MUSEUMS: My Most Excellent Docent

Tomaso and Martin Auto Museum Docent Jeff standing in front of Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As I’ve mentioned previously, I had the most awesome docent named Jeff during my personally guided three hours tour. Wayback’ this February

 

I really enjoyed Jeff taking His time and not rushing thru the museum. Along with inquiring if I was interested in whatever vehicle we were approaching or standing in front of? As Jeff quickly realized my tastes were quite broad…

 

For example, well into our tour, Jeff asked me if I liked VW’s? Briefly describing their 1973 23 window conversion van built in Brazil.

 

When Jeff had me feel how the windows “popped” out for ventilation. I mused they were exactly like ‘Ol blue’s, the 1980’s Ford Econoline Camper van conversion we’d taken to the 2001 U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Can that really be a quarter of a century ago now?

 

As Jeff seemed genuinely surprised over my description of how it’s windows popped out exactly like the Volkswagen’s, and most interested in my description of it’s custom, unique sliding glass side windows aluminum conversion pop-top…

Jeff mentioned He was a member of the local Red Devils Car club and seemed quite proud of His 1962 and 1/2 Econoline pickup truck with electronic fuel injection.

 

Kudos to Jeff’s excellent presentation of the Martin Auto Museum and some of its vast array of vehicles.

 

Salute Jeff!

 

You can check out the Museo’s website at the link below.

 

Martin Auto Museum

 

Or visit Rick DeBruhl’s YOutube channel (link) below. Where He’s chronicled many of Martin Auto Museum’s cavernous 170-plus strong collection, Momma Mia!

 

Rick DeBruhl

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Martin Auto Museum Hidden Gems

Vintage 1929 custom popcorn truck. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

What’s that ‘Ol sayin’ about a diamond in the rough…

 

There’s simply just far too much to scribble about from my initial visit to the Martin Auto Museum. Which has a bit of everything on display.

 

Like that vintage popcorn & peanuts truck above. To the unheard of and unknonwn likes of the Streetnik Bandit tribute rod and the 1929 Franklin.

 

Yet of growing interest to Mwah after-the-fact is the Museo’s 1929 Franklin Model 135 Sedan. Since I just love the story about how the front radiator grill is fake!

 

Having been added to ease consumers thoughts of what an automobile should look like after dealers demands…

 

In 1929, there were three Franklin models to choose from, the 130, 135 and 137, all powered by the company’s air cooled six cylinder engine.

 

Ironically, there just so happened to be an article about the very 1929 Frankin in question in the April issue of the Martin Automotive Times Newsletter, Shazam!

 

So I’ll let the Museo’s unofficial spokesman Rick DeBruhl do the heavy lifting with His excellent 12 minutes video on this very car instead.

 

VIDEO: 1929 Franklin: Innovation, Elegance and the Crash that Killed It

 

While here’s another Youtube video I found detailing the Franklin’s unique air-cooled engine, ahead of its time.

 

VIDEO: Franklin’s last in-line 274cid engine

 

And thanks to museum Docent Gene, I learned that there’s a Franklin Auto museum in Tucson, Arizona, which I wasn’t aware of. With Gene claiming there’s some 30 Franklins on display, along with a cutaway Franklin air cooled engine.

 

Franklin Auto Museum

 

Lastly, albeit an earlier version of the Franklin. Here’s a good video upon their 1923 automobile, including actually driving said vehicle…

 

VIDEO: They beat Porsche to the Punch: Franklin’s Air-cooled Automobiles

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

Two very different Pace Cars at Martin Auto Museum

The 1963 Chrysler Pace Setter on display in Arizona. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Remember Pontiac’s jingle about Winder’s Better, Y’all?

 

Like the Martin Auto Museum, who’s vast collection quickly outgrew it’s original building. With proprietor Mel Martin buying up an entire city block!

 

There’s just so Mucho to talk about that my story quickly outgrew its original footprint, which is quite typical here at No Fenders. So Y’all guessed it, I cranked out another story, Toh-Duh!

 

Somewhere past the one plus hour mark, my most excellent Docent Jeff steered me past two Pace Cars sitting side-by-side. The first peaking my Attention, being the 1963 Indianapolis 500 Chrysler 300, the year that ‘Ol Rufus Parnelli Jones became the first to qualify at 150mph.

