Showing posts with label Museums. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Museums. Show all posts

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Some Eye Candy outside the Penske Racing Museum

Hmm, that sure is a strange lookin’ Ferrari Vern! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As why is Supertramp’s Dreamer, You know You’re A Dreamer song playing in my Head right now. You’re Nothing but A Dreamer, Tomaso!

 

Trying to “Stitch” together the languishing thoughts of another great visit to the Penske Racing Museum this past March. Which naturally is fading away, since time simply marches on, Hut One-Two-four!

 

Traipsing thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again

 

As here’s what I initially scribbled upon my return home, which I’ve tried adding more context to, along with my usual corrections…

 

A lone Lamborghini Huracan Evo sat parked alongside a stable of Prancing Horses. Next to a Ferrari F8 Tributo, followed by a Ferrari Roma. Then a pair of SF90 Stradale’s followed by quattro 296GTB’s; ranging in cost from $320k to $400k, Aye Karumba! Although I believe that the F8 Tributo was above $500,000, Sheisa!

 

Pretty sure I had another of my “Strike the Pose” pictures snapped standing between a pair of Ferrari 488’s. Initially thinking that one was  a coupe and the other being a Spyder model. Although later, Blogmeister’ Miguel informed me they both appeared to be Coupes.

 

Have to say my only minor disappointment was the fact that there were no 296 GTS models for sale, albeit these were the previously owned models holding court outside in the Penske Auto Group’s voluminous parking lot…

 

As how can one be disappointed with being able to freely saunter around such a stunning collection of previously owned Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s! While having Blinders for all of the other luxury brands, i.e.; Aston Martin, Bentley, etc. Including the Joey “Sliced Bread” Lagano Ford Mustang GT Taxicab Bomber, Zoink!

 

Ironically, Lagano just broke “The King”, aka Richard Petty’s record for being the youngest driver to reach 600 starts at Dover, being some six month younger than Petty…

 

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But being Blind, have I mentioned that lately, Y’all? Naturally I was nervous posing around such expensive automobile finery with my white cane. Which contrary to many, is not a walking or hiking stick, seriously people?

 

Blogmeister Miguel made sure I didn’t get too close to any of these beautiful Ferrari’s. Or whack ‘em with my cane!

 

Naturally I have zero clue what looks better? The Huracan, F8 Tributo or Roma? Although I know which of these three I would choose to own…

 

Thought that the F8 Tributo was the final Ferrari built with its traditional V-8 engine, to which Miguel immediately told me that the Roma had a V-8, so what do I know, Ci?

 

As both the F8 Tributo and Roma utilize Ferrari’s Tipo 154 CV 3.9-litre twin turbocharged V-8 engine, that first debuted in the 2013 488 GTB. Which contrary to my rudimentary knowledge of Ferrari’s model naming conventions, for which there appears little, Ci? The 488 denotes the actual per “Cilindri” cubic volume (CC) of its v-8 engine. Hmm, I just learned something new, Magnifico!

 

As the Tipo 154 V-8 engine was the first turbocharged motor developed by Ferrari since the F40’s Tipo 120A Wayback’ in 1987.

 

Both the F8 Tributo and Roma utilize seven speed sequential dry sump automatic transmissions. Arse-sumedly with Ferrari’s de riggour steering wheel paddle shifters.

 

The F8 Tributo is a two door mid-engine layout, whilst the Roma is a front engine 2+2 model. Both presumably with plenty “O Horsepower to Giddie Up!

 

As the F8 Tributo has 710bhp on “tap” to claimed 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. 0-124mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 211mph,Magnifico!

 

Whilst Road & Track reportedly flogged their U.S. spec model thru the Quarter mile in 10.3 seconds at 132.8mph. Making Ferrari’s 0-100kp/h (62mph) and 0-200kp/h (124mph) claims slower then stated, but its still no slouch!

 

The SF90 Stradale, a la F8 Tributo also debuted in 2019. While the soon to be out of production Roma debuted in 2020. And is la Scuderia’s first plug-in hybrid automobile It uses a slightly enlarged 4.0-litre version of the Tipo 154 V-8 twin-turbo engine, which as been produced in four various capacities.

 

Fitted with an eight speed dual clutch automatic dry sump transmission. The car utilizes three electric motors, one on the transmission, and one on each front wheel. Developing a staggering 986bhp total output!

 

Ferrari claims the SF90 can reach 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds, 0-124mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed also of 211mph. Which I’d say is very impressive since I’d Arse-sume the electric motors and battery add significant weight to the car.

 

The SF90 Stradale comes in two body configurations, i.e.; Berlinetta or Spyder. The latter being an electronically driven retractable hardtop.

