Pato Who, Indeed!

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

 

“What Has Brown Done for You lately” Mark?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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… 

INDY 500: Another Fast Friday Bubble Burster

Did somebody at the IMS Hall of Fame museum take Team Penske’s “Double Secret Probation” too seriously by letting the Air outta Big Al’s winning racecar? (The Tomaso Collection)

 

 

As whose looking on the Outside, trying to make this year’s race? Outside, Outside, Still Outside…

 

As I waited impatiently for the Indy GP race to commence, I suddenly thought of ‘Ol bob Seger’s song appropriately titled Turn the Page, as everyone eagerly awaits this year’s Indianapolis 500…

 

“Here I am, on the road again,

There I am, Up on the Stage,

Here I go, playin’ Star again,

There I go, Turn the Page”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3khH9ih2XJg

 

Since All everyond wanted to do was Turn the Page and get on that Darn blasted Oval! Yet this has to be the part of the Indianapolis 500 I Hate the Worst! When each year, the turbo boost is “Pumped Up!” In order to achieve artificially inflated speeds around Mother Speedway, Spew! As why don’t they let the teams run the higher boost ratings during the race? Can Y’all say Kuhblamoe!

 

With a fulltime field of 27 entries, there’s an additional eight “One-off’s”, i.e.; extra team entry or Indianapolis only competitors trying to make the field of the 33 Fastest Qualifiers, Kapishe!

 

And prior to this week’s truncated  Indy 500 practice sessions, immediately following the Grand Prix of Alabama, I scribbled the following thoughts…

 

You’d have to say that Helio Castroneves, Takuma Sato, Kyle Larson, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Conor Daly. Uhm, plus Oh yeah, Marco Andretti would All be “Shoe-ins” to qualify for the race.

 

Although I was one of the few who correctly predicted that Abel Motorsports and R.C. Enerson would qualify for the Indy 500 last year. This seems to be the most “unsure” entry to Mwah, since Abel Motorsports has supposedly been building up their brand new Dallara chassis, vs. massaging the Enerson’s chassis. Making me wonder who’ll be driving their No. 50 entry?

 

Although Marshall Pruett noted that the “Deal” was down to the wire on April 30th, whether or not RC Enerson could pull funding together or not in time…

 

Then Friday afternoon, May 3rd, Pruett reported that team owner Bill Abel had pulled the plug upon this year’s Indy 500 effort. Noting that RC Enerson wasn’t able to come up with the necessary funding. Meaning that only 34 cars will be contesting this year’s 108th running of the Indianapolis 500.

 

The other drivers I wasn’t sure initially about making the Show, with No disrespect. BeforeAbel Motorsports withdrew were the two Coyne entries of Katherine Legge and Nolan Siegel. And Meyer Shank’s rookie Tom Blomqvist. Whilst Foyt’s Sting Ray Robb seems like He’s been pretty slow this season, eh?

 

As Robb’s my initial pick to DNQ’, as I think the Foyt driver will be slugging it out with Thy Leggy Juan’ for P33…

 

And that was before McLaren Fired, Err released David Malukas from His contract. Making me believe that the team will tap Callum Ilott for this year’s Indianapolis 500. Especially since their precocious “Teddy Bear” IndyCar rookie Theo Pourchaire, or His loquacious Anglicized name is “Teddy Porkchops” isn’t “cleared” to run a Super Speedway Oval. Even if He just tested on His first Oval at Gateway on May 6th…

 

And that’s before McLaren confirmed Pourchaire as the driver of it’s No. 6 entry for the remainder of the season following the Indianapolis 500 on May 9th, with Marshall Pruett noting that the IndyCar and Indy 500 media guides have Ilott listed as it’s Oval driver. Before this poorly kept “secret” was confirmed a day before Opening Day practice…

 

“Double Secret Probation”

Why did the cynic in me immediately come “Galloping” out when “reading”, err listening to the initial Racer.com article about Team Penske’s suspension of four team members, including it’s top two members, i.e.; Tim Cindric and Ron Rozewski, Eh? As All I could think was what a convenient way to muzzled or “Gag” them from being available to be hounded by the press, Oh Never Mind!

 

As I’m just looking forward to going back to racing, even if Team Penske was caught Cheating, plain ‘n simple. And El Capitano’ (Roger Penske) has placed His eponymous racing team on “Double Secret Probation” Tsk-Tsk!

 

Fast Friday Buildup

For the second year in-a-row, Mother Nature Rained upon Mother speedway’s parade! Although a miniscule 23mins Dry session was held in the morning, before the rest of the day was scuttled by wet stuff. thus nothing really should be taken from Scott Dixon being fastest at 229mph, followed by Marco Andretti at 228mph and Takuma Sato at 225mph. Since these speeds were aided by tows, whilst many drivers simply did “Install” laps. With a total of only 29 drivers on-track.

 

Wednesday’s practice was also interrupted by persistent rain, totaling some five hours, with cars finally taking to the track just after 3PM eastern.

