LE MANS: Can the Prancing Horses gallop to another victory?

Will Ferrari “Three-peat”, or can somebody stop their dominance?

 

Somewhat feel like I’m going thru the motions here, since the annual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans makes me think that summer is already done! Having nearly reached the zenith of another year’s increasing sunlight whilst pondering where did thoust Gory time go? As soon it’ll be time to put another log on the fire and the kettle on the boil!

 

Although I’ll admit that I do enjoy going thru the entire entry list and seeing what driver names I recognize…

 

This year’s running of the 93rd 24 Huers du Mans commences this Saturday, June 14th. And concludes the following day when  formula 1 races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and IndyCar races underneath the lights at Gateway. (World Wide Technology Raceway)

 

There’s a total of 62 entries in three classes. With le Crème de la Crème  Hypercar featuring 21 racecars. LMP2 with 17 entrants, and 24 LMGT3 Saloons.

 

The Hypercar category consists of eight marques, with four Cadillac V-Series.R and Porsche 963’s leading the way. Whilst la Scuderia, nee Ferrari has three of it’s dominating 499P’s entered. Followed by a further five manufacturers running the mandatory two car teams, i.e.; Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Peugeot and Toyota.

 

The Alpine A424, BMW M8 Hybrid, Cadillac v-Series.R and Porsche 963 all conform to the Le Mand Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) rules. While the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Ferrari 499P, Peugeot 9X8 and Toyota GR010 conform to the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) rules.

 

Six of these eight chassis are propelled by varying displacement turbocharged engines, with only the Aston Martin and Cadillac being naturally aspirated. With the Valkyrie eschewing hybrid assistance to it’s glorious Cosworth V-12. While the Caddy’s 5.5-litre V-8 runs the spec LMHD hybrid component.

 

With the entire 62 car field racing under Balance of Performance (BoP) requirements. Along with the virtual “energy” tank storage and mandatory torque sensors.

 

And whilst the Porsche Penske 963 Panzerwagens have won four of five races in IMSA GTP competition to date. On thoust Gory Atlantic’s puddle side. It’s the Ferrari 499P that’s swept all three FIA World endurance Championship events leading up to Le Mans.

 

As the AF Corse No. 50 won at the season opening Qatar 1,812km round. Followed by the Seester’ No. 51 of James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi winning back-to-back at the Six Hours of Imola and Spa.

 

Whilst just learning that Ferrari swept the podium at Qatar and claimed a 1-2 finish at Spa, Momma Mia!

 

Ferrari is also aiming for a three-peat at Circuit de la Sarthe this year, having won the first two Hypercar class races the past two years. Seeing both the #51 victorious in 2023, and the #50 with Antonio Fuoco,Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen the defending race winners.

 

Yet the entire field is made up of very strong competizione, as Y’all can never count out the Toyota’s. Whilst El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske dearly wishes to win Le Mans. One of the very few Jewell races He hasn’t won…

 

The Cadillac boyz’ should be up front, while the Alpine and Peugeot are both “Sleepers”. As the only unknown quantity is the Aston Martin, making it’s Le Mans debut, and therefore most likely just happy to finish the race. Although obviously they’ll be hoping for a good debut showing…

 

Almost forgot the BMW’s, with the No. 20 BMW finishing runner-up at Imola. As how could I overlook one of my favourites, i.e.; Kevn Bacon’ Magnussen in the No. 15 entry. While the M8 Hybrid has qualified on pole in IMSA GTP competition the first four races this season.

 

The LMP2 category features a race inside a race, with eight P2 entrants, and nine Pro Am (PA) entries. As the Pro Am class features one Bronze rated amateur driver.

 

Have already mentioned some of the IMSA competitors, while a few others that tripped my No. 4 wire are the No. 18 IDEC Sport with Jamie Chadwick, Andre Lotterer and Mathys Jaubert; Hyundai’s Genesiss Magna “Development” squad.

 

McLaren major domo Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport team is always strong with it’s Nos. 22-23 entries. Having won last year’s LMP2 class with it’s No. 22 entry driven by Oliver Jarvis, Nolan Siegel and Bijay Garg

 

Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Jarvis slots into the team’s No. 23 Pro Am entry this year, joined by ex-IndyCar driver Ben Hanley and Daniel Schneider. Whilst the Seester’ entry hosts a stout lineup which I’ve already mentioned in the previous No fenders IMSA Interlopers story.

 

The No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing entry sees “Teddy Porkchop”, aka Theo Pourchaire joined by Liechtenstein’s Matthias Kaiser and Spain’s Lorenzo Fluxa. As very happy to see that Pourchaire’s still racing, even though He should be in Indy Cars.

 

Last year’s LMP2 Pro Am category was won by AF course’s No. 183 entry, with Ben Barnicoat, Francois Perrodo and Nicolas Varrone. As Perrodo is the only holdover for this year’s entry, being joined by Antonio Felix da Costa and Matthieu Vaxivier.

 

While I’ll be rootin’ for the #199 AO by TF entry, which basically is an IMSA entry, with a stout lineup that I’ve previously mentioned. Although I don’t think it’ll be sporting any sort of Dinosaur teamed livery, Eh?

 

As I’ll split this mesmerizing story into two part harmony, and preview the LMGT3 class in a separate No Fenders post… 

LE MANS: New look Hypercar era Throws Party at Circuit de la Sarthe

But can anybody take the Shine off of Toyota this year?

 

Forgive me for not wishing to type the names of 48 Hypercar drivers, Hmm? Where, Oh where have I heard that 48 number before? And how come it’s not being used upon ‘Ol JJ’s, nee Jimmie Johnson’s Garage 56 entry?

 

By my very rudimentary understanding. This year’s Mega’ 16 car FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar category is essentially divided three ways. With seven Le Mans Daytona Hypercar (LMDH) entries, six Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) Factory Hybrids and three “boutique” LMH Non-Hybrid Hypercars competing for Overall glory at this year’s Centenary 24 Heurs du Mans race.

