ROLEX 24: Can an LMP2 Prototype Pull Off a Shock win at this year’s Daytona 24 Hours race?

Which would be an unexpected triumph. Since somehow I’m sorta expecting one of the Cadillac V-LMDH’s to be victorious instead…

 

As Y’all should know? This year sees the introduction of the vaunted GTP Hybrid Prototypes class. For which part of me is wishing for a repeat of History. When twenty years ago a Corvette GT1 “Saloon” won Overall when All of the brand new Grand Am (DP) Daytona Prototypes failed to win!

 

As it would be fun to see an tried ‘N true LMP2 chassis unexpectedly win Overall, a la the Good ‘Ol Dazes of ALMS when Roger Penske’s Porsche RS Spyders played Dragon slayers over the vaunted LMP1 machinery…

 

And although they’ll definitely be overshadowed by the Headlining GTP Class. You’d have to argue that this year’s initial LMP2 Classes very small four car field of published entrants when I began this in Mid-December, was certainly Chock Full of Driving talent!

 

Although reportedly Rick Ware Racing was planning to join the party prior to The Roar Before Daytona, which took us to five LMP2 entries. Before it was reported on December 15th that the LMP2 Class would be comprised of a total of 10 (presumably) Oreca 07/Gibson V-8 chassis, for which I’ve got No Clue who they are?

 

But it’s funny how the info’s being dribbled out via Intravenous Drip…

 

Since after IMSA announced it’s initial 60 Car lineup, the #04 CrowdStrike Racing by ATR, #18 Era Motorsport, #20 High Class Racing, #51 Rick Ware Racing, #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, #55 Proton Competition and #88 AF Corse remaining unnamed LMP2 entries were revealed. With the previously revealed Racing for Turkey entry being scratched.

 

Whilst I know absolutely Nothing about the LMP3 Classes nine car entry. Other than it’s reportedly split with four Duqueine M30’s vs. five Ligier JS P320 entries. For which presumably one of those nine LMP3 entries is for Andretti Autosport and Jarett Andretti…

 

But more than Half of the field’s original 60 entries Drivers rosters were TBA, which we’ll have to wait until the Roar to be certain who’s driving what in this year’s field of now 61 entries.

 

(LMP2) Le Mans Prototype 2

Obviously the Biggest News in this Supporting class field is the inclusion of two-thirds of Team Penske’s IndyCar lineup making Thar Rolex 24 Debut’s. As Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin will Co-Drive with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR( Development Driver and Indy NXT competitor Kyffin Simpson aboard Team Owner John farano’s No. 8 Tower Motorsports entry.

 

But the Tower Boyz’ will have Thar Hands Full with reportedly Stout Competizione from the #11 TDS Racing entry. Which features Ed Carpenter Racing’s (ECR) IndyCar Driver Rinus VeeKay joining Scott Huffaker, Mikkel Jensen and Steven Thomas.

 

As TDS Racing, who’s the only two car LMP2 entry, sees it’s Seester Car #35 with former Formula 1 Bad Boy “Guido the Dutchman,” aka Giedo van der Garde spearheading it’s Driver lineup. With Francois Heriau and local Homeboy’ Indy NXT Rookie Josh Pierson behind it’s Keyboard. As I was surprised to read Pierson’s name on it’s Drivers rostrum. Whilst I’ve never heard of the second “Dutchie” Driver Job van Uitert before.

 

Meanwhile the #18 Era Motorsport entry also fields a Stout lineup. Led by regular season Drivers Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Dalziel and Dwight Merriman. The pair will be joined at Daytona by Defending Overall winner Oliver Jarvis and Indy NXT Driver Christian Rasmussen.

 

The Rick Ware Racing (RWR) #51 entry was initially slated as the only Non Oreca LMP2 chassis in the field. As RWR was said to be running the solitary Ligier JS P217 chassis instead.

