Another lost weekend of Shouting

As Are, You, Excited Now? Speak up you frothing Announcers…

 

Hmm, why did that title make me immediately think of an ‘Ol Rush song titled Between the Wheels, and the words Another Wasteland, Eh? Although it’s actually “another War, Another Wasteland and Another Lost Generation”, Righto Geddy…

 

“To live between the Wars in our time

Living in real time

Living in Good times

Holding on to Yesterdays,

 

You know how that Rabbit feels

Going under your speeding wheels

Wheels can cut you down

But the Wheels of time

Just pass you by”

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj1eUnNOvpY

 

Spent the entire weekend of April 11-13 consuming four separate motor racing series, i.e.; IndyCar, IMSA, formula 1 and MotoGP, Gulp! With my primary focus upon Indy Cars at The Beach’, ergo Long Beach. Along with the IMSA Sprint race which featured the return of Robert Wickens; beginning with Friday’s first IndyCar practice session.

 

Catching half of Saturday morning’s second IndyCar practice on (Fox Sports) FS1, as FS2 pulled Ye ‘Ol Switcheroo. Bumping the MotoGP Sprint race to that afternoon in favour of showing us more Bassmasters, Fish On!

 

Then IndyCar’s Qualie’ session capped off by the 140mins IMSA Sports Car “Sprint” race.

 

Next I “watched”, Err listened to the Bahrain Grand Prix Sunday morning, followed by the Long Beach Grand Prix and the nightcap being MotoGP’s delayed airing of the Qatar Grand Prix.

 

Now perhaps it’s just Mwah, but All of these races seemingly blurred into one long set of Boring motor races! Especially both F1 and MotoGP, the latter definitely not worth waiting until 9PM Pacific to watch, Urgh! As what did Raymond Hando say about late race start times ruining your day?

 

So, I didn’t catch the Australian Grand Prix, other than listening to the Highlights package. Being the most exciting of the season’s first four races, largely due to inclement weather, i.e.; passing rain shower…

 

Yet Formula 1 has largely been processional, even though I’m happy that Oscar Piastri has won twice from pole. Other than I hope He won’t get too swell-headed over thinking He can win the championship. As He’d be smart to ask His manager Mark Handlebarz’ Webber how that worked out Yas Isle 15 years ago!

 

Cannot say that IndyCar has been Uber exciting either, albeit at least there’s been passes for the win, even if Alex Palou won the first two races, followed by second place at Long Beach, where effectively Kyle Kirkwood led wire-to-wire from pole.

 

As it’s funny how at least the DW12 seems more capable of following other racecars and allowing for passing, but is this a biproduct of Firestone’s different rubber coumpounds?

 

Whilst Pirelli makes a range of different compound tyres for Formula 1, the choice of five various compounds in this range seems to be too small for meaningful tyre performance drop-off. As just consider how many drivers ran a one stop race at Shanghai…

 

As it’s even more funny how the current F1 chassis regulations introduced in 2022 were specifically designed to allow for the trailing car to run closer behind and encourage passing! Yet the ten F1 Constructors designs has seemingly converged to the point that this is no longer applicable.

 

Making a Farce of Formula 1 further, is the FIA instituting a mandatory second tyre stop at Monaco this year, to artificially induce some passing upon the narrow streets of Ye Principality, where overtaking is nye impossible…

 

Meanwhile, Team Penske and it’s factory Porsche 963’s have been untouchable. With the team’s No. 7 entry having won the first three races, Yawn! As don’t know if Long Beach was their second 1-2 finish?

 

Whilst Ye Pinball Wizard’, aka Marc Marquez returned to His domineering, winning ways in Qatar. Claiming His fourth, consecutive pole, along with four consecutive Sprint races on the trot. Plus His third Grand Prix win in Doha, Yawn!

 

Oops, what about the Shouting you might be saying? As I just don’t understand why the various TV Announcers think they need to Shout at us to get excited?

