Can the NXT Indy Lights Champion make it into IndyCar Next year?

And will the winner’s prize be enough to fund more than a One-off entry at Mother speedway?

 

Although the season’s far from over, with nine rounds remaining entering Road America, albeit Mid-Ohio’s July 2nd race will be the Halfway point of the season.

 

Nonetheless, the Wo’s Next Championship battle’s currently shaping up to potentially be a two way fight between HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing teammates Christian Rasmussen and Nolan Siegel.

 

As Rasmussen led by a squeaky clean two points ahead of Siegel; 178-176prior to Road America this weekend. Although Seagal should have been leading the Championship following Detroit, but I’m Jumping the Shark here…

 

Whilst surely Andretti Autosport Boyz’ Hunter McElrea (138 points) and Lewis Foster, (123 points) currently third and sixth respectively, will wish to join the Championship conversation over the remaining rounds. With the pair whom seem magnetized during most races split by Danial Frost (132 points) and Jacob Abel (128 points) P4-5.

 

Interestingly, Indy NXT has had five different winners during the season’s first five rounds a la IndyCar’s multiple winners. With Frost winning at St Pete Wayback’ on March 5th. Followed by Rasmussen at Alabama, and rookie Matteo Nannini’s breakthrough victory at the first Indy GP. As the calendar’s now been amended from a Double Header over the “Guns ‘N Roses” Indy Grand Prix weekend, and will race during the August Brickyard RASSCAR’ IndyCar weekend instead.

 

And yes, Matteo’o’s related to former Formula 1 driver Alessandro Nannini. Whose His First cousin Once removed…

 

Rookie Reece gold took a surprise win during Detroit’s first race, when Siegel who’d led most of the way saw His Half shaft break with two corners remaining and limped home a dejected eighth! Yet Siegel wasn’t to be denied during Sunday’s second race at Detroit. Starting third, He quickly jumped to the lead and remained Thar until claiming His Debutante Indy NXT victory!

 

As the three various HMD Motorsports/Dale coyne Racing concerns, which comprise nearly Half of the Grid with it’s combined nine entries. Have won four of the first five rounds. Arse-sumedly much to Andretti’s and the rest of the field’s dismay! With Nannini winning for Juncos Hollinger Racing being the lone Non HMD/Coyne win to date…

 

Christian Rasmussen from Denmark is in his sophomore Indy NXT campaign. Having won the 2020 U.S. F2000 National and 2021 Indy Pro 2000 championships driving for Jay Howard Driver Development. Before graduating to the final Indy Lights season last year with Andretti Autosport. Scoring two victories enroute to sixth Overall.

 

Whilst rookie Nolan Siegel previously spent three seasons in the U.S. F2000 National Championship with a best finish of eighth in 2021 driving for DEForce Racing. Before contesting Indy Pro 2000 last year, also driving for DEForce. Scoring two wins and finishing fourth overall.

 

Detroit’s Race-1 saw Jagger Jones, grandson of ‘Ol Rufas Parnelli Jones score His maiden NXT podium, finishing second. With Ernie Francis, Jr. doing likewise when finishing third.

 

As I have to say I’m most impressed with Francis’s Gritiness! As the Multi-times Trans Am Champion previously drove the majority of the second round at Barber Motorsports Park with a Broken wrist! And then only missed the following race at Indianapoli’s road course outing…

 

Meanwhile, cannot say I’m overly impressed by either of the two IndyCar Development Drivers Kyffin Simpson (Chip Ganassi Racing) or Homeboy’ Josh Pierson. (Ed Carpenter Racing) Although Pierson’s only doing a limited schedule due to His Day Job of driving LMP2 Sports Cars on both sides of Ye Puddle. Including racing at Le Mans for the second year in-a-row for United Autosports, whose co-owned by some Mr. Zakery Brown character…

 

Whilst Pierson’s Stand-in toby Sowery will get to test an IndyCar for ECR June 8th at Sebring, alongside reigning Indy Lights Champion Linus Lundqvist. Before Pierson closes out the remainder of the season.