 

While the 296 GTB’s seem almost not worth discussing, especially with four various “garden” variety 296 GTB’s parked together.

 

But its hard to scoff at any Ferrari, and the 296 GTB is a serious piece of Kit as those Bloody Brits would say. Even if it utilizes a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V-6 in place of la Scuderia’s traditional V-8 engines…

 

Joey Lagano’s No. 22 Ford Mustang GT racecar photo inside Penske Racing Museum c/o Blogmeister Miguel. 

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

RETRO: Remembering the original Miller High Life’s Chauffeur

Miller High Life March 85C on display at the Penske Racing Museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

If only Jacob Abel could have found one of those missing three miles per hour Sunday…

 

This riveting No Fenders story is about ‘Ol Hollywood’, aka Danny Sullivan. Yet Just to put things into perspective. Reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou tied Sullivan’s, Tony Kanaan and Jimmy Murphy’s career tally of 17 wins at road America on just His 90th start!

As the Spaniard, who’s truly having a magical season, had 17 wins, 38 podiums and eight poles in 90 starts. While Sullivan had 17 wins, 40 podiums and 19 poles from 171 starts over 12 years, double Palou’s “short” career to date.

 

Danny Sullivan came back upon my radar, presumably like most for it being the 40th anniversary of that most memorable Spin ‘n win Indianapolis 500 victory on May 26, 1985; which I still believe is the first modern day Indy 500 I watched on television.

 

VIDEO: Danny Sullivan’s 1985 Indianapolis 500

 

It was fun hearing the old soundbite of IMS Radio Network’s call of the 1985 Indianapolis 500 during the pre-race build-up Sunday morning for this year’s race. As Paul Page, who turns 80 this November 25th, certainly sounds His age today, which obviously is part of the aging process we All experience…

 

Funniest bit in Page’s post-race live interview 40yrs ago is Sully’ saying He’d read the scoreboard wrong and thought there were only 14-laps remaining and it was time to G-O when He spun passing Mario! Which was actually only lap 140…

 

Along with Sully’ repeatedly yelling Mamma! Before Page asked who’s that Danny? That’s my mamma! During the live winner’s interview in victory lane; then being 35yr old.

 

Daniel John Sullivan III was born on March 9, 1950 in Louisville, Kentucky, which is also where current IndyCar driver Jacob Abel hails from.

 

Sullivan who was a Lumberjack and New York City Taxi driver before becoming a racing star, cut His racing teeth with a 21st birthday gift to the Jim Russell Driving School in Jolly ‘Ol England.

 

Sullivan made His CART PPG IndyCar world Series debut in 1982 for Forsythe Racing at the Stroh’s 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and contested two rounds that year, i.e.; Atlanta and Indianapolis.

 

Driving Forsythe Racing’s No. 33 March 82C Cosworth, Sullivan finished an impressive third upon debut at Atlanta. Before making His rookie debut in that year’s Indianapolis 500. With fellow rookies Chet Fillip, Chip Ganassi, Herm Johnson, Jim Hickman, Roger Mears, Bobby Rahal, Hector Rebaque and Dale Whittington.

 

As this was the race where ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee A.J. Foyt infamously called Kevin Cogan that Damn Coogan! As Danny qualified 13th and finished P14 after crashing in Turn 4 on lap 148.

 

For 1983, Sullivan drove for the Tyrrell Formula 1 team at the behest of the team’s primary sponsor Benetton, who wanted an American driver in F1. As Sullivan’s highlight would be finishing fifth in Monaco before being let go at season’s end.

 

Returning Stateside, Danny joined Doug Shierson’s race team and promptly won three races during the 1984 IndyCar season. Including His debutante win at Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront racetrack. Followed by wins at Pocono, ironically the team’s primary sponsor’s Domino’s Pizza 500. And the Molson Indy 300 at the Sanair Super Speedway in Quebec, where future Penske teammate Ric Mears had a nasty crash that year!

 

Having finished fourth overall in the ’84 IndyCar Championship with five podiums, Sully’ moved to Penske Racing, alongside teammates :Rocket” Rick Mears and Big al’, ergo Al Unser Sr.

 

As how many of us remember that Pancho Carter won the 1985 Indianapolis 500 pole? Or that Mario Andretti started fourth and Sullivan started eighth…

 

The zenith of Sully’s racing career came in 1988 when driving that beautiful gold Miller Beer car, nee Miller High Life for Team Penske. Winning four races that season, including Portland. Amassing eleven podiums and nine pole positions enroute to winning the CARTPPG IndyCar World championship.

 

Whilst Danny would drive for El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske until the end of 1990. Capping His Penske career by winning His final race at Laguna Seca,after leading wire-to-wire from pole.

