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… 

No IndyCar racing, No Problem!

As IMSA, MotoGP and Formula 1 aren’t Afraid to race when Football’s being played…

 

Who needs IndyCar during it’s El Stupidio 289 days Winter Slumber, Eh? When there’s a triumvirate of other motorsports series to pay Attenzione too! And that doesn’t even include the RASSCAR’ Playoffs, Gulp!

 

So much for the IndyCar Offseason, Eh? Which started off ominously for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, when the FBI paid a visit to their Zionsville race shop to investigate an alleged Intellectual Property (IP) rights dispute with a former Andretti Global employee on September 18th.

 

Having tune-in late to the day’s first race being the MotoGP Emilia Romagna GP, where I caught just the last three-plus laps. I was busy type-type-typing away on thoust keyboard when I said Oh shit!

 

Uhm, good thing we’re not monitored by the FIA here upon thoust Isle ‘O Nofendersville, Righto Max?

 

AnyHoo, I realized that I was missing the IMSA Battle On the Bricks race that was currently underway…

 

Tuning into IMSA Radio around 10:30AM Pacific, le Hamburgular’, aka Sealmeister B’, nee Sebastien Bourdais was leading the race in the #01 Chip Ganassi Racing Cadillac. Although the field was running behind the safety car. As apparently there had been a long caution period for inclement weather, including a heavy downpour that left standing water on-track.

 

As I’d timed it perfectly, with the safety car’s lights being turned off, indicating going green next time round.

 

And although I listened to the majority of the final four hours, other than flitting about my Bungalow by the Sea. Along with taking a break for lunch, there simply was way too mucho nonstop action to try rehashing it all. Like three Ferrari 296 GT3’s Hitting each other!

 

As several cars took turns leading, with the #01 cycling back to the lead.

 

Yet as the weather changed and the sun came out, it became obvious that it would now become a chess match regarding when to switch over to slick tyres would be tantamount.

 

While I’ve also never heard of a whole gaggle of cars, being the top eight LMP2 runners All being penalized a drive-thru penalty for not restarting the race properly, Say What?

 

Or the bizarre dead-stick reboot on the front straight by the championship points leading No. 7 Penske Porsche 963. When apparently Felipe Nasr was instructed to pull over and recycle the Porsche’s electronics to try correcting a power steering issue. With Nasr’s sudden stop almost seeing Louie Deletraz in the WTR Andretti Acura ARC-06 crash into the unexpected, stranded Porsche! Which Deletraz missed, but I wondered what His Heart rate must have jumped too?

 

Yet it was all to no avail, as the reboot didn’t cure the Porsche’s power steering issues, with the #7 ultimately finishing ninth.

 

Oh yeah, totally forgot to mention how fun it was listening to Romain Grosjean dragging His Lamborghini SP63 by the scruff of its neck from P5. All the way into the lead, after giving Mathieu Jaminet a “Love-tap” when passing for the lead! As it was the very first time ever that Lamborghini had led an IMSA Sports Car race, which Romain conceded was partially due to the wet weather conditions.

 

As it was funny hearing a joyful Grosjean being interviewed by Shea Adam in pitlane, unaware that one of His teammates, Matteo Cairoli had just been given a Drive-thru penalty. Which according to David Land was for Lamborghini having too many people over the wall during their pitstop.

 

Whilst later on, the Lambo’ wouldn’t fare so well, when tangling with the Proton Competition’s “Double Nickel” No. 55 ford Mustang GT3. As Andrea Caldarelli broke the right rear suspension during the collision, and the No. 63’s day was over. While sadly, late in the race, the bright blue #55 Mustang trundled to it’s garage, retiring due to the damage inflicted by Caldarelli…

 

But it was Philipp Eng in the #24 BMW M8 Hybrid who made the pass of the day in Turn 13 with 47mins remaining, which is not known for being a passing area on Mother Speedway’s 2.439 mile 14-turn permanent road course. For which both Lead Announcer John Hindhaugh and Jeremey Shaw were totally amazed by! Which would be the race’s winning pass.

 

As Hindhaugh mentioned at races end how it had been a stellar week for BMW. First finishing runner-up in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Six Hours of Fuji race. And then triumph at Mother Speedway.

 

As the win was the BMW M8 Hybrid’s first on-track victory, after they’d been given the 2023 Watkins Glen six hours W’ after Porsche Penske Motorsports was Disqualified in Post-race Tech for having worn down it’s skid plate beyond minimum limits.

 

According to Shea Adam in pitlane at race’s end. Not only was the No. 24 victorious, but it was the first time that the No. 24 had seen the chequered flag or won a race! After interview Jesse Krohn, winning co-driver, who said He’d now won in every BMW racecar He’d driven during His eleven years partnership.

 

With David Land also noting that the No. 24 hadn’t won in any IMSA competition since 2021…

 

Even sweeter for BMW M Team RLL was that the No. 24 led it’s Seester’ No. 25 home in a 1-2 sweep! With Jaminet in the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 third. Prior to it’s Post-race tech violation…

 

And that was before the day’s racing nightcap, being the encore presentation of the Singapore Grand Prix. Which I have to say was totally anti-climatic.

