IndyCar Rolls On

And the future’s so bright, Oh Never Mind!

 

Was going to pontificate upon IndyCar’s bungling of its T-Shirt fiasco prior to the Indianapolis 500. But I’m certain that Bud Denker, Mark Miles and All of the top Braintrust at Starship Penske would tell us Thars’ nothing to see here. All the suites were sold out for Detroit. We’ve had more sponsors sign up, ticket sales are up and everybody just loves IndyCar, Spew!

 

IndyCar’s ‘One Nation, One Race’ controversy is no surprise amid its rightward drift

 

Yeah, I realize after this year’s race and the amazing finish, my topic will probably be moot to many. Wallowing in Felix-the-Cat’s comments following His monumental victory; “I’m not thinking about Detroit right now!”

 

Nor am I still thinking about it. Being an Uber good weekend to step away from the All consuming keyboard and go for Walkabout’ in Mother Nature, thanks to Tacoma Bureau chief Mary Ellen…

 

Nevertheless, I’ll still briefly try tackling what’s been on my mind during this Month of May, until race day. When Mother Nature was “Tops of the Pops!” Although allowing us to run all 200 miles…

 

Yet I’m sure many have thought about preceding the race. That being the lack of bumping this year, and how “Quite” this made qualifying.

 

What I still don’t understand, albeit having guessed that Andretti Global was loathe to give-up its fourth Honda engine lease for fear of loosing it permanently? Is the fact that there was a spare Honda lump’ available this May.

 

So why couldn’t Bryan Herta and Andretti Global have run a fourth car program with Stefan Wilson, who reportedly had the necessary budget?

 

Although in hindsight, the three Andretti Global entries didn’t exactly light up the field during qualifying…

 

This led me to pondering if both Chevrolet and Honda were required to field 18 engines apiece, meaning we’d have 36 entries and three drivers going home. Would this be beneficial sporting-wise?

 

And who’d make up these three entries? Since today, almost the entire field is comprised of current IndyCar teams fielding extra entries, with the exception of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and Abel Motorsports this year…

 

As Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure fame, Ye “Oldest” IndyCar blogger has already opined. We need a third engine manufacturer a la Buick to ease the load upon Chevy and Honda. Although they seem content having a stranglehold upon IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500…

 

Yet I’m guessing this option’s already been taken away from us with the highly cough-cough! Anticipated Dallara IR28 chassis and 2.4-litre V-6 twin turbo hybrid lumps arriving for 2028. When IndyCar becomes a completely “closed Shop” with two final charters going to the engine suppliers, and 27 charter entries being the maximum grid allowance. With the exception of the Indy 500.

 

Obviously, the main obstacle is cost, since there hasn’t been a third OEM engine supplier since the perpetually underperforming Lotus by Judd lumps’ Wayback in Gory 2012, Yikes!

 

And I can only Arse-sume that nobody has found the return on investment (ROI) to be enticing enough to join IndyCar, El Correctomundo?

 

Also, I’m not an Engineer and don’t know if technically possible or not? But why couldn’t a “Boutique” manufacture of high performance Supercars engine be allowed. Say something from Koenigsegg, Glickenhaus, Isotta Fraschini, Vanwall, etc. Since for instance, the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 uses a 3.0-litre hybrid V-6 twin turbo produced by HWA.

 

As perhaps I’m wrong? But it really seems like IndyCar has made it virtually impossible for a third engine manufacturer to ever enter the series, which is a shame! Along with presumably Andretti Global and Honda not willing to allow the likes of Stefan Wilson to enter this year’s Indy 500.

 

Since after all, isn’t the Indianapolis 500 supposed to be all about having the fastest 33 racers in the field? 

IndyCar releases 2026 Schedule

Which Ain’t Bad, nor is it Awesome. Just feels largely Status Quo…

 

I got my first whisper of impending changes to the NTT IndyCar Series 2026 season’s schedule Monday afternoon when perusing Oilpressure. Noting how the rumour was that Laguna Seca would be replacing Nashville as the season finale. Which as we all know, has now been made official.

 

Guessing the rush to publish next year’s schedule was partially to put “Damage Control” upon Mexico City not being on next year’s calendar, Ci? Which was announced in a Saturday morning press release…

 

Not to mention that the rumoured Washington DC street race is a non-starter. Although as David Land notes. It was never gonna happen for next year, since new races take at least a year to come to fruition.

 

As there’s only two “surprises” for Mwah, albeit knowing the first, i.e.; Nashville and Laguna Seca swapping spots. Although the Nashville race will become a night event immediately following FOX’s FIFA World cup Soccer Final. Along with being lengthened to 400 miles distance. Making me wonder what Firestone will do about its troublesome right front tire wear?

 

The other surprise is that Milwaukee returns to a double Header, albeit we knew that Iowa was “Toast!”

 

As the 2026 season will begin with three races in-a-row over three weeks. Beginning at St Pete on March 1st, Will Power’s 45th Birthday.