 

Whilst Lundqvist is still Hoping to become an IndyCar driver some day after getting Screwed Out of His Indy Lights Advancement Prize! As way to go Penske Entertainment!

 

As I’d say it’s anybody’s guess who’ll win at Road America this weekend, or wind-up the Champion by season’s end at Laguna Seca this September… 

MOTO GP: the Race Resumes towards this year’s Title Fight

But can Anybody Stop Defending MotoGP Champion Fabio Quartararo from winning a second, consecutive World Championship?

 

The Premio Road Racing Kneedraggers’ returned to action August 7^th  at Bloody Silverstone after their five weeks Summer Holiday. Due in part to Finland’s Kymi Ring circuit once again Not Hosting it’s intended inaugural MotoGP race. And No, it’s Not named after that former Formula 1 Driver known as thee Iceman…

 

Cannot remember the last MotoGP race I “Watched,” Err listned to on Thy Telie’, but the British GP was a very good race! As it was refreshing not only having the Bikes’ back in action, but also with the great ride Maverick Top gun’ vinales put in upon His factory Aprilia. And only if Maverick hadn’t done His trademark Slow Start and dropping back to seventh, or may be just sixth? From starting second, who knows?

 

But I was indeed Rootin’ for Maverick to pass Pecco’ Bagnaia for the race victory, which the Spaniard wasn’t able to do. But it was Fun listening to the announcers describing Maverick carving His way steadily forward until He was threatening Francesco Bagnaia for the win, before a Scraggly last lap saw Maverick finish a tantalizing 0.4-seconds adrift!

 

As Vinales was the Aprilia “Salami” in the Ducati Sandwich, as Pecco’s Ducati teammate Jack Thriller’ Miller finished third. Giving us an All Italian manufacturer podium sweep in England.

 

As I heard the lead announcer, err Presenter claim that Miller was leaving Ducati for KTM at season’s end, and how the KTM’s aren’t really in the fight right now. Making me wonder who’s going to be Bagnaia’s Stablemate next year?

 

Another rider putting in a great ride was my current Numero Uno MotoGP rider Enea Bastianini, simply known as The Beast! As Bastianini carved His way from midfield to finish a fine fourth! Hmm, will Ducati want an All Italian lineup for 2023, or will it be the Martinator’, nee Jorge Martin instead? Or will Martin’s teammate Johann Zarco have something to say about it?

 

Heading to the Hills Are Shrieking Yamahas in Spielberg, which will forever be remembered as where Maverick vinales had His spectacular Meltdown… Three riders had Dominated the Top step of the Podium. Led by Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia with four wins and four Poles. While reigning MotoGP Champion Fabio Quartararo had won three times and claimed one Poles upon His Yamaha. With Ducati Satellite Gresini Racing’s Enea Bastianini also notching a most impressive three victories abourd His year old Duc’.

 

Quartararo led the Points standings by 22 markers over Aprilia’s Aliex Espargaro: 180-158. With Aleix having scored His and Aprilia’s Debutante MotoGP victory in Argentina where He made a clean sweep of Pole, Fastest lap and Win. And has claimed two Poles to date.

 

Bagnaia was third with 131 points, 49 adrift and Bastianini was fourth, some 62 points back on 118. While Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco was nipping at His Heels with 114 poits, rounding out the Top five before Austria.  

 

Guessing Y’all have Heard that Dovi’, aka Andrea Dovizioso who’d earlier announced His retirement from MotoGP at season’s end has moved His Curtain Call forward. As the upcoming San Marino GP September 4^th on Home soil at Missano will be Dovi’s final race.

 

Then Yamahoper’ reserve rider Cal Crutchlow will Deputize for the remaining six rounds before the WithU Yamaha RNF Satellite squad swaps Yamaha’s for Aprilia’s next year.

 

MotoGP then gets serious with it’s final six races, beginning with a Triple Header at Motorland Aragon, Twin ring Motegi and Thailand. Then Down Under to Phillip Island and Malaysia. Before ending it’s season on November 6 at Valencia, and easily missing the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

 

Red Bull Ring seeing Red…

Not surprisingly, Ducati – Well known for their prodigious Horsepower swept five of the first two rows six Grid positions. With the Front Row being an All Ducati affair, albeit it was “The Beast,” aka Enea Bastianini capturing His Debutante MotoGP Pole position by a scant two-Hundreds of a second ahead of Pecco Bagnaia, with Jack Miller third.

