Road America Rampage

As many drivers were singing “don’t Fence me In!” over the weekend…

 

Nope, the water’s fine at Elkhart Lake! Y’all can go in as No Algae Blooms to worry ‘bout. Or simply Hang out on the shore, have a picnic and take picture of our scenic Lake. As Thars Nothin’ for Barney Fife to arrest anybody over, ‘cept littering…

 

Having gorged Thyself over the Road America weekend, listening to Friday’s IndyCar practice session. Saturday’s first Indy NXT race and IndyCar Qualie’. And lastly Sunday’s second Indy NXT race plus the IndyCar finale. (race)

 

Including my favourite portion of IndyCar Radio’s pre-race, when they talk to an abundance of IndyCar drivers. Obviously I got my fill of Open Wheel Racing!

 

Thus, I’m still not sure which series race’s were more wild, i.e.; Indy NXT or IndyCar?

 

As I loved the comment from Mark Gravelly’ James about Alex Palou having fun over the abundance of Anybody But Palou signage. With Palou going up to one RV Camper and signing their banner!

 

Whilst James also casually noted that Josef Schlick’ Newgarden hadn’t won on a Twisties’ circuit, i.e.; road course or street circuit in four years! His las win being at Long Beach, 2022.

 

Saturday’s Indy NXT race opening laps were quite chaotic. With Enzo Fittipaldi braking too late and slamming into one of the Max’s, think it was Garcia? Or more likely Taylor. Resulting in a broken nose and finishing a lowly P22!

 

But the most bizarre moment of the first eight of ten laps run under caution was Jordan Missing’s incident. When He simply followed whomever He was trying to pass offtrack, careening thru the gravel-trap and slamming hard into the concrete retaining barrier! As Davey Hamilton said it looks like He just followed so ‘n so offtrack!

 

Lochie Hughes who’d had a impressive start, drafted polesitter and leader Alessandro de Tulio down the front straight on a restart and swept past on the outside into Turn-2? Effectively never giving up the lead, giving Andretti Global it’s 100th Indy Lights victory.

 

Josh Pierson, Hughes teammate made a masterful pass at Canada corner on the final lap to take second away from de Tullio, who came home a dejected third. Whilst Hughes definitely needed the win to hopefully get His season pointed the right direction.

 

Yet what’s that ‘Ol ABC Wide World of Sports slogan? Oh yeah, “The Thrill of victory and Agony of Defeat!” As Pierson collided with Hughes at the start of Race 2! With Lochie eventually finishing P20, two laps behind, Youch!

 

But without doubt the star of the show was Tymek Kucharczyk who started a lowly P16, before Steadily working forwards. As the Polish rookie made 20 on-track passes for positions!

 

Tend to recall Kucharczyk battling points leader Nikita Johnson for third. With Johnson playin’ Argey Bargey’ and shoving Kucharczyk wide, dropping down to seventh. Yet Kucharczyk who set fastest lap and had the fastest car in traffic repassed Johnson for third place and made it stick second time around!

 

As de Tullio held off both Matteo Nannini and Kucharczyk for the win at Elkhart Lake on a Green-White “Chequers or Wreckers” one lap shootout finish. With de Tullio winning His second race of the year…

 

Then tuned back in for My favourite portion of IndyCar Radio’s pre-race coverage at start of broadcast, when they talk to various drivers.

 

For example, talking briefly to 13 of the 25 IndyCar drivers before/during Driver introductions is always cool! With

Alex Wolff asking ScottyMac’ if He can channel some of His World Champion NY Knicks Mojo’, with McLaughlin saying I knew you were gonna bring that up, Mate!

 

Although the drivers don’t give anything away, I do enjoy how they all seem to answer the questions straightforward. And it interesting listening to the new guard vs. elder statesmen, i.e.; Rasmussen, Armstrong, Lundgaard, Siegel vs. DJ WillyP”, (Power) and Scotty thee “Iceman 2.0” Dixon. Along with Felix-the-Cat’, (Rosenqvist) “the Surgeon, (Palou) etc.

 

Next during the pre-race build-up, Nicky Salt’ Yeoman broke in with the news that both A. J. Foyt Enterprises Indy NXT cars had been disqualified for inadvertently mounting the two cars qualifying tyres on the wrong racecars. Thus seeing Alessandro de Tullio stripped of His victory! With Matteo Nannini becoming the winner, Tymek Kucharczyk second and Nikita Jhonson third. As don’t think I’ve ever heard of that before.

 

And we all know the outcome of the IndyCar race, when Christian Lundgaard went from last on lap-1 with a cut tyre, to first on the podium. With Marcus Armstrong being robbed of a deserved maiden IndyCar victory after leading 14 laps at races end!

 

As Lundgaard said on His cooldown lap, How did We do that!

 

And when’s the last time Palou forgot to engage the pitlane speed limiter in the pits? Although as Mark James and Davey Hamilton said in mock surprise; a yellow comes out and Palou’s sniffing roses again…

 

As Palou’s bad day at the office turned out to be a fifth place finish, sigh! Although I’m getting a bit tired of the Spaniard’s bowling ball tactics with Nolan Siegel, who seems to be a spare pin in the way of a strike!

 

Yet my heart goes out for Marcus Armstrong who was cruelly denied a maiden IndyCar W’ when reportedly His Honda engine gave up the Ghost with three laps remaining.

 

Now, I’m not saying it was this, or putting my tin hat on that I keep on a peg on the basement’s door but…

 

I turned off the IndyCar Radio broadcast saying I certainly hope for Honda and IndyCar’s sake that wasn’t a Hybrid failure…

 

Notice that Honda HRC U.S. Boss Daid Salter issued a public apology to Armstrong and Meyer Shank Racing. But why hasn’t Honda disclosed what it was?