 

Yet when finally learning who the RWR Drivers Quartet was on January 10th, the team had apparently switched over to an Oreca 07/Gibson V-8 entry instead. While Eric Lux is probably the most unheralded of it’s four drivers, even if He is the defending Class winner…

 

Can only Arse-sume that both Proton Competition and AF Corse are using Daytona as a tune-sup for their forthcoming Big boyz’ future Prototypes campaigns. As Proton Competition will field a customer Porsche 963 in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) this year. Most likely at the Six Hours of Spa on April 29th.

 

While AF Corse will become la Scuderia’s Factory teamwith it’s Brace of Werks’ Ferrari 499P’s also in the WEC, which will make their competizione Debut at this year’s 1,000 miles of Sebring race on March 17th.

 

(LMP3) Le Mans Prototype 3

Yes indeed! The No. 36 Andretti Autosport LMP3 entry is on the Grid again, sporting a very interesting line up. With Andretti namesake Jarett being joined by former IndyCar driver Gabby Chaves, Dakota Dickerson and Rasmus Lind.

 

As Dakota won the 2018 U.S. formula 4 and 2019 FR3 Americaas Championships before focusing on the lower tier LMP3 Prototypes. While Rasmus has struggled to find the necessary funding to keep His Single Seaters career going. And currently is part of HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing’s nine car Indy NXT Armada, making Him our fourth Indy NXT driver on this year’s grid.

 

Whilst Y’all can never count out the #33 Sean Creech Motorsports entry of Joao Barbosa Along with Lance Willsey, Nico Pino and Danny Sofi. As Barbosa’s simply a Bad Arse Racer whose won Daytona Overall three times! Who along with Willsey combine to be 108 years Old, Youza! Although I know Nothing about His co-Drivers, especially the two “Young Pups” on the squad.

 

While another Driver from Up North Eh! Who’s got a great name is Garett Grist, who’s Open Wheel Racing career never quite panned out. As the former Indy Lights competitor Grist as part of Junior III Motorsports #30 entry. 

Two Bad Arse Racing Drivers make Competitive Comebacks

As it’s Always Great News Hearing about Driver’s Perseverance…

 

Not sure if Y’all Heard the Great News! That Thee young Wicky’, aka Robert Wickens has returned to the cockpit this year, having just completed his first race for Bryan Herta Autosport’s (BHA) Hyundai elantra Touring Car team. As Wickens is part of BHA’s Michelin Pilot challenge series six car Armada, and Robert competes aboard the No. 33 with co-Driver Mark Wilkens.

 

https://racer.com/2022/01/27/pruett-wickens-staying-hungry-as-racing-comeback-begins/

 

As Wickens isn’t the lone Paraplegic racing for Bryan High Speed Hurdle’s Herta’s Touring Car Squad. Since Michael Johnson competes aboard the No. 54 BHA Hyundai Elantra N TCR Saloon, with both drivers using custom adapted Hand Controls, I.e.; Bespoke “Ringed” Steering wheels with Brake, throttle and Gearshift levers All controlled by Hands.

 

Having read it’s Wickens first race outing in 1,258 Gory Days! Which I reckon is some three and a half years, Yikes! Which makes it that much funnir that Robert was Disappointed over his Qualifying P7. As Wickens drove for 90 minutes during the four Hour Endurance race, moving up to third place, before Co-Driver Mark Wilkens took over with the pair finishing third overall! And Wickens being “Pummeled” on the podium after locking his wheelchair’s brakes in order to spray his bottle of Champagne with both hands. As the other five Drivers Ganged Up on him mercilessly, Gleefully “Hosing” Down Wickens over his return to the Podium! With Robert saying it was a bit Unfair since He couldn’t go anywhere…

 

Whilst the Daytona Beach News Journal had an interesting story on another of their BHA teammates. As A.J. Muss who drives the #2, represented the USA in Snowboarding at the 2018 Winter Olympics. And is a Mondo Adrenalin Junkie’, Jumping Out of Aeroplanes, Hot Air Balloons and Helicopters, Aye Karumba! With nearly some 500 Skydiving Jumps to his credit, including some 250 Wing Suit Jumps!

