HYDROS: The 2025 Season Spools up in Earnest

Although a fifth’s of Thar season’s already over. And I feel like I need a fifth after a most disjointed weekend of trying to follow along…

 

This coming fourth ‘O July weekend sees the H1 Unlimited series contesting Thar’ second race of the 2025 season at Madison, Indiana

 

The season began nearly one month ago at the Guntersville Hydrofest, June 8th on Lake Guntersville, Alabama. With the remainder of the five events as follows: July 6th Madison Regatta at Madison, Indiana.

 

Then a three race west coast swing, including the traditional Warshington’ back-to-back “Double”, i.e.; July 27th Tri-Cities Water Follies at Kennewick on the Mighty Columbia, nee Columbia River.

 

Followed a week later on Lake Washington  August 3rd at Seattle’s Seafair, presumably replete with the legendous’ Blue Angels, unless somebody’s spent too much upon His 79th birthday’s military parade and had to cut their funding?

 

The season concludes on September 14th at Bayfair’s Mission Bay, with the Bill Muncey Cup in San Diego, CA.

 

This year’s Tri-Cities Water Follies commemorates the 60th anniversary of this event and will host this year’s prestigious APBA Gold Cup race. With the Gold Cup being the oldest American trophy, beginning with it’s 1904 inaugural event

 

Like every offseason, much movement has occurred in the top Dawgs’ Unlimited Hydroplanes fleet. As Dustin Echols has decided to retire from competition, leaving the U-40 devoid of a driver.

 

And with Sharon and Kelly Stockton, longtime owners of Bucket List Racing and the U-40’s main sponsor Flav-R-Pac moving onto the U-11’s flanks as its new primary sponsor, Y’all have to wonder the status of the U-40 Bucket List Racing Unlimited Hydroplane this season.

 

Once again, the H1 Unlimited website has suffered another compressor stall, since I couldn’t find anything on its apathetic website about the seismic shift of the competing teams landscape…

 

According to the Madison Courier, Miss Madison Racing which had gotten itself into hefty financial debt due to it’s 2018 sponsorship agreement with Home Street Bank. With the former Miss Budweiser Tukwila race shop becoming an albatross around its neck due to the hefty mortgage, has led to Miss Madison president Charlie Grooms selling the entire assets of the championship winning team! Having just won their twelfth championship last year…

Seattle’s Bruce Ratchford, the founder and proprietor of Apollo Mechanical, who not only became Seafair’s title sponsor last year. When the Apollo Mechanical Cup joined Seafair for its 75th anniversary.  Also sponsored the U-27 Miss Apollo last season. With the newly created race team stepping up with the acquisition of Miss Madison Racing’s two Unlimited Hydroplane Hulls. Along with adding the U-27 to its fleet.

 

Thus, defending APBA National High Points Drivers Champion Andrew Tate has become teammate this season with Dave Villwock. With Tate in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate and Dave Villwock in the U-27 Miss Apollo for the new BWR Racing team, forming a new powerhouse race team to challenge Strong Racing…

 

Initially, I Arse-sumed BWR Racing would be run out of the former Miss Madison Tukwila race shop. Although re-reading the Madison Courier story, it notes that the entire Tukwila inventory was sold, making me wonder if the building wasn’t included?

 

As Grooms and four other Board members of Miss Madison Racing Inc have been fired over this travesty, with the immediate future of the team unknown.

 

Yet H1 Unlimited blissfully reported in February, that Miss Madison racing Inc had sold one of it’s Hulls to eric Christensen over the winter. Who’ll compete aboard the U-2 this season, driving for His newly founded Christensen Racing team. Making me wonder just how many Hulls did Miss Madison Racing own?

 

Christensen clamed they’d have the U-2 Fraternal Order of Eagles and Albert lee Appliance Hydroplane ready for May’s Spring training event on the Columbia River, but the race boat, based out of Buckley, WA didn’t appear at Guntersville. Making me wonder if this will just be another west coast partial season Hydroplane?

 

A la the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Racing Hydroplane, that Gunnar O’Farrell dramatically flipped during testing in Pasco this May! Although the team’s confident they’ll be ready in time for the Water Follies event.

 

Meanwhile, following the sale of Miss Madison Racing’s assets to BWR Racing, the series notes that in conjunction with representatives of Marshall County Tourism and Sport, the Madison Regatta and Miss Madison Racing, the team will attempt competing in the season’s first two East coast races, i.e.; Guntersville and Madison.

 

Subsequently, Miss Madison Racing announced that rookie skipper Brandon Kennedy will be at the tiller of it’s U-6 Hydroplane, as the organization regroups and hopefully secures it’s long term future. AS I’d like to think the team can rebound and return to a full season campaign in the near future…

 

Cannot say I’m overly impressed by only six Unlimited Big Boyz’ Boats showing up at Guntersville, but think we’ve had worse. As I tend to recall some of the races having a paltry four Hulls. But with the cloud hanging over the storied Miss Madison operation right now, guess I should see this as a good thing overall.

 

Another interesting side note is that Bruce Ratchford has joined forces with Darrel Strong, owner of Strong Racing, the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane’s other two boat team owner in Hydrotown Racing Inc.

 

As Hydrotown Racing Inc was created in 2023 to promote and market the Unlimited Hydroplanes, while apparently APBA is the sport’s governing body thru its ABRA association.

