INDY 500: Revisiting The Split – 30 Years later

But who really won the war, and does it matter?

 

Yeah, I suppose I’m the only one who cares about this topic? But since I lived thru it and its my Blog. I can Gory well scribble about what I want!

Although thirty years is a long ways to go in the Wayback’ machine, and my recollections are Hazy at best…

 

As what most prominently stands out, beside that scourge simply known as TG’. Whom I preferred calling Ronnie or ‘lil Napoleon, aka Tony George forever ruining Open wheel Racing, with the creation of the Indy Racing League and that infamous 25/8 rule! And yes, I’m well aware it takes two to Tango.

 

Since All I really recollect now is that tag-line of CART having All the Stars, IRL All the Cars! Or something to that effect. Which one must say bit CART in the Toosh when having a massive pile-up on lap one of its competing race, Butterfingers!

 

Although I do recall a T-Shirt which one side said This is your Brain. (CART) And the other side saying This is your Brain on Drugs! (IRL) A takeoff of that infamous Just Say NO to Drugs era…

 

Supposedly Anton Hulman George didn’t like the escalating costs and lack of American drivers in His namesake’s race. And as early as 1989 proposed a new racing series, which didn’t progress pas the planning stage.

 

George than became a Board member of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) between 1992-94 before resigning, to ultimately create the Indy Racing League. (IRL)

 

The IRL would begin in 1996 wit a three race schedule, with the Indianapolis 500 its showpiece. And since the new, normally aspirated “lower” priced racecars wouldn’t be ready until 1997, older CART machinery (circa 1991-95) was allowed for the inaugural season.

 

The final straw in what became irrevocably known as The Split was the invoking of the 25/8 rule. With the top 25 drivers in IRL points guaranteed starting places in the Indy 500, and eight “At large’ open entries for all competitors, including CART.

 

1996 Indianapolis 500 Rookies (17)

Michele Alboreto, Robbie Buhl, Buzz Calkins, Mark Dismore, Paul Durant, Raccin Gardner, Joe Gosek, Jim Guthrie, Davey Hamilton, Scott Harrington, Richie Hearn, Michel Jourdain Jr, Brad Murphy, Johnny O’Connell, Tony Stewart, Johnny Unser, Fermin Velez.

 

Reportedly, there were 49 entries, albeit I could only come up with 44. With 17 rookie drivers being the third most ever, only eclipsed by 19 rookies in the 1919 and 1930 races. With former CART entrant Hemelgarn Racing and driver Buddy Lazier winning “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.

 

CART boycotted the race, with the exception of two teams, i.e.; Galles Racing and Walker Racing participating. Although both teams sent backup drivers instead. With Galles running Davy Jones and Walker utilizing Mike Groff.

 

The Cars of the 1996 Indy 500 Part 1

 

CART Drivers at the rival U.S. 500 had 109 starts and 5 wins amongst entrant vs. 75 starts and one win for the Indy 500 field, the lowest since 1932. And further highlighting this disparity; CART Drivers had 127 wins and seven National Championships vs. IRL Drivers having a paltry 14 wins and no National Championships.

 

27 Drivers in nine rows of three took the green flag at the U.S. 500 held on the same day as the 80th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Michigan International Speedway, with Jimmy Vasser the eventual winner.

 

1996 U.S. 500 Rookies (7)

Mark Blundell, Fredrik Ekblom, Juan Manuel Fangio II, Greg Moore, Jeff Krosnoff, Eddie Lawson, Alex Zanardi.

 

Yet I suppose one could say that the IRL effectively won the war the following year, when CART raced at Gateway on Saturday, choosing not to go head-to-head with the Indianapolis 500 for the remainder of the arduous, stupid 12 year split!

 

25 Years Ago: CART used the U.S. 500 to take down the Indy 500

 

Chip Ganassi Racing was the first CART team to race at the Speedway in 2000, when rookie Juan Pablo Montoya waxed the field. And I still recall crowing over how the first seven drivers finishing were CART drivers, albeit not 100% correct…

 

Marlboro Team Penske joined the field the following year, and the floodgates essentially opened. With Penske winning three consecutive Indy 500’s.

 

CART further shot itself in the foot with the Firestone Firehawk 600 at Texas Motor Speedway having to be cancelled just hours before race’s start in 2001. As drivers had complained of dizziness, along with experiencing vertigo and blackouts due to the excessive G-Forces their racecars generated at over 230mph upon the 1.5-mile oval.

 

Penske was the first major CART team to leave for the rival IRL in 2002, after having won the CART Championship the previous two years.

 

Then seven years into The Split, the landscape truly shifted. As both Honda and Toyota moved to the IRL, along with CART teams Target/Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Rahal and Mo Nunn Racing.