 

Fortunately Muss came out of a two weeks medically induced Coma after suffering from Post Operative High Altitude Sickness, having Flatlined for some 30 seconds when being rushed to Hospital! After routine surgery to repair his Separated Shoulder at the end of the 2014 season, after Crashing into a Snowboard Course’s Gate during Training!

 

Meanwhile, another former IndyCar and Sports Car Driver made his competitive return to Prototypes racing on Daytona’s High Banks after his arduous eight year physical rehabilitation from his Monstrous 2014 Rolex 24 Crash! As Memo Gidley raced in the IMSA Prototype Challenge Championship’s season opener January 21^st aboard the #23 JDC Motorsports Duqueine D-08 LMP3 entry.

 

As Gidley stuck the #23 on Pole position before he and Co-Driver Alexander Koreiba ultimately finished third in the three hours race’s constantly changing weather conditions. As Estonia’s Tonis Kasemets Stormed back from being One lap Down to the No. 23 to rocketing back up from sixth during his final stint to take the lead with 22mins remaining.

 

https://www.imsa.com/news/2022/01/22/kasemets-hamilton-rally-for-emotional-prototype-challenge-triumph/

 

Yet I found it Funny how I immediately recognized Kasemets name and mused to myself He was a Chump Carz’ Driver for Rocketsports. Which ironically I witnessed his Champ Car world Series Debut at Portland International Raceway Wayback in Gory 2006, Crikeys!

 

As Casemets made five Champ Cars start in ’06 after finishing runner-up to Charles Zwolsma jr. in the 2005 Toyota Atlantic series. As Zwolsman is another Shady character from Wayback, since I recall him and his Father Charles Zwolsman Sr. being in trouble with the Law! As “chuck Junior” was implicated in Money Laundering Charges in his native Netherlands in 2011, before ultimately being Cleared in 2016. While his Father was serving time in Jail before Dying in Twenty-eleven, making me now wonder if this had anything to do with Chuck Junior’s Charges going away?

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2011/01/charles-zwolsman-sr-dies-whilst.html

 

Arse-sumedly I’ve got both Zwolsman Junior’ and Kasemets “John Handcock’s,” along with some 15-20 others on that long ago, still unframed Molson Indy Vancouver poster I trundled thru two years of Chump Carz’ Autographs session lines to get the 2006 Portland Champ Car Drivers signatures upon, which I’ve lamented about A very long time ago in another languishing No Fenders post. As I had to go back a second year to get le Hamburgular’s Autograph since He’d Snubbed me the year prior when following the lead of Whiney Bagz’, nee Bruno Junquiera! As how many Blind people do you think go to Drivers Autograph sessions, Eh? And why was I being told to Hurry Up…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2006/12/champ-car-sends-devoted-fan-fuming.html 

ROLEX 24: 2022 Prototypes Supporting Classes Highlights

Since Obviously without the other 54 entries from the remaining four Supporting Classes, It would be a Gory boring race!

 

Having just concluded  this year’s Roar Before the 24this past weekend, (January 21-23) with the Motil 100 Qualifying race being held on Sunday, January 23^rd. IMSA’s Weathertech SportsCar Championship's Season Opening 24 Hours of Daytona event commences this weekend, January 29-30.

 

This year’s 60^th Rolex 24 features a massive 61 car count, up ten participants from last year’s 24 Hours of Daytona, which for Mwah, is the “Official” Kickoff of Motor Racing each year, for which Y’all can find the IMSA Entry list in the link below…

 

https://racer.com/2022/01/12/61-entries-on-tap-for-60th-rolex-24/

 

And instead of trying to chronicle All of the (remaining) 54 Supporting Classes entries, Yikes! I’ll just try covering a few selections of interest instead.

