What Home Court Advantage?

As betcha Y’all thought I was talking about the Oakie Dokey thunder, EH?

 

Following the Indianapolis 500 a week later on the bumpy, lumpy, concrete canyon of the series shortest circuit on the Downtown streets of Detroit. A 1.645-mile, nine turn temporary street circuit always feels a Wee Bitamyte’ anti-climatic to Mwah. Although Thar was certainly action ah-Plenty!

 

Tuning into IMSA Radio Saturday, following IndyCar qualifying. I was bemused hearing John Hindhaugh announce the Noah’s Arc two-by-two lineup of the first three rows of the IMSA GTP prototype machinery. Being under the shadow of General Motors World HQ at the Renaissance Center, the two Acura’s locked out the front row. Followed by the two BMW’s and two Porsches. With the highest placed Cadillac being Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken’s No. 31 Whelen Engineering mount in seventh. With the two Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) Cadd-Oh-laccs’ in formation behind Aitken.

 

Yet the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic, the weekend’s first race, the 100 minutes (1hr 40mins) “Sprint” race certainly was spicy enough! As it looked like Porsche Penske Motorsport had played the Overcut strategy perfectly to get the GTP prototypes points leading No. 7 tandem of Nick Tandy, who’d handed off to Felipe Nasr once again into the lead. Seemingly enroute to it’s fourth victory of the series first five races. With it’s Seester’ No. 6 Posche 963 having won last time out at Laguna Seca…

 

Yet just south of fifteen minutes remaining, Ricky Taylor in the WTR Cadillac V-Series.R gave Nasr a solid Hip-check in Turn-3, the exact same turn Ricky had made the past last year to win aboard their Acura ARX-06 racecar…

 

Taylor’s Bump ‘n Run was devastating for Nasr, relegated to fourth place. With both Mathieu Jaminet’s#6 Porsche 963 and Renger van der Zande in the pole sitting Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) #93 passing the hapless Brazilian. As race control reviewed Ricky’s Bump ‘n run, but ruled no further action, with Hindhaugh saying you know that will now be in the back of Renger’s mind…

 

With some five minutes remaining, van der Zande made a brilliantly clean pass upon Taylor into Turn-1 for the lead, and went onto win! Breaking Porsche’s winning streak, along with being the first pole sitter, won by Nick Yelloly to win in 16 races. With Taylor coming home second, and Jaminet and Nasr in third and fourth respectively.

 

Meanwhile the GTD Pro “supporting” class was Hammers ‘n Tongs between Roxy, the pink AO Racing Dinosaur Porsche 911 and Pratt & Miller Corvette Z06 GT3.R swapping paint multiple times. Not to mention the Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 playing Argie Bargie’.

 

But it was the pole sitting Multimatic Ford Mustang No. 64 of Sebastian Priaulx and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller winning, not to mention that the two Ford Darkhorse Mustang’s had locked out the front row on Chevrolet’s playground. While the No. 3 Factory Corvette of Alex Simms and Antonio Garcia finished second, with the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan claiming the podium’s final step.

 

Sunday’s Headlining Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix IndyCar race saw Andretti Global’s #26 Honda of Colton Herta on pole, with teammate Kyle Kirkwood third. While A.J. Foyt Enterprises David Malukas’s Dallara Chevrolet was the meat in the Andretti Global sandwich.

 

And although the race started clean, there was pitstop strategy, multiple cautions and even one red flag to keep us on the edge’s of our seats! As the scariest accident was when Louis Foster’s Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s front right suspension simply folded up upon itself on the high speed straight! With Foster simply being a passenger, which also collected Felix Rosenqvist’s MSR Honda.

 

Meanwhile, runaway points leader Alex Palou was heard saying sarcastically Great! Over His in-car radio after Malukas had centerpunched the Spaniard on a race restart! Ultimately seeing Palou listed P25 and His whopping points lead of 115 markers trimmed to 78-points over Kirkwood.

 

And although I was happy for Kirkwood winning, His fourth IndyCar career win, all coming on street circuits to date. I was more intrigued over Birthday Boy Santino Ferrucci hanging onto second place, with both Herta and Will Power giving chase.

 

Yet the Great Santini held onto the finish to capture His career best IndyCar result, surpassing His best of third place in the 2023 Indianapolis 500. Having just turned 27 the day before, which He celebrated by having a steak dinner…

 

Thus, since the race has returned to the Downtown Streets of Detroit in 2023, Honda has won all three IndyCar races. While their Seester’ luxury brand Acura has swept the Sports Car Classic race. Seeing Honda Racing winning All five events on GM’s home court!

 

Now much of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship paddock will be off to Circuit de la Sarthe, for the June 14-15 running of this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans, while IndyCar will be hosting its first night oval race at Gateway the same weekend. Meaning that half of the year is already over, Yikes

 Update

Although the IndyCar Radio Network Booth Boyz’ Mark Gravelly’ James and Davey Hamilton were cornfuzed by apparently two different monitors giving conflicting results. One with Pato O’Ward second and the other with Kyle Kirkwood P2, they went with Kirkwood being second 78 markers adrift, which I just took for granted.

 

Yet now having looked at IndyCar’s championship standings, it lists the following. Alex Palou leads with 311 points, followed by O’Ward 90 points behind. (221 points) Kirkwood sits third, 102 behind. (209 points) Christian Lundgaard is fourth, 106 behind, (205 points( and Will Power rounds out the top five, 136 behind. (175 points)

 

Also following Detroit, during post race technical inspection, the second place No. 14 of Santino Ferrucci was afoul of the Driver’s minimum weight equivalency of 185lbs, although the chassis was 10lbs over it’s minimum weight requirement. Thus, both Ferrucci and A.J. Foyt enterprises No. 14 entry were docked 25 points, and a $25,000 fine. Along with forfeiting the second place prize money, points and bonus points for leading laps, but get to keep their second place finish.