 

Next, Sullivan spent one forgettable season at Patrick Racing with its recalcitrant Alfa Romeo project. Then two fraught years with His final two IndyCar wins as ‘lil Al’s (Unser Jr) Galles Draco teammate, and then a subpar partial season for local PacWest Racing in ’95 before retiring from Open wheel Racing after a major shunt during the Michigan 500.

 

Having regaled Y’all a decade ago with more esoteric ramblings upon ‘Ol Hollysood’ in the following No fenders tome…

 

Remembering ‘Ol Hollywood’

 

Sullivan also tried His hand at Touring Cars races for Alfa Romeo and NASCAR. Along with making a total of four 24 Hours of Le Mans starts. With His best finish being third in the 1994 24 Heurs du Mans with Hans-Joachim Stuck and Thierry Boutsen, driving the Dauer 962 Le Mans entry.

 

Meanwhile, back when I could still “See”, I recall that the Team Penske Miller High Life March 85C was the only Indy 500 winner on display with a “Duckbill” nose, which I interpreted as being a road course nose. Since every other Indianapolis 500 winner on display at the Penske Racing Museum had needle nose’s. For which I’ve got no idea what shows up in the picture above?

 

Whilst I was disappointed that the legendous’ Spin ‘n Win car wasn’t on display at the Penske Racing Museum this March. For which it apparently showed up in Gasoline alley in May. Along with the man Himself, now 75 years old taking a celebratory lap of honour Sunday morning.

 

Which I suppose makes it even more disappointing that Jacob Abel wasn’t able to qualify His Dale Coyne Racing’s Dallara DW12 Honda replete in Miller High Life livery for this year’s 109th running of that ‘lil Oval race held now each Memorial Day weekend… 

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

PRM: First Time Winner

2023 Shell V-Power Nitro+ IndyCar. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Front view of Josef Newgarden’s 2023 Team Penske Indianapolis 500 winner, replete with de riggour Aeroscreen.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel) 

PRM: Josef Newgarden’s 2023 Indy 500 winner

Side view of Shell V-Power Nitro+ Dallara DW12 Chevrolet. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Here’s Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Team Penske chassis, winner of the 107th Indianapolis 500 on display in Scottsdale.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)         

Monday, June 2, 2025

PRM: Menards Magic

Menards 2019 Dallara DW12 Chevrolet. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Front view of Simon Pagenaud’s 2019 Menards Team Penske IndyCar. Winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel) 

PRM: Simon Pagenaud’s Indy 500 winner

Side view of Menards 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Here’s Simon Pagenaud’s bright, neon green Menards 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner on display in Scottsdale. As Symone’, nee Pageantry’ (Simon Pagenaud) gave John Menard His debutante Indy 500 winners ring, after forty years of frustration!

 

Long ago Bruce Martin story on John Menard’s path to finally claiming victory in the Indianapolis 500.

 

https://www.indycar.com/News/2019/05/05-29-BMartin-John-Menard

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel) 

Sunday, June 1, 2025

PRM: Red Menace

Verizon Dallara DW12 Chevrolet IndyCar. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

On display at the Penske Racing Museum this March, sat DJ WillyP’s, aka Will Power’s shiny red Verizon racecar He drove to victory at the final Belle Isle IndyCar race in 2022, along with winning that year’s Astor Cup aboard.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel) 

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Traipsing thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again

Scott McLaughlin’s 2018 Supercars Championship winning Ford Falcon on display in Scottsdale. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As no jokes about ScottyMac’ needing His Ford Falcon to bounce off the walls at Mother Speedway. Or Team Penske’s travails during Ye Month ‘O May…

 

In what’s become a cherished tradition during every visit to The Valley of The Sun, once again your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was blissfully ensconced in the Penske Racing Museum this past March.

 

Some three weeks plus after my latest visit, I suddenly found myself wondering if my recollection of my inaugural visit was correct? To which I’m happy to say it was fairly spot-on nearly twenty years later. Albeit it was actually November 30, 2005 when I first set foot inside the Penske Racing Museum thanks solely to Blogmeister Miguel taking me there. Having seen El Capitano talking to Ye ‘Ol Windbag Dave Despain on Wind Tunnel the same year from the museum…

 

Although it slays me now, I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised that I launched a nine page story on my first visit to la Museo some 13yrs ago. For which if you’re inclined. Whale’ Yuhs better be Damn well inclined or comfy if you’re gonna read All Gory 4,253 words written in Thy No Fenders Post, Aye Karumba!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/04/penske-racing-museum-inaugural-visit.html

 

Arriving at 1PM, Blogmeister Miguel and I accidently walked into the adjoining Aston Martin dealership, where we were immediately met by a friendly Salesman curtly asking if He could help us? To which Miguel seeing the rest of our party waving at us thru the glass walls, said I guess the museum is next door…

 

The first IndyCar chassis encountered was Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner. Followed by His 2017 Championship winning mount. Other various IndyCars sat on display, including two Norton Gould Rick Mears cars. Mears 1984 No. 6 “Yellow Submarine” Indy 500 winner. Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ read to me the information plaque upon Tom sneva’s racecar that He set the first official 200mph lap at the Brickyard in.