 

Although I did tune-in to my very first dosage of the new FOX TV announce lineup. For which I must say, Will Buxton seemed completely, totally out of place!

 

While Jack Harvey didn’t seem “Stiff” to Mwah, just think it’s His dry, British accent coming across…

 

As my favourite Announce Duo of the weekend was IMSA Radio’s John Heindhaugh and Ryan Marin during the Long Beach Sprint race. As Marin manages to interject enthusiasm without shouting or screaming. And Heindhaugh’s always entertaining.

 

Whilst the King of Screamers Kroftie’, aka Sky sports f1 lead Pundit David Kroft was doing His usual bit to keep me awake thru another boring F1 race!

 

And I don’t wanna say that the Long Beach IndyCar race was boring, But! Even Mark Gravelly’ James didn’t bother shouting euphorically over Kirk Kirwood winning, which speaks volumes to Mwah.

 

Yeah, it’s gonna be a Gory long, Hard season of motor racing, if this it what will typically transpire the rest of the year, outside that ‘lil ‘Ol Oval track at 16th and Georgetown. Provided we Don’t have more multiple faux Red Flag stoppages, or some Golf game on Thy Telie!

 

Then again, I suppose a boring race weekend is better than NO racing at all, Eh?

 

Partial song lyrics from: Between the Wheels by Rush. From their 1984 Album Grace Under Pressure. 

Wickens Wait to race in IMSA finally ends

As it will be good to have thee plucky Kuhnuck’ back in a major racing series…

 

This weekend sees the long awaited debut of thee Young Wicky’, aka Robert Wickens in IMSA’s Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) competition, behind the keyboard of the No. 36 DXDT Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

 

Wickens alongside General Motors “Hired Gun” Tommy Milner tested the custom DXDT Vette’ at Sebring over two days back in March at Sebring International Raceway. With Wickens noting He was leaning heavily on Milner to learn the nuances of the Corvette, and wasn’t sure how long Milner would put up with His onslaught of questions? Saying He’d be using Milner as a sponge…

 

Arse-suming by now everybody knows of Wickens horrendous and life altering IndyCar crash at Pocono in August, 2018, leaving Him paralyzed from the waist-down.

 

As Wickens credits DXDT team owner David Askew for taking a risk upon Him and making the project happen. Along with General Motors getting onboard. As well as Pratt & Miller who fabricate the Z06 GT3.R racecars and Bosch who make His custom hand control driving ring work with it’s electronic ‘fly-by-Wire” braking system.

 

Robby said He’s been having to learn to readapt His driving style after racing the front wheel drive Hyundai Elantra in the Michelin Pilot Challenge Touring Car championship. Having won the TCR (Touring Car) title with co-driver Harry Gottsacker for Brian Herta Autosport (BHA) in 2023. The first major championship win for a Hand Controls adapted vehicle.

 

Wickens hasn’t competed at Long Beach since His rookie IndyCar season for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2018. And hasn’t contested an IMSA race since driving in the LMP2 category during the 2017 rolex 24…

 

Back to driving a rear wheel drive Saloons’ vehicle for the first time in awhile, which naturally is a different Beast vs. the Dallara DW12 IndyCar He once piloted. Robby notes He was having to learn how to utilize traction control, which He’s never used before. As Wickens partnered with Bosch a year ago to design a bespoke hand control steering wheel system that can be adopted to multiple racing series and different racing makes. Allowing for Wickens and others, to not constantly have to relearn hand control systems every time they race a different vehicle.

 

Wasn’t aware that Milner, who most recently made waves by infamously giving BMW’s Agusto Farfus the universal “You’re No. 1” salute at Daytona, had raced for DXDT before. Winning an impressive eight races in the GT World Challenge America championship in 2024. Finishing “Vice Champion” George! Err runner-up in the Pro category with co-driver Alec Udell.

 

Robby and co-driver Milner are part of IMSA’s “Twin bill” with IndyCar this weekend at “the Beach”, nee Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach which is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary.