Domination, Indeed!

Although that’s not the word that came to mind…

 

What can I say about the utter domination of two drivers this past weekend, Eh?

 

As IndyCar Radio’s Mike Gravelly’ James kept saying the word domination when describing Alex Palou’s performance at thee Barbers’. As I’d say that Palou took the Barber shears to His competition! Leading a Mega’ 81 of 90 laps at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama Sunday.

 

As I simply marveled over Palou’s domination, cruising home to a 16-plus seconds lead, for which all I could say was the word Annihilation!

 

And if you thought the IndyCar race was boring, well, I fell asleep just past the halfway point of the Miami Grand Prix! Although the first 13 laps were certainly exciting! And how can you not appreciate Verstappen’s tenacity, Eh!

 

But as Sky Sports F1 lead pundit Kroftie’, aka David Kroft said later on. The two McLarens were in another Post code Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium! And Oscar Piastri’s winning by 36+ seconds over Mercedes third place George Russell was total Annihilation!

 

As I’d thought that Palou had put a Beatdown on the IndyCar field, which He did! Now leading the championship by 60 points over unlikely second place Christian Lundgaard. But what does Piastri’s tour de force say about Formula 1? Claiming McLaren’s first three-peat by a driver since Mika Hakkinen during 1997-98, Crikeys!

 

Ironically, I heard ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin musing sometime over the weekend about Clean Air, as there’s those words again…

 

While you’d have to give Lewis Hamilton an A+ for sarcasm during the Miami Grand Prix. First telling His Ferrari team to have a Tea break while they’re at it! Regarding swapping positions with teammate Charles Leclerc.

 

And then when told to let Leclerc back by and having to wait for Him to overtake. When Lewis’s race engineer told Him that Williams Carlos Sainz was 1.4 seconds behind. Hamilton quipped do you want me to let Him by too? 

Hey Mark Miles, Did You See Pato Who in Mexico?

Yuhs know, IndyCar Chief “Excitement” Officer’s favourite Driver…

 

Initially planned to pen my two pesos worth about IndyCar’s Mega’ Charter system’s announcement in a No Fenders post title Charter This! As I’m mildly intrigued over how the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport Anti-trust lawsuit plays out…

 

Although as Racer’s Marshall Pruett has previously noted. IndyCar’s Charter is like a plain Cheese pizza with zero toppings right now!

 

Thus, instead I found myself more inspired to scribble something about my Numero Uno IndyCar driver now affectionately known as Pato Who? As perhaps Y’all have seen the billboard in Indiana on I-465.

 

As Patricio Pato’ O’Ward just made His latest Formula 1 (Free Practice) FP1 outing for McLaren in Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Ariva-Ariva-Ariva!

 

As Pato wound-up P13 with a time of 1:19.295 vs. twelfth place teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli. With the 18yr old recording a lap of 1:19.200 for Mercedes.

 

The next quickest “rookie” was Aston Martin’s Felipe Drugovich P18. With Robert Shwartzman 19th for Sauber and Oliver Bearman dead last in P20 for Ferrari. While positions 14-17 were filled by Haas’s Kevin Magnussen, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll in the other Aston Martin and Williams Alexander Albon respectively. Although Albon was caught-up in a collision with Ollie’ Bearman.

 

Yet Lando Norris, whose McLaren O’Ward was driving sounds like a total Prick! Saying Pato knows what He’s there for, testing! And He’s not supposed to damage the car. And we could have chosen anywhere for Him to test at, so He should be happy its in Mexico…

 

O’Ward first came upon my collective radar during His 2018 Indy Lights tilt, when I was rootin’ for the Mexican to beat Andretti Autosport teammate Colton Herta for the title, which Pato did!

 

After making His IndyCar debut at the 2018 season finale at Sonoma for Harding Racing. Where Pato qualified an impressive fifth and finished ninth! Following a lack of funding, Pato was released from Harding Steinbrenner Racing and moved to Carlin.

 

Following a very brief, abortive IndyCar beginning with Carlin, remember them Y’all? Pato joined the Red bull Junior Driver Academy with hopes of joining Formula 1. Yet due to the miniscule (2018) Indy Lights field, Pato’s championship points were cut in half, leaving O’Ward unable to qualify for the necessary FIA Super license.

 

Hired to drive for Arrow McLaren SP in 2020 alongside Oliver Askew. A one Mr. Zakery Brown promised Pato a Formula 1 ride if He won an IndyCar race, which O’Ward promptly did at Texas Motor Speedway, His debutante IndyCar win just two days shy of His 22nd birthday!

 

Pato got His first taste of F1 in a demonstration drive at Laguna Seca in November, 2021 behind the wheel of Mika Hakkinen’s MP4/13. With the Double World Champion on hand to give advice…

 

In December, O’Ward tested the team’s current McLaren MCL35 chassis during the yearly Abu Dhabi season finale Young Guns test, where He finished a very impressive fourth fastest!

 

For Fall, 2022, Pato, along with some IndyCar Hotschue’ named Alex Palou carried out two test sessions for McLaren in Barcelona and Austria. Then Pato made His Free Practice (FP) session debut at Abu Dhabi that December.

 

O’Ward made another Free Practice outing the following year once again at Abu Dhabi, a circuit He must know fairly well now, ci? Before being named as one of McLaren’s reserve drivers this year. Even though O’Ward’s Day Job is firmly cemented in IndyCar’s.

