HYDROS: San Diego Thriller gets waterlogged over elongated Offseason

Like does anybody remember last September?

 

Yeah, it feels like a really, really long time ago when I tuned in for Heat 5 of the Bill Muncey Cup from Bayfair in San Diego via H1 Unlimited’s Hideous Youtube channel Wayback’ on September 14th! As I still don’t understand why I need to jack up the volume an excruciating 46-48 levels! Just in order to be able to hear Brad Luce and Tanner Foust, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot!

 

Came into the broadcast when Luce was pontificating over Ray Fageol, grandson of the legendous’ Lou Fageol. And everything Ray had done for Bayfair and San Diego regarding Unlimited Hydroplane racing. And “With a little Help from some Friends”, i.e.; the Fageol Family and Fran Muncey, widow of Mr. Hydroplane Bill Muncey. Ray’s ashes were riding along with Dave Villwock aboard the U-27 Miss Apollo. With Luce saying it wasn’t planned, but there goes Villwock as the whoosh of a turbine filled my speakers, Whoosh!

 

While they were killing time for the apparent winner of Heat 4, Villwock to be confirmed. They ran a piece about how the U-11 Flav-R-Pac out of Cle Elem, WA has the youngest crew in the pits. With five 30-somethings working on the boat. As co-owner Sharon Reiny noted their youngest member was only 21 and had been with them since age 11!

 

As they were busy the entire weekend in Mission Bay. With Luce and Foust making jokes about diving deep in the trailer when pulling out their fourth Lycoming T-55 Chinook Helicopter turbine for the final heat…

 

Yet it wasn’t to be for Villwock, who was handed a one minute penalty for encroachment upon J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Z. As Kelly had backed out during the race in order to keep from ingesting Salt water, which apparently does grave damage to the turbines. With Kelly electing to save His equipment for the finals.

 

Tuning in early for the final Heat, the Bill Muncey Cup. Luce eulogized Ron Snyder, who passed away that afternoon at age 86. As Snyder drove for many, including the late Bernie Little aboard the Miss Budweiser.

 

Once again had to jack up the volume, come on guys, this is so Mickey Mouse! And even though only four boats were competing it was indeed a Barn Burner! As Brad Luce called a Whale’ of a boat race, in His usual exuberant style…

 

After the four boats played Hide ‘n Seek during the five minutes milling period to the 1:15 minute score-up. Luce mentioned how He hoped Jamie Nilsen had brought His fishing line with Him since the U-11 was practically dead stop floating at the top of the course. With Foust cracking up over this quip!

 

3-2-1 looks like a clean start! With three boats side-by-side. With J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Electric in lane two, and the two Bruce Ratchford (BWR Racing) Hydros of Dave Villwock’s U-27 Miss Apollo in lane three. And Andrew Tate’s U-91 Goodwin Real Estate on the outside in lane four.

 

As the boats accelerated down the backstraight, believe Villwock lifted, albeit later Tanner Foust would claim He’d heard a compressor stall, turning it into a two boat battle royale for the bill Muncey cup.

 

Although Tate, the newly crowned 2025 APBA National High Points champion was having to take the longer outside route, with Kelly having boat speed, the two played leapfrog for the lead over the remaining four laps. With Kelly having a two and-a-half boat lead on lap two. Then Tate flexed the U-91’s muscles and led on lap three.

 

Then Kelly led by a slim one and-a-half boat lengths on lap four. While it appeared Tate was pulling away down the backstretch, with Foust saying both drivers were flying their boats!

 

Then Luce emphatically shouted that Kely had taken the lead at the north’s top end corner and would hold on to beat Tate by a very slim margin. Before an exhausted Luce said He was going to sit down!

 

Claiming that was worth the trip, the whole weekend, the whole season. With Foust saying He’d never witnessed a closer boat race…

 

As have to say it totally reminded me of my All-time favourite race on Lake Washington. Which unfortunately today, some fifty-plus years later, I still haven’t been able to decide which year it was between 1973-1975 when the Miss Budweiser and Pride of Pay n’ Pak went deck-to-deck for all five laps with the dreaded Pak winning by 100 yards…

 

But Hey, that was some friggin’ eight and one half Gory months ago! And how many people remember it or watched the race?

 

BWR Racing: Bruce Ratchford’s bold vision for Hydroplane’s future 

INDYCAR: Dennis Reinbold crosses Finish line

Got the news yesterday afternoon, that Dennis Reinbold, Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar team owner had died at age 65.

 

Know from my numerous visits to Indianapolis, and countless hours listening to IndyCar Radio. I’ve heard Dennis more than once pitching His vast network of Automobile dealerships wares.

 

As Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) started racing in the Indy Racing League (IRL) in 2000, when the team won it’s one and only race to date. The season opening round at Walt Disney World Speedway with driver Robbie buhl.

 

As this year’s DRR Indy 500 only entry featured cars for Conor Daly and Jack Harvey, with Harvey’s strategist being Davey Hamilton for the second year in-a-row.