 

Cadillac

5.5-litre Normally Aspirated V-8 Hybrid (LMDH)

The Nos. 2-3 Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) run Cadillac Racing WEC entries has scored two fourth place and one fifth place finishes in the first three rounds of the season. And the No. 3 CGR entry at Le Mans is comprised of it’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship drivers, including Scott Dixon.

 

Although I believe the #3 is a second WEC Cadillac V-Series.R Spec entry built-up for European competition. Since think I read a previous Racer article about the logistics of swapping between IMSA LMDH and WEC specifications are too time consuming…

 

Although subsequently learning that the No. 3 WEC entry built-up for Spa and Le Mans was wrecked at Spa-Francorchamps and the team flew one of it’s IMSA entries to Germany instead, and swapped it from IMSA to WEC specification. With the original No. 3 now serving as a spare chassis.

 

Meanwhile, I have No idea where the third Action Express Racing (AXR) #311 Cadd-Oh-lacc’ V-Series.R entry’s coming from? Since AXR is strictly competing in IMSA this season. Along with it’s Le Mans “wildcard” entry. So I’m guessing it’s also been changed over to WEC specification.

 

Porsche

4.6-litre Twin Turbo V-8 Hybrid (LMDH)

Although some might claim that Porsche has gotten off to a slow start this year. Nonetheless, not only have they won in IMSA, at Long Beach. But also scored the first ever WEC LMDH chassis podium the same weekend, when finishing third at Portimoa.

 

Porsche Penske Motorsport is fielding a trio of it’s Porsche 963’s. It’s Nos. 5-6 WEC entries being joined by it’s #75 entry comprised of one half of it’s IMSA drivers compliment

 

Hertz Team Jota is the first of the eventual two customer Porsche 963 WEC teams this season, with Proton Competition still awaiting delivery. As Jota’s No. 38 will be the fourth Porsche 963 on the grid.

 

Toyota

3.5-liter Twin Turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

What can I say about the All conquering Toyota GR010 Hybrid race cars? Other than they’re the current Five-times defending 24 Hours of Le Mans Champions! Along with having won the first three 2023 season’s races. While Arse-sumedly it’s Nos. 7-8 Boyz’ will most likely be competing in another intra-squad scrum for victory. With the #8 entry being the defending winner.

 

Ferrari

3.0-litre Twin Turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

Appropriately, la Scuderia seems to be the most potent threat to finally defeat Toyota. As the Prancing Horse’s first Factory Sports Car prototype in 50 years, the evocative Ferrari 499P first finished third at Sebring upon debut. And then moved to the podium’s second step at Portimao. Followed by another third place finish at Spa-Francorchamps. And obviously now wishes to score their maiden WEC victory. With Circuit de la Sarthe being the perfect place to spoil Toyota’s party!

 

As the Nos. 50-51, so numbered to commemorate Ferrari’s half century absence as a Werks’ entry. Will be campaigned by AF Corse, will hope to claim glory for Maranello by capturing it’s tenth overall victory.

 

Peugeot

2.6-litre Twin turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

Peugeot Sport has to be the most disappointed of the Factory Hypercar efforts, since it’s Nos. 93-94 9X8 entries have seemingly been off the pace everywhere to date! As I think their best result was a fourth place in 2022? As the team’s entered six rounds so far, with a best finish of fifth this year.

 

No idea if the radical 9X8 is off the pace due to being the only Hypercar that doesn’t sport a traditional rear wing? Having elected to produce it’s necessary downforce from it’s underneath bodywork instead.

 

Glickenhaus

3.5-litre V-8 Twin Turbo (LMH)

Suppose it’s small consolation that the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 007 LMH entries are the best of what I’m calling “boutique” entries, since it’s a Non-Hybrid racecar. Therefore, it seems that the ACO/FIA hasn’t adjusted it’s dreaded Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations accordingly yet for Glickenhaus and Vanwall to compete for outright victory this year vs. the far superior Hybrid Hypercar entries.

 

Once again, The team will run it’s traditional Nos. 708-709 racecars for their third consecutive Le Mans outing. With my sentimental favourite being the #708 with former IndyCar Star Ryan Briscoe as part of it’s drivers trio.

 

Vanwall

4.5-litre Normally Aspirated V-8 (LMH)

This appears to be the most controversial entry in this category. First due to the long running court battle over who owned the intellectual property rights to the storied Vanwall company’s name. And then Dr. Colin Kolles, a No Nonsense Dentist turned Racing Boss, Err Formula 1 Team Principal before moving to Sports Cars, decided to Sacked Jacques Villeneuve less than a Fortnight prior to the race!

 

With scuttlebutt suggesting that Dr. Kolles wasn’t happy with Jacques pace, along with crashing in two races. With the official excuse being that the 52yr old Kuhnuck’s wife is expecting their latest child…

 

As the No. 4 Vanwall Vandervell 680 Gibson powered entry will be piloted by former Indy Lights standout Esteban Guerrieri and former Indy Lights champion and IndyCar driver Tristan Turbo’ Vautier, along with Tom Dillman. 

LE MANS: Toyota Wins Again, during Another Dull Intra-team Scrum’

Where None of their Competitors weres saying “Oh What A Feeling!”

 

Yeah, I know we’re All still Ah-Wash, or is that Aglow following another fantastic Indianapolis 500. But as I’ve lamented many times Here upon No Fenders: Motor Racing Never Sleeps!

 

Especially since we’re now fast approaching the E91 Centenary running of le 24 Heurs du Mans…

 

Began “Watching,” Err listening to the 90^th edition of le 24 Heurs du Mans on Motor Trend TV early Saturday morning (June 9th) during Breakfast. Although I missed the first Half Hours-plus action, when Thar was some sort of incident at the start of the race. As one of the Talking Headz’ noted how Felipe Albuquerque was Mega’ Insensed over the first lap collision He was involved in, driving the No. 22 United Autosports LMP2 entry. For which I know that the #31 LMP2 entry was given a One minute Stop ‘N Go Penalty, so Arse-sumedly the #31 Hit the #22…

 

Ho Hum, the No. 7 Toyota was leading ahead of the No. 8, whilst the Alpine was the Meat in the Glickenhaus Sandwich, with the trio running 3-4-5 respectively.

