20B: No fenders turns Alexander Rossi’s Car number Today!

A much younger Alexander Rossi Meet ‘n Greet at Will Buxton’s Big Time Bash in Austin, during the 2014 U.S. Grand Prix. (The Tomaso collection)

 

as the needle continuously skips upon the scratchy vinyl record on thoust turntable upon Ye mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville…

 

And the needle was definitely skippin’ Y’all! When I began trying to crystalize my thoughts the day after the Portland IndyCar race, with the Golden Oldies radio station playing Waylon Jenning’s Just A good ‘Ol boy YeeHaw song, Say What?

 

VIDEO: Just A Good ‘Ol boy

 

Or that like a skipping record, your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso would still be labouriously poondin’ away on Thy ancient Selectric keyboard here at No Fenders! Still merrily creating fresh content for Y’all weekly consumption 20 Gory years later, Aye Karumba!

 

First ‘n foremost, like All the IndyCar drivers do. Its time to thank the Fans for perusing No Fenders and hopefully reading some of my Zany Blog posts the past 12 months, especially All four of my loyal readers!

 

Being lovingly honed with a dull, rusty knife in Tomaso Manor whilst thoust waves crash upon the jagged coastline of Nofendersville, and All the busy little creatures scurry in their tide pools…

 

As that ‘Ol MacDougals slogan now serving (19 Million) here come to mind again, Hya! Uhm, think its still 19 million, Crickets!

 

While it does blow my mind that I surpassed the 5,000 posts threshold late last year!

A Milestone and ever revolving Racing Movie Choices

 

Orr Y’all can skip directly to my latest Top 10 Racing Movie choices in the link below.

 

Belated top 10 Racing Movie Choices

 

Where to begin another year later, Eh? As the record spins round ‘n round…

 

Suppose I’ll start with the low lying fruit, even though I’m feeling what’s that word Geddy? Oh yeah, Nihilistic over being in a Post IndyCar Season Funk! Even if you, Alex and new Band mates Anika Milles (Drums) and Loren Gold (Keyboard) are busy galavanting on tour…

 

And like that skipping, broken record.  we all know, Alex Palou had another “Magically Delicious” season this year, winning His sixth race of the season at Portland. Has The Surgeon’ carved up any more W’s since?

 

Whilst thankfully I wasn’t trying to take the train to the Rose City during race weekend last month! More on that later Folks.

 

“It’s a Parallax

No Polyester Slacks

Gona Kick some gluteus Max

Get Busy with the Facts Jack

Roll the bones!”

 

“Why are we here,, because we’re here, Roll the Bones”

 

VIDEO: Roll the Bones – R40 live in Toronto

 

Along with visiting my favourite Oregon Coast Beach thanks to Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen. And my treks “Back Home Again” to Warshington’. Albeit not knowing how badly I’ll d Backhoed by the just destroyed )burnt) Centennial Mills building’s closing of Amtrak train travel from Portland to Washington, Yikes!

 

Thoust highlight of the year has to be my debutante visit to the wonderful Martin Auto Museum, which you may have read some of my elongated recapping of said Museo visit, which I just finished posting upon No Fenders.

 

Meanwhile on the technology front, along with constantly trying to keep up with Microsoft’s forced Arse-simulation of its latest products. Now over a year plus, RACER still refuses to become WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliant, and Arse-sumedly will never do so? Which is just downright disappointing to your blind Motorsports enthusiast!

 

Imagine Accessibility for the Blind, RACER!

 

Yet how can I righteously complain about any of my “First World” problems when my Government is complicit in the Deaths and Starvation of thousands of people in the Middle East! Where as of August 12th, 73,438 Palestinians had been Killed by the senseless Genocide! 40,179 being Children. As let that sink in Y’all!

 

12,500 Women, 1,701 Medical and 262 Press being part of that hideous Death toll, and that’s just in Gaza! With who knows how many horrendous deaths in Lebanon?  Not to mention the stupendous war against Iran, where my Government killed 156 civilians and 120 schoolchildren at Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in a triple “tap” missile strike on the first day of war! (Feb 28th)

 

VIDEO: “Be sure to Wear some Flowers in your Hair”

 

As what’s that ‘Ol U2 Rattle and Hum song where Bono says “Am I buggin’ you Man? I Don’t mean to bug You, play the Blues Edge!”

 

As the song Silver and Gold is about Apartheid in South Africa, for which currently is still occurring in the Middle East! As I Don’t mean to Bug Yuhs…

 

VIDEO: Sover and Gold - live

 

For those still following along. Thanks to everyone visiting Nofendersville and reading my eclectic scribblings upon No Fenders the past 20 years!