 

Indy 500, IndyCar Series Team Owner Dennis Reinbold Dies at 65 

Kyle Busch Dies Suddenly

Rowdy Holmes takes His last bow…

 

Naturally, like everyone, I was shocked when hearing the news whilst listening to the Indianapolis Star’s Sports section late last night via my NFB Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service.

 

Actually had to go back and restart article twice, to make sure I was hearing that Kyle Busch had died suddenly. Having gone to hospital Thursday morning with a serious illness. Before dying at age 41 and leaving behind His wife Samanta, and their two children Brexton and Lennix.

 

Cannot say I was a fan of His, but did recognize His talent, since at one point of His NASCAR career, He was a force to be reckoned with! Doing the unthinkable by routinely ding the “Double”, i.e.; winning what’s now known as O’Riley’s Auto Parts series and NASCAR cup. Along with being the only driver to sweep a NASCAR weekend, i.e.; Trucks, Grand National and Cup! Which Kyle did twice; both at Bristol in 2010 and 2017.

 

The greatest Cup wins of Kyle Busch’s storied NASCAR career

As I know there was a Kyle Busch Motorsports team for many years, which He dominated Trucks in. And His overall accomplishments as a driver are quite impressive.

 

Having won the 2009 Nationwide series and 2015 and 2019 Cup championships. Along with having the most all-time career wins for the combined three series, i.e.; Trucks, Grand National and Cup with an eyewatering 234! Not to mention the most O’riley’s Auto Parts win with 102 and Craftsman Trucks with 69, Damn!

 

His 63 Cup wins currently ranks Him ninth overall for career wins, with the only major race missing from His resume being the Daytona 500. Making it ironic that He won this year’s pole for that race…

 

While I believe He raced once in the 24 Hours of Daytona? But what I remember most about Kyle, is racing that No. 18 M&M’s car for Joe Gibbs Racing…

 

Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski speak out after Kyle Busch’s sudden Death 

Silent Force daughter Red lights

Obviously being one of the few times John’s at a loss for words…

 

Thanks to No Fenders Offical Photographer and roving reporter Carpets’, whose “Acting’ Indiana Bureau Chief tag should have come off years ago…

 

Having passed the John force Racing building in Brownsburg, Indiana recently, He wondered why its flag was at half mast?

 

Having since found out it was in honour of Adria Force Height having passed away on April 28th.

 

Think everyone knows of the Force daughters, albeit just Ashley, Courtney and Brittany. All having raced professionally, all three having won NHRA “Wally’s”, and Brittany a two-times Top Fuel champion.

 

Thus one tends to forget about Adria, John and Laurie’s oldest daughter who died at age 56. And yes, She was previously married to triple NHRA Top Fuel Funnycar champion Robert Height.

 

Was also unaware that Robert had stepped-down and retired from being President of JFR last March. While Adria had risen to CFO of John Force Racing, (JFR) having been one of its first employees.

 

The former couple had one daughter, Autumn, who raced NHRA Junior dragsters.

 

Adria K. (Force) Height 

Biffle Jet Crash update

When things go wrong in a Hurry…

 

The NTSB reported its preliminary findings upon the Greg Biffle Citation Jet crash apparently on Saturday, January 31st? But as typical, I “Missed the Memo”.

 

Dennis Sutton, the 67 year old retired Delta Captain was in the pilot’s left seat and flying the aircraft. His 30 year old son Jack was in the right Co-pilot’s seat, and Greg Biffle was in the rear of the cockpit.

 

Obviously, we’ll never know truly what caused this devastating crash that claimed seven lives, so one can only speculate. But did the fact that Dennis Sutton was only certified to fly the Citation Business Jet with a qualified second-in-command pilot. And that His son Jack wasn’t qualified. Nor was Greg Biffle, who was also in the proximity of the cockpit, since His voice was also picked up on the cockpit cabin’s voice recorder, contribute to this crash?

 

As I’ll leave it up to you to decide what happened in this truly sad event.

 

VIDEO: Biffle Family Crash – NTSB Preliminary report 

Biffle, Hamlin and North Carolina Blues

Making me wonder if Thars’ something in the Water, there?

 

What’s that old saying about Bad things come in Three’s? Although obviously this could occur in any state or locale…

 

VIDEO: Song Sung Blue

 

By now, its old news that on December 18th, a Cessna Citation C550 Business Jet carrying the Biffle family and three associates, a total of seven people were killed when their aircraft crashed and erupted into flames following an emergency landing.

 

NASCAR Star Greg Biffle, His wife Christina, their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Plus Dennis and Jack Sutton, and Craig Wadsworth were the seven identified victims of this crash.

 

As Dennis Sutton was a retired Delta Airlines pilot, Age 67, whose son Jack was 30yrs old and had just obtained His private pilot’s license. While Wadsworth was a friend, and former Kenny Wallace Motorcoach driver.