 

The Long Beach weekend is covered on a menagerie ‘O TV Networks beginning this afternoon at 3PM Pacific on (Fox Sports) FS1, with IndyCar’s first practice.

 

Saturday sees IndyCa’s second practice on FS1 at 8:30AM. With Qualifying at 11:30AM on FS2. While IMSA’s 140mins race featuring just IMSA GTP and GTD competitors airs on USA Network at 2PM.

 

Sunday’s IndyCar’s morning warm-up is at 9:00AM on FS1, with the  race airing on the Flagship network FOX beginning at 1:30PM. While the command for Drivers, Start your Engines! Is listed for 1:15PM, according to the LBGPA schedule.

 

All times Pacific and subject to change; as Y’all try looking up this dearth ‘O information on your sometimes not updated Zap-2-It TV Guide! 

IndyCar 2025 season Changes

but will they Spice up the Show?

 

Yeah, this is old news, especially if you’ve been following IndyCar since the March 2nd St Pete kickoff. But once again, your Humble, but Haggard Head Scribe Tomaso simply cannot adequately Back-time’ everything to scribble about here upon No Fenders. Nor keep up with thoust Wurld de Motorsporten, Ja Volt!

 

Hey, Y’all try managing keeping track ‘O multiple racing series single handily on your ancient Selectric typewriter. Not to mention IndyCar tweaking it’s tyre allocation rules following St Pete for the Thermal Club’s cheese grader event! Due to the track’s super abrasive surface.

 

As here’s the major rule and regulation changes for this season.

 

Long Beach is the first of six races having their race distances altered. As this weekend’s event at The Beach adds five laps for a new total of 90-laps. With Mid-Ohio adding ten laps for a total of also 90-laps. While both of Iowa’s races add 25-laps for a total of 275. Toronto increases five laps for 90 total. And Nashville adds 19 for a total of 226-laps, in an effort to increase full “rich” race running. Taking away Scott Dixon’s fuel saving strategy He employed to win at Long Beach last year.

 

Firestone has changed it’s tyre allocation for Twisties’ race weekends, now seeing five sets of “Hard” primary and “Soft” alternates for road course and street circuits. With the exception of the previously mentioned Thermal club event, along with the Indianapolis road course event. Both reverting to last year’s allocation of six primary and four alternates.

 

Drivers will be allowed to run one set of alternates during Friday’s first practice, along with continuing the addition of one extra set of primary tyres for rookies. While Firestone was asked to provide a wider performance separation gap between the primary and alternate rubber compounds.

 

The 45mins “All Skate” session followed by the field split into two groups for 10min apiece sessions will continue this year at all road course and street circuit events.

 

A new, spec fuel meter has been mandated for this year’s competition, at the behest of engine manufacturers. As the mandatory fuel flow meter is produced by Sentronics, and is Slowsonic fuel flow meters are used in Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship competition.

 

In addition to the electronic LED race corner panels and safety workers local waving yellow flag. The in-cockpit yellow caution flag warning light will now be activated for these local caution flags to immediately warn drivers of an on-track yellow flag. Hoping to eliminate nasty (and costly) pile-ups like last year’s multi-car incident at Toronto’s Turn-1, caused by Pato O’Ward.

 

In the advent of a crash of 65G’s or higher, drivers custom molded seats and seat belts will be confiscated by IndyCar. As seat belts can stretch in such accidents, which the series already confiscated and destroyed these belts previously. While the driver seat confiscation adds a higher safety measure. The foam cockpit head-rest surround will also be inspected in such accidents, and then either deemed returnable or needing replacement.

 

Meanwhile, the Drivers Eye miniature helmet camera system will now only be utilized at four races this season. Possibly being tested at Long Beach during practice? In preparation for four drivers carrying the system in future races, i.e.; Barbers or Indy’s road course prior to the Indianapolis 500.

 

Yet with All of the on-screen graphics problems and Thermal Clubs Brownout, perhaps FOX will further delay this new wrinkle to its IndyCar TV coverage? 