 

Thus by my unofficial reckoning, Pato’s FP-1 outing at Mexico City marks the first time two Mexicans have been on a Formula 1 circuit simultaneously since fellow countrymen Checo’, nee Sergio Perez and Esteban Gutierrez raced in the 2016 season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ole!

 

Ironically Gutierrez, remember Him Y’all? Also hails from Monterey Mexico, a la O’ward. With the former Sauber and Haas F1 driver Gutierrez having raced for Glickenhaus Racing in the FIA World Enduance Championship. (WEC) Along with CrowdStrike Racing by APR in IMSA’s LMP2 category during 2023. Whilst I’ve got zero clue what Gutierrez is up to this season?

 

As Pato says its been a dream of His to race on Home soil for quite awhile now, and I can only surmise that He received a warm reception in Mexico city, even if everybody showed up to root for Sergio Perez. As who knows? Pato will probably drive an F1 car again for McLaren, since He’s got nothing on His calendar until next March…

 

As that was before I read the news that O’Ward will now run His Arrow Mclaren IndyCar in a demonstration run during next January’s Formula E Mexico City E-Prix event. Along with also sampling one of McLaren’s Formula E racecars also in a demonstration run. Did you hear that Mark Miles, Ole!

 

Whilst Pato desperately wishes to participate in next year’s inaugural Mexico City NASCAR Cup event, for which I haven’t checked if it clashes with His Day Job? Along with oddly, His Boss Zak Brown mentioning O’Ward contesting the Day-Toner’ 500 some day… 

MOTO GP: The Season Finale’s Championship Showdown Commences at Barcelona

As Hopefully the race can bring some Joy to the devastated region of Spain…

 

With the horrible flooding in Spain, particularly in the Valencia region. And 211 people having been reported as Deceased as of November 2nd. While the number continues to increase. DORNA, the MotoGP rights holder cancelled the MotoGP season finale scheduled for November 17th at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit.

 

Thus, we waited over the penultimate MotoGP weekend’s outing in Malaysia a Fortnight ago to learn when and where the season’s final race would occur? Although reportedly DORNA made its ambitions known Sunday morning in Sepang, planning to race at Barcelona the same weekend.

 

Saturday’s Sprint race in Sepang seemed to live up once again to Moto Matters Zara Daniela’s apt assessment of anointing Jorge Martin as “The Sprint King”, but I’m getting ahead of myself as usual here upon No Fenders…

 

Back in October, roughly one month ago, MotoGP headed Down Under to Phillip Island, Australia Mates! Where Martin dually continued His dominance of winning on Saturday. Taking His fifth Sprint race of the season ahead of Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini on the podium. With title rival Francesco Pecco’ Bagnaia finishing fourth.

 

As this pumped up Martin’s lead in the title fight to 16 “markers” ahead of Bagnaia. Then Sunday was vintage Marc Marquez. As Ye Pinball Wizard reportedly had a horrible launch due to His rear tyre spinning on an errant tear-off! Seeing the Spaniard drop to P13, before rebounding to fifth on lap-1!

 

Marquez ran down the two title protagonists who were running 1-2. Before Marquez claimed the lead towards race’s end. With Martin settling for second and Bagnaia some nine seconds adrift in third. Thus Martin increased His championship lead to 20 points with three rounds remaining.

 

Seven days later the MotoGP Circus arrived in Buriram, at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand. Where Saturday’s Sprint race result saw another twist…

 

“The Beast!” Aka Enea Bastianini took full advantage of the title rivals and the rider He’s scrapping for third place overall with, promptly vaulted into the lead. Which He would never relinquish, and simply motored away from the field!

 

Jorge Martin eventually got around Pecco’ Bagnaia for second, with Bagnaia’s future teammate Marc Marquez a quiet fourth. This allowed Martin to stretch His points lead to 22 markers.

 

Yet Sunday’s main race saw Bagnaia ultimately turn the tide against thee Martinator’. Although Martin got the Hole-shot on the wet track and aggressively attempted stretching His advantage in the tricky conditions.

 

As  Martin who made many mistakes overall, went wide and allowed both Bagnaia and Marquez to pass Him on lap-5. With Jorge just watching the two Ducati Axmen taking swings at each other for the lead, before Marquez slid wide and tumbled down to P16.

 

This saw Bagnaia hold a three second lead across the stripe ahead of Martin, clawing back five points and whittling Martin’s title lead to a slim 17 points.

 

Then it was on to steamy Sepang a week later, MotoGP’s penultimate round. Where once again the tables were turned upside down. As the rain began falling just prior to Saturday’s Sprint race commencing…

 

Although Bagnaia had snatched Pole away from Martin, with both riders setting new lap records. Martin got another Hole-shot over Pecco’ and effectively romped away to His sixth Sprint race win of the season.

 

Couple that with a crucial mistake by Bagnaia on lap-3 in Turn 9, reportedly a notoriously tricky corner according to the Pundits. Saw the Italian apparently touch the wet, white corner paint and inexplicably go down! For which I thought I heard a screaming “Captain Stubing”, Err lead Pundit Gavin Emmett proclaiming that the championship was over! For which I was left pondering how that could be true?

 

And after Emmett calmed down a Wee bit’, I noticed He and His Booth Mate Neil Hodgson were claiming that Martin now had one hand on the title…

 

Since Martin’s win netted Him twelve points, increasing His championship lead to 29 points, prior to Sunday’s main race.

 

Naturally Bagnaia didn’t roll over, and after a horrible first lap incident. Where Jack Thriller’ Miller was lucky to escape without harm to His legs after Joan Mir had run over them in the melee!

 

Bagnaia who’d kept Martin at bay on the first start, did even better on the restart, and led wire-to-wire for His tenth victory of the season. Although the first four laps were simply scintillating! As Martin did everything possible to pass Bagnaia! Making several lunges with the pair of Ducati riders running side-by-side down the front straight!