 

I tend to recall that Chris Pook, the creator of the Grand Prix of Long Beach and then CEO of CART spent $100 million before filing for Bankruptcy at season’s end!

 

As the miserable Split should have ended then, but Tony george’s bid was still deemed “Hostile” and the Champ Car World Series (CCWS) arose out of the ashes of CART. With Gerald Forsythe, Paul Gentilozzi and Kevin Kalkhoven as its owners.

 

CCWS, or what soon became Chump Carz’ to Mwah soldiered on a further four seasons before finally, mercilessly The Split ended with Mergification in February 2008 with that year’s unified IndyCar series.

 

Then the strangest thing occurred in 2019. Ironically being the 40th anniversary of CART’s inaugural season.

 

Tony George sold His beloved Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar series and IMS Productions to Roger Penske for an undisclosed amount. With the irony being that El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske had been one of CART’s primary founders…

 

For those interested in a more detailed examination of The Split. May I recommend John Orovitz’s Indy Split: The Big Money Battle that nearly Destroyed Indy Racing book, which hopefully I can read one day. 

Crime 101: A Blind Movie-goer’s perspective

That’s a wonky shade ‘O gray Lt Bullitt! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

But inquiring minds wanna know what type of vehicle that green “Sports Car” is?

 

Have to say I’m really disappointed over the apparent lack of any automotive media coverage, i.e.; Car & Driver, Motor Trend, Hot Rod magazine, etc. Having any stories at all upon this car “Heavy” movie. Or more particularly, the movies “Star” automobile, which I was summarily faked out on!

 

But I’m getting ahead of myself there. As buckle up, hopefully this won’t be too bumpy of a ride, EH?

 

As its all Brad Pit’s fault! That I’ve started going to the movies Solo here in sleepy ‘Ol Bumfiddle’ Florence! Having wanted to “See” F1: The Movie last summer.

 

And with the wonderful assistance of their Awesome employees, I’ve become a bit of a regular movie goer, which I never thought possible! Since hopefully the story title gives away the factoid I’m Blind Y’all…

 

Crime 101 stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan and Halle Berry. Along with Monica Barbaro, Nick Nolte and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

 

Have to say I’d never “seen” (heard) any of the main cast, i.e.; Hemsworth, Ruffalo, Keoghan or Berry perform before. Although I tend to recall that Berry was once all the rage in a Batman film decades ago?

 

it took me awhile to get used to how old Nolte sounded, who’s voice was barely discernable to Mwah. And Jennifer Jason Leigh had a very small part, so I didn’t even recognize Her. With Monica Barbaro also being a newcomer to me. While trying to figure out who was playing Sharon the whole movie.

 

The story takes place in Los Angeles, where Mike Davis (Hemsworth) is a sophisticated jewel thief, who meticulously plans each heist. Which don’t involve any violence to the targets, leave any DNA behind and occur on Highway 101, hence the film’s title.

 

Detective Lou Lubesnick (Ruffalo) relentlessly chases Mike, despite pressure from His boss to give-up and agree the case is closed.

 

As the film opens, Mike heists three million in Diamonds, with His victim grazing Him with a bullet, blowing out the get-away vehicle’s window and Mike racing off in what my Audio Description Headset merely said was a black sedan.

 

This incident causes Mike to reassess His line of work when delivering the loot to His Fence Money. (Nolte) Money then enlists Ormon Keoghan) to perform the next heist Mike was supposed to perform. With Money wanting to know if Ormon, a hungry young, psychotic, violent “Hoodlum” is ready to step-up as Mike’s replacement…

 

Meanwhile, Mike’s rear-ended by Maya, (Barbaro) wit the two becoming romantically involved.

 

Sharon combs (Berry) is a jaded Insurance agent who specializes in wealthy high-end clientele. Yet being passed over for promotion again, becomes disillusioned with Her job.

 

Mike tracks down Sharon and approaches Her to feed Him information upon a lucrative wedding that totals some $11 million. With Sharon first telling Mike that’s not who She is.

 

Yet after Sharon’s promotion to Partner is put on hold another year, She decides to help Mike in a “Walk-away” crime. With Mike deadpanning, first you’ve got to be able to walk away…

 

Meanwhile, Mike discovers that Ormon’s tracking Him, having put a bug upon His automobile, after Mike notices Ormon’s watching Him. As Mike doggedly chases Ormon on His motorcycle, in what seemed like a good chase scene…

 

Next, Ormon violently beats up Sharon during His interrogation to learn what Mike’s up to, has a change of heart and decides to tell Lou everything. With Lou having previously begun attending Sharon’s Yoga class.

