Road America Rampage

As many drivers were singing “don’t Fence me In!” over the weekend…

 

Nope, the water’s fine at Elkhart Lake! Y’all can go in as No Algae Blooms to worry ‘bout. Or simply Hang out on the shore, have a picnic and take picture of our scenic Lake. As Thars Nothin’ for Barney Fife to arrest anybody over, ‘cept littering…

 

Having gorged Thyself over the Road America weekend, listening to Friday’s IndyCar practice session. Saturday’s first Indy NXT race and IndyCar Qualie’. And lastly Sunday’s second Indy NXT race plus the IndyCar finale. (race)

 

Including my favourite portion of IndyCar Radio’s pre-race, when they talk to an abundance of IndyCar drivers. Obviously I got my fill of Open Wheel Racing!

 

Thus, I’m still not sure which series race’s were more wild, i.e.; Indy NXT or IndyCar?

 

As I loved the comment from Mark Gravelly’ James about Alex Palou having fun over the abundance of Anybody But Palou signage. With Palou going up to one RV Camper and signing their banner!

 

Whilst James also casually noted that Josef Schlick’ Newgarden hadn’t won on a Twisties’ circuit, i.e.; road course or street circuit in four years! His las win being at Long Beach, 2022.

 

Saturday’s Indy NXT race opening laps were quite chaotic. With Enzo Fittipaldi braking too late and slamming into one of the Max’s, think it was Garcia? Or more likely Taylor. Resulting in a broken nose and finishing a lowly P22!

 

But the most bizarre moment of the first eight of ten laps run under caution was Jordan Missing’s incident. When He simply followed whomever He was trying to pass offtrack, careening thru the gravel-trap and slamming hard into the concrete retaining barrier! As Davey Hamilton said it looks like He just followed so ‘n so offtrack!

 

Lochie Hughes who’d had a impressive start, drafted polesitter and leader Alessandro de Tulio down the front straight on a restart and swept past on the outside into Turn-2? Effectively never giving up the lead, giving Andretti Global it’s 100th Indy Lights victory.

 

Josh Pierson, Hughes teammate made a masterful pass at Canada corner on the final lap to take second away from de Tullio, who came home a dejected third. Whilst Hughes definitely needed the win to hopefully get His season pointed the right direction.

 

Yet what’s that ‘Ol ABC Wide World of Sports slogan? Oh yeah, “The Thrill of victory and Agony of Defeat!” As Pierson collided with Hughes at the start of Race 2! With Lochie eventually finishing P20, two laps behind, Youch!

 

But without doubt the star of the show was Tymek Kucharczyk who started a lowly P16, before Steadily working forwards. As the Polish rookie made 20 on-track passes for positions!

 

Tend to recall Kucharczyk battling points leader Nikita Johnson for third. With Johnson playin’ Argey Bargey’ and shoving Kucharczyk wide, dropping down to seventh. Yet Kucharczyk who set fastest lap and had the fastest car in traffic repassed Johnson for third place and made it stick second time around!

 

As de Tullio held off both Matteo Nannini and Kucharczyk for the win at Elkhart Lake on a Green-White “Chequers or Wreckers” one lap shootout finish. With de Tullio winning His second race of the year…

 

Then tuned back in for My favourite portion of IndyCar Radio’s pre-race coverage at start of broadcast, when they talk to various drivers.

 

For example, talking briefly to 13 of the 25 IndyCar drivers before/during Driver introductions is always cool! With

Alex Wolff asking ScottyMac’ if He can channel some of His World Champion NY Knicks Mojo’, with McLaughlin saying I knew you were gonna bring that up, Mate!

 

Although the drivers don’t give anything away, I do enjoy how they all seem to answer the questions straightforward. And it interesting listening to the new guard vs. elder statesmen, i.e.; Rasmussen, Armstrong, Lundgaard, Siegel vs. DJ WillyP”, (Power) and Scotty thee “Iceman 2.0” Dixon. Along with Felix-the-Cat’, (Rosenqvist) “the Surgeon, (Palou) etc.

 

Next during the pre-race build-up, Nicky Salt’ Yeoman broke in with the news that both A. J. Foyt Enterprises Indy NXT cars had been disqualified for inadvertently mounting the two cars qualifying tyres on the wrong racecars. Thus seeing Alessandro de Tullio stripped of His victory! With Matteo Nannini becoming the winner, Tymek Kucharczyk second and Nikita Jhonson third. As don’t think I’ve ever heard of that before.

 

And we all know the outcome of the IndyCar race, when Christian Lundgaard went from last on lap-1 with a cut tyre, to first on the podium. With Marcus Armstrong being robbed of a deserved maiden IndyCar victory after leading 14 laps at races end!

 

As Lundgaard said on His cooldown lap, How did We do that!

 

And when’s the last time Palou forgot to engage the pitlane speed limiter in the pits? Although as Mark James and Davey Hamilton said in mock surprise; a yellow comes out and Palou’s sniffing roses again…

 

As Palou’s bad day at the office turned out to be a fifth place finish, sigh! Although I’m getting a bit tired of the Spaniard’s bowling ball tactics with Nolan Siegel, who seems to be a spare pin in the way of a strike!