The IndyCar Story that Keeps on giving

And Yeah, I know I’m helping keep it alive…

 

Strange how I’ve already put Team Penske’s P2P transgressions ito thoust proverbial rear view mirror. And not because I think El Capitano’, nee roger Penske, Tim Cindric or Team Penske should be cut any slack!

 

No, it’s just because it doesn’t present the Open Wheel Racing series I far prefer these days in a very flattering light!

 

As somehow I missed the news over ‘Ol superTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt saying that Roger’s “Innocent”. Whilst Mikey A’ (Andretti) isn’t so convinced…

 

Hmm, who does Foyt have a Technical “Wink-Wink, Nudge-Nudge” Alliance with? Just Saying’

 

But it’s Funny, because I keep waffling back ‘n forth over whether or not The Captain knew anything about this? Since I get the impression that Roger’s removed Himself from the Day-to-Day operations a long time ago? But then again, somebody knew something! Since when ever has Penske been that sloppy?

 

But it does make you wonder? If Penske, Cindric, Chevrolet and others knew, why would they have “Outed” themselves during Sunday morning practice? Or was the technical glitch in Race Control really not a glitch?

 

Meanwhile Michael Andretti’s “take” upon the subject on His recent appearance on Keny Wallace’s podcast is pretty forthright over how I’d Arse-sume many of the current IndyCar team owners feel upon the subject.

 

As Michael wasn’t shy about saying how none of the Penske drivers and Tim Cindric’s “excuses” match-up, and He just wishes that Roger and Team Penske would be more transparent. Which I think we All as loyal fans would also hope for. Since Racer’s Marshall Pruett has been quick to point out how we the Fans, i.e.; paying customers have never received an apology…

 

And that’s before hearing that GM hired a third party lawyer to clear Chevrolet of any wrongdoing. Which once again is somewhat dubious, since I believe that Roger Penske owns Ilmor? The manufacturers of Chevrolet’s IndyCar race engines, Oh Never Mind!

 

As why does this whole sordid subject make me think of disgraced Tour de Farce winner Lance Armstong, Eh?

 

As I certainly feel zero empathy towards Josef Newgarden and His race victory being rightfully taken away from Him! Whilst I like ScottyMac’, aka Scott mcLaughlin, so I’ll give Him a pass. While

Y’all have to wonder how come Will Power new it was illegal to use Push-to-Pass on race starts and re-starts, Eh?

 

You make the Call! 

Vintage IndyCar’s trundle down The Beach

As I Love the smell ‘O Methanol in the Morning!

 

Y’all may wish to check out this wonderful video taken during Friday’s first practice session for the HMSA Vintage IndyCars grid taken by Marshall Pruett! As Yes, those are real, honest to goodness Bundle ‘O Snakes on the 1966 AAR Eagle!

 

https://racer.com/2024/04/19/vintage-indycars-roll-out-for-first-long-beach-session/ 

Vintage IndyCar’s Invade the Beach!

Mark Donahue’s winning 1972 Penske Sunoco #66 McLaren on display at IMS Hall of Fame museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

As I just wish I could Hear this amazing cacophony’s soundtrack of vintage Indy Cars live!

 

Ran across Marshall Pruett’s Racer article titled Great Cars from IndyCar’s past prepare to take to the Streets of Long Beach recently, and wondered what’s that all about, Eh?

 

The article details the this weekend’s Historic Motor Sports association (HMSA) running of 17 vintage Indy Cars from the past’s Glory Years…

 

As Marshall notes that the oldest is a 1966 AAR Eagle built by Dan Gurney’s All American Racers of nearby Santa Ana, California.

 

The car is owned by Rob Dyson of Dyson racing fame, and will be piloted by ‘lil Stevie Johnson’, aka Stefan Johansson.

 

Pruett also notes the variety of IndyCar chassis taking part include one of ‘Ol superTex’s’, nee A.J. foyt’s 1977 Coyote’s, having just finished it’s restoration. An ex-Sebastien Bourdais ’05 Lola and Mario Andretti’s former March 85C to mention just a few.

