More Belated Driver news

Since Der Wurld de Motorsporten never Sleeps!

 

Yeah, its been strange for Mwah the past few months. Waiting and waiting to get my ‘Ol Desktop Confuzer’ upgraded to Windows 11 specification before the enforced October 14th deadline. Which I’ll scribble about in another riveting No Fenders post, albeit, its been very liberating not madly poondin’ away on thoust keyboard…

 

Naturally, this has caused me to try poondin’ out copious stories for future consumption, like this one. Hence my prose is somewhat outdated.

 

Case-in-point was after having finished scribblin’ about some Belated Driver news. We got another IndyCar Driver’s confirmation along with several teams testing.

 

Be still my beating Heart! Did Dale Coyne actually announce His second IndyCar driver and assign car numbers before Halloween. Trick or Treat?

 

Thus Arse-sumedly everyone knows about Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) having confirmed reigning Indy NXT Champion Dennis Hauger as one of its two drivers for next year.

 

Along with their new technical alliance with Andretti Global. Which sees DCR receiving componentry and engineering set-up advice. Guessing that means Dampers, i.e.; Shocks from Andretti?

 

Whilst Coyne will rely upon its own in-house Engineering staff, most notably noted engineer Michael Cannon. With Dale Coyne noting how Cannon and Craig Hansen, now at Andretti, have worked together in the past. And have a good relationship.

 

And speaking of Andretti Global. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that former Team Penske Managing Director Ron Ruzewski has now become Andretti’s new IndyCar Team Principal, and will begin in January. With Rob Edwards, the previous Chief Operating Officer, (COO) moving into a new role at TWG Motorsports. Becoming its new Chief Performance officer . (CPO)  overseeing all of their vast motorsports portfolio, i.e.; Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, Sports Cars, Formula E and Indy NXT. Although Ruzewski will be in charge of both IndyCar and Indy NXT’s day-to-day operations.

 

Team Penske “rented” Mid-Ohio back on October 1st, with a total of five teams attending. As Penske ran Sports Car Ace Felipe Nasr, who finished quickest of all. Just slightly ahead of countryman Caio Collet, with the Indy NXT driver piloting the No. 14 A.J. Foyt Enterprises car.

 

Fellow Indy NXT Chip Ganassi Racing driver Niels Koolen sampled the team’s No. 8 entry. Kakunoshin Kaku’ Ohta drove one of Meyer Shank Racing’s Honda’s, along with the aforementioned Hauger driving for Coyne. With everyone making their respective IndyCar debuts, with the exception of Nasr., who’s tested multiple times for Penske

 

Then there was the “Big” test at Mother Speedway. With Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing testing Mick Schumacher on the 2.439-mile, 14 turns permanent road course on October 13th. Although it was expected that at least Andretti Global would join the IMS test and give Andretti Global Indy NXT driver Lochie Hughes His debut IndyCar outing.

 

Whilst presumably other IndyCar teams would show up at IMS. As according to The Pit Window, Schumacher and Hughes were slated to be joined by Caio Collet for A.J. Foyt Enterprises. Dennis Hauger for DCR. Both of Ed Carpenter Racing’s (ECR) regular drivers Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen. Plus Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) with Indy NXT driver James Roe.

 

Then according to Marshall Pruett, Enzo Fittipaldi would test again for Arrow McLaren on Sebring’s Short Course later in October. As once again , would other teams join the party?

 

As Enzo, younger brother of Pietro Fittipaldi made His IndyCar debut testing alongside His brother at Sebring in 2023. Then tested for Arrow McLaren last November at the Thermal Club for Arrow McLaren.

 

Also according to Pruett, Enzo is rumoured to be moving to Indy NXT next season, driving for HMD Motorsports.

 

Interestingly, and I totally missed the memo. The Cadillac Formula 1 Team announced Pietro Fittipaldi as its Development Driver on October 1st.

 

One other item that tripped my No. 4 wire, albeit just pure speculation upon my part. Especially with Dale Coyne saying they needed to Walk before running with the Andretti Global partnership. Yet mentioning how Andretti global had other Indy NXT drivers in its pipeline they’d like to advance to IndyCar…

 

I immediately thought of Lochie Hughes, who presumably will run a sophomore campaign in Indy NXT next year. And then He could take over Dennis Hauger’s IndyCar seat at Coyne, apprentice for a year and then replace fellow Aussie’ DJ WillyP’, aka Will Power’s seat? With Hauger presumably taking over Marcus Ericsson’s No. 28 ride?

 

But that’s just plain speculating upon my part, and only time will tell…

 

Meanwhile, Hughes has just officially hired Michael Patrizi as His manager. As the pair have worked together over the years unofficially, with Hughes saying it seemed time to have a manager.

 

Having also missed the memo of Lochie being announced as Andretti global IndyCar reserve driver on October 8th, when I was preoccupied with my Confuzers Windoughz’ 11 Arse-similation, Yuck!

 

And that Hughes will indeed contest a second year in Indy NXT with Andretti Global for 2026.

 

Whilst previously, I know I heard somebody saying they’d seen Romain Grosjean in conversation with Andretti global during the Battle on The Bricks weekend, which I think was Marshall Pruett.

 

Thus, Grosjean joining Coyne with potentially past engineer Olivier Boissan makes perfect sense for the No. 18 DCR entry… 

F1: Where will Horner go Now?

And can Red Bull turn around its Sinking Ship?

 

Have to say it came as a surprise to Mwah, reading the news over Christian Horner, the Pied Piper of Red Bull Racing being released of His duties as CEO effective immediately on Wednesday morning, July 9th.