 

Yet Bagnaia wasn’t to be denied, and Martin wisely settled for runner-up aftert trying to push late in the race and almost making another costly mistake!

 

Thus, the points table sees Martin lead Bagnaia by 24 points (485-461) prior to the Saturday Sprint race at Barcelona. With a maximum of 37 points still on offer. And I won’t try figuring any of the points permutations. Other than Jorge Martin is the 2024 MotoGP Champion provided He has a 26 point lead on Sunday.

 

Whilst interestingly, fighting over third place in the championship is Marc Marquez vs. Enea Bastianini. With Marquez replacing the Italian at the Factory Ducati team next year.

 

As Marquez leads by one single point: 369-368! And you know The Beast relishes defeating Marquez before moving to KTM’s Satellite Squad… 

Once again, it’s time for IMSA’s Season Finale Petit Le Mans

But can anybody stop Porsche from winning the Championship

 

This year’s 27th running of the Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta Saturday, October 12th will once again see the crowning of this year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s four categories title winners, i.e.; GTP, LMP2, GTD Pro and GTD.

 

As it appears to essentially be a two Horse title fight between the two Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 Panzerwagens, Ja Volt!

 

As the No. 7 leads the points standings with 2,630 vs. it’s Seester’ No. 6 with 2,616 points, Crikeys!

 

As Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr in the #7 have scored a total of six podiums, including two wins at Daytona and Watkins Glen, both endurance rounds. While the #6 duo of Mathieu Jaminet and Nick Tandy have claimed five podiums, including wins at Laguna Seca and Road America.

 

The #01 Cadillac of Chip Ganassi Racing with Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande lies third overall with 2,466 points. Having won at Long Beach and amassed four podiums to date.

 

Yet that was before learning that the third place No. 6 Penske and fourth place No. 40 WTR Andretti Acura had been penalized for being out of compliance following the IMSA GTP Impound after the Battle on The Bricks! With the #6 Porsche 963 falling afoul of having an unapproved wiring harness and the #40 Acura having unapproved brake ducting.

 

Both failing to meet their chassis Homologation requirements, and dropping to the rear of the field in tenth & eleventh respectively.

 

Thus the No. 7 Penske now has a “robust” 124 points lead over the No. 6. (2,650 vs. 2,526) and the #01 trailing the two Porsches with 2,486 points. Meaning it would be sort of “Funny” if Ganassi could steal the championship in it’s final race for Cadillac…

 

If I’ve read the points system correctly, there’s a maximum of 385 points on offer at Petit Le Mans. With Pole position paying 35-points and a win equals 350 points. But I’m not gonna even try doing all of the permeations necessary!

 

The LMP2 category is led by Nick Boulle and Tom Dillmann, driving for Inter Europol by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. With the No. 52 Oreca Having won once and claimed three podiums with 1,919 points. Followed closely by Gar Robinson and Felipe Fraga in the No. 74 Riley with 1,821 points. Whilst Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Dalziel sits alone in third place aboard the #18 ERA Motorsport entry, with 1,796 points.

 

GTD Pro sees Laurin Heinrich atop the standings, behind the keyboard of the No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R with 2,887 points. Followed by Ross Gunn in the #23 Heart of Racing Team’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo with 2,788 points. With Heinrich having three W’s vs. Gunn’s solitary win.

 

While you can never count out the championship winning duo of Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow aboard the #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 lurking in third overall with 2,668 points. And the defending GTD Pro champion Vasser Sullivan No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 duo of Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat are fourth with 2,659 points.

 

As Heart of Racing will once again enter two Vantages in the GTD Pro class with the No. 23 and No. 027 to attempt bolstering Gunn’s outside chance of winning the title. As Roman de Angelis joins Ross Gunn and Andre Riberas in the #23. Whilst Mario Farnbacher, Zacharie Robichon and Marco Sorensen man the #027.

 

And DragonSpeed which made it’s GT debut at Indianapolis, now moves up to GTD Pro with it’s Ferrari 296 GT3 entry…

 

The GT Daytona (GTD) class is headed by Philip Ellis and Russell Ward driving the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. Having claimed four wins and a total of six podiums, with a worst finish of seventh! Seeing the duo amass 3,006 points. And holding a healthy advantage of 222 “markers” over the second place challengers Robby Foley and Patrick Galligher of Turner Motorsports. As the No. 96 BMW M4 GT3 pairing trails with 2,784 points.

 

 

 

Being the season finale’s ten hours endurance race, everybody will be running a minimum three driver lineup. Meaning that Ganassi will see Soctt Dixon as it’s third driver. With Romain Grosjean and company in the Lamborghini SP63, which is just contesting the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds this season. Which will also be decided at Road Atlanta.

 

No idea if Kyle Kirkwood or Hunter McElrea will be on hand? Or any other IndyCar drivers?

 

Have read conflicting reports over the four categories breakdown. But believe it’s 11 GTP’s, 10 LMP2, 13 GTD Pro and 20 GT Daytona entries, if I’ve done my math correctly?

 

According to Racer.com, the “Maxed-out” field of 54 entries will take the green flag at 12:10PM, Arse-sumedly being  Eastern time. Meaning the race will end at 10:10PM EST, or during dinner here on the west coast…

 

Also Arse-suming the race will be available on it’s typical Cabbage Patch menagerie ‘O media platforms, i.e.; Peacock, USA Network and Big NBC? Plus my personal favourite, IMSA Radio, which is available All ten hours!