 

Since this Uber' eclectic mix 'N veritable Spin Cycle 'O finely honed Thomason' Tex-Mex Jambalaya of Wordsmithing wouldn't have been possible over thoust numerous seasons without All of the Usual suspects continued yearly support.

 

And like Melody Sheik brilliantly “Sings” in his Symphony of Science Masterpiece from over a Dozen years ago now. Suppose I’m getting sort of use to Chicago Davey’ Malukas piloting the No. 12 Team Penske entry. But like the late Carl Sagan says, there’s Billions and Billions of Stars, and “We Are All connected”.

 

VIDEO: We Are All Connected

 

Whilst never fear Ladies and Germs’, Your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is planning on sticking round for awhile longer. Celebrating my milestone 20th Anniversary today, I do wish to “see” how the new Dallara IR28 IndyCar pans out…

 

Arrivederci,

Tomaso

 

Partial song lyrics from: RUSH’s 1992 Roll the Bones title track. Video from 2015 R40 Tour live Up North Eh! (Toronto) 

RETRO: Revisiting Team Scandia’s Drivers line-up

As where did thirty years go?

 

Yeah, your Humble, yet Haggard No Fenders scribe Tomaso has gone down another deep, dark Wabbit’ Hole. Ostensibly due to it being the Month ‘O May and traipsing down memory lane thirty years after that Oh, so controversial 1996 Indianapolis 500.

 

As I thought I’d take a “Deeper Dive” into the drivers who comprised Team scandia’s record seven Indy 500 entries that year.

 

Ten years later, Uhm what’s that ‘Ol Pink Floyd song Time about, Eh?

 

R100: Pacific Northwest Racing Teams - Scandia/Simon

 

Eliseo Salazar

(1996 Indianapolis 500 results)

Car No. 8, Start: 3rd, Finish: 6th; Accident, 197-laps

Eliseo Salazar raced in formula 1 between 1981-83, for March, Ensign, ATF and RAM Racing. He scored a total of three points, with sixth in the 1981 Dutch Grand Prix. And a career best fifth in the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix.

 

Yet Salazar’s moment of fame came in the 1982 German Grand Prix after having collided with the overtaking leader Nelson Piquet, with Piquet punching and kicking Him afterwards!

 

Salazar joined Dick Simon Racing for the 1995 CART PPG IndyCar World Series and finished fourth as a rookie in that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

Salazar remained with Simon as they transitioned to the Indy Racing League, (IRL) driving for the new Team scandia for two years. With Eliseo scoring the team’s only IRL victory at the Loas Vegas Motor Speedway in 1997.

 

Salazar would remain in the IRL through the 2002 season, with a career best third place finish for A. J. Foyt Enterprises in the 2000 Indy 500. Before a serious accident testing at IMS caused Eliseo to decide to retire from IndyCar racing.

 

Alessandro Zampedri

Car No. 8, Start: 7th, Finish: 4th; Accident, 199-laps

Alessandro Zampedri made His IndyCar debut for Euromotorsports at Surfers Paradise, Australia in 1994, after having raced in the International Formula 3000 championship; pre-cursor to today’s Formula 2 series.

 

For 1995, He drove for Payton/Coyne Racing, before joining Team Scandia in 1996 for that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

Alessandro was involved in a major accident at the race’s end, being caught-up  in a wreck involving Roberto Moreno and Team Scandia teammate Eliseo Salazar.

 

Zampedri’s car went airbourne and struck the catch fencing! With Zampedri needing to have part of His left foot and three toes amputated.

 

Zampedri returned for the 1997 Indy 500 with Team Scandia. But an oil leak led to engine failure on the formation lap, with the Italian classified 35th and last with 0 laps.

 

Zampedri made one further IRL start for Team Scandia at the following Texas Motor Speedway round, before returning to Europe. Eventually becoming the 2005 Porsche Supercup champion, the first Italian to win the championship.

 

Michele Alboreto

Car No. 33, Start: 12th, Finish: 30th; Gearbox, 43-laps

The most decorated of Team Scandia’s seven man band. Michele Alboreto rose thru the ranks to the pinnacle of motorsports, entering Formula 1 in 1981.

 

The Italian began His F1 career driving for Tyrrell for 1981-83, before moving to la Scuderia, nee Ferrari between 1984-88. Followed by stint at Larrousse, Arrows, footwork, Scuderia Italia and Minardi. Amassing a total of 185 F1 starts between 1981-94; with five wins, two poles, 23 podiums and five fastest laps to His credit.

 

He scored his maiden Grand Prix victory at the oft, maligned and forgotten Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 1982.

 

Alboreto holds the distinction of winning the last Ford Cosworth 3.0-litre normally aspirated DFV derived victories. Winning then Cosworth’s 156th victory at Detroit with a short stroke DFY development lump’. Being the sport’s final normally aspirated victory until their return in 1989.