 

With the “newest” vintage IndyCar being an ex-Oriel “suitcase” Servia 2007 Panoz DP01 chassis.

 

But I have to say I’m most intrigued by the mount former IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan’s piloting this weekend, being from the McLaren Heritage Collection.

 

As TK’ will be behind the keyboard of Lone Star JR’s 1974 Indianapolis 500 winner. An McLaren M16 powered by the ubiquitous Offy’ lump’. With Pruett noting how these turbocharged inline four cylinder engines were routinely producing 1,000 Horsepower “Back in-the-Day!”

 

Which it’s hard to believe I scribbled the following two part No Fenders tome about McLaren at Indy Wayback’ in Gory Ought Eight!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2008/07/mclaren-at-indy.html

 

Whilst Y’all can listen to another entertaining TK’ interview, with Kanaan discussing this adventure with Pruett on the following Podcast…

 

https://marshallpruett.podbean.com/e/mp-1509-the-week-in-indycar-with-tony-kanaan/

 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find a current HMSA entry list for the weekend’s event, with their website still having last year’s Formula 1 cars listed instead…

 

As I’d hope that Bryan “High Speed Hurdles” Herta would be running His 1998 Laguna Seca winning Reynard 98i Ford/Cosworth chassis, that son Colton gave Him as a birthday present last year. Before the duo ran it prior to Laguna Seca’s IndyCar season finale last September.

 

As the HMSA grid will run 20 minute race sessions on both Saturday and Sunday, which should be worth the price of admission alone!

Update

During Friday’s first IndyCar practice session. IndyCar Radio Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton mentioned that the 1977 Coyote was actually a backup chassis that was never built originally! Whilst cannot remember if He said the restorer had the help of A.J. foyt enterprises or not? And that the restoration took four years to completely build the car from scratch.

 

Meanwhile, Y’all may enjoy Marshall Pruett’s brief Paddock video showing off a few of the vintage racecars below.

 

https://racer.com/2024/04/19/vintage-indycar-long-beach-paddock-tour/

Stop the Hate IndyCar Fans!

As Taylor Swift says, You Need to Calm down!

 

Being Blind, I Don’t do any of the Social Media stuff, i.e.; Face Book, “Musk-A-Vision,” err TWIT-ER’, Instagram, Snap Chat et al. And having said some pretty Stupid things over the years, and presumably having also written many Here upon No Fenders the past 16 years. Increasingly, I find it a Good thing I Don’t have a TWIT-ER’ account, since who knows what I would have regretted Tweeting, Eh?

 

Originally I was going to include the link to Racer’s Marshall Pruett article about one of my current, favourite IndyCar Drivers inexcusably receiving Death Threats following His Ontrack “Actions” at Long Beach, which are simply Not warranted, and totally despicable For which I only learned about the day after when  reading said article.!

 

Listening to the IndyCar Radio Broadcast Sunday, I recall Davey Hamilton wondering out loud repeatedly why Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR)wasn’t pitting Augustin Canapino during the Caution period, since He’d need to Pit in mere laps! For which I mused to myself that JHR was just leaving Canapino out so He could lead His very first IndyCar laps and garner some Sponsors Attenzione…

 

Now I have No idea if that’s really what was going on? Or if JHR was simply Hoping to get “lucky” with another immediate Full course Caution, which we All know didn’t happen…

 

Listened to Callum Ilott on Marshall Pruett’s April 17th (MP1386) The Racing Family Show Podcast, which is definitely worth a listen! Where the very Frank, Honest and Forthright 24yr Old Englishman noted how He’d just barely Brushed the Wall at Long Beach which caused His Tyre to “Delaminate!” Making Him need to Pit Off-sequence.