 

Gil de Feran’s 100th race winning Reynard/Honda resplendent in Team Penske’s long standing Marlboro white with Dayglo red also graced the museum’s main floor. Being the car that won El Capitano His “Ton” of IndyCar victories, becoming the first ever IndyCar team to do so.

 

Along with Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner, there were a further three chassis I’d never “seen” before. One being the red No. 12 Verizon of Will Power, the Aussie’s 2022 mount that He won the final Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle, along with that year’s Astor Challenge Cup aboard. Nee 2022 IndyCar Series title.

 

Both Blogmeister Miguel and Artiste Dave were “wowed” by and audaciously bright neon lime green IndyCar bellowing to Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud. Being Simon’s 2019 Menard Indianapolis 500 winner.

 

The fourth and final “New” car that initially stumped me as Snowbyrd MJ’ said it was the #17 of ScottyMac’s, Huh? Turned out to be Scott McLaughlin’s No. 17 Ford Falcon FG X racecar that He campaigned for FordDJR Team Penske between 2017-18. The last Falcon model raced Down Under in V-8 Supercars.

 

As it makes sense that the car that Mclaughlin first came tantalizingly close to winning the 2017 Supercars Championship with, and then securing the first of His three consecutive Supercars titles in 2018 with, is now proudly on display in Scottsdale.

 

https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/mclaughlin-reunites-with-first-supercars-title-winner/

 

Also, initially I was Cornfuzed’ over why Newgarden’s 2023 Indy 500 winner wasn’t the same chassis that He used to repeat winning in 2024? And I still hadn’t figured it out some three weeks later, until No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets came up with a close answer. Whale’, at least He pointed Mwah in the right direction…

 

Having “read”, err listened to the IndyStar’s article on the gala reopening of the IMS Museum, which includes the Penske Gallery. Replete with the 1988, 1994, 2009 and 2024 Indianapolis 500 winning chassis on loan. Along with Penske Racing’s first Indianapolis 500 entry, Mark Donohue’s 1969 Lola T152. And the winner from El Capitano’, aka roger Penske’s very first trip to Mother speedway in 1951.

 

Do Y’all know the answer to this riveting trivia question? Time’s up, put them pencils down…

 

Yep, that’s right, the 2024 Dallara DW12 chassis featured the new for that season’s Hybrid Energy Recovery System, (ERS) adding some 100lbs to the ageless DW12 racecar. Having made it’s 200th start at St Pete one year ago!

 

Although IndyCar didn’t introduce the Hybrid ERS system until Mid-Ohio in July, 2024. I’m 86% certain that the 2024 Dallara DW12 was decked out with the new magnesium bell housing/transmission casing and other ERS ancillaries, minus the ERS unit…

 

Hence, Arse-suming this Dallara DW12 also included the auxiliary “plumbing” systems. Most notably the right hand side ERS cooling radiator, that Chevrolet teams used the “blocker” plate , louver or whatever they’re called at the Thermal Club this year to negative effect. When the increased temperature sent the ERS into “limp” mode to preserve itself from overheating!

 

Or was it simply the fact that I heard sometime this May that Penske simply pulls every Indianapolis 500 winner out of service for posterity’s sake to be displayed in perpetuity?

 

Naturally, as time marches on, and we’ve just wrapped up another vaunted “Month of May”. Especially with how crazy this year’s race was! I’m beginning to forget what else was on hand? Although I know Mark Donohue’s 1973 IROC Porsche 911 Carrera RSR was there. Along with El Capitano’s 1963 Catalina NASCAR Tintop’.

 

Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that the 1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Pace Car was on display. Although I don’t remember if Donohue’s 1972 McLaren M16 Sunoco Indy 500 winner was on display?

 

And although I knew it wouldn’t be there, I was still disappointed that one of the Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsch 963’s weren’t present. Then again, Id Arse-sume that the All conquering No. 7 will once day in the future grace the Penske Racing Museum.

 

And that’s just a slice of what was Thar’, since I didn’t even mention Joey “Sliced bread” Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500 winning Pennzoil Ford fusion, or All of the “Eye Candy” outside the museum… 

Monday, October 9, 2023

LE MANS: Triple Crown Winners, Part 5

Betcha Y’all are saying Hallelujah! We’ve finally crossed the Finish line on this lumbering endurance story multiple 24 Hours round Ye clock later!

