F1: Cadillac upgrades Team Boss

No “Schools Out Forever” jokes here, its only Summer break for Formula 1…

 

Late Wednesday night, I heard the announcement of Cadillac F1 appointing Marcin Budkowski as its new team principal. Surprisingly in the Detroit News Auto section.

 

I’ll admit that I’d never heard of this Budkowski Chap, who’s 49 years old. Having a long track record in formula 1. Reportedly including senior roles with Prost, Ferrari, McLaren, the FIA and most recently Renault/Alpine. Serving as an executive director. (2017-2022)

 

The press release is full of the typical boiler plate accolades, with Dan towriss, head of TWG Motorsports and Cadillac formula 1 Team CEO thanking former team principal Graeme Lowdon.

 

“We’re grateful to Graeme Lowdon for his leadership and the role he played in forming the Cadillac Formula 1 Team from the ground up. His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well.”

 

As Budkowski’s appointment is part of their “planned” management “upgrade”, with Budkowski tapped to guide the team forward to more consistent reliability, score crucial F1 Constructors points and progress towards competing for “glory”. The latter being my own words…

 

Lowdon, now 61 years old, was previously CEO of the long forgotten Virgin and Marussia F1 teams. And I have no idea if this was planned all along, or simply Towriss showing another valued team member, a la Michael Andretti the door? You make the call.

“TWG Motorsports chief executive Dan Towriss confirmed that Lowdon's departure was not agreed mutually and that Lowdon learned of the decision on the morning Cadillac announced it.”

 

Cadillac replaces Team Principal         

ROLEX 24: GTP preview, Can Porsche “Three-peat” this January?

As we’ll All find out in another 24 hours…

 

All of the IMSA GTP prototypes have been upgraded this year, most extensively the BMW, in hopes of dethroning Porsche. Which I’ll leave to Racer to do the “Heavy” lifting…

 

Manufacturers prepare revised GTP cars for IMSA Daytona test

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guideline standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

BMW

BMW M Hybrid V-8

Engine: 4.0-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: BMW M Team WRT

#24 Sheldon van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor, Robin Frijns and Rene Rast

#25 Philipp Eng, Marco Whittmann, Kevin Magnussen and Raffale Marciello

 

While the BMW team lineups remain unchanged, albeit with the drivers having been rotated between the two entries. The big news is that after 16 years, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) was dropped as BMW’s service provider. With the Bavarian marque switching to WRT, who were running just the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) programme last year.

 

The Belgian W Racing Team, better known as WRT was founded in 2009 by former VW Motorsports Boss Rene Verbist, Vincent Vosse and Yves Veerts.

 

The team has won multiple championships and races, and is one of Europe’s premiere GT race teams. Competing also in the GT World Challenge Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge, series. Having won the title last year with Kelvin van der Linde and some Cat known as thee Doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi! While Rossi also competes for WRT in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

 

As could we see Rossi contesting the Rolex 24 one day in the future?

 

PORSCHE

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: Porsche Penske Motorsport

#6 Kevin Estr, Laurens Vanthoor and Mat Campbell

#7 Felipe Nasr, Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich

 

The big news for Porsche Penske Motorsports was the surprising decision to drop reigning IMSA Prototypes champion Mathieu Jaminet completely. While Matt Campbell gets shuffled to a supporting cast role, as the No. 6’s Michelin endurance cup rounds only. Meaning neither driver gets the chance to defend their championship.

 

And the Blood letting runs deeper, with Nick Tandy, winner of last’s year’s Rolex 24 being dropped from the team! Effectively being swapped with new “Endurance Specialist” Laurin Heinrich, who graduates from His 2024 GTD Pro Championship winning campaign with AO Racing, with Tandy taking over Heinrich’s seat in AO Racing’s “Rexi” Porsche 911.

 

All of this follows the “winding Up” of Porsche’s World Endurance Championship programme.

 

  Kevin Estr and Laurens Vanthoor continue together in the No. 6 entry, as the pair won the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar title in 2024. While Mathieu Jaminet, who along with Campbell won the IMSA GTP Prototypes title last year in the same car, has joined the Genesis FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar team this season.