 

As Chevrolet has ben quick to divulge their valvetrain supplied parts for their numerous engine failures, but Honda’s “Keeping Clam”, Oh Never Mind!

 

As suppose this will all be academic now that we’ve just raced at Mid-Ohio. 

F1: Dawning of the Latest Era begins

Although behind Closed Doors…

 

Testing

Jan 26-30: Private test at Circuit de Barcelona

Feb 11-13: First “Open” Test at Bahrain International Circuit

Feb 18-20: Bahrain Final Test

 

2026 Formula 1 Pre-season testing has begun this week in earnest, with the commencing of a five-day private test for all 11 F1 Teams at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. With teams permitted to run any three days of the five.

Whilst I don’t know how much information we’ll receive, or how much results will truly resonate with the season kicking off Down Under at Melbourne on March 8th.

 

Thus, following the conclusion of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, I immediately began wondering about the intricacies of the much ballyhooed 2026 F1 regulation changes, before I settled in for my long winter’s nap…

 

Each team was allowed to run one “Mule” chassis with a lead driver at the post Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test, along with the requisite “Youngster” driving the 2025 chassis, held on Tuesday, December 9th.

 

Although several teams split the day between their current two drivers aboard the 2026 Mule chassis.

 

While I knew that the chassis would be smaller, lighter and “nimbler”. With increased electrification and smaller Pirelli tyres.

Erroneously, multiple websites reported that wheels rim sizes would “shrink” from 18-inches down to 16-inch diameter, Say What?

 

As let’s delve into these “Lean, Mean, Fighting Machines”…

 

First off, the wheel rim size will continue to be 18 inches with reduced size, “Skinnier” revised Pirelli compound range rubber, designed to give bigger compound separation.

 

F1 2025 Post Abu Dhabi test: Pirelli’s first major run with 2026 tyres

 

The new Power Units or PU’s will still utilize the existing 1.6-litre single turbocharger configuration introduced in 2014. But the Internal Combustion Engine )ICE) will be “Detuned” from a maximum 850bhp to 540bhp, running on 100% sustainable Fuel.

 

But it’s the electrical energy side that gets “Charged” up! As the Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H) is deleted entirely, while the Motor Generator Unit – kinetic

 (MGU-K) increases significantly. With the MGU-K’s power increasing to 470bhp from 150bhp, tripling power-wise. With a total power output o 1,010bhp on tap.

 

According to Formula1.com, the chassis wheelbase length shrinks by 200mm to 3400mm, the size of your reusable “Drinks” bottle. Width reduces 100mm to 1900mm, the size of a chocolate bar, albeit Arse-sumedly these are European sizes. So don’t know how they differ Stateside?

 

Minimum chassis weight decreases by 30kg to 768kg, along with new moveable front/rear aerodynamics. Most notably the removal of the DRS. (Drag Reduction System)

 

Yet what I found most frustrating was the lack of current information preceding the first official closed door test. Since as of Boxing Day, (Dec 26th) everything I could find was from June, 2024, WTF!

 

Since along with the racecar’s smaller size, the biggest change occurs with the new Active Aerodynamics, which feature moveable front and rear wings. Which I don’t know if we’ll still be using the initial “Z-mode”, or Zed mode )Zulu) cornering high Downforce, wings closed configuration. And “X-mode” (X-Ray) straight-line low Drag wings opened configuration designations during racing this season? As both front and rear wings are dramatically different.

 

Z-mode and X-mode Active Aerodynamics explained

 

While more importantly, the full Ground Effects era is discontinued. With a partial flat floor section returning. With a larger diffuser with larger openings, and a overall higher minimum ride height mandated. Which should hopefully cure the undesired and dreadful porpoising effects we’ve previously encountered.

 

Overall Downforce is reduced by 15%, with lap times expected to be two seconds slower. Although as typical, Engineers will claw back these decreases, which normally occurs over a regulation “life cycle”.

 

 Yet probably the hardest part to get used to will be the use of the new terminology of Overtake, Boost and Recovery modes.

 

Recovery’s the most obvious, meaning the car is “Harvesting” or recharging its electrical system.

 

Boost mode is when the stored electrical energy is deployed for either offensive or defensive “Driving” modes.

 

While Overtake mode is when a driver can “manually” enact the Boost mode provided they’re within one second of the leading car for “Attacking” the driver ahead…

 

As here’s a pretty good “primer” short video covering all of the complex 2026 F1 regulation changes.

 

VIDEO: Everything You need to Know about the F1 2026 Regulations 

Talking “Tech” with Tino Belli

Although the Dallara DW12 Ain’t going anywhere soon…

 

Back when I could easily read Racer’s website before the maligned Racer 2.0 launch of its graphically laden website on May  12th. Which doesn’t conform to WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, Urgh! Which reputedly Racer’s working to rectify. Although I’ve been holding my breath for several weeks now, eagerly awaiting its update, chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

As the website’s got other issues or bugs to iron out, which I doubt will happen, but I digress…

 

Marshall Pruett’s story Wayback’ in March regarding Tino Belli being called upon to “Beautify” the next generation Dallara IndyCar, has a very interesting podcast associated with it.

 

As Pruett spent nearly 90mins talking with Belli Wayback’ in 2018 after the introduction of the UAK 18, i.e.; Universal Aero Kit, which being unable to “See”, know it’s vastly superior to those dreaded, and thankfully forgotten about Chevy v Honda Aero Kit Wars of 2015-17.