 

Having won twice for “Uncle chopper”, (Ken Tyrrell) Michele’s crowing achievement in Formula 1 was driving for Il Commendatore, nee Enzo Ferrari and Scuderia Ferrari for five seasons and 80 Grands Prix. Netting a further three wins and contesting the 1985 F1 title, before finishing runner-up to Alain Prost. With the Frenchman replacing Him for the 1989 season.

 

Michele made His return to Open Wheel Racing when contesting the entire 1996 IRL season driving for Team Scandia,  finishing fourth upon debut at Walt Disney Speedway.

 

Also competing aboard Scandia Engineering’s Ferrari 333 SP in that year’s 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring.

 

Alboreto claimed His sole podium finish in the IRL for Team scandia at Loudon, New Hampshire Speedway’s fall ’96 race. Finishing third, then capped His Team Scandia career with a fifth place finish at Las Vegas’s 1996-97 Round 2.

 

Michele dabbled in DTM and Touring cars, along with multiple stints in Sports Cars pre and post Formula 1. With the Italian returning to Circuit de la Sarthe between 1996-2000.

 

Alboreto won the 1997 24 Heurs du Mans in the Joest Porsche WSC95 Spyder, alongside ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson and Mr. Le Mans, ergo tom Kristensen.

 

Sadly, Alboreto lost His life in a testing accident at the diabolical Lausitzring, driving an Audi R8. Having somehow forgotten that Alboreto died on April 25, 2001 at the same track that almost cost Alex Zanardi His life nearly five months later…

 

Remembering Michele Alboreto: F1 Ace, Le Mans winner and a Good Man

 

 

 

 

 

Fermin Velez

Car No. 34, Start: 28th, Finish: 21^st; Engine Fire, 107-laps

Fermin Velez is another driver I know very little about, or how the Spaniard rose to be a premiere Sports Car racer. Other than knowing of His two wins for Team Scandia at the 1995 and 1997 12 Hours of Sebring. Having a  framed 1995 Randy Owens serigraph with Velez’s, Eric van de Poele and Andy Evan “John Hancock’s” upon thoust Bungalow’s wall.

 

Velez was also a two-times World Sports Car Group C2 champion, and made six starts in the 24 Heurs du Mans between 1986 and 1998. Claiming two class wins, first in 1987 in Group C2 for Spice Engineering. And then in 1998 in LMP1. Driving for Doyle-Risi Racing alongside Wayne Taylor and Eric van d Poele in a Ferrari 333 SP.

 

Having spent one season in the International Formula 3000 series, with less than promising results in 1988, I can only Arse-sume this led to Fermin focusing upon a Sports Car career…

 

Fermin made His Indy Racing League debut at Phoenix International Raceway during the inaugural IRL season, finishing 19th for Team Scandia, presumably a “tune-up” for the impending Indianapolis 500.

 

Velez would make another four starts for Team Scandia during the IRL’s second 1996-97 season, including His best result at the Brickyard, finishing tenth. And then capping His IRL career at the following Texas Motor Speedway round in 25th .

 

Sadly, Fermin died from cancer at the age of 43, just shy of His 44th birthday. 

IMS Photos: Rowdy Holmes remembered

IMS lights up pylon to honour Kyle Busch. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway lit up its iconic pylon in honour of Kyle Busch on Thursday night after He unexpectedly died.

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

Target Boyz’ reunion with Marshall Pruett

A gracious Alex Zanardi greats a star-struck Tomaso at Mother speedway on Carb Day.

(The Tomaso Collection)

 

The world is a sadder place without Alex Zanardi!

 

The seas ‘O synchronicity have struck thoust Isle ‘O Nofendersville again Ah-Mighty!

 

Sometime between the Long Beach IndyCar race and Indy 500 Open test. I tried inquiring upon Zed Intrawoods’ about Marshall Pruet interviewing Top Jimmy’, ergo Jimmy Vasser that weekend?

 

Having heard IndyCar Radio pit reporter Ryan Marin interviewing Vasser over being re-united with His 1996 Long Beach Target chip Ganassi Racing Reynard 96i Honda HRH winner.

 

With Jimmy saying He hadn’t put a leg over a cockpit in quite awhile! And I swear I heard Vasser say something about the reunion involving Marshall Pruett. Being the 30th anniversary of His Long Beach victory…

 

Hence, although I didn’t find anything about this, I did run into a fantastic 38 minutes video from seven years ago. When Marshall got Vasser, Alex Zanardi and Mike Hull to sit together and reminisce about those Glory Dazes during the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona.