 

As Lando Norris put a total beatdown on the field leading wire-to-wire, and at one point holding a 24 second lead over runner-up Max Verstappen! While Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri was a distant third.

 

Although I found it funny how before the race I actually kind of wanted Verstappen to win, just so He could tell the FIA it was still Number One!

 

Although Sky sports lead Pundit Kroftie’ (David Kroft) apologized  for some Salty language from Lando Norris in the “Green” Cooldown room prior to the podium celebrations… 

Battle On the Brick Morphs into Six Hours Endurance race

But will anybody be paying attention while the Indianapolis Colts play the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00PM the same day?

 

For those of us reputedly in the minority, and Jonesin’ for some more racing action instead of Football, Ralf! This weekend features Sports Cars racing upon Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s (IMS) 2.439-mile, 14 turn permanent road course. With 56 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entries set to take the Green flag at 8:40AM Pacific this Sunday.

 

As the race switches from last year’s return to Mother Speedway with a two hour, forty minutes sprint race, to a full six hours endurance race format.

 

IMSA rules allow for both it’s premiere GTP and GTD Pro classes to run with only two drivers for the six hours IMS endurance race, which the majority have opted for. Therefore the only current IndyCar driver on tap will be Romain Grosjean.

 

As Grosjean, along with His regular Iron Lynx compatriots Matteo Cairoli and Andriea Caldarelli will pilot the NO. 63 Lamborghini SP63 IMSA GTP entry. Which is only contesting the five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds this season, having last raced at Watkins Glen this July.

 

The only other two GTP entries opting for three drivers vs. two are the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac with former IndyCar driver Tom Blomqvist. And Alession Picariello behind the keyboard of the No. 5 Proton Competition Porsche 963.

 

Whilst reportedly, the only taker in GTD Pro for three Hotshue’s is the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 entry with Neil Verhagen joining regulars Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow.

 

Eleven GTP entries will be joined by 12 GTD Pro and 23 GTD entries.

 

While the LMP2 class downsizes three entries to a total of 10, the fewest cars of the four IMSA categories participating.

 

One of these three LMP2 runners is DragonSpeed moving to field a Ferrari 296 GT3 in the GTD (Daytona) class for Henrik Hedman, Rasmus Lind and Ferrari Saloon Bad Arse Toni Vilander. As Lind is a former Indy Lights driver.

 

Another GTD entry of note is the iconic #43 Andretti Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R entry featuring Jarett Andretti; son of the late John Andretti. Partnered by Gabby Chaves and Scott Hargrove.

 

The race will be available on a multitude of platforms this Sunday including Peacock, IMSA Radio and NBC. As Big NBC will air the second half of racing between Noon-3:00PM, (Pacific) with the first half of the race on Peacock.

 

Whilst Arse-sumedly the entire race will be available on IMSA Radio for those of us visually challenged whom prefer to hear John Hindhaugh and Jeremy Shaw calling the action… 

More Historic “Firsts” made during Battle on the Bricks

    And that doesn’t even include the Fisticuffs that several of the “lesser” racing categories displayed over the weekend…

 

It’s funny that even worse than remembering the last time I listened to a Formula 1 race. I simply cannot remember what the last IMSA Sports Car race was? Since the last Sports Car race I know I tuned into was this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans, but I digress…

 

Decided to actually “watch”, err listen to the NBC TV Broadcast of this year’s Battle on The Bricks two hours forty minutes Sprint race. For which much fanfare was made about it’s return nine years later. For which I briefly recapped the first three versions in my previous No Fenders story below.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/08/sports-cars-returning-to-ims-for-battle.html

 

And although I listened to Thy Telie’ for the first 45mins of Big NBC’s broadcast, I got Uber’ annoyed with the constant wonkiness of the volume which was continuously changing, plus the need to go to commercials every Freakin’ nine minutes, Urgh!

 

So I went and attempted logging onto IMSA Radio during a commercial break and viola! This time I managed to figure out how to get the audio to play and Thar was John Hindhaugh and Jeremy Shaw talking to me without any further interruptions for the remaining two hours duration.

 

This year’s event featured at least two “Firsts” that I’m aware of. With Infield Camping being allowed at Mother Speedway, albeit I suppose technically the Glamping set-ups for the Indianapolis 500 preceded this. But it was the first time that RV camping was allowed.

 

As the Speedway actually set up designated sites for 160 RV’s I believe? In orderly rows with roads leading to them along with power, for the sites retailing at $1,500.00 for the event.

And I feel 98% certain; Uhm, who’s car number is that? That it was indeed the first time ever that temporary lighting was used at Mother Speedway. Which enabled the running of the four hour Michelin Pilot Challenge race Saturday night. Which I’m guessing was a test run for next year’s IMSA Battle on The Bricks event…

 

Enjoyed following along with Mike Silver’s the Pit Window Blog’s weekend updates. And especially liked reading about how He couldn’t figure out why the Grid was so sparsely populated Saturday evening before the Michelin Pilot challenge race.