 

As it’s a great interview worth listening too…

 

IndyCar turns to Tino Belli to enhance looks of next Chassis

 

Reading between the proverbial tea leaves, it sounded to Mwah that IndyCar is planning on sticking with just presenting a “warmed” over updated version of the current Dallara DW12 as the next generation IndyCar, with Belli leading the design of its aesthetics…

 

Yet we all know that on Friday of this year’s Road America IndyCar race weekend, IndyCar and IMS leader Doug Boles announced that IndyCar would be debuting the long awaited next generation chassis in 2028.

 

The racecar will once again be produced by Dallara, targeting to be 85-100lbs lighter. Which basically gets back to pre-Hybrid, Err Energy Recovery system (ERS) weight, since the ERS added an ungainly 100lbs to the DW12’s rear!

 

Xtrac, the current gearbox supplier will continue in this role, providing a new 25lbs lighter unit that shares components with the Indy NXT chassis, for those running in both series.

 

While current brake supplier Performance Friction Corporation (PFC) will continue as sole supplier of braking systems.

 

A new ergonomic cockpit will be utilized, including the integration of the Aeroscreen, which was an “Add-on” component to the current DW12 chassis.

 

On the power side, the new racecar will get the previously announced 2.4-litre V-6 twin turbocharged lumps’, ergo Internal Combustion Engine. (ICE) Replete with ERS, albeit the Hybrid unit will feature more power and improved performance…

 

As you’d like to Arse-sume this new “clean-sheet” chassis design will allow for better weight distribution, leading to better handling and better performance overall.

 

Track testing of the new Dallara chassis will commence in 2026, and then once again, all teams will have to buy brand new racecars for the 2028 IndyCar season, when the venerable 15yr old DW12 is finally retired! 

Traipsing thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again

Scott McLaughlin’s 2018 Supercars Championship winning Ford Falcon on display in Scottsdale. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As no jokes about ScottyMac’ needing His Ford Falcon to bounce off the walls at Mother Speedway. Or Team Penske’s travails during Ye Month ‘O May…

 

In what’s become a cherished tradition during every visit to The Valley of The Sun, once again your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was blissfully ensconced in the Penske Racing Museum this past March.

 

Some three weeks plus after my latest visit, I suddenly found myself wondering if my recollection of my inaugural visit was correct? To which I’m happy to say it was fairly spot-on nearly twenty years later. Albeit it was actually November 30, 2005 when I first set foot inside the Penske Racing Museum thanks solely to Blogmeister Miguel taking me there. Having seen El Capitano talking to Ye ‘Ol Windbag Dave Despain on Wind Tunnel the same year from the museum…

 

Although it slays me now, I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised that I launched a nine page story on my first visit to la Museo some 13yrs ago. For which if you’re inclined. Whale’ Yuhs better be Damn well inclined or comfy if you’re gonna read All Gory 4,253 words written in Thy No Fenders Post, Aye Karumba!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/04/penske-racing-museum-inaugural-visit.html

 

Arriving at 1PM, Blogmeister Miguel and I accidently walked into the adjoining Aston Martin dealership, where we were immediately met by a friendly Salesman curtly asking if He could help us? To which Miguel seeing the rest of our party waving at us thru the glass walls, said I guess the museum is next door…

 

The first IndyCar chassis encountered was Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner. Followed by His 2017 Championship winning mount. Other various IndyCars sat on display, including two Norton Gould Rick Mears cars. Mears 1984 No. 6 “Yellow Submarine” Indy 500 winner. Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ read to me the information plaque upon Tom sneva’s racecar that He set the first official 200mph lap at the Brickyard in.

 

Gil de Feran’s 100th race winning Reynard/Honda resplendent in Team Penske’s long standing Marlboro white with Dayglo red also graced the museum’s main floor. Being the car that won El Capitano His “Ton” of IndyCar victories, becoming the first ever IndyCar team to do so.

 

Along with Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner, there were a further three chassis I’d never “seen” before. One being the red No. 12 Verizon of Will Power, the Aussie’s 2022 mount that He won the final Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle, along with that year’s Astor Challenge Cup aboard. Nee 2022 IndyCar Series title.

 

Both Blogmeister Miguel and Artiste Dave were “wowed” by and audaciously bright neon lime green IndyCar bellowing to Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud. Being Simon’s 2019 Menard Indianapolis 500 winner.

 

The fourth and final “New” car that initially stumped me as Snowbyrd MJ’ said it was the #17 of ScottyMac’s, Huh? Turned out to be Scott McLaughlin’s No. 17 Ford Falcon FG X racecar that He campaigned for FordDJR Team Penske between 2017-18. The last Falcon model raced Down Under in V-8 Supercars.

 

As it makes sense that the car that Mclaughlin first came tantalizingly close to winning the 2017 Supercars Championship with, and then securing the first of His three consecutive Supercars titles in 2018 with, is now proudly on display in Scottsdale.

 

https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/mclaughlin-reunites-with-first-supercars-title-winner/

 

Also, initially I was Cornfuzed’ over why Newgarden’s 2023 Indy 500 winner wasn’t the same chassis that He used to repeat winning in 2024? And I still hadn’t figured it out some three weeks later, until No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets came up with a close answer. Whale’, at least He pointed Mwah in the right direction…

 

Having “read”, err listened to the IndyStar’s article on the gala reopening of the IMS Museum, which includes the Penske Gallery. Replete with the 1988, 1994, 2009 and 2024 Indianapolis 500 winning chassis on loan. Along with Penske Racing’s first Indianapolis 500 entry, Mark Donohue’s 1969 Lola T152. And the winner from El Capitano’, aka roger Penske’s very first trip to Mother speedway in 1951.