 

Having totally forgotten that Zanardi had raced in that year’s Rolex 24 in a specially adapted Hand controls No. 24 BMW M8 GTE BMW Team RLL entry. Racing with John Edwards, Chad Moster and Jesse Kroh to a ninth place finish in the GTLM category.

 

It’s a fantastic interview with lots of laughs and absolutely worth listening to!

 

VIDEO: Target Ganassi IndyCar reunion with Alex Zanardi, Jimmy Vasser and Mike Hull

 

Then karmically, having just put the finishing touches on my No Fenders story including Alex Zanardi never getting to race at Mother Speedway the very same day He unexpectedly died at age 59.

 

Opening my email Saturday morning, I learned that El Zorro was gone, saying Oh Fuck!

 

As I’ll never forget that day at Mother Speedway when He graciously walked across the racetrack to “Meet ‘n Greet” Mwah to my astonishment!

 

Alex Zanardi: 1966-2026

 

While here’s another interview of Alex on Late Night with David Letterman following the 2014 Ironman triathlon in Hawaii. Which exudes all of the typical Zanardi charisma, charm, humor and humility which made Him a Hero for Mwah!

 

Nonchalantly describing seeing a female spectator had tears flowing down Her cheeks over Alex’s grit ‘n determination to persevere in the Triathlon. Noting actually, He was just sweating profusely because His gloves were slipping on the wheelchair’s wheels when trying to go uphill, and He wasn’t crying…

 

VIDEO: Alex Zanardi on Late Night with David Letterman

 

Salute Alex! 

Intrepid 91 year old Traveler returns to Eugene

But can you truly, really ever go Home?

 

What’s that ‘Ol Forest Gump saying ‘bout “Life’s A Bowl of Chocolates?”

 

As I “read” the following Register Guard, my nearest local newspaper I can listen to via my Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service, late Thursday evening. As the tears just rolled down my eyes!

 

The story’s about Peggy Starr, who at 91 years “young”, decided She’d had enough of Wisconsin’s miserably cold, snowy winters! And decided to move back “Home”, having lived in Eugene, Oregon some twenty years ago.

 

Ironically, on the very same day I went and “saw” the movie Crime 101. Which is an excellent movie, albeit probably out on Amazon Prime now?

 

There’s a scene in the movie driving thru some of Los Angeles Homeless areas, and how once of the characters used to be one of them…

 

While Peggy noted that the materialism and what we’ve become as a country thoroughly disappointed Her as She rolled across the Nation. Not to mention the landscape had totally changed…

 

But the part that choked me up, was here’s the 91 year old woman with three suitcases and Her walker getting off the train in Eugene with essentially no plan on where to go?

 

And the amazing humanity of complete strangers seeing Her, and offering to help unconditionally. Getting Peggy situated in a Motel 6 at a reduced Senior rate before this amazing family took Peggy in. Until She can hopefully get into Senior Housing.

 

If you’re not aware, there’s a total lack of Affordable Housing today! Not to mention Senior and Disable Housing, with most programs taking a minimum of one year to get in. And in many cases 2-3 years.

 

Knowing one woman who waited multiple years before finally being accepted. A second who waited multiple years before giving up, and a third who’s still waiting…

 

Not to mention how one has to be truly poor, not just barely making “Ends Meat” or living just above the artificially low poverty line.

 

And in Peggy’s case, Seniors need to not be too “Sharp” or with-it. In order to be fast-tracked into Assisted Living or Senior Housing, applicants need to be suffering from Alzheimer’s, Dementia, etc.

 

It’s a wonderful article about true life, which I recommend reading. And the article also includes the Go fund Me page set-up for Peggy, who’ve truly one of the lucky ones!

 

As I love Peggy’s gumption. Saying She hasn’t owned a television for 45 years, but that doesn’t mean She won’t watch it. Requesting to watch Gone With the Wind, before realizing it’s a four hours long movie. Saying Lordee!

 

Peggy Starr, 91, finds caring strangers in Eugene

 

I had one Helluva time finding a hyperlink to the story that would work “correctly”. Hence the USA Today article link instead. Since I couldn’t get The Register Guard to cooperate… 

No Express Service today, all Aboard!

Casey Jones, Thars’ No Engine today, so you don’t have to watch your Speed…

 

“Over the Hills, thru the Woods to Grandma’s House”. Uhm, Watch Out, Grandma’s behind the Wheel! And no Reindeer were Hurt in the making of this song…

 

VIDEO: Grandma’s at the Wheel

 

Oopsadaisy! Thought I’d serranid Yuhs with a soothing travel story, since many of you will be on the road somewhere soon.

 

As always, my Amtrak train trips are never Dull! And always feature something brand new. Ultimately ending up taking the Coast Starlight Seattle to Emeryville, CA. Which I overheard is across the bay from San Francisco both directions, which I hadn’t intended doing.