 

Interesting note about how the top speed of the LMH Hypercars was 342.2kph vs. LMP2’s 328kph. Which as ‘Ol Professor (Steve) Matchett would say, in Old Money equals 212.056mph vs. 203.688mph.

 

Whilst I heard Sky Sports F1 lead Presenter Kroftie’, aka David Kroft say that the Formula 1 Cars were Hitting 347kph at Baku, i.e.; 215.487mph; Holy Terminal Velocity Batman!

 

Whilst the Formula 1 cars were routinely Hitting 208-209mph in Miami Gardens Hard Rock Stadium’s Parking lot! Where I thought I even heard somebody saying that Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou reached a staggering 217mph during this year’s 2023 Miami Grand Prix, Aye Karumba!

 

Ollie’ Gavin Dropped by the Commentary booth, whith the lead Announcer Joking How Everybody wanted some of Thar cool Air, (AC) since it was a Blistering Hot Day Trackside!

 

As this was Apropos, since the Corvettes were running 1-2 and hoping to not only give the C8.R it’s first Le Mans W’. But also Corvette’s first win since 2015, which it just seems impossible that Corvette’s gone winless at Circuit de la Sarthe that long…

 

As the 2021 24 Heurs du Mans was the debut of the first ever Mid-engine Corvette (C8.R) at Le Mans. Where the team’s #63 entry finished runner-up to AF Corse’s Ferrari 488 GTE.

 

Racer magazine had a good article about the various Corvette generations posted last year.

 

https://racer.com/2022/06/10/insight-the-corvette-generations/

 

Mentioned the #5 Penske was running third in Class briefly. As Penske was racing an LMP2 entry in preparations for their FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) IMSA LMDH Porsche 963 campaign in 2023. With Dane Cameron, Felipe Nasr and Emmanuel Collard at it’s controls.

 

And I believe the #23 LMP2 entry was having trouble with it’s tyres? Making an unscheduled Pit stop early, i.e.; inside 1^st Hour. As both United Autosports entries would have torrid races, whilst think the #5 Penske entry ran as High as second in Class before I lost track of it…

 

As the No. 5 Penske Boyz’ finished fifth in the LMP Class and ninth Overall. Twelve laps behind the winning Toy-Yoter’ Hypercar, and one lap behind the #38 Jota LMP2 Class winner.

 

Waited until 6PM Pacific to finally Hear John Hindhaugh for first time during Broadcast. Although I always enjoy Shea Adam and Johnnie Moler. While Bruce Jones Ain’t Bad and I like Pitlane Reporter Joe Bradley, but I could totally do without the raspy, Chalkboard like tones of Paul Truswell! Which makes sense that He’s currently the longest serving Radio Le Mans member…

 

As my year old notes say that I “watched,” Err listened to a combined low total of some ten-plus Hours. Having begun Saturday morning at 7:30AM on Motor Trend TV. Before switching off at 10:45AM to go listen to IndyCar Qualifying from Road America via IndyCar Radio. Then after lunch, I tuned into Radio Le Mans beginning around 1:30PM and kept it “On” until calling it a night at 9PM Pacific. 

The FIa’s Hypercar Era truly Begins

Although the $64k Question is will Toyota continue Dominating this Category?

 

And although I doubt it was planned. Nevertheless, the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) for which Racer’s Marshall Pruett enjoys playfully calling the “Weckity WEC!” Kicks off it’s inaugural Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) race, the 1,000 Miles of Sebring on St Patty’s Day no less.

 

As the LMH Class replaces the “Space Age” LMP1 category and is designed to see the convergence of the IMSA’s Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH( GTP Class compete against the LMH Hypercars, for which we’ll get to finally see our first look of the Porsche 963 and Cadillac V-LMDH racing against the likes of Ferrari, Glickenhaus, Peugeot, Toyota and Vanwall.

 

And I feel certain I’ve already scribbled ‘bout it Here upon No Fenders, but will try briefly “Walking” thru it once more. Especially since I’m still a ‘lil Fuzzy upon All of the various rules differences.

 

On the IMSA GTP side, for which the Porsche 963 and Cadillac V-LMDH racecars come from, since Alpine, BMW and Lamborghini, and certainly Acura all won’t compete in the WEC until 2024. The LMP2 derived chassis from four Homologated Manufacturers utilize the single Spec “Hybrid” Energy Recovery System (ERS) supplied by Xtrac, Bosch and Williams Advanced Engineering.

 

The ERS is capped at a maximum 50Bhp driving the Rear wheels Only, for which I may have previously incorrectly noted. And requires what’s now becoming de riggour in Motorsports, i.e.; Brake-by-Wire technology to the rear wheels. While the front wheels still utilize modern caliber disc Braking

 

The ACO/WEC LMH Hypercars are custom built racecars that may incorporate the use of Hybrid power to drive their Front wheels, in conjunction with the Rear wheels. For which I recall previously denoting as All Wheel Drive. (AWD)

 

While All Chassis are capped at a maximum of 1,030 Kilos in “New Money” as ‘Ol Professor (Steve) Matchett was fond of saying. Or for us Yanks’, in “Old” Money 2,270lbs. Along with a maximum combined power output of 670Bhp total from the Internal combustion Engine (ICE) and ERS/Hybrid system.

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) will run it’s lone No. 2 Cadillac V-LMDH WEC entry, with it’s same three drivers that raced in this year’s Rolex 24. And it’s normally aspirated 5.5-litre V-8 is the largest displacement engine racing.

 

While Porsche Penske Motorsports will field a pair of 4.6-litre Twin turbocharged V-8 963’s, the Nos. 5-6, since Toyota already has the Nos. 7-8 assigned to it.

 

And if I’m reading the “Tea leaves” correctly, Dane Cameron whose “Day Job” is driving the No. 5 WEC entry will be doing Double duty this weekend? Since I know He’s also listed as the Penske’s IMSA GTP #6 Endurance driver. And Ditto for Michael Kristensen.

 

Since this weekend features another “Super Sebring” weekend with the 1,000 Miles of Sebring on Friday, and the 12 Hours of Sebring Saturday.

Toyota continues with it’s All conquering GR010 AWD 3.5-litre Twin turbo V-6 Hybrid racecar, with it’s Drivers line-ups unchanged.