 

While Ilott further noted How currently one of JHR’s “weaknesses” are their Pitstops Not being Satisfactory! For which I can only surmise that a Slow Pitstop at Long Beach caused Callum to come out directly in front of His JHR teammate Canapino who was the leader at that point, before the Argentine went Wheel-to-Wheel with Helio Castroneves…

 

Being a former Ferrari Academy Driver, Alfa Romeo Test Driver and Formula 2 race winner. I’d Arse-sume that Ilott, who’s ambitions obviously were to go into formula 1, knows the “golden rule”, i.e.; Do Not Take Out your Teammate! Although Ilott also Had the right to “fight” to stay on the lead lap.

 

All of which is to say that You Need to Calm down! And Not send such Malicious Threats to a Racing Driver whose just Doing His Job!

 

As Sing It Taylor!

 

You Need to Calm Down!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dkk9gvTmCXY

 

Now I know that I still somewhat subscribe to Ye late Curmudgeon ‘O IndyCar, ‘Ol R’s, aka Robin Miller’s mantra “Hate’s good!” And everybody Has Good Guys and villains in their lives…

 

And if you’re still reading No Fenders, then Y’all know I’ve got my share of Drivers I definitely Despise in both Formula 1 and IndyCar!

 

But there’s absolutely NO reason to Act so Irrationally on Social Media or in Public towards our fellow Humans, be it Male or Female. And Don’t forget Animals too…

 

Because when you Boil it all Down. As one of my favourite Melody Sheik’s Symphony of Science songs denotes…

 

“We Are All Connected!”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGK84Poeynk

 

So C’mon everyone, let’s just enjoy this weekend’s IndyCar race at Ye Barbers’, thee “Augusta of Indy Cars” event and show Callum Ilott and the other 26 Amazing IndyCar Drivers some Love! 

IndyCar West Coast Wrap: Long Beach finale

Hello Alex Palou, Come On Down, you’re this year’s IndyCar Champion!

 

“The Hamburger and French Fry Show”

Although I’ve never been a Fan of le Hamburgular’, Sealmeister B’, SeaBass or simply Sebastien Bourdais, I’d like to give Racer’s Marshall Pruett and Bourdais A “shout Out” for their wonderfully Brilliant, Zany Daily Race session Video Debriefs over each weekend, which have become the Highlight of the West Coast Swing for Mwah! As I find that Seb’ has become quite Self Deprecating, Humble and Honest on his struggles with the A.J. Foyt racecar. While Marshall has really Blossomed as he Ad libs’ spontaneously, Conquers Any Topic of the Day, yet always keeps the “Interviews” light hearted…

 

As I thought I’d never say this, But! We need for Foyt to keep Bourdais another year to not only improve the Team’s Ontrack performances, but more importantly, so we can have another season of the Hamburger and French Fry Show videos!

 

Practice

Once again, Colton Herta led the way in Friday’s first afternoon practice session as Quickest of the four Andretti Autosport runners in the Top 10; Herta P1, Ryan Hunter-Reay 5^{th, and} James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi eighth and ninth respectively. Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud pipped Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou for second in the waning stages of practice. Arrow McLaren SP’s Felix Rosenqvist was fourth, with Meyer shank Racing’s Helio Castroneves sixth. Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin was P7 and team-mate Josef Newgarden rounded out the Top 10 despite having caused a Red Flag, as one of the multiple drivers pirouetting Ontrack, with many hitting the Walls.

 

Championship rival Pato O’Ward struggled mightily to find the handling in his Arrow McLaren SP, mired in a lowly 16^th! With Coyne-Ware Racing’s Romain Grosjean five places ahead of O’Ward in 11^th, but behind his Rookie Of the Year Points leader and rival McLaughlin’s Top 10 outing.

 

Other possible Race winner contendahs’ Will Power and Scott Dixon were P12-13 respectively, and Im sure we haven’t heard the last of the Team Penske and CGR Drivers this weekend, since you can never count out The Iceman’ (Dixon) or Wild child DJ WillyP”, (Power) Righto!

 

 

Although Colton Herta remained P1 in Saturday morning’s practice, Team Penske Flexed Thar Muscles with Power second, Newgarden, Pagenaud and Mclaughlin P4-6 respectively! Thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’ (Hinchcliffe) was an impressive third.