 

Points leader Fabio Quartararo split the Pramac Racing Duc’s with Jorge Martin fourth and Johann zarco sixth.

 

And while it was good news Hearing of Thee Pinball Wizard, nee Marc Mrquez’s return to the MotoGP Paddock at Spielberg.

Surely Marquez wasn’t impressed that the Quickest Honda was LCR’s Takaaki Nakagami in P14!

 

Austrian GP Race Highlights

Francesco Pecco’ Bagnaia got the perfect Hole Shot from second and never looked back! Leading Wire-to-Wire, whilst Pole sitter Enea Bastianinisoon found Himself struggling to Hold onto the Podium’s final step, having been passed by Thriller’ Miller. Soon engaged in a Mano e Mano tussle with Jorge Martin, for which these two are apparently also fighting for Miller’s Factory Ducati seat next year! But it All went Pear Shaped for Bastianini on lap-6 when Front Wheel technical issues saw The Beast riding straight into the Gravel Trap!

 

Fabio Quartararo methodically stalked the three remaining duc’ riders ahead, quickly dispatching Martin and chasing the two Factory Ducati’s ahead of Him. Before passing Jack Miller for an eventual second place finish with four laps remaining.

 

Miller and Martin fought for the final Podium place before The Martinator’ ran wide during the final lap and fell to a lowly P10, with Miller finishing third. Whilst Luca Marini led Johann Zarco across the stripe, with Aleix Espargo soldiering Home in sixth.

 

Round 13 Point Standings

Race winner Bagnaia, claiming His fith Grands Prix season victory and third in-a-row. (3^rd Overall) Only trimmed five points off of His Deficit to Points leader Quartararo, trailing by 44 markers: 200-156. Aprilia’s Aliex esparago now trails Quartararo by 32 points with 168, and remains second Overall, albeit losing another 10 points.

 

Bastianini’s DNF Drops Him from fourth to sixth, now a whopping 82 points behind! While I’d say the only other two riders still mathematically in the Hunt are Johann Zarco and Jack Miller. Who find themselves P4-5, with 175 and 173 points respectively. Yet both Ducati riders  are now trailing by a distance of three race wins, which seems a pretty Hefty Deficit… 

MOTO GP: The Forgotten Racing Series – Summer Silliness Strikes!

Can Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro Upset Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo?

 

Otay, by now it’s really, really  Old News! But I’ve just not been able to find a place to Slot in rotation-wise, or let some riveting No Fenders story let me Slip Back into the Drafting line, Botta Boom!

 

As I’ve missed the past several MotoGP races, having fallen Asleep during the latter stages of the Barcelona round that Fabio Quartararo won. Whilst I recall being far more excited and Awake over my newest Numero Uno Kneedragger “The Beast!” Enea Bastianini triumphing at Le Mans, where the entire partisan French Crowd was absolutely Gutted over Homeboy Quartararo’s Vanishing Act, Wee Wee!

 

Having missed the Mugello, Sachsenring and TT Assen rounds, it’s good Thar on Summer Holiday in order for me to attempt playing Ketsup!

 

Was absolutely Shocked when first Hearing the News that Suzuki announced it’s decision to Quit MotoGP at Season’s end, which word came out at the beginning of May, over the Jerez’s Spanish Grand Prix weekend, Me Thinks?

 

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2022/05/06/history_deep_dive_why_suzuki_s.html

 

As this left me ponderin’ where the two Suzuki riders would go? Which initially I speculated to myself that Joan Mir could possibly replace a fading Covi’, nee Andrea Doviziosoat the Satellite WithU RNF Yamaha Squad?

 

But this seemed not destined to happen once RNF announced it would become the new Aprilia Satellite Squad in 2023, leaving Yamaha with just it’s Factory Team next year.