 

Yet my heart goes out for Marcus Armstrong who was cruelly denied a maiden IndyCar W’ when reportedly His Honda engine gave up the Ghost with three laps remaining.

 

Now, I’m not saying it was this, or putting my tin hat on that I keep on a peg on the basement’s door but…

 

I turned off the IndyCar Radio broadcast saying I certainly hope for Honda and IndyCar’s sake that wasn’t a Hybrid failure…

 

Notice that Honda HRC U.S. Boss Daid Salter issued a public apology to Armstrong and Meyer Shank Racing. But why hasn’t Honda disclosed what it was?

 

As Chevrolet has ben quick to divulge their valvetrain supplied parts for their numerous engine failures, but Honda’s “Keeping Clam”, Oh Never Mind!

 

As suppose this will all be academic now that we’ve just raced at Mid-Ohio. 

Myles Rowe puts on Clinique at Gateway

As I’m certain He saw the Chequered flag being waved!

 

Have to say that was one of the most bizarre race weekends I can remember in awhile, at Gateway. Yeah, it will always be Gateway to this ‘Ol Codger. Not Wide World Technology Raceway, Spew! (WWTR)

 

Missed Indy NXT live Qualie’, so I was unaware of the drama afterwards. As pole sitter Myles Rowe, who’d been faster by one mile per hour was disqualified for taking an extra flying lap after finishing His run. Failing to follow race officials instructions.

 

Have to say I agree with IndyCar Radio’s Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton, who said you cannot blame your radio for not hearing what lap you’re on. You need to be visually aware of your surroundings and situation and never trust your equipment.

 

Davey said He loved Myles, but just didn’t agree with Rowe trying to blame His radio, while Myles had said He needed to have a talk with the Bell Helmet guys…

 

Thus Myle was relegated to the final row, rolling off last in P24. But Hamilton said He was excited to see what Rowe and Enzo Fittipaldi could do coming from the back.

 

Also missed the memo over points leader Enzo Fittipaldi not being able to qualify Saturday due to a mechanical failure, meaning He’d start P23, alongside Rowe.

 

Yet as the race got ready to start, IndyCar Radio’s Michael Young and Davey Hamilton noticed a lack of two cars from the grid. Most notably Fittipaldi standing on pitlane waiting the arrival of His No. 67 HMD Motorsports racecar, before walking to the front of the grid.

 

As Hamilton said He couldn’t see any cars being pushed towards the track from their vantage point, with the other delinquent racecar being Matteo Nannini’s #20 Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR entry.

 

Then Fittipaldi ran to the garage as the race got ready to start, before His racecar with driver was pushed into pitlane. But race officials wouldn’t let Fittipaldi on-track until the entire field had taken the green! While Nannini also appeared and entered the race behind, possibly two laps down?

 

As queue the JAWS’ theme music! As Rowe was up to tenth place by lap 19 of 75. He’s coming boys!

 

“the High line is the Right line!”

 

Really have to say I was rootin’ for Homeboy’ Josh Person who’d gotten round Andretti Global teammate Max Taylor for second place; believe Alessandro de Tullio who’d started second dropped down the order. With Pierson then harrying pole sitter and Andretti global teammate Lochie Hughes before passing the Aussie’ for the lead.

 

Yet not only was Myles faster than everyone else, He also could place His car wherever He wanted to pass the opposition. Going down low to pass Taylor on lap 32 for third place, with His next victim being Hughes.

 

Rowe passed Hughes on lap 41 with a spectacular three wide pass and set sail for leader Person.

 

Target acquired, as Rowe went to the bottom again six laps later to pass Pierson and never looked back! Making history in the process of starting deepest in the field to win. Shattering Esteban “Ratta-Tat-Tat” Guerrieri’s record climb from P18 to first at the 2012 Freedom 100.

 

Fittipaldi’s day starting from the back wasn’t as stellar as Rowe’s, yet did climb ten places to finish 13th . With title protagonist Nikita Johnson finishing seventh.

 

De Tullio regained positions and finished runner-up to a distant Rowe, while Pierson held on for third, His best finish of the season.

 

Swear I heard Team Penske boss Jonathan Diuguid congratulating Rowe during Myle’s post-race winners interview. As it was Rowe’s third career win, all coming on ovals, and this one being extra special.

 

While Marshal Pruett has reported that Team Penske is considering giving Rowe a post season test aboard one of it’s Indy Cars.

 

Following Gateway, Nikita Johnson led the championship by two markers over Enzo Fittipaldi. (285-283) Both having won twice. And a further three markers adrift (280-points) was Tymek Kucharczyk. As the Polish driver’s been the revelation of the season so far! Scoring His maiden victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s second Indy road course race. Along with finishing third the first three races, and four thirds to date.

 

Max Taylor was fourth, 27 points behind. (258-points) And Vaulting to fifth was Myles Rowe, albeit 73 markers adrift. (212-points)

 

While the $64k question was whether Rowe could continue this momentum at the following Double Header weekend at Road America and to the end of the season?

 

Meanwhile, we learned that both Fittipaldi and Nannini’s racecars had suffered fuel leaks, being the cause of their maladies. Which struck a third, unrelated racecar. As Dennis Hauger failed to start the IndyCar race due to also suffering a fuel leak.