 

And then Thars the car that everybody wishes to see, the brand new Ferrari 499P! For which is running the “same,” similar 3.0-litre Twin turbo “Wide-track” V-6 found in it’s 296 GT3 racecars. Yet it’s mated to a Hybrid system driving it’s Front wheels a la the Toyota and Peugeot entries.

 

The two car 499P entry will be campaigned by AF Corse, and Arse-sumedly sporting Scarlet colours. With the team selecting the Nos. 50-51 in deference to it being 50 years since la Scuderia’s last official Werks’ Sports Car entry in 1973. When Scuderia Ferrari campaigned it’s highly successful 312 PB.

 

Peugeot debuted it’s radical 9X8 at last year’s Six Hours of Monza, and is the only Sports Car having elected to go without a traditional rear wing. As the 2.6-litre Twin turbo V-6, the smallest displacement lump’ on the grid racecar generates it’s Downforce from it’s Underbody instead.

 

As Peugeot will run the Nos. 93-94, and presumably will be Toyota’s biggest challenger, since the Ferrari and others will be needing to get over new car teething issues. A la what the Porsch 963 and BMW M Hybrid V-8 models endured at this January’s Rolex 24.

 

While the Customer Porsche 963 teams JOTA and Proton Competition will miss at least Sebring, since they’re still awaiting the arrival of their $2.9m racecars…

 

And then there’s the two Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Only Non-Hybrid LMH single car entries of Vanwall and Scuderia Glickenhaus. As I’d say that the Vanwall will be getting much Attenzione due to it’s “Mystique” and Driver lineup. The team is owned by the Father-Son duo of Romulus and Dr. Colin Kolles and run out of Kolles German Factory in Greding.

 

After a long, drawn out process, they’ve successfully won the rights to use the famous Vanwall name, known for it’s formula 1 History. And after being denied entry last year, will campaign their No. 4 Vandervell 680, utilizing a “Spec” Gibson 4.5-litre normally aspirated V-8.

 

IndyCar Fans should know two thirds of the Drivers line-up, that being Esteban Guerrieri and somebody named Jacques Villeneuve! As Guerrieri was an Indy Lights Standout driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsports who finished Runner-up between 2011-12. Whilst Messer Villeneuve needs No introduction…

 

The team’s third driver is Frenchman Tom dillmann, whose name I must know from His driving at Le Mans for the former ByKolles Racing Organization. While the newest iteration of Dr. Colin Kolles, of Jordan/Midland/Spyker/Force India and later Hispania/HRT Formula 1 Fame will operate under the Floyd Vanwall Racing Team Banner.

 

Meanwhile Glickenhaus has Downsized to just a single entry this year. Being it’s same SCG 007 modle,powered by a 3.5-litre Twin turbo V-6, for which the only driver listed when scribblin’ this was Romain Dumas.

 

Both series run on Michelin tyres, but I believe they’re allowed to utilize three different sets of tyre sizes. One for the IMSA GTP runners. One for the Hybrid LMH Cars, and the widest, stickiest rubber compounds for the Non-Hybrid LMH Chassis? And there’s also rules regulating the LMH Hybrid systems deployment, Mega-Jewels Energy recovery, etc.

 

Which right Now is Clear as Mud on A Rainy Day! 

MOTO GP, IndyCar and Sports Car Roundup

As two more major Racing series Crowned Thar Champions Sunday…

 

Now that we’ve lost another Hour of “Sunlight” Here in Ye Pacific Northwest with the ending of Daylight Savings Time. Greeted by a Hydrologic Outlook Dumping some potential 1.75 inches of Rain! As it’s Funny how the Weather forecasters No longer use the phrase Pineapple Express…

 

Along with most Racing series being Done, it feels like we’re once again fully ensconced in a Dreary winter’s Slumber. As Indy Cars will be Silent for another 87 days until Spring Training at the Thermal Club.

 

The MotoGP Season finale at Valencia was another Nailbiter, albeit I don’t think anybody saw the two protagonists Beatin’ and Bangin’ coming! As title rivals Fabio Quartararo started fourth, with Points leader Francesco Bagnaia starting from eighth.

 

Yet the Sold Out Stadium’s 95,000 Fans surely were Delirious over Spaniard Alex Rins rocketing from fifth to first by Turn-1! Leading an All Spanish top three with Pole sitter Jorge Martin second and Marc marquez third, with Ducati’s Jack Miller P4, whilst Quartararo and Bagnaia Banged against each other with Bagnaia’s right front winglet being knocked off when tussling over fifth place!

 

And although Bagnaia sensibly settled down and let the nipping pack behind Him pass. Fabio was never able to find His way to the front, needing a win to have any chance at all of defending His Championship. With Bagnaia only needing to finish a lowly 14th to be crowned  this year’s MotoGP World Champion.

 

As Rins claimed His second MotoGP win on Suzuki’s Swan Song, with the Japanese Manufacturer leaving MotoGP, Quartararo finished fourth, where He’d started. While the ride of the race had to be KTM’s Brad Binder who finished a tantalizing runner-up ahead of Martin.

 

But All eyes were upon Bagnaia, including The doctor’, nee Valentino Rossi who was on hand to witness the first of His VR46 Academy Riders be crowned MotoGP World Champion! As Bagnaia crossed the “Stripe” ninth, giving Ducati it’s first Riders title in a staggering 5,524 Days! Last completed by Casey Stoner 15yrs ago! While Bagnaia becomes the first Italian to win the MotoGP World championship since Valentino Rossi claimed His seventh and final title Wayback in 2009.

 

And it’s Sad how predictable we’re as an Audience for the various “beat” Writers. Case in point was Racer’s Marshall Pruett going for the sure fire subject when pronouncing that Bumping for next May’s Indianapolis 500 was already on the “Cards” some 200 Days Out! Since we’re apparently being All Sunshine, Bunnies and Rainbows, and Not discussing How it appears that Penske Entertainment is Carving Up it’s once vaunted road to Indy ladder system! Which I’ll scribble more ‘bout in a further, NXT No Fenders post…

 

Pruett notes that we’re Already at the magical, nythical Hallowed 11 Rows of three, ergo 33 Indy 500 entries, noting the following Car Count.