 

Julien Andlauer steps up to a full season drive alongside Felipe Nasr, the only holdover from last year’s full season IMSA Porsche drivers. As Andlauer is another of the Porsche WEC Werks’ drivers moving to IMSA this year.

 

Interestingly, both ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden participated in the Daytona IMSA test last November behind the wheel of the team’s two Porsche 963’s, but won’t contest this year’s Rolex 24…

 

Although subsequently, I learned via DXDT Racing’s website that McLaughlin had joined their Michelin Endurance Cup effort, and will drive the team’s No. 36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

 

Meanwhile, the Porsche Penske Motorsports No. 7 and Nasr are the defending Rolex 24 winners, seeking a third consecutive w’ this weekend.

 

Team: JDC-Miller Motorsports

#85 Tijmen van der Helm, Bryce Aron and Nico Pino

 

Tijmen van der Helm and Bryce Aron return from last year’s campaign. Whilst Nico Pino who previously drove for Proton Competition moves over to JDC-Miller Motorsports this year. Whom I’m guessing will be the team’s “Endurance Specialist”.

 

As JDC-Miller Motorsports continues racing the only privateer Porsche 963 entry, albeit Proton Competition wishes to return to IMSA GTP competition in the near future… 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2025 Streamliner edition

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2024 Streamliner edition

 

CATEGORIES

1. Racer of Year

Winner: Alex Palou

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

 

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

 

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

 

Other Choices

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

 

2. Story of Year

Winner: Team Penske Attenuator-gate’

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

 

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

 

Vice Champion: NASCAR Anti-Trust lawsuit

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

 

Other Choices

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

 

3. Race of Year

Winner: Petit Le Mans

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

 

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

 

Other Choices

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

 

4. Sportsperson of Year

Winner: Jamie Chadwick

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

 

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

 

Other Choices

Brittany Force, Erica Enders, Dorion Pim, Katherine Legge

 

5. Hard Charger of year

Winner: Shane Van Gisbergen

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Other Choices

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

So much for a Quiet IndyCar Offseason!

Tell me why I Don’t like Monday’s again?

 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. No Fenders isn’t a Breaking News Blogsite Y’all! As where’s ‘Ol Foghorn Leghorn, I Say, I Say?

 

As we know, the 2025 IndyCar Silly Season had incredulously ramped-up during the final stretch of this year’s season, with DJ WillyP’s future being the major domino…

 

On Monday, September 2nd, it was confirmed that Will Power had departed Team Penske after 17 seasons. Netting multiple accolades driving for El Capitano’, including the bulk of His 45 wins and career leading 71 pole positions. Along with two IndyCar Championships and the 2018 Borg Warner trophy.

 

What I still cannot comprehend is Power replacing Colton Herta at Andretti Global, which was announced the following day. As I don’t “See” how Colton slots into a Cadillac F1 seat for 2027,after a year in Formula 2? Especially since both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are on multi-year deals.

 

Although I didn’t “See” Herta being announced as Cadillac’s Test driver for next year. While it would make sense if He does race Formula 2 next season, since they compete on the majority of Formula 1 race circuits…

 

Naturally, David Malukas will replace Power in the No. 12. While scuttlebutt suggests that its just a formality before Rinus VeeKay takes Malukas’s seat at A.J. Foyt Enterprises. Since it was confirmed the Dutchman had left Dale Coyne Racing the same day.

 

Hmm? I’m guessing that VeeKay’s “insurance” for if Malukas fails to perform at Penske? Arse-suming both on standard “Multi-year”, ergo two year contracts. Naturally with many clauses included…

 

This leaves Coyne with most likely two empty seats, with its No. 18 entry’s “short-list” including Romain Grosjean and Linus Lundqvist. For which it sounds like the seat’s tipped in Grosjean’s favour…

 

While rumours suggest that Andretti Global will pay for reigning Indy NXT Champion Dennis Haugger to “Play” aboard DCR’s No. 51 for a year. Before Arse-sumedly sliding into Marcus Ericsson’s #28seat for 2027.

 

Thus, if All of that conjecture happens, which most seems certain now. That leads us with just two, three, or possibly four seats remaining for next year.

 

As I’m guessing both Juncos Hollinger Racing seats are available. And ditto for the No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing seat, for the right price. Along with the No. 83 Prema Racing seat, provided Prema remains on the grid next year?