 

The next major News was the announcement that thee Pinball Wizard’, aka Marc Marquez would be having another surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota following the Mugello round. As Marquez’s right Arm still hasn’t recovered fully after nearly two years and multiple surgery’s later! As Marquez is out indefinitely, and you have to wonder if He’ll ever be able to recover to His former Dominating Self again?

 

Whilst I also missed the surprise Pole Sitter being Rookie Fabio di Giannanto at Mugello. Since it’s just been announced that di Giannanto will be partnered by Marquez’s younger brother Alex Marquez at Gresini Racing next year. Making me wonder which of the other Ducati teams Bastianini will ride for next year? As I’ll have to guess it’ll be The Doctor’s VR46 Affair, but who knows, Eh?

 

Whilst it’s All but announced that Alex Rins will take over Alex Marquez’s vacated seat at LCR Honda, possibly partnered by Japanese Moto2 rider Ai Ogura? Who’s currently third Overall in Moto2.

 

And Joan Mir now seems set to replace Pol Espargaro as Marc Marquez’s teammate at Repsol Honda next year, with Espargaro linked to returning to KTM, albeit to the Tech 3 Satellite outfit next season. Which I’ve got Zero Clue if this is the Bulk of MotoGP’s silly Season news or not?

 

And MotoGP is on an extended Summer Break due to the fact that the planned Debut race at the Kymi Ring circuit in Finland has been postponed a further year due to track Safety concerns, along with it’s proximity to Russia’s special Military Operation in Ukraine. With MotoGP resuming action at Silverstone on August 7^th.

 

As the reigning MotoGP World Champion, Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo leads Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro by 21 points, nearly a race win (25 points) ahead in the Championship: 172-151. With positions three thru five being All Ducati’s. With Werks’ rider Francesco Bagnaia being sandwiched between Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco with 114 points, and Gresini Racing’s Enea Bastianini on 105. While Bagnaia has 106 points with nine rounds remaining. 

Indy Cars Revolving Door continues Turning

“On the Road Again,” although the Crews Definitely Deserved a two weeks Break!

 

Where to begin, Eh? Having crossed the Mid Season Marker after Road America, and with just nine more races remaining, beginning with Mid Ohio. It’ll be over in a flash, before another Stupendous Offseason begins, Sigh!

 

Taking another week off following Mid Ohio, before a feverish four straight weeks Fury begins North of the Border in Toronto, returning to Canada for the first time in three Gory Years, Take Off Eh! Followed by Iowa’s Double Header, supporting RASSCAR’ at Mother Speedway’s Road Course and then the Music City in Nashville.

 

IndyCar then takes it’s final week off before it’s final three races, beginning at Gateway, followed by Portland and lastly laguna Seca in early September. In order to Finish the season before Football begins, BARF! As why is IndyCar so Afraid  of the NFL? I mean Hell, their ratings Don’t even scare RASSCAR!

 

Whilst I’ll try to put together some of my thoughts here, Hopefully not to random scatter.

 

At the beginning of the season, I wrote a No Fenders post about several IndyCar Engineering Changes, which unfortunately I Deleted by mistake. Part of thee Joy of being Blind! And trying to Hover over a under intensified word, Thanks Blooger! But I digress…

 

Obviously Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden’s new Engineer Eric Leichtle has worked out Ok! Since Newgarden’s was the only driver with multiple wins (3) prior to Mid Ohio. Even though He’ll lose His Chief Mechanic Travis Law when He moves over to Penske’s Porsche Sports Car Operation as Competition Director at season’s end.

 

And although ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin has somewhat faded, sliding down to Ninth Overall before Mid Ohio. Nonetheless, the pairing of the Kiwi’ with Ben Bretzman was a good move.

 

As McLaughlin’s season seemingly came unhinged after that Strategy Debacle to Pull His Qualifying time for the Indy 500 that saw Scott Drop 11 places from 15^th to P26, Youch!