 

Yet Hydrotown Racing’s got a long way to go towards marketing and promoting the sport properly! Especially if Guntersville is their media template for success…

 

Whilst opining for nine Unlimited Hydroplanes competing in the Gold Cup and Seafair this summer. I think the best will be eight Hulls, since the U-6 Miss Madison is slated to run just the first two races. Meaning it will be Strong Racing vs. BWR Racing this season jousting for the National High Points Championship titles. 

F1 the Movie, debuts today

Which surely will be far better than Driven…

 

Although the Brad Pit F1 movie that’s been promoted over the last year plus? Or at least last year during filming at various Grands Prix, with Silverstone and Las Vegas coming to mind. Which thanks to the Daily Mail’s shock headline last November, we sort of know what happens to one of the cast. As the movie is finally released on the Big screen today, nationwide.

 

Just casually thinking about past Formula 1 movies, naturally the epic Grand Prix starring James Gardner immediately comes to mind. While ‘lil Ronnie Howard’s excellent Rush and the equally great Michael Mann Ferrari movies appear on my internal radar. Along with Ford v Ferrari, albeit that was about Le Mans, but all were great movies…

 

Know that a smattering of current day F1 drivers were on hand in New York city for the Radio City Music Hall film debut June 16th. As believe that Esteban Ocon, Liam Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto were there with their significant “others”. While Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris were flying solo. Along with Red Bull Racing Boss Christian Horner and wife Jerry Hall, and McLaren’s Andrea Stella all being chatted up on the red carpet, according to the Daily Mail.

 

Supposedly the film features Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a Formula 1 driver who raced in the 1990’s before a bad crash sidelines Him. Working as an Taxicab driver, a F1 team owner asks Him to come out of retirement to mentor “Noah” Pearce, an F1 prodigy for His “Apex” (APX) Grand Prix team.

 

Hmm, first Matt Damon plays ‘Ol shel’, nee Carroll Shelby in Ford v Ferrari. And Danny Sullivan, who raced one year in formula 1 was a New York Taxi driver previously…

 

Have purposely tried not paying too much Attenzione to this movie, since on the surface the plot sounds somewhat reminiscent of the worst

Racing film ever. Y’all know, Driven Starring Sylvester Stallone as Joe Tanto in Driven. Which I saw on the Big screen at a regal Beagle cinema how many decades ago?

 

Although I was never a fan of Daze ‘O Blunder’, aka Days of Thunder. Starring Tom Cruise, directed by the late Tony Scott and co-produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

 

Along with Pitt, the film also stars Danson Idris as Joshua “Noah” Pearce. Kerry Condon as Kate McKenna, APX GP Technical Director. Tobias Menzies as Peter Bannin, APX Board Member. Kim Bodnia as Caspar Molinski, team principal. And Javier Barden as Ruben Cervante, team owner, Sonny’s friend and former F1 teammate.

 

The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, and the screenplay was written by Ehren Kruger, along with Kosinski.

 

Hollywood “mogul” Jerry Bruckheimer, who just so happens to be co-owner of the NHL Seattle Kraken, is one of the film’s producers. While other producers include the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Joseph Kosinski and Brad Pitt. With an estimated budget of $200-300 million.

 

The movie weighs in at 156 minutes (2Hrs, 36mins) and includes all ten Formula 1 teams and drivers from the 2023 F1 season.

 

The musical score was composed by Hans Zimmer, who previously worked with Kosinski on Top gun, Maverick, along with composing the score for Ron Howard’s Rush.

 

Know that Lewis Hamilton was also involved as a consultant on the film, so I think it should be a good film overall. As I didn’t “read” the article about Hamilton being nervous over how His fellow Formula 1 drivers would receive the film, which I think they saw at a private screening in Monaco.

 

Although I didn’t “See” Top gun, Maverick, I know it was All the rage and a certified Box Offic Hit!

 

And as long as the movie stays away from the gimmickry of Joe Tanto piling up four quarters on the exact same spot on His front tyre as the opening sequence! And we just enjoy the movie for its entertainment value, and don’t critique its Hollywood theatrics, then it should be a good ride… 

Time to “Race to the clouds”, Again

As can the Blue Oval win for a second year in-a-row?

 

Arse-sumedly like many, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb probably goes largely unnoticed. Although I’d guess it’s got it’s legions of Hardcore Fans…

 

Must say I know very little about this legendary race, other than it once was the playground of the Unser’s, most notably Uncle bobby, who has the most King of The Mountain titles overall with ten. Having broken His tie with His uncle Louis Usner in 1986 in a Audi Quattro. With Bobby having a total of 13 wins at “Unser’s Peak”, with a further two Stock Car and single Sports Car category victories.

 

While ironically, bobby’s streak of six consecutive wins ended when younger brother Big Al’ (Unser Sr.) won in 1964…

 

The first race was held in 1916; with the years 1917-19 and 1942-45 not being held due to both World Wars.

 

Paving of the dirt road began in 2002, with the final mixed dirt/asphalt event being 2011. During this time, Nobuhiro Tajima won six consecutive events driving for Suzuki, in Escudo, SL7 and SX4 models. Becoming the first driver to break the ten minute mark with a new course record in 2011. Nobuhiro subsequently became the first driver to break the ten minute barrier in an

Electric vehicle in 2013 with a time of 9:46.530.