 

 (LMP2) Le Mans Prototype 2 Class

Any Diehard sports Car aficionado already knows that the LMP2 category is mandated to run the (WEC) European Spec Gibson GK428 Naturally Aspirated V-8 lump' with teams choosing between either the Uber’ dominant Oreca chassis or it’s Seester’s Ligier mount. Although this year’s 10 car LMP2 field is made up entirely of Oreca chassis.

 

Naturally I’m most intrigued over how the two IndyCar centric teams fare this year. most notably the DragonSpeed #81 entry with past Andretti Autosport Indy Lights teammates Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta reunited. Along with former Indy Lights competitor and Rookie Andretti Autosport KuhNuck’ Devlin DeFrancesco, and Sports Car Driver Eric Lux filling out it’s Drivers roster.

 

Whilst I’ve also previously scribbled here on No Fenders ‘bout Ed Carpenter Racing’s (ECR) Rinus VeeKay returning for another crack at securing his first Rolex 24 time-piece, now part of Racing Team Netherland’s #29 All Dutch LMP2 effort.

 

The Defending LMP2 class winning #18 ERA Motorsports returns intact with the likes of Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Dalziel as part of it’s winning Drivers roster last year, who’ll definitely have their work cut out to claim back to back Class victories.

 

While one half of G Drive’s two car entry has some interesting “Characters” behind it’s wheel. As half of the team’s #68 entry has a diverse background. With Rene Rast being a Three-times DTM Champion, whilst Disgraced ex-Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser Sullivan chauffeur Ed Jones is making his Prototypes Rolex 24 Debut, having previously raced for Scuderia Corsa aboard it’s #63 Ferrari 488 GTE GTD entry with Ryan Briscoe.

 

(LMP3) Le Mans Prototype 3 Class

According to the scant information gleamed last year, All LMP3 entries must compete with the Spec Nissan VK56VE 5.6-litre V-8 Normally Aspirated engine, which I find very Cornfuzing’ since this would be of larger cubic displacement than it’s Big Brother LMP2 entrants, Righto?

 

Although I did find somewhere on the Intrawoods’, nee Internet that they’ll be effectively “Detuned” by the Dreaded BoP Balance of Performance measures to Slot-in slightly behind Thar LMP2 Brethren…

 

This year’s LMP3 Battle is comprised of four Duqueine D-08 vs. five Ligier JS P320 chassis in the nine car LMP3 field. Having found out by Hunting ‘n Pecking on Zed Internets’ that the Duqueine D-08 chassis predecessor was the Norma Mk 30 chassis, before Duqueine Engineering bought out Norma Auto concepts.

 

Riley Motorsports is the defending LMP3 Class winner, returning with it’s #74 Ligier led by Gar Robinson, son of former SCCA Trans Am racer George Robinson and his 74 Ranch Resort Camaroes.

Robinson is joined by Kay Van Berlo, Michael Cooper and Felipe Fraga in the cockpit.

 

While I’ll be curious to See how the #36 Andretti Autosport crew does. As Jarrett Andretti, son of the late John Andretti and Australia’s Josh Burton are it’s regular season drivers. With the duo being joined by ex-IndyCar Driver Gabby Chaves and Indy Lights driver Rasmus Lindh at it’s controls.

 

And that’s just a somewhat brief look at some of the Prototypes Supporting Classes, with No Disrespect intended towards the other Baker’s Dozen entrants. But I simply didn’t have the time or energy to go thru the entire 19 car entry list! 

Sebring, COVID 19 and the Mean Green Machine...

Hey After all, it’s St Patties week, so where’s my green beer, Eh? Since I highly doubt that I’ll be able to find a bottle ‘O Guiness at my local grocery store.

 

Yep, I checked and they Don’t sell it in the single large bottle I prefer. Only El Stupidio Shaker Caps in Six Pack style, which you can Never get to Mix correctly…

 

In the Never ending IndyCar Off-season, for those of us Jonesin’ for some motor racing, this Saturday (March 20^th) marks the 69^th running of the venerable 12 Hours of Sebring Sports Car race.