 

As don’t think I’ve ever heard of three cars suffering fuel leaks over a race weekend! 

2026 Daytona 500 rewind

As the race Ain’t over until the checkered flag flies…

 

Suppose I should be thanking Liberty Media for moving Formula 1 television coverage to Apple TV this year. As I got quite perturbed over my latest Spectrum bill informing me of a $23 price increase for February, Mutha Fokkers!

 

Vowing to myself upon returning from Arizona, I’d be cancelling my Cable TV! Since after all Spectrum’s motto is: Spectrum, We Care!

 

About our profits. Although the thought of cancelling my long overpriced Cable TV service has felt quite liberating! While I’m really not sure if I want to subscribe to the Apple TV Paywall just for Formula 1?

 

Thus it seems pretty funny that initially, the final racing program I’ll “watch”, Err listen to on Ye boob-tube would be the G-R-R-reat! American Race, ergo the Day-Toner’ 500, since I almost never turn Thy Telie’ on these days. Then again, if I can stomach them? Perhaps one of the first three IndyCar races, but I digress…

 

Although I did tune-in for the entirety of the  St Pete RASSCAR PickEmUp’ Trucks race…

 

Alas, I decided to tune into qualifying Wednesday night for thee Day-Toner’ 500 and was bemused that some College Basketball game knocked Qualie’ from (Sox Sports) FS-1 over to FS-2.

 

Whilst musing to Thyself, Arse-sumedly the older one gets, the more anxious they become? Saying just start the G-Damn Qualifying will Yuhs? As Thar’ were some 15+ minutes of pre-amble, including commercials before the first car took to the track.

 

Whomever was doing the pre-race prattle handed off to Mike Joy, Kevin Harvick and Clint Fisti-cuffs’ Boyer. When it suddenly donned upon Mwah, that I’ve been listening to the soothing sounds of Mike Joy forever. Wonderin’ how old He was?

 

Which took a little “sleuthing” to learn He’s 76 years old, born on Nov 25, 1949. Being born just some nine months after  NASCAR was formed on Feb 21, 1948, Youza!

 

As I think of Joy broadcasting with the Voice of NASCAR’s Ken Squire and Chris Economaki. Along with ‘Ol Hobbo, aka HobbsCap’, ergo David Hobbs as Pit reporter, Youza!

 

As it was funny how many drivers names I’d never heard of, being most impressed by rookie Corey Hein. Who’s the reigning NASCAR Craftsman PickemUp’ Trucks champion. Having won a record 12 races, smashing Greg Biffle’s record of nine wins in 1999.

 

Like I said, since I’m ditching my cable, I went “All In” on Roundy-round this weekend. Thinking the first Day-Toner’ Duels Thursday night also began at 5PM Pacific. So naturally, I was surprised with only eight laps remaining in Duel #1. As it was Hilarious that Casey Mears snuck His way into the race when a last lap Turn-3 crash eliminated Cory Lajoie from Sunday’s Daytona 500.

 

As Mears entry had some dubious history behind its team owner Carl Long. As Long once a driver, was caught with an oversized engine in the 2009 All Star race, with NASCAR throwing the book at Him! Bein fined $200,000, the largest fine to that date! Docked 200 Driver and Team points and suspended for 12 races.

 

NASCAR’s sanctions effectively shut the team down, when Long was unable to pay the fine. Before returning to the NASCAR garage in 2017…

 

Then I, like most people Thursday night, turned off Thy Telie’ after duel #2 thinking the unheard of Anthony Alfredo had raced His way into the Big Dance. Only to learn later that week His No. 62 Beard Motorsports entry had been DSQ’ed (Disqualified) due to post-race technical issues regarding unconnected cooling hoses. With B.J. Mcleod getting the final transfer spot instead.

 

Then according to the Daytona News Journal, Alfredo’s torrid “Speed Weeks” continued when failing to qualify for the newly renamed O’Reily’s Auto Parts series Cup “lite” race Saturday. Before His team bought Him a ride. Then getting involved in a three car “Pile-up” (Spin) at races start before ultimately finishing 11th.

 

The race was pushed forward one hour due to the possibility of impending rain and thunderstorm predicted Sunday evening. Although with the green flag not scheduled until 11:13AM Pacific, I skipped the first 40-plus minutes of Daytona 500 preamble.

 

Thought it was a nice touch of both Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 A.J. Allmendinger and RFK (Roush Fenway Keselowski) Racing to run their cars with the corresponding numeral font that the late Greg Biffle had run on His No. 16 for Roush Racing.

 

Along with a Biffle No. 16 Ford Fusion Roush Racing car on display with other assorted NASCAR Cup racecars. With an ex-Martin Truex Joe Gibbs Toyota and Ron Bouchard’s racecars in the Fan zone…

 

While still cannot believe its 25 years ago that Dale Earnhardt died! Having also watched that race live, Zoinks!

 

Unfortunately, Mcleod had some sort of mechanical trouble with His right rear tyre on lap-4; collecting Justin Allgaier, William Byron and Casey Mears in the wreck.

 

Although not a fan of Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s, it was G-R-R-REAT! Having FOX run an IndyCar promo during the race’s first commercial break during the first caution. As this would have never happened before FOX bought 33% of IndyCar, and all I could say was Sweet!