 

Horner, alleged of “Bullying” and sexually harassing a female Red Bull employee, His personal assistant at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season, in which the Daily Mail is calling a sext texting scandal, claims that Horner has gotten His “Cumuffins”, which I find overly rich…

 

As Horner was cleared twice from this sexual harassment allegation by two separate Barristers, and had seemed to weather the storm, especially after Max Verstappen won His fourth, consecutive World Championship last year.

 

While I do not condone any form of sexual harassment, I find the Hypocrisy of one of His fiercest critic, once fondly known as Jos the Boss Verstappen dubious at best! Since Verstappen Senior seemed to be spearheading the charge for Horner’s dismissal over a year ago.

 

As why is no one writing about Jos’s former multiple Domestic Assaults? Having surrendered to Dutch police in January 2012, spending two weeks in Jail for Attempted Murder! Having supposedly tried to run down His former girlfriend, before being released due to lack of evidence.

 

This followed His ex-girlfriend being taken to hospital in November, 2011, after physical beating by Jos. For which the former 24 year old girlfriend, when Jos was 39 said had happened before.

 

Not to mention being fined and given three months suspended jail sentence in 2008 for domestic violence against his ex-wife, Max’s Mum. Or being convicted of Assault for breaking a man’s skull at a Karting track some ten-plus years prior…

 

Although I’m in no way defending the Dutchman’s unscrupulous antics. I’m now wondering if the Headline about the team imploding if Horner remained in power after the sex-texting scandal by Jos, stemmed from His personal experience?

 

Like Him or not, Horner led Red Bull to eight F1 Drivers and six Constructors Championships over His twenty-plus tenue as leader of Red Bull. Not to mention 124 Grands Prix victories in 405 starts, the fourth most ever by a Formula 1 team.

 

Therefore, at age 51, I cannot see Horner being finished in F1, and three current F1 teams jump out immediately to Mwah as possible landing destinations. Even though it sounds like Horner is on mandatory “gardening Leave” for the moment.

 

Horner has been rumoured to be on Ferrari’s radar previously, which He’s turned la Scuderia down previously to stay at Red Bull. Seeing currently embattled Team Principal Frederic Vausser landing the job.

 

But if F1 Pundit Ralf Schumacher is correct over Horner not appreciating criticism, then Ferrari seems like a bad fit. Since the Italian press is constantly castigating Scuderia Ferrari over its poor performance, and continuously demanding the dismissal of whomever is in charge! Not to mention uprooting wife Geri Halliwell and family to Italy.

 

No, for Mwah the two most likely future destinations would seem to be either Alpine or Cadillac.

 

The move to Cadillac would be brilliant, giving them instant creditability. Not to mention somebody in charge with a winning pedigree. Although not sure how this would work out for current boss Graeme Lowdon?

 

Although again, the TWG Group seems intent on running the F1 operation out of its Fishers complex in the future, implying that Horner would need to move to another country. Unless perhaps Lowdon became Deputy Team Principal and oversaw the Stateside operation?

 

While I’d say the most logical choice would be Alpine, provided it gave Horner a long enough leash to turn the franchise around. Since they’ve got a nasty habit of dumping leadership routinely!

 

Although reportedly, Horner is good friends with HMS Monogram’, aka flavour Flav’, nee Flavio Briatore, who may be quick to snap up the services of His friend?

 

Whilst what about Steve Nielsen? Just confirmed as the team’s new Managing Director, effective September 1st. As Nielsen will be responsible for day-to-day operations.

 

But being a truly British team based at Enstone, and supposedly with updated premises, this would be the most convenient for Horner. As who knows where it could lead?

 

While you’d have to think that Aston Martin’s a longshot, since I think there’s already too many Cooks in the kitchen! And how would Adrian Newey feel about re-uniting with Horner?

 

As only time will tell where Messer Horner lands, provided He does return to Formula 1 in the future, which feels inevitable to Mwah…

 

Meanwhile, Laurent Mekies, previous Boss of Racing Bulls takes over as CEO of Red Bull Racing. As the Frenchman began His Formula 1 career with Arrows, and engineered several F1 drivers at Minardi and Scuderia toro Rosso. He spent a brief stint as the FIA’s Safety Director and Deputy Race Director. Then moved to Ferrari as its Sporting Director before becoming Racing Bulls Team Principal.

 

Alan “Bat” Permane becomes Racing Bulls new Team Principal. Which will be interesting to see how the ‘lil bulls progress?

 

As Racing Bulls were currently tied for seventh place with Aston Martin on 36 Markers apiece, in the vaunted Constructors Championship before Mekies moved to Red Bull. With Sauber vaulting five points ahead to sixth, thanks to Nico Hulkenberg’s excellent third place finish at Silverstone. 

HYDROS: The 2025 Season Spools up in Earnest

Although a fifth’s of Thar season’s already over. And I feel like I need a fifth after a most disjointed weekend of trying to follow along…

 

This coming fourth ‘O July weekend sees the H1 Unlimited series contesting Thar’ second race of the 2025 season at Madison, Indiana

 

The season began nearly one month ago at the Guntersville Hydrofest, June 8th on Lake Guntersville, Alabama. With the remainder of the five events as follows: July 6th Madison Regatta at Madison, Indiana.

 

Then a three race west coast swing, including the traditional Warshington’ back-to-back “Double”, i.e.; July 27th Tri-Cities Water Follies at Kennewick on the Mighty Columbia, nee Columbia River.

 

Followed a week later on Lake Washington  August 3rd at Seattle’s Seafair, presumably replete with the legendous’ Blue Angels, unless somebody’s spent too much upon His 79th birthday’s military parade and had to cut their funding?

 

The season concludes on September 14th at Bayfair’s Mission Bay, with the Bill Muncey Cup in San Diego, CA.