 

As the feat was celebrated by awarding Parnelli 150 silver dollars, before Jones won the race in ‘Ol Calhoun. J.C. Agajanian’s Watson Roadster.

 

A 1963 Chrysler 300 convertible Pace Car was driven in the 47th Indianapolis 500 by 1957 Indy 500 winner Sam Hanks, with IMS owner Tony Hulman riding Shotgun. The last Pace car awarded to the team owner.

 

Thanks to Rick DeBruhl, who’s detailed many of these vehicles with His Auto Evolution series, I learned that said Chrysler 300 was a Pacesetter edition. With 1,861 convertibles being sold as celebratory models to commemorate Chrysler pacing that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

VIDEO: 1963 Chrysler 300 Pacesetter

 

Alongside this Chrysler 300 Pacesetter sat perhaps a Pontiac? Something that paced a NASCAR race, possibly the Day-Toner’ 500? But don’t remember what race it was from.

 

A follow-up phone call with Martin Auto Museum docent Gene revealed that it was indeed a celebratory 1988 Pontiac Pace car.

 

After a little more sluicing, err sleuthing. From the Museo’s website I learned it was a 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix SE Pace Car edition of that year’s Daytona 500 Pace Car. When Bobby Allison won ahead of Davey, with the father-son duo finishing 1-2.

 

Although the sixth generation Pontiac Grand Prix won Motor Trend’s 1988 Car of the Year award, the actual Daytona 500 Pace Car was heavily modified. Since the Grand Prix came stock with an anemic 2.8-litre transverse mounted V-6 lump’ rated at 140Bhp, be still my beating Heart!

 

Rick DeBruhl completely describes this W Body front wheel drive sedan in the video below.

 

VIDEO: The Sleekest car of 1988 - The Pontiac Grand Prix

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Where’s The Judge?

1966 Pontiac GTO. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Strange, but when I think of the Pontiac GTO, I immediately come up with Larry Shinoda’s (1969) version simply known as The Judge!

 

This 1966 Pontiac GTO 400 Restomod is part of the Martin Auto Museum’s vast collection of over 170 vehicles! With the car’s corresponding plaque mentioning being from the Alexander Orzechowski Collection, dated May 15, 2024.

 

I say Restomod since this car has been tastefully modified, most notably it’s 400cid Pontiac V-8 engine, along with “knockoff” Cragar wheels, etc.

 

While once again, Rick DeBruhl “schooled” me on the finer aspects of this vehicle, specifically what it’s Hardtop variant means. Check out the video below…

 

VIDEO: The Car that made Pontiac Famous – The 1966 GTO

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: What a Purdy’ lump!

Pontiac 400cid V-8 engine. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

This Blinged-out’ Chromed 400cid V-8 Pontiac engine provides the motivating power for the Martin Auto Museo’s 1966 Pontiac GTO 400 Restomod!

 

Cannot tell if it comes equipped wit the vaunted tri-power Carburetors available for that year’s production 389cid V-8?

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

More Martin Auto Museum visit recollections

A very Happy Tomaso seated in a Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder Ferrari! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Move over Mustang Sally’, that Ferrari Spyder definitely “Slowed Me Down!”

 

Otay, I’ve tried to scribble this down before it became completely forgotten! Warranting another trip to the wonderful Martin Auto Museum. Hence my placement of vehicles is becoming hazy after my February visit…

 

At one point, my most excellent Docent Jeff asked me if I knew about Transformers? Which I slightly do, since my debutante Indianapolis 500 in 2009 featured  one of that year’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie stars.

 

Funny how I can still vividly recall Crash Gladys of Speed Freaks fame interviewing whomever it was against the window of the IMS third floor Press Room’s windows. Before rediscovering it was Josh Duhamel, who was that year’s Indy 500 Pace Car driver.

 

Transformers Star Josh Duhamel looking for Speed at Indianapolis

 

As the Transformer Bumblebee stood along one side of the building. While Jeff told me we were standing in front of a Transformer Edition Camaro. Which I had no idea how rare these were. As less than 2,000 2010 Camaro’s in Rally Yellow were ordered with the $995 appearance package, available only that year. For either LT or SS models

 

Not sure what we walked past next? But I do know we made our way to the Ford Mustangs, which I’m guessing there must have been two 1968 and 1 /2 models? Since thought we stood and “Gawked” at a black 428CJ (Cobra Jet) model with four speed top loader manual transmission? With Blogmeister’ Miguel telling me there was a white version also. Along with two 1966 289cid V-8 cars on display. One being a convertible I believe, and the other a coupe.