 

Before discovering that the crowd was hovering around thee Young wicky’, Robby’ Wickens appropriately numbered Bryan Herta Autosport’s #33 Hyundai Elantra TCR racecar. With IndyCar drivers Alexander rossi, Marcus Ericsson, Felix Rosenqvist, Jack Harvey and Conor Daly present! But where was Wickens good friend thee Mayor? (James Hinchcliffe)

 

For those who don’t know. Wickens was involved in a violently Horrific IndyCar Shunt five years ago at Pocono Raceway which left Him a Paraplegic, and now races with Hand Controls…

 

Naturally Sunday’s marquee Battle on The Bricks race saw mayhem occurring at Turn-1 on the first lap of the race, when le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka Sebastien Bourdais’s Cadd-Oh-lacc’ V-Series prototype got tagged! As pretty sure that the Pole sitter Matt Campbell’s Penske Porsche 963 had inadvertently spun on it’s cold Michelin rubber. Uhm, actually Campbell like many during the race, locked-up, when presumably trying to be the last of the late Brakers…

 

Funny how fourt fifthhs of the IndyCar teams competing also in Sports Cars were essentially non factors, i.e.; Andretti, Ganassi, Meyer Shank and Rahal Letterman Lanigan, who all suffered from different ailments…

 

Although the most bizarre portion of the race was when there was a delayed 22mins Full Course Caution that included Race Control ordering various competitors to drop to different positions for the restart. Most notably the two leading Penske Porsche 963’s needing to give the #31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series the lead! With the Porsche’s having failed to follow instructions for forming up behind the Pace Car…

 

Yet suddenly the leading Caddy’ with Pipo Derani at it’s control flew thru the Turn-1 breaking area, failing to Hit it’s marks when locking up! Seeing the two trailing Penske’s immediately saying Playing Thru!

 

And then during the final Pitstop, Felipe Nasr in the #7 Pole winning Porsche 963 had trouble getting His tyres up to temperature on His out-lap, Slip sliding away. Enabling Nick Tandy in the sister #6 Penske to leapfrog Nasr during His Pitstop one lap later. Initially giving Tandy an 8-second lead, which Tandy stretched to some 18-seconds while comfortably cruising to the win! With the two Penske Porsche’s giving Indianapolis Motor speedway owner roger Penske a desired 1-2 victory sweep! While the No. 25 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing BMW M8 Hybrid finished third, taking the final podium step.

 

As the race’s outcome now sees the IMSA GTP competitors headed to a four way fight for the Championship title at the season finale Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on October 14th.

 

Interesting hearing Messer Hindhaugh note during the broadcast that one of the main differences between IMSA GTP and WEC specification isn’t performance related, but has to do with the chassis wiring loom. Saying that IMSA requires it’s own bespoke wiring loom to interface with it’s custom system’s ability to monitor all performance factors – including torque sensors. And that it requires 12 hours to change from a WEC spec wiring loom to IMSA spec.

 

Also believe that Hindhaugh claimed that next year’s Battle on The Bricks will be a six hours Endurance race for All IMSA Classes with a maximum of 55 cars allowed. As it’s worth noting that IMSA’s LMP3 category ceases this October.

 

While hopefully the IMSA’s newest and fifth endurance race on the 2024 calendar, the Battle on The Bricks will indeed finish under temporary lighting on a fall Saturday night…

 

Hmm, interesting how IMSA had No Qualms about going up against the Big Bad 869lbs NFL Gorr-rilliah’ (Gorilla) on TV during a Sunday! Can you Hear me IndyCar? 

NASCAR’s Crossover Stars Highlights Double Header IMS weekend races

Even if the Cup “Regulars” Stole the Show…

 

Although your Humble, or should that be Haggard No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was still on the road during the IndyCar-RASSCAR’ Double Header weekend at Mother Speedway. Ensconced at Ye Apple Orchard on Vashon Island. Where Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen dutifully tuned into IndyCar Radio’s coverage of both Qualie’ and race day for the enjoyable summer’s IndyCar GP Doce , which I enjoyed “Flag-to-Flag”. Finding myself inexplicably rootin’ for Graham Rahal to somehow get past Scott Dixon to break His six years victory drought to No avail, Sigh! Along with rootin’ Vociferously for Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco to Hold up thee “Iceman 2.0”, since Graham Himself had been previously Held up by traffic…

 

I find it ironic that today on Racer.com Marshall Pruett discusses how IndyCar discussed working on a future “Charter” system a la RASSCAR, reminding Mwah I hadn’t posted this riveting story yet!

 

Hearing IndyCar Radio’s lead announcer Mark Gravelly’ James Jawin’ with Arse-sumedly PRN (Performance radio Network) lead announcer Doug Rice sometime during the IndyCar race broadcast about the upcoming marquee Brickyard 200 event, Youch!

 

Although perhaps Mary Ellen was correct when retorting to Mwah that NASCAR must be paying El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske several Brinks Armoured Cars Full of Dinero for Thar premium Billing! Ad Nauseum media coverage and preferred Garage status…

 

With Rice noting the likes of such racing luminaries as Bloody Jense’, aka 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, The Giz’, aka Shane Van Gisberegen, Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller and what caught me totally off-guard, the mention of K-Squared’, nee Kamui Kobayashi! Along with the totally unknown, other Supercars Star Brodie Kostecki taking part in Sunday’s race.