 

The flight was intended to go to Sarasota, Florida, presumably to attend Cleetus McFarland’s (Garrett Mitchell) Bradenton Christmas Tree  Drag Races on December 20th.

 

Dennis Sutton was a Captain at Delta, and theoretically was flying the Citation 550 that fateful day. Although there has been some conjecture on whether or not He held the certification for flying the Jet in single pilot configuration? And if His son, or somebody else was in the co-pilot’s seat? While the NTSB’s onsite briefing claimed they had a pretty good idea of who was in the pilot’s left seat…

 

The Jet took off and then immediately began a return to the airfield ten minutes later. As we’ve also been told of one person aboard texting the words emergency landing before the crash. As I can only speculate to the plane having some sort of engine malady, prompting this return. Since much speculation seems to focus upon the right hand No. 2 engine…

 

I’m certainly not a pilot, nor know the correct Airplane “lingo”. But from what I’ve been told, the plane came in too slow and too low. Before clipping an airfield light stanchion and adjoining trees some 1,800 feet short of the runway, before violently erupting into flames!

 

As the incident occurred at North Carolina’s Statesville Regional Airport approximately 10:20AM local time. And the Cessna Jet was below the tree-line and light stanchion due to erratic level of flight upon approach.

 

VIDEO: Greg Biffle Dec 18th Initial Crash report

 

Gregory Jack Biffle was born on December 23, 1969, in Vancouver, Washington, and is one of only two Warshingtonion’ natives who’ve won races in the modern-day NASCAR Cup series. The other being that ‘lil Boy from Enumclaw, WA, Kasey Kahne.

 

Local Boy Done good again!

 

Believe I read or heard somewhere that The Bif’, aka Greg Biffle was one of only 36 Drivers to have won races in all three major series, i.e.; Trucks, Busch and Cup…

 

Biffle was the 1998 Craftsman Trucks and 2001 Bush Series Rookie Of the Year. Along with winning Most Popular Honours in both series in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

 

Biffle was the 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Trucks and 2002 NASCAR Busch Series Champion. And drove the majority of His career for Jack Roush. Including His 14 Fulltime seasons with Roush Fenway Racing between 2003-2016.

 

Biffle amassed a total of 515 NASCAR Cup starts over 16 years. Claiming 19 wins, 175 Top 10 finishes and 13 Poles. And was voted one of NASCAR’s Greatest 75 Drivers in 2023.

 

Biffle died five days before His 56th birthday, making me wonder if the trip to Florida wasn’t to also celebrate His upcoming birthday, as well as the Holidays…

 

As Biffle’s plane crash was preceded by Shigeaki Shigi’ Hattori’s death on April 9, 2025, in Huntersville, North Carolina. When Shigi’s car crossed the centerline and was involved in a Head-on collision.

 

Then just three days prior to New Years, we learned that the home of Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin, parents of Denny’s, was engulfed in fire Sunday evening. (Dec 28th)

 

Although the couple escaped the fire, Dennis, Age 75 was pronounced Dead following the incident. With Denny’s 69yr old mother Mary Lou in Critical condition and taken to Hospital. Presumably for serious Burns from the fire. While I haven’t read anything further upon Her condition…

 

As I’ve waited posting this, hoping to here what the NTSB’s preliminary findings report would say. Which should theoretically have been published 30 days afterwards.

 

Yet due to some Comedian at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Thars’ a lack of competent Federal Employees working these days! As these findings seem to now be taking 45-60 days or more to be released.

 

And that’s before any “partial” Government Shutdowns or invading Foreign countries like I dunno, Grenada?

 

Ah, I love the Smell of Narcissism in the Morning!

Update

How could I have forgotten about Derrike Cope, who grew up in Spanaway, Washington. Winner of the 1990 Daytona 500, His debutante NASCAR victory! Driving for the long forgotten Whitcomb Racing team, in their No. 10 Purolator Pontiac. As ‘Ol Ironhead’, aka Thee Intimidator’, ergo Dale Earnhardt Sr. had dominated the 1990 race. Before running over debris in Turn-3 on the final lap, and cutting a tyre. Allowing Cope to drive pass for the unexpected victory.

Chris Rea: A long ago, Forgotten Musician

Who was a true Racer at Heart…

 

Perusing the New York times Obituary section on December 24th, I heard the name Chris Rea, which immediately grabbed my attenzione.

 

A self-taught slide guitar virtuoso. Following a Short illness, Rea died on Monday, December 22nd at age 74.

 

I was introduced to Chris Re’s delightful gravelly Yorkshire voice sometime in the early 1990’s. Arse-sumedly on Sunday Night Blues on an “Ol, defunct Seattle Radio Station.

 

Having first purchased His The Road to Hell CD, His 10th studio album; His most successful, having been certified 6X Platinum. And then gravitating to On the Beach, my second Chris Rea CD, before I lost track of Him…

 

VIDEO: The Road to Hell Part 2

 

Born on March 4, 1951 in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire. (England) Chris was one of seven children, whose  father owned a series of Coffee Shops and Ice Cream Parlours.