 

Scott McLaughlin was quickest with a lap of 229.493mph, the only driver in the 229’s. While Penske teammate Will Power was second, being the only driver with a lap over 228mph. With Colton Herta third ahead of Josef Newgarden and Alexander Rossi rounding out the Top-5.

 

Positions 30-34 were: Sting Ray Robb, Katherine Legge, R-Nolan Siegel, Santino Ferrucci and Augustin Canapino.

 

Thursday’s practice once again saw more rain in the afternoon, along with the first two crashes of the month. Ironically being two of the Swedes’ in the field. As rookie Linus Lundqvist was the first to Hit the Wall during the Month of May! With the Ganassi rookie ckipping the Turn-2 curb, rotating the car backwards into the Safer Barrier! And then snapping round and writing off the side of the racer!

 

Then later, Marcus Ericsson made a copybook mistake, albeit in Turn-4. Also apparently clipping the curb before losing the car and heavily destroying His primary chassis! As Ericsson’s wreck sees Andretti Global having to go to a back-up chassis. While Lundqvists Dallara was repairable.

 

And hafter multiple stoppages for rain, conor Daly brought out the day’s final yellow flag with 12mins remaining when slowing on-track.

 

Pato O’Ward set the day’s fastest time at 228.861mph. Followed by Scott McLaughlin and Alex Palou. With Colton Herta and Josef Newgarden in the Top-5 again. This time seeing Herta fourth and Newgarden P5.

 

Positions 30-34 were: Christian Lundgaard, Pietro fittipaldi, R-christian Rasmussen, R-Nolan Siegel and Sting Ray Robb.

 

 

And thus, with more rain expected today. Fast Friday, even with the Boost artificially turned up, speeds might not be so fast? And with Qualifying on the horizon. Some six drivers will play Stars on Sunday fighting for Pole. While obviously the lone driver dejectedly going Home, will definitely wish to Turn the Page!

 

Partial Song lyrics from:

Bob Seger and the Silver bullet Band

Song: Turn the Page

Album: Back in ‘72

Year: 1972 

INDY 500: Who’ll Win this Year’s race?

As will it be one of the predicted favourites, or somebody not expected to win?

 

This is just a lowly Cellar Dweller Blogger’s Unscientific Guess upon who’ll be Drinking Milk this Sunday, following the conclusion of the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500.

 

Naturally, the Smart money, and most easiest pick would presumably once again be Scotty thee Iceman 2.0 Dixon, whom seemingly is overdue for His second 500 victory.

 

Yet I’m beginning to feel that Dixon’s got the fabled Andretti Curse upon His shoulders, and will never win another Indy 500, and I’m sticking to that prediction I made before this year’s “Guns ‘N roses” Indy GP.

 

As my initial pick then was another of Dixon’s Chip Ganassi Racing stablemates, with Takuma Sato becoming a Three-times Indy 500 Champion. Which I still say is a strong possibility.

 

Yet how could I overlook my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward? Especially since the young Mexican finished runner-up last May! Which I suppose is partialy why I did so, since it’s hard to replicate or improve your finishing position at Mother Speedway each year…

 

As it was just pure subjecture coming a day after this year’s GNR Indy GP. But it’s odd how the Penske’s really Don’t feel like a threat right now! Or Andretti Autosport, and certainly not Meyer Shank Racing! Since I’ve been telling No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ that Helio Castroneves is Toast! Or as the Aussie’s prefer saying Cactus for over six months now!

 

And I fear that Hulio’s MSR teammate Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud also seems to be at the end of His IndyCar career!

 

And not sure why? But prior to Sunday’s Fast 12 shootout beginning, I found myself picking Alex Palou as this year’s Indy 500 winner. Followed by Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi for my Top-3 picks. Although I’ll begrudgingly admit you can never count out Dixon…

 

As it seems like the obvious answer is that this year’s winner will come from either Ganassi or Arrow McLaren. But then again, that’s why they actually run the race!

 

While Monday’s practice saw the first incident of the month, when Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge unintentionally ran into the back of Stefan Stork’ Wilson’s racecar during practice. With Legge apparently saying that the line of Cars ahead had Checked Up and She was simply unable to avoid Wilson’s car ahead of Her!

 

And after a 40mins Red flag period to fix the Safer Barrier and Wall, Team Penske’s Will Power was the day’s quickest runner at 229mph-plus, now that the Boost has once again been Turned Down. Taking away those extra 100 “Ponies’. (Horsepower)

 

And did we really learn anything from the final Carb Day practice session? Other than it felt overly frenetic to Mwah! As Thar also seemed to be some concern over tyre blistering issues? Most notably on Alexander Rossi’s rear’s…

 

While poor Katherine Legge’s confidence has to be somewhat shaken? As She had to immediately lift after a rear wheel nut was spotted bouncing down the race track! And I believe it was Her right rear tyre trying to dislodge itself from Her racecar! Immediately bringing up mention of how that had happened to Graham Rahal when exiting the Pits during the race a few years ago.