 

As the $64k question now, is which driver from what series can bring the necessary budget to land one of the few, remaining IndyCar seats for 2026. Since even Dale Coyne has said He’ll have His two car line-up announced by Halloween. Be still my beating Heart!

 

And there Yuhs have it. Or at least what I’d gleamed from last weeks announcements, with more to come… 

F1: Where will Horner go Now?

And can Red Bull turn around its Sinking Ship?

 

Have to say it came as a surprise to Mwah, reading the news over Christian Horner, the Pied Piper of Red Bull Racing being released of His duties as CEO effective immediately on Wednesday morning, July 9th.

 

Horner, alleged of “Bullying” and sexually harassing a female Red Bull employee, His personal assistant at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season, in which the Daily Mail is calling a sext texting scandal, claims that Horner has gotten His “Cumuffins”, which I find overly rich…

 

As Horner was cleared twice from this sexual harassment allegation by two separate Barristers, and had seemed to weather the storm, especially after Max Verstappen won His fourth, consecutive World Championship last year.

 

While I do not condone any form of sexual harassment, I find the Hypocrisy of one of His fiercest critic, once fondly known as Jos the Boss Verstappen dubious at best! Since Verstappen Senior seemed to be spearheading the charge for Horner’s dismissal over a year ago.

 

As why is no one writing about Jos’s former multiple Domestic Assaults? Having surrendered to Dutch police in January 2012, spending two weeks in Jail for Attempted Murder! Having supposedly tried to run down His former girlfriend, before being released due to lack of evidence.

 

This followed His ex-girlfriend being taken to hospital in November, 2011, after physical beating by Jos. For which the former 24 year old girlfriend, when Jos was 39 said had happened before.

 

Not to mention being fined and given three months suspended jail sentence in 2008 for domestic violence against his ex-wife, Max’s Mum. Or being convicted of Assault for breaking a man’s skull at a Karting track some ten-plus years prior…

 

Although I’m in no way defending the Dutchman’s unscrupulous antics. I’m now wondering if the Headline about the team imploding if Horner remained in power after the sex-texting scandal by Jos, stemmed from His personal experience?

 

Like Him or not, Horner led Red Bull to eight F1 Drivers and six Constructors Championships over His twenty-plus tenue as leader of Red Bull. Not to mention 124 Grands Prix victories in 405 starts, the fourth most ever by a Formula 1 team.

 

Therefore, at age 51, I cannot see Horner being finished in F1, and three current F1 teams jump out immediately to Mwah as possible landing destinations. Even though it sounds like Horner is on mandatory “gardening Leave” for the moment.

 

Horner has been rumoured to be on Ferrari’s radar previously, which He’s turned la Scuderia down previously to stay at Red Bull. Seeing currently embattled Team Principal Frederic Vausser landing the job.

 

But if F1 Pundit Ralf Schumacher is correct over Horner not appreciating criticism, then Ferrari seems like a bad fit. Since the Italian press is constantly castigating Scuderia Ferrari over its poor performance, and continuously demanding the dismissal of whomever is in charge! Not to mention uprooting wife Geri Halliwell and family to Italy.

 

No, for Mwah the two most likely future destinations would seem to be either Alpine or Cadillac.

 

The move to Cadillac would be brilliant, giving them instant creditability. Not to mention somebody in charge with a winning pedigree. Although not sure how this would work out for current boss Graeme Lowdon?

 

Although again, the TWG Group seems intent on running the F1 operation out of its Fishers complex in the future, implying that Horner would need to move to another country. Unless perhaps Lowdon became Deputy Team Principal and oversaw the Stateside operation?

 

While I’d say the most logical choice would be Alpine, provided it gave Horner a long enough leash to turn the franchise around. Since they’ve got a nasty habit of dumping leadership routinely!

 

Although reportedly, Horner is good friends with HMS Monogram’, aka flavour Flav’, nee Flavio Briatore, who may be quick to snap up the services of His friend?

 

Whilst what about Steve Nielsen? Just confirmed as the team’s new Managing Director, effective September 1st. As Nielsen will be responsible for day-to-day operations.