 

Swear Kevin Harvick prattled on about Corey Hein not lining up correctly behind His Boss Denny Hamlin’s racecar, during an attempt to push the Toy-Yoter’s to the lead. As both drivers, plus 18 others would be involved in the ritual “big One!” As Clint Bowyer said leader Justin Allgaier threw a lazy block upon a hard chargin’ Hamlin. With the wreck occurring on lap 123.

 

But I thought it was even funnier how Mike Joy was singing the praises of Connor Zilisch. As the most exciting rookie since Jeff Gordon, before Joy shouted wreck on lap-85! Involving you guessed it, Messer Zilisch, Chuh-Ching!

 

As believe it was Zilisch who triggered a nine car crash, which involved two-times defending Daytona 500 winner William Byron in His second crash of the day, and ending His chances of Three-peating’…

 

Whilst won’t even try describing the race’s final lap. Other than we know as typical, all Hell broke loose! With Tyler Reddick “stealing” His first Daytona 500 win with 500 yards remaining!

 

As how ironic, but refreshing and enjoyable for Michael Jordan to be in victory lane hoisting the coveted Harvey J. Earle winners trophy!

 

While it took me forever to figure out whom this Riley Herbst Cat was? As they kept talkin’ about 23XI Racing having four entries in the field. Before finally learning that Herbst drives the team’s No. 35 entry. And probably is the only Cup driver with two Baja 1000 Trophy Truck Spec Class wins (2023-24) on His resume…

 

As congratulations to Reddick for maneuvering into the right position to win the Day-Toner’ 500, and with “Help from His Friends”. 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2025 Streamliner edition

“Does Anybody know What Time it Is? Does Anybody really Care?” And will we ever see this racecar livery again? (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Yeah, it’s that time ‘O year again, Yuhs know. Uhm, when I subject Y’all to mor of my witty repartee from thoust Mystical Isle of Nofendersville with my End of Year Overall Winners selections, Mateys! Which Y'all Clearly look forward to, Man Overboard!

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Nonsensical, Zany “First Take” Off Ye Cuff selections made below….

 

While Y’all can Compare ‘N contrast these choices with last year’s No Fenders selections in the following link.

 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2024 Streamliner edition

 

CATEGORIES

1. Racer of Year

Winner: Alex Palou

Initially chose Circus Maximus for this award, but I’m biased towards IndyCar. Not to mention that Maxwell Silver Hammer Done gone Bang-Bang upon Curious George (Russell) at Barcelona erased this platitude for Verstappen…

 

As how could I go against Alex Palou who simply had a “Magical” season. In what very easily could have been an insane 10 races won! With the exception of making a Uber’ rare mistake at Mid-Ohio, gifting Scott Dixon His lone W’ of the season. Along with that late race caution at Milwaukee. Enabling Christian Rasmussen to role the dice with new Flintstone rubber and storm past Palou…

 

Yet the affable Spaniard claimed six poles and eight wins enroute to His third consecutive Championship title, and fourth overall. Finishing with 13 podiums, 14 Top-5 and 15 Top-10 finishes. And a four race wins points advantage over runner-up Pato O’Ward, Youza!

 

Other Choices

Max Verstappen, Marc Marquez, Lando Norris, et Al.

 

2. Story of Year

Winner: Team Penske Attenuator-gate’

This has to be the biggest story of the year, with everyone already knowing about Team Penske caught cheating, again! And while I applaud Doug Boles fairly significant penalties, I still think they should have been thrown out! Although I guess being placed P32-33 and given the final two pit stalls is adequate…

 

Won’t try re-hashing this, since we also know about Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski and Kyle Moye all being fired; Team Penske’s top three members. As it’ll be interesting to “see” how Team Penske responds in it’s upcoming 60th year celebration during 2026. And if Cindric is rightly honoured?

 

Vice Champion: NASCAR Anti-Trust lawsuit

Sneaking in on Dec 11th, NASCAR capitulated, and settled the Anti-Trust lawsuit filed by 23/XI and Front Row Racing, over the “Take It or Leave It” Charter renewal. With NASCAR giving teams only six hours on a Friday evening to sign the 112 page document. As it sounds like it was a win for the teams for once, after protracted two years of fruitless negotiations. But since I don’t follow Roundy-Round, I don’t know the specifics of the deal, or how it impacts the future? Other than we can simply go racin’ again, wisely ahead of the Mac Daddy Day-Toner’ 500…

 

Other Choices

Christian Horner’s Firing from Red bull, Will Power’s Dismissal from Team Penske, Helmut Marco leaving red Bull.

 

3. Race of Year

Winner: Petit Le Mans

Another sentimental choice, since how else could I revel over Aston Martin’s Valkyrie finishing runner-up at season’s end? Not to mention some purple Dragon winning it’s LMP2 class’s Championship, or a fitting sendoff to Steven Thomas’s retirement. In what was another typical ten hours “Nailbiter”.