 

A.J. foyt Enterprises, (2) Andretti Autosport, (5) Arrow McLaren SP, (4( Chip Ganassi Racing, (4) Dale Coyne Racing, (2) Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, (2) Ed Carpenter Racing, (3) Juncos Hollinger Racing, (2) Meyer Shank Racing, (2) Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (4) and Team Penske. (3)

 

This gives us 16 Chevrolet and 17 Honda engine entries, with Pruett noting He’s expecting to see an entry list between 34-36 entries, albeit more likely 34-35. As a third Foyt entry, a fifth Ganassi entry and a third entry from Dale Coyne’s alphabet Soup Brigade are All possibilities. But we’ll have to wait ‘N see what Santa brings us, Righto? And Who’s been Naughty or Nice, Ahem Mr. Zakery Brown!

 

And Score One for Marshall, who accurately wrote that Tony Kanaan would be Arrow McLaren SP’s fourth Indy 500 entry, along with the NTT Data sponsorship moving to AMSP for next year. When both moves were made Official on November 1st.

 

As Kanaan will carry NTT Data as  His primary sponsor at Mother Speedway, while Felix rosenqvist’s No. 6 AMSP entry will sport NTT Data colours for 10 races. Then Arse-sumedly NXT, when Alex Palou joins AMSP in 2024, He’ll be reunited with NTT Data sponsorship in the team’s No. 6 entry, leaving Rosenqvist a “free” Agent…

 

Another item I was unawares’ of, was that Leigh Diffey’s been signed to a multi-year contract extension to remain “The voice” of Indy Cars, IMSA Sports Cars along with Track & Field assignments. And this is Great News to Mwah! As I’ve liked Diffey ever since first Hearing Him fill-in for my All-time Numero Uno Racing Announcer Bob Varsha on Formula 1 Broadcasts. Then Diffey took over being the lead Announcer for Grand Am Sports Cars before becoming a fixture at IndyCar.

 

Some say that diffey SHOUTS too much, for which All I can say. Is that at least Diffey’s Shouting sounds Genuine to Mwah and Not the Uber Nauseating, Faux, Shrill, Phony SHOUTING Kevin The Werewolf! Lee does when filling in for diffey!

 

Meanwhile, I almost missed the Memo over la Prancing Horse, aka Ferrari announcing it’s total “Clean sheet” 499P Hypercar. As Maranello has produced another visual Stunner for it’s brand new Le Mans Hypercar, (LMH) with an evocative twin Horizontal rear wing!

 

As the 499P is powered by it’s new 2.9-liter “Wide-track” V-6 with it’s twin turbochargers nestled inside it’s 120 degrees Vee architecture. And Nah, No Wider is Better ‘Ol Pontiac Jokes Here, Hya!

 

As this is derived from the same lump’ it’s brand new 296 GTB/GTS Hybrid Sports Car utilizes. While the 900 volt electric motor provides extra power to it’s front wheels, thru it’s ERS Hybrid system. With the  rear wheels main drive mated to a seven speed Xtrac Gearbox. Along with using the fast becoming de riggour electronic Brake by Wire technology, with much input from it’s Formula 1 Team…

 

As the Ferrari 499P will make it’s competition debut at the FIA’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) Season Opener at Sebring’s 1,000 mile endurance race next March. Which Hopefully IndyCar hasn’t scheduled the Texas Motor Speedway’s Oval race for the same weekend again!

 

As Ferrari currently only plans to run two Werks’ entries campaigned by AF Corse, presumably with it’s Cadre of current sports Car drivers. With Ferrari reporting that 7,500 miles, or was that Klicks? Kilometers of testing has already been carried out. 

LE MANS: No. 7 Toyota Finally Wins, Heartbreak in LMP2 Class

Since like many a racetrack, Futility is a Cruel Mistress at Circuit de la Sarthe!

 

Author’s Note

Once again, your Humble No Fenders Scribe is running way way Behind! Definitely more than “One Lap Down” over Le Mans Mega 8.467 mile layout! As Here’s last year’s report which was supposed to be posted prior to this year’s race…

Tomaso

 

E89 24 Heurs du Mans

Last year’s 89^th running of the 24 Heurs du Mans just didn’t feel right to Mwah, I suppose since it was in August, not to mention there being an IndyCar race on later that evening. As I’ll admit I was more intrigued over Romain Grosjean’s Oval track debut thenwhether Toyota would win again, Yawn!

 

Thus I began my 24 Hours of Le Mans casually by switching on Thy Telie’ during a leisurely breakfast by tuning into Motor Trend TV.

 

Alas, having missed Thar introductions, I was left ponderin’ who this “B Team” of Eurosport TV Pundits were? And cannot find their Identities on the All Knowing Intrawoods’, nee Internet. So I’ll just go with Thar first names instead. Firs Thar was some ‘Ol Codger named Chris Something-ruther, may be Parsons? Who proclaimed he’d been Thar in 1965. Y’all know, the last time that Ferrari won outright, Crikeys!

 

Hmm, No idea if this Chris, Charles or Chuck Dude was in any way related to Alan? Y’all know of the Alan Parsons Project, Righto, Hya!

 

As Chuck’, Err Chris Prattled on ‘bout how strange it was seeing Risi Competizione running a “rosso” LMP2 Oreca after their years of running Ferrari GT’s and speculating about may be running a Ferrari (Customer) Hypercar in the future? And then banged on ‘bout how la Scuderia still has “The Iceman’s” phone number, provided Kimi’s (Raikkonen) not busy having an Ice Cream, as that’s my own Joke Thar, Hya!

 

Also said there’s some Dude named Rossi who’s retiring and says he’s always wanted to race at a place called Le Mans. To which lead Announcer Jake “The shark” said if I remember right, “The Doctor,” nee Valentino Rossi was only some seven tenths Off of Michael Schumacher’s times when he tested a Ferrari back in 2006-07?