 

Since According to my Zap-2-It TV guide, the first three hours airs upon Big NBC; from 9AM-Noon Pacific. Then disappears to Peacock for three hours, Frick! Before the final fours hours of the race and beyond air upon USA Network; from 3-7:30PM Pacific.

 

But as Always, Check your local listings! 

MOTO GP: The Championship Warbles On

But which of our two main title rivals will prevail?

 

Perhaps I should stop “watching”, err listening to MotoGP races, Eh?

 

Since the previous two times – prior to the Emilia Romagna GP, when I’ve sat down to “watch”, Err listen to thy Telie, my current Numero Uno rider thee Martinator’, nee Jorge Martin has crashed out! Although He didn’t crash at the first San Marino GP. His botched Scooter’ gamble effectively rained upon His championship aspirations!

 

As it had been a previous two months since I’d caught the few, crucial moments when Martin crashed out whilst leading at Der Sachenring, Sheisa! And hadn’t watched any MotoGP action until the San Marino Grand Prix on September 8th. Where all of the pre Sprint race blather was about Ye Pinball Wizard, ergo Marc Marquez having won His first race in 1,043 days at the preceding round at Aragon!

 

Not having won a Grand Prix since the 2021 Grand Prix of the Americas at Austin Wayback’ on October 3, 2021, prior to Marquez breaking His right arm!

 

Then ironically, seven days later at Misano, Italy. Marquez scores His first back-to-back victories since having last won at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) on October 3, 2021, Aye Karumba!

 

Or as the natty (British) Presenter, whom I believe is Gavin Emmett noted; 1,050 days since His last “double”. When winning at San Marino on September 19th and then COTA on October 3, 2021, but I’m getting ahead of myself…

 

Saturday’s San Marino Sprint race saw Martin jump ahead of arch rival (Francesco) Pecco’ Bagnaia, taking the win at the Italian’s home track. But it was Sunday’s main race where the championship took another dramatic twist.

 

The race began with Bagnaia leading Martin as the rain intensified, with the Spaniard coming into the pits at the end of lap-7 to switch onto a “Wet” (rain tyres) bike. Yet by lap-9 Martin was forced again to pit to return back upon a “Dry” (slicks) bike, the only leader to do so. Crucially miscalculating the weather. Dually being lapped by both Marc Marquez and Bagnaia! With Martin ultimately finishing P15, battling to hold off Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales, Yikes! Seeing His championship points lead shrink from 21 to 7.

 

But the star of the San Marino GP was Marc Marquez, who stormed from ninth on the grid to score His second consecutive victory ahead of His future Ducati Corse teammate Bagnaia. While the rider Marquez’s replacing, Enea Bastianini claimed the podium’s final step.

 

MotoGP returned to Misano a Fortnight later for the Emilia Romagna GP, due to the Kazakhstan race having been cancelled.

 

Having watched the Sprint race Saturday at it’s normal time slot. Which Bagnaia won ahead of Martin, reducing the points gap to a razor thin four markers.

 

I Arse-sumed Sunday’s main race would also air at the typical time of 7:30AM Pacific, Butterfingers!

 

Having set my alarm for 7:30AM in order to listen to the preamble during breakfast. I was super Cornfuzed to hear that there were only three and-a-half laps to go when I switched on, Huh? And even more startled to learn that Bagnaia had apparently crashed out, Say What! I sat riveted to Thy Telie’ over the final two laps with my two favourite riders going Mano e Mano for Ducati’s 100th Grands Prix victory.

 

As you could just sense that Enea Bastianini was riding better than Jorge Martin, who was blocking ah-Mighty’ whilst narrowly leading! And after several lunges. On the final lap at Turn 4, Bastianini muscled His way inside of Martin and took the lead, with the two Booth Announcers going into a tizzy!

 

As Colour Commentator Neil Hodgson, who I just learned was the 2003 World SuperbikeChampion said. It’s the last lap and it was a Valentino )Rossi) move. With lead Presenter Gavin Emmett saying a Marc Marquez move! And you know that Martin would have done the same thing…

 

Thus Martin increased His lead back to 24-points prior to Indonesia. The Second leg of MotoGP’s penultimate triple header…

 

So I sat down just minutes before the start of Mandalika’s Saturday Indonesian Sprint race and was truly disturbed to hear Gavin Emmett going ballistic over Jorge Martin crashing from the lead on lap one! Dropping to the rear of the grid and gifting Pecco Bagnaia 12-points, being the unlikely winner of the race, Sheisa!

 

As there was more drama over the eventual runner-up being teammate Bastianini, who muscled His way bast eventual third place finisher Marc Marquez. As Yuhs know “The Beast” (Bastianini) will do everything possible to finish ahead of Marquez until season’s end. Having been dropped by Ducati to make way for Ye Pinball Wizard! (Marquez)

 

Thus Bagnaia chopped Martin’s championship lead in half from 24-points to only 12-points before Sunday’s main race, Crikeys!

 

Fortunately, Martin wasn’t to be denied, or lamenting over the day prior’s mistake. With the Spaniard rider leading wire-to-wire from Pole Sunday! With His biggest threat being second place satellite GasGas KTM rookie phenom Pedro Acosta, whom Martin kept at arm’s reach the entire race…

 

While the rider whom seemed most destined to rain upon Martin’s parade being Bastianini, who was going for broke. With only victories in the remaining races being His only championship hope.

 

Yet it was all for naught, as The Beast threw away His chance, crashing out on lap-19 of 27! While thee Pinball Wizard saw His faint title aspirations go up in flames, when His Duc’ caught fire on lap-12!

 

Meanwhile, Bagnaia once again struggled mightily off the line, dropping down to sixth at one point before steadily marching forward. Yet Bagnaia was only able to salvage third place on the podium, seeing the championship points lead swing in Martin’s favour once again. As Jorge increased His lead back to 21-points.