 

Chris worked for His father’s Ice Cream Parlours along with being a Bricklayer. Before a friend introduced Him to the James Gang when He was 20 years old. With Chris claiming He played that record so much He wore holes thru it! Went out to buy a guitar and the rest was History…

 

Enjoyed Chris’s quip about He studied Motorbikes instead of the Pen in Secondary School, which He was kicked out of.

 

In His last interview with John Earls of the Daily Express, Rea mused how He’d just been banned from driving when the song Driving Home for Christmas was released. Claimed He’d written the song for Van Morrison in 1978, but never heard back from Him. So eventually, eight years later, He recorded it Himself and released it as the “B” side to the ‘Hello Friends single. Before a re-recorded version arrived two years later. Then in 2021, the song reached No. 10 in the UK, becoming His second Top 10 single.

 

Rea claims people say you can hear His infectious tone in the song, noting He was in a good mood when recording it…

 

VIDEO: Driving Home for Christmas

 

Rea also once stated in an interview how He’d gone into music simply because He liked music, not to become Rich ‘n Famous. As He always knocked on the Musician’s door, and not the Rock Stars door.

 

Musical influences included Sonny boy Williamson and Muddy Waters, which somewhat clashed with His Albums genres…

 

Chris’s first band was Magdalene, a local Yorkshire Band whose previous members had included David Coverdale, before He departed for Deep Purple in 1973

 

In 1978, Rea began His Solo career with the Hit song “Fool if you think it’s over”. His biggest U.S. Hit, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard’s Hot 100. Being nominated for a Grammy in 1978 for Best New Artist.

 

Progress has been slow, since I haven’t gone out of my way to promote myself. If I’d been into Show Biz, it might have helped pay the bills. But then again I might not be making the music I’m making.

 

In 2000, Doctors stated He most likely had Pancreatic cancer, electing to have His  pancreas and parts of His stomach removed. Choosing to have a risky Whipple procedure performed in 2001, making Him a diabetic.

 

Following His recovery, Rea released His 17th studio album, Dancing Down the Stony Road in ’02.

 

His record company refused to release the album. So Rea set up His own company Jazzee Blue and released it independently as a double CD album. Edel Records released a shorter, single CD album titles simply Stony Road in Europe,. The album reached No. 14 on the UK Album Charts.

 

Naturally, Chris was very pleased when it was certified Gold, having sold more than 500,000 copies, after its initial rejection. As Rea had pledged to Himself that He would return to His Bules roots if He recovered, and knew His Fans wouldn’t have a problem with it…

 

Rea studied Journalism in College, before dropping out. Saying He’d fancied writing about motor racing, but chose music instead…

 

His 1993 album Espresso Logic was partially promoted by appearing in a non-Championship British Touring Car championship (BTCC) “TOCA Shootout” event.

 

He wrote and produced the 1996 film La Passione, inspired by His boyhood passion of Formula 1 and Ferrari driver Wolfgang Von Trips.

 

Rea was passionate about Historic Car Racing and raced a number of vintage automobiles. Including a Ferrari Dino, Ferrari 328, a 1955 Lotus 6 and a 1964 Lotus Elan 26R. Plus the Caterham 7 featured on His Auberge album cover,  which He sold for Charity in 2005. With all proceeds going to the NSPCC.

 

His Ferrari 330 was used as the donor car for the 250LM replica in La Passione. And in 2014, He was finishing a 22 year restoration of an original replica of a Ferrari 156 Sharknose.

 

Chris also wrote and recorded the song Saudade in honour of Ayrton Senna in 1994. Although it was the final song on The Very Best of Chris Rea compilation album in 2001.

 

Reportedly, the word Saudade roughly means the “Feeling” of emotion and euphoria of a certain moment…

 

VIDEO: Saudade

 

Rea sold over 30 million Albums worldwide, but never toured the United States. Preferring to stay home with His family; wife Joan, who met as teenagers. And their two daughters Josephine

and Julia. With both daughters having songs named after them.

 

Although Rea refused to tour the United States, I did learn He appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, apparently twice?

 

Stumbling into Rea and Letterman kibitzing over Formula 1 upon performing in New York sometime late summer of 1991. With Dave pleading to hear The Road to Hell…

 

VIDEO: Looking for the Summer – Live on Letterman 

Three Japanese Trailblazers

Who left their indelible mark upon Motorsports and Automobiles…

 

Like many stories here upon Ye Isle ‘O Nofendersville. This one has been growing barnacles along thoust rocky shoreline, where All the ‘lil Creatures play in their Tide pools…

 

Yet before the 2026 racing season begins in earnest, I’d like to honour a few men who made a difference upon motorsports, which I’ve been neglecting awhile. As Marshall Pruett’s words still resonate with me, even if it now some ten months since hearing them, when I first began thinking about this.