 

This year’s Tri-Cities Water Follies commemorates the 60th anniversary of this event and will host this year’s prestigious APBA Gold Cup race. With the Gold Cup being the oldest American trophy, beginning with it’s 1904 inaugural event

 

Like every offseason, much movement has occurred in the top Dawgs’ Unlimited Hydroplanes fleet. As Dustin Echols has decided to retire from competition, leaving the U-40 devoid of a driver.

 

And with Sharon and Kelly Stockton, longtime owners of Bucket List Racing and the U-40’s main sponsor Flav-R-Pac moving onto the U-11’s flanks as its new primary sponsor, Y’all have to wonder the status of the U-40 Bucket List Racing Unlimited Hydroplane this season.

 

Once again, the H1 Unlimited website has suffered another compressor stall, since I couldn’t find anything on its apathetic website about the seismic shift of the competing teams landscape…

 

According to the Madison Courier, Miss Madison Racing which had gotten itself into hefty financial debt due to it’s 2018 sponsorship agreement with Home Street Bank. With the former Miss Budweiser Tukwila race shop becoming an albatross around its neck due to the hefty mortgage, has led to Miss Madison president Charlie Grooms selling the entire assets of the championship winning team! Having just won their twelfth championship last year…

Seattle’s Bruce Ratchford, the founder and proprietor of Apollo Mechanical, who not only became Seafair’s title sponsor last year. When the Apollo Mechanical Cup joined Seafair for its 75th anniversary.  Also sponsored the U-27 Miss Apollo last season. With the newly created race team stepping up with the acquisition of Miss Madison Racing’s two Unlimited Hydroplane Hulls. Along with adding the U-27 to its fleet.

 

Thus, defending APBA National High Points Drivers Champion Andrew Tate has become teammate this season with Dave Villwock. With Tate in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate and Dave Villwock in the U-27 Miss Apollo for the new BWR Racing team, forming a new powerhouse race team to challenge Strong Racing…

 

Initially, I Arse-sumed BWR Racing would be run out of the former Miss Madison Tukwila race shop. Although re-reading the Madison Courier story, it notes that the entire Tukwila inventory was sold, making me wonder if the building wasn’t included?

 

As Grooms and four other Board members of Miss Madison Racing Inc have been fired over this travesty, with the immediate future of the team unknown.

 

Yet H1 Unlimited blissfully reported in February, that Miss Madison racing Inc had sold one of it’s Hulls to eric Christensen over the winter. Who’ll compete aboard the U-2 this season, driving for His newly founded Christensen Racing team. Making me wonder just how many Hulls did Miss Madison Racing own?

 

Christensen clamed they’d have the U-2 Fraternal Order of Eagles and Albert lee Appliance Hydroplane ready for May’s Spring training event on the Columbia River, but the race boat, based out of Buckley, WA didn’t appear at Guntersville. Making me wonder if this will just be another west coast partial season Hydroplane?

 

A la the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Racing Hydroplane, that Gunnar O’Farrell dramatically flipped during testing in Pasco this May! Although the team’s confident they’ll be ready in time for the Water Follies event.

 

Meanwhile, following the sale of Miss Madison Racing’s assets to BWR Racing, the series notes that in conjunction with representatives of Marshall County Tourism and Sport, the Madison Regatta and Miss Madison Racing, the team will attempt competing in the season’s first two East coast races, i.e.; Guntersville and Madison.

 

Subsequently, Miss Madison Racing announced that rookie skipper Brandon Kennedy will be at the tiller of it’s U-6 Hydroplane, as the organization regroups and hopefully secures it’s long term future. AS I’d like to think the team can rebound and return to a full season campaign in the near future…

 

Cannot say I’m overly impressed by only six Unlimited Big Boyz’ Boats showing up at Guntersville, but think we’ve had worse. As I tend to recall some of the races having a paltry four Hulls. But with the cloud hanging over the storied Miss Madison operation right now, guess I should see this as a good thing overall.

 

Another interesting side note is that Bruce Ratchford has joined forces with Darrel Strong, owner of Strong Racing, the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane’s other two boat team owner in Hydrotown Racing Inc.

 

As Hydrotown Racing Inc was created in 2023 to promote and market the Unlimited Hydroplanes, while apparently APBA is the sport’s governing body thru its ABRA association.

 

Yet Hydrotown Racing’s got a long way to go towards marketing and promoting the sport properly! Especially if Guntersville is their media template for success…

 

Whilst opining for nine Unlimited Hydroplanes competing in the Gold Cup and Seafair this summer. I think the best will be eight Hulls, since the U-6 Miss Madison is slated to run just the first two races. Meaning it will be Strong Racing vs. BWR Racing this season jousting for the National High Points Championship titles. 

F1: What’s Going On at Alpine?

And who’s really in charge?

 

While IndyCar is Brickyard centric right now, with only eyes for Mother Speedway. As I’ve typed many times before, Motorsports never sleeps!

 

Alpine has long been Renault’s sports car brand and the two firms have long associations with Formula 1. With Alpine’s dating back to 1968 and Renault first being a Formula 1 Constructor in 1977.

 

Renault has been in and out of Formula 1 many times, with it’s zenith being double world champions, i.e.; winning both Drivers and Constructors titles back-to-back in 2005-06.

 

With the team’s low point being 2008’s Crash Gate, for which a disgruntled Nelson Piquet Jr. divulged the following year when sacked by Flavio Briatore…

 

Diehard f1 Afficionados will know that Renault bought Benetton in 2000, and became the Renault F1 Team in 2002. Before morphing into the Lotus F1 Team in 2012, then Lotus Renault GP, or visa versa? Next becoming Renault Sport F1 Team in 2016 and finally Alpine in 2021.