 

With the fan favourite shrieking Cossie’ V-12 lump’ bolting the Valkyrie into unfathomable competition for an upset W’, before finishing 5.1 seconds behind the winning No. 31 Whelen Cadillac. Along with the Lamborghini’s SC63 toying with a podium finish in what is likely it’s final race. Before finishing fourth, it’s best finish to date…

 

Other Choices

Sao Paolo Grand Prix, Milwaukee, Gateway, MotoGP French GP

 

4. Sportsperson of Year

Winner: Jamie Chadwick

Once again, Jamie Chadwick wins this award, based on Her winning three races in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) championship with co-drivers Daniel Juncadella and Mathys Jaubert. With both being promoted to the Genesis Magma Racing’s “Weckity Wec” Hypercar entry for 2026.

 

As the trio finished third overall in the LMP2 category. And I sincerely hope Chadwick will get the nod for a seat in IMSA GTP in 2027! And that other Femme Fatales get fulltime rides in Motor Racing…

 

Other Choices

Brittany Force, Erica Enders, Dorion Pim, Katherine Legge

 

5. Hard Charger of year

Winner: Shane Van Gisbergen

Kiwi’ Bad Arse racer Shane Van Gisbergen won the Supercars title three times, i.e.; 2016, 2021-22, whilst finishing runner-up to compatriot ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin in 2018. With The Gis’ scoring 80 wins Down Under before setting His sights upon new horizons.

 

Van Gisbergen shocked the NASCAR Cup community when winning upon debut at Chicago in 2023. Becoming the first rookie driver to win upon debut since Lone Star JR’, aka Johnny Rutherford in 1963. Along with being the first “Road ringer” to win on debut since Mark Donohue in 1973, Aye Karumba!

 

Following a partial Cup campaign during 2024, The Gis’ ran His rookie Full season for Trackhouse Racing aboard their No. 88 entry in 2025.

 

Van Gisbergen set a new rookie record for most wins in a season with five. Surpassing Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson holding the record with three apiece previously.

 

Even more impressive was that Van Gisbergen made the Playoffs in His rookie season. Thanks to scoring five consecutive road course wins, beginning at Mexico City. Followed by wins at Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen and Charlotte’s Roval.

 

Shane will drive the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing entry this year alongside rookie teammate Connor Zilisch (No. 88) and Ross Chastain. (No. 1) And has signed a multi-year extension which keeps Him in Cup thru the 2027 season.

 

Other Choices

Dennis Hauger, Denny Hamlin, Marco Bezzecchi, Tony Stewart, Brock Feeney 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2025 Streamliner edition, Positions 6-9

Otay Kiddoes', it's that time 'O year again, when I cap off another long, meandering past year's storytelling from thou Isle of Nofendersville, with my Zany End of Year Overall Winners selections…

 

As Y’all know thou Drill here upon Ye Isle ‘O Nofendersville, where the Nights are long and the Days spent type-type-typing Away Way too Mucho on thoust Keyboard! Alas, Once again it’s another long form No Fenders Two part Harmony, Err meandering prose for your consideration

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Zany Random Off Ye Cuff selections made below…

 

CATEGORIES

Rider of The Year, Sports Car Drivers of The Year, Freak of The Year and Quip of The Year

 

6. Rider of Year

Winner: Marco Bezzecci

Funny how I really don’t know anything about this ultimate Kneedragger’. Yet the 27yr old Italian celebrated His birthday in classico style by winning His third MotoGP Grand Prix of the season at Valencia complete with birthday cake and candles!

 

Although Bezzecchi tied with Alex Marquez for second most season wins, with three apiece. Even though Marquez “Jnr” rides for the satellite Gresini squad, and finished second overall vs. Bezzecchi’s third. Gresini do have the superior Ducati Desmosedici GP25 under Thar’ saddles.

 

Thus Bezzecchi gets the nod for riding a non Ducati Scooter’, along with winning three times for the Factory Aprilia outfit, where reigning MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin was supposed to lead the charge, Ole!

 

Other Choices

Alex Marquez, Fabio Quartararo, Pedro Acosta, and Duh! Ye Pinball Wizar, aka Marc Marquez…

 

7. Sports Car Drivers of Year

Winner: Roman De Angelis, Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas

This choice could go to several drivers like Romain Grosjean for wringing the neck out of the Lamborghini SC63, etc. As guessing you could make a case for most of the IMSA GTP drivers, Eh?

 

Chose to give the nod to The Heart Of Racing’s (THOR) regular season drivers Roman De Angelis and Ross Gunn, since the Aston Martin THOR Valkyrie was at a deficit the entire season, playing catch-up upon it’s maiden campaign in the IMSA GTP category. Having missed the Rolex 24 for fears of reliability, and the added pressure of racing round the clock twice.

 

Yet this duo, with the addition of third Endurance driver Alex Riberas worked wonders with the crowd favourite shrieking Cossie’ (Cosworth) 6.5-liter normally aspirated V-12. Scoring it’s maiden podium finish at the season finale 10 hours Petit Le Mans with a fabulous second place finish!

 

Other Choices

Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti, Dane Cameron and PJ Hyett, and I suppose Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell

 

8. Freak of Year

Winner: Jorge Martin

Thee Martinator’ started off by High-siding His Aprilia Scooter’ just one hour into MotoGP Pre-season testing, suffering a broken hand and fractured foot! Before the season just went completely Pear Shaped to say the least!

 

Martin broke His opposite hand the Monday prior to the season opening round at Thailand. And then rushed back to action at Qatar where He lost control, got hit and ended up in hospital with eleven broken ribs and a collapsed lung, Shiesa!