 

But the Kiwi’s season has emphatically gotten back “Ontrack” after scoring a decisive win at Mid Ohio! As McLaughlin becomes only the second driver to date to notch multiple wins, whilst Team Penske’s won six of the season’s first nine events…

 

While DJ WillyP’, aka Will Power Hangs stout with longtime Engineer David Faustino, now in their 12^th season together. “Hoovering” Top 5 Points-wise, garnering more Attenzione for His Spat with Devlin DeFrancesco at Road America. As somehow I missed Power’s Cooldown Hip Checking on the Kuhnuck’ during the race…

 

Meanwhile moving Craig Hansen over to Felix Rosenqvist’s Arrow McLaren SP (AMSP) entry has done the trick for the Swede. Since Rosenqvist finished a career High fourth at Indianapolis, along with having four consecutive Top 10 finishes prior to Mid Ohio. All of which makes me wonder why Zak Brown and AMSP are being so vague abou Felix’s future with the team.

 

Since AMSP has announced signing Felix to a multi-year extension, but just Not knowing whether He’ll be in Indy Cars of part of their new Formula E team next year? Which All of this Media speculation made me initially feel Rosenqvist will be in Formula E next season. Although now it sounds like AMSP is having a Hard time finding a better caliber IndyCar Driver to replace the Swede with…

 

As it’s interesting how Zak Brown seems to have targeted several of the Cheepster’s (Chip Ganassi) Drivers, including Alex Palou and Scott Dixon, with Rosenqvist being a former Chip Ganassi Racing Driver.

 

As AMSP should be a fairly Stout entity next year with it’s three Fulltime entries of Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi and whoever the “Third Wheel” is?

 

As my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver Pato O’Wardd claimed the Pole position with Rosenqvist starting P4 at Mid Ohio. But it was definitely a weekend to Forget! Since first Felix’s engine went Kuh Blamoe on lap 9! No Fault of the Swede’s, who understandably was furious over finishing last! And then after leading the first 28 lpas from Pole, O’Wards engine began losing power before ultimately ending up “Dead Stick” at Pitlane’s exit, causing a late race Yellow Flag Caution! With the AMSP Duo finishing P27-24 respectively, Youch!

 

Meanwhile I’m looking forward to seeing how well Kyle Kirkwood does when switching back to Andretti Autosport next year as Rossi’s replacement. Making me wonder who’ll replace Kirkwood at A.J. foyt Enterprises.

 

Since even though it was only testing, meaning Not knowing what test programmes each driver/team was on? But it seems indicative of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s (RLLR) season when current Indy Lights driver Benjamin Pederson finished Ahead of RLLR during His maiden IndyCar test for Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) at Sebring’s Short Course the week prior to Mid Ohio!

 

As Pederson’s been “Imbedded” with the Foyt team this year, learning Al of the nuances of being an IndyCar Driver with the team while “Shadowing” Kirkwood. Making me wonder if it’s a foregone conclusion that Pederson winds up in the storied No. 14 next year?

 

Although I’d like to see JHR become a two car operation next year, and perhaps Pedersen could “Fill the bill” Here?

 

But perhaps Stefan Stork’ Wilson could fill JHR’s second seat alongside Callam Ilott? Since Wilson’s got Don Cusik’s backing, but Who knows, Eh?

 

While I Don’t See’ how Foyt will ever improve substantially with it’s constantly revolving Driver roster. As Foyt needs to find an impressive, promising Driver who can stay with the team long term.

 

Although All of the Paddock fodder during Mid Ohio surrounded whether or not Foyt’s third entry, the #11 for rookie Tatiana Calderon will be on the Grid at Toronto? Or if the No. 11’s Done for the year due to sponsor RokiT making late payments to Foyt. Not to mention, I hadn’t heard about their $35+ million owed to Team Willy’, aka Williams F1 Racing in Arbitration earlier this year, for Failing to Honour their 2019 Title Sponsorship commitment to Williams…

 

While the runaway Points leader in Indy Lights in Linus Lundqvist, who Hopes to be moving up to IndyCar next year with an expanded Dale Coyne/HDM Motorsports concern, with the Swede joining IndyCar’s “Odd Couple” of David Malukas and Takuma Sato in a three car combined effort.

 

As Pedersen is fighting for second  place Overall with Sting Ray robb, who He trailed by 13 points prior to Mid Ohio. As I just thought I’d mention Sting Ray since Nobody’s talking about Him, other than Davey Hamilton, who’s also from Idaho. But I digress…

 

And while I’d say that RLLR’s three drivers are currently Overrated, the only other team more Disappointing somewhat, since Gasp! It’s got my favourite Villain on it! As I’m Not at All surprised by Hulio’s mediocre performance this year. Even though Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Had to keep Castroneves this year. But I am somewhat perplexed over Simon Pagenaud’s struggles since after all, MSR is technically Aligned with Andretti Autosport…

 

And I could Prattle on Ceaselessly Here, but Y’all get the Drift, Righto? Since I won’t bother piling on over other Back-markers, since even before reading about Lola’s Hoped for Resurrection, I had to remind myself. It’s Hard remembering that IndyCar, like All Motorsports is a Business first. And who Our Favourite Drivers and Villains are, is just part and parcel for Our Entertainment… 

MOTO GP: A little light reading

As it felt like it had been around a month's time since snooping around the very little intelligible MotoGP websites that exist today when originally spotting some of this News... As Y'all remember MotoGP, Righto?

Just had to post Somme-thun' about my current Numero Uno Kneedragger Johan Zarco, who apparently is sliding down the pecking order. As Motorsport Magazine scribe Matt Oxley coiffed the Frenchman as the Proud Cock; YOUCH! Uhm, I meant the young Rooster, who's apparently been laying some eggs lately.

The Proud Cockerel, Now a Bit Upset

Yet All the Rage right now, the past Fortnight  following the San Marino MotoGP round at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, was the Unthinkable Disregard for Riders Safety when a young Italian Moto2 Rider attempted to pull another's Brake lever while chortling down the Straight at some 140mph; SHEISA!

Now in what I can only ARSE-Sume is a Money Matter? I find it quite annoying how none of the traditional Newspapers I listen to via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone service ever report anything about the MotoGP races. Having checked the wares of The Guardian, BBC, Daily Mail and Reuters All to NO Avail! Forgoing the London Telegraph since they publish their Motorcycle racing News weirdly in their Cars section, Huh?

As the only news was the nonstop coverage over Romano Fenati's INSANE Brake lever shenanigans! Whilst speaking 'O Brakes, I ran across an interesting story on James Allen's website comparing the top two categories of Formula 1 v MotoGP.

Marquez, Pedrosa on Huge Braking Difference between F1 and MotoGP

And lastly, although we're now past the Mid-season for MotoGP, here's what one Pundit was noting for MotoGP Rider Swaps et Al...

Mid-season MotoGP Silly Season Update

Two Wheel Thunder, Did Yuhs Hear It?

And what Were those two-wheelers doing in Circle City?

Yeah, Y'all are probably salivatin' now over the fast approachin' Month 'O May, which means Indy Cars By Gummit! And will there, won't there be real Honest-to-Goodness Bumping this year? As the only Questione left is will Thar' be 35 or 36 entries?

WHALE' GOLLEEEEEEEEEE, SHUHZAMM!

Per Tipicali here on thou Isle 'O Nofendersville, I've been waitin' for a landing spot upon the Burms, in order to post this riveting No Fenders story...

Alas, by pure Happenstance, as I sat down to eat Dinner, (many weeks ago) I decided to turn on thou Telescreen for some ambiance, and scrolling round the Dial, I landed upon the AMA Monster Energy Supercross event from the Lucas Oil Dome in Indianapolis on March 24th; Huh?

And even more remarkable, I'd landed my virtual Triple-gainer during the race's Finale, with the Staccato Tones of Ralph "Keyboard Warriors" Sheheen and past Supercross Champion Jeff Emig calling the action.

And although the winning rider put a total Beatdown upon thou Competizione, this French Motorcyclist was totally unknown to Mwah. As France's Marvin Musquin won his second 450 SX Main Event race of the 2018 season, for which all I could say was Who?

Mid Season review: Lot's of Surprises

And Obviously I've missed the Starting Gates being Dropped! And after the smoke cleared in the Kingdome; Oh wait a My-nute, that's ancient history. Although it was funny that as I approached the Whoops section, the Supercross Circus had just departed 'Der Clink, nee Century Link Field, home pitch of those Championship winning Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC!

As I was busy the same evening watchin'; Err listening to some 'lil IndyCar race going round 'N round in Avondale, AZ.

2018 SX Seattle Race Report

But this Muskrat' feller' intrigued me, since I'd never heard of him before, although France seems well versed in Der Vurld' de Motorsporten these Days, Ja-Ja!

With three "frenchies" currently contesting Formula 1, along with two in Indy Cars, and one very promising MotoGP rider named Johann Zarco. As once long ago, many top notch French racing drivers began their careers by racing motorcycles.

Forgotten 'Frenchies...

And although this meandering story is about Supercross, I'd have to say that Zarco is really "Hotting Up" the MotoGP landscape right now, and I'm guessing he'll be snapped up El Pronto by one of the Works Manufacturers Teams shortly! As he seems like a future World Champion in waiting...

Yet I must say I was somewhat surprised when reading that Ryan Dungee had retired after winning his fourth Supercross title last year, with the 28yr old Musquin taking over his seat at Red Bull KTM this year, after having capped off an impressive 2017 season.

Marvin finished third overall in Supercross and runner-up in the Outdoors (MX) Motocross 450cc championships, before claiming the million dollar prize upon winning the Monster Energy Cup. Followed up by winning the Red Bull Straight Rhythm and Geneva SX events.

As Marvin's won multiple Motocross Championships during his racing career, most recently winning the 2015 250cc East Coast title, along with helping France win the prestigious Motocross des Nations the same year before graduating to the "Thumper" 450 Big Bikes category in 2016.

2018 AMA Supercross Season Preview

And when did Husqvarna join the Supercross party? As Musquin seems to be current points leader Jason Anderson's main competition this season, albeit the Rock Star Husqvarna rider's managed his points lead ever since amassing a healthy 42-point lead over Musquin, who cut the deficit to 35-points after winning at Indianapolis.

As the AMA Monster Supercross series heads to its penultimate round this weekend at Salt Lake City on April 28th. Then the season wraps up at its usual finishing locale, Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on May 5th.

2018 AMA Supercross Schedule

F1 Drivers: Who's Hot, Who's Not...

Probably not shedding any new light here, but some thoughts upon the current season's Driver's performances to date, now that the Summer Break's over and we're back to racing. Having scribbled the following during thou intermission...

Obviously, Lewis Hamilton's currently in a different Zip Code vs. the entire Formula 1 field! As it now appears inevitable to me that Nico Rosberg's helpless to stop the Hamilton Juggernaught rolling to its third consecutive world championship and fourth overall; YAWN!

Which leads to focusing upon the Media Darling this season, nee Max "Dutchboy" Verstappen, who NBC Sports Network lead commentator Leigh Diffey coined as "The Baby Assassin!" In regards to his recurrent On-track skirmishes with thee "Iceman," aka Kimi Raikkonen.

Now I do not dispute the obvious talent Jos "THE BOSS" Verstappen's son has, nor do I dislike him, as he seemingly drives way above his years... But I'm still not convinced after his churlish outbursts over the in-car radio along with his "Irv-the-Swerve" double blocking maneuvers upon thee Kimster', most notably last time out at the Hunga-boring! While it's fun for us to see Max giving Rosberg such grief! As Nico must feel like he's watching Groundhog Day, eh?

As Y'all gotta applaud Daniel Ricky' Ricciardo's candor of proclaiming he's only afraid of "Sharks 'N Snakes!" And won't make any excuses over racing the Dutch sensation...

Ricciardo feeling like Vettel over Verstappen's success

While the real loser of the Red Bull scrum' is obviously Dani Kvyat who gotTturfed by Dr. Helmut Marco, who's bath water was getting cold! And is now trying to regain his footing at Toro Rosso where he's once again competing against Carlos Sainz, Jnr, who's had the better of him in their Junior career.

The Kvyat Caper

As I'm not gonna do an entire Driver rundown, and instead of jumping ship, I'll stay with my new Numero Uno F1 Driver for the time being, having picked Raikkonen's past Sparrin' Pardner' Valtteri Bottas, whom to Mwah has sadly plateaued at Team Willy', aka Williams Martini Racing, whose FW38 chassis certainly seems Stirred-up 'N most definitely Shaken right now; OUCH!

Whilst most scuttlebutt seems to suggest that Sir Frank and daughter Claire, the team's Deputy Team Principal will take Bloody 'JENSE (Button) in lieu of Felipe Massa next year for the publicity, and hoped for (sponsorship) Dinero influx he'll bring, presumably in his Formula 1 Swansong.

Whilst hopefully they'll take somebody like Jolyon Palmer instead of this Lance Stroll fellow, albeit if his PDVSA-like Dowery his Billionaire father's waving 'bout is true, then how can the team refuse?

Although not sure of just how much the young KuhNuck's currently setting the FIA European F3 championship alight? As believe I read one rumor saying his F1 drive is contingent upon him winning the Formula 3 championship in order to obtain the necessary points to acquire his F1 Superlicence. Then again, Stroll's won the Toyota Racing Series and Italian Formula 4 titles the past two years...

Meanwhile, slotting in at No. 2 on my 2016 Top-3 Formula 1 Drivers list is MAGS' JR. Formally known as Kevin "Bacon" Magnussen, as he's the driver who most excites me these days, with NO Disrespect to his rookie team-Mate Joly' intended. Although Kevin, like Max above, has been criticized for blocking this season, who I can't remember against? And not sure where either, but he did get tagged with a 5-second penalty for blocking at Austria.

Thus, it seems like the most plumb seat(s) available on the grid are the Works Renault drives, although Magnussen should retain his. And I'd really like to see Bottas land here, but then I'd be in another conundrum like Indy Cars, where it just DON'T feel right rootin' for two drivers on the same team, a la Team Penske's Will Power and Simon Pagenaud, who used to be my numbers two-three favourites after Justin B-I-G' UNIT Wilson...

And if rumours are true, then Renault might find itself quite happy to take Carlos Slim's Telmex Pesos and the services of Sergio Perez, who seems like one of the hottest drivers currently. And with Force India's amazing performances, who could conceivably overtake Williams in the Constructors chase, why would Checa' want to move over to Grove?

My Numero Tres F1 Driver hails from Der Fatherland, but isn't the once Incredible Hulkster', nee Nico Hulkenberg, but instead the somewhat unnoticeable Pascal Wehrlein, the reigning DTM champion who's maiden Grands Prix point, tenth place at Spielberg gives the revitalized Manor Racing a leg up upon Sauber, who are currently stone last on the Constructors table with Goose-eggs.

And with Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff's glowing assessment of Wehrlein's talents, and presumably wishing to groom the young German for future Works status, alongside Mercedes other glowing Young Gun, nee Esteban Ocon. It's easy to speculate that if a drive opens up at either Williams or Force India, Wehrlein could be promoted with Ocon taking his seat at Manor?

As I penned those thoughts prior to Ocon being named as Haryanto's replacement for the remainder of this season at Manor, who's obviously also being Fast Tracked for a Fulltime Gig next year...

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And lastly, it's pretty comical to Mwah how 'Ol Fredrico Suave, aka Fred Alonso's suddenly singing Coomb-bi-Yah! Proclaiming that the team will fight for the title in 2017? as Me Thinks Fernando's trying to ensure he gets his largish Dinero for another year, since it seems like he's effectively Shot his Wad!

As I'm sure I'll be resetting my Top-3 Driver choices next season, since I'm very intrigued over Stoffel Vandoorne, who should be part of Formula 1's Next Wave of Superstars, right? And even more curious who the young Belgian's team-mate will be in 2018. As it now seems pretty obvious that you can only win a championship as a Works outfit, i.e.; McLaren-Honda, Mercedes, Red Bull/Tag Heuer, Renault and Scuderia Ferrari.

And speakin' of la Scuderia, Ferrari's season seems shot and one can only wonder how much more of 'lil Sid Viddle's "POTTY MOUTH!" we'll be treated to this season...

Mirror-Mirror On the Wall, Who's my New Favourite Driver of All?