 

Arrow McLaren SP’s Pato O’Ward potentially righted his floundering “Ship” after saying on Friday  they’d need to “Yard Sale It!” In order to fix the handling, before moving up to eighth. While team-Mate Felix Rosenqvist remained ahead of the Mexican in seventh.

 

Romain Grosjean moved forward to ninth and Meyer shank Racing’s Jack Harvey rounded out the Top 10. Whilst Chip Ganassi Racing’s “Big Guns” Alex Palou and Scott Dixon went Backwards. As Palou dropped to 16^th and Dixon to 20^th.

 

Qualifying

That was the most Insane Qualifying session I’ve seen in forever! Which Leigh Diffey politely noted, Can You Feel the Championship Pressure Ratcheting Up? Since after all it’s his job to keep us All “Hooked.”

 

Group 1 saw Jack Harvey Clout the Wall and I believe pirouetted? Well at least he was laying “Dead Stick” Ontrack in the way of unexpecting will Power who had nowhere to go and B-A-M! As it was absolutely amazing that Team Penske was able to rebuild the left side of Power’s crumpled racecar during the ensuing 10-15mins plus before he returned to contest the Fast 12 Round sporting a replacement Team Penske Sidepod among other replacement parts!

 

Pato O’Ward brushed the Wall with the left side of his car, radioing in he’d definitely affected the rear Tow-link, which Arrow McLaren SP also did stellar work to have Pato ready to compete in the Fast 12 round.

 

And in the voice of ‘Ol R’, Ye Curmudgeon of Indy Cars Robin Miller: Sorry boys, But Hate is Good! And thus I just started bellowing out Choke, Choke, Choke after Colton Herta apparently was attempting to conserve a set of the FirestoneAlternate Reds by staying on his primary Black tyres and subsequently Hit the Wall! Then came in to the Pits and put on a set of Reds too late and was unable to advance out of Group 2!

 

As Sebastien Bourdais said it best during his Saturday video Debrief with Marshall Pruett. Why would you Expose yourself like that? The Field is so Competitive, why would you get Greedy when you’ve been the Fastest Car in practice…

 

But the most Drama of the afternoon came in the Fast 12 Round when Power’s car suffered a Gearbox issue leaving him stranded Ontrack and unable to move out of the way, even though Townsend Bell was certain he’d scraped the Wall again!

 

As Power’s stricken car caused a local Yellow for which it was reported that Felix Rosenqvist, James Hinchcliffe and Ed Jones All Failed to Slow adequately and initially advance to the Fast Six Shootout, Huh? For which after the IndyCar Stewards deliberated for 20mins, ironically Rosenqvist stayed in the Fast Six shootout to the protests of his Team Boss Taylor Kiel and team-mate O’Ward.

  

After the dust had settled, and I still think O’Ward got Screwed! The Fast Six Shootout results were as follows: Josef Newgarden took a somewhat surprise Pole position,

As I enjoyed Diffey saying please excuse the Foul language as you could clearly hear Newgarden say fuck Yeah!

 

Scott Dixon was a mildly upset second, claiming that third place Helio Castroneves had ruined his attempt at Pole, to which Hulio’ in typical gusto said Dixon’s just used to people pulling out of his way, Youch!

 

Simon Pagenaud was fourth, while Felix Rosenqvist was fifth and Romain Grosjean was P6.

 

Seventh went to James Hinchcliffe followed by Pato O’Ward in eighth, while Ed Jones split the championship contendahs’ with Alex Palou lining up 10^th.

 

Scott McLaughlin wound up P13, while Colton PB ‘N J’ Herta and Alexander Rossi roll off P14-15 respectively.