 

Actually, thanks to Martin Auto Museum Docent Gene, I learned it was a white 1968 1 /2 Mustang with that ubiquitous 428cid V-8 cobra Jet engine. While the “Black Beauty” was a 1995 Shelby Mustang Hardtop convertible. With only 499 models being produced.

 

Sauntered past a nice 1957 Chevrolet Bel air, before Jeff asked me if I knew the difference between a Chevy station wagon and Nomad? Telling me that the Nomad has vertical trim “stripes” pieces on the rear door.

 

Stopped briefly in front of my favourite Camaro, i.e.; 1967-69 Z/28. As it had the requisite twin hood stripes, but don’t remember what year it was? Before Jeff explained how you could tell the differences between the three model years…

 

At one point we stood and “Gawked” at the 1930 Duesenberg “J” model Boattail “Speedster” which Jeff said had more chrome than paint! Being Fire engine red, and having been owned by a Gangstah’.

 

Arguably being one of the three most valuable, nee “expensive” cars in the collection. Along with the aforementioned 1965 Cobra 427 continuation car, and the 1948 Tucker.

 

There was a 1973 De Tomaso Pantera sitting alone. Along with a Pontiac GTO, whose doors were locked, when Jeff asked me if I wanted to sit in it?

 

So He took me to the car alongside it, a 1964 ford Thunderbird convertible, which I happily sat in.

 

A Pontiac something-ruther’ with the “revered” W30 package was nearby. Arse-sumedly the very same Pontiac GTO alongside that T-Bird…

 

As history denotes, the GTO was the brainchild of John Delorean.

 

Of course the museum had a Delorean DMC-12 on display, albeit with its gullwing doors closed, but Jeff had me run my hand over the brushed aluminum bodywork. While I’ll let Rick DeBruhl do the heavy lifting…

 

VIDEO; Why Can’t this Delorean go 88 miles per hour

 

There were also a trio of the sedans similar to what Marty McFly drove in the Back to The Future movies I believe, but no flux capacitors on that Delorean DMC-12…

 

There were a few Corvettes parked together. As Jeff described the 1963 split window we stood in front of. Before having me run my hand over the rear window’s “spine”. But guess I threw Jeff for a loop when I said I acutally thought the 1965 Sting Ray was better looking! Which He promptly walked round trying to see if they had one? Only finding a ’67 Sting Ray, along with a 2020 Corvette.

 

While I haven’t even mentioned Jeff asking me if I wanted to sit in a Ferrari, Uh duh!

 

As suddenly I found myself getting low to the ground to climb into a 2001 rosso Ferrari 360 Spyder with black top. Tapping my head upon the convertible’s roof fabric when clambering aboard! As it took me a little while to deduce that indeed, it was equipped with paddle shifters, which I finally found upon the steering wheel…

 

Jeff asked me if I wanted to ride the Merry-go-Round? Which I eagerly said yes! Before ultimately settling on riding the Zebra, with our entourage doing three leisurely circuits, going up and down before we said we’d had enough and Jeff turned off the vintage Merry-go-Round, circa 1950’s.

 

There was a 1929 Ford converted into a Popcorn and Peanuts vehicle, which roasted the peanuts and popped popcorn. Along with a Dump truck from the Mayer mines, being from 1917. As Jeff had me put my hand on what was left of the solid rubber tyres.

 

VIDEO: Omaha’s Douglas 1917 Dump truck History

 

Alongside sat a vintage tow truck, also from Mayer, which is where the Museo’s proprietor Mel Martin, now 95 years old got His start.

 

Then nearly three hours later, Jeff had to go to His next scheduled appointment. As it was a real treat having Jeff personally escort me thru the entire museum! As Jeff gave me the right amount of “verbiage” for the many, countless vehicles He stopped and described and had me run my hands over various portions of; with Jeff’s permission to do so.

 

As it’s a living, breathing Automobile museum, for which you’re allowed to get into many of the cars, provided their doors are unlocked. But as Always, please treat the vehicles with respect.

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: The Car that spawned a Rock Band

1973 De Tomaso Pantera on display in Arizona. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Hard core Ford enthusiasts will know what this early model De Tomaso Pantera has in common with the sign of the Cat, Meow! No, that’s not Cat Stevens, Hya!