 

Reflecting upon Shigeaki Shigi’ Hattori’s death last April. Marshall said He was embarrassed over His Dickishness towards Shigi! For which I say Kudos to Marshall for “Manning” up to this, since I surely also fall afoul to! Since I’m guessing I would have lambasted Shigi during His brief tenue at Bettenhausen Motorsports Wayback’ in 1999.

 

Think about this, Hattori came to the U.S. in 1995 after winning the 1994 Toyota Racing Series in Japan. And at Age 32! Was a rookie in Indy Lights, driving for Dorricott Racing.

 

Hattori’s teammate was Jeff Ward, with Shigi finishing 13th overall. Scoring a best finish of fourth at Toronto; amassing seven Top 10 finishes.

 

Following a sophomore slump driving for Lucas Place Motorsports, with His only Top 10 finish coming at Long Beach. (9th) Hattori moved to Indy Regency Racing in 1998 for His third Indy Lights campaign, which began brilliantly! As Shigi dominated at the season opener, leading the most laps enroute to His maiden Lights win at Homestead. Hattori followed this up with another dominant victory at Gateway, while ultimately finishing P14 overall.

 

For 1999, Shigi joined Bettenhausen Motorsports in CART, contesting only eight races. With a best finish of 15th at Gateway. Unfortunately after a spate of crashes, CART Steward Wally Dallenbach revoked His IndyCar Competition license. While its worth noting that Bettenhausen was running the then uncompetitive Mercedes-Benz in a year old Reynard chassis. And these racecars were known for their brutal horsepower…

 

Hattori then migrated to the Indy Racing League (IRL) in 2000. Making over two-dozen starts between 2000-03, with a best finish of sixth at Texas Motor Speedway. Along with two Indianapolis 500 starts in 2002-03. Driving for Bradley Motorsports and A.J. Foyt Enterprises respectively. With a best finish of P20 in 2002.

 

Shigi capped off His driving career with a partial season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series in 2005, making ten starts. Before forming Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) in 2008, competing in NASCAR and ARCA.

 

As a team owner Shigi reached His zenith in 2018, when HRE won the Trucks title with Brad Moffitt driving. With the team winning a total of 14 Truck races. While HRE also raced in Xfinity and ARCA, before the team closed its doors in 2025, following Hattori’s death.

 

Sadly, Shigi died on April 5, 2025 at Age 61 when crossing over into oncoming traffic in North Carolina, succumbing  in the Head-on collision

 

While Marshall rightly points out, Shigeaki came to America to do what He loved, racing cars. And Shigi, Dr. Jack Miller. Or “King Hiro”, (Hiro Matsushita) Dennis Vitolo or whomever we as Fans lambast can drive one Helluva lot better than we can! Which you can check out Pruett’s comments in the link below.

 

MP1595: The Week in IndyCar, April 9, 2025

 

Whilst karmically, a day after revisiting Marshall’s podcast above. I ran across an old Car & Driver magazine article by Rich Zeppos, noting how He got His Arse kicked contesting His first Short-track Oval!

 

I got My Ass Kicked in my first Short-track Oval Race

 

Robert Clarke was Honda Performance Development’s (HPD) very first employee, Known today has HRC US. (Honda Racing Corporation U.S.) Clarke was instrumental in turning Honda into the IndyCar Juggernaut of today as HPD’s founder…

 

Clarke was responsible for the formation of HPD in Santa Clarita, California, when their was no facility. As Honda had decided to return to Open Wheel Racing Stateside in 1994, in Championship Auto Racing Teams CART PPG IndyCar World Series.

 

As Clarke would lead Honda from unsatisfying initial results with the HRX 2.65-litre turbo lump’. Before Cheep’ (Ganassi) scored Honda’s first of six consecutive IndyCar Championships in 1996 with Jimmy Vasser.

 

Clarke shepherded Honda to it’s first, elusive Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004, along with its maiden Indy Racing League (IRL) title that year. Followed with a second “Double”, i.e.; IRL Championship and Indy 500 win before Honda became the IRL’s sole engine supplier in 2006.

 

Before retiring from HPD, Clarke was responsible for Honda’s very first racing engine built outside of Japan, with the Acura Sports Car engine. As Clarke would become Head of De Ferran Motorsports in 2008, overseeing its Acura LMP2 Sports Car effort. While Clarke was also president of the SCCA for two years.

 

Clarke died on September 20, 2025 at Age 75 from Heart failure.

 

Ironically, on the very same day Clarke’s death was being announced. (Sept 22nd) Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the “Father” of the first generation Miata’s obituary was also being published.

 

Although graduating from Seikei University as an Engineer. “California Cool” called, with Matano attending California’s Art Center of Design in 1970.

 

After stints with GM in Australia and BMW in Germany, Matano joined Mazda’s Design Studio in California, and the rest as they say, was History…

 

Matano “penned” the first generation Mazda MX-5, which Mazda Brass had desired to revive British Sports Cars of past, i.e.; MG, Triumph, but without their legendous’, porous reliability!

 

And then Matano was instrumental in the third generation Mazda RX-7, arguably the best looking RX-7 of all.