 

If I’d been home I’d probably have switched on Thy Telie’ to “watch”, Err listen to the race, since this is one of the few RASCCAR events I’m willing to partake. Although I haven’t watched a NASCAR race since the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) Crash-fest! And Nah, Ain’t gonna spend anytime on Felipe Massa’s ridiculous 2008 Crash Gate frivolous lawsuit, but I digress…

 

As Button was making His third and final season’s start aboard the No. 15 Rick Ware Racing Ford Mustang. With “The Giz” (Van Gisbergen) making His second start behind the keyboard of Trackhouse Racing’s No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Rocky’ (Rockenfeller) was sawin’ the wheel in the No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Chevy, whilst I believe two others were making Thar Cup debuts.

 

As K-Squared’ (Kobayashi) was piloting the third #67 23/XI Racing Toyota Corolla; Err, Uhm, Freudian slip Thar! As I meant Camery. And current Supercars points leader Brodie Kostecki was driving the third Richard Childress Racing #33 Camaro.

 

Ironically Kostecki led the Supercars points standings with 1,590 points vs. Will Brown’s 1,549 and Van Gisbergen’s 1,536 with five rounds remaining. Including the legendous’ Bathurst 1000 October 8th, with the season wrapping up in Adelaide on November 26th.

 

I say ironic since Van Gisbergen’s just been released from His Supercars contract a year early to pursue His dreams of becoming a fulltime NASCAR Cup Star next year. With Triple Eight Race Engineering having announced the signing of Will Brown as His replacement next season…

 

As Van Gisbergen was Top of Thee Pops for the “All Stars”, finishing tenth overall, followed by Supercars compatriot Kostecki in 22nd. Rockenfeller was P24 and the first driver One lap down. Followed by Button P28 and Kobayashi P33 of the field’s 39 contestants.

 

Much talk has been made of how this apparently will be the third and final IMS Road Course Double Header, since it’s a mere formality before the Brickyard 400 makin’ Four lefts returns on the hallowed 2.5-mile Oval for it’s 30th Anniversary next year.

 

Since even though I’ve never been impressed by the second teir status IndyCar’s forced to endure over this weekend. I feel it’ll be a shame to cease this Double Header weekend format between IndyCar and NASCAR.

 

As Raymond Hando of For the Love of Indy’s already pointed out, Watkins Glen would be the ideal replacement track to continue this unique once a year weekend race format. And it doesn’t seem like it would be that difficult for Indy Cars to run the ‘Boot” long track configuration with the Cup cars running the shorter version the day after.

 

And I Hate saying it, but it seems that NASCAR’s making All of the right moves with this International lineup, even if some contestants were ineligible for Cup points. Making me ponder how IndyCar could do something similar?

 

And although I’m totally aware it’ll never happen. I’m guessing the main sticking point for IndyCar would be the vaunted, albeit ever shrinking Leaders Circle prize fund vs. RASSCAR’s Franchise, Uhm Charter system.

 

Thus IndyCar would have to run a Non-points event, which I hope the proposed Argentina race won’t be! In order to entice each of the Big Three or Four to run a guest All Star driver in place of one of their regular drivers. Or enter an extra racecar for said “guest” Driver.

 

As Hell, we know that Mr. Zakery Brown wouldn’t have a Problema coming up with an extra driver, even if the double talking Alex Palou cannot make up His mind where to drive next year…

 

Although I think to fully garner the right media Attenzione’, this would have to be a stand alone event devoid of Cup cars, with Mother Speedway’s permanent road course being a perfect venue.

 

Or my choice for this IndyCar All Star event would be Road America, or make it the Laguna Seca or Heaven’s forbid, the Thermal Club’s Winter Kickoff event.

 

And I say road course since we know that Jenson Button has said He’s not interested in running an Oval IndyCar race, while how cool would it be seeing The Iceman Kimi Raikkonen driving a Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing entry? And whomever else you could Dream up for such a mythical event… 

Can Romain Grosjean Win at Indianapolis?

Or will Andretti Autosport teammate Colton Herta Steal Romain’s Thunder and Win for the First time in a Year?

 

Although I really cannot say that I’ve ever been a Fan of Romain Grosjean’s, especially when He was what I considered a Hot Headed Formula 1 driver! I did enjoy His embracing Indy Cars upon His rookie season with Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing in 2021.

 

Thus, I suppose I’d like to see the Frenchman finally “Break His Duck” in IndyCar, by securing His long awaited maiden victory.

 

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett, for which I wasn’t aware of. Grosjean’s in some rarefied company right now, albeit tied for third with Russ Snowbird and Raul Boesel with five second place finishes without a win.

 

Whilst Vitor Meira Holds the record for most Second places without ever winning an IndyCar race with eight Runner-up finishes. With Geoff Brabham P2 with His notching of six Second place finishes.

