didn’t Hit anything!

 

Hence the reason for the temporary fix for the car that had reportedly been leading the past 17 Hours. For which the stricken car failed to finish. (DNF) But apparently Wallace, Stewart and some other driver named ‘lil E’, aka Dale Earnhardt Jr’s lead was so big that they still finished fifth overall in their Crawford DP03 Chevrolet V-8 Daytona Prototype.

 

As I love the typical sardonic, British understatement in Wallace’s Bio’. Simply noting that He’s won over 25 major international Endurance races during His career…

 

Meanwhile, Wallace was the man behind the wheel of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport  as Bugatti’s Test Driver who officially cracked the 300mph mark, with an astounding record of 304.77mph in 2019

 

As that’s His second official Speed record, since Andy also set the record prior in March, 1998. Driving a McLaren five year old F1 prototype at VW’s Ehra-Lexxien test track in Germany to a speed of 240.1mph! With said recordstanding for eleven years, but still retains the record for fastest normally aspirated production road car.

 

Mauro Baldi

Birthplace: Reggio Emilia, Italy

DOB: January 31, 1954, Age: 69

Wins: Le Mans, 1994; Daytona, (2) 1998, 2002 and Sebring 1998

 

Funny how much you forget over the years. Like my having forgotten that Mauro Baldi is a former Formula 1 driver, the third on this list of Triple Crown winners.

 

Mauro began as a Rally driver in 1972 before switching to pavement racing in ’75. By 1980 He was a top notch Formula 3 driver, winning the 1981 F3 Monaco Grand Prix and European F3 Championship.

 

For ’82 Mauro drove for Jacky Oliver’s Arrows Grand Prix team, before stints with Alfa Romeo and Spirit between 1982-85, making 36 starts.

 

Baldi then switched to Sports Cars, first winning at Le Mans in ’94 with Yannick Dalmas and Hurley Haywood in that modified Dauer 962 Le Mans “Street Car”.

 

Ah, it’s Ah-comin’ back to me now, with Baldi’s name being synonomous with Giampiero Moretti’s Momo Corse racing team. Specifically behind the wheel of one of my favourite Ferrari’s, the evocative 333 SP.

 

Baldi swept the ’98 Florida endurance races for Doran Moretti Racing with the likes of Gentleman racer Moretti, Arie Luyendyk and Didier Theys. And then won again at Daytona four years later aboard Kevin Doran’s Dallara Judd V-10.

 

As Doran was the late Al Holbert’s Chief Mechanic before going onto form His own successful race team.