 

Can Y’all say cougar, as in Lincoln Mercury? Being sold by the very same Lincoln Mercury Dealer network stateside, arriving a decade ahead of that Hard Rock Glam Metal Band Pantera.

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

The most Awesome introduction to the Martin Auto Museum

Tomaso and Snowbyrd MJ’ stand in front of 2002 Lincoln Continental concept car, with Bumblebee Transformer in background. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“It’s A little bit country, and A whole lot Rock ‘n Roll!”

 

This February, thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’, I got to visit the Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona. Where I had the most awesome Docent Jeff give me a personally guided tour. As Jeff led me by the arm and described countless automobiles in brief order, one at-a-time for nearly three hours, Aye Karumba!

 

As this was pure Nirvana for Mwah, Talking Cars for nearly three hours. And no three hour cruise jokes here, Hya!

 

Where to begin, Eh? Since naturally I’ve long forgotten all of the various automobiles we sauntered by. Thus just tried to Jot’ down what I recall in no particular order before it all “Vamooshed!”

 

Although I do know the very first vehicle Jeff introduced me to was an 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen replica. Which strangely, I vaguely recall “Seeing” one of these exact same contraptions on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s museum I believe?

 

There was a very impressive sounding 2002 Lincoln (Mercury) Continental concept car with “Suicide” doors. And a Aston Martin (Lagonda) sourced naturally aspirated V-12 lump’ shoehorned underneath the Lincoln’s bonnet. Riding on 22-inch custom wheels.

 

Interestingly, as Jeff had me run my hand upon the trunk’s “door”, noting how it slid directly into the rear of the car, instead of hinging upwards, and featured custom aluminum luggage containers that fit into their respective tray compartments.

 

The car’s design was touted as retro-futuristic and debuted at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show, but never went into production.

 

2002 Lincoln Continental Concept Sedan heading to Auction

 

Cannot remember what vehicle it was, but when Jeff described using “lanterns” for running lights to illuminate the road. I told Jeff how it made me think of the Prestolite company, and Eddie Rickenbacker and those early lantern “lighting” systems of Indianapolis. As Indiana seemingly was one of America’s car making hubs during the 1920’s.

 

We passed by a Ford Model T, Cadillac, etc. As some of the early vehicles didn’t have windshields, before this became standard practice as vehicle speeds increased.

 

Although its been a long time since I’ve seen them, I asked if there were any of the Cadd-Oh-laccs with the tall rear fins? To which Jeff said was the 59’ Caddy’, which they didn’t have any. But think He mentioned something about a 1957 model being present.

 

There were various Studebakers, including two Avanti’s. As Jeff had me run my hand over the Avanti’s “torpedo” front bumper. Explaining how I’d just listened to a story about the Avanti forming part of a museum’s main theme in California.

 

A very special Studebaker Avanti will be on display in L.A.

 

While what seemed to be the lone Dodge on display? Was my mumero uno favourite Dodge! A Dodge Daytona Charger, with Jeff having me run my hand over the iconic, tall rear wing. Asking if I’d seen the Day-toner’ 500? And what a crazy ending to the race, with Tyler Reddick “Stealing” it in the last 500 yards!

 

There were Auburn’s and cord’s, with the Auburn name “screaming” Boat tail ! Which is the quintessential Auburn. Both being reproductions or “continuation” cars. As Jeff noted how the names had been bought and someone had tried selling them again in the 1990’s. While there was a Packard nearby too.

 

In the celebrity department, there was the 1964 custom car used in 1977’s The Late Show movie, starring Art Carney and Lilly Tomlin. But I cannot comprehend why you’d build a car with the front half being an Oldsmobile and the back half being a Cadillac…

 

Later on, we briefly stood in front of Red Skelton’s Rolls Royce Wraith, with Jeff noting it had been  bought at auction. Could it be the 1962 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith noted in the following link I found upon Zed Intrawoods?

 

Red Skelton’s six most Jaw Dropping Cars

 

There was a Ford Starliner with hardtop retractable roof. A 2016 WaterCar Amphibious vehicle. Presumably a WaterCar Panther, a modern day version of those wacky Amphicars of the 1960’s

 

As the Panther has a top speed of 85mph on land, and 45mph on water, utilizing jet drive propulsion…

 

Another oddity was the Streetnik Bandit tribute car, bult by Dennis ‘lil Daddy’ Roth, and many others I failed to recognize or record. Like the 1934 Desoto Airflow for starters.