 

Then late in the session Andretti autosport’s Devlin DeFrancesco had a right front tyre seemingly explode upon Him on track! Although afterwards, “Sparky” said it was an old set of tyres they were going to use for the Pit Stop contest and they hadn’t felt right to Him during the lap…

 

The Top-10 on the Time Sheet following the end of two hours saw Takuma Sato P1 at 227.855mph. Followed by Scott Dixon, will Power, Alex Palou, Kyle Kirkwood, Agustin Canapino, Colton Herta, Romain Grosjean, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin.

 

Hmm, three Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti Autosport and Team Penske’s in the Top-10, with a rookie Argentine Juncos Hollinger Racing entry as the lone interloper.

 

As I’d say that the driver that made the most waves during the practice was Josef Newgarden, who could seemingly put His racecar anywhere He wanted!

 

While thee Great Santini, aka Santino Ferrucci reportedly wasn’t very happy with His A.J. foyt Enterprises racecar! Finishing P31, while His rookie teammate Benjamin Pedersen was 17th. As the only two cars slower than Ferrucci were Callum Ilott and Rinus VeeKay.

 

Jack Harvey was the quickest of the three Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing entries in 13th, with Conor Daly one place ahead  as the fastest Ed Carpenter Racing entry.

 

Meanwhile TK’, aka tony Kannan was the quickest of the Arrow McLaren quartet in 11th, with Rossi and Pato O’Ward P14-15, and Felix-the Cat’ (Rosenqvist) was 28th. Whilst defending Indy 500 race winner Marcus Ericsson was P18.

 

So I’d say it’s anybody’s guess on who will be victorious Sunday, as we’re just a Skosh’ under 120 minutes from the Green Flag flying!

 

“Gentlemen and Lady, Start your Engines!” 

INDY 500: Who’ll Qualify for “the Greatest Race?”

And will it be “The Agony of Defeat” for somebody unexpected? Or fairly straightforward for who’s gonna miss the Show?

 

Since your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is a terribly slow t-y-p-er… I began my “Handicapping” of this year’s Indianapolis 500 field just days before what I prefer calling the “Guns ‘N Roses” Indy GP! Which is officially known as the GMR Indy Grand Prix.

 

Having read Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s piece upon Abel Motorsports efforts to make their maiden Indianapolis 500. The Team’s Manager John Brunner was saying All of the right things. And I’m fairly convinced that Abel Motorsports and R.C. Enderson will make this year’s field!

 

As Brunner notes that they’ve got a separate, dedicated veteran Indy 500 crew, including Engineer Mike Colliver, who previously guided A.J. foyt’s Sebastien Bourdais and Kyle Kirkwood’s entries.

 

And the team’s had Neil Enerson’s Dallara DW12 racecar, which previously ran in Oval and Road Course trim with Top gun Racing having received No upgrades since 2021. Has just receive it’s first Speedway Body-fit, along with new Speedway Uprights, Gearbox and Chevrolet engine updates. So I believe that the No. 50 is ready to “rock ‘N Roll!”

 

For my Off thee Cuff, First Take. Ill say that it’s two other Rookies who are on the proverbial “Hot Seat.” Mainly A.J. foyt enterprises Benjamin Pedersen and Juncos Hollinger Racing’s (JHR) Augustin Canapino. While I’ll expect JHR to have solved Canapino’s teammate Callum Ilott’s chassis issues from the Open Test.

 

I’d also say that Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s (RLLR) Katherine Legge is a possibility for Not making the Show. For which I could add RLLR teammate Jack Harvey to this list

 

Also suppose that Sting Ray Robb could potentially struggle at Mother Speedway? Whilst we’re All Ah-Waitin’ to see who’ll be the surprise having issues this year. But cannot say I exactly like trying to predict who’ll be packing Thar suitcases this May?

 

Practice Begins, Sorta…

Whale’ lookie Thar Folks, it’s Mother Nature at the very top of the scoring pylon for the first day of Official Indianapolis 500 Practice, Shuhzamm! As rain washed out the long anticipated yearly running of racing cars Turnin’ Left at Mother Speedway…

 

Prior to Tuesday’s washout, I did learn that with the permission of IMS and Chevrolet’s assistance. Abel Motorsports had their 2.2-litre twin turbocharger V-6 Bowtie’ lump’ installed on Thursday prior to the Indy GP, and successfully fired the Chevy motor Thursday night!

 

And with No Disrespect to Top gun Racing, Abel Motorsports just feels like a far better prepared effort that I still expect to Qualify for this year’s Indy 500.

 

Practice Commences

One day later, Speedway, Indiana saw bright, clear skies, with R. C. enersen passing His Rookie Orientation Program Wednesday morning, before the entire 34 Grid took to the day’s six Hours of practice. But what do the speeds really mean?

 

Not surprisingly, Scott Dixon hung around the top of the Time Sheets until Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) teammate Takuma Sato bumped Him off of P1 with a lap of 229.439mph late in the day. As CGR would have All four entries in the Top-10, with Alex Palou fourth and Marcus Ericsson seventh. Followed by Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin fifth and Josef Newgarden ninth, and Andretti Autosport Colton Herta sixth and Marco Andretti tenth. With two surprises, seeing A. J. Foyt’s Santino Ferrucci third and Dryer & Reinbold’s Ryan Hunter-Reay P8.