 

Followed by a return to Phoenix, as part of a NASCAR Double Header weekend. Although IndyCar will run on Saturday, and sounds like they’ll play second fiddle to the Xfiniti race, Sigh. Which according to David Land, is only a one year deal…

 

Then its off to Arlington, Texas for the inaugural street race around the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers stadiums, before closing the month of March out at thee Oh, so Beautiful Barber’s, nee Barber Motorsports Park on March 29th, one month earlier than normal. Long Beach is the lone race in April, followed by the Month of May. And then the remainder of the schedule…

 

The second new venue is Oh Canada’s Streets of Markum race in “August. Moving from Toronto, to make way for World Cup soccer matches being contested at BMO Field’s pitch during July. With the new street venue on a five year contract.

 

There’s a total of 17 races once again, with six street circuits and six Oval races on five tracks. Along with five road courses. Which I’ll say at least IndyCar wisely chose to not conflict with either the 12 Hours of Sebring or 24 Hours of Le Mans. Along with also not Bumpin’ up against the Brickyard 400.

 

As I’d say the only disappointment, minus the traditional, ridiculously short season. Is ending at Laguna Seca, which has become as David Land says. The Alex Palou victory lap parade!

 

While my memory seems to recall that lately Laguna Seca has been overly processional! As didn’t Palou win recently by some 30 or more seconds?

 

As don’t get me wrong, I’m a Huge Fan of Laguna Seca with its signature Corkscrew turn. But the race doesn’t seem to inspire much passing. And it sounds like this was done to appease Corporate Sponsors were IndyCar, nee Penske Entertainment could wine ‘n dine them…

 

As perhaps Scott Dixon said it best, proclaiming that Laguna Seca is Sleepy! And just doesn’t exude the type of energy Y’all would want for your season finale before going into winter’s hibernation, Eh?

 

As Y’all can check out IndyCar’s dizzying, glitzy, Gee Wally Ah Shucks, its the Bestest press release below.

 

IndyCar announces 17 race 2026 NTT IndyCar series schedule

 

As thars’ only 163 days to go in the El Stupidio IndyCar Offseason… 

FOX in The Hen House

Y’all knew that one was Ah-Comin’, didn’t Yuhs? Now where’s Foghorn Leghorn, I Say, I Say?

 

First ‘n Foremost, suppose I should remind Y’all that I’m apparently a card carrying member of les Miserables, Wee-Wee…

 

As its old news now that the FOX Corporation has acquired one third ownership in Penske Entertainment, i.e.; IndyCar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions.

 

And that FOX is excited to bring Innovation to IndyCar’s, Supercharge its potential, Make its Drivers and IndyCar Household names, along with telling us great stories about the Sport All year round…

 

As some of that’s true. And let’s just same some I’ve Embellished upon…

 

Overall, I’m really not sure what to make about this surprising development that “Dropped” on Thursday, July 31st.

 

funniest bit in the press release is the quote from El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske or simply RP’. About the long-standing trust and shared vision for the future in this partnership with FOX is perplexing to Mwah…

 

Hang on uno momento, how do you have long-standing trust with a company; Err Corporation you haven’t even been working with for one year?

 

But now they’re tied at the Hip and FOX will be helping to guarantee energizing IndyCar’s future, Spew! Can Y’all say Rucky Dawgs’ and Checkers or Wreckers, Yeehaw! Or Playoffs and All Star race?

 

Why not incorporate ‘Ol Uncle Bernaughty’s desire for sprinklers on-track at F1 circuits? Or scheduling races during the afternoon’s Monsoons, eh?

 

As FOX started off this new relationship swimmingly Y’all! As I’d had no clue what the “Programming” Delay was during the Portland IndyCar race, when the start was delayed 15mins.

 

Having subsequently learned via David Land that many Folks in TV Land were rightly peeved with FOX! Having bumped IndyCar over to FS1 as the Live Golf match went long, Four!

 

Along with some local FOX Affiliates dropping the race entirely. Most notably Chicago, where David Malukas and Dale Coyne Racing Hail from. In favour of a Chicago Bears NFL Pre-season game instead! Uhm, let that sink in Y’all, BARF!

 

Along with FOX gaining a multi-year broadcasting rights extension, I doubt the season’s calendar will expand anytime soon, i.e.; begin sooner or end later, since FOX has the Day-Toner’ 500 and Football bookending IndyCar’s take it or leave it schedule…

 

Another entertaining part of this acquisition is how the whole FOX airing the entire season on Network TV was supposed to increase viewership; hopefully to one million viewers average outside the Indy 500 race. Yet FOX is actually averaging less than NBC did.

 

As FOX had its sixth consecutive broadcast of less than 800,000 viewers at Laguna Seca, and I couldn’t see how this trend doesn’t continue for the Portland broadcasts. Which it did, dropping from 734k to 708k viewers, whilst no idea how Milwaukee did?

 

Still not sure how FOX is going to “energize” IndyCar going forwards? Or how their metrics claim a 31% increased growth for year over year broadcasting?

 

On the positive side, selling a third of Penske Entertainment perceivably shores up its weakest link, i.e.; marketing and promotion of the series. But the other strange comment from FOX CEO Eric Shanks, which I heard on David Land’s Youtube Channel. Was about the potential for “Storytelling” of IndyCar year round, Say What?

 

How do you do that when your Hyper-energized racing series is Hibernating for Half the Freakin’ year? Having already begun its long winter’s slumber before Labour Day, Chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

What little I’ve read and listened via Podcast on FOX becoming a vested partner in IndyCar, tends to make me believe that Roger will never sell IMS. And wishes to keep in the “Family” for generations to come. And with a 66% controlling interest, that sounds feasible to Mwah for the time being. But who knows, Eh?