 

Continuing my recapping First time IndyCar winners circa 2008 that Grosjean’s Chasing. For which if I’ve done my ryth-muh-tickin’ correctly? Romain’s one of twelve current IndyCar drivers on the Grid searching for His maiden victory. As Here’s the Rest of the previous first time Winners…

 

2015

At the venue that I believe He called His Home track, since Nashville wasn’t on the schedule yet. Josef Newgarden scored His Debutante IndyCar W’ during the fourth round of the season, at Barber Motorsports Park driving for CFH Racing. As it would be a Breakout year for Newgarden who scored two wins that season.

 

Round 7’s Belle Isle Detroit Race 1 saw another first time Columbian winner. When Carlos Munoz won His First and Only IndyCar race driving for Andretti Autosport.

 

2016

It seems like a lifetime ago that I witnessed Alexander Rossi score undoubtedly what was an unexpected victory at Mother Speedway’s 100th running. As Rossi scord His first W’ as a rookie No less in the Indianapolis 500 driving for Andretti Herta Autosport. And currently is the last rookie to date to do so…

 

2017-18

No First time IndyCar winners.

 

2019

In only His third ever IndyCar start driving for Harding Steinbrenner Racing. Colton Herta became the series youngest ever winner at Circuit Of the Americas, (COTA) in Austin, Texas at Age 18 years, 359 days Old! Herta would subsequently become the youngest ever Pole sitter later that year as a 19yr Old Teenager at Road America. And then for good measure, Colton won the season finale at Laguna Seca.

 

2020

This one still pains me, even if I do like the Swede! It’s just that Felix rosenqvist, then driving for Chip Ganassi Racing. Snatched His First, and so far Only IndyCar victory away from my current Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward with just One and a Half laps remaining at Elkhart Lake. When Felix-the-Cat’ won in Round 4’s Road America Race 2, which I lamented over in the following No Fenders tome…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2020/07/indycar-oward-just-6-miles-short-of.html

 

2021

Second year driver Alex Palou sent Shockwaves thru the IndyCar paddock upon winning for the First time at Birmingham’s season opening race for chip Ganassi Racing. As it would be the first of Palou’s eventual three wins enroute to a surprising IndyCar Championship!

 

Pato O’Ward finally got the Monkey Off His Back by winning His maiden IndyCar race at Texas Motor Speedway’s Race 2. As the win was fitting since it came in His adopted Home State and came just some four days before His 22nd Birthday, driving for then Arrow McLaren SP, then better known as “SPAM!”

 

The following race, Round 5 on Mother Speedway’s Infield Road Course. Rinus VeeKay won the GNR Indy Grand Prix for Ed Carpenter Racing.

 

Round 7 at Belle Isle’s Detroit Race 1 saw Will Power go Ballistic when His Chevy lump’ wouldn’t refire after a late Red Flag. Seeing Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson aboard the No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda claiming His Debutante IndyCar victory.

 

2022

Kiwi’ Multi-Supercars Champion Bad Arse ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin clamed His maiden IndyCar W’ at the season opening St Pete race, where He put a Beatdown upon the field! A la what I’d witness Him doing at Portland, leading 104 of 110 laps from Pole! His third victory of the season, with Mid-Ohio in-between, during His Breakout season for Team Penske.

 

2023

And that leads us to this year, which so far we’ve witnessed Kyle Kirkwood at Andretti Autosport in just His 20^th IndyCar race become a series First-time winner.

 

Which leads us to the $64k Question. Can Romain Grosjean become the newest First time IndyCar winner this weekend on Mother Speedway’s Infield Road Course? Since Romain seems to have an affinity for this Twisty’s racing circuit. Having claimed His first Pole position and first two Podiums at IMS, albeit Not on that Oval portion…

 

As Grosjean’s gotten off to a Hot start this year, looking poised for victory at St Pete. Along with another possible podium at Texas Motor Speedway. Followed by His two Second place finishes the last two races.

 

Of the current twelve IndyCar drivers chasing their Debutante W’, I’d have to say that following Grosjean, who seems the most likely to finally stand atop the Podiums. I’d have to rate Christian Lundgaard the next most likely to score His first IndyCar win. And then either Callum Ilott or David Malukas…

Update

Our latest newcomer to this ever growing list is Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Christian Lundgaard, who was my second choice for breaking their IndyCar “Duck”.

 

This was the 22yr old Dane’s Breakout season, having clamed His maiden Pole at the track He began His IndyCar career on. Taking the “guns ‘n roses” (GMR( Indy GP top qualifying position.

 

Then at Toronto in July, just five days before His birthday. Lundgaard had an epic weekend, where He made a Clean Sweep! Claiming His second Pole, the Fastest lap, Most laps led enroute to His Debutante IndyCar victory! Scoring RLLR’s first W’ in some three years…

 

As Lundgaard celebrated His win by promptly shaving off His mustache! Having made a deal with a good friend to not shave it off until He won His first IndyCar race!

Sports Cars returning to IMS for Battle of The Bricks

Where apparently Thar’ll bee More Racin’s Rubbin going on, Righto?