 

Further endearing Himself to Aprilia, He unwisely tried escaping His contract during recovery, before reneging. Returned to action before breaking His Collarbone at Motegi when colliding with teammate Marco Bezzecchi. Adding insult to injury, by having to serve a double long lap penalty at the season finale at Valencia for causing the collision at Motegi!

 

Honourable Mention

Max Verstappen

Regardless of Max Blunderhead’s adamant dismissal of His ridiculous crashing into Bosom Buddy George Russell in Barcelona. Where Circus Maximus got off lightly with only a ten second time penalty. Nonetheless, Maximus Hothead’s dropping from fifth place to an eventual tenth place finish, cost Him nine points! Before losing the Drivers Championship to Lando Norris by two points…

 

Move “Was Not Right” says frustrated Verstappen

 

Other Choices

Josef Schlick’ Newgarden

 

9. Quip of Year

Winner: “You Fired me Once!”

Those were the cheeky words of Martin BillyBob’ Brundle during His Jeddah Grid Walk, when speaking to HMS Monogram, aka Flavio Briatore. Who replied It was a Mistake…

 

As how many remember that Brundle drove one season for Benetton in 1992? As “Understudy” to someone named Michael Schumacher…

 

Honourable Mention

“In 200 years no one will care. We’ll All be Dead!”

Those were the salient words of Lando Norris Wayback’ in August, when then trailing McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in this year’s title fight. In regards to whether or not He won the championship.

 

“I’ve got four of those trophies at Home”

Typical Max Speak during the three title rivals Thursday press conference preceding the championship weekend’s title decider on Yas Isle. With Verstappen taking it even further by saying He knows what His signature looks like! Since reportedly, every F1 Drivers World Champion “signs” the vaunted championship trophy…

 

As that's a Wrap for the Year Kiddoes, as it's been Ah, Uhm? Oh Yeah, Ah blast as always…

 

Arrivederci

Tomaso 

MOTO GP: The Year of Marc Marquez

Although He didn’t survive the season unscathed…

 

The 2025 MotoGP season was largely ruled by Ye Pinball Wizard, aka Marc Marquez. Although you’d have to say it was split into two parts, i.e.; Pre-Japanese Grand Prix, and Post Japanese Grand Prix. As Motegi brought the inevitable High’s and Low’s to the current and former MotoGP World Champions.

 

This year’s dominant force was Marc Marquez. As the 32 year old Spaniard totally crushed the competition on His Factory Ducati. Winning an impressive total of 11 Grands Prix races. Along with six Sprint race wins and eight poles.

 

As Marquez made His intentions known early, storming out of the gate. Scoring two straight “Clean” sweep weekends in Thailand and Argentina, i.e.; claiming pole and winning both Sprint and Grand Prix races. Before coming up short at the Circuit Of The Americas, (COTA) crashing out of Sunday’s U.S. Grand Prix; round 3 of 22. After claiming pole and winning the Sprint race in Austin.

 

Marquez stamped His authority upon this year’s title by reeling off seven straight Grands Prix wins. From Motorland Aragon in Spain, to the Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary. (Rounds 8-14) Spanning from June 8th to August 24^th

 

Marquez’s points lead was so commanding that He clinched the title when finishing runner-up at Motegi, behind His shrinking violet Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia, with five races remaining.

 

As Bagnaia finished fifth overall, 257 points adrift of Marquez. (545-288) With Marc’s younger brother Alex Marquez, Marco Bezzechi and Pedro Costa sandwiched in-between Him standings wise.

 

Whilst Marc Marquez’s championship triumph was short lived. As the Spainard was involved in a crash with Marco Bezzecchi at Indonesia a week later, suffering a broken right collarbone, the same side as His famous arm injuries. With Doctors discovering during surgery that He’d twisted some titanium screws in the arm! As Ye Pinball Wizard eventually sat out the rest of the season recovering…

 

On the opposite end of the spectrum was reigning MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin, whose debutante season for Aprilia can only be described as a Nightmare! Beginning by crashing only an hour into Pre-season testing at Sepang! Breaking His right Hand and fracturing His left Foot, Yikes!

 

Then on the Monday preceding the season opening round in Thailand, Jorge crashed again. This time breaking His left Hand, forced to sit out the first three round, before making His Aprilia debut at Qatar.

 

Yet this debut seemed rushed, as thee Martinator’ definitely wasn’t 100% physically recovered, and disaster struck again! As Jorge lost control of His Scooter’ with Fabio di Giantonnio having nowhere to go, striking Martin. With Jorge suffering eleven broken ribs and a collapsed lung!

 

Martin did little to endear Himself to the team, announcing He planned to leave early, foregoing the second year of His contract due to lack of performance, before ultimately rescinding this  claim during His Qatar injury recovery.

 

Martin returned to action at the Czech Grand Prix on July 20th, (Round 12) before suffering His latest setback. Having collided with Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi at Turn-1 of the Sprint race’s start atMotegi, suffering a broken collarbone.

 

Martin made His seventh Grands Prix weekend start at the season finale in Valencia. Where He served a double long-lap penalty for causing the Motegi collision with Bezzecchi. Before retiring at halfway distance due to lack of physical stamina.