 

Whilst fortunately, Acosta, whose runner-up finish came under scrutiny for tyre pressure violation, was cleared of this infringement. With race Stewards deeming His low tyre pressure was due to a slow rim leak. Therefore keeping second place and more importantly, the extra four points from Bagnaia!

 

As it seemed odd hearing the announcers state that it was Martin’s first main (Sunday) race victory since Le Mans in May! With Motegi this weekend, with five rounds remaining, and 185-points still on offer.

 

As Martin claimed the “double” in Japan last year at a track He supposedly likes. But surely there’s more championship twists to go? Although I’m totally rootin’ for Martin. Especially since it’s His last crack on the predominant Ducati Desmosedici GP24 before moving to Aprilia… 

INDYCAR: Nashville Rewind

As when’s the last time a seatbelt scuttled a Championship, Eh?

 

The IndyCar House Organ had an entertaining story prior to Nashville’s season finale about how Will Power was once again chasing the No. 10 for the Championship title. Claiming it was Déjà vu all over again for DJ WillyP’…

 

This made me Flashback to one season in particular, when Power crumpled and lost to Dario “REO Speedwagon” Franchitti, again! Going outside and yelling expletives out loud upon the Tacoma waterfront roadside. Although I can no longer remember if it was 2010 or 2011? But I’m guessing it was the latter. Although it could have also have been 2012 when Power crashed at Fontana and lost a third consecutive title in-a-row to The Dude! Aka Ryan Hunter-Reay…

 

As Franchitti drove the Target Chip Ganassi Racing No. 10 entry to three of His eventual four IndyCar Championships from 2009-11. As I tend to recall that ’09 was the year Ryan Briscoe threw away the title when smacking the wall in Motegi on a late race pitstop.

 

Tuning into IndyCar Radio and the voices of Mark Gravelly’ James and Davey Hamilton bright ‘n early Saturday morning, since I wanted to know if rain would be interrupting the day’s festivities? As usual. I was surprised to hear that Alex Palou would be taking a nine place grid penalty for another unapproved engine change at Nashville Super Speedway. Then further learning that ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin and Alexander Rossi would also incur the same penalty for their unapproved engine changes. Before both Santino Ferrucci and Christian Rasmussen joined this party…

 

The week got off to an auspicious start, when Nolan Siegel being fourth quickest found that dreaded Yump’ in Turn-3 or was it 4? Losing control of His McLaren chariot and tagging the wall heavily! As this delay to repair the Safer Barrier was perfectly timed for me to wonder off and have breakfast…

 

Palou was quickest in Practice-1 before qualifying, when the Spaniard made things interesting, Righto? Although certainly not what Palou was expecting. After a first lap of 200mph+, the second lap was markedly “Slower” at 198mph and change – seeing Palou wind-up P15 before incurring His grid penalty to ultimately start 24th, Youch!

 

While a steely jawed Will Power who didn’t seem overly confident in the post Qualie’ interview on the grid will start fourth in Sunday’s race. Since obviously the weekend’s main focus is which of these two drivers will join a very elite group of Three-times IndyCar Champions, which currently numbers seven by my unofficial reckoning.

 

With Louis Meyer, Ted Horn, Jimmy Bryan, Rick Mears, Al Unser Sr, Bobby Rahal and Sam Hornish Jr the current members of this very elite 3X Winners “club”.

 

As you could say that Kyle Kirkwood, who claimed His very first Oval track Pole position was somewhat overshadowed. Although He’d certainly get attention late evening after rain delays when also finding the dreaded bump and damaging His Andretti mount heavily!

 

If you’re reading this site, then presumably you already know the outcome of this year’s IndyCar season finale at Nashville.

 

As full disclosure. Even though I’ve been a Mega’ Fan of DJWillyP’, aka Will Power’s  over a decade, I was Rootin’ for Alex Palou to win His third IndyCar Championship at Nashville.

 

Yet I certainly wasn’t expecting my Internet Service Provider (ISP) whose motto is: Spectrum, We Care! To take a Dump right before the most critical portion of the entire race!

 

Being Blind, have I mentioned that lately, Y’all? I prefer listening to the IndyCar Radio broadcast vs. television, since I feel I get a far better description of what’s occurring.

 

Thus I was listening to lead announcer ‘Ol Gravelly’ (Mark James) getting ready to read the Top-10 drivers before going to the first commercial break when my speakers inexplicably went silent, Ah Frick!

 

This happens frequently when listening via Indycar.com, with either just a brief interruption before resuming. Or sometimes the page will tell me it’s buffering…

 

Still being in the Dark and missing the action, I tried refreshing the page and Crickets! And after trying this a few times, my browser repeatedly said Hmm, you’re not connected to the internet, WTF! Telling me I needed to do all sorts of unnecessary troubleshooting, Urgh!

 

So I skidattled out to the living room to see if my Telie’ was also not working? But low and behold, Thars Kevin Lee’s voice, Sigh!

 

So I scrambled back to Thy Confuzer’ and log off and rebooted, Urgh! With the IndyCar Radio broadcast coming back withtheir Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton lamenting over how Power had to come into pitlane to have His seatbelts re-secured, say What!

 

With Hamilton and James musing over Power Going five laps down – now somewhere’s round lap-28 Me Thinks?

 

Thus the Championship had effectively been handed to Palou on a silver platter, who seemed to be having less than a stellar race. But perhaps this was due to knowning He just had to finish the race, regardless of position?

 

While the race didn’t really seem that exciting initially, until the final caution flag for Marcus Ericsson with some seventy laps remaining made fuel strategy paramount!