 

By now Y’all have Heard the News about IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway next year. As the Sports Cars will race at Mother Speedway on September 17, 2023 in their normal “Sprint” race duration of Two Hours and 40 minutes, before Years 2-3 will become longer Endurance events.

 

Arse-sumably in order to allow the various IndyCar Teams who’ll be running new IMSA GTP Sports Car operations, i.e.; Ganassi, Meyer Shank, Penske and Rahal Letterman Lanigan the opportunity to sprinkle some of Thar IndyCar Drivers into the

Mix.

 

As Sports Cars raced three times previously between 2012-2014 under then the Gran Am Series before becoming the United Sports Car series. As here’s what I’ve gleamed from what miniscule information’s available…

 

Brickyard Grand Prix

July 27, 2012: Grand Am, Round 9 of 13; 3hrs

July 26, 2013: Grand Am, Round 10 of 13; 3hrs

July 25, 2014: United Sports Cars, round 9 of 13; 2hr 45mins

 

2012 Brickyard Grand Prix

The inaugural Grand Am series Brickyard Grand Prix was won by somebody known here upon No Fenders as le Hamburgular’, aka Sealmeister B’, nee SeaBass’ or just plain ‘Ol Sebastien Bourdais and Alex Popow, driving the No. 2 Starworks Motorsports Riley/Ford Daytona Prototype. (DP) As the race featured nine Cautions and was run in Heavy Rain!

 

As ‘Ol Scooter’, nee Scott Pruett and Co-Driver Memo Rojas limped Thar Damaged Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) Riley/BMW home second. With Wayne Taylor Racing’s Ricky Taylor and Max “the Ax” Angelelli finishing third aboard their #10 Corvette DP.

 

Reportedly that Montoyer’ Feller was involved in multiple incidents when liberally applying the Chrome Horn treatment to fellow competitors! As Juan Pablo Montoya, Jamie McMurray and Scott Dixon finished fourth in the #02 CGR entry.

 

Andy “The Enforcer” Lally and John Potter were victorious in the GT Class in Thar Magnus Racing Porsche 911 GT3, finishig fifth Overall.

 

And Speaking ‘O Chrome Horns, Good ‘Ol Sugar Ray Tracy’, nee PT’, or just plain Paul Tracy. Hmm, is Thar something as a “Plain” Paul Tracy, Eh? Saw Pt’ and Co-Driver Jim Lowe finishing P17 Overall and sixth in the DP Class aboard their No. 77 Dallara/ford Daytona Prototype.

 

Presumably completely overlooked was bill Lester driving aboard the #88 Autohaus Motorsports Camaro with Jordan Taylor in the GT Class. As the pair finished 14^th Overall and 10^th in class.

 

2013 Brickyard Grand Prix

The 2013 Brickyard Grand Pris was the final iteration under the Grand Am Sanctioning series and was won for a second year in-a-row by the Starworks Motorsports team. Alex Popow won for a second consecutive year, this time paired with Ryan Razzle Dazle’ Dalziel in the No. 2 Riley/Ford Daytona Prototype.

 

Chip Ganassi Racing once again fielded it’s two cars with the #01 Riley/BMW chauffeur by Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas, who finished Runner-up for a second consecutive outing at Mother Speedway. While the #02 was driven by Joey Hand and TK’ Follow your Schnoz! Kanaan, who finished ninth.

 

Finishing third Overall was the Gainsco/Bob Stallings Racing’s Johnny CCR’ Fogarty and Alex Gurney aboard Thar No. 99 “Red Dragon” corvette DP, Remember them Y’all? As this Duo Dominated Gran AM for awhile before vanishing from the scene…

 

Drivers of note included ‘Ol rubino’, aka Rubens Barrichello in the #77 Doran Racing Dallara/Ford (DP) finishing fifth Overall with co-Driver Doug Peterson. And Defending Race winner Sebastien Bourdais now in the No. 4 8Star Motorsports Corvette DP finishing P11.

 

The Tintops’ Gran Torismo (GT) category was won by Mad Mas Papis and Jeffry, Not Steven’ Seagal aboard the No. 61 AIM Motorsports Ferrari 458 Italia.

 

2014 Brickyard Grand Prix

The final Brickyard GP was run under the auspices of the newly formed tudor United Sports Car series moniker, the mergified Grand Am and American Le Mans Series having combined for 2014. And once again Scott Pruett must have been wondering if Thar was a curse upon Him at Mother Speedway? Since Pruett and co-Hort, Err Co-Driver Sage Karam once again finished Runner-up in the #01 CGR Riley/Ford Eco boost, Pruett’s third Runner-up finish at the Brickyard.

 

As the race was won by Joao Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi driving the #5 Action Express Racing corvette DP entry, with Barbosa crossing the Yard ‘O Bricks just 49 seconds ahead of Pruett! While Richard “Westie” Westbrook and Michael Valiante came home third in the #90 Spirit of Daytona Racing Corvette DP.

 

Former A.J. Foyt Enterprises IndyCar driver “Union” Jack Hawksworth along with Chris Cumming won the PC class. While Jonathan Bomarito who just announced His retirement, won the GT LM (Le Mans) category with Kumo Wittner in a Factory SRT Dodge viper GTS/R and Alessandro Balzan and Jeff Westphal won the GT Daytona (GTD) category aboard their #63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Italia. 