 

There’s one scene where Sharon and Mike are waiting for the restaurant’s valets to retrieve their vehicles. With Mike saying He’ll give His to Sharon if She can guess what colour and make it is? As Sharon guesses its dark green and a Chevelle. Before saying She got one half right.

 

Also in the beginning, Lou’s partner says something to the effect of you’re still driving that old piece of crap? With the vehicle never being revealed.

 

Before another chase scene which involves a “Muscle” car. Leaving me totally perplexed over what type of automobile this is? Along with what is Lou driving?

 

In the end, Lou’s figured out who Mike is, and with Sharon’s help knows what His next Heist is. As both men prepare for their parts in the planned robbery of the wealthy couple who Sharon had initially landed as customers for Her employer…

 

Thus both men set out to outwit each other. As Mike commandeers the security guard’s vehicle and masquerades as the security guard driver.

 

Meanwhile, Lou takes the place of the courier flying from Switzerland with the jewels, and meeting Mike at the airport, gets in the car’s back seat.

 

Driving thru a “sketchy” part of Los Angeles, where Homeless people live, the duo delve into their childhoods. With I believe Lou saying how He’d always wanted a Mustang growing up.

 

To which Mikes says like Steve McQueen. With Lou saying something about you’re too young to know about Steve McQueen. Before asking Him what His favourite McQueen movie was?

 

Mike replies that it would have to be Bullitt. Before Lou says His is the Thomas Crowne Affair, about a high-end jewel thief…

 

As anyone whose a Car “Nut” knows that Lt Frank Bullitt (McQueen) drove a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang in that iconic movie, best know for its epic chase scene.

 

Thus, fading to the proverbial black, where everybody happily drives away into the sunset. I left the theater with a smile on my face, thinking that Mike had to be driving a green Mustang…

 

VIDEO: Sheryl Crow’s “Like” Steve mcQueen

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel. 

RETRO: Dale Earnhardt, 25 years later

As Y’all know the drill. Where has the Freakin’ time gone?

 

Little did I know that my day would be bookended by thee Intimidator’, aka ‘Ol Ironhead, ergo Dale Earnhardt Sr.

 

Began the day, Thursday Feb 12th by listening to a great story about the young girl who gave Dale Earnhardt a lucky penny in 1998. Listening via my Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service’s ESPN Online Motorsports Headlines section.

 

Earnhardt’s Lucky Penny

 

Then I finished the day off by Watcin’, Err listening to the Dale Earnhardt 25 Years later one hour TV Show on FOX. As don’t tell anybody, I “watched” one and a quarter of the two NASCAR Cup Duels preceding this program…

 

Yet like many stories here upon thoust mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville. I hadn’t gotten round to scribblin’ my thoughts before another month’s time slipped by. Hoping to watch an encore presentation March 8th. But ironically, due to the Phoenix Cup race running long, it was pre-empted.

 

It was weird hearing former NASCAR boss Mike Helton speaking again. And His words were most prophetic when simply saying We’ve lost Dale Earnhardt.

 

As I enjoyed Helton’s perspective on Earnhardt, who was also a friend of His. But found it odd there was nothing from arch nemesis Jeffry Pretty boy Floyd’ Gordon.

 

And I enjoyed Curt Busch’s recollections of tangling with thee Intimidator’, and how it was only a matter of time until He got paid back!

 

Now twenty-five years later, obviously I remember very little from that fateful day. Other than I know I watched the race live and heard ‘Ol Boogity-Boogity-Boogity DW’ (Darrell Waltrip) crapping His pants over His brother Mikey, ah Shucks Waltrip getting ready to win the Day-Toner’ 500!

 

As Earnhardt Sr. was running third and blocking both Kenny Schroeder and Sterling Marlin in order for the two Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) entries of Waltrip and His son ‘lil e’, aka Dale Earnhardt Jr. running 1-2 to finish ahead of Him.

 

After light contact with Marlin, Schroeder and Earnhardt collided on the final lap, with Earnhardt hitting the wall Head-on!

 

And I’m fairly certain we as an audience, or at least myself didn’t know that Earnhardt had perished in that last-lap pile-up…

 

As all I remember now, is that snowbyrd’ MJ mailed me a copy of Times Magazine with thee Intimidator on its cover. Along with His death being the lead story.

 

As I had a co-worker at the time who wore shorts all year round, no matter the temperature in Seattle who was a ginormous Dearnhardt fan, i.e.; T-Shirts, Diecasts, etc. So I ended up giving the magazine to Him. Although I don’t remember if He even said anything to me afterwards? Since He still seemed in shock over His Hero’s death…

 

Thus I was eager to “See” how FOX would portray Earnhardt’s death, and discuss any of the real facts of what happened? With Bill Simpson and His Simpson Performance Products company being made the scapegoat for Earnhardt’s death…

 

Now I understand the need to burnish ‘Ol Ironhead’s legend, despite His on-track antics. He did do many good things behind the scenes, and away from the camera’s eye.