 

So what were the Arrow McLaren Boyz’ up to? Since Alexander Rossi was quickest in P19 with Pato O’Ward P20. Followed by Tony Kanaan in 23rd and Felix Rosenqvist 26th. While Foyt’s Benjamin Pedersen was 21st (225.480mph) and Junco Hollinger Racing’s (JHR) Agustin Canapino was P22. (225.127) Both ahead of the latter two McLaren’s!

 

Also funny how in the battle of the two 48yr Old Brazilian’s, i.e.; Kanaan and Helio Castroneves, Tony won the day’s battle with Castroneves being 24th.

 

Slowest of the day was JHR’s Callum Ilott in 34th, with a speed of 223.409mph. As I caught Ilott telling IndyCar Radio’s Ryan Marin when tuning in briefly. That the first two runs were still “somewhat sketchy”, but now He felt they had a handle on the car and could start working forwards.

 

R. C. enersen was one position ahead of Ilott. (224.017) Whilst oddly Ed Carpenter was 28th. And Romain Grosjean was P30 (224.550) with Christian Lundgaard P32, (224.300) split by Katherine Legge at 224.461mph.

 

Day 2’s Practice saw many of the same faces in the Top-10, with All four of the CGR boyz’ Thar again. This time with Marcus Ericsson’s 229.607mph being the day’s quickest speed. Followed by Dixon in second, seemingly lurking! Sato P7 and Palou ninth. The only other team with multiple drivers in the Top-10 was Arrow McLaren. With Pato O’Ward eight and Alexander Rossi, who ran the most laps with 164 being thenth.

 

Surprises of the day have to be Meyer shank Racing’s Simon Pagenaud in third, with Ed Carpenter Racing’s Conor Daly winding up sixth. With Penske’s Will Power (fourth) and Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta (fifth) sandwiched in-between.

 

Still have Zero idea if it means anything? But the day’s Slowest five cars were: ECR’s Rinus VeeKay, (225.028mph) and Ed Carpenter (224.906) P30-31. JHR’s Callum Ilott 32nd, (224.727) followed by DRR/Cusick Motorsports Stefan Wilson at 224.673mph and RLLR’s Katherine Legge last at 223.934mph.

 

Abel Motorsports R. C. Enersen was an impressive 28th at 225.112mph. Ahead of Andretti Autosport’s Devlin DeFrancesco (P29) and the other five slowest competitors!  

 

Whilst it’s worth noting that Legge was P14 on the “No Tow” list I believe. Which represents car speed without the Aerodynamic Tow once gets when running in a draft behind a pack of cars.

 

And now it’s time for Faux, err Fast Friday, when speeds are Artificially Inflated due to turning up the Boost! Albeit weather permitting… 

INDYCAR: Laguna Seca Season Finale Championship Edition

Come On Will, Sing It! We Are the Champions of the World…

 

Yeah, Y’all know the Championship outcome by now. As it was Showtime in Monterey with the title on the line. As the talk All weekend long was about how Mega’ the Tyre Deg’, nee Degradation was on the Gritty, Course Sandpaper Ash-Fault! With Scott Dixon saying He thought it was Detroit Bad! (Belle Isle) And Helio Castroneves said He thought the track was the same since He started coming Here Twenty Years Ago! While the track will be repaved next year.

 

Practice

Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden served notice during Friday’s first Practice session by being Fastest with a time of 01:11.4103, with teammate Will Power down in seventh, some five tenths-plus adrift.

 

As Power was eclipsed by three Andretti Autosport runners, with Colton Herta, Romain Grosjean and Alexander Rossi P2-3-4 respectively. With Colton just  some four tenths-plus adrift of Newgarden.

 

Whilst Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Rookie Callum Ilott was an impressive P5! And Meyer Shank Racing’s Simon Pagenaud was sixth, one spot ahead of former Penske teammate Power.

 

Marcus Ericsson was the Quickest of the Chip Ganassi Racing Boyz’ in 10^th, with Penske’s ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin P11. While Scott Dixon was P17, and obviously has some work to do…

 

David Malukas who trails Christian Lundgaard in the Rookie Of the Year battle by five points was ninth, with the Dane’ winding up P15 on Day-1.

 

Saturday morning’s practice session saw a few Red Flags brought out. Most notably for Pato O’Ward going Off-track at  Turn 10, the bottom of the Famed Corkscrew, Me Thinks? As the team spent considerable time with All of the bodywork Off trying to Dislodge All of the Sand and Gravel He’d Injested!

 

Uber Funny how Mark Gravelly’ James was Opining over How Team Penske testing at Portland vs. Chip Ganassi Racing’s test at Laguna Seca was working out with some three minutes left. With Alex Palou P1 at 01:11.3847, and Dixon sixth, whilst Will Power and Josef Newgarden were languishing P22-23 respectively. And then as soon as They looked at their Timing Monitors, Shuhzamm! Power and Newgarden were P3-4, with Dixon still sixth!