 

Meanwhile, Bezzecchi’s year aboard Aprilia has gone the polar opposite’s of Martin’s. With the Italian celebrating His 27th birthday at Velencia claiming His third MotoGP victory of the season. Having won seven days prior at Portimoa, along with His earlier win at Silverstone.

 

Bezzecchi secured third in the final points standings, and presumably leaves Martin looking over His shoulder, as the Italian becomes Aprilia’s top hope? Whilst Raul Fernandez would likely be “Next Man Up” at Aprilia, since Honda supposedly hasn’t completely closed the door on Martin joining in 2027.

 

Trackhouse Racing’s (Raul) Fernandez scored His maiden MotoGP win Down Under at Phillip  Island (Australia) enroute to finishing 10th overall. While rookie teammate Ai Ogura impressed early season, before ultimately finishing P16 overall.

 

The only other rider with multiple wins were Peco’ Bagnaia winning twice, i.e.; Austin and Motegi. While Alex Marquez finished runner-up overall to brother Marc on the back of three wins aboard the satellite Gresini Duc’. Taking wins at Jerez, Barcelona and Sepang.

 

Alex’s teammate, rookie Fermin Aldeguer won convincingly in Indonesia. With Johann Zarco taking a solitary win at Home on the Le Mans circuit aboard His Castrol LCR Honda in wet weather conditions…

 

Thus three riders scored their debutante MotoGP victories this year, i.e.; Alex Marquez, Raul Fernandez and Fermin Aldeguer.

 

As that’s only the Grands Prix Sunday races, since I’m sure others won some of the Sprint races. Yet as always, Ducati claimed the Lion’s share, with a total of 17 Grands Prix W’s. Followed by four wins from Aprilia and a single win for Honda. Which presumably will continue next year, before the next major regulation change in 2027.

 

As Marc Marquez becomes tied with thee Doctor, aka Valentino Rossi and the great Giacomo Agostini win seven World Championships apiece in the premiere GP500/MotoGP category. And you’d have to say odds favour Marquez winning His eighth title next year… 

McLaren Walks the Plank in Vegas

Perhaps when passing Treasure Island each lap?

 

Yeah, this is old news now, especially since we’ve now completed the Qatar Grand Prix. But in the wake of the previous Grand Prix in Sin City, ergo Las Vegas, where Y’all know that well worn cliché. What Happens in Vegas…

 

In the Media’s typical rush to get the news out. I became Cornfuzed over the various reports stating that both McLaren’s had been Disqualified due to either Skid block or Plank ware. Since perhaps its just Mwah? But the word skid block congers up the image of a square, equidistant block. Verses a plank being of a rectangular distance. So which Bloody one was it?

 

When I hear the word plank, I immediately think of the word Jabroc, and Michael Schumacher being disqualified from His Belgian Grand Prix win in 1994.

 

Following these” composite” plank’ then made from beechwood, having been introduced to prevent teams from running their chassis to low to the ground for aerodynamic effects.

 

Although apparently Jabroc has been replaced by today’s modern materials, i.e.; fiberglass or composite.

 

All Formula 1 chassis are required this mandatory composite plank being affixed to the car’s bottom along it’s centre line from a horizontal line’s point lying 330mm, approx. 13 inches behind the front wheel’s cenre line. Extending to the rear wheel’s centre line.

 

This rectangular plank must be of uniform thickness when new. Measuring a width of 300mm, i.e.; approx. 12 inches. (One Foot) Having a thickness of 10mm with a 0.2mm plus/minus tolerance. And being symmetrically fixed, allowing no airflow between it and the car’s bottom mounting surface.

 

What I didn’t know until Thanksgiving day, four days after said disqualification. According to ESPN Online Motorsport Headlines, there are four FIA measurement holes in the plank protected by titanium plates for inspection purposes. Presumably during both pre and post-race technical inspection. Wit a maximum of one millimeter wear.

 

As the titanium skid blocks are used to protect the floor and are what make the sparks one sees onscreen during a race broadcast…

 

According to Racer’s Chris Medland, Lando Norris’s car was found to be 0.12mm and Oscar Piastri’s car was 0.26mm out of the minimum 9mm plank allowance, both at the rearmost measurement point. For which I believe there being holes cut in the plank’s left and right sides for said measurement.

 

Being a Yank’ fully ensconced in Standard measurement, I set about trying to find out the differences in what ‘Ol Professor (Steve) Matchett would define as Old Money vs. New Money…

 

Thus learning that one millimeter is equal to approximately 0.0394 inch. (0.039371)  And one inch is equal to 25.4mm.

 

Amazingly, the thickness of a typical, single sheet of paper varies from 0.07 to 0.18 of a millimeter, with copy paper typically being 0.1mm, Aye Karumba!

 

While if I remember correctly? One 16th of an inch = 0.625, being more than one millimeter thick.

 

Thus one can now understand indeed how the dreaded Porpoising of today’s F1 ground effect cars can cause these inherit infractions of running one’s chassis too low by accident or excessive wear.