 

The same year, (2013) Sebastien Loeb shattered the nine minute mark aboard His King of The Mountain overall winning Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak special with a time of 8:13.878.

 

In 2015, Rhys Millen became the first overall winner driving an electric vehicle, winning in9:07.222 aboard an eO PP03, whatever that is? With Tajima second, giving EV’s a 1-2 sweep.

 

And then Romain dumas bettered countryman Loeb’s record by 15 seconds behind the keyboard of His Volkswagen electric racer…

 

This Sunday, June 22nd is the 103rd running of the race, Where defending overall race winner Romain dumas will be aiming for His sixth King of The Mountain (overall) victory.

 

Last year, Dumas won driving a highly modified Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck with a time of eight minutes, 53 seconds and change. As this PickemUp’ truck reportedly produced a massive 2,200bhp generated by its three electric motors and producing some whopping 6,000lbs of downforce.

 

Dumas said the truck simply shut off during His eventual winning run to the clouds. After recycling the electrics and continuing on His way, He won the event.

 

Recall that Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge made Her Pikes Peak debut last year, driving an Acura Integra Type S DE5 thru Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) in the Time Attack 1 division. But no idea how She fared on the 12.42-mile paved tarmac to the 14,115 foot summit.

     

Whilst another Femme Fatale was busy winning the newly created GT4 Division. As Laura Hayes in a Toyota Supra GT4 raced to the clouds in 10:20.487, winning the category. Becoming the fastest woman on the mountain in a car.

 

As Germany’s Lucy Glockner set an astonishing time of 9:58.878 upon a motorcycle in 2019! Before the motorcycle’s category was discontinued in 2021, following the death of motorcyclist Carlin Dunne during the 2019 event.

 

Also tend to recall that David Donohue, son of the late Mark Donohue was competing in the Hillclimb last year…

 

As Donohue recorded His fifth sub-ten minute run enroute to winning the Time Attack 1 division driving His 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo R entry. Along with winning the bergmeister award with His 9:49.429 run being the fastest Porsche overall.

 

Dumas has won Pikes Peak five times to date, i.e.; 2014, 2016-18 and 2024. Having set the current overall record time in VW’s monster I.D. R electric racer at 7:57.148 in 2018, which He hopes to surpass this year.

 

This year’s vehicle of choice is a Ford Mustang Super Mach E, which sort of resembles the production vehicle, if you don’t stare at it too hard! With Ford being coy upon vehicle specifics, most notably horsepower. Although having divulged it produces a Mega 6,225lb of downforce, Aye Karumba!

 

No idea whom else is competing this year in the Top Dawgs’ Unlimited division. Or who Dumas’s competition for King of The Mountain contest will be? Or if Four-times winner Robin Schute will be competing?

 

Meanwhile, just learned that Katherine Legge finished in the top five of the TA1 division last year with a time of 10:51.359, just three seconds off the current front wheel drive record.

 

As Legge will contest this year’s event once again driving for Honda. This time aboard the No. 93 Acura Integra Type S DE5, seeking to eclipse the record mark of 10:48.094 set in 2018. With Legge being one of six females competing this year.         

LE MANS: Can the Prancing Horses gallop to another victory?

Will Ferrari “Three-peat”, or can somebody stop their dominance?

 

Somewhat feel like I’m going thru the motions here, since the annual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans makes me think that summer is already done! Having nearly reached the zenith of another year’s increasing sunlight whilst pondering where did thoust Gory time go? As soon it’ll be time to put another log on the fire and the kettle on the boil!

 

Although I’ll admit that I do enjoy going thru the entire entry list and seeing what driver names I recognize…

 

This year’s running of the 93rd 24 Huers du Mans commences this Saturday, June 14th. And concludes the following day when  formula 1 races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and IndyCar races underneath the lights at Gateway. (World Wide Technology Raceway)

 

There’s a total of 62 entries in three classes. With le Crème de la Crème  Hypercar featuring 21 racecars. LMP2 with 17 entrants, and 24 LMGT3 Saloons.

 

The Hypercar category consists of eight marques, with four Cadillac V-Series.R and Porsche 963’s leading the way. Whilst la Scuderia, nee Ferrari has three of it’s dominating 499P’s entered. Followed by a further five manufacturers running the mandatory two car teams, i.e.; Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Peugeot and Toyota.

 

The Alpine A424, BMW M8 Hybrid, Cadillac v-Series.R and Porsche 963 all conform to the Le Mand Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) rules. While the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Ferrari 499P, Peugeot 9X8 and Toyota GR010 conform to the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) rules.

 

Six of these eight chassis are propelled by varying displacement turbocharged engines, with only the Aston Martin and Cadillac being naturally aspirated. With the Valkyrie eschewing hybrid assistance to it’s glorious Cosworth V-12. While the Caddy’s 5.5-litre V-8 runs the spec LMHD hybrid component.

 

With the entire 62 car field racing under Balance of Performance (BoP) requirements. Along with the virtual “energy” tank storage and mandatory torque sensors.

 

And whilst the Porsche Penske 963 Panzerwagens have won four of five races in IMSA GTP competition to date. On thoust Gory Atlantic’s puddle side. It’s the Ferrari 499P that’s swept all three FIA World endurance Championship events leading up to Le Mans.

 

As the AF Corse No. 50 won at the season opening Qatar 1,812km round. Followed by the Seester’ No. 51 of James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi winning back-to-back at the Six Hours of Imola and Spa.