 

Qualifying

So, you’d have to say the first Domino fell during Round-1, Group 1’s Qualie’ session. When Newgarden High-sided Himself on the Turn 8’s Kerb’s entrance to the world famous Corkscrew. Bringing out a Red Flag, which appeared to run Out the Clock, with Dixon also on the Outside. Yet IndyCar Race Control gave everybody left one final lap.

 

As I Bellowed at my Confuzer’s Speakers for Dixon to Not Advance outta His Round-1 Qualie’ Group, since He’s the Enemy this weekend! Taking Delight over first his CGR teammate Ericson Bumping Him Down to P6, and then Simon Pagenaud Knocked Dixon Out of Qualie’, Yeah Baby! Have I mentioned I’m Rootin’ for Will Power to win the title lately?

 

As Newgarden refused to speak to IndyCar Radio’s Ryan Marin after a short, terse interview with NBC. And will Roll off P25! Whilst Dixon will start 13^th. Giving Will Power sufficient “Breathing Room” on the Race’s start.

 

Then in Round-1, Group 2, Colton Herta inexplicably took Himself Out of advancing to the Fast 12 Shootout when running Off-track, seeing three of Power’s staunchest competitors for Pole out of the running.

 

As I began crossing my fingers and Rootin’ for Power to Throw Down upon the remainder of the Field and claim His record setting 68^th Pole position at Laguna Seca before the Fast Six Shootout! Which is exactly what Power Did!

 

As Kudos to SuperMario’, aka Mario Andretti for not only being on Hand, but immediately Shaking Power’s Hand after Breaking His record in Pitlane!

 

As I loved Mario’s answer on what it takes to claim that many Pole positions? Saying, How Badly do You Want It? If I knew what it took, I’d Bottle It and Sell It!

 

And I Don’t understand why IndyCar Radio Didn’t speak to Callum Ilott, who claimed His best ever Qualie’ finish in second! Instead talking to Romain Grosjean who rolls off P4, with Alexander Rossi third. While Row 3 features Palou and O’Ward.

 

Race

Obviously, it’s easy to say after the fact. But I really did tell myself that I wanted Alex Palou to win the Season Finale a few days after attending Portland’s race. As I thought it would be the perfect “Fly in The Ointment” for a Driver who’s possibly driven His last race for Ganassi? And I was laughing so Hard and sticking my finger in the Air and making the Sizzling sound when water Hits a Hot rock! That I Didn’t Hear exactly what IndyCar Radio’s Dan rusanowsky asked Palou? Something ‘bout if He’d be sitting down with Chip afterwards? To which Palou said with mischief in His voice: Yeah Sure, if Cheep’s picking up the Bill! No, Only Kidding…

 

For which I think sums up the whole crux of the Ganassi v Palou Spat! And it’ll be Sad if Palou Has to sit out a year from IndyCar’s!

 

Initially I kept saying whilst listening to the Radio Broadcast, you’re giving Me a Heart attack Will! But it also seemed obvious that Will simply let Newgarden go when being passed for second, the first time. And I think I was getting sucked into the Announcers doing their job of creating Drama.

 

After the race, the more I thought about it, Power knew  what He needed to do to clinch His second IndyCar Championship. And with Palou simply Disappearing from the entire field, Power’s job was made that much “easier.” Although I’m Not saying it was an easy race for Will, but He managed it superbly All Day long! And when Romain Grosjean momentarily threatened His third place, Power closed up on Newgarden and said I’m Here, so Giddy Up!

 

As you already know about Power being the first IndyCar Champion with only One win in 25 years since Tony Stewart’s 1997 IRL Championship. While you’ve gotta give Newgarden credit for driving the wheels off His #2 Penske with His unpreferred four stop Pit strategy, seeing Him finish second after starting a lowly P25!

 

Whilst I enjoyed the Karmic Whip snapping Scott Dixon, after the Kiwi’ Had apparently been playing Mental Mind Games with Team Penske at Portland when Questioning their Not using Team Tactics to give Power the Win and a Bigger Points lead prior to Laguna Seca. Hmm, Did anybody see Dixon Sunday at Laguna Seca? Uhm, where did He finish?

 

As I thought it was a Good race, probably Far more Gripping due to the title fight vs. the actual race. Especially since Palou simply put a Beatdown on the entire field with a thirty second lead over Newgarden!

 

Which was even more impressive after Palou Had to take a Six place Grid penalty for an unapproved engine change agter Qualifying…

 

While we All know that Newgarden Had the most wins of the season with five vs. Power and Palou’s One! Not to mention Power’s teammate ScottyMac’s (McLaughlin) Breakout season with three W’s!

 

But it was another Great Year, and now another Stupendous 351 Days Offseason looms large! While I suppose Thars still formula 1, but I’d say that Championship’s already Toast! With Max Verstappen being crowned World Champion Any day now…

 

Oh Yeah, almost forgot the IndyCar Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Battle. As Groan, Congrats to Christian Lundgaard who drove from 16^th to finish fifth. Whilst David Malukas went Backwards from starting sixth and finishing P13 seeing the Dane’ clinch ROY Honours in the season’s final race.