 

And as we All know, the continuous Scourge ‘O COVID 19 has already effected multiple calendar changes worldwide, notably in the Hopes of being able to bring back the most needed Promoters Asset, i.e.; “Butts in Seats!” although International Travel Ban restrictions have seen the FIA Cancel it’s portion of what was Super Sebring weekend once again.

 

As the World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) 1000 miles of Sebring event won’t be run for a second year in a row. With the WEC calendar being further pushed back with the recent postponement of the Eight Hours of Portugal race at Portimao slated for Easter Sunday (April 4^th) now commencing on May 1^st at Spa Francorchamps. But if you’ve been reading No Fenders lately, then you already know that…

 

Hence the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship has also been affected with the changing of this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans date, originally scheduled for June 12-13 now being held on August 21-22, which caused IMSA to reschedule the Virginia and Petit Le Mans  rounds to October 9^th  and  November 13^th respectively. Since the Virginia race would have clashed wit Le Mans with rumours of Corvette Racing wishing to return to Circuit de la Sarthe this year.

 

But enough of everybody’s favourite Corona Virus News, Righto?As I for one am looking forward to gorging Thyself upon multiple hours of this year’s 12 Hours of Sebring and probably will do my same ‘Ol routine of watching, Err listening to the beginning via the fleeting NBC Sports TV Channel in order to hear Leigh diffey’s “Pipes.” And then the majority via IMSA.com and John Hindhaugh, Jeremy Shaw and Shea Adam on Zed Internet, since they manage to Broadcast the entire race sans Commercials, Just Sayin’, Can You Hear Me Now IndyCar and Comcast?

 

The best news for Sebring is the return of the #48 Allied Action Express Racing Cadillac Dpi VR and it’s All Star Cast of Drivers led by Jimmy Johnson. With Kamui Kobayashi, Simon Pagenaud and Mike Rockenfeller now confirmed for All four of the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds, i.e.; Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta

 

And Yeah, I’m Arse-sumin’ that the No. 48 will be running a white paint scheme and  not green, even if I teased Y’all with that Mean Green Machine moniker, since this is probably my favourite car on the grid since I’m a Huge Fan of Kobayashi’s! Along with having been a Fan of “Symone,” nee Pageantry’ (Pagenaud) since his Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports IndyCar days.

 

For the rest of current NTT IndyCar Interlopers, I can only Arse-sume they’ll be the same cast ‘O characters that participated in this year’s Rolex 24. With Scotty “Thee Iceman 2.0” Dixon aboard the #01 Chip Ganassi Racing Cadillac.

 

“Joe cool,” akak Alexander Rossi should be part of the #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura triumberant, as I’m guessing Hulio’, nee Helio Castroneves won’t be at Sebring. While his Arch Nemesis JPM, Monty’ or Juan Pablo Montoya should be part of the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura trio.

 

OOPS! Almost forgot le Hamburgular’, nee SeaBass’, aka Sebastian Bourdais who’ll Arse-sumedly be piloting the “Mach 5” (#5) Mustang Sally’, err Sampling JDC Miller Motorsports Cadillac in the Daytona Prototype International (DPI) Class.

 

Presumably Oliver Askew, fresh off winning the Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) Class on his Sports Car Debut at the Rolex 24 will be back behind the wheel of the No. 74 Riley Motorsports Ligier? Although no idea if Spencer Pigot will join him?

 

And will we see  Marco Andretti making his Sports Car return at Sebring in another LMP3 competitor with his cousin Jered Andretti? As Thars been much Scuttlebutt about Marco’s Sports Cars intentions, now that he’s only slated to run the Indianapolis 500 this year.