 

Do Y’all know the answer to this riveting trivia question? Time’s up, put them pencils down…

 

Yep, that’s right, the 2024 Dallara DW12 chassis featured the new for that season’s Hybrid Energy Recovery System, (ERS) adding some 100lbs to the ageless DW12 racecar. Having made it’s 200th start at St Pete one year ago!

 

Although IndyCar didn’t introduce the Hybrid ERS system until Mid-Ohio in July, 2024. I’m 86% certain that the 2024 Dallara DW12 was decked out with the new magnesium bell housing/transmission casing and other ERS ancillaries, minus the ERS unit…

 

Hence, Arse-suming this Dallara DW12 also included the auxiliary “plumbing” systems. Most notably the right hand side ERS cooling radiator, that Chevrolet teams used the “blocker” plate , louver or whatever they’re called at the Thermal Club this year to negative effect. When the increased temperature sent the ERS into “limp” mode to preserve itself from overheating!

 

Or was it simply the fact that I heard sometime this May that Penske simply pulls every Indianapolis 500 winner out of service for posterity’s sake to be displayed in perpetuity?

 

Naturally, as time marches on, and we’ve just wrapped up another vaunted “Month of May”. Especially with how crazy this year’s race was! I’m beginning to forget what else was on hand? Although I know Mark Donohue’s 1973 IROC Porsche 911 Carrera RSR was there. Along with El Capitano’s 1963 Catalina NASCAR Tintop’.

 

Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that the 1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Pace Car was on display. Although I don’t remember if Donohue’s 1972 McLaren M16 Sunoco Indy 500 winner was on display?

 

And although I knew it wouldn’t be there, I was still disappointed that one of the Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsch 963’s weren’t present. Then again, Id Arse-sume that the All conquering No. 7 will once day in the future grace the Penske Racing Museum.

 

And that’s just a slice of what was Thar’, since I didn’t even mention Joey “Sliced bread” Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500 winning Pennzoil Ford fusion, or All of the “Eye Candy” outside the museum… 

Grosjean Speaks Out

As wasn’t it ‘Ol Jack Nicholson who said “You Can’t Handle the Truth!”

 

Although we’re getting into the Sugar-plumbs, Fairytales ‘n Wishful Hopes of Santa Claus portion of thoust year. And not wanting to ruin anyone’s appitite during thee Turkey Lurkey Festimus’, by reading anything negative here upon No Fenders. Since myannual membership card for les Meiserables is coming up for renewal…

 

Hence, I’ve delayed scribblin’ my two pesos worth upon Romain Grosjean’s recent remarks regarding the plight of IndyCar and trying to secure His seat at Juncos Hollinger Racing for another season…

 

As Grosjean rightly pointed out that Indy Cars marketing is Horrendous! And that the new-fangled Wink-wink’ Hybrid systems are making costs unbearable for IndyCar teams All comes across as a very forthright and correct assessment of the current state of IndyCar!

 

Full Disclosure, I’ve always thought that Romain’s a Hothead, for which His past antics seem to warrant. And never truly being a fan of Him. Although I did totally enjoy His renaissance as “The Phoenix” during His rookie IndyCar campaign with the Minnowesqe Dale Coyne Racing concern. And was hoping that Grosjean would “Break His Duck” in Indy Cars whilst driving for Andretti Autosport, but I digress…

 

Living in Smalltown USA, “Somebody Give Me a Cheeseburger!” In what I affectionately call Bumfiddle’ Florence on the Oregon coast. Naturally I Don’t expect IndyCar to spend any Coin’, Err budget upon promoting the series here, and have zero clue if they do anything in Portland prior to the yearly IndyCar race held there?

 

Since the last time I can recall an IndyCar driver making a token appearance in Warshington’, was when nearly two decades ago the late Justin Big Unit’ Wilson came to the 2006 Seattle Roadster Show as a RuSport Champ Car World Series (CCWS) driver.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2008/07/2006-seattle-roadster-show.html

 

And I suppose I “Get It”, why the Pacific Northwest is perpetually overlooked regarding IndyCar marketing. But wasn’t it just a few seasons ago that Mikey A’ was bellyaching over Penske Entertainment reducing the Leader Circle prize fund payout by $300,000 per entry to increase IndyCar’s Marketing Department, El Correctomundo?

For which I have zero clue if this has resulted in anything positive? Since Grosjean’s comment would make me think the opposite. Especially since I don’t consider 100 Dazes to Indy to be anything more then another nauseating Infomercial’ for the Indianapolis 500, which seems to be All the series cares about!

 

While David Land’s 18mins video title Grosjean Rips IndyCar! Rightly points out how the series basically doesn’t have anything earthshaking to promote about IndyCar to move the needle or get Fans excited!

 

Meanwhile, I can only wonder what the “New & Improved” Administration, whose spokesman gushed about just Drill Baby, Drill! Will presumably turn back the “clocks” upon renewable energy. And how their pushing for sticking with gas guzzling SUV’s flies in the face of the automotive industry’s current push towards “Electrification”. And how this U-turn effects Honda’s decision to remain in IndyCar?

 

As we All know, almost whenever you buy something new and more technological, its price is more expensive or even steep. Until the new technology has time to become more robust and mainstream, then prices typically fall or become achievable.