 

Whilst the Other booth Boy Charlie “Brown” said to Chris, it’s when, not if McLaren will have it’s own Hypercar, since Zak Brown’s a major Shareholder in United Autosport’s who are one of the top LMP2 teams…

 

But Zackery’s Not gonna be Happy! As inexplicably the #32 took out it’s Seester’ #23 United Autosport entry when a passing Shower occurred! With two separate incidents occurring during the sixth hour, as Sophia florsch in the No. 1 Richard Mille Racing entry went Off-track, was Hit by the #26 G Drive who wasn’t paying Attenzione, and then when trying to reverse out of the tyres was Clouted by the #74 who totally missed the waving Yellow Flags!

 

MAGS’, aka Jan Magnussen Quipped that it was a bottle of red wine that put into motion this year’s running with his son Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen, since Jan is racing the ELMS season for High Class Racing and they had a second LMP2 car available. And with Kevin becoming a Werds’ Peugeot Sports Car Driver next year, there probably wouldn’t be another opportunity for awhile.

 

The team elected to replace the No. 49’s Gibson V-8 lump during Thursday’s practice sessions, since even with the two High Class Racing teams running identical set-ups, Kevin claimed they were 6kph down to their Seester’ car on the Straightaways…

 

Hour 3 Me Thinks, ANT’, aka Anthony Davidson in the LMP2 Pole winner #38 JOTA entry, put on Pole by Antonio Felix da Costa,  spun into the “Kitty litter!”

Dropping way down the order, having to wait to be towed out of the gravel trap. As Davidson later said he was Gutted, but the incident had occurred during one of the many rain storms and he thought he’d do it All over again…

 

One of the Pundits Mentioned that Renger Van der Zande was being harried by “Mean Jean” Alesi, who I hadn’t noticed on the Entry list. Whale’ at least it sounded like they said Alesi to Mwah, albeit Don’t think he was racing there.

 

Since None of Us are perfect, especially Myself! Although I noticed that John Hindhaugh still continuously called Olivier Pla Oliver Clark, as I Don’t know what his fascination with Ollie clark is, other than he’s a British racing driver…

 

Also talked about Thee Krakow Kid’, aka Robert Kubica who was making his Le Mans debut for WRT, aboard it’s #41 entry. As the former Polish Formula 1 Driver was hoping to finally finish a 24 Hour event, having failed twice so far, including this year’s Rolex 24 with High Class Racing.

 

Guess I left just before Hour 10? Off to a fairly Chaotic  IndyCar race at Gateway! Then came back to Le Mans after Hour 13. With Racer.com’s Headline noting Yifea Overtakes WRT teammate for LMP2 lead.

 

And that’s as far as my Notes Jotted down during the race went, with the exception of the Magnussen’s LMP2 entry, which I’d Gleamed prior to the race. Whilst it’s a Good thingy’ Father and Son Had that experience, since little did they know then that Kevin would be recalled to the Haas F1 Team just prior to the 2022 Formula 1 season commencing after Rooskie’ Nikita Mazepin was Sacked after Mother Russia’s Invasion, Err Special Military Operation against Ukraine commenced…

 

And It’s Still as clear as Mud on a Rainy Day! But the No. 21 DragonSpeed team won the newly created LMP2 Pro Am category, which must include one Bronze rated Driver and get’s to stand atop the podium a la it’s LMP2 Class winners. So theoretically Juan Pablo Montoya has now become the second driver to win the mythical Triple Crown, Righto? Having previously won the Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500. Although I’m guessing he still needs to win Le Mans outright…

 

And from this meandering No Fenders story’s title, Y’all know that Toyota’s All Conquering GR010 Hypercar was victorious again. Although the No. 7 finally Cracked it’s Nut, Err Broke it’s Duck! With one of my favourite Sports Car Drivers K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi winning! Along with former IndyCar Ace Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway and Jose Maria Lopez.

 

But the Drama was in the lower tier LMP2 category, where it appeared that the No. 41 WRT entry was set to lead a Historic 1-2 victory sweep for the Belgian team, with it’s Seesster’ #31 tagging behind. Yet on the final lap of the race, Yifea Ye ground to a Halt at the Dunlop Curve and couldn’t fire the Oreca’s engine that He was sharing with Louis Delatraz and the aforementioned Robert Kubica. Meaning the Polish Driver would go 0-for-3 in 24 Hour races, Aye Karumba!

 

Therefore it was the #31 with Robin Frijns at it’s Keyboard holding off a hard charging Tom “The bomb” Blomquist in the No. 28 JOTA entry by a scant 0.07 seconds at the stripe! 

LE MANS: A Quick look at the 2022 Field

But should We really be surprised that the No. 7 Toyota was Fastest on Test Day…

 

This year’s 24 Heurs du Mans feels seriously Disjointed to Mwah, Arse-sumedly due to having been raptured in All things Indianapolis 500, not to mention that IndyCar races at Road America and Formula 1 competes in Baku the same weekend. Along with the fact that this year’s 90^th Edition Le Mans 24 Hours race taking place June 11-12 feels like a Stopgap race to Boot! With only five Hypercars entries comprising of the two All Conquering Werk’s Toyota’s vs. the Grandfathered LMP1 Alpine and the two Privateer Scuderia Glickenhaus mounts…

 

Obviously, the Odds On favourites will be one of Toyota’s two car GR010 hybrid Factory effort winning it’s fifth consecutive 24 Heurs du Mans victory, whilst I’ll be rootin’ again for the No. 7 with K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi to win, along with co-Drivers Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway and Jose Maria Lopez, who finally stood on the Podiums top step last year. With the No. 7 Driver’s lineup remaining unchanged.

 

The Seester’ No. 8 that won three years in-a-row from 2018-20 with Kazuki Nakajima, Sebastian Beumi and Brendon Hartley at it’s controls. With Nakajima and Beumi winning three straight apiece, whilst Hartley, who’s a two times winner has won with two separate teams, i.e.; Porsche in 2017 and Toyota in 2020.

 

As ryo Hirakawa replaces Nakajima, who retired at the end of last year’s FIA World endurance Championship (WEC) season, and becomes Toyota’sRace team Manager.