INDYCAR: Brickyard GP Postmortem

Like Dude, that race was so long Ago! And it don’t even register after Crashville’, Yeehaw!

 

Wasn’t originally planning on scribblin’ about this here on No Fenders, but thought Thar was a few Nuggets to share…

 

Not until a few days following the Brickyard Weekend’s IndyCar race,

August 3^rd Me Thinks? We were made privy to the fact that Alexander Rossi’s winning #27 Andretti Autosport Dallara/Honda entry had Failed Post-race Tech Inspection. Specifically being underneath the minimum 1,700lb weight limit when the car’s Drinks’ (water) bottle was removed from the chassis. Which Racer’s Marshall Pruett claims can weigh between 2-3lbs, for which teams typically make up by adding extra Ballast. Typically somewhere in the range of 5-7lbs.

 

Although IndyCar also deemed Rossi’s car to Not be under the minimum weight during the race, they were unwilling to publicly divulge how much the car had failed Post-race tech inspection by. To which Pruett speculates that the chassis had to be somewhere between 1,697-1,699 pounds in order to trigger this infraction. And that somebody made an unintended mistake on calculating extra ballast needed. Thus Andretti Autosport was docked $25,000 and 20 entrant points. While Rossi was also docked 20 points, dropping one place in the standings to ninth, one point behind Arrow McLaren SP’s Felix Rosenqvist; who’ll potentially be teammates next year…

 

Arse-sumedly due to the fact that Justin B-I-G Unit’ Wilson was my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver for several years until His untimely Death. I still remember Wilson’s winning the 2012 Texas Motor Speedway IndyCar race where subsequently Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) was penalized following their victory for having more Downforce than Allowed. Although IndyCardid Not take the win away from DCR! Instead it took away five points from Wilson and fined Coyne $7,500 for having unapproved parts on Wilson’s sidepods.

 

For which I remember more Dario Franchitti’s, who I was calling Dashley Lepew at the time’s ridiculous comment. With Dario Whining loudly about He’d Happily Cut Off an Appendage to make up for the amount of Downforce Justin had precieveably Had an Advantage of during that race…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/06/may-be-ganassi-should-add-sazzall-to.html

 

Tyres’ R Us…

Although Not trying to take Anything Away from Jessica Mace’s accomplishment of going over the Wall as Alexander Rossi’s right Rear tyer changer during His Brickyard GP victory, for which I say congrats to Jessica! It’s worth noting, since I Don’t wish to Call Out my current No. 1 Pit Reporter by name, but! If He’d read to the bottom of Marshall Pruett’s article…

 

Then He would have known that the Unheralded, and I’d say totally unknown Tess Gape was the first Female Tyre Changer to go Over the Wall on a winning IndyCar entry. With Gape doing so on the winning entry Wayback in Gory Ought-three on The Dude’s! Aka Ryan Hunter-Reay’s American Spirit Team Johansson Reynard 02i Cosworth racecar down Under at surfers Paradise Mates!  

 

 https://racer.com/2022/08/02/why-rossis-ims-win-was-one-for-the-history-books/

 

It’s A Mad, Mad World!

C’mon Y’all, Sing it Along with me. It’s A Mad world After all. It’s A Mad World After All!

 

As think I’m gonna start calling Zak Brown thee Mad Hatter! Since it was just prior to Toronto, that ‘lil race Up North Eh! When some Ganassi v Palou lawsuit was making thunder claps, remember that Y’all? That apparently it was quietly learned that Felix Rosenqvist contrary to popular belief, is Not under Contract at Arrow McLaren SP, Uhm McLaren Racing for 2023! Which Pruett reportd just days prior to Nashville.

 

Despite the fact that Zakery Brown and McLaren put out a press release on June 23 proclaiming that Felix was “Off the Market,” being signed for McLaren next year. Just not knowing if the Swede would be in IndyCar or Formula E next year, Rosenqvist is actually Available next year…

 

 

Which just seems like it was an overly “Clever” Diversionary tactic being deployed by thee Mad Hatter and McLaren in order to trykeeping Rosenqvist in the Fold while knowing the Shit was gonna Hit the Fan over Alex Palou’s “Poaching!” For which All I can say is Smoke On! 

INDYCAR: Mother Speedway Smiles on Alexander Rossi

As it’s good Having A Beaming Rossi Smiling again from atop the Podium…

 

Don’t know ‘bout Y’all, but this current stretch of the IndyCar season feels like the Fast and furious to me, and I Never thought I’d use that analogy! As I’ve already scribbled some preliminary thoughts here upon No Fenders prior to the second Indy Road Course’s Brickyard GP Qualie’ session.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/07/indycar-catching-up-on-ims-road-course.html

  

In Marshall Pruett’s typical fashion,

It was entertaining Hearing How Appalled He was over IndyCar being treated like the Red Headed Step Sister at IMS over the Brickyard Double Header Roundy Round’ weekend! With Marshall noting How Weird it’s having IndyCar being the Undercard of the Undercard of the Undercard! And How they’re literally by the Shitters! i.e.; Turn 1 Honey Buckets which He proclaimed in His Racer Friday Morning Indy GP Report video.