 

Perhaps there’s still some legal ramifications over what transpired? Or FOX simply didn’t wish to paint a true picture of how Earnhardt Himself was responsible for His death, or how NASCAR was wrong. And thus I had a hard time swallowing the narrative of how thee Intimidator brought about new safety standards that haven’t seen another drivers death since…

 

After the Daytona Beach Police Department and NASCAR opened two investigations into Earnhardt’s death. Allegations over the crash regarding seat belt failure forced Bill Simpson to resign from His company. Having received many death threats.

 

Now I’m going off of memory here, so bear with me. As I tend to recall that Earnhardt enjoyed driving with loose lap belts and refused to wear a HANS device. The Head And Neck restraint System that has long since become mandatory in racing around the world, because it was uncomfortable to Dale. Who preferred open faced helmets instead.

 

Reportedly NASCAR claimed that Earnhardt’s left lap belt failed, allowing His head to strike the steering wheel upon impact with the wall. Yet I also tend to recall there was speculation over paramedics using a boey knife to cut Earnhardt from His seat following the accident.

 

Dr. Barry Myers, a Crash Incident expert from Duke University was appointed to independently study Earnhardt’s death, and concluded the broken lap belt held no cause regarding His death, rejecting NASCAR’s assertion. Which Bill Simpson said was the best news He’d heard in several weeks.

 

Subsequently, three doctors, including Dr. Steve Olvey, CART Medical Director during Greg Moore’s death, all concurred that they agreed with Dr. Myres assessment.

 

Simpson subsequently sued NASCAR $8.5m for Defamation, since Dr. Myers accident investigation rendered the seat belt failure moot. Although Simpson held steadfast to the lap belts being installed incorrectly, which NASCAR said nothing about.

 

The lawsuit was settled out of court for an unspecified amount, while the HANS device became mandatory in NASCAR in October that year. (2001) Along with a total of 37 safety recommendations being made.

 

So the program ended by making Earnhardt a Hero for propelling the sport forward. And skillfully side-stepped telling the real story behind the late Intimidator’s death… 

Will Apple TV take a Bite Out of Formula 1’s Popularity?

And does Liberty Media really Care?

 

By now, unless you’re living underneath a rock. Or hiding in a Hidey Hole to escape premeditated persecution! Then Y’all know that Apple TV has become the exclusive Broadcast rights Holder of Formula 1 in the United States, beginning this year.

 

Apple TV’s acquisition of the U.S. F1 TV rights runs in conjunction with the latest F1 Concorde agreement, i.e.; 2026-2030. With Apple reportedly paying an eye-watering $140-180m, as in millions! For its five seasons contract. Reputedly doubling what ESPN paid for its final three year contract, i.e.; $75-90m between 2023-25.

 

As I have to say the transformation of Formula One’s popularity Stateside has been unbelievable to Mwah! And really, all it took was the Real Housewives of F1 Drive to Survive NefFlix Docu programme?

 

Although surely, and I know that I’ve not only appreciated it, but have come to “expect” it. Airing the races commercial Free was a master stroke!

 

Having lamented Y’all about my Stumblin’, Bumblin’ and most definitely Fumblin’ travails of playing find where the F1 Broadcast is Whack-Ah-Mole’ for more than three decades prior to ESPN re-acquiring the Formula 1 TV rights…

 

Foggy Recollections of Jumping Thru Multiple TV Network Hoops to Watch Motor Racing Stateside Over the Years

 

Making this transformation even more remarkable is how F1 once was virtually unknown Stateside. Unless Yuhs were an Formula 1 Diehard like Mwah…

 

As Chris Rea’s recent death sent me down another Wabbit’ Hole after learning He’d performed twice in New York on Late Night TV.

 

Stumbling into this song, when searching for appearances on Late Night with David Letterman. Presumably sometime mid-summer in 1991. As Letterman & Rea briefly discuss His  attending the Canadian Grand Prix at the end of the video.

 

VIDEO: Looking for the Summer – Live on Letterman

 

As the Canadian GP has typically been held early-mid June. Although there’s been an understandable uproar about moving it to Memorial Day weekend this year! Clashing wit the Indianapolis 500, Seriously?

 

As Liberty media claims this is in effort to reduce its Carbon Footprint of flying back ‘n forth around the globe. Twinning it with the Miami Grand Prix.