 

Shockingly, the northbound train was running 20mins early, as the super friendly station agent Greg said yeah, we’d better buy a lottery ticket, Hya! Along with telling me that they’d torn up the platform six weeks ago and now it was simply a mess! And they’d take me by “Shuttle” (Golf Cart) instead.

 

Since it’s the Democrats fault that the Sky’s falling, Oh Never Mind!

 

And I don’t know why I’m so surprised, but I’m always amazed over how many of the Amtrak workers between the Eugene and Tacoma stations readily recognize me. As both Greg and then later that night in Tacoma, where Gary escorted me into the station said they “Knew” me…

 

As perhaps there’s very few Blind people who travel alone?

 

Yet our train managed to fall further ‘n further behind. Ultimately pulling onto siding’s three times for freight traffic, and ultimately being some 90-plus minutes late…

 

But the most bizarre part occurred just north after departing the Kelso-Longview station. As Amtrak had decided we could pick up a “runaway, loose” single rail car, say what? Meaning we had to pull over, back-up and then slam into the awaiting rail car to connect it to our train, whump, whump!

 

As the assistant conductor tried making light of this by telling our car it wasn’t an earthquake! Just coupling cars, Wham, Wham!

 

All of which made a silly smirk come to Mwah while thinking of how this rail car sitting on the tracks was getting punted further back. Push ‘em Back, Way Back, Hya!

 

Next, the power had to be turned off for 10-plus minutes, as it started getting quite warm in our car. And they had to stop serving dinner in the Dining Car and close the Café due to the temporary power outage. Arse-sumedly when hooking up the loose rail car and connecting the hydraulics, etc. For a fully functioning extra rail car.

 

This turned into an approximately 40-45mins affair. Which caused me to first begin humming the intro theme to the Deliverance song. And then crack up when the Conductor announced that wasn’t as bad as He’d expected, and gone faster then planned…

 

Yet going home was even more taxing for Mwah! Even though Amtrak had emailed me, I only get email at home. With their email informing me of equipment “Unavailability”.

 

Whilst even if I had turned on my mobile the day prior. After being greeted by the sound of a train’s horn honking, Choo-Choo! The Amtrak message simply said message for customer number and changes to No. 503 click!

 

So, after awaking around 4:50AM and departing at 5:30AM to catch the 6:20AM Ferry and walking into the Tacoma Train Station around 7:15AM.

 

Naturally you can imagine our surprise when being told the Cascades Express No. 503 had been cancelled, but I’d been switched to a Bus instead.

 

But I didn’t want to play Russian Roulette over needing to use the Loo’ on a moving Bus multiple times, which is at least a six hours drive; more likely longer due to being on the Highway.

 

While the Grizzled Station Agent was quite gruff about this. Snorting the Driver couldn’t assist me, No Shit Sherlock – Pun intended! As I hadn’t been able to take my normal morning’s constitutional yet…

 

And being Blind, have I mentioned that lately Y’all? Imagine trying to figure out when to get up on a moving Bus (or Airplane) and shimmy down the narrow aisle to an unoccupied bathroom, Stee-rike!

 

Using the station’s bathroom to no avail, before returning to our grumpy agent. I reluctantly chose to take the next train, meaning I’d miss my one Shuttlebus ride home that afternoon. Opting for the 10:43AM Coast Starlight No. 11, arriving at Eugene at 5:08PM and then taking a Taxicab home instead.

 

As I’d say my “insides” were most Cornfuzed, since I finally tried to “Squeeze Out One more Shit!” Just after 3PM in the train’s supposed ADA Accessible bathroom.

 

After doddling my way to the loo’ I was immediately struck with the thoughts of how would a Disabled person in a wheelchair ever be able to use this restroom?

 

As the garbage bin took up half the width of the enlarged bathroom. Being placed smack dab in the center of the room!

 

And when I sat down upon the throne, my left knee was wedged up against where the empty toilet paper roll was located, with the sink directly in front of it.

 

As ever tried taking a crap upon a moving train? Then afterwards, I searched vainly for the flusher mechanism to no avail! Having found three slotted vents, grab bars etc. but no Damn flusher! Before simply closing the lid and making my way back to my seat.

 

VIDEO: I Can’t Pooh in Strange Places

 

Although it had been open our entire trip, somebody had decided to close the sliding, automated door, which I ran into with my cane! And I’ve still never been able to find the button to push to open the door upon my own. Before a kind, female passenger pushed it for me…

 

While I can tell you I didn’t get my money’s worth when trying to Pooh upon the train, Hya!