 

As Tom was known to be warm, engaging and willing sparing His time with the legions of Mazda Fans worldwide. Joking He’d lived long enough to become the Miata’s Great Grandfather. Before dying at Age 76 this past September. 

Another Quiet weekend in January

Before All Hell broke loose at Daytona International Speedway!

 

Purely by happenstance, I stumbled into the Mexico City ePrix being shown on CBS, Sunday, January 10th at 1:30PM. (Pacific) With my Zap-2-It TV Guide telling me it was 1.5hrs duration. Further learning it was a truncated 90mins “Highlights” package of the day’s outing. Including a pre-race preamble, discussing Andretti’s new arrival Felipe Drugavich – who they interviewed. Then Qualie’ result and the entire race, albeit cut up into numerous, annoying 9mins “chunks” before the next commercial break, Spew!

 

As I hadn’t paid any Attenzione to Formula e at all since last scribbling in “earnest” about Portland’s ePrix Wayback’ in the summer of 2023…

 

A Quiet Day in the Rose City

 

Whilst I’ve got zero clue when the last time I sat and “watched”, Err listened to an ePrix race was? Other than many, many years ago…

 

Being Blind Y’all, have I mentioned that lately? Although my ears pricked up over several items. But I must confess, Formula e’s the most difficult racing series to follow for Mwah, due to its lack of any relevant racecar noise.

 

The first thing that caught my Attenzione was Hey! That voice sounds familiar! As it was indeed IndyCar Pit Reporter and IMSA “colour” Commentator Ryan Marin as the lead Announcer. Whilst I swear that had to be Karun “Cowboy” Chandok reporting from Pitlane and hosting the post-race podium interview, Ole!

 

The other bit that caught my No. 4 wire, was the mention of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez only being 1.6 mile lengths. (1.619m) Or as Professor Steve Matchett would say is 2.606Km in “New Money”. As the Formula E circuit is some 1.5 miles shorter and features 16 turns vs. the Gran Premio cicuito’s 17 turn layout.

 

And without going thru everything, albeit a la Formula 1. This year’s 12th season of Formula E is the longest, with a record 17 races. With Mexico City being Round 2.

 

There’s a total of 10 teams. With Nissan’s Oliver Rowland sporting the No. 1 plate as the series defending Drivers Champion.

 

The other nine teams are: Cutra Kiro, DS Penske, Jaguar, Lola Yamaha, Envision Racing, Mahindra Racing, Citroen Racing, Andretti Formula E, and Porsche Formula E Team.

 

There’s a total of three American “flagged” entries, with Andretti Formula E and  DS Penske being familiar. As the latter is owned by Jay Penske, son of El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske.

 

Yet I’ll admit that this mystery Cutra Kiro name is totally foreign to Mwah, which I’ll scribble about a different day, as this No Fenders yarn is starting to unravel…

 

And although I know very little about Formula E, I must admit I was pulling for Pascal Wehrlein and Edoardo Mortara for different reasons. Mortara having won Formula E’s 50th and 100th races, with Mexico City being the series 150th ePrix. Which obviously would have been a great symmetry.

 

Whilst Wehrlein was for sentimental reasons. Including being a former formula 1 driver who never got His due with a proper F1 team. Having driven for the struggling, Minnowesqe Manor alongside Esteban Ocon Wayback’ in 2016.

 

As both drivers were Mercedes Werks’ Pilotes, both winning DTM titles before being elevated to Formula 1. With Ocon still racing F1 a decade later…

 

Although there was typically no sound emitted from these impressive Gen 3’ Evo racecars, other than the associated whine of mechanical parts and tyre noises. It was interesting hearing Wehrlein breathing heavily when conversing on His In-car radio due to the track’s high elevation. With Mexico City being at some 7,350 feet above Sea level, Aye Karumba!

 

The other bit to get used to and understand was the required usage of two separate maximum Overtake modes, Err Attack Mode. Which we’ll All be learning about in Formula 1 this season.

 

As Formula E’s Attack Mode boosts car performance by 50 KW, to a maximum 350 kW. (Kilowatts) Including All Wheel Drive! (4WD)

 

Which if I understand correctly, Ci? Drivers can choose how to utilize the two Attack mode sessions. Either in a 2+6, 4+4 or 6+2 minutes duration during the race.

 

And whilst both Wehrlein and Mortara took there turns in the lead. It was an uber impressive victory by Nick Cassidy for Citroen Racing, storming from 13th place. As look Ma, No David Cassidy jokes Thar, Hya!

 

Fittingly, although planned ahead of time. Porsche ran a special tribute livery at the Mexico City ePrix. As both Wehrlein and teammate Nico Muller’s Porsche’s were running an all silver throwback livery. Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Porsche’s involvement in Motorsports.

 

Porsche Formula E Team marks 75 years of Porsche Motorsports with Carrera Panamericana tribute livery

 

As the special livery tribute was most Apropos, with legendous’ Porsche driver Hans Herrman having died the day prior at the remarkable age of 97, Ja Volt!