 

As I “See” this basically as a way for Roger to insert a “Poison Pill” into others trying to buy Penske Entertainment into the future, along with getting somebody to do the marketing work His team is Failing at currently…

 

Since as Marshall Pruett notes, FOX now has a vested interest financially to make the series grow, in order to please its Shareholders, and their bottom lines.

 

My only question is what happens if FOX decides its not going well and wishes to divest itself from IndyCar in the future? Although I’d guess there would be some sort of buyout clauses in their contract?

 

Now I’ve gotta go find my Coastal.com Tristan Turbo’ Vautier Cheap Sunglasses from Mother speedway, cause’ the Futures so Bright! 

Time to Kick Off the 2025 IndyCar season

As anticipation mounts over another insidious 43 weeks Offseason coming to a Close!

 

Diehard IndyCar Aficionados will already know about the major news items for this year’s NTT IndyCar Series season, beginning this weekend at St Pete. The biggest being the switch to FOX, with All 17 races being hosted live on network television.

 

With FOX’s TV Booth lineup being announced just prior to IndyCar content days in January, with Will Buxton being the new lead Play-by-Blay Anchor, with James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell as the Driver Analysts. Or should that be protagonists? Whilst Ryan Hunter-Reay, Jack Harvey and Charlie Kimball’s names were thrown round as potential Pitlane reporters…

 

FOX is also bringing the advent of Drones to its IndyCar coverage. As no jokes about Amazon making deliveries, or pepperoni pizzas dropping from the skies here, Hya!

 

Along with the debut of the “Birds eye”, Err Driver’s Eye system at the St Pete season opener. As the miniaturized in-helmet camera system which has been used in Formula 1 and NASCAR, now joins IndyCar. Which Y’all can read in detail below…

 

https://racer.com/2025/01/15/indycar-drivers-eye-system-to-debut-on-fox/

 

I’ll save All of the Driver switches for my yearly, IndyCar team previews, Groan! Other than to say once again it’ll be an action packed, nearly nonstop 17 race calendar from the beginning of March to the final day of August.

 

Since I still firmly believe that IndyCar sold its Soul for the FOX Network TV Deal!

 

And are simply shooting themselves in the foot (again) by limiting the season to a tiny, six months period. Since we won’t even get started about what happens when Mother Nature reeks havoc upon race weekends! And that doesn’t even include running in Iowa in the middle ‘O summer, Oh Never Mind!

 

Look, I get it, and am resigned to the irritating fact that IndyCar is too afraid of the Big, Bad NFL 986lb Gorilla! And that others have pointed out that both Sports seasons are the same duration, But!

 

I’d argue that the NFL keeps it firmly in our minds with All of its offseason activities, i.e.; Draft, OTA/Spring Training and Pre-season Games, et Al.Not to mention the monumentous playoffs to the Super Bowl…

 

Thus it seems that IndyCar could at least resume holding an official Spring Trainning Pre-season weekend accessible to All Fans at the very least. Whilst I for one would appreciate further “Offseason” international races. As surely the Braintrust at Starship Penske, Err Penske Entertainment can come up with a viable way to extend the IndyCar season for All of us Diehard Fans who Don’t give a Tinkers Damn about Stick ‘n Ball Sports, Righto?

 

Hell! No wonder why Formula 1 is encroaching upon IndyCar’s turf and TV viewing numbers! I mean they were in the midst of Hamilton Fever in late January when He arrived at Maranello. Before everyone whent Gaga over His testing a two year old Ferrari at Fiorano…

 

Hey, you didn’t think this entire, riveting No Fenders post was gonna be 114% Sunshine, Bunnies and Rainbows, did Yuhs?

 

As I just hope the Intrawoods’ connection or that IndyCar Radio at least used some brand new dental floss for its tin cans broadcast connection this weekend at St Pete! And I can listen to an interruption Free radio broadcast from Ye Gory Apple Orchard. As Y’all know the words…

 

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!

 

And lookie Thar Mom, I didn’t even mention a word about Josef Schlick’ Newgarden using the button Illegally at St Pete…

 

While I’d enjoy seeing the “conquistador ‘O concrete”, aka Alex Palou do what the Kansas City Chiefs couldn’t accomplish! Seeing the Spaniard “three-peat” for Championship titles this year, Ole! Just as long as everybody runs roughshod over Schlick! 

Grosjean Speaks Out

As wasn’t it ‘Ol Jack Nicholson who said “You Can’t Handle the Truth!”

 

Although we’re getting into the Sugar-plumbs, Fairytales ‘n Wishful Hopes of Santa Claus portion of thoust year. And not wanting to ruin anyone’s appitite during thee Turkey Lurkey Festimus’, by reading anything negative here upon No Fenders. Since myannual membership card for les Meiserables is coming up for renewal…

 

Hence, I’ve delayed scribblin’ my two pesos worth upon Romain Grosjean’s recent remarks regarding the plight of IndyCar and trying to secure His seat at Juncos Hollinger Racing for another season…

 

As Grosjean rightly pointed out that Indy Cars marketing is Horrendous! And that the new-fangled Wink-wink’ Hybrid systems are making costs unbearable for IndyCar teams All comes across as a very forthright and correct assessment of the current state of IndyCar!