 

Only problema with this, is that the Miami Grand Prix is May 3rd, with a three weeks gap until clashing with the Indianapolis 500, Butterfingers! And do you really “reduce” your carbon footprint by flying everybody back ‘n forth? Since I highly doubt the team’s personnel will be staying Stateside for three idle weeks…

 

Rea notes how surprised He was over how easy it was to get into the Canadian Grand Prix that year. To which Letterman quips if you think that was bad, try going to the USGP in Phoenix! Stating how you could simply walk right up, go in and back out in a breeze…

 

As 1991 was the final year of the Iceberg Grand Prix held on Phoenix, Arizona’s Downtown Streets; Year 3 of its slated 5 year contract.

 

For which your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso attended, and attendance was pitiful! As I don’t know if even 20,000 attended? Probably more like 10-15,000 Diehards?

 

RETRO: Phoenix’s last Grand Prix - Two-decades ago almost slipped past

 

But back to the present. As Yahoo Sports claims that ESPN barely averaged over 550,000 viewers when reacquiring Formula 1’s TV rights in 2018. And with the advent of Drive to Survive, Commercial Free Broadcasts and Social Media access and content. ESPN recorded a record 1.3 million viewers average last year. With 1.5m tuning into the season finale Abu Dhabi GP on Yas Isle. With the F1 Drivers title being decided…

 

As ESPN averaged over 1m viewers the final four seasons of it long running contract, with Formula 1 now firmly being the second most watched Motorsports Stateside behind NASCAR.

 

In contrast, this year’s NASCAR finale at Phoenix averaged 2.78 million viewers. But with the addition of six races on Amazon Prime, viewership dropped by 14% this season. While NASCAR’s viewership is down overall. Having reported a 4.15 million average for the 2018 Homestead Miami finale, itself being a 32% drop from the 2015 season finale.

 

Reportedly part of Formula 1’s surge in popularity is driven by young women. With females making up 46% of the vaunted 18-29 years old target demographic.

 

Yet how much will F1’s viewership drop this season, and overall? And does Liberty Media really care, having gotten its money out of Apple up front.

 

As surely, the F1 Bubble’s gotta pop sometime, Righto? And what better way to do so, then by forcing your audience to have to pay for Streaming… 

HYDROS: Atlas Van Lines latest Hotschue’

But Don’t blink, or you’ll Miss Him sticking His Boots in Lake Washington…

 

Yeah, I know we’re All getting wound-up over Ye momentous Day-Toner’ 500 upcoming this weekend.

As typical, this story got washed down sometime last year, and I just managed to finally spool-up Ye waterlogged turbine…

 

Actually managed to tune-in to Heat 3B and Seattle Seafair Final race this past August via H1 Unlimited’s Youtube channel. Which had somewhat better sound quality, only needing to crank up the volume by 16-20 levels…

 

Reading H1 Unlimited’s pathetic dribbled of News content on their website, I learned that ‘Ol JJ’, aka Jimmie Johnson would be driving the Atlas Van Lines fabled “Blue Blaster” during an exhibition run Friday afternoon on Lake Washington.

 

If this is the boat I think it is? Since have I reminded Y’all I’m Blind lately? Although I’m fairly certain having confirmed it was the first of the successful Cabover designed Unlimited Hydroplanes. Then its Uber Funny for Mwah. Since I recall always thinking the boat looked ugly!

 

As I can visually remember it having no engine cowling for the exposed Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 (WWII Airplane) engine behind the cockpit, and the boat always lunging forwards out of the water, with a dull, silver engine plemum exposed…

 

Yet that being said, it was one of the most successful Hulls in Unlimited Hydroplane racing. With Bill Muncey “Three-peating” at its tiller. Winning the 1977-79 APBA Gold Cup races, and the 1978-79 National High Points Championships. Along with a total of 24 victories aboard this Hull.

 

Yet being a devoted Miss Budweiser fan, it wasn’t until Bernie Little claimed another “Unfair Advantage” with the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Miss Bud, which ended Muncey’s streak! As the Griffon powered Budweiser itself became unbeatable between 1980-84. Although we lost the second star Unlimited driver Dean Chenoweth, when His Mis Bud Hydroplane flipped at the Tri-Cities race on the Columbia River in 1982.

 

But back to ‘Ol JJ’ and last summer’s romp in the fabled Blue blaster. Having read that Johnson was reuniting His longtime association with the Muncey family and Miss Atlas Van Lines.

 

During Jimmie’s 2024 induction to the Motorsports Hall of Fame Of America, (MSHFA) a picture resurfaced of Jimmie Age 4 sitting upon the Blue Blaster at Mission Bay in 1979. When Bill Muncey’s Hydroplane had broken down during competition on Mr. Hydro’s Home court in San Diego.