 

Having just learned that Herrmann finished third overall, and first in the under 1.5-litre Class in the grueling Carrera Panamericana in 1954 behind the wheel of an iconic silver Porsche 550 Spyder.

 

Whilst I love the story about Herrmann, a Baker by trade’s racing instincts during the 1954 Mille Miglia.

 

Approaching a railroad crossing’ lowering gate , and deciding it was too late to brake! Hans simply knocked on the back of navigator Herbert Linge’s helmet to make Him duck! As the pair barely made it underneath the lowering gate, And the Porsche 550 Spyder rocketed past the train to the stunned crowd’s approval! With Herrman and Linge winning the race’s 1.5-litre Class.

 

Although I did know from my extensive five part Triple Crown Winners story, that Herrmann was the first of nine drivers who’ve won le 24 Heurs du Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring overall. Which Y’all can read in the following No Fenders link below.

 

LE MANS 100C: Celebrating Drivers who’ve Claimed the Triple Crown of Endurance Races 

Cable TV Mogul, Le Mans winner Dies

But how many know about Him?

 

Its funny what we as individuals pay Attenzione to, or choose to ignore.

 

Case-in-point, naturally the words Le Mans winner will “Peak” my Attenzione. And no, I won’t elabourate on the Danica peaking pun intended. Which Arse-sumedly, most have forgotten by now…

 

The second part of the obituary that intrigued Mwah was the mention of the gritty city of Tacoma, Washington. Although I have to say the sir name of Hindery did nothing for me.

 

Leo Hindery Jr was born in Springfield, Illinois on Halloween of 1947, and died at age 77 in Zurich, Switzerland on September 18, 2025.

 

Leo grew up in Tacoma, where His father was a manager at a Sears Roebuck store. Completing His undergraduate studies at Seattle University, followed by a MBA from Stanford University.

 

After a few jobs, Leo founded InterMedia Partners. A Cable TV company that eventually grew to nearly three million customers. This was then sold to TCI, (Tele-Communications Inc.) the nation’s largest Cable TV company. Co-founded by the ominous John c. Malone. With Hindery ultimately becoming President and CEO of TCI.

 

Yes, that same John Carl Malone, that Al Gore called the Darth Vader of Wall Street Me Thinks! Or simply Darth Vader for His prodigious consumption of media companies. Whose now Chairman of Liberty Media, Liberty Global and the Qurate Retail Group. Whatever the latter is?

 

Although Malone, now 84 years old, has just announced His stepping down as Chairman of Liberty Media and Liberty global at year’s end. And will take up the new role of Chairman Emeritus on January 1st. Although I’m guessing He’ll be treated better than former Liberty Media Chairman Emeritus Uncle Bernaughty!

 

Hindery became smitten with motor racing after being given a gift certificate to the Richard Petty Driving Experience in the early 1990’s.

 

As Hindery’s third wife was Patty Wheeler, daughter of the irrepressible PT Barnum of Stock Car racing, Humpy Wheeler. With the couple marrying in 2005.

 

Hindery would go onto race at Circuit de la Sarthe, finishing second in the GT Class in 2003. Before winning the GT2 category two years later. Driving a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with co-drivers Marc Lieb and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller, for Alex Job Racing. Finishing 10th overall, 38-laps behind the winning Audi R8 of Mr. Le Mans, aka Tom Kristensen, JJ Letho and Marco Werner.

 

As I’ve forgotten the exact quote now from His New York Times Obituary. But it was something to the effect of why He liked motor racing so much. Noting that the Chequered Flag doesn’t care who you are, or how many successful Deals you make in the Boardroom…

 

Whilst interestingly, I was unaware that Leo had been Chairman of Port Imperial Racing Associates, promoter of the failed Grand Prix of America in Weehawken, New Jersey.

 

Having been announced in 2011 as the Port Imperial Street Circuit with a length of 3.2-miles, and resembling Monaco’s race. Although its elevation changes thru the Jersey’ Palisades were higher and the lap time was predicted to be quicker.

 

The race was first scheduled for June 16, 2013, before being postponed. With Bernie Ecclestone saying the contract had been annulled due to breech of contract.

 

Yet the race was subsequently scheduled for June 1, 2014, before once again running into financial difficulty. With the race quietly disappearing, and not being listed on the 2015 F1 Calendar.

 

As oddly, what I remember most about this failed attempt is ‘lil syd viddle’, aka Sebastian Vettel running demonstration Hot-laps over the proposed circuit in some sort of Nissan Infiniti automobile. When Infiniti was then Red Bull Racing’s title sponsor… 

Noted Designer Bob Riley take the Chequered Flag

As how many race car Designers also worked on the Apollo Moon project?

 

Cannot help of thinking about Dario Franchitti’s comments about Halloween’s a Shit time of the year due to His friend Greg Moore dying that day in California. Or how Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure fame noted how October saw Dan Wheldon perish in Las Vegas, Tony Renna at Indianapolis and recently noted designer bob Riley.