 

With both McLaren drivers being instructed to “Lift and Coast” on the track’s long straights to try mitigating this porposiing effect, which didn’t work…

 

As both Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Charles Leclerc )Ferrari) cars were DQ’ed’ (Disqualified) at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in 2023 for similar infractions. And the rules are the rules, especially since every formula 1 team is trying to sun their chassis at the lowest possible ride height for aerodynamic efficiency. And just how tight the tolerances are! 

Trans Am Musings

Although the modern day series  just doesn’t resonate with me as it once did…

 

Not sure why I got so wrapped up in this? But speaking ‘O Mark Donohue! Once again your humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso slid down another Wabbit’ Hole…

 

Hey, I suppose that’s what happens when the IndyCar season has been over for nearly a month’s time. Formula 1 seems anti-climatic and Thars nothin’ but Football on Thy Telie’, Spew! Along with some Taxicab Bombers Playoffs when you’re struggling to upgrade your Desktop Confuzer’ to Windows 11 Assimilation…

 

It all started when reading about the recent IROC reunion at Laguna seca this August, when Tony Drissi won the 10 lap Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s race. As I’ll admit, I’d totally forgotten about Messer Drissi, whom presumably I knew about a quarter of a century ago…

 

Although funnily, Ye ‘Ol memory machine Ain’t quite as sharp as I like to think it is! Since I knew Drissi raced in Trans Am, but incorrectly associated Him with the Tommy Bahamas Qvale Mangusta Trans Am racecar. Which Brian Simo drove to the 2000 title for Huffaker Racing.

 

I especially delight over Drissi’s Bio’ noting that although He began racing vintage cars in the early 1990’s. His driving style was to aggressive for the spritely machinery! Making His professional racing debut in the 1999 SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am Championship. Where He won the Rookie Of the Year driving a Ford Mustang Cobra.

 

For 2000, Drissi apparently joined forces with Claudio Burtin and their newly formed racing team. Acquiring Paul Gentilozzi’s Rocketsports Racing’s 1999 championship winning Ford Mustang Cobra’s. As Rocketsports had switched to the soon to be Uber’ menacing Jaguar XKR. Winning five straight championships between 2001 to the series demise at the end of 2005.

 

Although keep in mind, all of this era’s racecars were Silhouette body’s over tube frame chassis. And it appears that the Rocketsports Jaguar XKR’s were simply updated Ford Mustang chassis with the requisite Jaguar body…

 

Drissi appropriately won His maiden Trans Am race at His Home venue, i.e.; Long Beach, winning the 2000 race in controversial style. Initially being declared the winner of the 35 lap race, before the Chief Steward took the win away and gave it to Johnny Miller, when reverting back to lap 34’s standings.

 

Yet a protest was filed by another competitor, and the results were overturned. As Miller had won after the One Hour maximum time allotment had expired! And Hence the win reverted back to Drissi.

 

It would be Drissi’s lone W’ of the season, finishing sixth overall.

 

In 2015, in a “One-off” Trans Am race at Mid-Ohio. Drissi would be suspended from Trans Am competition for one year, due to multiple incidents on-track, including colliding with points leader Amy Ruman.

 

Hang on a moment, as Y’all may be saying what does this have to do with Mark Donohue, Eh?

 

Well it was none other than Paul Meathedz’ Gentilozzi who broke Donohue’s leading Trans Am career wins mark at Toronto in 2005, scoring the 30th of His eventual 31 Trans Am victories. As Donohue’s record stood for an amazing 33 years.

 

Gentilozzi made His Trans Am debut upon His Home turf at Detroit in 1987. Then scoring His first Trans Am victory on the Streets of Long Beach the following year.

 

And in further irony, Drissi would claim the 2009 Trans Am Championship driving for RSR Racing, i.e.; Paul Gentilozzi’s renamed Rocketsports Pacing team in one of His Jaguar XKR’s. With Drissi claiming a further win at Portland enroute to the title. that season.

 

Although I’ve never been a fan of Gentilozzi’s, and His disgusting behaviour towards Ryan Hunter-Reay didn’t help!

 

The Seedier Side of Racing

 

Which ultimately, RHR’, The Dude! Ergo Ryan Hunter-Reay successfully won His 12 year lawsuit a further two plus months later, in May 2017…

 

Sniffing round the All knowing Intrawoods’, I came across the news that Chris Dyson has just tied Donohue’s record for second most Trans Am wins, when capturing His 29th victory at Virginia International Raceway. (VIR) Driving from last place to first!

 

And I’d like to think that its only a matter of time until Dyson surpasses Gentilozzi’s career wins record…

 

Ironically, Tony Drissi once again was causing controversy at Virginia. Having initially been classified third, before receiving a post race penalty for Avoidable Contact with Yuhs guessed it, Amy Ruman in Her Corvette!

 

As what is it that Drissi has against Ruman, Eh?

 

Thus Drissi was demoted to fourth, with Adam Adretti claiming third.

 

Yes, Adam Andretti is the son of Aldo Andretti, and younger brother of John Andretti. And has been racing in the Trans Am series since 2014.

 

Meanwhile, its another former NASCAR driver named Paul Menard who Dyson made that bold pass upon race leader and pole sitter (Menard) to claim His 29th Trans Am victory.

 

As Menard held a 46-point lead over Adam Andretti following Virginia, with two races remaining. Appropriately ending at the Circuit Of The Americas over Halloween weekend…