 

But being a truly British team based at Enstone, and supposedly with updated premises, this would be the most convenient for Horner. As who knows where it could lead?

 

While you’d have to think that Aston Martin’s a longshot, since I think there’s already too many Cooks in the kitchen! And how would Adrian Newey feel about re-uniting with Horner?

 

As only time will tell where Messer Horner lands, provided He does return to Formula 1 in the future, which feels inevitable to Mwah…

 

Meanwhile, Laurent Mekies, previous Boss of Racing Bulls takes over as CEO of Red Bull Racing. As the Frenchman began His Formula 1 career with Arrows, and engineered several F1 drivers at Minardi and Scuderia toro Rosso. He spent a brief stint as the FIA’s Safety Director and Deputy Race Director. Then moved to Ferrari as its Sporting Director before becoming Racing Bulls Team Principal.

 

Alan “Bat” Permane becomes Racing Bulls new Team Principal. Which will be interesting to see how the ‘lil bulls progress?

 

As Racing Bulls were currently tied for seventh place with Aston Martin on 36 Markers apiece, in the vaunted Constructors Championship before Mekies moved to Red Bull. With Sauber vaulting five points ahead to sixth, thanks to Nico Hulkenberg’s excellent third place finish at Silverstone. 

ROLEX 24: GTP preview, The Mighty and the Meek

Although I’ll leave it up to Y’all to decide which is which…

 

This has become another of my countless long form No Fenders two part harmony posts. Since I figured that nobody would still be reading after four pages. Or was if five, El Correctomundo?

 

Lamborghini

Lamborghini SC63

Engine: 3.8-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: Lamborghini Riley Motorsports

#63 Mirko Bortolotti, Romain Grosjean, Daniil Kyvat and Edoardo Mortara

 

Lamborghini makes its Rolex 24 debut in the top Grand Touring Prototypes (GTP) class, albeit only contesting the five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds. Now under the direction of Riley Motorsports; so fingers crossed, since how can you not root for Bill Riley and company, Eh?

 

Know that Romain Grosjean’s running a full Michelin Endurance Cup campaign, and ergo for Mirko Bortolotti. But I don’t know what former Scuderia Tor Rosso and Red Bull Racing F1 driver Daniil Kyvat’s calendar looks like? And ditto for Edoardo Mortaro, who’s presumably the third driver?

 

PORSCHE

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: Proton Competition

#5 Neel Jani, Tristan Vautier, Nico Pino and Julien Andlauer

 

Proton Competition was the only GTP squad with its partial drivers lineup listed as TBA initially prior to the Roar before Rolex 24. With much driver activity going on behind the scenes.

 

Gianmaria Bruni was the only driver to complete the full season for Proton last year. Yet the Italian tested for rival JDC-Miller Motorsports last November and was erroneously left on Proton’s Daytona entry list.

 

Neel Jani raced for Proton at Daytona last year, and was the only confirmed Proton Competition IMSA GTP and FIA World Endurance Championship driver currently listed just ten days prior to the Roar.

 

IMSA’s updated Rolex 24 entry list on January 9th revealed that former JDC-Miller Motorsports driver Tristan Turbo’ Vautier had returned to the cockpit, along with LMP2 graduate Nico Pino. With room for a fourth driver to be added later…

 

Then just five days prior to the Roar, Proton announced Julien Andlauer as the fourth pilot of their “Mach-5” Porsche 963 entry.

 

Andlauer is now a Porsche Penske Factory driver in the “Weckity Wec”, (WEC) having previously driven for Proton.

 

Meanwhile Proton also confirmed it will contest all five of the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds, after Porsche had previously announced that only JDC-Miller Motorsports would be its sole customer 963 team this season.

 

Team: Porsche Penske Motorsport

#6 Mathieu Jaminet, Mat Campbell and Kevin Estr

#7 Nick Tandy, Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor

 

The big news for Porsche Penske Motorsports was the surprising decision to drop reigning IMSA Prototypes champion Dane Cameron.

 

As Nick Tandy slides over from the No. 6 entry He drove fulltime last season. With Matt Campbell being elevated from just running the major endurance rounds aboard the No. 7 last year to fulltime status in the No. 6 entry.

 

Whilst Kevin Estr and Laurens Vanthoor continue in their limited season endurance round supporting roles.