 

Everyone seems to be overlooking the fact of how impressive the new IndyCar hybrid Energy Recovery System (ERS) due to the packaging constraints placed upon it! Being a very unique piece ‘O kit. And that IndyCar, Chevrolet and Honda specifically chose to implement a “Soft” debut rollout and limiting it to 50bhp in order to reduce the inherent teething issues that only race weekends would produce…

 

Yeah, I understand that nobody cares about the actual technology this 100lb contraption bolted to the rear end of the 13yr old Dallara DW12 chassis entails. Hey, that means that the DW12’s now a teenager, Righto? Yet I don’t tend to read too much negative publicity about Formula 1 and its de riggour Hybrid powertrains. Or the fact that they’ll become even more electrically intensified in 2026…

 

As why are we afraid of the future? And are you content to pay $6.00 or more on the West Coast per gallon of gasoline in the future? And notice I haven’t even brought up any environmental aspects of Fossil Fuels! For fear of being Cornfuzed’ as an Oregonian “Granola loving, Tree Hugger!” But Trees are Good, Vern!

 

Thus I now hope that Romain Grosjean does return to the cockpit of one of the fast shrinking available IndyCar seats remaining. Even though at age 38, He’s got to be one of the elder drivers on the circuit. And part of me always wants young, new, fresh talent to emerge in Indy Cars, i.e. Linus Lundqvist, Toby sowery and Hunter McElrea.

 

Yet the series also needs drivers like Grosjean who aren’t afraid to speak the  truth and not pull any punches!

 

Whilst I’m Arse-suming Grosjean’s busy right now looking for the perfect 100% recycled Christmas Card to send to His Bosom Budy thee Great Santini! Ergo Santino Ferrucci, Ho-Ho-Ho! 

F1: Adrian Newey joins Aston Martin

Can the legendous’ Britain win more Championships with His fourth Formula 1 team?

 

Yeah, this is dated news as always. Especially with how volatile IndyCar’s Offseason is right now!

 

Since Aston Martin held it’s press conference over a week ago. Err, at least when I penned this riveting No Fenders yarn…

 

When the team announced back on September 10th that legendary Formula 1 Designer Adrian Newey would be joining them next year as their Managing Technical Partner and Shareholder.

 

Newey will begin working for Aston Martin on March 1, 2025, having signed a five year contract for a very large sum of money. With rumours of nearly $40 million per year being thrown round, Aye Karumba!

 

Although this is probably when taking into account His 2.5% Shareholding in the Aston Martin F1 Team…

 

Adrian will work upon the 2026 F1 chassis, which will be a “Clean Sheet of Paper” design, with the new rules package starting then.

 

As 2026 sees the introduction of lighter, nimbler cars with more electrified Power Units, with Aston Martin becoming Honda’s Werks’ partner with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll as it drivers.

 

Newey has currently won an astounding 25 World Championships, i.e.; 13 F1 Drivers titles, and 12 F1 Constructors Championships to date. As Max Verstappen still seems destined to win His fourth consecutive F1 Crown this year, adding to Newey’s total Haul.

 

Interestingly, Newey divulged that Red bull attempted luring Alonso to drive for them Wayback’ in 2008, with the Spaniard going to la Scuderia, nee Ferrari instead. And then losing the F1 Drivers championship twice to ‘lil syd viddle’, aka Sebastian Vettel…

 

So Aston Marton is making All the right noises and has built a new factory and wind tunnel at it’s sprawling AMR Technology Centre situated nearby Silverstone. While you’d think that Honda will be able to resume it’s Power Unit superiority. As the only questionable link has to be it’s lead driver.

 

As you’d have to think the odds are stacked against Frederico Suave’ (Alonso) who turns 45 on July 29, 2026, winning a third F1 World Championship. As only time will tell…

 

Meanwhile news comes that Red Bul owns Newey’s famed Drawing Board, whom purchased it from McLaren nearly two decades ago. And that Christian Horner may charge Lawrence Stroll a pretty penny for it! 

Time for IndyCar’s season finale at Nashville

And crowning Alex Palou as this year’s IndyCar champion…

 

Having been on Holiday (again) during the Portland and Milwaukee Double Header weekend’s, I only got to listen to the Portland race via IndyCar Radio. Which was reminiscent of past Portland Snoozer’s after a Hard day’s outing trackside drinking multiple "Adult" beverages in the blazing sunshine Wayback’ in the Good ‘Ol CART Dazes! When Portland’s racetrack still featured the West End Grandstands between Turns 5-7, which now is RV Parking instead…

 

As will Power’s dominant performance Sunday was also sleep inducing, albeit this time with Hang 10’ Hilo laying alongside Mwah on the couch. As the highlight of the Portland weekend was the Great Santini’s improveable maiden Indycar Pole position Saturday, before finishing a distant eighth.

 

Thus, I didn’t listen to any of the Milwaukee action until returning home and “watching”, Err listening to the various Highlight packages via Youtube, which left much of the drama out of these six minutes vignettes. Except for Kevin Lee’s nauseating, annoying totally FAKE excitement, nee Yelling!

 

While Yuhs already know that Pato O’Ward won Saturday’s race, and ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin won Sunday’s race.

 

Yet largely overlooked was Conor Daly scoring Junco Hollinger Racing’s (JHR) first ever podium when finishing third on Saturday. Before gearbox issues saw Daly soldier to a 17th place finish Sunday.