 

Naturally, after I’d just added an extra 10mins to my estimated arrival time for my Taxi pickup. Our train came to a complete stop and I swear the Conductor said the following. They had to have one person walk across the bridge’s track to make sure it was ok for us to cross. It should only take a few extra minutes and they were sorry for the Inconvenience…

 

Then things got even crazier as the train went Creep, Creep Halt. Creep-Creep, Halt! The voisterous trio at the front of my car started singing the theme song to Gilligan’s Island; A Three Hour Cruise…

 

Knock that Shit Off! I’m trying to catch a Cab in Eugene! With the time just pouring by in my head as we crept ever so slowly along, Shite!

 

As I was standing in the aisleway before we’d come to a complete stop in Eugene. Yet surprisingly, a Station Agent or some Amtrak worker recognized me and helped me off the train first, taking an extra long, deep first step out into the windy, gusty sideways rain!

 

With a second Amtrak worker escorting me into an awaiting Golf cart, before the Man in my car who’d at one point talked about a women’s voluptuous Boobs to some other women in our car! Joined me in the Golf Cart, before we collected our luggage.

 

And then He drove us to were the Cab would arrive at, but nobody’s there. Before He escorted me inside the station to the seat right next to the door; All before my talking keychain clock said 5:28PM. With my taxi slated to arrive at 5:40PM, Whew!

 

Then a very nice woman, who I think was just another passenger? Said your Cab’s here and opened the door for me and guided me outside, without my asking. Before the super friendly, polite female cab driver Adrian said Hello, and off we went.

 

Although I sat in front of the Prius hybrid taxi and talked Her hears off the entire hour’s plus 60 miles ride home, arriving at my front door by 7PM.

 

As no taking me away after climbing in the back Lucy, that Girl with Kaleidoscope eyes, Hya! 

Two legendous’ Hollywood Pranksters

Who shared more than just their Good looks Onscreen…

 

The recent passing of Robert Redford at age 89 on September 16th. For reasons unknown, made me Flashback to a passage in Shawn Levy’s Paul Newman: A Life Biography, that I extensively chronicled here upon No Fenders in Gory 2022.

 

The portion I fondly recalled, involved a certain Sports Car being mischievously given as a gift to one of our two Hollywood Hunks. Although I searched the All knowing Intrawoods’ to “See” if I’d remembered correctly?

 

Since after all, everything on Al gore’s wonderous invention is true, Righto?

 

Yeah, Redford indeed pulled a massive prank upon ‘Ol Blue Eyes, ergo Paul Newman for His 50th Birthday in 1975! As Newman was born January 25, 1925, and Redford born August 18, 1936.

 

As I’d never before been curious of their respective age difference, with Newman being some 11.5-plus years older, with Redford still being 38yrs old when pranking Newman…

 

Both Redford and Newman were huge Porscheaphiles’, as I didn’t know until Redford’s death. That He’d once owned an ultra rare 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, which He purchased in 1966, and owned for some ten years.

 

Thus Redford owned this ultra rare racecar some three years before His breakthrough to Stardom in Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, which debuted on September 23, 1969. Following Paul Newman starring in Winning, which was initially released on May 17th. With both films being produced by Newman Foreman Company.

 

Redford became annoyed with how much Newman incessantly talked about racing and cars. And thus, for Newman’s 50th Birthday, Redford had a wrecked, totally scrapped Porsch delivered to Newman’s home!

 

Reportedly, Redford says they were both living in Connecticut then, and He called a local towing service. Asking if they had any crushed cars, specifically Porsche’s on hand?

 

Funny you should ask that. We just so happen to have a Porsche that was totally crushed by a car falling upon it sitting here. To which Redford said hold it. I want to wrap it in paper and put a bow on it. Then He asked if they could deliver it to Paul Newman’s house and put it on His back porch!

 

Next, Newman retaliated. As a few weeks later, a large wooden crate was surreptitiously delivered to Redford’s rented Connecticut House. Which when Redford opened the crate, contained a wrecked Porsche automobile that had been crushed into a cube!

 

Yet undaunted, Redford had the last laugh of this prank. Having a sculptor friend turn the Porsche cube into a piece of Garden Art which you guessed it. Was immediately placed in Newman’s garden…

 

As the best thing about this, and presumably other countless ensuing pranks. Is that neither man ever mentioned one iota about them to each other.

 

You can read my Paul Newman book review in the following No Fenders link…

 

Paul Newman’s A Life Book review

 

Or pass “GO”, without collecting $200, and skip directly to my Paul Newman racing career tome instead…

 

Diving into Paul Newman’s Racing career

 

(Info source: rennlist.com) 

When is an IndyCar Driver too Old?

Will Power tapestry hanging in the Penske Racing Museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

And who am I to question when a driver should retire? Especially if they’re still Haulin’ the Mail, ergo performing. And potentially tapping into thoust mythical Fountain of Youth?