 

Team: JDC-Miller Motorsports

#85 Tijmen van der Helm, Gianmaria Bruni, Pascal Wehrlein and Bryce Aron

 

Tijmen van der Helm is the only holdover from last season, after co-driver “Westie”, aka Richard Westbrook retired from racing. Making me wonder who His new full season co-driver would be?

 

With the mystery solved on January 7th with the announcement that Gianmaria Bruni would be Westbrook’s full season replacement, after having previously tested for JDC-Miller Motorsports.

 

Twenty-one year old Bryce Aron was a rookie in Indy NXT last year, racing for Andretti Global. Aron finished ninth overall, scoring a total of seven Top 10 finishes, including three top five’s, wit two third place finishes being His best result. And will contest the 2025 Indy NXT season for HMD Motorsports aboard its No. 39 entry.

 

Reigning Werks’ Porsche Formula E Champion Pascal Wehrlein will make His Daytona debut at this year’s Rolex 24. Being a “One-off” for now. Since Wehrlein’s “Day Job” is racing for Porsche in Formula E, having finished third at the Mexico City ePrix.

 

As Aron and Wehrlein are both making their IMSA debuts at this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona. 

IndyCar’s Old Fashioned Radio programme Continues

Although I doubt it’ll be as scary as War of the Worlds!

 

We last left off learning about an aspiring Tintops driver known as Oilcan Johnny growing up Down Under in the outskirts of Truwombia wit His Flying Squirrel motorbike. And after seeking refuge in the Formula Supreme racing series in the Orient, became a debutante Champ Car champion.

 

Yet Oilcan Johnny was no longer befitting His Wee lad’ moniker, having won His second Champ Car title. Therefore He began going by the name of Jonathan Truxbury. Although later, many took to just calling Him “JT” instead. In order to not confuse Him with His teammate Taffy Tonkaberg at Betuzi Motorsports…

 

The Canamax Formula Libre race team had a long, storied history. With its roots taking shape during the roaring Twenties’. When two British Blokes named Derek MacKenzey and Gordon Fitzgerald formed the MacKensey & Fitzgerald Motor Car Company Ltd. As the pair were eager to find a promotional “vehicle” for one of its mainstay bakery brands. As their Somerset Millery was famously known for its Crispy Pancake Mix, which us Yanks’ prefer calling Flapjacks’, or simply Hot Cakes Up North Eh!

 

As their automobile company’s name was far too long and didn’t roll off the tongue easily, they decided on the clever abbreviation of Canamax instead.

 

Thanks to the rage of Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, etc. The automobile was wildly popular during those roaring Twenties. When the Canamax Formula Libre team cemented its legacy by winning the prestigious Carnagie Trophy three times. As the Carnagie Trophy was second only in stature to the American Grand Prize, before the Stock Market crash of 1929.

 

Fast forwarding to the new millennium, American advertising Whiz’ Preston Henry Winchester III, whom many in the paddock took to calling Windferd’ behind His back. Had been hired to resurrect the floundering Canamax Formula Libre team and the M & F Car company which had changed hands multiple times. Now under control by a Lickenstein Capital Hedge Fund conglomerate, with money to burn…

 

Thus Preston ambitiously set His sights upon expansion and tapping into the vast North American market, by purchasing the declining Breckenridge Racing Champ Car team.

 

As one of their drivers was the Kuhnuck’ Jaque Dudley, who Z thought would be the perfect Pitchman for that classic Crispy Pancakes Mix brand on the world’s biggest stage at Mother Speedway!

 

Yet the team failed miserably. Beginning with failing to paint Dudley’s No. 36 racecar the wrong shade of Eggshell white! Before ultimately failing to qualify for “The Show!” For which Windferd’ mused if only they had guaranteed starting spots…

 

Next, following that year’s election, the new Commander in Chief declared the Kuhnaidian’ Border closed to All imports and placed huge tariffs upon that beloved Kuhnaidian’ maple syrup! Which led Preston to unceremoniously dump Dudley from the team’s line-up. Especially since young Jaque’s was closely tied to His country’s Chrysler automobiles and its beloved “K” Car model, CoInky-dense, Eh? As Preston had just jumped ship to the rival Lincoln Mercury concern…

 

Preston had also renamed His Champ Car entity officially to be known as Armani Canamax Motorsports, which detractors of the new team quickly took to calling ACME! Not to mention Whindferd’ or simply Whinnie’ when He wasn’t within ear-shot!