 

Meanwhile, Santino Ferrucci dazzled us again with two fourth place finishes at the Milwaukee Mile enroute to setting a record for most passes! With Santino saying it’s been a Helluva year for the No. 14, currently sitting comfortably in tenth place in the championship. Leading 11th place Christian Lundgaard by 38-points; 339-301. And trailing ninth place Alexander Rossi by only 11 “markers”. (350-339)

 

Yet I suppose everyone’s waiting for me to comment upon the title fight and the misfortunes of both Championship leader Alex Palou (525 points) and second place Will Power, (492 points) who trails Palou by 33 markers. And with a maximun of 54 points on offer; mathematically third place Scott McLaughlin is the only other title challenger, albeit a longshot 50 points adrift. (475 points) Meaning the championship is Palou’s to lose. Although interestingly, currently both Penske drivers have the first tiebreaker advantage with three wins apiece vs. Palou’s two.

 

Reportedly Palou suffered an Hybrid induced electrical failure upon the grid Sunday which then fried His battery! Leaving the Spaniard stuck in fourth gear and not even able to communicate on the radio to His crew. As the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing crew had to discharge the Energy Recovery system (ERS) in order to learn the battery was toast! Replace the battery after draining the ERS again and then recharging it in order to get Palou back on track 29-laps behind, before ultimately finishing P19.

 

Yet it was Will Power who shot Himself in the foot once again by mashing the loud pedal on a late race restart and pirouetting into the wall! Lightly damaging His front wing. Before two pitstops – to ultimately decide to replace the front win caused Him to go a lap down, dropping from sixth to 13th place, before finishing tenth. As just the drop from sixth to tenth was a loss of eight points!

 

Points Scoring System

1st = 50, 2nd: 40, 3rd: 35, 4th: 32, 5th: 30, 6th: 28, 7th: 26, 8th: 24, 9th: 22 and 10th: 20.

 

Positions 11 thru 25 decrease by one point from 19 to five.

 

Bonus Points

One point for Pole position. Two points for Most laps led, and One point for leading a lap.

 

According to Raymond Hando of For the Love of Indy, Palou wins the Championship no matter what, with a ninth place finish. For which initially, I hadn’t done the math for. But Yes, Palou’s 33-points plus 22 = 55-points; one more than the maximum of 54.

 

One other interesting wrinkle to Sunday’s season finale on the 1.33 mile Tri-oval. With IndyCar making it’s return to this concrete Oval for the first time since 2008. Is the return of Alternate compound Oval tyres. Which Arse-sumedly at least two laps have to be run on both tyre compounds…

 

Being a longtime Will Power Fan, you’d think I’d be pulling for Him this weekend. But I’d actually like to see Alex Palou score His maiden Oval track win and get the “Monkey” off His back! Whilst I expect Palou to do enough to secure His third IndyCar Championship in four years and then celebrate with His traditional Fried Chicken Fricassee!

 

As until Milwaukee, think I read Racer’s Marshall Pruett saying Palou had an average finishing position of 4.63! As His lone copybook blemish this season was His self-induced accident during Iowa’s first race, before bouncing back to fourth the following day. With His Milwaukee finish of P19 solely due to mechanical woes…

 

As interestingly, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon and Alex Palou have both been victims of Hybrid powertrain issues this year. So perhaps it’ll be Penske’s turn at Nashville?

 

Meanwhile, Conor Daly and David Malukas both can say Job Done! Having hauled their respective JHR and Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Nos. 78 & 66 mounts comfortably into the vaunted Leaders Circle Prize fund standings. For which I believe that the race for the 22nd and final position is between Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen and A.J. Foyt’s Sting Ray Robb? With RLLR’s Pietro Fittipaldi also potentially in the mix…

 

Leaders Circle Points Standings

According to the Indianapolis Star’s Motorsports Beat Reporter Nathan Browne.

 

19. No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing: 189 point

20. No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing: 187 points

21. No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: 177 points

22. No. 41 A.J. foyt enterprises: 175 points

23. No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing: 174 points

 

With Dale Coyne Racing’s Nos. 18 & 51 being outside the “Cut” line.

As I really cannot say what the Charter System will do for us other than clarify the 25 IndyCar Fulltime entries eligible for the 22 positions. Since right now, Ganassi’s Nos. 11-4 entries make this clear as Mud on a Rainy day!

 

Although I’d also enjoy seeing Alexander Rossi score His first win in quite some time for McLaren, whom He’s departing from following this race, with Christian Lundgaard taking His seat next year. As who knows where Rossi’s new IndyCar home will be in 2025?

 

As it’s been a whopping 778-days since Rossi last won the Gallagher Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course for Andretti Autosport on July 30, 2022, Yikes!

 

And Ditto for Davey’ Malukas scoring His maiden IndyCar win at Nashville. As I still don’t understand why He’s chosen to depart to A.J. Foyt Enterprises next year. Where hopefully He’ll be paired with Ferrucci. Which wisely, it sounds like Larry Foyt’s keen on making happen…

 

As I suppose I could ramble on ‘n on, but instead. We’ll just have to wait another 48Hrs for the dust to settle and see who’s victorious. Since after all, that’s why they run the races…

    

The Travails of being a Blind Blogger

And Chasing one’s Tail in pursuit of Motor Racing. Hmm, is it over to the right? Nope, that’s not it, Huh?

 

Funny how many emotions I recently experienced over the weekend when Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen and Her recocious Hoond Hang 10’ Hilo made an unexpected visit over Ye Gory Fourth ‘O July weekend…

 

Nah, No when you’re strange James Morrison or Life’s A Bowl of chocolates Forrest Gump references here. As my emotional gambit had nothing to do with Mary Ellen, just some internal strife I’m working thru.

 

And it was funny, sort Ha Ha, Not! How it was actually Hoter here in Bumfiddle’ Florence vs. Mid-Ohio, Yikes! Even though the Oregon coast was nearly some twenty degrees cooler than inland, which were experiencing triple digit temperatures, aye Karumba!