 

Yeah, we all know the seismic moves in IndyCar occurring just 48 hours after the chequered flag few at Nashville. For which I still have a hard time believing, having scribbled the following on Saturday afternoon.

 

Hope I’m not reading too much into this, but! Listened to Qualie’ today from Nashville on IndyCar Radio. And when Michael Schreech’ Young was interviewing Will Power, He sounded the most despondent I’ve heard Him in a very long time! Had very short, shaky, terse answers. With much gloom in His voice! Making me wonder if the reality of it being His final IndyCar race was suddenly hitting Him?

 

As I’ll agree I think He’s at least gone from Penske, which is a shame. Especially since He’s their best performer this year, and His replacement David Malukas, although showing brief glimpses of promise. Especially with the last two weeks front row qualifying effort, still doesn’t seem a better driver than Power is. Even if He’s the second oldest driver on the grid.

 

Colton Herta wasn’t much better in His brief interview either. Apparently telling Jake the Riddler’ Query, He didn’t know when asked about leaving Andretti? Although it just sounded like He mumbled when asked.

 

Now talk about sour grapes, as I find it quite pettish that Team Penske is holding onto Will Power until His contract expires on December 31st, Really? Like Ain’t that Christmas party gonna be really awkward, Eh? As this seems quite churlish by El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske!

 

It's well documented that William Steven Power will turn the age of 45 years old at St Pete on race day, March 1, 2026. Yet nobody’s been asking for Scotty thee Iceman 2.0 Dixon to bring us His Torch, Righto?

 

With Dixon, the elder Statesman of IndyCar telling one of IMS Radio Network’s pit reporters Yeah Man, I’ll be back when asked about next year. For which I’m fairly certain that Cheep’s being far more classier’ than Roger is regarding Dixon’s future. With Ganassi letting Dixon race for the team as long as He wants to.

 

Since Power mimics the longterm success of Dixon. Having scored 42 wins and 65 pole positions during His 17 seasons at Team Penske. Not to mention once again, finishing the highest of its three drivers in ninth place this season. One point ahead of ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin in tenth; with Josef Schlick’ Newgarden P12…

 

Whilst I always enjoy seeing new, young and raw talent become Stars of the future in IndyCar. Once again, I’d have to say that Penske got this one all wrong! And like Helio Castroneves premature end at Team Penske, I now sincerely hope that DJ WillyP’ has a Breakout season at Andretti Global!

 

As it would be fantastic for Power to win a few races, most notably the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500! And really stick the knife into Penske by winning His third Astor cup next year! Although the championship obviously runs thru Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing once again…

 

And by the way, I have nothing against David Malukas, who’s been my Numero doce IndyCar driver for many years now. But I’ve also been a Huge Will Power Fan, ever since that brief unexpected encounter in the old IMS Hall of Fame museo Wayback’ in Gory 2009.

 

Having scribbled about my appreciation for DJ WillyP”’

over the years here on No Fenders, and am simply dismayed over How RP’ and Team Penske handled the whole Power contract negotiations affair! Which David Malsher-Lopez so eloquently lays out in His Racer article below.

 

An Inglorious End to a Glorious Partnership

 

Strange Days Indeed! 

19B: No Fenders turns the late Justin Wilson’s Car number today

Long ago Justin Wilson “Hero” Card collected during the 2014 Sonoma IndyCar Driver’s Autograph session. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

With no disrespect towards James Jake, Ana Beatriz, Carlos Huertas or whomever else once presumably drove the #19 Dale Coyne Racing entry?

 

as the needle continuously skips upon the scratchy vinyl record on thoust turntable upon Nofendersville, Y’all know the drill…

 

As I hadn’t even contemplated it was the 10 year anniversary of Justin Big Unit Wilson’s passing when I began scribblin’ this. Ah, I love the smell ‘O synchronicity in the Morning! As IndyCar was racing at the Milwaukee Mile on the tenth anniversary of His Death…

 

Justin Wilson: 1978-2015

 

Or that Amazingly, your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso would still be labouriously poondin’ away at Ye ancient Selectric keyboard here at No Fenders! Still merrily creating fresh content for Y’all weekly consumption 19 Gory years later, Aye Karumba!

 

First ‘n foremost, like All the IndyCar drivers do. Its time to thank the Fans for perusing No Fenders and hopefully reading some of my Zany Blog posts the past 12 months, especially All four of my loyal readers! which are lovingly honed with a dull, rusty knife in Tomaso Manor whilst thoust waves crash upon the jagged coastline of Nofendersville Mateys, Shiver Me Timbers!

 

As why does that ‘Ol MacDougals slogan now serving (19 Million) here come to mind again, Hya!