 

Thus, Preston told everyone it would become Armani Canamax instead. Especially since their title sponsor provided Him with a complete wardrobe of finely tailored suits…

 

And as we know, Preston thought He’d cleverly lured Oilcan, Err Jonathan Truxbury away to be His new Armani Canamax driver, before rival Champ Car owner Franco Betuzi said not so fast Whippersnapper!

 

This set off an unlikely chain of events for Tfuxbury’s replacement at Armani Canamax! With Whinnie’ settling on the young American Jason Foxworthy. Yet unfortunately whilst celebrating His 21st birthday Jet Skiing with friends on Lake Havasu, managed to severely fracture His shoulder! And would never drive for the Champ Car outfit…

 

Next Whindferd’ hired the reigning Euro F3500 Champion Jean-Pierre Treinary, who’d won in everything He’d driven. Yet the French racing prodigy simply lacked the necessary budget, along with not being cleared to drive on Super Speedways in Champ Cars. Necessitating hiring veteran journeyman Clint Baley to race at Mother speedway; once again finishing inside the top-10. Before Armani Canamax’s Sporting Director Hugo Marques told Preston they needed to hire a young Californian driver named Bryan Boxer – who would become a future multi-times Champ Car Champion, before anyone else signed Him!

 

Thus “Teddy”, Jean-Pierre Treinary’s Stateside nickname was quickly jettisoned due to no fault of His own, making way for the incoming Bryan Boxer.

 

Meanwhile, as another rising Champ Car driver noted during His brief dalliance as an Canamax Formula Libre test driver. Preston’s “Cutthroat” and doesn’t like to loose, He’s a Businessman! For which Preston had indeed begun a new round of legal proceedings against presumed Armani Canamax driver Jonathan Truxbury. Vowing to “BURY” the no good double crossing Aussie’ Mates! And thus filed a $100 million Australian pounds lawsuit in the capitol of Queensbury, seeking immeasurable damages!

 

Undeterred by this humiliating, and potentially life altering lawsuit. Truxbury simply doubled down, tuned out the “noise” and went to work towards claiming His third Champ Car Championship! This time battling against fellow Aussie’ Harold Brauenbach, whom many simply called Harry! As the two Australians leapfrogged each other for the podium’s top step. With Truxbury coming out victorious seven times vs. Harry’s three wins.

 

And only suffering one rare mechanical DNF, due to His Daihatsu’s kinetic energy system going into Fail-safe mode. Along with an ultra rare crash on Newton’s Cornhole Short Oval. Truxbury indeed won His third Champ Car Championship in an amazingly short four seasons. To which team owner Chester’, aka Franco Betuzi joyously went crowd surfing at the season’s finale in Florida!

 

Thus, Preston, Hugo and Armani Canamax Motorsports had failed once again to win the coveted Hammerschmidt Cup awarded to the Champ Car Champion each year since 2001. And that was before they’d hired their newest Champ Car driver Anders Bernstorff to replace the outgoing Patrick Hartley, who’d failed to win a race in His two seasons with the team…

 

And as ‘Ol Windferd’ began to carve the turkey for His dinner guests. Which included All 13 of His currently employed racecar drivers. Hugo, Dennis and All of the other 43 senior staff members, and their families. He began mumbling out loud. How He could dish it out and take it.

 

But By-gummit! We didn’t cause this mess with that G-Damn Truxbury and Betuzi! And I’m tired of everybody making Jokes about how many drivers we’ve hired for our Champ Car team this year. Before speaking up and asking who wants Dark or White…

 

Although its unclear whether or not Armani Canamax Team Principal Garret McCloud, whom just “vacated” the position was invited to the Shindig?

 

For the original Canamax Capers installment, where we learned the origins of Oilcan Johnny’ and arch rivals Betuzi Motorsports. Please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 Indy Cars Ultimate Cage Fight

Still just One Seat remaining in Formula 1?

As whose got the Biggest Wallet of All?