 

Yeah, if you’re still reading this five part No Fenders story? Which I definitely appreciate Y’all doing so! Especially since if Yuhs cannot tell, I’m runnin’ outta Steam.

 

Thus it seems overly Apropos that we’ve begun with a German and we end with another two Germans. As Germany and the United States ties with three drivers apiece. Followed by two Bloody Brit’s and Uno Italian’s…

 

Marco Werner

Birthplace: Dortmund, Germany

DOB: April 27, 1966, Age: 57

Wins: Daytona1995; Sebring, (3) 2003, 2005, 2007 and Le Mans, (3) 2005-07

 

Marco Werner is another Sports Car driver I tend to remember nothing about, albeit His name sounded vaguely familiar and I should have remembered Him for racing in the American Le Mans Series for the All conquering Audi’s.

 

Reportedly Werner finished runner-up in the Opel Euroseries and German Formula 3 Championships behind somebody named tom Kristensen…

 

Unable to graduate to thee Pinnacle ‘O Motorsports, ergo Formula 1, Werner focused upon Sports Car racing instead.

 

After toiling in Porsche Supercup, Marco scored His first major endurance race event upon winning the 1995 Rolex 24 driving a Kremer Porsche 962.

 

Werner then won the first of His eventual three 12 Hours of Sebring victories in ’03. Dovetailing His latter two Sebring W’s while completing a rare Hat trick at Circuit de la Sarthe. Winning the prestigious 24 Heurs du Mans between 2005-07 for Audi. With Sebring being part of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) which ran a similar rules package to the ACO, governing body of Le Mans.

 

As Werner’s first victory at Le Mans alongside JJ Letho, claiming His second and final Le Mans win. Presumably were overshadowed by co-driver Tom Kristensen claiming His sixth consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans victory and seventh overall, surpassing Jacky Ickx’s previous record…

 

With Audi primarily racing in ALMS and Le Mans, albeit Audi’s dominant R8 LMP1 chassis did contest the Le Mans Endurance Series. Werner’s winning Daytona was rare for drivers of this era, since the 24 Hours of Daytona was under the auspices of first the United States Road Racing Championship. (USRRC) And then the rival Grand American Road Racing Championship, later becoming the Rolex Sports Car Series sanctioning bodies. Better know  simply as Grand Am between 1998-2013.

 

Timo Bernhart

Birthplace: Homburg, West Germany

DOB: February 24, 1981, Age: 42

Wins: Daytona 2003; Sebring 2008 and Le Mans, (2) 2010, 2017

 

What stands out to me about Timo Bernhard, our youngest and most current Triple Crown winner is His Porsche RS Spyder links.

 

As I fondly recall Him being part of El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske’s Werks’ AMLS LMP2 Porsche RS Spyder team between 2006-08. As this was one of the tteams I rooted for, since I quickly tired of Audi winning everything!

 

Having seen the winning Porsche RS Spyder multiple times at the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale, AZ. Although I don’t recall it being on display during my most recent visit to The Valley of the Sun.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/03/another-enjoyable-visit-to-my-favourite.html

 

As Bernard won the ’08 12 Hours of Sebring as alongside fellow  Factory Porsche drivers Romain Dumas and Emmanuel Collard, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

 

Like most current day racing drivers, Timo cut His teeth in Go Karts, before making His single seater debut in 1998 in Formula Ford. The following year He finished third overall in the German Formula ford Championship before moving onto Sports Cars.

 

Bernhard raced in Porsche Supercup and made His ALMS debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2001, finishing second in the GT Clas for alex Job Racing.

 

In 2002 He claimed His first GT Class victory at Le Mans driving for Kevin Buckler’s The Racer’s Group in a Porsche 911 GT3-RS.

 

The following year, Buckler and Company surprised the racing world by winning the 24 Hours of Daytona outright in the aforementioned Porsche 911 GT3-RS racecar. As this was the debut season for the Grand Am’s Daytona Prototypes (DP) class, leaving the door open for the ultra reliable Porsche 911 to claim victory.

 

Paired with Jorg Bergmeister, timo and Jorg won their class at the season ending Petit Le Mans. And then the duo romped to six wins in nine races to win the 2004 ALMS GT Class, which included victories at Sebring and Petit Le mans.

 

After His three year stint at Penske ended, when the team’s contract expired and Penske wound down it’s ALMS programme. Bernard and Dumas joined the Joest racing team, better known as Audi Sport Team Joest. With Bernhard, Dumas and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller winning the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans aboard an Audi R15 TDI Plus.