 

Uhm, where to begin another year later, Eh? Suppose I’ll start with the low lying fruit, even though I’m feeling what’s that word Geddy? Oh yeah, Nihilistic over being in a Post IndyCar Season Funk…

 

As we all know, Alex Palou had a magical season this year, aiming for His ninth win of the season at Portland. Where once again I was passing thru via Amtrak on my way north to Warshington’. Before tuning into the race from one of Puget Sound's many Islands.

 

Meanwhile, thee Pinball Wizard’, nee Marc Marquez has systematically decimated the MotoGP grid this year! Having won eight times thru their summer break following Bruno in the Czech Republic, where Marquez secured His fifth consecutive win this season. Catapulting the Spaniard to second overall in career wins, surpassing the legendous’ Giacomo Agostini.

 

Whilst Denis Hauger has pretty much blitzed the Indy Lights, Err NXT field. Winning six times prior to Portland. His only blemish being the collision with Andretti Global teammate Lochi Hughes at Laguna Seca, seeing His points lead evaporate to 32 markers after leading by 93 Me Thinks…

 

Although Hauger secured both the Driver’s and Rookie of the Year Championships with a fine second place at Milwaukee.

 

this year in the life of Tomaso has just Zoom-Zoomed bye-bye again. As no Roger Waters put a log on the fire Jokes here, Hya!

 

Having felt fairly morose when beginning scribbling this. Since I’m forever trying to have new, fresh Blog content ready to upload on No Fenders, even if I promised myself I wouldn’t let Ye Blob’ consume me! Yet after 19 years, ifs become a piece of my daily fabric…

 

Now I could complain about RACER having wrecked its website with its redesign, which if you’ve been reading my eclectic scribbles, Yuhs know they’ve failed to follow WCAG 2.2 guidelines, the foundations of making Web Content Accessible for everyone, i.e.; Blind and Visually Impaired readers…

 

Trying to Follow IndyCar is a Hard Job

 

Or I could grumble about the insane scrutiny I experienced during my first flight post Open Heart surgery, where TSA didn’t give me the option of walking thru the metal detector on my own as in years past…

 

The Perks of being A Blind Traveler

 

Yet how can I righteously complain about any of these “First World” problems when my Government is complicit in the Deaths and Starvation of thousands of people in the Middle East! Where the figure of some 60,000, mainly Women and Children have been killed during this senseless Genocide!

 

Not to mention 373 people, including 134 children; as of September 5th, perishing from famine is incomprehensible! With a Famine just being officially declared, Shit!

 

VIDEO: “Be sure to Wear some Flowers in your Hair”

 

While our Pretender-in-chief Bombastically was busy playing golf in Scotland and presumably stuffing His face with Five Star meals. Not to mention the fabled G7 saying pass the gravy, when civilians were dying hourly from malnutrition! And those in power continue the practices of Colonization in their interests…

 

As what’s that ‘Ol U2 Rattle and Hum song where Bono says “Am I buggin’ you Man? I Don’t mean to bug You, play the Blues Edge!”

 

As the song Silver and Gold is about Apartheid in South Africa, for which currently is occurring in the Middle East! As I Don’t mean to Bug Yuhs…

 

VIDEO: Sover and Gold - live

 

“Imagine there’s No Countries

It isn’t Hard to do

Nothing to Kill or Die for

And No Religion too

 

Imagine All the People

Living for Today

 

Imagine No Possessions

I wonder if you Can

No need for Grief or Hunger

A Brotherhood of Man

 

Imagine All the People

Living life in Peace

 

You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday You’ll join Us

And the World will be as One”

 

VIDEO: A Perfect Circle’s Imagine

 

For those still following along. Thanks to everyone visiting Nofendersville and reading my eclectic scribblings upon No Fenders All these years!

 

Since this Uber' eclectic mix 'N veritable Spin Cycle 'O finely honed Thomason' Tex-Mex Jambalaya of Wordsmithing wouldn't have been possible over thoust numerous seasons without All of the Usual suspects continued yearly support.

 

And like Melody Sheik brilliantly “Sings” in His Symphony of Science Masterpiece from over a Dozen years ago now. As it’ll be just plain weird not having DJ WillyP’ in His ubiquitous No. 12 Team Penske entry next year! But there’s Billions and Billions of Stars, and “We Are All connected”.

 

VIDEO: We Are All Connected

 

Whilst never fear Ladies and Germs’, Your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is planning on sticking round for awhile. Especially since I’ll be celebrating my milestone 20th Anniversary next September!

 

Arrivederci,

Tomaso

 

Partial song lyrics from: John Lennon’s Imagine. From His second Solo album Imagine, 1971. With the title song “Imagine” peeking at No. 1 in both the UK and USA.