 

Another funny thing for Mwah is how much I still allow my No Fenders Blob’ as ‘good Ol Awntie’ Harriet called it to rule my life! Even though this keeps me “connected” to de Vurld de Motorsporten Ja Ja!

 

Thus I found myself consumed by three competing motorsport series once again. Naturally led by IndyCar at Mid-Ohio, where the debut of their long anticipated Hybrid system debut finally occurred…

 

While the MotoGP race from Der Sachsenring weighed upon my mind. Sitting at my dining room table eating breakfast, Oh Shit turn on thy Telie! Tuning in with nine minutes to spare before going Green for Saturday’s Sprint race. Which my Numero Uno MotoGP rider Jorge Martin won!

 

And then IndyCar Qualifying began at High Noon here upon the West Coast. With that pesky Alex Palou pipping my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward by 24-thousandths for Pole! Which naturally Pato said was Annoying during His postQualie’ radio interview. Apparently telling the Folks on NBC that Palou had gone to the Porta Potty just before Qualifying began, Hya!

 

Whilst my Numero Doce IndyCar driver Davey Malukas massively overperformed by claiming third overall, and making the Fast six Shootout in only His second race of the season!

 

As Formula 1 felt like an afterthought, albeit I perked up after hearing via my NFB Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service that Boo Hoo, poor MaxiMillions had struggled at Bloody Silverstone after encountering a gravel trap during Qualifying, Hurrah!

 

Having to settle for fourth on the grid behind three Bloody Brits, ergo George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. Meaning this could actually be an entertaining F1 race. Enticing me to do something “wild ‘n Crazy!” And set the alarm clock for 6:45AM in order to “watch”, Err listen to the race live Sunday morning.

 

Strangely, since I’m not a fan of any of these four drivers, with three fourths of F1’s Brat Pack represented! I supposed I should have been rooting for the Old Goat, nee Golden Child, aka sir Lewis. Although I didn’t want to “See” Him break another of Der Terminator’s, nee Michael Schumacher’s fleeting records…

 

Thus I found myself strangely rootin’ instead for that Cheeky Bugger Lando Norris, even though I easily tire of His wingeing! But Max and George Russell just rub me the wrong way more for some unknown reason…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/04/welcome-to-formula-ones-pariah-club.html

 

Cannot say it was a stellar or great race, but it was certainly gripping with the changing weather conditions and actual ontrack passes by All of the front runners. As I enjoyed Lando coming from fourth after dropping a place to Bosom buddy Verstappen, to taking the lead. And then teammate Oscar Piastri made it an McLaren 1-2, before pit strategy ruined the Aussie’s race.

 

But with a second rain shower approaching and everyone switching onto intermediate rubber before switching back to slicks. Hamilton jumped Norris on the final pit stop and never looked back!

 

While Verstappen and Red Bull made the right tyre call with Max motoring past Lando on Hard Pirelli’s, with Lando incorrectly choosing soft tyres and finishing third instead.

 

After the podium interviews with Bloody Jense’ (Button) where not surprisingly Verstappen failed to congratulate His Arch nemesis Lewis! I immediately switched over to the MotoGP race and was dismayed to hear the Pundits saying that (Jorge) Martin had crashed out while leading, WTF!

 

Gifting the win to title protagonist Pecco Bagnaia, who now leads the points standings, Sigh! While The Pinball wizard Marc Marquez went from P13 to second, one place ahead of His younger brother Alex.

 

This left me with just some 51mins; How ‘bout that Toby Sowery, eh? Until the start of IndyCar Radio’s pre-race coverage. My favourite part of the pre-race – when they talked to 19 of the 27 IndyCar drivers.

 

The race began on  a strange note, with none other than Scott dixon’s Hybrid system deciding to rapidly deploy itself multiple times on the parade lap, leaving the Kiwi’ stalled ontrack, and unable to restart His racecar. As this would be the day’s only yellow flag for two laps before the race went green.

 

The first half of the race seemed headed in another boring procession with pole sitter Alex Palou running off ‘n hiding from the field, before things finally got interesting after the first pit stop of the day. When second place Pato O’Ward was able to Hunt down Palou and erase the Spaniard’s nearly seven seconds advantage!

 

Then O’Ward and McLaren brilliantly used the “Undercut” by pitting a lap earlier. Along with Palou partially stalling in pitlane for O’Ward to take the lead from Palou with 24-laps remaining!

 

As I sat glued to thy Confuzer’s sound bar with two sets ‘O fingers crossed chanting Go-PATO-GO! With the Mexican driver holding off a never relenting Palou, who did everything possible to attempt regaining the lead! Not to mention O’Ward and Palou being bottled up behind traffic for the last 14-laps!

 

But a joyous and physically spent O’Ward didn’t put a wheel wrong and won by just under a half second! Scoring His first true ontrack victory since Iowa’s Race-2 on July 24, 2022, Aye Karumba!

 

Drive of the Day definitely goes to Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 51 rookie Toby Sowery making His IndyCar debut without any testing or knowledge of how the Hybrid system worked! Going from P24 to finishing 13th! One place behind David Malukas…

 

As Malukas unfortunately stalled His engine during the race’s first pitstop, keeping Him from a Top-10 finish. Which many drivers struggled with the taller first gear necessitated by the Hybrid system and gearing needed ontrack due to the track’s repaving…

 

And that doesn’t even include the weekend’s Madison Governor’s Cup Unlimited Hydroplane race, where a pathetic five boats showed up. And the referees were embarrassed by not knowing the Qualifying rules, Butterfingers! Hmm, wonder who won? 