 

The team has had much staff turnover since becoming the BWT Alpine F1 Team, with then team principal Cyril Abiteboul leaving after their transition from Renault to Alpine. As Davide Brivio, former Suzuki MotoGP team boss took over for Abiteboul, albeit with mixed results.

 

In January 2022, Marcin Budkowski, who’d risen to the role of director at Alpine, previously Renault’s executive technical director. And non-executive director Alain Prost both left the organization. With Otmar Szafnauer, previously Aston Martin’s F1 team principal, taking over the same role at Alpine.

 

Meanwhile Bruno Famin was hired to lead Renault’s Power Unit organization at Viry-Chatillon. And somebody named Oscar Piastri replaced Daniil Kvyat as test driver, as we all know how that worked out, El Correctomundo!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/08/i-will-not-be-driving-for-insert-race.html

 

In July 2023 Laurent Rossi was replaced by Philippe Kreis as CEO, before Szafnauer and longtime employee Alan “Bat” Permane, having risen to Sporting Director were “let go” following the Belgian Grand Prix. With Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry leaving at the end of the year for Williams. Which are just some of the staff exodus over the past four years…

 

Monsieur Famin, who’d taken over as team principal was replaced by Oliver Oakes during the 2024 F1 Summer Holiday and began as team principal at last year’s Dutch Grand Prix on August 25th. Which brings us full circle to the latest management shakeup.

 

As Renault hired the highly controversial HMS Monogram’, aka Flavio Briatore to an executive advisor role last May, having already noted Briatore’s role in Crash Gate, not to mention Benetton’s legendous’ “trick” Option 13 launch control on the B194 chassis that Michael Schumacher drove to the first of His eventual seven F1 world championships…

 

Briatore signed Franco Colapinto as one of the team’s reserve drivers this January. for which I tend to recall that before the season began, scuttlebutt suggested that Jack Doohan was only guaranteed six Grans Prix races, with cynics suggesting this was why Doohan’s F1 debut was pushed forward to last year’s season ending Abu Dhabi GP.

 

Naturally, Oakes shock resignation was confirmed just days following the Miami Grand Prix; Tuesday, May 6th. One day prior to Alpine making official Doohan being replaced by Colapinto on a five-race deal beginning at Imola, with the team’s statement saying nothing more would be said regarding Oakes sudden departure.

 

Yet 24 hours later, Briatore, now the acting team principal felt the need to comment further, claiming Oakes departure had nothing to due with Doohan’s demotion to reserve driver and Colapinto’s insertion into the Aussie’s race seat. And was of a personal nature instead. For which that all seems a wee Bitamyte’ too convenient, or just plain good ‘Ol CoInky-dense, eh? Since rumours suggest that Oakes felt under minded by Briatore’s drivers decision…

 

Yet two days after Oakes resignation, it was reported that His younger brother William Oakes, age 31 had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police on the charge of transferring criminal property. Claiming that He had a large amount of cash in His possession when detained nearby Silverstone, where Hitech Racing’s located.

 

As William is listed as a director of Hitech Racing, founded by older brother Oliver, with the latter not being implicated of any wrong doing.

 

Whilst I’m doing my best to stay away from the previous majority owner Dmitry Mazepin angle to this story. Yes, that’s former Haas F1 driver Nikita “Mazaspin’s” father…

 

Although it’s also been pointed out by Racer’s Chris Medland that the writing for Doohan as been on the wall ever since Colapinto was signed to Alpine’s cast of rotating test and reserve drivers due to His sizeable sponsorship backing from Argentina and previous race pace at Williams last season.

 

But I simply do not understand how a rookie F1 driver is supposed to flourish in such a hostile environment! Since Doohan was Alpine’s first Driver Acadamey member to actually graduate to a race seat, albeit briefly. Meaning is it worth being an Academy member after all?

 

Since former Alpine Academy member Christian Lundgaard is doing quite nicely in IndyCar now, currently lying second in the championship – when I began scribbling this.

 

Alpine currently sits ninth in the vaunted F1 Constructors championship, only ahead of Sauber, who are in a transition year before becoming the Audi Werks’ outfit next season.

 

As Briatore, who’s now 75 is tasked with making Alpine into a winner once again, albeit for Mwah, it’s completely sacrilegious over Alpine becoming a Mercedes customer team next year! But that’s another story waiting to be laboriously poonded’ out here on No Fenders…

 

As can Alpine ever claw it’s way back to the sharp end of the grid? Since they’ve only one once as a F1 Constructor, when Esteban Ocon took an unlikely victory at the Hungaroring in 2021.

 

Prior to that, Renault hadn’t won a Grand Prix since the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix as a constructor. Albeit Red bull ran le Reggie’s 2.4-litre normally aspirated V-8 enginesas a customer between 2010-2013 enroute to four consecutive doubles championships, i.e.; F1 Drivers and Constructors titles… 

ROLEX 24: IndyCar Ringers’

But exactly how many current IndyCar drivers will take the Green flag?

 

This is just what I gleamed over the Christmas Holidazes’ initially, As Bloggers Never Sleep! With the remaining TBA Driver names drip-drip-dripping in like a thousand points of lights, or whatever…

 

Which obviously, I’ve attempted to update to the best of my Humble knowledge, prior to the green flag being waved tomorrow morning at 10:40AM Pacific.

 

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

As of New years, hopefully Y’all aren’t still holding your breath over Dale Coyne announcing His two IndyCar drivers, Are Yuhs? Since these two IndyCar seats were the only place that Romain Grosjean could possibly secure for this year.

As Grosjean’s current “Day Job” appears to be piloting the No. 63 Lamborghini SC63 now campaigned by Riley Motorsports during the five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds.

 

 As the Indianapolis Star’s Nathan Browne noted at Prema’s “launch” party. The announcement of Romain Grosjean as the team’s IndyCar reserve driver signals He won’t be racing in IndyCar this year…

 

Meanwhile, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will dip into its newly forged technical alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing by utilizing Cheeps’ top two IndyCar champions. As Scotty thee “Iceman 2.0” Dixon along with MSR IndyCar Ace Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) will race in the lead No. 60 Acura. Whilst Alex Palou will join the No. 93 MSR entry.

 

Le Mans Prototype (LMP2)

The LMP2 category is filled with current, former and hopeful IndyCar drivers. Beginning with Andretti Global’s Colton Herta racing in the CrowdStrike by APR Racing’s No. 04 with IndyCar hopeful Toby sowery. as part of its drivers lineup.

 

Aspiring IndyCar driver Hunter McElrea will once again drive for TDF Racing, in their #11 Oreca. As McElrea has been part of its winning crew the last two races, i.e.; Indianapolis’s Battle on The Bricks and Petit Le Mans.

 

Prema Racing’s Callum Ilott joins the brand new #73 Prat Miller Motorsports lineup. Moonlighting in former RLLR driver Pietro Fittipaldi’s new season ride.

 

Whilst I was  wonderin’ if Christian Rasmussen, who was part of the winning LMP2 Era Motorsport entry last year would return to the High Banks ‘O Daytona this January?

 

Learning on January 2nd that the Dane’ would now make up part of the most popular and colourful Spike-the-Dragon’s AO Racing No. 99 entry, with Dane Cameron, PJ Hyett and Johnny Edgar lobbing “fireballs” at the competitors, Hya!

 

GTD Pro/GT Daytona

Team Penske’s ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin joins NASCAR driver The Giz’, ergo Shane van Gisbergen. Along with Trackhouse Racing Development Driver Connor Vilisch, the reigning Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 Hours LMP2 winner. Plus perennial “Gentleman” racer Ben Keating in the No. 91 Trackhouse by TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

 

As the foursome will race in the GTD Pro category in a Trackhouse Racing and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) TF Sport collabouration. With Keating also racing aboard the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports LMP2 entry.

 

Arse-sumin’ that Andretti Global’s (Kyle) Kirk’ Kirkwood will once again be Moonlighting aboard one of the Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entries. Presumably the No. 14 entry?

 

Before the intravenous drip ‘O driver announcements confirmed on January 8th that Kirkwood would not only continue His endurance specialist role aboard the No. 14, contesting the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds. But would pull “Double Duty” between the team’s Nos 12 and 14 entries at Daytona.

 

Townsend Bell will be the No. 14’s fourth driver at Daytona

. Seeing T-Bell’ returning to the cockpit after a few years on the sidelines. Giving us the Battle of Colour commentators in GTD Pro between Bell and thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown, nee JamesHinchcliffe in the Pfaff Motorsports No. 9 Lamborghini Huracan. With T-Bell’ continuing His announcing duties with NBC at Daytona…

 

Whilst doing my yearly Rolex 24 previews Ad Nauseam, ahead of the full driver lineups being revealed. I noticed that Kenny Habul’s now 75 Express, previously SunEnergy1 Mercedes Benz-AMG GT3 Evo had one of its #75 drivers listed as TBA.

 

Naturally this made me wonder if Will Power, who was supposed to race with fellow Aussie’ Habul two years ago before His wife Liz got horribly sick. Would somehow be the mystery driver this January? Although doubtful, this is what us IndyCar Bloggers think of over the insidious Offseason. Having scribbled about Habul’s and Power’s Australian racing exploits previously…

 

Noting how Power, who’d recovered fully from His Broken Ribs Go Karting escapade during the previous Fall. Had mused about how He used to be competing against Team Boss Kenny Habul Wayback during His Formula ford days Down Under.

 

As Habul’s crowning moment in formula ford was finishing on the Podium with Will at the 1999 Australia Formula ford support race at Surfers Paradise. Where Kenny finished third in a Sprint Qualifying race for that year’s Gold Coast Indy 300 which Power won.

 

Although Kenny’s No slouch behind the wheel, having won the Bathurst 12 Hours in 2022 and outright in 2023. Along with being a multi-times Intercontinental GT Challenge Champion…

 

Yet my pipe dream was all for naught. With the announcement of Jules Gounon announced as the fourth driver for the #75 entry on the updated Rolex 24 entry list published on January 9th. But may be some year, DJ WillyP’ will finally make His Rolex 24 debut, Eh?

 

Meanwhile, Will Power has just hired His first Agent, A14 Management. Owned by some smarmy Spaniard Frederico Suave’, aka Fred Alonso. And its U.S. representative is none other than Oriel “Suitcase” Servia, current IndyCar Pace Car driver.

 

As Power says He just wants to focus upon driving this season, even though it’s a contract year. And Yeah, He’s heard the rumours about some fresh face Punk nearly half His age driving for Foyt wanting His seat next year. Saying the Kid’s only got a handful of top ten finishes, but whatever…

 

Power says He wants to race in IndyCar a further five years, along with Sports Car and perhaps even NASCAR someday. Along with presumably both the Rolex 24 and 24 Heurs du Mans.

 

As that’s All I’ve got for current IndyCar drivers participating this year. With eight drivers making up nearly one third of the 25, Err 26 confirmed IndyCar entries as of January 13^th. As what are you doing announcing a driver this early Dale Coyne? 

F1: “Hot Nights in Lusail”

As the season finishes off with a Bang! Punctured Tyres, Bruised Ego’s and damaged racecars, Whamoe!

 

“She didn’t speak much English language…

She didn’t speak much anyway

She wouldn’t make love, but made good sandwich

And She poured sweet wine before we played”

 

With apologies to Jethro Tull, for which I fiendishly stole the title to one of their forgotten songs subtitled: Hot Nights in Budapest, or simply known as the track Budapest from Ye Wayback’ machine. Which Yeah, I realize is a different subject matter, but is it really?

 

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

 

As this year’s Qatar Grand Prix had so many plots ‘n twists, Err subplots, it seemed worthy of my Oh, so clever title, Botta-Boom. Uhm, did somebody say Bottas?

 

Like in one hapless Finn smashing into an errant wing mirror stradling the racetrack! Which apparently Alex Albon’s Williams wing mirror falling off was a side effect of Lance Stroll’s earlier collision with Him! Netting the Kuhnuck’ a ten second penalty.

 

Or three cars ultimately being taken out on a first lap, first corner collision. Not to mention both Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez spinning out of control. With Lawson collecting Bottas and damaging His floor. Whilst Checo’ (Perez) saw His clutch break after His spin, causing another unwanted retirement…

 

Although the lead of the race rarely seemed in doubt. Where should one begin regarding All of the mayhem and carnage. And who’s been Naughty or Nice, Eh?

 

Yet Lando Norris made things interesting on one of the multiple restarts. But Max Blunderhead’ seemed serenely in control all race long. But that’s before we key up the music…

 

As today’s “House” Band Jetro Tull’s Aqualung seems completely apropos as the theme song for FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem, “You Poor ‘Ol Sod”. As perhaps He can take solace in an afternoon cup of team, right Jethro?

 

As did Ben Sulayem really tell the Formula 1 Drivers, whom just weeks ago were being hailed as Gladiators under the twelve million lights on the Las Vegas Strip to mind their own business! Although I suppose at least He cannot Fire the Drivers, since there wouldn’t be a Show…

 

As the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association) has asked for clarity from Ben Sulayem in a public letter, just where does the money they’re fined for swearing go? To which the Emirati ex-Rally Driver told them it was none of their business! Before He fired another two employees. Sacking senior race steward Tim Mayer and Deputy Formula 2 race director Janette Tan prior to the Qatar weekend. And that’s without even mentioning the two other employees who were asked to leave after bringing up a questionable future money transferring scheme by Ben Sulayem…

 

Then as I’m sure everyone’s aware of, there’s the public spat between Verstappen and George Russell, with Max calling George Two Faced and never knowing anyone who wanted to screw somebody over so hard! In regards to the extraordinary FIA Stewards decision to give Max a one place grid penalty for impeding Russell during Qualifying on a cooldown lap. Taking away Verstappen’s deserved Pole position; which for once, I’ll agree with Max. This was ridiculous! Careful Maximilian, no swearing…

 

Whilst apparently “Daggers” were thrown during the Drivers pre-race parade lap, with the Dutchman letting George know of His displeasure with Him. Which obviously Max used as motivation as He Blitzed the Mercedes driver into the first corner and never looked back enroute to His 63rd Grand Prix victory.

 

Although I’m left wondering what Max’s real agenda is here? And why is He focusing His energy upon the GPDA Chairman. As does Verstappen feel that russell’s more of a threat than His “Good buddy” Lando Norris?

 

While the race for second place and beyond seemed overly chaotic, thanks in large part to a total of three safety cars being deployed. Yet the worst part of the entire race was when brand new F1 race director Rui Marques allowed the inappropriate use of double Yellow Flags being waved for four laps while Albon’s wing mirror laid on-track before Bottas obliterated it! With the carbon fibre shreds surely causing both Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes Lewis Hamilton punctured tyres, ultimately effecting their race’s outcome.

 

As Bloody Jense’, Sky Sports F1 Pundit Jenson Button dryly noted. Its not a nice feeling getting a puncture at 200mph!

 

As I find this inexcusable! Even though I’m not a race director, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn…

 

As it was only Marque’s second ever Grand Prix as race director. But regardless of how big or “small” this wing mirror was? There was clearly potentially racecar damaging debris on circuit which needed to be removed immediately!

 

Meanwhile McLaren is wingeing on over Lando Norris’s penalty being too harsh for not backing off His throttle where double yellow flags were clearly visible waving! To which I disagree, as this is probably the only way to get the Drivers to follow the rules.

 

And no, I don’t know how hard it is to see these flags at a high rate of speed, but Norris apparently was the only driver to not do so? Since Verstappen was immediately on His radio asking if Norris had slowed down?

 

Whilst I’m certain it will continue, but Daily Telegraph F1 columnist Gary Anderson had a good point of how every driver immediately calling in anyone else’s transgressions via in-car radio being akin to “footballers” (soccer( taking a Dive in order to get a penalty called on their opponents…

 

As the stewards were busy dolling out penalties in Qatar, as Hamilton received two  five second penalty’s for jumping the race’s start and speeding in the pit lane. With Lawson getting a ten second penalty for His collision with Bottas, for example. And so it goes…

 

As obviously Max and George won’t be exchanging Christmas Cards. And I don’t know who’ll be getting lumps ‘O coal in their stockings? But it seems that more than one of our cast of F1 Merrymen and FIA President will be disappointed this Christmas morning after Santa’s arrival!

 

 

And that was before we got to Thursday’s day ‘O fireworks at Yas Isle, where Max, George, Chris Horner and toto Wolff kept the volume turned up to 11!

 

Partial song lyrics from:

Jethro Tull’s Budapest. From the 1987 Album Crest of A Knave. 

IndyCar’s Old Fashioned Radio programme Continues

Although I doubt it’ll be as scary as War of the Worlds!