 

As here’s an excellent 19 minutes video of Rick DeBruhl touring the Martin Auto Museum, which gives far better detail than I can! Not to mention showing a whole bunch of cars I didn’t even stop at. As Thars’ simply too much to take in on a single visit!

 

XVIDEO: Tyler Hoover falls in love with Tucker at Martin Auto Museum

 

To continue reading, please visit the following No fenders link below.

 

More Martin Auto Museum visit recollections

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Chevrolet’s Pony Car

Martin Auto Museum’s blue with white stripes 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. (The Tomaso collection)

 

The car that “Captain America”, aka Mark Donohue and El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske made famous. Or is it the other way round

 

Having been homologated for SCCA Trans Am competition, with Donohue winning the 1968-69 Manufacturers title for Chevrolet in a Nasty Sunoco blue Penske Racing Camaro Zed’ 28.

 

Winning 10 of 13 races in 1968! A record that stood until Tommy Kendall won 11 of 13 races in 1997. With TK” (Kendall) also breaking Donohue’s streak of eight back-to-back victories in 1968 with eleven consecutive wins in 1997!

 

While Rick DeBruhl profiles the legendous’ Z/28, albeit a 1969 example at the California Auto Museum in Sacramento below.

 

VIDEO: Why the 1969 Camaro Z/28 became a legend

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Caution, Snake Onboard!

1968 1/2 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang. (The Tomaso collection)

 

This pristine white 1968 1 / 2 Ford 428 Cobra Jet Mustang on the “prowl” at the Martin Auto Museum.

 

Or sit back and let Rick DeBruhl give you a guided tour of this venomous Beast!

 

VIDEO: Is the Cobra Jet Mustang the Fastest Car of 1968?

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

Move Over Penske, we’re visiting the Martin Auto Museum instead

Tomaso taking a spin in His Daddy’s (1964) T-Bird at the Martin Auto Museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As where’s ‘Ol Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen and that Hot Rod Lincoln when Yuhs need Him?

 

VIDEO: Hot Rod Lincoln

 

Thanks to Snowbyrd MJ’ signing up for a Senior’s guided tour, Wayback’ on January 15th. Inadvertently we learned about an unknown gem of an Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona. Which the Museo’s brochure proclaiming it’s the largest car museum in Arizona.

 

The museum has approx. 185-187 vehicles, obviously with something for everyone to see. As suddenly I was on the telephone talking with Bob, who’s a volunteer at the museum. Asking if they had any Ford Mustang Mach 1’s on hand?

 

Nope, we’ve got a 1968 Bullitt’ Replicar, a ’67 and ’64 I think He said? Although it would have to be a 1964 1 /2, since the Mustang became available to the public in April of that year. Which the early Stangs’ are designated, if memory serves me correctly…

 

While No Bob’s your Uncle jokes here, Hya! Also mentioning something about two Shelby’s. Telling me about hod one had only six miles on it’s odometer; having been assembled from parts in the 1980’s.

 

Then He asked me if I’d ever heard of a Tucker? Telling me the museum had number 20-something of the 51 built. Number 23 perhaps? Claiming it cost the museum $1.7m plus several thousand in paperwork. Think He said $11k?

 

This would coincide nicely with the number $1.8m bandied about during my later visit. While the Tucker 48 in question is No. 21 of 51…

 

Naturally I had to launch into telling Him about how America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA also has a Tucker in its vast collection, He mentioned something about another Tucker owner placing His prized on the second floor of His building…

 

When He told me He was a Chevy guy, I couldn’t resist and playfully said we were doing Ok until you told me that, Hya! Explaining how I’m a Died-in-the-wool FoMoCo’ (Ford Motor Company)  Guy!

 

As Bob wanted to tell me about His 1940’s Packard He owned and His next door neighbours cars, including a 2022 Shelby Mustang, which I think He said had 740 Ponies? (740Bhp)

 

Before we needed to hang-up, so Bob and His other volunteer Jeff could get back to leading the tour that Snowbyrd MJ’ and company were on. Telling us to come back and visit on Thursday’s, when they’re both there.