 

As this is the very same Blue Blaster that Muncey lost His life aboard in Acapulco in 1981. Which ironically I “celebrated” the 30 year anniversary the very same weekend that Danny-boy Spike’ Wheldon was meeting His maker in Las Vegas…

 

HYDROS: The Day the Sport’s King met His Maker

 

Jimmie mused His Dad used to take Him to the Hydroplane races, which fell on His birthday weekend. Watching the action from Fiesta Island. Where Muncey’s Blue Blaster floated to after retiring that day, some 46 years prior…

 

Another Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee, Chip Hanauer, Class of 1995. The youngest ever MSHFA inductee “reached out” to Johnson during His induction ceremonies over possibly driving the restored Miss Atlas Van Lines. Which naturally, JJ’ got very excited about!

 

As I love hearing Jimmie wryly not He’d learned where the Merlin’s redline was, and pushed the Blue Blaster up to the limit…

 

VIDEO: Jimmie Johnson Drives the 1977 “Blue Blaster” Unlimited Hydroplane

 

While you may enjoy this 16 minutes H1 Unlimited Onboard video, which chronicles the entire driving experience, i.e.; somewhat troublesome start-up to returning to the Stan Sayres Dock…

 

VIDEO: Onboard with NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson driving Bill Muncey’s 1977 Atlas Van Lines Blue blaster

 

As Chip Hanauer, third winningest Unlimited Hydroplane driver, including 11 Gold Cup wins served as Jimmie’s mentor. And can be heard saying Well Fucking done! At the end of the video.

 

While its interesting hearing Johnson describing how physical driving the Hydroplane was. How it wanted to hunt round and constantly moved about after getting on plane…

 

Meanwhile, Johnson’s “Day Job”, if Yuhs can call it that? Since JJ’ has only been contesting NASCAR Cup races on a part-time basis since 2023. Will once again enter this year’s Daytona 500 in His No. 84 Toyota Camary.

 

As the seven times NASCAR Champion became majority owner of Legacy Motor Club last year. With the team fielding Charter team entries for the No. 42 of John Hunter Nemechek and No. 43 of Erik Jones also driving Toyota’s.

 

As Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing (RWR) have settled their lawsuit of last year, stemming over sale of one of RWR’s vaunted Charter.

 

Whilst I was totally unawares’ that RASSCAR’ will be racing at Naval Base Coronado, beginning this June 19-21. Until reading Jimmie’s press release for His participation in this year’s Day-Toner’ 500. Ironically making the announcement the very same day that Greg Biffle’s Jet crashed in North Carolina…

 

As Johnson, now Age 50, a native of El Cajon, California, will also compete in this summer’s inaugural San Diego Street Race., aboard His No. 84 Legacy Motor Club’s Toy-Yoter’ Camry. Thus completing another “full Circle” adventure, albeit I believe Four Lefts makes a Circle!

 

As JJ’ will pull “Double Duty” in San Diego. Also driving the No. 1 Tricom Garage’s Toyota Tundra PickEmUp’ Truck in the inaugural Craftsman Truc Series race at Naval Base Coronado.

 

Since that’s where this story all began at, Wayback’ in Gory 1979 on Mission Bay’s Fiesta Island. Arse-sumedly just a Hop ‘N Skip away from Naval Base Coronado, Righto?

 

Johnson, who’s tied with Cale Yarborough for sixth in career victories with 83 apiece, finished third in last year’s Day-Toner’ 500. With the two times Daytona 500 winner (2006, 2013) capping His 700th Cup start in last year’s Charlotte Coca-Cola 600 All Star race. 

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 

A Milestone and ever revolving Racing Movie Choices

A much younger Tomaso supporting TAG’, nee Indy 500 polesitter Alex Tagliani at IMS fountain race day. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Once again, being Everything One wishes to read about, Righto?

 

Yeah, I’m tootin’ my own horn here upon thoust mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville. Uhm where are Yuhs ‘lil Toot-Toot!

 

Making it under Ye Foghorn, when that Foghorn Blows, sing it Van Morrison…

 

VIDEO: Into the Mystic

 

As where’s ‘Ol Jeffie’ of One Lap Down to tell me to stay focused Man, Outside, Still Outside…

 

Late last year. No Fender posted it’s Gory 5,000 blog story on Monday, December 22^nd. With that Oh, so delectable Happy Holley Four Barrel Holidayzes tiding, Aye Karumba!

 

As I could have “padded” this tally by posting about the tragic death of thee Biffster’, nee Greg Biffle, His family and three others, but will save for a later day…

 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d post 5,000 “riveting” blog stories, or still be going strong some 19-plus years later, Crikesy! Although I cannot imagine reaching 10,000 posts in another 20 years…

 

This all crystalized for Mwah when thinking about how my Top 10 racing movie choices have expanded and evolved over the past two decades. Since it all began with my elongated Grand Prix review Wayback’ over Christmas, or was it New Years eve, in Gory 2006. When No Fenders was still in “Nappies”, just some three-plus months old, Youza !