 

As suddenly I was torn between three, Err four drivers going down to the final 30-laps to be victorious. With Conor Daly being a Dark Horse Contendah’ for an unlikely maiden IndyCar win. Which would have been a wonderful Cinderella ending to His IndyCar future…

 

Whilst my fingers were crossed for Davey Malukas, who was battling ah-Mighty with Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward. And even though Pato Who? Is my Numero Uno driver, I was also aware that Colton Herta had failed to win on an Oval.

 

As Kudos to Herta finally scoring His maiden Oval track W’. With Pato Who? Coming up just short in second. With Homeboy Schlick! And IndyCar’s current villan Josef Newgarden coming home a distant third…

 

Whilst Palou claimed His third Astor Cup trophy in four seasons! As Power can only lament what could have been? Before learning that His seatbelt came off a second time late in the race. Which is a most bizarre way to lose a championship! 

Time for IndyCar’s season finale at Nashville

And crowning Alex Palou as this year’s IndyCar champion…

 

Having been on Holiday (again) during the Portland and Milwaukee Double Header weekend’s, I only got to listen to the Portland race via IndyCar Radio. Which was reminiscent of past Portland Snoozer’s after a Hard day’s outing trackside drinking multiple "Adult" beverages in the blazing sunshine Wayback’ in the Good ‘Ol CART Dazes! When Portland’s racetrack still featured the West End Grandstands between Turns 5-7, which now is RV Parking instead…

 

As will Power’s dominant performance Sunday was also sleep inducing, albeit this time with Hang 10’ Hilo laying alongside Mwah on the couch. As the highlight of the Portland weekend was the Great Santini’s improveable maiden Indycar Pole position Saturday, before finishing a distant eighth.

 

Thus, I didn’t listen to any of the Milwaukee action until returning home and “watching”, Err listening to the various Highlight packages via Youtube, which left much of the drama out of these six minutes vignettes. Except for Kevin Lee’s nauseating, annoying totally FAKE excitement, nee Yelling!

 

While Yuhs already know that Pato O’Ward won Saturday’s race, and ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin won Sunday’s race.

 

Yet largely overlooked was Conor Daly scoring Junco Hollinger Racing’s (JHR) first ever podium when finishing third on Saturday. Before gearbox issues saw Daly soldier to a 17th place finish Sunday.

 

Meanwhile, Santino Ferrucci dazzled us again with two fourth place finishes at the Milwaukee Mile enroute to setting a record for most passes! With Santino saying it’s been a Helluva year for the No. 14, currently sitting comfortably in tenth place in the championship. Leading 11th place Christian Lundgaard by 38-points; 339-301. And trailing ninth place Alexander Rossi by only 11 “markers”. (350-339)

 

Yet I suppose everyone’s waiting for me to comment upon the title fight and the misfortunes of both Championship leader Alex Palou (525 points) and second place Will Power, (492 points) who trails Palou by 33 markers. And with a maximun of 54 points on offer; mathematically third place Scott McLaughlin is the only other title challenger, albeit a longshot 50 points adrift. (475 points) Meaning the championship is Palou’s to lose. Although interestingly, currently both Penske drivers have the first tiebreaker advantage with three wins apiece vs. Palou’s two.

 

Reportedly Palou suffered an Hybrid induced electrical failure upon the grid Sunday which then fried His battery! Leaving the Spaniard stuck in fourth gear and not even able to communicate on the radio to His crew. As the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing crew had to discharge the Energy Recovery system (ERS) in order to learn the battery was toast! Replace the battery after draining the ERS again and then recharging it in order to get Palou back on track 29-laps behind, before ultimately finishing P19.

 

Yet it was Will Power who shot Himself in the foot once again by mashing the loud pedal on a late race restart and pirouetting into the wall! Lightly damaging His front wing. Before two pitstops – to ultimately decide to replace the front win caused Him to go a lap down, dropping from sixth to 13th place, before finishing tenth. As just the drop from sixth to tenth was a loss of eight points!

 

Points Scoring System

1st = 50, 2nd: 40, 3rd: 35, 4th: 32, 5th: 30, 6th: 28, 7th: 26, 8th: 24, 9th: 22 and 10th: 20.

 

Positions 11 thru 25 decrease by one point from 19 to five.

 

Bonus Points

One point for Pole position. Two points for Most laps led, and One point for leading a lap.

 

According to Raymond Hando of For the Love of Indy, Palou wins the Championship no matter what, with a ninth place finish. For which initially, I hadn’t done the math for. But Yes, Palou’s 33-points plus 22 = 55-points; one more than the maximum of 54.

 

One other interesting wrinkle to Sunday’s season finale on the 1.33 mile Tri-oval. With IndyCar making it’s return to this concrete Oval for the first time since 2008. Is the return of Alternate compound Oval tyres. Which Arse-sumedly at least two laps have to be run on both tyre compounds…

 

Being a longtime Will Power Fan, you’d think I’d be pulling for Him this weekend. But I’d actually like to see Alex Palou score His maiden Oval track win and get the “Monkey” off His back! Whilst I expect Palou to do enough to secure His third IndyCar Championship in four years and then celebrate with His traditional Fried Chicken Fricassee!

 

As until Milwaukee, think I read Racer’s Marshall Pruett saying Palou had an average finishing position of 4.63! As His lone copybook blemish this season was His self-induced accident during Iowa’s first race, before bouncing back to fourth the following day. With His Milwaukee finish of P19 solely due to mechanical woes…

 

As interestingly, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon and Alex Palou have both been victims of Hybrid powertrain issues this year. So perhaps it’ll be Penske’s turn at Nashville?