 

Although I’ll admit I just took a Flyer upon that speculation, since afterwards I’ve read Online in Racer that Jered Andretti and Tristan Herbert are running the #18 Andretti Autosport Ligier LMP3 entry in the IMSA Prototype Challenge (PC) Championship which only allows Silver and Bronze rated Drivers, for which Marco wouldn’t qualify for.

 

As Marco mentions he thinks the plan is to probably race the Watkins Glen and Road America rounds, but why couldn’t the Andretti Autosport crew leave the No. 18 at Sebring a further week’s time after the 1hr 45mins IMSA PC “Sprint” race March 14^th and then contest the 12 Hours of Sebring? Which is just total speculation upon my part, meaning it probably won’t happen, eh?

 

Yeah, it was just wishful thinking upon my part, since the now revealed 2021 Sebring 12 Hours entry list doesn’t include this LMP3 trio. So presumably Marco’s implying the June 27^th Six Hours Watkins Glen and August 8^th Road America event…

 

 

Meanwhile, moving to the Saloons, Err Gran Torismo ranks, In the GT Daytona (GTD) category I’ll also Arse-sume’ that Colton “Big Shot!” Herta will return aboard the #96 Turner BMW M6 GT3 entry with Bimmer billy’ (Auberlen) and Robby Foley.

 

Ditto for Ed Jones, who co-drove the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo with former IndyCar Pilote Ryan Briscoe, albeit No idea if the 24 Hours of Daytona was a One-off’ for them?

 

Whilst I’m pretty certain that (Townsend) T-Bell’ will be doing Double Duty as a Colour Analyst and Chauffeur of Top Jimmy’s, aka Jimmy Vasser and Jame Sully’ Sullivan’s #12 Lexus RC F GT3 machine.

 

While I’m not sure if Thars an Xfinity Cup Lite’ race that clashes with Sebring? Which would preclude recent Lost Wages’, nee Las Vegas race winner A.J. Allmendinger from television Commenting duties. And probably see Kevin Lee filling the TV Booth instead, Groan!

 

As Always, Check your local listing for TV Times, as this will be your final chance to watch Sebring on NBC Sports Network. While I’ve got No idea if the opening portion of the race will be aired on Big NBC a la the Rolex 24?

 

2021 Sebring Entry list revealed

Having begun this No Fenders story before the entry list was revealed on Racer on March 10^th, I did a pretty G-Damn Good job of Arse-sumin’ the potential Big boyz’ ranks, albeit There were just seven entries to ponder. As I got All of the top flight Dpi drivers correct with the exception that Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller isn’t listed on the #48 AXR Cadillac entry.

 

Gar Robinson is back with the No. 74 Riley Motorsports LMP3 entry, since after all his Pappy’s involved, presumably financially wit the car number mimicking his 74 Ranch Resorts business. And Spencer Pigot is on the Driver Roll but not Oliver Askew, but Scott Andrews is listed instead.

 

Although I seemed to have totally Struck Out on the Saloons side, but that’s what happens when youre a S-L-O-W Typer and trying to poond out a story ahead of time. Strike One, or is it 2 or 3? You’re Out Tomaso!

 

Since the GTD #96 Turner Motorsport BMW M6 GTE entry doesn’t feature Colton “big Shot!” Herta’s name paired with the Bimmer boyz’ at Sebring.

 

Ditto for Ed Jones and Ryan Briscoe, as I couldn’t find the #63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo entry listed at all.

 

But on the flipside, Team Hardpoint EBM has announced they’ll run a second Porsche 911 RSR the remainder of the season with an All le Femmes line-up. As the #88 will be campaigned by Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge and Christina Neilsen. With the third female Co-driver to be announced shortly for Sebring.

 

After repeatedly checking out my Zap-2-It’ TV Guide, it only lists the race’s start during a two hour window of 7-9AM Pacific and the ending of the race during a 3.5 hours  segment from 4-7:30PM Pacific, both listed on NBC Sports. (NBCSN) With the rest of the race going thou route of Ye dodo bird, i.e.; Streaming Buggers! So once again, Check Your Local listings…