 

And even though I’d prefer somebody else winning instead, I don’t expect it to happen, especially since the Toy-Yoters’ are the only “all Wheel Drive” (AWD) Hybrid powered LMH entrants in the Anemic five car Hypercars field.

 

But a la last year, I’ll also be cheering for the upstart American team. Since I’m also a Huge Fan of Ryan briscoe’s, who’ll be part of Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus’s Sophomore Le Mans outing with it’s two car SCG 007 entry

 

As Briscoe will be piloting the #709 with team-mates “Westie,” nee Richard Westbrook and Franck Mailleux, who swaps seats with Romain Dumas aboard the “Rear Wheel Drive” (RWD) “Blown” 3.5-litre V-8 twin turbo SCG007 racecar.

 

Meanwhile it’s sister car the #708 sees Pipo Derani and Olivier Pla joined by the aforementioned Romain Dumas at it’s controls for this year’s 24 Hours race outing.

 

Whilst the final LMH entry is the #36 Alpine A480 single car entry, the rebadged Rebellion LMP1 R13, another RWD Prototype propelled by a 4.5-litre Normally Aspirated Gibson V-8 lump that won this year’s Sebring Season Opener WEC event.

 

As the No. 36 features Nicolas Lapierre, the only name I recognize of it’s Driver’s trio. Presumably since the Frenchman’s a two times Sebring 12 Hours winner, along with four Le Mans 24 Hours Class victories. With Lapierre once again being joined by countryman Matthieu Vaxivier and Brazilian Andre Negro.

 

As still seems really weird that Thars Over five times as many second tier LMP2 Class entries, with a robust 27. Whilst the Tintop’ Saloons are similarly structured with seven GTE Pro entrants supported by 23 GTE AM runners.

 

The #1 Richard Mille Racing LMP2 entry’s All Femme Fatale entry of the past two seasons has been revamped following Tatiana calderon’s departure to A.J. foyt Enterprises IndyCar team, where She’s running a Twisties’ Only, nee Road Courses and Street Circuits programme as a Rookie this year aboard the team’s third entry.

 

While Sophia Florsch has moved over to the #47 Algarve Pro Racing’s  LMP2 entry, with Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken and John Falb as Her Co-Drivers. Leaving only Netherlands Beitske Bisser’s whereabouts Unknown? As perhaps bisser’s returned to the W Series?

 

As this year the entry sports an All French Male lineup of Charles Milesi, Lilou Wadoux and some Rally Guy named Sebastien Ogier, as perhaps Y’all have heard of Him? You know, the reigning Eight Times World Rally Championship winner!

 

As Ogier is the second most successful WRC Driver with 54 wins and 637 Stage wins as of the 2022 Portugal Rally, only one championship title behind fellow Countryman Sebastien Loeb’s nine WRC Crowns…

 

Meanwhile, the GTE Pro Saloons category is comprised of seven  entries, with three Factories doing that Noah Arc’s 2X2 thingy’; with two Ferrari’s Porsches and Corvette’s, along with a Privateer Ferrari entered by Riley Motorsport.

 

The “lower” tier GTE Am entry list sees 12 Ferrari 488 GT3’s vs. 8 Porsche 911 RSR’s and 3 Aston Martin Vantage AMR’s.

 

As the Iron Dames No. 85 Ferrari returns intact with le Femmes Sarah boby, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting, the trio’s second outing, while the Iron Dames entry has run the past three 24 Hours of Le Mans races.

 

While the Porsche ranks includes another Hollywood Heart throb racing at Circuit de la Sarthe, with Michael Fassbender making his Le Mans Debut behind the wheel of the No. 93 Proton competition Porsche, with IMSA Co-Drivers Matt Campbell and Zacharie Robichon.

 

The race will be shown live upon Motortrend TV Stateside, with it’s TV Coverage beginning Saturday, June 11^th at 6:30AM Pacific. But as Always, Check your local listings.

 

Whilst I’m Arse-suming Y’all can find a Full Field Entry list of All 62 entries and Thar respective 186 Drivers at Racer.com’s Sports Car page, along with a Spotters Guide… 

LE MANS: 2021, Dawning of the Hypercar Era

But can Anybody Beat Toyota?

 

This year’s delayed running of the 89^th Edition of le 24 Heurs du Mans, August 21-22 sees the Dawning of the FIA/ACO’s new Hypercar era which will get off to a somewhat slow start with only five Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) entrants.

 

Once again, the Odds favour Toyota’s two car GR010 hybrid Factory effort winning a fourth straight 24 Hours of Le Mans, even if Glickenhaus Shocked the Paddock by being Fastest during this year’s Test Day.

 

As always, I’ll be rootin’ for the No. 7 with K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi to win, along with co-Drivers Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway and Jose Maria Lopez.

 

But the #7 will be trying to exorcise it’s Circuit de la Sarthe Demons, since it’s Thar Seester’s No. 8 that’s been victorious the past three years in-a-row, with Kazuki Nakajima, Sebastian Beumi and Brendon Hartley at it’s controls. As Nakajima and Beumi have won three straight apiece, whilst Hartley, who’s a two times winner has won with two separate teams, i.e.; Porsche in 2017 and Toyota last year.

  

 

Although I’d prefer somebody else winning instead, I don’t expect it to happen, especially since the Toy-Yoters’ are the only “all Wheel Drive” (AWD) Hybrid powered LMH entries, but still I’ll be cheering for the upstart American team. Since I’m also a Huge Fan of Ryan briscoe’s, who’ll be part of Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus’sDebutante Le Mans outing with it’s two car SCG 007 entry

 

As Briscoe will be piloting the #709 with team-mates “Westie,” nee Richard Westbrook and Romain Dumas aboard the “Rear Wheel Drive” (RHD) “Blown” 3.5-litre V-8 twin turbo SCG007 racecar.

 

Meanwhile it’s sister car the #708 sees Pipo Derani, Franck Mailleux and Olivier Pla at it’s controls in what will be the team’s first 24 Hours race outing. As Pla set the Quickest lap time in Sunday’s Test session, to Toy-Yoter’s amazement!