 

Congratulations Will Power, Job Done! 

INDYCAR: Portland Rewind

AS let’s All watch the Portland replay upon Ye Jumbotron Video Board Trackside Up Close ‘n Personal!

 

Every year I find if Uber Funny reading All the various Permutations of what Driver X Needs to Do to win the Championship provided Drivers Y, Z, and Uhm, B? Need to Do in order to clinch the title.

 

Since leading up to Portland, All Four Championship Contendahs’ needed to Just win Baby! But if Will Power Crashed in the Festival Curve taking out Josef Newgarden. And Scott Dixon was given a Drive-thru Penalty for Blowing thru the Festival Curve Chicane. With Marcus Ericsson running Outta Fuel on the Final lap! Then Johnny, we’ve got ourselves a Ball Game, Oh Never Mind!

 

As How will this weekend’s Season Finale at Laguna Seca Stack Up vs. Portland’s Preamble?

 

Friday’s first practice was the most Bizarre that I can remember! As the 75mins session took some three Hours to complete, mostly due to the One Hour, 21 minutes Red Flag period to fix a “Jumbotron” Big Screen on the Front Straightaway that was precariously tilting towards the track with Hydraulic fluid leaking out of the Hoist used to lift it!

 

As a Bemused Colton Herta said it looked like some sorta Forklift’s tongs from what they could see Backside and that the prongs looked Bent! While both Colton and David Malukas told West Coast  IndyCar Radio Pit Reporter Dan Rusanowsky, the “Voice of The San Jose Sharks.” They’d Never seen that before! As Malukas said He was coming down Pitlane when they told Him to get out of the car for the Video Board repair, Say What?

 

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett one of the Telescoping lift’s Hydraulic Rams lost Fluid when it’s “cap” came off and started spewing fluid with the lift lowering and the Video Board coming to rest upon a trailer before workers finally secured it with mounting straps for the remainder of the session! Or was it the weekend?

 

Since Malukas noted you could still See the Crooked Jumbotron during their Saturday Portland video. And Marshall Cheekily called it the Leaning Tower of Panasonic during one of the Duo’s videos…

 

Although I recall during one of my latter Portland Chump Carz’ visits that I think it was Qualie’ that went eerily, starkly Quiet for at least a Half Hour, or longer? When the circuit experienced a full Power Outage on a blistering Hot, Sunny Day! And obviously they couldn’t tell us what was happening over the PA System, albeit I can no longer remember what year that was…

 

Speaking of Malukas, Mark Gravelly’ James was repeating to us with Davey Hamilton alongside how Malukas’s Spotter Pancho Carter Had been telling Him to try the High line at Gateway All race long. To which Davey said I can assure you that Pancho used more Colourful language than that!

 

As there were a total of four Red Flags in an Uber Disjointed first practice session, with Helio Castroneves, Takuma Sato and Pato O’Ward causing the final three Ontrack. While Mark James noted that the Top-3 were exactly how they’d finished at Gateway. With Josef Newgarden Quickest at 0:58.5769, followed by Malukas and Scott McLaughlin. While Alex Palou was ninth, will Power finished P10, Scott Dixon 11^th and Marcus Ericsson in 16^th. And O’ward’s 22 place finish wasn’t indicative of His pace, since Pato Had been P4 before causing the final Red Flag, as the AMR Safety team couldn’t refire His Chevy’ lump’.

 

Saturday morning’s second practice session was way “cleaner,” as the One Hour session with 45 minutes guaranteed running stayed Caution Free with DJ WillyP[ vaulting to P1’, with a time of 0:58.3946. Followed by Josef Newgarden Hot on His Heels with ScottyMac’ (McLaughlin) seeing Team Penske Go 1-2-3! Whilst Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta silently lurked behind in fourth.

 

Scott Dixon was the Quickest of the Ganassi Boyz’ in P7, with Palou 13^th and Ericsson P15, with A.J. Foyt’s Kyle Kirkwood the meat of this Ganassi Sandwich…

 

Impressively, the Only One Car team on the Grid saw Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Callum Ilott finish P9! As can He carry this over into Qualifying?

 

Pato O’Ward was 10^th, one place ahead of David Malukas. Whilst Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Points leader Christian Lundgaard Quietly Zipped up to P5! One spot ahead of RLLR Team leader Graham Rahal.

 

As Mark James and Davey Hamilton talked about the Yellow Grass due to Oregon’s continuing Drought with James mentioning how “Pancake” flat Portland was with Zero elevation! With Davey saying That’s Right, but just looking around I can see Hills and Mount Rainer in the distance…

 

Yo Davey, I’m pretty Freakin’ certain that was Mount Hood nearby  Portlandd, Oregon you were looking at!

 

As I can still recall ‘Ol bloody Nige’, aka Il Lione’, nee Red 5’, ergo Nigel Mansell talking about looking at the Snow on Mount Hood when racing down the Backstretch at Portland!