Thoughts upon a Few of IndyCar’s recent moves

Although Motor Racing Never Sleeps!

 

Yeah, it’s old news here upon No Fenders as typical. With everyone knowing that IndyCar has chosen FOX to be its new Television partner beginning in 2025, on a multi-year contract. Presumably running until the end of 2027.

 

Being blind, have I mentioned that to Y’all lately? I typically don’t “watch”, Err listen to many NASCAR races on TV. Usually just the Day-Toner’ 500, which I missed this year due to recovering from Open Heart surgery and my parents didn’t want to watch the race with me…

 

What little I do recall of FOX NASCAR races are that indeed, they tend to put good ‘Ol NBC; “Nothing but Commercials” to Shame! Along with Mike Joy constantly pontificating over everything NASCAR invented or did first…

 

What I’m more curious about, and maybe it’s in the fine print somewhere? But will FOX be airing All of the IndyCar races in year’s two-three of this contract still on Network TV?

 

Since everyone’s touting how this is a “Win” for IndyCar and it’s Team Owners commercially. But I haven’t read anything about the second and third years of this deal and what it pertains? Since if my cable Bill keeps increasing by $31 a month per year, then I’m definitely gonna need to Cut the Chord! Even though I still have zero clue over how a Blind person does Streaming?

 

And ever since Sugar Ray Tracy left the Broadcast Booth, I’ve been listening to every IndyCar race via IndyCar Radio instead. Since they paint a Mucho Better picture of what’s happening ON-track vs. television!

 

Thus, the FOX Broadcast crew isn’t of great importance to Mwah, other than obviously they get talented and knowledgeable people to work behind the microphones. As Allen Bestwick, Brian till or Adam Alexander would be great lead announcers.

 

What I’m truly disappointed about this new arrangement is once again, the shortening of an already too short IndyCar season. As ending on August 31st is a travesty! And yes, I know the reason why, which is Poppycock! Especially since the final few races could migrate to FS1or Gasp, FS2, Oh Never Mind!

 

As IndyCar and Penske Entertainment have nobody but themselves to Blame for marginalizing the series into a Niche Sport! As I Don’t wanna hear any Bellyaching when their ultra compressed scheduled gets disrupted by Mother Nature…

 

I also know others in Ye blogosphere have pointed out how that tiresome, nauseating 869lb Gorilla known as the NFL’s season only last six months. And Ditto other major league sports?

 

But what’s not mentioned in this sentence is that these Stick ‘n Ball Sports have other activity going on year round! Like the vaunted three day Draft, Free Agency, Rookie Camp, OTA’s and who knows what else to keep them constantly in the Spotlight, ergo News cycle.

 

Which one cannot say that at All about IndyCar, unless you wish to include All of the self inflicted wounds of negative publicity over the Stupendous six months Offseason? Hence IndyCar is out of the public eye for at least a minimum of a Half year. And dare I say it? Truly only once a year during Memorial Day weekend! And how did IndyCar manage to race until October for All of those years in the past?

 

Although the new TV Deal appears to be a Boom for Indy NXT, which perhaps will help to increase it’s field of competing drivers and teams?

 

Meanwhile, we also know that this weekend at Mid-Ohio, we’ll finally “See” the debut of IndyCar’s gong Hybrid, even if they’re actually utilizing and ERS, nee Energy Recovery system. Which houses the array of “miniture” super capacitors and the rest of the necessary components inside the engine’s Bellhousing.

 

Much has been made over how many years behind this Hybrid arrival is, for which I do have to say I’m impressed that IndyCar, Chevrolet and Honda can make it work!

 

Since unlike the IMSA GTP racecars, which have oodles of space for large battery systems. Or Formula 1 chassis designed to accommodate battery “packs”, IndyCar is Handicapped by having to package this new ERS hardware into its existing Dallara DW12 design. Which is no fault of Dallara’s, since this chassis is twelve years old!

 

As the main problem is that IndyCar and some of it’s team owners have resisted the implementation of a brand new IndyCar chassis, that could be designed to accommodate such new technology. Which now is possibly the springboard for a new chassis in 2027?

 

Thus, I’m dually impressed that a solution could be found at all to interface not only with the existing Dallara DW12 chassis. But also the twelve year old 2.2-litre twin turbo V-6 racing engines…

 

The question is how will this new hybridization effect the outcome of the remaining nine races? Especially with six being on Ovals. And who will figure out their advantages first?

 

As it seems extremely Odd to me to be introducing such a major equipment change in the middle of a racing season.

 

Yeah, I get it, that supposedly Heads were gonna Roll! If the hybrid ERS package didn’t see competition this season. For which I can only hope that the delay to mid-season won’t see a litany of wholesale retirements due to reliability issues!

 

Even though I know countless miles of testing has been done both on and off track, and even an almost full field test was held at Milwaukee recently. There’s still nothing like the relevance of race competition!

 

While another variable will be Firestone’s tyres, for which All new compounds have been made in advance of going Hybrid. As I’m not saying that Firestone’s tyre’s will be bad. They’re just one more variable for teams to have to sort thru.

 

And speaking of testing, how can I not wonder if Penske and Ganassi have a decided advantage as the primary “test” teams for their respective engine partners? Although I know that Arrow McLaren, Ed Carpenter Racing and I think Rahal Letterman Lanigan and may be Andretti Global have also taken turns? It just All seems very convoluted to Mwah!

 

And notice how I didn’t say nothin’ about Team Penske, P2P and illegal software utilized for Hybrid testing…