 

We last left off learning about an aspiring Tintops driver known as Oilcan Johnny growing up Down Under in the outskirts of Truwombia wit His Flying Squirrel motorbike. And after seeking refuge in the Formula Supreme racing series in the Orient, became a debutante Champ Car champion.

 

Yet Oilcan Johnny was no longer befitting His Wee lad’ moniker, having won His second Champ Car title. Therefore He began going by the name of Jonathan Truxbury. Although later, many took to just calling Him “JT” instead. In order to not confuse Him with His teammate Taffy Tonkaberg at Betuzi Motorsports…

 

The Canamax Formula Libre race team had a long, storied history. With its roots taking shape during the roaring Twenties’. When two British Blokes named Derek MacKenzey and Gordon Fitzgerald formed the MacKensey & Fitzgerald Motor Car Company Ltd. As the pair were eager to find a promotional “vehicle” for one of its mainstay bakery brands. As their Somerset Millery was famously known for its Crispy Pancake Mix, which us Yanks’ prefer calling Flapjacks’, or simply Hot Cakes Up North Eh!

 

As their automobile company’s name was far too long and didn’t roll off the tongue easily, they decided on the clever abbreviation of Canamax instead.

 

Thanks to the rage of Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, etc. The automobile was wildly popular during those roaring Twenties. When the Canamax Formula Libre team cemented its legacy by winning the prestigious Carnagie Trophy three times. As the Carnagie Trophy was second only in stature to the American Grand Prize, before the Stock Market crash of 1929.

 

Fast forwarding to the new millennium, American advertising Whiz’ Preston Henry Winchester III, whom many in the paddock took to calling Windferd’ behind His back. Had been hired to resurrect the floundering Canamax Formula Libre team and the M & F Car company which had changed hands multiple times. Now under control by a Lickenstein Capital Hedge Fund conglomerate, with money to burn…

 

Thus Preston ambitiously set His sights upon expansion and tapping into the vast North American market, by purchasing the declining Breckenridge Racing Champ Car team.

 

As one of their drivers was the Kuhnuck’ Jaque Dudley, who Z thought would be the perfect Pitchman for that classic Crispy Pancakes Mix brand on the world’s biggest stage at Mother Speedway!

 

Yet the team failed miserably. Beginning with failing to paint Dudley’s No. 36 racecar the wrong shade of Eggshell white! Before ultimately failing to qualify for “The Show!” For which Windferd’ mused if only they had guaranteed starting spots…

 

Next, following that year’s election, the new Commander in Chief declared the Kuhnaidian’ Border closed to All imports and placed huge tariffs upon that beloved Kuhnaidian’ maple syrup! Which led Preston to unceremoniously dump Dudley from the team’s line-up. Especially since young Jaque’s was closely tied to His country’s Chrysler automobiles and its beloved “K” Car model, CoInky-dense, Eh? As Preston had just jumped ship to the rival Lincoln Mercury concern…

 

Preston had also renamed His Champ Car entity officially to be known as Armani Canamax Motorsports, which detractors of the new team quickly took to calling ACME! Not to mention Whindferd’ or simply Whinnie’ when He wasn’t within ear-shot!

 

Thus, Preston told everyone it would become Armani Canamax instead. Especially since their title sponsor provided Him with a complete wardrobe of finely tailored suits…

 

And as we know, Preston thought He’d cleverly lured Oilcan, Err Jonathan Truxbury away to be His new Armani Canamax driver, before rival Champ Car owner Franco Betuzi said not so fast Whippersnapper!

 

This set off an unlikely chain of events for Tfuxbury’s replacement at Armani Canamax! With Whinnie’ settling on the young American Jason Foxworthy. Yet unfortunately whilst celebrating His 21st birthday Jet Skiing with friends on Lake Havasu, managed to severely fracture His shoulder! And would never drive for the Champ Car outfit…

 

Next Whindferd’ hired the reigning Euro F3500 Champion Jean-Pierre Treinary, who’d won in everything He’d driven. Yet the French racing prodigy simply lacked the necessary budget, along with not being cleared to drive on Super Speedways in Champ Cars. Necessitating hiring veteran journeyman Clint Baley to race at Mother speedway; once again finishing inside the top-10. Before Armani Canamax’s Sporting Director Hugo Marques told Preston they needed to hire a young Californian driver named Bryan Boxer – who would become a future multi-times Champ Car Champion, before anyone else signed Him!

 

Thus “Teddy”, Jean-Pierre Treinary’s Stateside nickname was quickly jettisoned due to no fault of His own, making way for the incoming Bryan Boxer.

 

Meanwhile, as another rising Champ Car driver noted during His brief dalliance as an Canamax Formula Libre test driver. Preston’s “Cutthroat” and doesn’t like to loose, He’s a Businessman! For which Preston had indeed begun a new round of legal proceedings against presumed Armani Canamax driver Jonathan Truxbury. Vowing to “BURY” the no good double crossing Aussie’ Mates! And thus filed a $100 million Australian pounds lawsuit in the capitol of Queensbury, seeking immeasurable damages!

 

Undeterred by this humiliating, and potentially life altering lawsuit. Truxbury simply doubled down, tuned out the “noise” and went to work towards claiming His third Champ Car Championship! This time battling against fellow Aussie’ Harold Brauenbach, whom many simply called Harry! As the two Australians leapfrogged each other for the podium’s top step. With Truxbury coming out victorious seven times vs. Harry’s three wins.

 

And only suffering one rare mechanical DNF, due to His Daihatsu’s kinetic energy system going into Fail-safe mode. Along with an ultra rare crash on Newton’s Cornhole Short Oval. Truxbury indeed won His third Champ Car Championship in an amazingly short four seasons. To which team owner Chester’, aka Franco Betuzi joyously went crowd surfing at the season’s finale in Florida!