 

Whilst the final known LMH entry is the #36 Alpine A480, the rebadged Rebellion LMP1 R13, another RHD Prototype propelled by a 4.5-litre Normally Aspirated Gibson V-8 lump. Although I thought I’d read awhile ago that le Reggie’, (Renault) Alpine’s parent company had secured a second A480 chassis for Le Mans? Arse-sumedly’ as a backup chassis.

 

As the No. 36 features Nicolas Lapierre, the only name I recognize of it’s Driver’s trio. Presumably since the Frenchman’s a two times Sebring 12 Hours winner, along with four Le Mans 24 Hours Class victories. With Lapierre being joined by countryman Matthieu Vaxivier and Brazilian Andre Negro.

 

But it’s the “lower tier” categories in both the Prototypes and Saloons that make up the bulk of this year’s field, with 25 LMP2 entries and 23 LM GTE Am entries which I’ll chronicle separately.

 

Since I’m just scribblin’ today about Thar respective Big boy Kissing cousins 5 LMH and 8 LM GTE Pro entrants instead. With a total of 62 racecars, with the inclusion of the annual Project 56 Garage entry taking the Tricolour this coming weekend when 25% Fan capacity will be allowed.

 

The big Dawgs’ Tintop Saloons LM GTE Pro category’s eight entries are  comprised by  two la Scuderia Ferrari 488 GTE Evo’s, four of Weissach’s Panzerwagen Porsche 911 RSR-19’s and two Corvette Racing C8.r’s, with three IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship teams competing for class honours.

 

AF Corse, which essentially is Ferrari’s “Werks” entrant, who’ll soon b running la Scuderia’s Factory LMH effort in 2023, will run it’s No.s 51 and 52 Prancing Horses.

 

The Quattro Panzerwagons are being campaigned by three separate entities, led by the Werks’ Germany Porsche GT Team’s No.s 91 and 92. Whilst “I Know Nothing” about the #72 Hub Auto Racing Taiwan entry. With the No. 79 Stateside IMSA Weathertech Racing entry seeing Cooper MacNeil, Earl Vamber and Laurens Vanthoor at it’s Tiller.

 

Cooper is the son of David MacNeil, Owner and founder of Weathertech, the Fllor Mat and Cargo linings company that’s the title sponsor of IMSAS’s Sports Car Championship, with a reported yearly revenue of $700 million, with David being rumoured to have a Net Worth of $1.0 B as in Billion, Aye Karumba!

 

Of course everybody knows who Corvette Racing is, as who knows how much longer we’ll see this Big Dawg’ version of the C8.R upon racetracks? Since the IMSA GT Le Mans (GT LM) Class is being fazed out at season’s end in favour of GTD Pro. Alas, can it only be a matter of time before a similar fate occurs to the WEC LM GTE Pro Class? But I digress…

 

The #63 Corvette C8.R has Antonio Garcia, Jordan Taylor and Nicky Catsburg at it’s controls, with it’s Seester’ #64 having Tommy Milner, Nick Tandy and Alexander Simms at it’s respective Keyboard.

 

While last year’s LM GTE Pro winner’s Aston Martin won’t defend it’s Class victory, since the  Factory pulled out of the Le Mans GTE Pro category, now focusing upon the LM GTE Am (Amateur) class instead… 

The ever Shifting Sports Cars landscaped

Although we’ll have to endure one further year of IMSa’s current Spec machinery…

 

Have to say I was caught offguard by Peugeot unveiling it’s 2022 Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) last week, which I noticed when perusing Racer.com’s Sports Car news, especially since testing won’t begin until December.

 

Even more surprising was the radical route they’ve taken with their Design philosophy, eschewing the de riggour rear wing in favour of claiming the necessary downforce from the car’s underbody, in what presumably is a most evocative shape.

 

Other scant details included in the unveiling is that it’ll b propelled by a 2.6-litre twin turbo Hybrid powertrain, incorporates current Peugeot design queues, colours and it’s cockpit was designed with imput from it’s drivers, whom include Kevin Magnussen. As you can read All about it in the Racer article that includes photographs.

 

https://racer.com/2021/07/06/peugeot-reveals-9x8-hypercar/

 

And Thars good news on the continuing ACO/FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship’s Le Mans Daytona Hypercar (LMDH) Convergence, with the two parties having just signed a Rules package to provide the Framework for both separate categories to not only compete at Circuit de la Sarthe in 2023, but also allow All participants to also contest IMSA’s Stateside races beginning with the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona.

 

Thus a potential of nine current manufacturers, excluding Alpine, who’s future plans are currently unknown, since it’s “Grandfathered” rebadged Rebellion LMP1 chassis isn’t eligible for WEC competition in 2022 could lineup for the 2023 Rolex 24.

 

On the IMSA side, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche are all committed to race Rear Wheel Drive (RHD) Single source Spec 40bhp KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery( Hybrid chassis.

 

Whilst Across thou Puddle, Ferrari, Glickenhaus, Peugeot and Toyota have more leeway, since they’re allowed to compete with either Hybrid or Non-Hybrid powertrains regulated to a maximum of 680bhp. As the Glickenhaus SCG 007 is the only chassis not running what Racer’s Marshall Pruett denotes as an All Wheel Drive (AWD) Hybrid powertrain layout.

 

While Marshall notes that All of these convergent philosophies will be governed by a raft of Balance of Performance (BoP) rules that include all chassis undergoing mandatory Wind Tunnel testing either at the North Carolina’s Windshear facility or Suaber’s Wind Tunnel in Switzerland, as Y’all can read the “fine Print” in Pruett’s Racer article.

 

https://racer.com/2021/07/09/imsa-wec-prototype-convergence-agreement-detailed/

 

Meanwhile, in what seems inevitable for Formula 1, the latest Japanese motor race to be Cancelled is the WEC’s Six Hours of Fuji at Mount Fuji Speedway, following the previous cancellation of the Motegi round of the MotoGP calendar. All due to the travel restrictions regarding the continuing Covid 19 Pandemic occurring in Japan, despite the Olympics needing to go ahead to appease it's massive Sponsorship requirements…

 

As the Japanese WEC round has been replaced with a Double Header event at Bahrain, with a Six Hour race on October 30^th and it’s previous 8 hours race on November 6^th.