 

And at 11,249 feet it’s Oregon’s tallest Mountain and lies only 50-miles East/South East of Portland. Whilst Mount Tahoma, ergo Mt Rainier is 176 miles NE in Warshington…

 

Qualifying

So the first Bits ‘O Drama came in the first session, ie.; round-1, Group 1 when Colton Herta, like everyone else Slamming the Turn-1 Kerbing’ to make time, went wide and Smacked the outer Armco retaining Barrier! Resulting in a Bent/Broken front Steering Arm/Toe link which the Andretti Crrew replaced lightning Quick, since Herta was able to return Justin-time’ to Knock Out Kyle Kirkwood with a single flying lap!

 

Then in Round 1 Group 2, two of CGR’s “Heavy Hitters,” i.e.; Dixon and Ericsson Failed to advance to the Round 2 Fast 12 Shootout. As Dixon rolls off P16 and Ericsson 18^th.

 

Whilst One of the most impressive Drivers of the Day Had to be Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Christian Lundgaard. As the Rookie went P1’ in Round-1 Group 2 and then followed that up by being second Quickest in the Fast 12

Shootout, advancing to the Fast Six Shootout.

 

Joining Lundgaard in the Scrum for Pole were Yawn! All three Penske Boyz’, with Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward joining them.

 

And it’s funny, but I’ve come to really Not like Josef Newgarden this season, and Didn’t want Him on Pole! For which thankfully, ScottyMac’ Threw Down with a Mega’ lap in His Team Penske Freightliner Hot Rod. Ahem Roger, why Aren’t you on the “Blower” to Freightliner to resume being Title Sponsor for Portland?

 

As McLaughlin claimed His third career IndyCar Pole with a time of 0:58.2349, with Newgarden second and Will Power third. Lundgaard was Best of The Rest in fourth, while Palou led O’Ward on Row 3.

 

But remember, Newgarden had to take a six place Grid Penalty for an unapproved fifth engine change and will roll off P8. As everybody from P3-8 moves up one position. Hence the revised starting order was an All Penske Front Row with McLaughlin and Power.

 

Row 2 featured Lundgaard and Palou. Row 3 had both Arrow McLaren Sp Drivers with O’Ward ahead of Felix Rosenqvist. And Colton Herta starts on the inside of Row 4 with Newgarden alongside Him.

 

But the $64k Questione was How would the Grid fair on the start of the race when 25 Indy Cars went Hurtlin’ into Turn-1 of the Dreaded Festival Curves! And would the Series do anything to keep the Drivers from short cutting the turn by Bouncing Over the Kerbs?

 

Turnn-1 Video Primer…

During Qualie’, somebody on the IndyCar Radio Broadcast noted that Turn-1 went from a robust 78-feet down to a very tight 30-feet. Whilst Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton said He was gonna Have to try Jumping the Shark at Turn-1, presumably in the IndyCar 2X Seater? With Davey saying He thought a simple fix to get Drivers to Quit Stealing so much Kerb’ would to be adding more Rumble Strips.

 

While Here’s Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s Turn-1 video over Portland’s “Signature” feature, the Dreaded Festival Curves, for which Marshall naturally Quotes entirely Different track widths. Check it Out…

 

https://racer.com/2022/09/03/video-inside-portlands-turn-1/

 

Although Surprisingly, they All managed to get thru Turn-1 Cleanly, without the usual Pile Up in the Festival Curves! 

INDYCAR: Gateway 2022 Championship Countdown Edition

As welcome to the Podium David Malukas!

 

The NTT IndyCar Series final Oval race of the year at World Wide Technology Raceway, (WWTR) at the track that will forever simply be Gateway for Mwah. Saw 26 Cars on the Grid, with the only change being Ed Carpenter Racing’s (ECR) Boss Fast Eddie’ (Ed Carpenter) in His #33 ECR entry.

 

Friday’s First Practice session prior to qualifying saw Team Penske’s DJ WillyP’, ergo Will Power on top of the Time Sheets with a speed of 180.539mph. Followed by Chip Ganassi Racing’s (CGR) Alex Palou and Arrow McLaren SP’s (AMSP) Felix Rosenqvist, with Penske’s ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLaughlin and CGR’s Marcus Ericsson rounding out the Top-5. AMSP’s Pato O’Ward was sixth, and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Graham Rahal in seventh was the first driver below 180mph! Penske’s Josef Newgarden, Coyne-Ware Racing’s Takuma Sato and Scott Dixon completed the Top-10.

 

Interestingly, Rookie Devlin DeFrancesco led the four car Andretti Autosport train in P11,which the Kuhnuck’ backed up with His career Best Qualifying performance of 10^th, second Fastest Andretti runner with a speed of 179.531mph. Whilst Fellow Rookies David Malukus (Dale Coyne Racing with HMD Motorsport) was P13 and matched that in Qualifying. A.J. foyt’s Kyle Kirkwood was P16 and 20^th in Qualie’. RLLR’s Christian Lundgaard was P19 and Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Callum Ilott was P22. Which both matched later in Qualifying…

 

Qualifying

Surprisingly, Taku-san’, aka Takuma Sato was the first driver to average 180mph during Qualifying, when He jumped from a 179.9 to 180.3 to finish with a 180.048mph two lap average and will roll off P8.