 

Full Disclosure, I’ve always thought that Romain’s a Hothead, for which His past antics seem to warrant. And never truly being a fan of Him. Although I did totally enjoy His renaissance as “The Phoenix” during His rookie IndyCar campaign with the Minnowesqe Dale Coyne Racing concern. And was hoping that Grosjean would “Break His Duck” in Indy Cars whilst driving for Andretti Autosport, but I digress…

 

Living in Smalltown USA, “Somebody Give Me a Cheeseburger!” In what I affectionately call Bumfiddle’ Florence on the Oregon coast. Naturally I Don’t expect IndyCar to spend any Coin’, Err budget upon promoting the series here, and have zero clue if they do anything in Portland prior to the yearly IndyCar race held there?

 

Since the last time I can recall an IndyCar driver making a token appearance in Warshington’, was when nearly two decades ago the late Justin Big Unit’ Wilson came to the 2006 Seattle Roadster Show as a RuSport Champ Car World Series (CCWS) driver.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2008/07/2006-seattle-roadster-show.html

 

And I suppose I “Get It”, why the Pacific Northwest is perpetually overlooked regarding IndyCar marketing. But wasn’t it just a few seasons ago that Mikey A’ was bellyaching over Penske Entertainment reducing the Leader Circle prize fund payout by $300,000 per entry to increase IndyCar’s Marketing Department, El Correctomundo?

For which I have zero clue if this has resulted in anything positive? Since Grosjean’s comment would make me think the opposite. Especially since I don’t consider 100 Dazes to Indy to be anything more then another nauseating Infomercial’ for the Indianapolis 500, which seems to be All the series cares about!

 

While David Land’s 18mins video title Grosjean Rips IndyCar! Rightly points out how the series basically doesn’t have anything earthshaking to promote about IndyCar to move the needle or get Fans excited!

 

Meanwhile, I can only wonder what the “New & Improved” Administration, whose spokesman gushed about just Drill Baby, Drill! Will presumably turn back the “clocks” upon renewable energy. And how their pushing for sticking with gas guzzling SUV’s flies in the face of the automotive industry’s current push towards “Electrification”. And how this U-turn effects Honda’s decision to remain in IndyCar?

 

As we All know, almost whenever you buy something new and more technological, its price is more expensive or even steep. Until the new technology has time to become more robust and mainstream, then prices typically fall or become achievable.

 

Everyone seems to be overlooking the fact of how impressive the new IndyCar hybrid Energy Recovery System (ERS) due to the packaging constraints placed upon it! Being a very unique piece ‘O kit. And that IndyCar, Chevrolet and Honda specifically chose to implement a “Soft” debut rollout and limiting it to 50bhp in order to reduce the inherent teething issues that only race weekends would produce…

 

Yeah, I understand that nobody cares about the actual technology this 100lb contraption bolted to the rear end of the 13yr old Dallara DW12 chassis entails. Hey, that means that the DW12’s now a teenager, Righto? Yet I don’t tend to read too much negative publicity about Formula 1 and its de riggour Hybrid powertrains. Or the fact that they’ll become even more electrically intensified in 2026…

 

As why are we afraid of the future? And are you content to pay $6.00 or more on the West Coast per gallon of gasoline in the future? And notice I haven’t even brought up any environmental aspects of Fossil Fuels! For fear of being Cornfuzed’ as an Oregonian “Granola loving, Tree Hugger!” But Trees are Good, Vern!

 

Thus I now hope that Romain Grosjean does return to the cockpit of one of the fast shrinking available IndyCar seats remaining. Even though at age 38, He’s got to be one of the elder drivers on the circuit. And part of me always wants young, new, fresh talent to emerge in Indy Cars, i.e. Linus Lundqvist, Toby sowery and Hunter McElrea.

 

Yet the series also needs drivers like Grosjean who aren’t afraid to speak the  truth and not pull any punches!

 

Whilst I’m Arse-suming Grosjean’s busy right now looking for the perfect 100% recycled Christmas Card to send to His Bosom Budy thee Great Santini! Ergo Santino Ferrucci, Ho-Ho-Ho! 

Pato Who, Indeed!

If you thought this May’s Kroger promotion in Indianapolis was Big. You should have seen the phalanx ‘O Fans in Mexico City awaiting me Mark! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“What Has Brown Done for You lately” Mark?

 

Even though supposedly Pato Who? And Penske’s Chief “Entertainment” cough-Cough! Officer Mark Miles have “Buried the Hatchet”. I’d like to think that Miles has woke up and Smelled the Fiesta! Even if it was for a “Formula 1” driver, its still Nuts!

 

Since have you ever heard of Fans arriving twelve hours before a racing driver arrives for a promotional event at a Shopping Mall the day before the weekend’s track activities begin?

 

While its priceless that McLaren Boss Zak Brown was wearing a Pato Who? Ballcap during Pato’s one hour (Free Practice) FP-1 session Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Ole!

 

As Y’all can read All about it in the link below written by the AP’s Jenna Fryer.