 

Arse-sumedly Timo became part of Porsche’s return to top flight LMP1 prototype racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship between 2015-2017. Driving one of the Porsche 919 Hybrid’s to it’s third and final victory at Le Mans, in what became a survival of the fittest in the 919 Hybrid’s final outing at Circuit de la Sarthe.

 

Coming from behind, at the 20 Hours mark, Bernard’s No. 2 Porsche was fifth overall, before first Bernard unlapped the entry back onto the lead lap and then took the lead with one hour remaining! As Bernard and co-drivers Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley won the 2017 24 Heurs du Mans, giving Porsche it’s 19th and most current overall victory at Le Mans. 

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

PHOTOS: Spirit of America Sonic I



Side view of Spirit of America Sonic I on display at the IMS Museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

These pictures of Craig Breedlove’s Sonic I Turbojet Land Speed record car were taken during May of 2012. As this is the vehicle which Breedlove was the first to surpass 500 and 600mph aboard! Along with His then wife Lee setting the Women’s land speed record of 308.5mph, which stood for nearly four decades…

 

Picture C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

PHOTOS: Spirit of America’s Backside



Rear view of Craig Breedlove’s Sonic I Turbojet LSR car. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Picture C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’            

Monday, April 17, 2023

Noted Land Speed Record Holder Craig Breedlove Flames Out!

Who as a 13yr Old boy felt “the Need for Speed!” When making His very first pass in a Dragster…

 

I initially “Heard” the News via the Car and Driver Magazine section upon my Newsline for The Blind telephone service on Wednesday, April 5th. Stating that multiple sources were reporting that Craig Breedlove had Died at the Age of 86 on April 4th.

 

Breedlove as many may know, was synonymous wit His Spirit of America Jet engine “Rocket” Cars. For which Breedlove became the first to officially break the 400, 500 and lastly 600mph speed barrier. With Breedlove being locked in a Mano e Mano duel with the Arfon Brothers, i.e.; Walt and Art, of Akron, Ohio in their quest to be the Fastest Man on Earth!

 

Initially Breedlove’s record of 407.447mph over One Flying Mile was Not recognized by the FIA as an official Land Speed Record (LSR) since it failed to meet their guidelines of having four wheels and two driven wheels.

 

As Breedlove had set that speed in His original Spirit of America, a three wheeled vehicle propelled by a surplus -F-86 Sabre Jet Fighter J-47 Turbojet engine in the Fall of 1963. For which His accomplishment was immortalized by the Beach boys Spirit of America song that same year.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKJcA2foaH4

 

Then between October 2, 1964 to November 15, 1965, Walt, His younger Half Brother Art and Breedlove traded the land speed record a further eight times! Although Walt hired Tom Green to drive His Wingfoot Express in 1964 after suffering a serious Hand injury when unloading the vehicle at Bonneville. With Art claiming three land speed records vs. Breedlove five.

 

As Breedlove’s Two way average Flying Mile speed of 600.601mph mark stood for five years until Gary Gabelich aboard His Blue Flame Natural Gas powered Rocket Car broke the record at 622.407mph over One mile, which I’ve previously scribbled’ about here upon No Fenders ong ago in my two part The 700 Club tome.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2010/06/700-club.html

 

Craig recorded a speed of 526.277mph in His Sonic I in 1964. Yet His parachutes failed to operate and Breedlove went onto claim another record, albeit surely unwanted. With the Guinness Book of World Records denoting His five mile Skid as the World’s longest!

 

Before the out of control Sonic I Hit a telegraph Pole with legend claiming Breedlove had the presence of mind to unlock the Sonic I’s canopy before submerging itself in a Brine water lake! And when rescuers finally arrived. Breedlove calmly pronounced for my next trick I’ll set Myself on fire!

 

As I was fortunate enough to see Breedlove’s record setting Spirit of America Sonic I, a General electric J-79 Phantom Jet Fighter engine’s four wheel Jet Car on display at then the IMS Hall of Fame Museum Wayback’ in May, 2012. For which I’d have to say it seemed totally out of place amongst the various classic Indianapolis 500 racing cars…

 

Yet when I think of Messer Breedlove, my mind invariably wonders back to the years 1996-97. When over the course of approximately one year, Breedlove saw the Highs ‘N Lows for the pursuit of becoming the first person to break the Speed of Sound on land, then the ultimate Land Speed record!

 

As I cannot say that I really remember Craig’s incident in October, 1996, when a garbled radio message left Him misunderstanding the winds velocity of 15mph Crosswinds, which He heard as 1.5mph! Therefore, during a High Speed run of some 675mph, Craig Heavily crashed His latest land speed record Challenger, the Spirit of America Formula Shell LSRV!