 

Felix Rosenqvist, the 17^th  Qualifier, with the Qualifying order being run in the inverse order of Season Points. Saw the Swede’ get loose and Spin on His first lap and will start last in P26. Although Felix managed to mostly “Save” the car and not sure if He Hit anything? Other than I know He popped one of His tires and I think He lightly Brushed the Wall?

 

Twentieth qualifier Pato O’ward knocked Sato off of the Pole with a 180.303mph  run, (7^th) which was extremely short lived. Since Scott McLaughlin became the first Qualifier to eclipse 181mph for a final Qualie’ speed of 181.406mph, ultimately Qualifying fourth fastest.

 

While according to IndyCar Radio’s Michael Young, the entire track was then being Shaded in Clouds along with a Tailwind down the Straight, which pushed each of the last five Qualifiers Faster ‘N Faster!

 

Josef Newgarden’s first lap was a bit Disappointing with the recent trend of each runner going Quicker. Being only  a 180-plus lap before Josef found two miles per hour more and became the first driver to Throw Down a lap of 182mph! As Newgarden’s average Qualifying run was 181.629mph. (P3) Quickly dispersing Penske teammate McLaughlin.

 

Next up was Alex Palou, once again in the No. 10 American Legion car. Setting His Best ever Gateway Qualie’ time at 181.289mph. (5^th) Before CGR teammate Scott Dixon struggled with the Handling of His #9 racecar for a two lap average of 180.954mph, winding up sixth fastest.

 

Then Marcus Ericsson raised the bar to 182.070mph (2^nd) before the driver I’d predicted to win the Pole prior to Qualifying went out for His Warmup lap. As you just knew that Will Power was going to run the Gauntlet and capture His record tying 67^th Pole position!

 

And even with Will Bobbling in Turns 3-4 on His first lap, it still was in the High 182’s! Before as Power told Michael Young afterwards, He’d also had an issue in Turns 1-2but knew if He kept His Foot into it, He could run a “6!” Which presumably meant 24.6-second lap. Which is exactly what will did with a 24.5782 second lap when Uncorking a Mega’ lap of 183mph-plus! And capturing Pole Number 67 with an average speed of 182.727mph. Now tied with Mario Andretti for Most IndyCar Pole positions, aye Karumba!

 

Race

From Pole, will Power led a total of 128 laps, and I Heard Mark Gravelly’ James say He’d led 104 of the first 109 laps.

 

With 43-laps remaining the Red Flag came out for Rain. And I loved ScottyMac’s Deadpan answer to Michael Young. When Young asked Him about Rainbows Down Under? Scotty said Oh Yeah, But they’re Upside Down! And the water goes Down the Drain Backwards. To which Scott Dixon played along with Young later, agreeing with McLauglin and Man, the water goes the opposite way too…

 

Two Hours, Nine minutes and 14 seconds later, the Red Flag for Rain was lifted with cars refiring engines at 7:09PM Pacific. Before the Green Flag came out four laps later at 7:13PM Pacific. For which it turned into a completely different race! As Josef Newgarden BOO! Passed ScottyMac’ for the lead and never looked back. But my eventual Driver of The Race, the unexpected David Malukas Drove round McLaughlin with just two laps remaining to finish Runner-up for His Debutante IndyCar Podium!

 

As originally Pato O’ward was going to be my Driver of The Race since I just kept saying Stones! After O’Ward pulled off another of His ultra Daring Passes upon DJ WillyP’ for the lead of the race! (Pre Red Flag) As O’Ward was simply amazing during this race, and it’s a Shame that He and Power both struggled after the Red Flag restart with Thar Flinstone’ tyres being Done Used Up! As Pato would have to settle for P4 while Malukas’s teammate Takuma Sato slipped past Power for fifth. And Power only just Holds onto His Points lead over Newgarden by the three Bonus Points He claimed for winning Pole and leading the most laps!

 

Of the other Championship Contendahs’, Marcus Ericsson led Scott Dixon and Alex Palou Home in a three car CGR Freight train, P7-8-9 respectively.

 

2022 Point Standings

1) Will Power: 482

2) Josef Newgarden: 479, -3

3) Scott Dixon: 468, -14

4) Marcus Ericsson: 465, -17

5) Alex Palou: 439, -43

6) Scott McLaughlin: 428, -54

7) Pato O’Ward: 424, -58

 

Shout Out to Devlin DeFrancesco who scored His career Best finish in 12th. While Kyle Kirkwood finished P17, one place ahead of A.J. Foyt enterprises teammate Dalton Kellett. And Christian Lundgaard finished a disappointing 19^th.

 

2022 Rookies Point Standings

1. (15^th) Christian Lundgaard: 283

2. (16^th) David Malukas: 272, -11

(Overall Point Standings)