 

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/autoracing/2024/10/28/pato-oward-takes-mexico-city-by-storm-proving-the-indycar-driver-can-carry-series-in-home-country 

Thoughts upon a Few of IndyCar’s recent moves

Although Motor Racing Never Sleeps!

 

Yeah, it’s old news here upon No Fenders as typical. With everyone knowing that IndyCar has chosen FOX to be its new Television partner beginning in 2025, on a multi-year contract. Presumably running until the end of 2027.

 

Being blind, have I mentioned that to Y’all lately? I typically don’t “watch”, Err listen to many NASCAR races on TV. Usually just the Day-Toner’ 500, which I missed this year due to recovering from Open Heart surgery and my parents didn’t want to watch the race with me…

 

What little I do recall of FOX NASCAR races are that indeed, they tend to put good ‘Ol NBC; “Nothing but Commercials” to Shame! Along with Mike Joy constantly pontificating over everything NASCAR invented or did first…

 

What I’m more curious about, and maybe it’s in the fine print somewhere? But will FOX be airing All of the IndyCar races in year’s two-three of this contract still on Network TV?

 

Since everyone’s touting how this is a “Win” for IndyCar and it’s Team Owners commercially. But I haven’t read anything about the second and third years of this deal and what it pertains? Since if my cable Bill keeps increasing by $31 a month per year, then I’m definitely gonna need to Cut the Chord! Even though I still have zero clue over how a Blind person does Streaming?

 

And ever since Sugar Ray Tracy left the Broadcast Booth, I’ve been listening to every IndyCar race via IndyCar Radio instead. Since they paint a Mucho Better picture of what’s happening ON-track vs. television!

 

Thus, the FOX Broadcast crew isn’t of great importance to Mwah, other than obviously they get talented and knowledgeable people to work behind the microphones. As Allen Bestwick, Brian till or Adam Alexander would be great lead announcers.

 

What I’m truly disappointed about this new arrangement is once again, the shortening of an already too short IndyCar season. As ending on August 31st is a travesty! And yes, I know the reason why, which is Poppycock! Especially since the final few races could migrate to FS1or Gasp, FS2, Oh Never Mind!

 

As IndyCar and Penske Entertainment have nobody but themselves to Blame for marginalizing the series into a Niche Sport! As I Don’t wanna hear any Bellyaching when their ultra compressed scheduled gets disrupted by Mother Nature…

 

I also know others in Ye blogosphere have pointed out how that tiresome, nauseating 869lb Gorilla known as the NFL’s season only last six months. And Ditto other major league sports?

 

But what’s not mentioned in this sentence is that these Stick ‘n Ball Sports have other activity going on year round! Like the vaunted three day Draft, Free Agency, Rookie Camp, OTA’s and who knows what else to keep them constantly in the Spotlight, ergo News cycle.

 

Which one cannot say that at All about IndyCar, unless you wish to include All of the self inflicted wounds of negative publicity over the Stupendous six months Offseason? Hence IndyCar is out of the public eye for at least a minimum of a Half year. And dare I say it? Truly only once a year during Memorial Day weekend! And how did IndyCar manage to race until October for All of those years in the past?

 

Although the new TV Deal appears to be a Boom for Indy NXT, which perhaps will help to increase it’s field of competing drivers and teams?

 

Meanwhile, we also know that this weekend at Mid-Ohio, we’ll finally “See” the debut of IndyCar’s gong Hybrid, even if they’re actually utilizing and ERS, nee Energy Recovery system. Which houses the array of “miniture” super capacitors and the rest of the necessary components inside the engine’s Bellhousing.

 

Much has been made over how many years behind this Hybrid arrival is, for which I do have to say I’m impressed that IndyCar, Chevrolet and Honda can make it work!

 

Since unlike the IMSA GTP racecars, which have oodles of space for large battery systems. Or Formula 1 chassis designed to accommodate battery “packs”, IndyCar is Handicapped by having to package this new ERS hardware into its existing Dallara DW12 design. Which is no fault of Dallara’s, since this chassis is twelve years old!

 

As the main problem is that IndyCar and some of it’s team owners have resisted the implementation of a brand new IndyCar chassis, that could be designed to accommodate such new technology. Which now is possibly the springboard for a new chassis in 2027?

 

Thus, I’m dually impressed that a solution could be found at all to interface not only with the existing Dallara DW12 chassis. But also the twelve year old 2.2-litre twin turbo V-6 racing engines…

 

The question is how will this new hybridization effect the outcome of the remaining nine races? Especially with six being on Ovals. And who will figure out their advantages first?

 

As it seems extremely Odd to me to be introducing such a major equipment change in the middle of a racing season.

 

Yeah, I get it, that supposedly Heads were gonna Roll! If the hybrid ERS package didn’t see competition this season. For which I can only hope that the delay to mid-season won’t see a litany of wholesale retirements due to reliability issues!

 

Even though I know countless miles of testing has been done both on and off track, and even an almost full field test was held at Milwaukee recently. There’s still nothing like the relevance of race competition!

 

While another variable will be Firestone’s tyres, for which All new compounds have been made in advance of going Hybrid. As I’m not saying that Firestone’s tyre’s will be bad. They’re just one more variable for teams to have to sort thru.