 

Whilst just learning that Ferrari swept the podium at Qatar and claimed a 1-2 finish at Spa, Momma Mia!

 

Ferrari is also aiming for a three-peat at Circuit de la Sarthe this year, having won the first two Hypercar class races the past two years. Seeing both the #51 victorious in 2023, and the #50 with Antonio Fuoco,Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen the defending race winners.

 

Yet the entire field is made up of very strong competizione, as Y’all can never count out the Toyota’s. Whilst El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske dearly wishes to win Le Mans. One of the very few Jewell races He hasn’t won…

 

The Cadillac boyz’ should be up front, while the Alpine and Peugeot are both “Sleepers”. As the only unknown quantity is the Aston Martin, making it’s Le Mans debut, and therefore most likely just happy to finish the race. Although obviously they’ll be hoping for a good debut showing…

 

Almost forgot the BMW’s, with the No. 20 BMW finishing runner-up at Imola. As how could I overlook one of my favourites, i.e.; Kevn Bacon’ Magnussen in the No. 15 entry. While the M8 Hybrid has qualified on pole in IMSA GTP competition the first four races this season.

 

The LMP2 category features a race inside a race, with eight P2 entrants, and nine Pro Am (PA) entries. As the Pro Am class features one Bronze rated amateur driver.

 

Have already mentioned some of the IMSA competitors, while a few others that tripped my No. 4 wire are the No. 18 IDEC Sport with Jamie Chadwick, Andre Lotterer and Mathys Jaubert; Hyundai’s Genesiss Magna “Development” squad.

 

McLaren major domo Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport team is always strong with it’s Nos. 22-23 entries. Having won last year’s LMP2 class with it’s No. 22 entry driven by Oliver Jarvis, Nolan Siegel and Bijay Garg

 

Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Jarvis slots into the team’s No. 23 Pro Am entry this year, joined by ex-IndyCar driver Ben Hanley and Daniel Schneider. Whilst the Seester’ entry hosts a stout lineup which I’ve already mentioned in the previous No fenders IMSA Interlopers story.

 

The No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing entry sees “Teddy Porkchop”, aka Theo Pourchaire joined by Liechtenstein’s Matthias Kaiser and Spain’s Lorenzo Fluxa. As very happy to see that Pourchaire’s still racing, even though He should be in Indy Cars.

 

Last year’s LMP2 Pro Am category was won by AF course’s No. 183 entry, with Ben Barnicoat, Francois Perrodo and Nicolas Varrone. As Perrodo is the only holdover for this year’s entry, being joined by Antonio Felix da Costa and Matthieu Vaxivier.

 

While I’ll be rootin’ for the #199 AO by TF entry, which basically is an IMSA entry, with a stout lineup that I’ve previously mentioned. Although I don’t think it’ll be sporting any sort of Dinosaur teamed livery, Eh?

 

As I’ll split this mesmerizing story into two part harmony, and preview the LMGT3 class in a separate No Fenders post… 

LE MANS: Another Stout Saloons field prepares for Glory

But can anybody predict who’ll be this year’s winner?

 

Once again, this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans field sees the largest class being the LMGT3 category, with two dozen entrants headed by la Scuderia’s five Prancing Horses.

 

Corvette, Mercedes and Porsche have three entries apiece, with Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Lexus and McLaren running two car squads.

 

In alphabetical order, here’s the nine manufacturers competing this year. With (2) Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, (2) BMW M4  GT3 Evo, (3) Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, (5) Ferrari 296 GT3, (2) Ford Mustang GT3, (2) Lexus RC F GT3, (2) McLaren 720s GT3 Evo, (3) Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo and (3) Porsche 911 GT3R LMGT3 contestants.

 

Manthey EMA with Richard Lietz, Morris Schuring and Yasser Shahin at the controls of it’s No. 91 Porsche 911 GT3R (992) are the defending LMGT3 class winners. Are we really surprised that another legendous’ 911 won again at Le Mans?

 

Ladies first, as how can you not cheer for the Femme Fatales Iron Lynx trio of Michele Gatting, Rahel Frey and Celia Martin in the No. 85 Porsche 911.

 

While Manthey returns with the Nos. 90 and 92 Porsche’s this year. With Lietz joined by Ryan Hardwick and Riccardo Pera in the #92 Manthey 1st Phorm entry.

 

The No. 10 Racing Spirit of Leman features Eduardo Barrichello, son of Rubino, aka Rubens Barrichello. Partnered by Derek DeBoer and Valitin Hasse-clot.

 

Suppose I’ll always root for the Heart of Racing team, even if it’s not the Team Seattle entity that inspired me. As the No. 27 Aston Martin features team boss Ian James, IMSA competitor Zacharie Robichon and Mattia Drudi.

 

Team WRT’s No. 46 BMW M4 Evo features The Doctor, aka Valentino Rossi in the cockpit, along with Ahmad Al Harthy and Kelvin van der Linde, older brother of Werks’ BMW Hypercar pilote Sheldon.

 

Having just learned thanks to For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hando, that the Brothers van der Linde’s, along with Agusto Thumper’ Farfus won this year’s Bathurst 12 Hours race.

 

While I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise that United Autosport will campaign a brace of factory McLaren 720s Evo’s. As the No. 95’s Sean Gelael and Marino Sato are the only drivers I recognize; both being ex-Formula 2 racers.