 

As this latest Spirit of America LSR vehicle also utilized an ubiquitous GE J-79 Turbojet engine for it’s motivating power, albeit being converted to produce it’s maximum 22,650lbs thrust running on unleaded Gasoline.

 

Yet what I still remember most, was working in what was affectionately Not! Known as the “Plywood Palace,” with a Blimey’ British Engineer John Somebody’ politely throwing Barbs back “n forth with me daily over Breedlove’s race against Richard Noble’s ThrustSSC at Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, for ultimate Bragging rights over being the first to break the Sound barrier on land. For which we All know ThrustSSC did so in October, 1997.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2017/10/when-thrustssc-went-supersonic-on-land.html

 

As I do recall how a loose bolt completely destroyed Breedlove’s primary J-79 engine during a speed attempt run. And His underfinance, tiny volunteer crew never recovered from that incident! Even after installing a backup jet engine, Craig just couldn’t compete against ThrustSSC and Andy green.

 

Being a Shelby American and All things Blue Oval Devotee. I’m aware of the Arse-sumedly obscure fact that Craig would set some 23 Speed records aboard one of ‘Ol Shel’s Cobra Daytona Coupes Wayback in November, 1965 at a Goodyear tyre test. And then later again at Bonneville, along with His wife Lee, would set multiple records for AMC in both it’s radical AMX and Javelin “Pony Car” automobiles.

 

Since I’m guessing most, like myself originally, aren’t aware that Craig’s wife Lee was also a Speed Junky. Having become the world’s Fastest Couple in 1965!

 

Although Breedlove was married a total of six times, and He and Lee Divorced in 1968…

 

Having only discovered that Lee had held the Women’s land Speed record at 308.5mph, also set aboard the Spirit of America’s Sonic I in 1965. When learning of Jessie Combs Death in 2019.

 

As Combs had broken Lee Breedlove’s record in 2013 and was then chasing Kitty O’Neil’s record before perishing in the Alvord Desert in Oregon, before being awarded the current Women’s land speed record posthumously…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/09/jessi-combs-womans-land-speed-record.html 

Monday, March 27, 2023

PRM: Donohue – Front ‘N Center



Front view of Mark Donohue’s 1966 Lola T-152 Offenhauser 4WD IndyCar. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel 

PRM: Mark Donohue’s 1969 Lola IndyCar



Left side view of Mark Donohue’s #66 1969 Sunoco Lola T-152 Four Wheel Drive Offenhauser IndyCar, with Snowbyrd  MJ’ in background. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel 

Saturday, March 25, 2023

PRM: Power – Front ‘N Center



Front view of Will Power’s 2018 #12 Verizon Dallara IR-18/Chevrolet Indianapolis 500 winner. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel 

PRM: Will Power’s Indy 500 Winner and Pace Car



Left Front view of Will Power’s black 2018 #12 Verizon Indianapolis 500 winning IndyCar. With the blue 2018 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car in background. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel     

Friday, March 24, 2023

PRM: Newgarden – Front ‘N Center



Front view of Josef Newgardn’s 2017 Championship winning No. 2 Dallara/Chevrolet IndyCar. Featuring the virtually unknown, and forgotten HUM by Verizon sponsorship livery. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel

    

PRM: Josef Newgarden’s IndyCar



Left Side view of Josef Newgardn’s 2017 No. 2 HUM by Verizon Dallara/Chevrolet Championship winning IndyCar.

 

As this was the last year for the Dallara DW12 chassis without Aeroscreen, and features the old Airbox Bodywork before today’s IR-18 Universal Aero Kit design was introduced. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel 

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Another Enjoyable Visit to My Favourite Scottsdale Haunt



As how can you go wrong when you’re surrounded by a veritable Treasure Trove of vintage Indianapolis 500 winners!

 

Returning to The Valley of The Sun for the first time in nearly three years last October, naturally another visit to the Penske Racing Museum (PRM) was warranted. As here’s what I scribbled’ following my 2019 visit.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2020/01/retro-doin-thee-indycar-time-warp.html

 

Thus obviously, I was very Happy when Snowbyrd MJ’ asked me if I wanted to go visit the Penske Racing Museum, to which I playfully replied, Uh Duh! Where Blogmeister’ Miguel joined us for our afternoon visit.