 

And speaking of testing, how can I not wonder if Penske and Ganassi have a decided advantage as the primary “test” teams for their respective engine partners? Although I know that Arrow McLaren, Ed Carpenter Racing and I think Rahal Letterman Lanigan and may be Andretti Global have also taken turns? It just All seems very convoluted to Mwah!

 

And notice how I didn’t say nothin’ about Team Penske, P2P and illegal software utilized for Hybrid testing… 

Indy NXT: Top Banana of IndyCar’s truncated Ladder system

But will this year’s Champion be able to find a ride in Indy Cars?

 

Think the IndyCar grid had an agonizing 42 days sabbatical between Long Beach and it’s season kickoff at St Pete, Florida on March 10th? As the Indy NXT grid had to wait a further week’s time before resuming racing at Ye Barbers’, nee Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama on April 28th!

 

Thanks to El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske and His Penske Entertainment buying control of North America’s premiere Feeder series from Anderson Promotions at the end of 2021. And the Knottsoe’ clever marketing brains at Penske Entertainment! What forever will be known as Indy Lights is now known as Indy NXT, Ralf!

 

Having scribbled my thoughts upon this stupendous rebranding here upon No Fenders, which Y’all can read below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/11/penske-entertainments-nxt-great.html

 

Otay, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system Cough-cough! I’ll try giving a brief rundown on IndyCar’s “Minor League”, ergo Triple-A feeder series. Although I won’t go back to it’s very beginnings, when it was simply known as USAC’s Mini-Indy series from 1977-81.

 

Whilst it becomes harder every year to know I can still vividly remember how Quaint it was being in the Portland International Raceway Paddock some thirty-five plus years ago! Seeing somebody’s American Racing Series (ARS) racecar trundle past Mwah. With it’s Buick 3800 V-6 normally aspirated exposed plenum stacks sporting six bright banana yellow tennis balls in them to keep from having any foreign objects dropped into it’s motor!

 

As that was during the late 1980’s, since the (1986-90) ARS was the forebearer of the original 1991 Indy Lights series, known as the Firestone Dayton Lights Championship – which folded at the end of it’s 2001 season. As Lola dominated the series after March chassis won the first two seasons, all with the same Buick V-6 lump’, albeit at some point de riggour Airboxes were introduced…

 

Between 2002-05, the Indy Racing League’s (IRL) ran the Infiniti Pro Series, before Nissan and Menards pulled out in what became the Indy Pro Series instead for 2006-07. As All competitors raced in Dallara IP2 chassis with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) derived Nissan 3.5-litre normally aspirated Infiniti Q45 V-8 engines.

 

As the Split continued running it’s unwieldly course, Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) and Champ Car World Series (CCWS) final rung became the Toyota Atlantic and lastly Champ Car Atlantic Championship circa 2002-07. Which of course is recognized as a separate racing category.

 

Finally, in 2008 the IRL and Champ Car merged after twelve ridiculous years of infighting! And today’s Indy NXT championship began with the resumption of the Firestone Indy Lights Championship, which remained until 2022. When Penske Entertainment butchered the championship’s Advancement prize and left that year’s champion Linus Lundqvist Hanging in the Breeze!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/11/lights-drivers-lost-in-indycar-shuffle.html

 

Now in it’s second season, NXT sports another 14-race calendar, which began at St Pete, Florida on March 10th, and concludes at Nashville’s Super Speedway on September 15th. All rounds are single events except for the Indianapolis Road Course and Laguna Seca weekends being Double Headers. While there a total of four Oval’s, i.e.; Iowa, Gateway, Milwaukee and Nashville. With all races running in conjunction with IndyCar.

 

All teams utilize the Dallara IL15 chassis propelled by an AER Mazda sourced 2.0-litre inline four cylinder turbocharged engine, which I believe makes 450bhp.

 

Being the last rung on the IndyCar ladder system, naturally the competition rachets up another notch! With there being no guarantee of graduating to IndyCar, America’s top Open Wheel Racing category.

 

As reigning USF Pro 2000 Champion Myles Rowe and 2022 U.S. F2000 National Championship winner Michael D’Orlando have both made the jump up to NXT as rookies. Although D’Orlando’s searching for further funding, typical of many promising drivers…

 

By my unscientific research, I came up with a total of 17 of the current 32 IndyCar drivers who’ve contested a race this year at St Pete and Long Beach; being over 50% of the grid.

 

With six former Indy Lights Champion in IndyCar from the past quarter century. With Scott Dixon being the Oldest in 2000. Followed by Josef Newgarden, (2011) Pato O’Ward, )2018) Kyle Kirkwood, (2021) Linus Lundqvist (2022) and Christian Rasmussen. (2023)

 

A further five Indy Lights Runner-up’s consisting of Jack Harvey, Colton Herta, David Malukas, Graham Rahal and Rinus VeeKay are currently on theIndyCar grid.

 

And a total of 16 of these 17 drivers, for which I’ve included Ed Carpenter and Katherine Legge, both expected to run an Ovals Only program. Have won races in Indy Lights or it’s relative Championships, i.e.; Infiniti Pro Series, Toyota Atlantic and Champ Car Atlantic. With the only Indy Lights Alumni to not win a race being IndyCar rookie Kyffin Simpson.