 

At that point in time, I only knew of four racing films, albeit two were definitely Clunkers! Leaving me with just Grand Prix and Le Mans. Before learning of three more thanks to the late Robin Miller, i.e.; Winning, The Big Wheel and To Please a Lady.

 

Yet with the arrival of Rush, now just over a dozen years ago; Uhm, a baker’s dozen. Naturally the debate over best racing films resurfaced.

 

RUSH: The Best Racing Movie of All Time?

 

Or Y’all can directly pass Go, without collecting your $200. And read Wee Willie Buxom’s Top 10 review below…

 

The Top 10 Racing Films… Ever

 

Hence, my racing movie choices expanded following Rush, becoming a true Top 10 finally, excluding Clunkers and Alternate choices.

 

Yet following the arrival of Ford v Ferrari in 2019, once again my list evolved, with a new Top 10 list written in 2020. Yet never making it onto thoust Hallowed pages of No Fenders. As Y’all know the drill here Mateys…

 

Thus, with the arrival of F1: The Movie last July, naturally this subject once again became all the rage. For which I finally hammered out and posted my current Top 10 list just days ago. Which didn’t include what have become outcasts or alternates. Whilst the Clunkers really shouldn’t surprise Yuhs.

 

Alternates

While I never saw The 2019 Art of Racing in the Rain movie. A “Pet” project of Dr. McDreamy, aka Patrick Dempsey, with Kevin Costner as Enzo’s voice. I did read the delightful 2008 book about Enzo the dog and His master’s Denny’s travails as a racing driver written by Garth Stein over a decade ago.

 

The Art of Racing in the Rain in More ways than One can  Conjure

 

Whilst you already know about the others noted above: Paul Newman’s Winning. Mickey Rooney’s The Big Wheel and Clark Gable’s To Please a Lady…

 

Clunkers

Shouldn’t even need to tell you or scribble what the worst racing film ever is! Like can Y’all say Joe Tanto? With Sly Stallone’s Driven undoubtably standing atop the podium!

 

Vice Champion, runner-up or second place belongs to Tom Cruise’s Dazes ‘O Blunder. (Days of Thunder( With Burt Reynolds Stroker Ace being third.

 

Hey, anyone wearing a Chicken suit in a racing film with Gomer Pyle sayin’ gollee is a lock for the podium…

 

Others

Naturally, everyone and their Dog, even Enzo has a Top 10 racing movies list. Having learned about Speed Racer, the film and the unknown of The Pit Stop when perusing Autoweek and Esquire’s Top 10 selections following the release of F1: The Movie.

 

Which if you’re curious? I’ll let your fingers do the walking and search the All knowing Intrawoods’ for others choices… 

Belated Top 10 Racing Movie choices

Soon once again, it’ll be time to release the Balloons! And All will be right in the Motorsports world. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“Its really wonderful that APEX are giving second chances to the Elderly!”

 

As what better way to ring in thoust New Year then with some Zany leftovers, Eh? Since this topic came bubbling back up upon Ye Radar when “watching”, Err listening to Bloody Jense and Theodore, Not Lenny Kravitz’s Grid Walk at last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.

 

Where one British Fan on Social Media dryly noted it looked like Jenson (Button( and Ted were interviewing the tarmac! Before Ted asked Jenson if He wanted to talk to a real, live Formula 1 driver? Spotting JP’, aka Joshua Pierce on the Grid…

 

Reminding Mwah, I hadn’t lamented Y’all with my latest round of Top 10 Racing Movie choices, which I’ve been “sitting’ on awhile now…

 

No. 10 The Quick and The Dead

Release: 1978

This documentary film was originally released as One by One in 1975. The subsequently “repackaged as The Quick and The Dead in ’78.

 

The film is narrated by “Mike Hammer”, aka Stacey Keech and includes Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Mike Hailwood, James Hunt, Francois Cevert and Peter Revson. Portraying the gruesome “deadliness” of Grand Prix racing from this much dangerous era.

 

All I recall from the film is the late Peter Revson wearing wrap around mirror sunglasses, being quite sure of Himself and brutally Frank. Obviously before His death during testing at Kyalami in 1974.

 

No. 9 Talladega Nights: The Story of Ricky bobby

Release: 2006

What more can I say than “slingshot On!” As this is a great comedic film about Roundy round racing, in which Will Ferrell as Ricky bobby is great. Whilst the “villain” Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) is wonderful too! And everybody knows about Talladega Nights…

 

No. 8 The World’s Fastest Indian

Release: 2005

Enjoyed this film that starred the great Anthony Hopkins, portraying Burt Munro. Known for having the fastest motorcycle in New Zealand and Australia in 1967.