 

Thus, Preston, Hugo and Armani Canamax Motorsports had failed once again to win the coveted Hammerschmidt Cup awarded to the Champ Car Champion each year since 2001. And that was before they’d hired their newest Champ Car driver Anders Bernstorff to replace the outgoing Patrick Hartley, who’d failed to win a race in His two seasons with the team…

 

And as ‘Ol Windferd’ began to carve the turkey for His dinner guests. Which included All 13 of His currently employed racecar drivers. Hugo, Dennis and All of the other 43 senior staff members, and their families. He began mumbling out loud. How He could dish it out and take it.

 

But By-gummit! We didn’t cause this mess with that G-Damn Truxbury and Betuzi! And I’m tired of everybody making Jokes about how many drivers we’ve hired for our Champ Car team this year. Before speaking up and asking who wants Dark or White…

 

Although its unclear whether or not Armani Canamax Team Principal Garret McCloud, whom just “vacated” the position was invited to the Shindig?

 

For the original Canamax Capers installment, where we learned the origins of Oilcan Johnny’ and arch rivals Betuzi Motorsports. Please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 Indy Cars Ultimate Cage Fight

Still just One Seat remaining in Formula 1?

As whose got the Biggest Wallet of All?

 

Leading up to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit Of The Americas, nee COTA weekend. Scuttlebutt suggested that current Sauber F1 driver Valtteri Bottas was on Pole to retain His seat another year at Sauber. Being the lone, unconfirmed seat for the 2025 F1 season. With the seat remaining open after Carlos Sainz, Jr. rejected Audi’s offer, and went to Williams instead for 2025.

 

Although some had said not so fast Valtteri! With the likes of the promising Formula 2 points leader Gabriel Bortoleto being mentioned. Along with current Williams F1 rookie sensation Franco Colapinto. With Mick Schumacher being a perceived longshot.

 

Next, an even more distant long shot was added to the “Spin cycle”. With current Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen’s name being mentioned…

 

Interestingly all three of these Young Turk’ drivers are “tied” to other Formula 1 outfits. With Bortoleto being a McLaren Development Driver member, and Colapinto a Williams F1 Academy driver. Whilst Mick is the current Mercedes GP test and reserve driver. Along with being a current Alpine Sports Car Pilote’ in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

Yet initial scuttlebutt claimed that Bortoleto and Colapinto weren’t available, even though Williams F1 Boss James Vowels has said He’s open to loaning out Colapinto next year; naturally for the right price!

 

While former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner has told Schumacher to go to IndyCar if “Plan A” doesn’t work out! And Hans-Joachim Stuck advises Mick against joining the Sauber/Audi project.

 

As it’ll be somewhat interesting to “See” how this pans out. Or will it just be anti-climatic with the obligatory press release telling us how excited Bottas is to get to work at Sauber next season? For which we all hold our breaths, as Mattia Binotto says He’d like to confirm the second driver by mid-November…

 

Meanwhile in other Audi ownership news regarding Sauber. Surely you’ve all read or heard that management shook up the pecking order during this summer. With the dismissals of Audi’s Sauber project manager (CEO) Andreas Seidl and Sauber Chairman of the Board Oliver Hossman.

 

Installing former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto as the new team leader. As Binotto, who shortly turns 55 becomes it’s Chief Operation and Chief Technical Officer. While Gernot dollner replaces Hossman as Chairman of all Sauber companies.

 

Longtime Red Bull Racing F1 member, and the team’s current Sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, whose been at the team forever! Will become Sauber’s new Team Principal next year. As the staff exodus from Red Bull continues. Hmm, like Rats leaving a Sinking Ship?

 

Whilst two more key team additions have been announced. With former Ferrari F1 Sporting director and strategist  Inaki Rueda, who previously worked with Binotto. As Rueda will become the team’s new Sporting Director, punting Beat Zehnder to a role with the legacy side of Sauber.

 

While Giampaolo Dall’Ara will become the team’s new Race Engineering boss at the Hinwil factory. Not to be cornfuzed with the legednous’ Giampaolo Dallara, the 87yr old proprietor of Dallara Automobili.

 

As Dall’Ara is a former Sauber employee who’s been running His own consulting company since 2016, according to Racer’s Chris Medland.

 

Now the only question remaining, is can Sauber pull itself up from last upon the F1 Grid?

 

But that was before reading more scuttlebutt regarding Liam Lawson’s arrival at Racing Bulls as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement. Suggesting it could trigger a contest between the Kiwi’ and RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda, to potentially become Max Verstappen’s teammate next year. As the rumours persist that Checo’, aka Sergio Perez is still on shaky ground regarding His new two year contract extension. With Red Bull’s Pied Piper Chris Horner sending mixed signals about will He, won’t He return next year?

 

While there was quite the kerfuffle upon social media over what appeared to be Lawson giving Perez the middle finger at 300 clicks’. (186mph) With the Kiwi’ youngster telling Checo He’s Number One in Mexico City, Ole! As the two protagonists fought over P17 on the grid…

 

Thus, if one of the two Racing Bulls drivers were promoted, this would leave a seat open for current FIA F2 and Red Bull Junior driver Isack Hajar. So may be there’s still two seats not confirmed for 2025 yet? You make the call.

 

While the latest rumour over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend was that McLaren has agreed to release Gabriel Bortoledo from His contract in order to go to Audi on a long term deal. As Sauber made official what had been reported on Wednesday, November 6th, selecting Bordoleto as Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate beginning in 2025.

 

Meaning that “serve” has moved to Red Bull to decide over who’ll partner Max next year? With Horner having dropped by the Williams Hospitality “Villa” over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend to chat with Team Principal James Vowles over Franco Colapinto’s availability…