 

Meanwhile, Conor Daly and David Malukas both can say Job Done! Having hauled their respective JHR and Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Nos. 78 & 66 mounts comfortably into the vaunted Leaders Circle Prize fund standings. For which I believe that the race for the 22nd and final position is between Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen and A.J. Foyt’s Sting Ray Robb? With RLLR’s Pietro Fittipaldi also potentially in the mix…

 

Leaders Circle Points Standings

According to the Indianapolis Star’s Motorsports Beat Reporter Nathan Browne.

 

19. No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing: 189 point

20. No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing: 187 points

21. No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: 177 points

22. No. 41 A.J. foyt enterprises: 175 points

23. No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing: 174 points

 

With Dale Coyne Racing’s Nos. 18 & 51 being outside the “Cut” line.

As I really cannot say what the Charter System will do for us other than clarify the 25 IndyCar Fulltime entries eligible for the 22 positions. Since right now, Ganassi’s Nos. 11-4 entries make this clear as Mud on a Rainy day!

 

Although I’d also enjoy seeing Alexander Rossi score His first win in quite some time for McLaren, whom He’s departing from following this race, with Christian Lundgaard taking His seat next year. As who knows where Rossi’s new IndyCar home will be in 2025?

 

As it’s been a whopping 778-days since Rossi last won the Gallagher Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course for Andretti Autosport on July 30, 2022, Yikes!

 

And Ditto for Davey’ Malukas scoring His maiden IndyCar win at Nashville. As I still don’t understand why He’s chosen to depart to A.J. Foyt Enterprises next year. Where hopefully He’ll be paired with Ferrucci. Which wisely, it sounds like Larry Foyt’s keen on making happen…

 

As I suppose I could ramble on ‘n on, but instead. We’ll just have to wait another 48Hrs for the dust to settle and see who’s victorious. Since after all, that’s why they run the races…

    

Can Jace Denmark win an unlikely Championship in Portland?

And how many people pay any Attenzione to this Feeder series?

 

This weekend’s festivities at Portland International Raceway include the crowning of All three of Anderson Promotions Junior Open Wheel Racing feeder series, i.e.; USF Juniors, U.S. F2000 National championship and USF Pro 2000; the three rungs below Indy NXT.

 

As the USF Juniors caps off it’s sophomore season in the Rose City with a triple header. With Max Taylor leading with 210 points. Followed by Liam McNielly (201 points) and Sebastian Wheldon, (185 points) with 99 points remaining up for grabs.

 

Ditto for the U.S. F2000 National championship, also finishing with a triple header with 99 points on offer. As Max Garcia leads with 347 points. Followed by Sam Corry )312 points) and Max Taylor. (305 points) Yep’, that’s the same Max whose leading the aforementioned USF Juniors Championship. Pulling “double Duty” for Velocity Racing Development

 

But it’s the USF Pro 2000 Championship I’m most interested in. Where Aussie’ Lochie Hughes leads with 354 points. Followed by Jace Denmark (319 points) and Nikita Johnson. (291 points) With just two rounds remaining and 66 points up for grabs.

 

Although I must confess, I hadn’t been paying any Attenzione to the USF Pro 2000 Championship until Mid-Ohio over the Fourth ‘O July weekend, when only three races remained – with six round  total.

 

As I’d forgotten that Jace finished runner-up at the series lone Oval track this year, held at Indianapolis Raceway Park over Memorial Day weekend. Then being one of His five podiums prior to Mid-Ohio.

 

Was pleasantly surprised Wayback’ then when perusing the Drivers Championship standings. As Jace was currently second, Say What? With 221 points. He trailed Aussie’ Lochie Hughes by 50 points. (271 points)

 

While third place was Nikita Johnson, who was running away with the championship earlier this season. But was Disqualified from one round and has been slipping backwards ever since. As Johnson has 215 points; just six “Markers” behind Jace. Whilst Denmark’s Past Racing teammate Christian Brooks was then fourth in the title fight with 207 points; only 14 adrift of Denmark.

 

And yet Brooks began doing “Double Duty” the remainder of the season. Racing in both the USF Pro 2000 Championship and the Indy NXT championship as Nolan Siegal’s replacement at HMD Motorsports. As Siegal jumped to IndyCar, joining Arrow McLaren for the remainder of the season on a multi-year contract.

 

Nikita Johnson, the youngest of this trio of aspiring title Contendahs’ at age 16 swept both rounds at Mid-Ohio, with Denmark claiming a pair of second place finishes.

 

And after Race-1 Up North Eh! At Toronto, where Jace finished runner-up again. I believe Denmark trimmed points leader Lochie Hughes lead to a fairly close 24-points. As Denmark’s Pabst Racing teammate, rookie Simon Sikes, the reigning U.S. F2000 champion scored His second W’ of the season, while Hughes finished fifth and Johnson P17.

 

Yet Hughes turned the table in Race-2 winning from Pole, with Jace third and Nikita 12th; seeing Denmark slide to 35 markers behind in the title fight with just two races remaining.

 

As Jace’s biggest “weakness” to date is the lack of having zero wins vs. Hughes having five wins, and Johnson having six. (prior to Portland)

 

While Lochie has a total of ten podiums, and Nikita eight. With Denmark sandwiched in-between  with a total of nine podiums, including five runner-up finishes.

 

Meaning Jace has got to win both rounds this weekend, preferably from Pole in order to have any hope of winning this year’s USF Pro 2000 title. Along with Hughes having a streak of bad luck in order to overhaul Him. Not to mention Johnson  gunning for second overall, albeit trailing by 28 points.

 

Yeah, if Y’all can’t tell, I’m rootin’ for Jace Denmark this weekend! Having previously scribbled about Him in the following No Fenders link.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/05/an-aspiring-racer-named-jace.html

 

Good luck Jace!