 

Burt has a long standing dream of testing His Scooter’ on the Bonneville Salt Flats. And after many trials and tribulations. He eventually sets a new land speed record of 201.851mph! Which this 1967 record for Streamliner’s under 1,000cc still stands today.

 

No. 7 F1: The Movie

Release: 2025

Yeah, we all know about 40-something sonny Hayes making His F1 comeback with the APEX racing team, and the intra-squad scrum with His protégé Joshua Pierce. Along with the requisite “Fling” with the team’s Technical Director Kate McKenna…

 

As the film checked All the boxes for Apple with it’s first Big Screen Hit. And was popular with the non-racing crowds who saw it at theatre’s. Blending real racing action into the Hollywood movie, including all 20 Formula 1 drivers from the 2023 F1 season.

 

As the horrific Martin Donnelly 1990 Jerez crash footage still sent a chill into me some 35 years later! And Hayes parting line about “It’s not About the Money” can only make one laugh…

 

No. 6 Grand Prix

Release: 1966

This is the film that got this whole “Bailiwick” rolling! Since Grand Prix is an epic racing film directed by the legendous’ John Frankenheimer. Starring then MGM’s “golden Boy” James Gardner.

 

The racing footage is great, using real racing cars, with Gardner doing His own driving. With the film ruminating the “Highs and Lows” of motor racing, including the inherit risks of racing Open Wheel Racing cars during the 1960’s…

 

As I’d say this movie set the bar for all racing films that followed. And I won’t try re-inventing the wheel. Having scribbled’ about it Wayback’ in Gory 2006, Zoinks!

 

Grand Prix (The Movie)

 

No. 5 Le Mans

Release: 1971

Interestingly, the making of Grand Prix was pitted against Steve McQueen and John Surges intended racing film initially titled Day of the Champion, also intended to chronicle the life of racing. Yet the latter duo’s film ran into a variety of problems before being released as Le Mans in 1971.

 

Think everyone knows about this legendous’ film already, which for decades was my Numero Uno racing film. Due to it’s use of real racing cars at Circuit de la Sarthe. Most notably the iconic Gulf Porsche 917. Which I like many, had a Le Mans poster as a Wee lad’. Since I’d argue that Le Mans is still the racing film All others are judged against…

 

No. 4 Ford v Ferrari

Release: 2019

Although not as factually correct as Le Mans. Nonetheless, this film vaulted ahead of Le Mans after I “saw” it on the Big Screen. As Matt Damon plays a great Carroll Shelby. While the star of the film for Mwah was Christian Vale as Ken Miles, who I thought should have won an Oscar for Best Actor.

 

As the film is about Ford’s quest to defeat and dethrone Ferrari at Le Mans, which I scribbled about after “seeing” the movie.

 

Some Thoughts upon the Ford v Ferrari Movie

 

No. 3 Rush

Release: 2013

Having seen this excellent racing movie on the Big Screen, and knowing the backstory. Along with Ron Howard’s “Attention to Detail”. Plus the great psychological battle between the two Formula 1 title protagonists, Rush quickly vaulted ahead of my past top choices. For which like All major racing movies, the typical debate of where it ranked became a major “Talking Point”.

 

RUSH: An F1 Aficionado's Different View

 

No. 2 Ferrari

Release: 2024

What truly grabbed my attenzione over this film was it’s Brutishness and the Brutal reality of racing cars during the 1950’s. Along with excellently portraying Il Commendatore, nee Enzo Ferrari as a real piece of work! And how racing drivers are just expendable Pilotes’ for His exotic racecars…

 

Obviously, I’ve got zero clue if the film’s portrayal of the individual drivers writing letter’s to their significant other’s before going to battle was true. But that image plus the dialogue in my Descriptive Narration Headset describing the horrific scene following Alfonso de Portago’s death during the final stages of the 1957 Mille Miglia sent chills down my spine!

 

De Portago Who? Lost Formula 1 Bobsledder

 

No. 1 Senna

Release: 2011

What’s that famous ‘ol saying of Ayrton’s, Eh?

 

“If you see a gap and do not go for it, you’re no longer a racing driver!”

 

Even though Niki “The Rat” Lauda derides this film for being a documentary, and not a film, which is true. Nevertheless, it quickly became my latest Numero Uno choice! As the real, un-doctored footage is amazing, even if I couldn’t read the subtitles. I knew most of the backstory, i.e.; Senna’s rise thru the ranks of His Formula 1 career, from 1984 to that tragic day at Imola in 1994.

 

As there was no one larger than life than Ayrton Senna was, faults and all. For which the passion of the Brazilian Fans is all you need to see and hear to appreciate this movie!

 

SENNA: A Truly Great Movie!