 

https://racer.com/2022/07/29/video-friday-morning-indy-gp-report/

 

The Best News of the entire weekend was that Josef Newgarden was Cleared to compete in all IndyCar Activities and passed both of His Concussion Protocol tests Thursday-Friday!

 

And you have to say it’s Funny how Newgarden seemingly was “Glued” to His good buddy DJ WillyP’s  Gearbox, with All three Penske Drivers in Round One’s Group 1 Qualie’ session, with Power and Newgarden winding up P4-5 respectively at Day’s end…

 

Biggest News had to be Felix Rosenqvist, the Forgotten Arrow McLaren SP Driver winning the Pole position! Not to mention how estatic Pato O’Ward was qualifying third. Along with O’Ward enthusing How Happy He was for Felix to be on Pole, saying He definitely Deserves to Stay in IndyCar! And How Rosenqvist’s the right type of Driver as a teammate, who’s totally Transparent, which is what you need in a teammate! Which the media took as a vailed swipe at the possibility of Alex Palou landing at AMSP next year…

 

Great interview with David Malukas by Marshall Pruett after Qualifying, where Malukas “Kidded” about liking to Have Brakes on a Road course! Claiming He’d had No Front Breaks during the Fast 12 Knockout phase, noting how His Brake pressure PSI was almost Half of what they normally have!

 

As Malukas has His work cut out keeping up with Christian Lundgaard in the Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Battle. As Lundgaard made His first Fast Six Shootout appearance of the year, finishing sixth, one year from making His Shock Debut when Qualifying P4 at the same race.

 

Whilst is it just Mwah? But have Y’all noticed how Chip Ganassi Racing isn’t running IndyCar title sponsor NTT Data on it’s #10 entry now. Since I know that Alex Palou ran with American Legion on His car at Iowa’s Race-2 and on the IMS Road Course. With the Spaniard being Cheep’s Highest Qualifying entry in P7.

 

Rossi Finally claims another W’

Although this race was definitely not as Wet ‘N wooly as the “Guns ‘N Roses” Indy GP in May. Nonetheless the first lap weren’t Pretty! As I think it was Colton Herta who bumped into Will Power, who in turn Spun Out a Hapless Pato o’Ward! With the duo dropping to the tail end of the grid.

 

Cannot remember what the first Caution was for? But DJ WillyP’ used this to Help go forwards from P16 with O’Ward also making up places. And the day just got worse for Arrow McLaren SP, as Pole Sitter Felix Rosenqvist just dropped like a rock and ultimately limped home ninth.

 

Alexander Rossi who’d started second, tried making a late breaking pass upon Roseqvist for the lead going into Turn-1 but wasn’t successful. This caused Rossi to drop into the clutches of Andretti Autosport teammate Colton Herta who made an easy pass upon Him and looked set to motor off into the Sunset enroute to victory.

 

Yet Herta pounded the Infield Kerbing too Hard on lap 42 and suddenly lost drive to His car, limping slowly to Pitlane before retiring and Rossi Never looked back after! As I love how All of the media pointed out it had been 1,133 Gory Days and 49 races since Rossi last won over three years ago at Road America! (June 23, 2019)

 

With Racer’s Marshall Pruett cheekily noting in His Post-race video that Rossi’s Happy and Smiling today, but He’ll find something to be Grumpy about tomorrow, Hya!

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Rookie Christian Lundgaard spent All day in the top sic, and much of the end of the race in second, where the Dane’ finished, scoring His maiden IndyCar Podium. Coupled  with David Malukas’s 13^th place finish; Lungaard once again increases His rookie Of the Year (ROY) points lead to +27. (248-221)

 

And although Will Power didn’t have anything for the first two finishers, ‘Ol DJ WillyP’ wily sauntered home P3, leading a three car Team Penske Freight train across the Yard ‘O Bricks. As ScottyMac’ (Scott McLaughlin) got around teammate Josef Newgarden with the Kiwi finishing fourth and Newgarden P5.

 

As Newgarden should be content losing only two points in the title fight, while McLauglin clings to an outside chance some 81 markers adrift…

 

Scott Dixon who was boiling after qualifying a lowly 20^th, led CGR’s Quartet Home with a  Quiet eighth place finish, two places ahead of Alex Palou. With Marcus Ericsson making an impressive recovery drive from last to P11. As the Swede lost His Points lead to Power and now trails by nine markers.

 

Ericsson finished one position ahead of O’Ward, with the Mexican tenaciously staying in the Championship Hunt. As next up is Nashville, (Round 14) where ericsson’s the Defending Race winner, and Anything can Happen…

 

2022 Point Standings

1) Will Power: 431

2) Marcus Ericsson: 422, -9

3) Josef Newgarden: 399, -32

4) Scott Dixon: 393, -38

5) Pato O’Ward: 385, -46

6) Alex Palou: 379, -52