 

Almost decided against scribblin’ anything about this. Since as typical, I’m late to thee party…

 

Thus I still really don’t know much about the man, other than the late bob Riley was a noted racecar designer. And at the very least, associated with four famous racing cars!

 

Beginning with working upon the shelby American Ford GT40 Mk IV, which won the 1967 24 Heurs du Mans with Dan Gurney and A.J. foyt.

As

 Foyt would go onto hire Riley to design His stable of coyote IndyCar chassis. Most notably the very Coyote that ‘Ol superTex’ drove to his fourth Indianapolis 500 win. But that’s not the Coyote chassis that inspired me to write something upon No Fenders.

 

Nope, it was the final 1981 coyote, bob Riley’s first ground effects Open wheel Racing chassis. And I simply love the bit about how the racecar created so much downforce, they couldn’t find any springs strong enough for it! And had to cut holes in the chassis to relieve pressure…

 

Another racecar Riley and son bill designed was the Intrepid RM-1, also known as the Intrepid GTP or Chevrolet GTP of the early 19990’s, which featured rear wheel covers and a shovel nose. Being known for its predigious amounts of downforce and amazing cornering speeds. But my mind immediately goes to the other TK’, aka Tommy Kendall’s massive accident in this carwhich raced between 1991-93.

 

Another Bob Riley design I wasn’t aware of was the Ford GTP Mustang for IMSA competition, which was a front engine design. And like the Intrepid won just a single race.

 

I was also not aware that it was another Riley design that Kendall utilized to dominate SCCA Pro Racing’s Trans Am series in the 1990’s. When Kendall and Roush Racing blitzed the field with those dominating Ford Mustang “Body Quencher” TA Steeds!

 

Yet when I think of Bob Riley, who passed away on October 24th at the age of 93. I immediately think of the domineering Riley & Scott Mk III Prototypes that ruled the roost in the World Sports Car )WSC) category of IMSA GT and the rival USRRC. Also racing at Le Mans and later in the American Le Mans Series.

 

Riley & Scott was formed in 1990 by Bob Riley and Mark Scott, beginning with Trans Am racecars before focusing upon a World Sports Car design for the upcoming IMSA GT Championship.

 

Following their stillborn Mk II Sports Car design, they were hired to improve Rob Dyson’s Spice Ferrari chassis. With the lessons learned aiding in the design of the Mk III.

 

Dyson Racing debuted the Riley & Scott Mk III at the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona, running two cars and winning a total of five races that season.

 

Part of the Riley & Scott Mk III’s popularity was its accepting multiple normally aspirated engines. Including the likes of ford, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, BMW and the Judd V-10. As the Prototype won its first Rolex 24 in 1996 with Doyle Racing and Oldsmobile. With Wayne Taylor, Scott Sharp and Jim Pace at its keyboard…

 

The following year was when Dyson Racing used a village ‘O drivers to score victory with its Mk III Ford chassis. As I can still vaguely recall the No. 20 entry driving into victory lane with its seven drivers piled aboard it!

 

As Rob Dyson, Elliot forbes-Robinson and John “Not Bo” Schneider were joined by the team’s No. 16 entry of Butch Leitzinger, Andy Wallace, James Weaver and John Paul Jr. after their entry retired on lap 227.

 

Momo Corse and its Ferrari 333 SP, the Riley & Scott Mk III’s main competizione won the ’98 Rolex 24, before Dyson won in 1999, again with its trusty Mk III Ford entry.

 

For 1998, the second iteration of the Mk III was built, which followed with the Mk III C variant racing until 2005. Although Riley and co. deferred work on the MK III while contracted to create the Cadillac North Star factory effort. As the Riley & Scott Mk III would amass nearly 50 victories overall in 130-plus starts!

 

Riley & Scott was acquired by Reynard Cars in 1999. Yet Reynard’s expansion was too quick and they filed for Bankruptcy in 2001. Which not only saw the dissolution of Reynard Cars, but also Riley & Scott.

 

Undaunted by this turn of events, Bob Riley and son Bill continued their success upon forming Riley Technologies in 2001. With subsequent Riley Prototype chassis now designed for the Daytona Prototype (DPi) era winning a further seven Rolex 24 races.

 

The company also “dabbled” in Saloons’, having designed the Speedsource Mazda RX8 that won the 2008 GT Class at the Rolex 24. Along with that year’s BMW M6 and ALMS GT2 category Corvette vs. those dominating Prat & Miller Vettes’.

 

While I last kept track of Riley’s exploits in earnest when running the Werks’ Dodge Viper program between 2012-14. Which culminated with the team winning the Team’s and Drivers championships in the American Le mans Series in 2014. (ALMS) Before Chrysler pulled the plug upon the SRT Viper racing program.

 

As the list goes on and on. For which you’d have to say that Bob Riley definitely left His mark upon motorsports…