 

Naturally, I’ve never heard of Ziggo Sport – Tempesta before. As the UK based team will run somebody named Eddie Cheever III, alongside Chris Frogga and Jonathan Hui in it’s No. 193 Ferrari 296 GT3 entry. As the team competes in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

 

And although it’s not a straight knife fight, with three Corvettes ganging up against the two Ford Darkhorse Mustang’s. Not sure which two Corvette teams I’m more inspired by?

 

As AWA Racing from Up North Eh! Represents IMSA with it’s No. 13 entry, winner of this year’s Rolex 24 GTD class. Whilst TF Sport runs a two car FIA World Endurance championship (WEC) entry, with it’s Nos. 33 and 81

 

Texan Ben Keating who returns to the #33, was part of the 2023 LMGTE AM class winning #33 Corvette Racing entry with Nicolas Varrone and Nicky Catsburg. The car being campaigned by TF Sport in the final year of that category, so we know that TF Sport is a winning organization.

 

Proton Competition runs the Werks’ Mustang operation, with the Nos. 77 and 88. Which naturally I’ll be hoping can continue their winning ways. Having just beaten Corvette on their home turf in Downtown Detroit, albeit the IMSA Ford Multimatic No. 64 Stang’. As it’s too bad that one of Multimatic’s factory Mustang’s couldn’t be granted entry…

 

The race will be carried live flag-to-flag this weekend on Motor Trend TV, also available via IMSA Radio’s RS1/RS2 channels. Check your local listings for times and places. 

IMSA Interlopers Flock to Le Mans

As nearly the entire IMSA GTP throng is schlepping across thoust Bloody Puddle…

 

Following the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic race. According to IMSA Sports Car writer John Oreo’ Oreovicz, Thars’ a total of 18 out of 22 IMSA GTP drivers from the previous Detroit round contesting this year’s 93rd 24 Heurs du Mans. Which took awhile, but I did manage to find All of these IMSA GTP drivers

 

Hypercar

The No. 4 Porsche Penske Motorsport teams “third” Porsche 963 is comprised of Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy and reigning Formula E Champion Pascal Wehrlein, making His Le Mans debut.

 

As Tandy and Nasr currently lead the IMSA GTP championship by some 70 markers over Porsche Penske Motorsport No. 6 IMSA teammates Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell. With Jaminet joining Penske’s No. 5 Porsche 963 lineup, and Campbell in the No. 6 Porsche 963 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) entry. With Penske fielding three Werks’ 963 Panzwrwagens once again.

 

Cadillac WTR sees Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) running the No. 101 for the Taylor Brothers, i.e.; Jordan and Ricky, joined by longtime WTR driver Filipe Albuquerque aboard the Cadillac V-Series.r entry adorned in the classic Mobil 1 livery.

 

Action Express Racing’s (AXR) Whelen Engineering brings their Cadd-Oh-lac’ V-Series.R prototype to the Le Mans party. With Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Felipe Drugovich and Frederik Vesti at the controls of the No. 311 Caddy’.

 

Werks’ BMW Hotschues’ Dries Vanthorr and Sheldon van der Linde will be aboard the BMW M8 Hybrid Nos. 15 & 20 respectively.

 

Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis, pilotes’ of the only current FIA WEC Hypercar competing in IMSA GTP. Sees Gunn and De Angelis in the Aston Martin Thor Team’s #007 and #009 Aston Martin Valkyrie’s respectively.

 

Earl Bamber who co-drives with Aitken in IMSA GTP, also races for Hertz Cadillac Team Jota in WEC. As the Kiwi’ will join le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka SeaBass or simply Sebastien Bourdais and Bloody Jense’, ergo 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button behind the wheel of the team’s No. 38 entry.

 

LMP2

The United Autosport #22 entry sees former IndyCar driver Pietro Fittipaldi joined by IMSA’s Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Acura prototype driver Renger van der Zande and David Heinemeier.

 

The No. 24 Nielsen Racing entry sees MSR Acura prototype driver Colin Brown joined by fellow Yank’ Maveen Rao and Turkey’s Cem Bolukbasi.

 

Inter Europol Competition’s No. 34 Oreca 07 Gibson IMSA entry features Nick Boulle, former Dale Coyne Racing IndyCar driver Luca ghiotto and Jean-Baptist Simmenauer.

 

With the Seester’ #43 entry seeing the third MSR Acura IMSA GTP Hotschue’ Nick Yelloly at it’s controls. Partnered by Tom dillman and Jakub Smiechowski.

 

Rounding out MSR’s quartet of Acura IMSA GTP pilotes, Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist is entered in the No. 37 CLX – Pure Rxcing entry. With co-drivers Tristan Turbo’ Vautier and Alex Malykhin.

 

IMSA competitor’s Algarve Pro Racing’s No. 45 fields a strong Pro Am lineup with Nicky Catsburg, George Kurtz and Alex Quinn behind the keyboard.

 

Another strong Pro Am entry is the #199 AO by TF entry with Dane Cameron, Lous Deletraz and team owner P. J. Hyett.

 

As the Pro Am Cup is a race inside a race of LMP2 competitors. With the Pro Am (Professional Amateur) driver lineup consisting of one Bronze rated driver.

 

LMGT3

Oh Kanaduh’s AWA Racing IMSA Corvette Z06 GT3.R #13 entry sees Matt Bel, Orey Fidani and Lars Kern behind the wheel.