 

Meanwhile, current HMD Motorsports NXT driver and current points leader Nolan Siegel also made His official IndyCar start at Long Beach. Although Siegel made His IndyCar debut in the $1.0 Million Challenge exhibition race at the Thermal Club, and will contest a total of four races this season.

 

As the 19yr old Californian will contest the entire Indy NXT season in hopes of being crowned series champion. Along with attempting to qualify for this year’s Indianapolis 500 and race at Toronto. Running only four IndyCar races in order to keep His eligibility for a Full season IndyCar campaign competing for the 2025 IndyCar Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honours…

 

As Siegel’s one of the favourites to join IndyCar next year as reigning NXT Champion. But surely Andretti Global’s Louis Foster has something to say about that? As who knows who’ll be the next driver to graduate to the Big Boyz’ ranks. And better yet, as history’s shown. Will they be able to succeed and have a long and fruitful IndyCar career?

 

Since IndyCar’s landscape is littered with past Indy Lights Champions no longer racing in the series. Just ask 2019 Lights Champion Oliver Askew, or David Malukas… 

The Show must Go On!

As where’s ‘Ol Uncle Bernaughty when Yuhs need Him, Eh?

 

Having already scribbled my two pesos worth here upon No Fenders regarding Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”. I won’t linger on the subject much longer, especially how everythingy’s AWESOME in Indy Cars, Cough-Cough!

 

But I just wanted to make a few more belated comments, for which I first heard Racer’s Marshall Pruett say out loud during His Week in IndyCar Penske Penalty Podcast. Although I already had similar sentiments over Penske Entertainment’s AWSM press machine…

 

Whilst I wasn’t surprised in the faintess, I did find it funny how much IndyCar.com, the series official House Organ tried wallpapering over Team Penske’s St Pete transgressions! With just one single story published with a rather inauspicious Headline. Before multiple stories about the upcoming Alabama Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park. Move along, Nothing to see here…

 

In hindsight, I feel pretty comfortable that Roger Penske didn’t know about this. And while His 15mins “Come to Jesus” meeting in the Barber Motorsports Park paddock in His “RV” with the ten IndyCar team owners was a step in the right direction. Obviously the meeting was way too short! And it just feels like enough wasn’t done regarding this situation…

 

Naturally the series was quite Happy to write about Arrow McLaren Firing David Malukas a day after Scott McLaughlin led Penske teammate Will Power home in a 1-2 finish at Barber’s.

 

As it’s sad thinking that David Malukas never got a chance to race in anger for McLaren. Or that His injury reportedly stems from His mistaking the front brake of His mountain bike for the rear and going Arse over Teakettle! Dislocating His wrist and tearing it’s tendons…

 

Until this season, Malukas has been my Numero Doce IndyCar driver, as I really like His personal Demeanour and had Hoed for His bigger ‘n better opportunity at McLaren, which we All know, now will never happen, Sigh!

 

As Malukas like many current IndyCar drivers climbed up the Stateside Open wheel Racing ladder system. With stops along the way in the U.S. f2000 National championship, Indy Pro 2000, FR Americas and finally Indy Lights before graduating to IndyCar in 2022.

 

Malukas drove two seasons for Dale Coyne Racing with HDM Motorsports, with funding from His Father’s Trucking business. With His breakout drive coming at Gateway, aka World Wide Technology Raceway or simply WWTR in September, 2022. When the rookie driver finally heeded to veteran spotter Pancho Carter’s advice to go High! As the “High line’s the right line!” Which Malukas used to audaciously pass then second place Scott McLaughlin. And came within “whiskers” of passing Josef Newgarden for the win! As Malukas was simply giddy over finishing runner-up between two Team Penske drivers!

 

David’s sophomore season at Coyne went somewhat sideways to say the least. But it’s worth remembering that Chip Ganassi Racing poached His race Engineer that season for Scott Dixon’s ride. With Malukas claiming His second podium at WWTR when finishing third.

 

Marshall Pruett notes that the driver market for 2025 in IndyCar should potentially offer the 22yr old driver a chance to return. With David saying for now He’s simply focused upon becoming 100% Healthy again…

 

And although I really Hope He returns next year to IndyCar, right now I’m struggling to “See” where He lands? As returning to Coyne seems His most likely option. Whilst obviously, Malukas is ruing His decision to go mountain biking on a “Beginner” course this February… 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2023 Streamliner edition

“RADD!” A Modern Day interpretation of the Golden Submarine originally made famous by Barney Oldfield debuted at the 2008 SEMA Show. (Image source: autoblog.com)

 

Yeah, it’s that time ‘O year again,. Yuhs know, Thee Most Wonderful time ‘O Spew! 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.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/01/golden-tailpipe-awards-2022-streamliner_0301729842.html

 

CATEGORIES

1. Racer of Year

Winner: Robert Wickens

Everybody knows about Robert Wickens Horrific accident at Pocono during it’s 2018 IndyCar race, that left the amiable Kuhnuck’ paralyzed from the waist down.

 

And presumably everyone knows that Wickens won His first major Championship in over a decade this year. With the triumph fittingly coming at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

But it’s been several years since I’ve revisited who’ll forever be known as thee Young Wicky to Mwah. The nom de plume bestowed upon “Robby” by His good friend thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, aka James Hinchcliffe.