 

Leading up to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit Of The Americas, nee COTA weekend. Scuttlebutt suggested that current Sauber F1 driver Valtteri Bottas was on Pole to retain His seat another year at Sauber. Being the lone, unconfirmed seat for the 2025 F1 season. With the seat remaining open after Carlos Sainz, Jr. rejected Audi’s offer, and went to Williams instead for 2025.

 

Although some had said not so fast Valtteri! With the likes of the promising Formula 2 points leader Gabriel Bortoleto being mentioned. Along with current Williams F1 rookie sensation Franco Colapinto. With Mick Schumacher being a perceived longshot.

 

Next, an even more distant long shot was added to the “Spin cycle”. With current Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen’s name being mentioned…

 

Interestingly all three of these Young Turk’ drivers are “tied” to other Formula 1 outfits. With Bortoleto being a McLaren Development Driver member, and Colapinto a Williams F1 Academy driver. Whilst Mick is the current Mercedes GP test and reserve driver. Along with being a current Alpine Sports Car Pilote’ in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

Yet initial scuttlebutt claimed that Bortoleto and Colapinto weren’t available, even though Williams F1 Boss James Vowels has said He’s open to loaning out Colapinto next year; naturally for the right price!

 

While former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner has told Schumacher to go to IndyCar if “Plan A” doesn’t work out! And Hans-Joachim Stuck advises Mick against joining the Sauber/Audi project.

 

As it’ll be somewhat interesting to “See” how this pans out. Or will it just be anti-climatic with the obligatory press release telling us how excited Bottas is to get to work at Sauber next season? For which we all hold our breaths, as Mattia Binotto says He’d like to confirm the second driver by mid-November…

 

Meanwhile in other Audi ownership news regarding Sauber. Surely you’ve all read or heard that management shook up the pecking order during this summer. With the dismissals of Audi’s Sauber project manager (CEO) Andreas Seidl and Sauber Chairman of the Board Oliver Hossman.

 

Installing former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto as the new team leader. As Binotto, who shortly turns 55 becomes it’s Chief Operation and Chief Technical Officer. While Gernot dollner replaces Hossman as Chairman of all Sauber companies.

 

Longtime Red Bull Racing F1 member, and the team’s current Sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, whose been at the team forever! Will become Sauber’s new Team Principal next year. As the staff exodus from Red Bull continues. Hmm, like Rats leaving a Sinking Ship?

 

Whilst two more key team additions have been announced. With former Ferrari F1 Sporting director and strategist  Inaki Rueda, who previously worked with Binotto. As Rueda will become the team’s new Sporting Director, punting Beat Zehnder to a role with the legacy side of Sauber.

 

While Giampaolo Dall’Ara will become the team’s new Race Engineering boss at the Hinwil factory. Not to be cornfuzed with the legednous’ Giampaolo Dallara, the 87yr old proprietor of Dallara Automobili.

 

As Dall’Ara is a former Sauber employee who’s been running His own consulting company since 2016, according to Racer’s Chris Medland.

 

Now the only question remaining, is can Sauber pull itself up from last upon the F1 Grid?

 

But that was before reading more scuttlebutt regarding Liam Lawson’s arrival at Racing Bulls as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement. Suggesting it could trigger a contest between the Kiwi’ and RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda, to potentially become Max Verstappen’s teammate next year. As the rumours persist that Checo’, aka Sergio Perez is still on shaky ground regarding His new two year contract extension. With Red Bull’s Pied Piper Chris Horner sending mixed signals about will He, won’t He return next year?

 

While there was quite the kerfuffle upon social media over what appeared to be Lawson giving Perez the middle finger at 300 clicks’. (186mph) With the Kiwi’ youngster telling Checo He’s Number One in Mexico City, Ole! As the two protagonists fought over P17 on the grid…

 

Thus, if one of the two Racing Bulls drivers were promoted, this would leave a seat open for current FIA F2 and Red Bull Junior driver Isack Hajar. So may be there’s still two seats not confirmed for 2025 yet? You make the call.

 

While the latest rumour over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend was that McLaren has agreed to release Gabriel Bortoledo from His contract in order to go to Audi on a long term deal. As Sauber made official what had been reported on Wednesday, November 6th, selecting Bordoleto as Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate beginning in 2025.