 

Shout Out to Callum Ilott in only his third ever IndyCar race qualifying the Juncos Hollinger Racing Dallara/Chevy 18^th and Outqualifying 10 competitors! Including Graham Rahal and Oliver Askew, both Ed Carpenter Racing entries, All three A.J. foyt entries, Max Chilton, Jimmie Johnson and Jack Harvey. As both Harvey and Askew Slapped the Wall in Thar respective Groups, triggering Red Flags and having their Fastest two laps deleted…

 

Race Day

The day began with Hulio’ literally blowing Ah-Gasket’ over feeling that Alexander Rossi hadn’t gotten out of his way during the morning Warm Up session when they came together. Hmm, what was that Prima Donna soliquy ‘bout how Scott Dixon was Mad at Him for Not Moving Over the day prior? As how long ago was it when Rossi said He’s Not here to make Any friends Ontrack…

 

As far as I was concerned, the Championship was Already over before the Green Flag flew, but after soon to be Ex-Coyne Vasser Sullivan driver Ed Jones Stupidly Spun Pato O’Ward on lap-1 and he’d dropped to last, I began singing ‘Ol Dandy don’s (Merrideth) melody “Turn Out the lights, The Party’s Over!” As it was a cruel way for Pato to end his season, and that was before his Halfshaft snapped on lap-18 presumably due to the errant collision by Jones…

 

After that it was just a case of who’d win the race? For which although I was rootin’ for Josef Newgarden, Not for him to win an unlikely IndyCar title, but to stop Colton Herta.

 

But as we All know, the 21yr old Californian drove like a Man possessed to atone for his Snafu’ during Qualifying, which he did by putting on a Driving Clinique! Leading some 40-plus laps en route to a fairly Dominant victory and a sweep of the California races, so Gulp! Nice Job Colton, Urgh!

 

Newgarden finished second, and in turn overtook O’Ward in the standings, with Pato sliding down one spot to third Overall. While the podium’s final finisher Scott Dixon claimed a fairly mundane fourth in the standings, since the Kiwi’s accustomed to winning titles instead.

 

Romain Grosjean slapped the wall midway thru the race, effectively ending his longshot for overcoming Scott McLaughlin in their Rookie Of the Year battle, which McLaughlin captured with an 11^th place finish.

 

But Kudos to Alex Palou, who could have coasted home Midpack or worse to claim his first IndyCar Championship. But instead, the 24yr old Spaniard drove as he’s done during his entire Sophomore season and clinched the Crown with a fine fourth place finish.

 

As All sorts of noise has already been made over how it’s Chip Ganassi’s first Championship forever by another car instead of Dixon’s No. 9, with the #10 last winning an IndyCar Championship in 2011 at the hands of Dario Franchitti.

 

Or it being the first CGR title by somebody other than Dixon or Franchitti, who’ve won the lion’s share of Cheeps’ 14 IndyCar titles. The last being Juan Pablo Montoya’s Championship in 1999, which he won in his Rookie season on a Tiebreaker ironically with Franchitti.

 

As Palou’s title also comes on the 25^th Anniversary of Chip Ganassi Racing’s first IndyCar Championship won by Jimmy Vasser at Laguna Seca, and it’s pretty impressive thinking how Cheep’s (Chip Ganassi) has amassed 14 IndyCar Championships in that time, which is obviously more than 50%!

 

While can Y’all guess who’s the other CGR Champion? Well I had to laugh out loud when hearing Leigh Diffey mutter my same words into the camera during the Post Race wrap-up, when he said that Alex Palou is a young Alex Zanardi! But it was Fantastic hearing an exhuberant Palou on the Speed Freaks Sunday night with Fans in the background of his Hotel Hooting ‘N Hollering for him, so Congrats Alex!

 

Whilst the funniest Bit I’ve heard over Palou’s impending Championship came from Dixon, who said he was one of the Ones telling Chip to sign him, so may be I should get a Cut? For which if Y’all Don’t know, Cheep’ garnered his nickname from Zanardi for being, Uhm… Uh, it’s an Italian pronunciation thingy’, Yeah, That’s the Ticket, Hya!

 

As Hello Palou Indeed. Congratulations Alex!