 

Thus how many remember that Wickens was a Bad Arse Deutch Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) Ace driving Mercedes Tintops’, Eh? As Wickens claimed six wins during 84 starts over five years, before switching to Indy Cars for Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2018. Where Robby’ captured the IndyCar Series Rookie Of the Year Honours, even after His season was cut short by three races…

 

Robby’ has actually won three Championship, including previously the 2006 Formula BMW USA title, and the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series Chhampionship. Along with finishing runner-up in the 2009 GP2 and the 2010 GP3 championships.

 

Following that Horrific Shunt at Pocono, Wickens first “tested’ the waters for getting back behind the wheel by driving a specially adapted Hand Control Acura during the Parade laps during the 2019 Toronto IndyCar race, where His wife rode Shotgun!

 

Then with inspiration and self-determination. Wickens tested aboard a Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) Hyundai Veloster Touring Car adapted with Hand Controls for paralyzed team driver Micheal Johnson at Mid-Ohio in May, 2021, and the rest is History.

 

Robby’ resumed racing for BHA in the Michelin Pilot challenge series the following year with co-driver Mark Wilkins. They finished third in Wickens first race since Pocono, 2018 at Daytona. Then the duo shared a magical seven days, first winning the TCR category at Watkins Glen, Wickens first W’ since 2017. And then a week later at Trois Riviers they won again! Whilst in-between Robby’s son was born.

 

For 2023 Wickens was paired with new co-driver Harry Gottsacker, with the duo ultimately scoring seven podiums enroute to winning the Michelin Pilot Challenge Touring Cars (TCR) Championship!

 

2. Stories of Year

Winners: Contract Gate, Gaming and Hybrids

Sadly, but not surprisingly, All three of these issues resolve around IndyCar. Being the Open Wheel Racing series I far prefer these days vs. Formula 1…

 

Really despise Zak Brown being a Bully and trying to Crush Alex Palou, and any other driver for that matter! Who dares cross Him. Since perhaps it’s just Mwah? But didn’t Messer Brown have a Zakery pulled upon Him? A la it was ok to attempt poaching Palou from Ganassi, but when Alex Palou did an about face, Incoming!

 

Best quote I’ve ever heard about Zak Brown was Colton Herta saying He’s Cut throat. He’s a Businessman! And I get it that Zak’s pride and ego were bruised! But seriously? Demanding an Asinine 20-22+ million dollars because a driver changed His mind after two tumultuous seasons of contract wrangling, just makes you really look like “A Mean one” Mr. Brown!

 

What can I say or type about Indy Cars ridiculous Bungling of it’s decision to engage Motorsports Games for it’s new, long in-the-tooth Gaming platform. Especially after everyone preferred the iRacing platform instead!

 

As this was just plain embarrassing, especially since it seems par for the course!

 

And then there’s the ever continuing saga of the debut of Indy Cars going Hybrid for 2022, Uhm 2023, err, Uhm 2024. Do I hear 2025 Anyone? As it’s an overly ambitious piece of Kit! As I can barely understand it’s complexity. But the more I think about it, it seems thewrong thing to “rush” it intocompetition more than Halfway thru the upcoming season, since only select teams have tested prototypes so far…

 

And that’s before we even get into Honda’s massive Shot Across the Bow by Chuck Schifsky over the Japanese Auto manufacturers concerns over IndyCar costing too much!

 

3. Race of Year

Winner: Singapore Grand Prix

Typically I wouldn’t be so enamoured by this type of race, which was purely strategy. With eventual winner Carlos Sainz Jr going only as fast as necessary. And keeping runner-up Lando Norris within the one second DRS range in order to prevent the superior Mercedes from passing Him! Which surely would have left Carlos a sitting Duck!

 

As Sainz mastery reminded me of another Ferrari Pilote known as The Professor, aka Alain Prost! Not to mention being the lone Formula 1 victory not won by Red Bull…

 

4. Sportsperson of Year

Winner: Erica Enders

What can I scribble about Femme fatale Erica Enders that I haven’t already done so? As She’s now become the winningest Female Drag Racer in History! Enroute to capturing Her sixth NHRA Pro Stock Championship tis year, need I say more?

 

5. Rising Stars of year

Co-Winners: Myles Rowe and Fabio Di Giannantonio

The first of these two names should be obvious. With the Uber talented Myles Rowe ever continuing to impress! Following His runner-up finish in the U.S.F2000 National Championship by winning this year’s USF Pro 2000 title and earning a Scholarship ride in Indy NXT for 2024 with HMD Motorsports.

Became totally enamoured with Fabio Di Giannantonio towards season’s end. When the 25yr old Italian was currently without a ride for 2024 before winning His maiden MotoGP race. Having the audacity to ignore “EZY” Pitboard orders and pass eventual MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia for the win at Z1

 

Di Giannantonio then followed this up with another impressive romp from P11 to second place at Valencia, before finally being classified fourth. And I’m looking forward to Him doing more good thins riding for the satellite VR46 Ducati concern this year…

For the Conclusion of this Golden Tailpipe  Awards Categories 6-9, i.e.; Rider of Year, Sports Car Drivers of Year, Freak of Year and Quip of Year, Please visit the following No Fenders link below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/01/golden-tailpipe-awards-2023-streamliner.html