 

Meaning that “serve” has moved to Red Bull to decide over who’ll partner Max next year? With Horner having dropped by the Williams Hospitality “Villa” over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend to chat with Team Principal James Vowles over Franco Colapinto’s availability… 

Maverick returns to the Top of the Mountain

Even if it was only briefly. As You’ve come a long way from riding for Paris Hilton!

 

Yeah, I know Y’all are looking for some riveting Dribble’ over what I playfully call the Guns ‘N Roses Indy GP. Or has practice begun for some ‘lil ‘Ol Oval race? But if you’re a frequent visitor to No Fenders, then Y’all know that’s not the way I roll…

 

Having already droned on about how disappointing TNT Sports handling of this year’s Circuit Of The Americas MotoGP race was, I waited unpatiently until the following evening, Urgh!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/04/motogps-maddening-hunt-for-its-new.html

 

Funny what tricks our ears play upon us, eh? As I thought I’d mucked up by listening briefly to The Guardian’s Sports section Sunday evening and heard who won the MotoGP race in Austin. Since I knew better! Yet The Guardian via Reuters uses lots of Spanish “Floranets” in their spelling. So I thought I’d “accidently” heard that Jorge Martin had won.

 

But I decided since I pay so Friggin’ mucho for Cable TV, even though the replay was during dinner-time. I’d “watch” the Encore presentation Monday night anyways.

 

Thus I sat Thar with both sets ‘O fingers crossed with three and-a-half laps remaining during the litany ‘O commercials – Hoping that Maverick Top Gun’ Vinales would hang on to win His first race since 2021. Thinking All the while Oh No, don’t tell me He’s going to throw another win away?

 

Yet Vinales who started from Pole before dropping to P11 on lap-1 was victorious! Becoming MotoGP’s first modern-day rider to win a Grands Prix for three different manufacturers! Although the Pundits claimed that Maverick was only the third rider in the premiere road racing Motorcycle series history to ever do so!

 

Vinales claimed His maiden MotoGP victory for the factory Suzuki team at the 2016 British Grand Prix, before moving onto Yamaha. Where He replaced departing Jorge Lorenzo for 2017.

 

Maverick’s maiden season with Yamaha ultimately was His best. Winning upon debut at Qatar. Then winning at Argentina and Le Mans and ultimately finishing third overall. As Maverick would claim eight W’s at Yamaha before immediate dismissal in the summer of 2021.

 

Thus it was Maverick now sporting a Batman image on the back of His Helmet and donning a cape who came back from the ultra lows of deliberately trying to Blow-up His Yamaha MotoGP race bike in Austria, the most bizarre thing I’ve heard of, being Fired immediately! To redemption by sweeping the Austin weekend. Claiming Pole position and winning both Saturday’s Sprint race, which I watched live. And then the main Sunday race to Boot, both for Aprilia! With Maverick notching His tenth MotoGP victory.

 

As I’ll leave out All of the twists ‘n turns during the race, since there were several different leaders before Maverick took control! And I simply don’t feel inclined trying to type All of the ensuing Madness…

 

Case in point. I noticed that seven of the top-10 riders on Friday were aboard Ducati’s, with only the two Factory Werks’ Aprilia riders and rookie KTM phenomm Pedro Acosta breaking the Duc’s stranglehold.

 

Following enjoying Maverick’s podium celebration, during another commercial break I found myself trying to think of whom the other two riders were, I nailed “Steady Eddie” Lawson and Randy Mamola by accident when trying to guess what the third Make Lawson had won on? As Mamola and Moto Guzzi came to mind…

 

According to Fox Sports Australia reporter Michael Lamonato, the answer is actually four previous riders. As how could I overlook Mike “the Bike” Hailwood, who naturally was the first to ever do so. Followed by Mamola, Lawson and the other rider I’d never have guessed Lorris Capirossi, especially  since I don’t know anything about this Italian rider. As All four did so during earlier Grands Prix eras…

 

But this is why I follow MotoGP, which is a Helluva more interesting than Formula 1 is! Even if I have to spend copious amounts ‘O time trying to figure out when the next MotoGP TV Broadcast will Air, Buggers!

 

Salute Maverick