 

The Penske Racing Museum is nestled inside the multiple Auto Dealerships of the Penske Auto Group’s Scottsdale campus, with a total of 13 Brands. Which includes the likes of Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Land rover, Jaguar and Porsche. Not to mention the insane Off Road Land Rover test course behind the museum! Along with a luxury “Used Car” Dealership that always has a smattering of Ferrari’s to Drool over…

 

While best of All, Admission is Free, Bravo! Since I can still recall when I used to pay only three Smackeroos’ ($3) for Penske’s other museum at some place on 16th and Georgetown. Which now will se Yuhs back $15.00, but I digress…

 

And like many stories Here upon Ye Isle ‘O Nofendersville that get stranded in the Driftwood. I’m afraid I’ve forgotten some of the details from this now fading, but enjoyable visit, but will try to recollect my best…

 

Feel like Yuhs can never go wrong by having one of my all-time favourite Penske Racing Indy Cars on “Point,” aka the museum’s entrance. As it’s the ultra Sweet 1972 Deep Blue Mark Donohue #66 Sunoco McLaren M16B/Offenhauser Indianapolis 500 winner, which I’ve seen many times before thankfully! Since have I reminded Y’all I’m blind lately?

 

Hmm? While who’ll be running that fabled Number 66 this May for His Last, lat, last, may be? Indianapolis 500 race, Eh?

 

And I’m fairly certain that that year’s Indianapolis 500 Pace Car was also on display. This being the ultra rare 1972 Hurst/Olds Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible in Cameo white with Gold reflective stripes. For which reportedly only 130 Convertibles were built from the Uber low production of 629 total Hurst/Olds that year!

 

Whilst my current favourite Indy 500 Pace Car was on display as usual. Which is Funny since I always remember Will Power saying it’s His wife Liz’s car! This being the Dark Blue 2018 Corvette ZR1, which I think is currently the latest ZR1 Vette’ available?

 

Most of the racecars on display were the same, i.e.; multiple Indianapolis 500 winners, Penske’s Formula 1 chassis and “The Gasman,” ergo Tom sneva’s 200mph Indy 500 Qualifier. Along with the liberal sprinkling of IndyCar engines on stands, trophies, etc.

 

As I know there were various Chevrolet CART 2.65-litre V-8 turbocharger lumps to Gawk at. Along with the 1,000 Horsepower 1994 Mercedes “Stock block” V-8 engine to admire…

 

In what soon became a game of Stump Tomaso! With Miguel simply telling me a year and colour, or sponsor to see what your Old-ER’ Blogger could remember?

 

This litmus test included the 1985 “Spin ‘N Win” Indy 500 Danny Sullivan winner. Various “rocket Rick” Mears Indy 500 winners, i.e.; 1984 Pennzoil “Yellow submarine” and 1991 Marlboro liveries. Also think Big Al’s (Unser Sr.) 1987 yellow Hertz winner was there? And perhaps some other “Bad Habits” (Marlboro) Indy Cars? Since I tend to think may be Gil de Ferran’s 100th IndyCar winner was On-hand…

 

Along with “the Gasman” Tom Sneva’s 1977 McLaren M24/Cosworth V-8 DFX. Which Sneva officially became the first person to exceed a lap of over 200mph at Mother Speedway in. Plus I recall Snowbyrd MJ’ marveling over the fact that one of the racecars was sponsored by first City travelers Checks! Which was the 1975 Mark Donohue Penske PC1 Formula 1 chassis.

 

And El Capitano’s, nee roger Penske’s NASCAR Riverside winning 1963 Catalina was on display as always, for which I’ve just read on the Penske Racing Museum website is a replica. While there was one really weird, tiny Ferrari replicar on display. For which the friendly receptionist told us was being held there until it could be safely delivered to it’s client…

 

There were also a few Roundy round Taxicab Bombers on display, for which I cannot remember what the first one was? Although I think it was a Curt Busch car.

 

And then I correctly guessed Joey Lagano’s #22 Pennzoil racecar, which I think could have been His 2018 NASCAR Championship car? Since I know we later marveled over how massive and impressive the Harvey J. Earle NASCAR Champions trophy was!

 

As very impressive how Penske won last year’s IndyCar and NASCAR Championships in the same season for the first time ever.

 

And perhaps it was just some Good ‘Ol Karma of having one of “Sliced Bread’s” Taxicab Bombers on display. Since Joey Lagano would go onto claim His second NASCAR Championship that November appropriately at Phoenix International Raceway!

 

While there’s a stairway leading up to the second floor, which primarily holds various scale IndyCar Wind tunnel models in their complete liveries, matching the real winning Indy 500 racecars below. Along with a gift Shop and Café, for which both were Closed, due to Staffing Shortage. Whilst I’ve got Zero Clue if the Gift Shop merchandise can be ordered Online?

 

Whilst Yuhs might also enjoy reading the first part of this meandering No Fenders tome. Where I regaled Y’all  about the three “new’ racing cars spotted during Thy museum visit in the following No Fenders story below.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/03/a-few-new-racecars-on-display-at-penske.html


Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel

Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’ and Tomaso pose during the start of our Penske Racing Museum visit. (The Tomaso Collection)