 

Naturally, immediately after hanging up, I “googled” a query for Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, AZ. As their website proclaims Martin Auto Museum and Event Center at 43^rd Ave. and Thunderbird Road.

 

A very cursory visit to the website’s About Us page mentions how they’ve now got over 170 vehicles in their collection, with the museum having begun in 2005. Quickly outgrowing its original premises, a new location was established in 2022.

 

As the museum is dedicated to the preservation of Classic Cars, Hod Rods, Customs and Imports. Along with an extensive Automotive memorabilia

Including vintage gas pumps, signage, etc.

 

There’s over 700 parking spaces for hosting events. Along with three separate “event” rooms.

 

There’s the Cadillac Class room, being 3,500 square feet. Seating up to 80 people. Plus Audio/Video equipment.

 

Next is the Mustang meeting room at 4,900 square feet. Which seats up to 150 people. With Audio/Video and a projector.

 

And then there’s the Bristol Ballroom at 12,500 square feet. Seating up to 500 people for weddings, etc.

 

As it sounds like its got friendly staff volunteers and an awesome collection of Automobilia, which I couldn’t wait to go visit when in Arizona this February…

 

Martin Automotive Museum and Event Center

 

To continue reading, please visit the following No fenders link below.

 

The most Awesome introduction to the Martin Auto Museum

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

IndyCar Drivers, Team joins Rolex 24 Tintops’ ranks

But will Any of them win their respective Classes?

 

Just days, or the following day after Romain Grosjean had left the employment of Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse. Saying He didn’t want to drive GT3 machinery, but prototypes instead, Chuh-Ching!

 

Grosjean announced He was very excited to be joining Myers Riley Racing for Daytona, behind the wheel of their No. 16 Ford Mustang GT3 Evo. Joining Jenson Altznan, Sheena Monk and Felipe Fraga.

 

With the “pausing” of Lamborghini’s SC63 programme, Riley Motorsports has also shut down it’s LMP2 effort with the retirement of Gar Robinson. Thus seeing Riley embark upon it’s latest project, in conjunction with Ross Myers.

 

As the press release casually noted that Myers was the proprietor of 3 Dog Garage, a vintage Automotive museum in Pennsylvania.

 

3 Dog Garage museum

 

As Ross’s early passion for automobiles began when piecing together His first Hot rod at age 8! And much later taking up racing…

 

Yet 3 Dog Garage surely, couldn’t be what funds the new race team could it? Before finding serendipitously on Ye Intrawoods’ an article from Virginia Tech’s Engineering department for A. Ross Myres, Class of 1972. Graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering.

 

As the family construction business has grown into the colossus known as American Infrastructure today, which Ross is the President and CEO of. A leading Civil Engineering company ranked in the Top 50 of Heavy and Highway Contractors.

 

Ross Myres – Virginia Tech Alumni

 

As the #16 Dark Horse represents one half of Ford’s GTD entries; with the Gradient Racing No. 66 the other half.

 

Next, Callum Ilott announced a full season campaign driving the No. 120 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 R GT3 Evo with new team owner Adam Adelson. Noting His IMSA GTD campaign will “Dovetail” with His IndyCar programme. Having heard David Land say that both Ilott’s and Robert Shwartzman’s contracts for the 2026 IndyCar season had been taken up. As we’re just Ah-waitin’ to find out the details of Prema Racing or whomever it’ll be called? Arse-suming they show up on the grid this year…

 

Then Marcus Ericsson announced He would race at Daytona for Wayne Taylor Racing, (WTR) behind the keyboard of it’s No. 45 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2, also in GTD.

 

And with Will Power’s engagement as part of the 75 Express Racing’s No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3; that gives us a total of at least three current IndyCar drivers, or is it four? Uhm, has Dale Coyne announced who His “lead” driver this year is?

 

As Power joins reigning Supercars Champion Chad Moster, team owner Kenny Habul and Mercedes-Benz Werks’ Hotschue’ Maro Engel; whose won the Rolex 24 twice, behind the No. 75 Mercs’ keyboard in the GTD Pro category…

 

Not to mention thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, nee James Hinchcliffe once again “Moonlighting” in the #9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2. As the Kuhnaidiun’ race team’s shiny, new Lamborghini Temerario, the Huracan’s replacement won’t debut until the 12 Hours of Sebring…

 

Pfaff’s Lamborghini Temerario Headlines new line-up at IMS Daytona Test

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

The “lowly” GT3 Saloon ranks should be quite entertaining to watch. Since this doesn’t even include the full season’s Usual suspects, i.e.; Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes, Porsche. As think I got ‘em All?

