Sugarplums, Rainbows and Splenda Sweetness abound at Milwaukee

As where’s Good ‘Ol Homer Simpson to say MMM-MMM, Sprinkles?

 

Whale’ lookie Tahr Folks. My Cable TV Bill just keeps going up and up, Bastardoes! As welcome home Tomaso, we’ve tacked on an additional $7.00 to your overpriced bill, Jackarses!

 

Hmm, what’s my Cable TV provider’s motto? Oh yeah, Spectrum, We Care!

 

So guess it’s a good thingy’ I “watched”, Err listened to over half of Saturday mornings practice session from Milwaukee on FS1 during a leisurely breakfast. But  I just don’t get any “excitement” or Buzz listening to the Booth boyz’, especially Wee Willie Buxom’, aka Will Buxton, or Kevin Lee.

 

Even with FOX owning a third of the series, which I hear they threw IndyCar under the Bus at Portland by moving the race to FS1 since the Live Gold game was going long. As all that IndyCar Radio would say was it was a programming problem when the start was delayed 15mins from 12:22 to 12:37PM Pacific, FOUR!

 

As even Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary ellen asked me why hadn’t they started the race yet? Which I listened to in its entirety via IndyCar Radio on one of the Islands in the Puget sound’s “Archipelago”. Accessible only via Washington State Ferry (WSF) fleet of “Timeless” boat, which even sometimes run on schedule, Toot-tooth!

 

As for Milwaukee, as much as I’d liked for  Palou getting win #9 w’; having boldly told boss Cheep’ He was going to win. Have to say I was Rootin’ for William Steven Power or ScottyMac’ to win instead.

 

As I thought it would be Hilarious for Power to win His second race of the season and really make Penske squirm!

 

Although it was Kyffin Simpson making DJ WillyP’ squirm instead, when giving Him the Kyff-Dog’ Swerve, Youch!

 

While once again I was Rootin’ against my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver Pato Who? During Qualie’, wanting to “See” Davey Malukas “Break His Duck” and claim His first IndyCar pole. Which the Chicago lad came Oh, so tantalizingly close to. Until Alex Palou did what He’s done All season long, claiming His sixth pole of the season, Boo!

 

As this left me begging the question. What would you take? A one year extension at Penske, knowing your toast afterwards. Or a two year deal with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing As it sounds like RLLR clearly wants Power; with Sparky’ making way for the Man from Down Under…

 

Whilst it sounds like it’s a foregone conclusion that Penske will take David Malukas next year, even if He claims to be on a two year contract with Foyt. Which would leave Foyt in a Huge Hole for its second car’s budget! Especially since Team Penske is footing the bill for Malukas’s ride.

 

As Marshall Pruett pointed out that Penske hasn’t taken a young driver with zero poles or wins in 40 years! And yes, Scott McLaughlin was a rookie with zero IndyCar poles or wins. But He was a multi-times Supercars champion with some 57 W’s if I remember correctly.

 

With Pruett noting in His August 8th Racer Silly Season update. For which I was still waiting for the website reboot to be upgraded to the Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) standards “promised” by the time I returned home; Uhm, Oopsadaisy, Butterfingers!

 

Noting how perhaps Jacob Abel could “Backfill” the second Foyt seat? Although perhaps Sparky’, nee Devlin DeFrancesco could take His pocketbook there?

 

For which perhaps, All of this will merely be conjecture by now? Although DJ WillyP’ politely told Ryan Marin on the winners podium at Portland that He wouldn’t know until after Nashville…

 

As Milwaukee turned into a day ‘O firsts Sunday. Beginning with Mexican Salvador de Alba scoring His maiden Indy NXT win, leading wire-to-wire! With Andretti Global claiming a clean sweep of the podium. Including runner-up Dennis Hauger securing the Indy NXT and Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Championships.

 

Then after Alex Palou had led a staggering 195 of 250 laps. A momentary light shower producing sprinkles on-track set the stage for a dramatic end to the Headliner’s event.

 

As Ed Carpenter Racing’s (ECR) Christian Rasmussen, who’d incurred a speeding penalty earlier, along with ECR teammate Alexander Rossi and others, bolted on fresh Firestone rubber.

 

Thus Rasmussen splendidly carved His way thru the field, making mincemeat of the competition. Before brazenly shooting past race leader Palou to lead the final 16 laps enroute to His first career IndyCar win!

 

As the victory was Oh, So Sweet for Rasmussen driving the Splenda car! Giving ECR its first IndyCar win since I believe Rinus VeeKay won on the IMS Road Course Wayback’ in 2021?

 

As Palou said Himself during His podium interview, Rasmussen simply had fresher rubber and Congrats to Him! With Rossi finishing a disappointed fourth. Giving ECR two Top-five finishes on the legendary Milwaukee Mile!

 

As how can you not be Happy seeing another first time winner in victory lane, Eh? As Congrats Christian Rasmussen! 

Silly Season with A Twist

And were not talking about Half Gainers, 360’s or Double Back Flips Here!

 

Suppose now that we’re well past the halfway mark of this year’s IndyCar season. Which it still Ain’t right that the season will wrap-up on Friggin’ August 31st! So those Clods with helmets and shoulder pads can collide with each other on the Gridiron, Spew!

 

And it being the first of August, perhaps some of this will now be superfluous? Although when I hastily began scrbblin’ this in mid-July. I felt there were five teams for certain with no driver moves for next year. With Arrow McLaren, Chip Ganassi Racing, Ed Carpenter Racing, Meyer Shank Racing and Prema Racing all seeming to keep their current lineups.

 

Whilst that means that the other six teams, i.e.; A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Andretti Global, Dale Coyne Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Team Penske had possible “vacancies” or potential driver moves occurring.

 

Although I’m still flying Blind, thanks to Racer’s website not being screen reader compliant, Urgh! Forcing me to rely upon other new sources…

 

With the proclivity towards being obvious. The biggest potential Domino we’re waiting to find out what happens is DJ WillyP’, aka will Power of Team Penske, whose contract expires this year.

 

Know that scuttlebutt suggests that David Malukas will be His replacement, whom I’m a huge fan of. But I have to say I feel that my Numero Doce IndyCar driver has made far too many self inflicted mistakes this year driving for A.J. Foyt Enterprises. And that another season of “polishing” would be well suited for the Chicago lad.

 

Although somehow I doubt that Power’s looking for just a single year contract extension with Penske. While I know that David Land claimed there’s another team that’s given Power an offer. At least that’s what I think He said…

 

The other “big” name IndyCar team whose lineup seems unsettled right now is Andretti Global, with the possibility of having two thirds of its seats available? Since its long been Arse-sumed that Colton Herta will be the young American flying the flag for Cadillac when it enters formula 1 next year.

 

Although I tend to think the scuttlebutt is that Herta needs to finish fourth this season in order to secure the mandatory FIA Super Licence. Which currently being mired in ninth, with one podium prior to Toronto doesn’t help this cause.

 

Although Colton did start from pole in Toronto and finished fourth, when He most likely should have won. Except for the raft of cautions causing a million different strategies! With Herta moving up to eighth in the title fight.

 

Then finishing third at Laguna Seca saw Him move forward another spot to seventh, just two points behind sixth place Felix Rosenqvist. And just 44 markers behind fifth place Christian Lundgaard, with three races remaining…

 

And then there’s the speculation over how poor Marcus Ericsson’s sophomore campaign and time overall with Andretti Global is going, with the possibility of the affable Swede’s contract’s final year being bought out?

 

Of course the obvious choice for one of these seats would be Indy NXT rookie standout Dennis Hauger, who’s pretty much crushed the competition this year! With the exception of Andretti Global rookie teammate Lochie Hughes keeping Him Honest, when they’re not busy colliding!

 

As you’d have to think that Andretti Global is keen to keep both of these emerging talents in the “Family”. Even though there doesn’t seem to be that many opportunities for both of them in IndyCar next year.

 

The only other Indy NXT drivers possibly ready to graduate to IndyCar are Caio Collet and possibly Myles Rowe. Although both seem a stretch, with Rowe probably needing another year in the series.

 

Although Collet said don’t forget about me wit a clean sweep weekend in Monterey! Winning both Indy NXT races from pole and leading wire-to-wire.

 

Meanwhile, Portland’s Josh Pierson, whom I have no idea if He’s still an Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) Development Driver? But He seems somewhat off the pace, and now in His third year in Indy NXT, it seems unlikely He’ll progress to IndyCar…

 

Although He did have a breakout weekend at Laguna Seca. As according to IndyCar’s Curt Cavin, Pierson netted His first two podium finishes after 32 races. Finishing third Saturday, and second on Sunday.

 

Interestingly, across thoust Gory Puddle, Netherlands Richard Verschoor led the FIA Formula 2 Championship points standings by six markers over American Jack Crawford: 122-116. As both drivers have three wins to date. Whilst Ireland’s Alex Dunne is in third place with 108 points; prior to Round 9 at Spa-Francorchamps.

 

As both Verschoor and Crawford dropped one position in the standings after netting zero points in Belgium. With Italy’s Leonardo Fornaroli vaulting into the lead after winning the Sprint race at Spa. Now on 125 points, while Dunne remains fourth, albeit just two markers adrift of Crawford.

 

Dunne, a rookie, is a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, while Crawford serves as a reserve driver for the Aston Martin’s F1 team, and is part of its Driver Development programme.

 

Now, I’m not suggesting this will happen, since it seems fairly far fetched to Mwah, But. What if the FIA refused Herta’s Super Licence application? And 20 year old Yank’ Crawford, whose netted five wins in F2 wins the Formula 2 title in His third season. Could Cadillac opt for Crawford instead?

 

Yet how could the FIA say that Herta’s not “qualified” for a Super Licence or worthy of racing in Formula 1?

 

As only time, and money will tell. Although as Sonny Hayes says in F1 the Movie, “Its Not about the Money!” Cough, cough…

 

Naturally, after I’d finished scribbling these riveting thoughts. The day after, ESPN Online Motorsports Headlines published a story about Jack Crawford saying it would be a major mistake if Cadillac overlooked Him if He wins the F2 title. Noting in the article that its His Manager’s job to keep Cad-Oh-Lac’ in the frame over Him…

 

While in typical No Nonsense Pato Who? Machismo style, O’Ward likened rumours of His moving to Cadillac F1 akin to Fernando Alonso and Taylor Swift “Hooking Up” last year, which we all know never happened. Nice one Pato!

 

As would IndyCar really be on the verge of going to Mexico City without the sport’s most popular driver? 

Indy NXT returns to Action, in Earnest

But like it’s Big Brother IndyCar and Alex Palou. Can anybody stop Denis Hauger?

 

Yeah, your Humble, Haggard No Fenders scribe Tomaso’s another dollar short and several days late…

 

Have to say I agree with For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hando over how exhausting the sheer volume of negativity surrounding IndyCar is, albeit much is self inflicted, unfortunately…

 

Case-in-point is the series yearly inability to smooth out it’s schedule and the Uber annoying three week breaks at season’s beginning, after we’ve waited another agonizing six month to go racing once again!

 

Yet think those three week gaps are annoying? Then think about how the Indy NXT competitors and it’s Fans feel over the totally ridiculous 63 Freakin Days gap between it’s St Pete season kickoff and round two last weekend at thee Barber’s, nee Barber Motorsports Park on May 4th, nine weeks later, Youza!

 

Naturally, much has happened since I last listened to an Indy NXT race, for which I “Drop-in” for the Alabama round., the first I’ve listened to since I Dunno, sometime last year.

Learning that Indiana native Kirk Dooley was named Director of Indy NXT by Firestone on April 7th, and will oversee all operations and competition of the Feeder series.

 

Dooley previously served as IndyCar’s Chief of Staff between 2015-16. In in 2016, Dooley was named Director of Executive Operations for Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Leaving in 2020 to served as Chief Operating Officer of the Skip Barber racing schools.

 

Was ready to scribble all about Doce Femme Fatales in Indy NXT this year, before learning nearly one month after the fact that Sophia Floersch had ended Her Indy NXT campaign with HMD Motorsports, Huh?

 

As the 24yr old German driver reportedly had a misunderstanding with Her primary sponsor according to Racer’s Marshall Pruett and thus She and HMD Motorsports parted ways immediately, with no word on what Floersch will do next?

 

As Sophia qualified P17 and finished P12, two positions ahead of HMD Motorsports rookie Hailie Deegan. As Deegan makes Her transition to single seaters, with the Temecula, California native being known for Her Offroad and  NASCAR career. In ARCA, Trucks and Xfinity.

 

On a side note, learned earlier this season that Jace Denmark, who’s now racing for TJ Speed Motorsports in His third USF Pro 2000 campaign Has been signed as an HMD Motorsports development driver…

 

Norway’s Dennis Hauger claimed His first “Grand Salami”, Err Grand Slam on His rookie debut for Andretti Global. As Hauger is the first Indy NXT driver since Linus Lundqvist in 2021 to win on debut.

 

Hauger led wire-to-wire from pole, and set fastest lap. Along wit leading rookie Lochie Hughes in an Andretti Global 1-2 finish, ahead of Caio Collet, driving for HMD Motorsports.

 

Myles Rowe of Abel Motorsports with Force Indy tied His series best finish in fourth, with Salvador de Alba, also of Andretti global rounding out the top five.

 

HMD Motorsports signed Kirkland, WA native Evagoras Papasavvas to replace the departing Bryce Aron. With Aron moving onto Chip Ganassi Racing’s Indy NXT team for the remainder of the season as Jonathan Browne’s replacement.

 

While Hauger once again cruised home for His second win in dominating fashion, with a second wire-to-wire victory from pole. The story of the weekend was Papasavvas’s Indy NXT debut.

 

Papasavvas, who raced in USF2000 the past two years, initially had signed a partial season deal with HMD Motorsports. A three race deal beginning at Gateway and concluding at Mid-Ohio. Yet the HMD Motorsports reserve driver, who impressed during a Mid-Ohio test, was called-up as Aron’s replacement four round two.

 

Evagoras won His maiden USF2000 race at Mid-Ohio, His hometown track in 2023. Followed by a second win at Toronto and fourth in that year’s USF2000 Championship.

 

On debut at Barber Motorsports Park, Papasavvas qualified third, inherited second when Caio Collet had a throttle issue, and held off a menacing Lochie Hughes, Myles Rowe and Josh Pierson to finish Vice Champion, Err runner-up!

 

Hughes tried everything He could think of, with Rowe and Pierson nipping at His Heals, all to nought…

 

Indy NXT contests a Double Header outing on Indianapolis’s road course this Friday-Saturday.

 

While can anybody catch the red-hot Hauger? Who’s two back-to-back wins on debut matches Ed Jones start to His 2015 Indy Lights season. As Jones would win the first three races in-a-row before finishing third overall behind Spencer Pigot and Jack Harvey… 

IndyCar Season Preview: The 2025 Honda runners’

It’s Almost showtime Ladies ‘n Germs, Ready or Not, we’re live right now in St Pete!

 

Well, and No Tomas Sr. It’s A Deep subject Joke Here Folks, Hya! But It’s time again to throw the Green flag and Go Racing! As the IndyCar’s and their former Road to Indy supporting cast, including Indy NXT take over  the Saint Petersburg’s Airfield this weekend on the 1.800-mile temporary Street Circuit beginning today. (Friday, February 28th)

 

let’s go Racing!

 

2025 Honda Team line-ups

Attempting another hypothetically, HaHa! Short synopsis of the 13 Honda powered Drivers on this year’s IndyCar Grid.

 

Andretti Global (3)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#26 Colton Herta, USA

#27 Kyle Kirkwood, USA

#28 Marcus Ericsson, Sweden

 

2024 Wins: 2

Colton Herta (2)

 

Will refrain from now on about Mikey A’s dismissal from His eponymous IndyCar team last September. Other than it just seems wrong to continue calling it Andretti Global!

 

 

 

Colton Herta rebounded nicely last year, ending His winning drought of 41 races at Toronto. Then capping off the year with His maiden Oval win at the Nashville season finale, enroute to runner-up, or as Geo. Phillips prefers, Vice Champion, Hya!

 

As Herta’s already sick ‘n tired of whether or not He’ll be moving to Cadillac Racing’s Formula 1 entry for 2026. But as long as He finishes no worse than fourth overall, I believe He’ll be Formula 1 bound next year.

 

Andretti’s Big 2024 signing was Marcus Ericsson, who had an overly rough season overall. As the Swede’ looks to vastly improve over His P15 season finish, while ditto for Kyle “Kirk” Kirkwood.

 

As Kirkwood, a la Ericsson went winless last season, and obviously hopes to improve from seventh overall. And presumably will have rotating sponsorship this season…

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (3)

#8 Kyffin Simpson, Cayman Islands

#9 Scott Dixon, New Zealand

#10 Alex Palou, Spain

 

2024 Wins: 4

Alex Palou (2) and Scott Dixon (2)

 

Obviously the Biggest change at Ganassi is the contraction back to three entries due to the amazing, Wunderbar’ Charter system, Chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

Along with reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou claiming consecutive titles, for a total of three over the last four seasons!

 

Yet having only scored two wins last year, along with the competition steadily increasing, He’ll be hard pressed to “Three-peat!”

 

What can I say about the timeless Scott Dixon who finished fifth overall last season? Other than Dixon won’t be content playing second fiddle to Palou again!

 

Whilst the “Fifth-wheel”, Err third member of CGR, Kyffin Simpson is in His sophomore season, having finished a dubious P21 overall. Simpson is solely a Ganassi driver on the strength of His father’s Ridgeline sponsorship backing, and most likely will once again be a non factor. And will need to improve to remain inside the vaunted Leaders Circle, Err Charter prize fund’s top 22 finishers…

 

Dale Coyne Racing (2)

#18 Rinus VeeKay, Netherlands

#51 (R) Jacob Abel, USA

 

Once again, the wily Dale Coyne continued His time honoured tradition of being the last to announce His latest driver choices in the new year. As we All Ah-waited with Baited Breath over who’d Dale would choose?

 

Although I’ll have to say I didn’t see Jacob Abel as the first signing, or graduating to Indy Cars. As Abel finished runner-up to Louis Foster in Indy NXT last year.

 

And while Abel was confirmed fairly early for DCR on Jan 13th. With ten days remaining until IndyCar’s first Full-field test session at Sebring, Whale’ Chirp-chirp, Bueller? We’re still all ah-Waitin’ to see if Rinus VeeKay will get the nod for the No. 18 entry this year? Before Rinus got the nod on Valentine’s Day, completing this year’s grid.

Meyer Shank Racing (2)

#60 Felix Rosenqvist, Sweden

#66 Marcus Armstrong, New Zealand

(Technical Alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing)

 

No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ has anointed Felix Rosenqvist with the nickname of Felix-the-Cat. Possibly due to His nine life for remaining an IndyCar driver? Although last year was sort of a breakout season for the Swede. Getting off to a fast start and scoring the team’s maiden IndyCar pole position at Long Beach.

 

Am a total Fan of Rosenqvist’s and would like to see Him win His second IndyCar race for MSR.

 

Marcus Armstrong moves over from Ganassi, being part of the downsizing effort, and should be a good fit with MSR, giving the team two steady drivers.

 

Whilst ‘Ol Dancin’ Fool Hulio’, nee Helio Castroneves will run a third #06 MSR entry at Mother Speedway this May, as His 50th birthday present.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (3)

#15 Graham Rahal, USA

#30 Devlin DeFrancesco, Canada

#45 (R) Louis Foster, UK

 

Graham Rahal, now entering his 19th IndyCar season Me Thinks? Is the De Facto Team leader. And obviously “Hungry” to finally return to the top step of the podium. Now entering His eighth season without a win, Yikes!

 

Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco returns to IndyCar after a one year hiatus. And presumably His funding helps enable the team to not only run the No. 30 entry, but the #45 car as well? As no idea how Sparky will do this season?

 

Lastly, the team has taken a “Flyer” upon the reigning Indy NXT champion Louis Foster. Although I’d say it’s a pretty good choice, as Foster dominated Indy NXT last season and should show occasional flashes of “Brilliance” this season. Being my bet for Rookie Of the Year.

 

(R = Rookie) 

IndyCar Season Preview: Presenting the 2025 Bowtie Boyz’

Are we really, really finally going racing, once again?

 

 

Otay Kiddoes, Hurrah! The Off-season is finally over! As it’s been nearly a Gory Half year, albeit a svelte 168 days for those counting. Just under a Fortnight less than six months since the Nashville Super speedway’s season finale last September 15th…

 

2025 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 14 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#4 David Malukas, USA

#14 Santino Ferrucci, USA

(Technical Alliance with Team Penske)

 

Its old news now, that the first shoe to drop was Engineer Supremo Michael Cannon’s departure from Foyt to Prema, for which Larry Foyt said he didn’t want to see Him go. As will Cannon return to Foyt now?

 

As the team hired ‘lil Davey’ from “Chicago”, ergo David Malukas as Sting Ray robb’s replacement alongside thee Great Santini’, aka Santino Ferrucci.

 

As Malukas will drive the No. 4 entry, with the entire A.J. Foyt Enterprises operation being run out of its Indianapolis facility. Along with its continued Team Penske technical alliance.

 

As this will be a fun team to keep an eye upon, although Hopefully expectations won’t be too Sky High! Even though it would be nice to see another year of at least one driver finishing Top 10 overall.

 

Arrow McLaren

#5 Patricio “Pato” O'Ward, Mexico

#6 Nolan Siegel, USA

#7 Christian Lundgaard, Denmark

 

2024 Wins: 3

Pato O’Ward (3)

 

My current Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward had another respectable season, being the only non-Penske driver claiming three victories. And one of only three driver with three wins to their names. Yet Pato fell to fifth overall last year., one position lower than 2023.

 

Yet I’d expect nothing less than Pato once again being in the title fight this season.

 

Think everybody knows about McLaren’s off-season acquisition of Christian Lundgaard from RLLR, as the Dane’ was ready to move onto Greener, Shinier pastures, albeit McLaren is known for its pressure cooker mentality!

 

As it’ll be fun to see how much Lundgaard can push O’Ward. Whilst Nolan Siegel who leapt from Indy NXT into IndyCar mid-season has reportedly added 15lbs of muscle and is looking to improve in His first ful season IndyCar campaign…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 Alexander Rossi, USA

#21 Christian Rasmussen, Denmark

 

The big news for ECR was the signing of Alexander Rossi to lead the team this year, along with Christian Rasmussen getting a full season ride.

 

As Fast Eddie’, aka team Boss Ed Carpenter has finally, wisely decided to settle upon just an Indianapolis 500 only effort this year. While the team receives a cash infusion with the addition of Ted Gelov as a “partner”, Err co-owner of ECR. Along with the team’s new snazzy, stylized team monogram incorporating the fabled Oval into this “refreshed” logo…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

#77 Conor Daly, USA

#78 Sting Ray Robb, USA

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing sports an all new driver lineup this season, with two former Juncos Racing drivers returning to the fold

 

Hopefully Sting Ray Robb’s No. 78 will continue with “Paws,” pet friendly primary sponsorship from goodheart Animals Health Centers? As I was unaware that Robb had driven for Riccardo Juncos in Pro Mazda, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights between 2019-21. And won the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship with Juncos, winning five races that season.

 

Conor Daly is a well known commodity in Indy Cars, having run the final portion of last year’s IndyCar calendar for JHR, along with winning the 2010 Star Mazda title in dominating fashion, scoring nine poles and sevens wins driving for Juncos. Although still waiting to “see”, Err hear who Conor’s primary sponsor is?

 

As the team hopes to improve upon last year’s results, which could be somewhat difficult? But at least team co-owner Brad Hollinger won’t be spending as much of His own money on the team this season…

 

Prema Racing (2)

#83 (R) Robert Schwartzman, Israel

#90 Callum Ilott, UK

 

Although Prema is a well proven championship winning calibre European Feeder Series team. Naturally, the jury’s still out upon their impending IndyCar foray. As everything seemed to be going great until Michael Cannon hastily exited His new employer!

 

The team’s two IndyCar drivers are both Prema Alumni. As Callum Ilott needs no introduction. Whilst rookie Robert Schwartzman was highly regarded after testing an IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing, which sounds like a pretty good endorsement. And His debut for Prema at the Thermal Club was highly impressive…

 

Team Penske (3)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 Will Power, Australia

 

 

 

2024 Wins: 8

Scott Mclaughlin, (3) Will Power (3) and Josef Newgarden, (2)

 

This is one of only two teams on this year’s 2025 IndyCar Grid to not change any of it’s drivers. The other being Andretti Global…

 

Josef Schlick’ Newgarden leads the way as the reigning, consecutive Indianapolis 500 winner, BOO! And looks to rebound from His worst season finish of eight last year.

 

ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLauglin once again was the top Penske finisher, with consecutive third place overall finishes. Being just one of three drivers with Three W’s – to match His car number. With His teammates aiming to knock Him off of His perch, again.

 

Will Power saw the championship slip away from Him due to His own, self inflicted mistakes. Along with a bizarre lap belt malfunction at Nashville extinguishing any remote title hopes. And being in a contract year, with His first ever Agent. DJ WillyP’ is expecting to improve upon finishing fourth last year…

 

(R = Rookie) 

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. 

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…