 

The NO. 33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 racecar sees longtime IMSA “Gentleman” driver Ben Keating at the controls, alongside Daniel Juncadella and Johny Edgar, not Winter, Hya!

 

“Union Jack” Hawksworth returns to the Akkodis ASP #78 Lexus RC F GT3 entry, teamed with Finn gehrsitz and Arnold Robin.

 

And that’s just what I found during my initial cursory look over this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans entry list, which naturally is subject to change.

 

But it’s good knowing that IMSA is so well represented once again, as you’ll definitely need a scorecard to keep track of everybody! 

Time to begin another Arduous Formula 1 season

As can somebody stop Max Blunderhead’s reign?

 

Full disclosure, I didn’t pay any Attenzione to this year’s “Winter Olympics”, ergo F1 testing at Bahrain, since I was on a Choo-choo train headed north during this three days outing. So don’t know the story lines, or how far off they are? Which we’ll get a glimpse of the “real” pecking order this coming weekend Down Under in Gory Melbourne, Mates!

 

If I’ve done my ryth-muh-tickin’ correctly? Thars’ an 80% turnover in F1 Driver lineups this season, with only two teams retaining last year’s drivers.

 

Formula 1 is true “Blood Sport”, where the first objective is to beat your teammate! Thus, one of the biggest story lines is how Lewis Hamilton does at His new team la Scuderia, aka Ferrari vs. Charles Leclerc. And how Ferrari does in general vs. its F1 Constructors Championship rivals, i.e.; McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull.

 

McLaren are the defending Constructors Champion, having won their first title since Gory 1998! And retain Lando Norris, who finished Vice-champion, Err runner-up to Max Verstappen for the Drivers Championship last year. Along with Oscar Piastri, with both McLaren drivers winning their maiden Grands Prix last season.

 

Aston Martin is the only other F1 Team staying status quo with drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. While the team’s reshuffled its engineering core, along with the arrival of Adrian Newy…

 

Mercedes has opted for the services of 18yr old F1 rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement alongside George Russell.

Arse-sumedly everyone knows about Red Bull’s dismissal of Checo’, nee Sergio Perez in favour of Liam Lawson this season. As the Kiwi’ has His work cut out for Him a la All of Max Blunderhead’s (Verstappen) previous teammates! And with just eleven Grands Prix starts to His name, pretty sure this will be an uphill slog…

 

Alpine, which claimed sixth overall last season largely due to their impressive 2-3 finish at Sao Paolo. Sees Jack Doohan, who made His F1 debut at last year’s Abu Dhabi season finale join Pierre Gasly.

 

Aas sports a brand new line-up with the arrival of Esteban Ocon from Alpine, and rookie Oliver Bearman. As Bearman deputized for Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari and Kevin Magnussen at Haas last year as both team’s reserve driver, and is highly rated by team principal Ayao Konatsu…

 

Racing Bulls keeps Yuki Tsunoda, who most likely is in His final season in Formula 1? Being “tied” to Honda, who become Aston Martin’s Werd’s Power Unit (PU) supplier for 2026. Where reserve driver Felipe Drugovich has been waiting years for either Alonso or Stroll Jnr’ to depart. While rookie Isack Hadjar takes Liam Lawson’s vacated seat.

 

Sauber sports an all new line-up with the arrival of Nico Hulkenberg from Haas, along with the addition of rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, before the team becomes fully rebranded as Audi in 2026.

 

Lastly, another major story line will be how much can Carlos Sainz Jr. right Willimas floundering ship? As the storied Grove based F1 team struggled Ah-Mighty’ with multiple destroyed and crash damaged chassis last year! As Sainz moves from Ferrari, having to make way for Sir Lewis.

 

Didn’t bother reading the article, but saw the headline proclaiming that current Williams driver Alexander Albon is keen to see how He stacks up against Sainz? For which I think Albon’s going to have a somewhat rude awakening!

 

Although I definitely expect for Williams to not finish last in this year’s Constructors Championship, but time will tell…

 

Meanwhile, being in the final year’s current chassis regulations, hopefully we’ll have another Cracking year of competition! Before another total reset for 2026’s E-e-E-lectrified Formula 1 racecars…

 

Notably, the single point for Fastest lap during a race has been abolished. While drivers and chassis will gain a further two kilograms minimum weight requirements. With drivers now up to 82kg, and chassis up to 800kg.

 

A driver cooling (system) Kit will be made mandatory at “Hot”, extreme Heat races, when the FIA predicts a race will be over 30.5C, with chassis minimum weight being increased a further five kilograms (805kg) to compensate for said equipment. While the Drag Reduction System’s (DRS) “Slot-gap” dimensions will be reduceds along with the DRS system’s functionality…

 

Teams will also be required to run Young Drivers during Free  Practice sessions twice per racecar, up from once previously.

 

Once again, six Sprint races will be held over the season, beginning at Shanghai. Followed by Miami, Spa-Francorchamps, Circuit Of The Americas, Sao Paolo and Qatar.

 

As that’s a very brief rundown of what to look for this Sunday; Err Saturday night Stateside at the Australian Grand Prix. Round One of an insane 24! With the season concluding on December 7th upon Yas Isle. In what will be the final season of ESPN television coverage…

 

As Always, Check your local TV listings for times and locations! 

IndyCar Season Preview: The 2025 Honda runners’

It’s Almost showtime Ladies ‘n Germs, Ready or Not, we’re live right now in St Pete!

 

Well, and No Tomas Sr. It’s A Deep subject Joke Here Folks, Hya! But It’s time again to throw the Green flag and Go Racing! As the IndyCar’s and their former Road to Indy supporting cast, including Indy NXT take over  the Saint Petersburg’s Airfield this weekend on the 1.800-mile temporary Street Circuit beginning today. (Friday, February 28th)

 

let’s go Racing!

 

2025 Honda Team line-ups

Attempting another hypothetically, HaHa! Short synopsis of the 13 Honda powered Drivers on this year’s IndyCar Grid.

 

Andretti Global (3)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#26 Colton Herta, USA

#27 Kyle Kirkwood, USA

#28 Marcus Ericsson, Sweden

 

2024 Wins: 2

Colton Herta (2)

 

Will refrain from now on about Mikey A’s dismissal from His eponymous IndyCar team last September. Other than it just seems wrong to continue calling it Andretti Global!

 

 

 

Colton Herta rebounded nicely last year, ending His winning drought of 41 races at Toronto. Then capping off the year with His maiden Oval win at the Nashville season finale, enroute to runner-up, or as Geo. Phillips prefers, Vice Champion, Hya!

 

As Herta’s already sick ‘n tired of whether or not He’ll be moving to Cadillac Racing’s Formula 1 entry for 2026. But as long as He finishes no worse than fourth overall, I believe He’ll be Formula 1 bound next year.

 

Andretti’s Big 2024 signing was Marcus Ericsson, who had an overly rough season overall. As the Swede’ looks to vastly improve over His P15 season finish, while ditto for Kyle “Kirk” Kirkwood.

 

As Kirkwood, a la Ericsson went winless last season, and obviously hopes to improve from seventh overall. And presumably will have rotating sponsorship this season…

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (3)

#8 Kyffin Simpson, Cayman Islands

#9 Scott Dixon, New Zealand

#10 Alex Palou, Spain

 

2024 Wins: 4

Alex Palou (2) and Scott Dixon (2)

 

Obviously the Biggest change at Ganassi is the contraction back to three entries due to the amazing, Wunderbar’ Charter system, Chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

Along with reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou claiming consecutive titles, for a total of three over the last four seasons!

 

Yet having only scored two wins last year, along with the competition steadily increasing, He’ll be hard pressed to “Three-peat!”

 

What can I say about the timeless Scott Dixon who finished fifth overall last season? Other than Dixon won’t be content playing second fiddle to Palou again!

 

Whilst the “Fifth-wheel”, Err third member of CGR, Kyffin Simpson is in His sophomore season, having finished a dubious P21 overall. Simpson is solely a Ganassi driver on the strength of His father’s Ridgeline sponsorship backing, and most likely will once again be a non factor. And will need to improve to remain inside the vaunted Leaders Circle, Err Charter prize fund’s top 22 finishers…

 

Dale Coyne Racing (2)

#18 Rinus VeeKay, Netherlands

#51 (R) Jacob Abel, USA

 

Once again, the wily Dale Coyne continued His time honoured tradition of being the last to announce His latest driver choices in the new year. As we All Ah-waited with Baited Breath over who’d Dale would choose?

 

Although I’ll have to say I didn’t see Jacob Abel as the first signing, or graduating to Indy Cars. As Abel finished runner-up to Louis Foster in Indy NXT last year.

 

And while Abel was confirmed fairly early for DCR on Jan 13th. With ten days remaining until IndyCar’s first Full-field test session at Sebring, Whale’ Chirp-chirp, Bueller? We’re still all ah-Waitin’ to see if Rinus VeeKay will get the nod for the No. 18 entry this year? Before Rinus got the nod on Valentine’s Day, completing this year’s grid.

Meyer Shank Racing (2)

#60 Felix Rosenqvist, Sweden

#66 Marcus Armstrong, New Zealand

(Technical Alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing)

 

No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ has anointed Felix Rosenqvist with the nickname of Felix-the-Cat. Possibly due to His nine life for remaining an IndyCar driver? Although last year was sort of a breakout season for the Swede. Getting off to a fast start and scoring the team’s maiden IndyCar pole position at Long Beach.

 

Am a total Fan of Rosenqvist’s and would like to see Him win His second IndyCar race for MSR.

 

Marcus Armstrong moves over from Ganassi, being part of the downsizing effort, and should be a good fit with MSR, giving the team two steady drivers.

 

Whilst ‘Ol Dancin’ Fool Hulio’, nee Helio Castroneves will run a third #06 MSR entry at Mother Speedway this May, as His 50th birthday present.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (3)

#15 Graham Rahal, USA

#30 Devlin DeFrancesco, Canada

#45 (R) Louis Foster, UK

 

Graham Rahal, now entering his 19th IndyCar season Me Thinks? Is the De Facto Team leader. And obviously “Hungry” to finally return to the top step of the podium. Now entering His eighth season without a win, Yikes!

 

Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco returns to IndyCar after a one year hiatus. And presumably His funding helps enable the team to not only run the No. 30 entry, but the #45 car as well? As no idea how Sparky will do this season?

 

Lastly, the team has taken a “Flyer” upon the reigning Indy NXT champion Louis Foster. Although I’d say it’s a pretty good choice, as Foster dominated Indy NXT last season and should show occasional flashes of “Brilliance” this season. Being my bet for Rookie Of the Year.

 

(R = Rookie) 

IndyCar Season Preview: Presenting the 2025 Bowtie Boyz’

Are we really, really finally going racing, once again?

 

 

Otay Kiddoes, Hurrah! The Off-season is finally over! As it’s been nearly a Gory Half year, albeit a svelte 168 days for those counting. Just under a Fortnight less than six months since the Nashville Super speedway’s season finale last September 15th…

 

2025 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 14 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#4 David Malukas, USA

#14 Santino Ferrucci, USA

(Technical Alliance with Team Penske)

 

Its old news now, that the first shoe to drop was Engineer Supremo Michael Cannon’s departure from Foyt to Prema, for which Larry Foyt said he didn’t want to see Him go. As will Cannon return to Foyt now?

 

As the team hired ‘lil Davey’ from “Chicago”, ergo David Malukas as Sting Ray robb’s replacement alongside thee Great Santini’, aka Santino Ferrucci.

 

As Malukas will drive the No. 4 entry, with the entire A.J. Foyt Enterprises operation being run out of its Indianapolis facility. Along with its continued Team Penske technical alliance.

 

As this will be a fun team to keep an eye upon, although Hopefully expectations won’t be too Sky High! Even though it would be nice to see another year of at least one driver finishing Top 10 overall.

 

Arrow McLaren

#5 Patricio “Pato” O'Ward, Mexico

#6 Nolan Siegel, USA

#7 Christian Lundgaard, Denmark

 

2024 Wins: 3

Pato O’Ward (3)

 

My current Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward had another respectable season, being the only non-Penske driver claiming three victories. And one of only three driver with three wins to their names. Yet Pato fell to fifth overall last year., one position lower than 2023.

 

Yet I’d expect nothing less than Pato once again being in the title fight this season.

 

Think everybody knows about McLaren’s off-season acquisition of Christian Lundgaard from RLLR, as the Dane’ was ready to move onto Greener, Shinier pastures, albeit McLaren is known for its pressure cooker mentality!

 

As it’ll be fun to see how much Lundgaard can push O’Ward. Whilst Nolan Siegel who leapt from Indy NXT into IndyCar mid-season has reportedly added 15lbs of muscle and is looking to improve in His first ful season IndyCar campaign…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 Alexander Rossi, USA

#21 Christian Rasmussen, Denmark

 

The big news for ECR was the signing of Alexander Rossi to lead the team this year, along with Christian Rasmussen getting a full season ride.

 

As Fast Eddie’, aka team Boss Ed Carpenter has finally, wisely decided to settle upon just an Indianapolis 500 only effort this year. While the team receives a cash infusion with the addition of Ted Gelov as a “partner”, Err co-owner of ECR. Along with the team’s new snazzy, stylized team monogram incorporating the fabled Oval into this “refreshed” logo…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

#77 Conor Daly, USA

#78 Sting Ray Robb, USA

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing sports an all new driver lineup this season, with two former Juncos Racing drivers returning to the fold

 

Hopefully Sting Ray Robb’s No. 78 will continue with “Paws,” pet friendly primary sponsorship from goodheart Animals Health Centers? As I was unaware that Robb had driven for Riccardo Juncos in Pro Mazda, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights between 2019-21. And won the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship with Juncos, winning five races that season.

 

Conor Daly is a well known commodity in Indy Cars, having run the final portion of last year’s IndyCar calendar for JHR, along with winning the 2010 Star Mazda title in dominating fashion, scoring nine poles and sevens wins driving for Juncos. Although still waiting to “see”, Err hear who Conor’s primary sponsor is?

 

As the team hopes to improve upon last year’s results, which could be somewhat difficult? But at least team co-owner Brad Hollinger won’t be spending as much of His own money on the team this season…

 

Prema Racing (2)

#83 (R) Robert Schwartzman, Israel

#90 Callum Ilott, UK

 

Although Prema is a well proven championship winning calibre European Feeder Series team. Naturally, the jury’s still out upon their impending IndyCar foray. As everything seemed to be going great until Michael Cannon hastily exited His new employer!

 

The team’s two IndyCar drivers are both Prema Alumni. As Callum Ilott needs no introduction. Whilst rookie Robert Schwartzman was highly regarded after testing an IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing, which sounds like a pretty good endorsement. And His debut for Prema at the Thermal Club was highly impressive…

 

Team Penske (3)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 Will Power, Australia

 

 

 

2024 Wins: 8

Scott Mclaughlin, (3) Will Power (3) and Josef Newgarden, (2)

 

This is one of only two teams on this year’s 2025 IndyCar Grid to not change any of it’s drivers. The other being Andretti Global…

 

Josef Schlick’ Newgarden leads the way as the reigning, consecutive Indianapolis 500 winner, BOO! And looks to rebound from His worst season finish of eight last year.

 

ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLauglin once again was the top Penske finisher, with consecutive third place overall finishes. Being just one of three drivers with Three W’s – to match His car number. With His teammates aiming to knock Him off of His perch, again.

 

Will Power saw the championship slip away from Him due to His own, self inflicted mistakes. Along with a bizarre lap belt malfunction at Nashville extinguishing any remote title hopes. And being in a contract year, with His first ever Agent. DJ WillyP’ is expecting to improve upon finishing fourth last year…

 

(R = Rookie)