 

Along with the debuts of two famous racing name sons in GT Daytona. (GTD) With Eduardo Barrichello making His full season debut with Heart of Racing’s No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage. While Lorenzo Patrese makes another cameo appearance aboard the No. 34 Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, run by former IndyCar driver Eric Bachelart.

 

Lucas Auer, nephew of Gerhard Berger, continues His longtime association with Windward Racing aboard it’s No. 57 Mercedes-AMG, but I digress…

 

Speaking ‘O McLaren, Oopsadaisy! Like I Dunno, I sort of forgot. Since it just doesn’t sound right. Regarding the debut of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and it’s No. 59 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in the DTD Pro category.

 

As RLL Team McLaren has listed Max Esterson, Juri Vips and Dean MacDonald initially in December, with a fourth driver as TBA. Hmm, will it be Graham Rahal or Mick Schumacher?

 

Nope! On January 13th, RLLR announced that Nikita Johnson was the fourth, and final driver for Daytona. With Johnson being named to a fulltime ride alongside Esterson. As Johnson, (Age 17) will also contest His rookie Indy NXT campaign driving for Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR.

 

Whilst I didn’t even know that Mclaren had established a GT Driver Academy, previously known as Mclaren GT Young Driver Academy, before “looking-up” Dean MacDonald’s background. As MacDonald has run a variety of GT race programs, including the GT World Challenge European Series.

 

Max Esterson was also totally unknown to Mwah. Having raced briefly in Formula 2, making His debut at the season finale in 2024 for Trident. Then continuing thru  the Monza weekend in September, before leaving the championship prior to Baku.

 

Esterson made His IMSA debut driving for JDC Miller Motorsport at Petit Le Mans aboard their Porsche 963 in the GTP category, before landing His ride with RLL Team McLaren this season.

 

Meanwhile, Andretti Global IndyCar driver “Kirk”, Err Kyle Kirkwood continues His “Endurance Specialist” role with Vasser Sullivan racing. Joining the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 GTD Pro entry, reuniting with regular chauffeurs Ben Barnicoat and Bloody “Union Jack” Hawksworth. As this trio has been victorious previously, having won the 2024 Sebring 12 Hours GTD Pro category.

 

Then on January 5th, I learned that ScottyMac’, nee Scott Mclaughlin has joined DXDT Racing’s No. 36 GTD Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry. Which Before the official press release on Jan 7th named McLaughlin joining Salih Yoluc and Charlie Eastwood, and DXDT newcomer Mason Filippi.

 

As ScottyMac’ contested last year’s Rolex 24 driving the Trackhouse by TF Sport’s All Star Corvette Z06 GT3.R for the first time.

 

Whilst I was totally unaware that McLaughlin had raced in last September’s Suzuka 1000KM race. Finishing third for Johor Motorsport’s alongside GM Factory drivers Alexander Simms and Nicky Catsburg aboard a Corvette Z06 GT3R.

 

Also learning that new Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) Indy NXT driver James Roe will co-drive the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in the GTD category.

 

Interestingly, Roe’s joined by Aussie’ Scott Anderws, Netherlands Lin Hodenius and Estonian Ralf Aron. The latter I’m wondering if related to Alpine F1 test and reserve driver Paul Aron?

 

Yes, Paul is Ralf’s brother, some six years younger… 

Tres Racecars at Penske Racing Museum

 

Tomaso poses in front of three iconic Penske Racing Cars. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

This photo was taken many years ago during one of my annual visits to the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale, AZ. It features the iconic Yellow Submarine made famous by Rick Mears, who won the  1984 Indianapolis 500 aboard it. Mark Donohue’s 1974 Penske PC1 Formula 1 chassis, sponsored by First City National Bank. And Mario Andretti’s IROC VI Championship winning Camaro, Sweet!

 

Not sure why I’ve kept this old Autoweek article’s link upon Ye Gory Confuzer forever? But without Mark Donohue, there would be no Team Penske! And it’s a good look back at Penske Racin and Donohue’s beginnings…

 

In Search of Team Penske Racing legend Mark Donohue

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel