LE MANS: A trio of Second Generation Drivers

As who will win the battle of rookies this year?

 

Continuing my overview of five promising drivers. Here’s three who’s fathers were former Formula 1 pilotes.

 

Eduardo Barrichello

DOB: September 23, 2001, Age: 24

U.S. F2000 National Championship: 2019-2020; Stock Car Pro Series

LMGT3: #23 The Heart of Racing, Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo

Eduardo Barrichello is the older son of Rubino’, nee Rubens Barrichello, who once held the record for most Grands Prix starts at 322. Before being surpassed by Kimi Raikkonen.

 

F1: Alonso Moves into P1’

 

Rubino’ won 11 Grands Prix, primarily as Michael Schumacher’s Wingman at Scuderia Ferrari between 2000-2005. Before winning twice for Brawn GP as Bloody Jense’s (Button) teammate in 2009.

 

Rubens also contested the 2012 IndyCar Series alongside friend TK’, aka Tony Kanaan and EJ Viso for KV Racing Technology. Being named Rookie Of the Year in His lone Indianapolis 500 start, after finishing 11th.

 

Just learned that Eduardo’s Mum’ is Silvana Giaffone Alcide, and that Felipe Giaffone is His uncle, and Alfonso Giaffone is His second uncle. As many will know that both drivers competed in the Indianapolis 500 during the Indy Racing League (IRL) era.

 

As Felipe is best known for being at a Babys R Us store when getting the call from A. J. Foyt to come and Bump His way into the field in 2005, bumping Arie Luyendyk Jr out of the race…

 

As Felipe’s son Nicolas (Eduardo’s cousin) was the USF Juniors champion in 2023. While Eduardo’s younger brother Fernando is also a racing driver.

 

Eduardo sent two seasons in U.S. F2000 National championship “Road to Indy” Feeder Series with a best finish of runner-up in 2020, driving for Pabst Racing. With Christian Rasmussen winning the title.

 

After racing Stock Cars in Brasilia, Barrichello moved to Sports Cars in 2025. And currently is contesting the full IMSA SportsCar Championship for Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin team this year. Along with also competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Heart of Racing

 

“Dudu”, Eduardo’s nickname, will share the No. 23 Aston Martin Vantage with Jonny Adam and Gray Newell.

 

Guiliano Alesi

DOB: September 20, 1999, Age: 26

Formula 2: 2019-2020; Super formula; Super GT300-Super GT500

LMGT3: #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx, Mercedes AMG GT3

I have several memories revolving around Guliano’s father, who I affectionately call “Mean Jean” Alesi here upon No Fenders.

 

Recalling His audacity to battle for the lead of the 1990 Iceberg Grand Prix on the streets of Downtown Phoenix vs. Ayrton Senna and His championship winning McLaren! As Alesi was driving that evocative Tyrrell 018, with the first dihedral “High Nose” racecar.

 

Sending shock waves through Formula 1 when leading the race, then repassing Senna’s superior McLaren Honda V-10, Eventually finishing runner-up to Senna with a customer Cosworth DFR V-8.

 

Along with all of His talent only netting a lone Formula 1 win at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix for Scuderia Ferrari. Plus that Jordan F1 car with 200 boldly emblazoned on it’s sidepods, celebrating Alesi’s 200th Grand Prix start, which was a big deal Wayback in 2001!

 

Or being at the 2012 Indianapolis 500, where I coined the moniker “Mean Jean” when driving that recalcitrant Lotus by Judd Dallara for Fan force United. Just noticing that being the same year Rubens Barrichello was racing at Mother Speedway…

 

Guiliano’s Mum’ is none other than Kumiko Goto, a Japanese former Model, Actress and Pop singer.

 

Guiliano joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016, along with Arthur Leclerc, younger brother of Scuderia Ferrari pilote Charles.

 

For 2019, He contested His rookie FIA formula 2 season for Trident with mediocre results, finishing 15th overall. A switch to Hwa Racelab the following year did little to advance His career, jumping ship to MP Motorsport at season’s end and finishing P17 overall.

 

Guiliano left the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2020, after a single outing in a Ferrari SF71H.

 

After finishing runner-up in Super Formula Lites with four wins, Alesi graduated to Super formula in 2021, winning at Autopolis, before being dropped during the 2023 season, once again due to poor results.

 

Alesi subsequently drove in Super GT300 before moving up to Super GT500

 

As previously mentioned, Guiliano will share the No. 62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx entry with Addulla Al-Khalaifi and Julian Hanses. Being unaware it was Alesi’s Le Mans debut, along with Qatari Al-Khalaifi and Team Qatar’s.

 

Lorenzo Patrese

DOB: August 12, 2005, Age: 20

Italian Formula 4: 2020-2021; GT World Challenge Europe, IMSA GT Daytona

LMGT3: #74 Kessel Racing, Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo

Lorenzo’s Pop’s is former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese. Once the Ironman of Formula 1, amassing the most career starts at then a staggering 256. Before ironically being surpassed by Rubino’.

 

Now it’s a Record!

 

Lorenzo has the least seat-time of these second generation drivers in single seaters, debuting at the Mugello round. Then racing at Monza in the 2020 Italian Formula 4 championship, His debut in single seaters. Then finished third in the following year’s Italian F4 Rookie cup and 12th overall, before moving onto Sports Cars.

 

Lorenzo has been contesting the GT World challenge Europe Endurance and Sprint series since 2022.

 

Across thoust Gory Puddle, Patrese drove Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo’s for Cetilar Racing last year, and Conquest Racing this season in the IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) category.

 

Lorenzo is also a winning Show Jumping Horse rider, which He’s done for several years, along with studying International Business at University.

 

Lorenzo joins Eduardo and Guiliano making  His debut at Circuit de la Sarthe. With co-drivers Dustin Blattner and Dennis Marschall behind the wheel of the Kessel Racing Ferrari. 

LE MANS: Six pack of Aspiring Debutantes

Seeking to rebuild or advance their motorsports careers, who’ll find the mythical glass slipper?

 

This year, I became intrigued in the outcomes of six prominent drivers. Two being former Formula 1 pilotes, and four being sons of former F1 drivers who won Grands Prix.

 

And although it took much sleuthing, I vicariously deduced that all six Debutantes  are “coming Out” at this year’s Circuit de la Sarthe “Ball”.

 

Jack Doohan

DOB: January 20, 2003, Age: 23

Formula 1: Alpine, 2024-2025; 7 Starts. Haas, 2026

LMP2: #24 Nielsen Racing, Oreca 07/Gibson V-8

The son of Mick Doohan, five times GP500 World Champion, with 54 wins, and currently ranked fourth overall. Prior to graduating to Formula 1. Jack’s In His second and final full season in formula 2 finished third overall. With two poles, three wins, five podiums and two fastest laps.

 

Jack became the first Alpine Academy member to graduate to Formula 1, making His debut at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024 as the departing Esteban Ocon’s replacement.

 

Yet the Aussie’ garnered only a cuppa’ coffee in F1, being unfairly dropped in favour of Franco Colapinto after the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Remaining as Alpine’s reserve driver through season’s end, before cutting ties with Alpine and becoming Haas’s reserve driver this season.

 

Doohan tested a Super Formula car, but three identical crashes at Suzuka’s tricky Degner 2 corner ultimately led to signing to contest this year’s European le Mans Series (ELMS) for Nielsen Racing in the top tier LMP2 category. Doohan’s co-drivers were David Heinemeier Hansen and Edward Pearson

 

Enzo Trulli

DOB: April 15, 2005, Age: 21

FIA formula 3, 2023; Super Formula Lites, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

LMP2: #25 Algarve Pro Racing, Oreca 07/Gibson V-8

The son of Trulli Scrumptious’, aka Jarno Trulli, winner of the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix for le Reggie’, aka Renault. Seemingly has had the most mediocre career of sorts, albeit that’s easy for me to say, eh?

 

As Enzo was selected as Porsche Motorsports Asia pacific selected driver in 2025, succeeding Dorian Boccolacci.

 

Trulli began His single seater career by winning the 2021 Formula 4 UAE Championship with four wins and thirteen podiums. Then finished seventh in that year’s Euro Formula Open championship.

 

As second Euro Formula Open campaign saw Enzo win once, but finished tenth overall. Progressing next to FIA Formula 3 for 2023, Trulli finished an unflattering P34, with two 17th place finishes His best results.

 

Enzo then switched to Super Formula Lites where He won twice enroute to fifth overall. Followed by a partial FR Japanese Championship season, scoring a trio of podium finishes at Motegi, ending up tenth overall.

 

Unable to find a seat in Super formula, Trulli contested the Italian GP Championship for 2024. Then moved to the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia series last year.

 

Trulli also competed at season’s end in the Asia Le Mans Series (ALMS) with current team Algarve Pro Racing. Plus two rounds of the 24H series for Earl Bamber Racing, and now is concentrating upon this year’s European Le Mans Series. )ELMS)

 

Driving the team’s No. 20 LMP2 Pro Am (PA) entry with co-drivers Malthe Jakobsen and Michael Jensen.

 

Enzo will make His first Le Mans start for Algarve Pro Racing in the LMP2 Pro Am class with co-drivers Michael Jensen and Jake Hughes aboard it’s No. 25 entry.

 

Logan Sargeant

DOB: December 31, 2000, Age: 25

Formula 1: Williams, 2023-2024; 36 Starts, 1 point

LMGT3: #88 Proton Competition, Ford Mustang GT3 Evo

After winning two races in Formula 2 and securing the necessary FIA Super Licence, Logan was announced as a Williams Racing Formula 1 driver for the 2023 F1 season. With the Williams Driver Academy member making His Formula 1 Free Practice debut appropriately at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in October, 2022.

 

Sargeant went onto score a single point as a rookie after being elevated to tenth place ironically at the United States Grand Prix, in Auston. Becoming the first American to score a championship point since Michael Andretti at the 1993 Italian Grand Prix.

 

Sargeant was dropped by Team Willy’ following the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, in favour of Franco Colapinto. Having already been dismissed for the 2025 F1 season with the arrival of Carlos Sainz Jr.

 

Logan appeared set to drive for IDEC Sport LMP2 in the ELMS in 2025, before backing out of the team. Later running the final two IMSA Sports Car rounds for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.

 

Logan contested this year’s Rolex 24 driving for Era Motorsport in LMP2, also being confirmed as one of Ford’s initial three drivers for it’s 2027 (LMDH) Hypercar programme. Along with racing this year in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Proton Competition.

 

Logan will campaign the No. 88 Darkhorse Mustang with co-drivers Stefano Gattuso and Giammarco Levorato. Making his “proper” Le Mans debut in preparations for next year’s Hypercar effort. 

RETRO: Revisiting Team Scandia’s Drivers line-up – Americana’s

With a diverse background, spanning from Mexico to New York, and in-between…

 

Team Scandia’s final three drivers, according to their 1996 Indy 500 car numbers. Feature a winning Champ Car driver, a Super Modified champion, and a Bonneville Land Speed record driver.

 

Michel Jourdain Jr.

(1996 Indianapolis 500 results

Car No. 22, Start: 8th, Finish: 13th; Running, 177-laps

Michel Jourdain Jr began racing cars at the relatively late age of 12, in Mexico’s Junior formulae. Graduating to Mexico’s Formula K and Formula 2 series before joining Team Scandia in 1996, as a teenager.

 

Michele made His Indy Racing League (IRL)  debut in Round 2 at Phoenix International Raceway; presumably a “tune-up” for the Indianapolis 500. Which Michel contested as a 19 year old rookie.

 

Jourdain saved His best result for Team Scandia in His final outing. Finishing runner-up to Richie Hearn at the Fall (1996) Las Vegas Motor speedway race. With teammate Michele Alboreto finishing fifth.

 

Interestingly, Jourdain also contested the rival CART PPG IndyCar World Series for Dick Simon Racing in 1996, before joining Payton/Coyne Racing the following three years.

 

In 2000, Michel joined Bettenhausen Racing for two years, before moving to Team Rahal. Jourdain would have His best results at Team Rahal between 2002-03, the first season being a consistent top ten finishers, and tenth overall.

 

2003 would be Jourdain’s breakout year, claiming six podiums, including two wins. As Michel claimed His debutante IndyCar win on the Milwaukee Mile, leading most laps. Then a second victory at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve enroute to a career best third overall.

 

Jourdain’s final Champ Car season for RuSPORT in 2004, as rookie A. J. Allmendinger’s teammate surely was a disappointment, finishing 12th overall, with two podium finishes; including runner-up at Vancouver.

 

For 2005, Jourdain competed in the NASCAR Busch series, followed by the World Touring Car championship. (WTCC) Then returned to Open Wheel Racing in the 2007 A1 series, driving for Team Mexico.

 

Jourdain ran His second and final Indianapolis 500 for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 2012, finishing 19th, before failing to qualify the next year. With His maiden Indy 500 driving for Team Scandia being His best result.

 

Joe Gosek

Car No. 43, Start: 31st, Finish: 22nd; Radiator, 106-laps

Joe Gosek is a native of Oswego, New York, racing mainly as a Super Modified’s driver. Gosek made His lone start for Team Scandia in the 1996 Indy 500, before failing to qualify for the race with Liberty Racing in 1998.

 

Reportedly, Gosek’s nickname is “Double-O Joe” for running the number 00 in racing. Having been a prolific winner at His home track’s Oswego Speedway. Including winning its crown jewel, the International Classic 200 three times. Along with being a multi-time champion on the International Challenge Association’s Modified tour.

 

Racin Gardner

Car No. 90, Start: 25th, Finish: 25th ; Suspension, 76-laps

According to oldracingcars.com, Racin Gardner was given the name after His mom went into labour during a race at Ontario Motor Speedway. While His father Slick was also a racecar driver. Although two different sources give two different names for His father, i.e.; Slick or Dennis, and what racing series He dabbled in? Either being NASCAR or SCCA?

 

Born in Buellton, California, where His father owned a ranch. Uhm, Beef. Its what’s for dinner? Eventually racing in the High Desert Racing Association between 1991 to 1993. Making me think He’d be a perfect member of that ‘Ol Mears Gang, along with Robby Gordon and ‘Ol JJ’, nee Jimmie Johnson…

 

The most interesting part of Gardner’s Bio is that according to Wikipedia. Racin tested a Green Monster jet racer at Bonneville for four years before at age 16, becoming the youngest person to exceed 500mph on the Salt Flats in 1988!

 

Walt and Art Arfons were legendary Land Speed Record racers, battling with Craig Breedlove for supremacy oat Bonneville.

 

Art bought a General electric J-79 jet engine from a scrapyard out of a F-104 Starfighter jet, having been scrapped due to ingesting a bird! After crashing this version of the Green Monster at 610mph! Art bult another Green Monster jet car and apparently sold it to Slick Gardner.

 

Racin Gardner also raced in the short lived American IndyCar Series. (AIS) Devoted to stock block engine IndyCars, where Gardner was Rookie Of the Year in 1992.

 

Having failed His rookie test twice at Phoenix International Raceway due to engine failures, He made His one and only Indy Racing League start in the 1996 Indy 500 as Team Scandia’s seventh and final driver. Replacing Lyn St. James who’d driven the No. 90 in the first two IRL races, before running into funding issues.

 

St. James would then race for Zunne Group Racing aboard its No. 45 entry that May.

 

Racin then made one start in ARCA at Charlotte in 1997 before retiring from racing. Becoming a stunt driver for television and movies, along with various driving instructor roles, including off road.

 

Whilst reportedly, Racin and His father ran into legal problems and the ranch was sold, albeit Garner still lives in the “Sunshine State”.

 

VIDEO: All IndyCar’s Racin Gardner Bio 

RETRO: Revisiting Team Scandia’s Drivers line-up

As where did thirty years go?

 

Yeah, your Humble, yet Haggard No Fenders scribe Tomaso has gone down another deep, dark Wabbit’ Hole. Ostensibly due to it being the Month ‘O May and traipsing down memory lane thirty years after that Oh, so controversial 1996 Indianapolis 500.

 

As I thought I’d take a “Deeper Dive” into the drivers who comprised Team scandia’s record seven Indy 500 entries that year.

 

Ten years later, Uhm what’s that ‘Ol Pink Floyd song Time about, Eh?

 

R100: Pacific Northwest Racing Teams - Scandia/Simon

 

Eliseo Salazar

(1996 Indianapolis 500 results)

Car No. 8, Start: 3rd, Finish: 6th; Accident, 197-laps

Eliseo Salazar raced in formula 1 between 1981-83, for March, Ensign, ATF and RAM Racing. He scored a total of three points, with sixth in the 1981 Dutch Grand Prix. And a career best fifth in the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix.

 

Yet Salazar’s moment of fame came in the 1982 German Grand Prix after having collided with the overtaking leader Nelson Piquet, with Piquet punching and kicking Him afterwards!

 

Salazar joined Dick Simon Racing for the 1995 CART PPG IndyCar World Series and finished fourth as a rookie in that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

Salazar remained with Simon as they transitioned to the Indy Racing League, (IRL) driving for the new Team scandia for two years. With Eliseo scoring the team’s only IRL victory at the Loas Vegas Motor Speedway in 1997.

 

Salazar would remain in the IRL through the 2002 season, with a career best third place finish for A. J. Foyt Enterprises in the 2000 Indy 500. Before a serious accident testing at IMS caused Eliseo to decide to retire from IndyCar racing.

 

Alessandro Zampedri

Car No. 8, Start: 7th, Finish: 4th; Accident, 199-laps

Alessandro Zampedri made His IndyCar debut for Euromotorsports at Surfers Paradise, Australia in 1994, after having raced in the International Formula 3000 championship; pre-cursor to today’s Formula 2 series.

 

For 1995, He drove for Payton/Coyne Racing, before joining Team Scandia in 1996 for that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

Alessandro was involved in a major accident at the race’s end, being caught-up  in a wreck involving Roberto Moreno and Team Scandia teammate Eliseo Salazar.

 

Zampedri’s car went airbourne and struck the catch fencing! With Zampedri needing to have part of His left foot and three toes amputated.

 

Zampedri returned for the 1997 Indy 500 with Team Scandia. But an oil leak led to engine failure on the formation lap, with the Italian classified 35th and last with 0 laps.

 

Zampedri made one further IRL start for Team Scandia at the following Texas Motor Speedway round, before returning to Europe. Eventually becoming the 2005 Porsche Supercup champion, the first Italian to win the championship.

 

Michele Alboreto

Car No. 33, Start: 12th, Finish: 30th; Gearbox, 43-laps

The most decorated of Team Scandia’s seven man band. Michele Alboreto rose thru the ranks to the pinnacle of motorsports, entering Formula 1 in 1981.

 

The Italian began His F1 career driving for Tyrrell for 1981-83, before moving to la Scuderia, nee Ferrari between 1984-88. Followed by stint at Larrousse, Arrows, footwork, Scuderia Italia and Minardi. Amassing a total of 185 F1 starts between 1981-94; with five wins, two poles, 23 podiums and five fastest laps to His credit.

 

He scored his maiden Grand Prix victory at the oft, maligned and forgotten Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 1982.

 

Alboreto holds the distinction of winning the last Ford Cosworth 3.0-litre normally aspirated DFV derived victories. Winning then Cosworth’s 156th victory at Detroit with a short stroke DFY development lump’. Being the sport’s final normally aspirated victory until their return in 1989.

 

Having won twice for “Uncle chopper”, (Ken Tyrrell) Michele’s crowing achievement in Formula 1 was driving for Il Commendatore, nee Enzo Ferrari and Scuderia Ferrari for five seasons and 80 Grands Prix. Netting a further three wins and contesting the 1985 F1 title, before finishing runner-up to Alain Prost. With the Frenchman replacing Him for the 1989 season.

 

Michele made His return to Open Wheel Racing when contesting the entire 1996 IRL season driving for Team Scandia,  finishing fourth upon debut at Walt Disney Speedway.

 

Also competing aboard Scandia Engineering’s Ferrari 333 SP in that year’s 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring.

 

Alboreto claimed His sole podium finish in the IRL for Team scandia at Loudon, New Hampshire Speedway’s fall ’96 race. Finishing third, then capped His Team Scandia career with a fifth place finish at Las Vegas’s 1996-97 Round 2.

 

Michele dabbled in DTM and Touring cars, along with multiple stints in Sports Cars pre and post Formula 1. With the Italian returning to Circuit de la Sarthe between 1996-2000.

 

Alboreto won the 1997 24 Heurs du Mans in the Joest Porsche WSC95 Spyder, alongside ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson and Mr. Le Mans, ergo tom Kristensen.

 

Sadly, Alboreto lost His life in a testing accident at the diabolical Lausitzring, driving an Audi R8. Having somehow forgotten that Alboreto died on April 25, 2001 at the same track that almost cost Alex Zanardi His life nearly five months later…

 

Remembering Michele Alboreto: F1 Ace, Le Mans winner and a Good Man

 

 

 

 

 

Fermin Velez

Car No. 34, Start: 28th, Finish: 21^st; Engine Fire, 107-laps

Fermin Velez is another driver I know very little about, or how the Spaniard rose to be a premiere Sports Car racer. Other than knowing of His two wins for Team Scandia at the 1995 and 1997 12 Hours of Sebring. Having a  framed 1995 Randy Owens serigraph with Velez’s, Eric van de Poele and Andy Evan “John Hancock’s” upon thoust Bungalow’s wall.

 

Velez was also a two-times World Sports Car Group C2 champion, and made six starts in the 24 Heurs du Mans between 1986 and 1998. Claiming two class wins, first in 1987 in Group C2 for Spice Engineering. And then in 1998 in LMP1. Driving for Doyle-Risi Racing alongside Wayne Taylor and Eric van d Poele in a Ferrari 333 SP.

 

Having spent one season in the International Formula 3000 series, with less than promising results in 1988, I can only Arse-sume this led to Fermin focusing upon a Sports Car career…

 

Fermin made His Indy Racing League debut at Phoenix International Raceway during the inaugural IRL season, finishing 19th for Team Scandia, presumably a “tune-up” for the impending Indianapolis 500.

 

Velez would make another four starts for Team Scandia during the IRL’s second 1996-97 season, including His best result at the Brickyard, finishing tenth. And then capping His IRL career at the following Texas Motor Speedway round in 25th .

 

Sadly, Fermin died from cancer at the age of 43, just shy of His 44th birthday. 

Formula 1 Invades Phoenix

Not even could ‘Ol Sherriff Joe Arpaio get IndyCar’s to run on Phoenix’s streets nearly two decades ago!

 

Naturally, I was slightly taken aback to discern that 14 years had slipped by since my latest visit to what forever will be Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) to Mwah! Even if its just plain ‘Ol Phoenix Raceway now.

 

Hence why it took some effort to find the accompanying No Fenders post, when partaking in a 2X Seater ride in thee Valley of the Sun Wayback’ in Gory 2012, Aye Karumba!

 

The Tomaso Files: Spinin’ Wheelz, 4-lefts really Does Make a Circle!

 

Still remembering vaguely how I purchased a plane ticket to go to Phoenix for the impending Chump Carz’ race in Gory 2007. When Champ Car world Series was slated to race upon the Streets of Downtown Phoenix on December 2nd. In what would have been the first Open Wheel Racing in Phoenix since 1991, before cancelling this event. Although I went to Phoenix anyways, since it was nice to escape Seattle’s winter weather…

 

While it Slays me that its now Gory 37 years ago since I attended my debutante Formula 1 race in Downtown Phoenix. Attending the aptly named Iceberg Grand Prix on June 4th, 1989, when it was a toasty 104 degrees Fahrenheit, Sheisa!

 

Phoenix’s Iceberg

 

Whilst I still lament skipping the next year’s event. Thinking then, there were another four years to go on the race’s contract. Without knowing that 1991 would be the third and final year for F1, and the last time racing on Phoenix’s streets…

 

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

 

Thus, is it just Mwah? Who finds it curious that the Red bull Demonstration Showrun travelling Circus makes its way to the streets of Downtown Phoenix 25 years later! And one week after IndyCar returns to the Valley of the Sun for the first time since 2018?

 

Not to mention just a week after the IndyCar-NASCAR Double Header weekend at Phoenix Raceway. Like is Formula 1 trying to steal IndyCar’s thunder? Or rain on FOX’s cross promotional parade, You make the Call!

 

As the Red bull Showrun will feature Nikola Tsolov and Scott Speed behind the wheel of Red Bull and AlphaTauri F1 machinery.

 

The Red Bull Showrun event Free to the public, runs from 1:00 to 4:00PM, this Saturday, March 14th on Jefferson Street. Running between Central Avenue and Fifth street. And will also include high performance Ford vehicles such as the Mustang GT3 and Lightning Supertruck, amongst the Offroad and racing cars participating…

 

Scott Speed should need no introduction, and perhaps even lives in Arizona? Having won Red Bull’s Drivers search program Wayback’ in Bloody 2002. Becoming the first American in Formula 1 since Michael Andretti in 1993. Driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso between 2006-07.

 

Naturally, Nikola Tsolov’s name is totally “Foreign” to Mwah, having never heard of Him before. As the 19yr old Bulgarian racing driver finished runner-up in Formula 3 last year. Along with making His formula 2 debut at season’s end.

 

Tsolov will contest His rookie season driving for Campos Racing and is a member of the Red Bull Junior Team. Making His debut aboard a Formula 1 chassis last June in a Sofia Showrun, driving a Red Bull RB7.

 

Tsolov like many, will be aspiring to join Arvid Lindblad in formula 1. Having found the following video chronicling Lindblad’s maiden F1 outing during the 2024 Houston Showrun.

 

Which presumably gives a pretty good example of what a Showrun entails…

 

F1 Cars do Doughnuts on Streets of Houston 

F1: Introducing Formula 1’s lone 2026 F1 rookie driver

As just how far will this new F1 Hotschue’ progress?

 

Formula 1 Diehards will already know that this year’s F1 Grid features only one new rookie driver, after last year’s Mega’ class of four, i.e.; Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, remember Him Y’all? And Isack Hadjar. As Oliver Bearman wasn’t a rookie due to having raced three Grands Prix in 2024. And Franco Colapinto had replaced Logan Sargent at Williams the previous season…

 

Arvid Lindblad

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team

Nationality: United Kingdom

Birthplace: Virginia Water, Surrey

DOB: August 8, 2007; Age: 18

Car No. 41

 

Once again, another fresh face Formula Uno rookie Pilote I know nothing about. Other than reportedly He’s another Red Bull Junior Driver prodigy. Having read that current Racing Bulls F1 team Boss Alan Bat’ Permane says He’s very similar to Isack Hadjar, i.e.; Calm, cool ‘n collected. Asking many questions and soaking in everything like a sponge, whilst simply getting on with the “Job”.

 

Arvid’s father Stefan is Swedish, wile His Mum’ Anita is of Indian decent, along with a grandmother who was one of the oldest practicing GP’s in England. Noting He’d like to work on improving His Swedish and Hindi language skills. While He also has a younger brother named Amil.

 

Arvid’s father gave Him a Scooter’ (Motorcycle) at Age 3 before switching to Go Karts at Age 5, beginning at Daytona Sandown Park.

 

In 2015 at Age 9, Arvid began competitive Karting with His mentor being Oliver Rowlan, before winning the 2020 WSK Super Master Series OKJ Class.

 

That was the first of His multiple Karting championships, joining the Red Bull Junior Driver Academy in 2021.

 

Lindblad made His single seater debut in 2022 in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, driving for Van Amersfoort Racing. In 2023, Lindblad secured His first single seater victory in the UAE F4 championship at the Dubai Autodrome.

 

Next, Arvid contested the Italian F4 championship, driving for Prema Racing. Collecting six wins, but ultimately finishing third overall after His massive points lead evaporated.

 

Another win came in the Euro 4 championship, followed by a stellar weekend at Macau. Securing the F4 pole and winning His qualification race. Punctuated by winning the main race the day after.

 

For 2024, Lindblad remained with Prema Racing, graduating to the Formula 3 championship. His teammates were Gabriele Mini and Dino Beganovic.

 

Lindblad scored a Sprint race win in Bahrain. Then claiming His first Feature race win at Barcelona. Before making further history at Silverston, where He became the first F3 driver to win the “Double”. Taking wins in both the Sprint and Feature races and vaulting to second in the championship.

 

Yet what seems to be a tendency of Lindblad’s, He once again faltered down the stretch, not scoring any mor “needed” points results in the final three rounds, and dropping to fourth overall at season’s end.

 

Yet Arvid “Broke His Duck” by crushing the Competizione in the 2025 Formula Regional Oceania Championship with six poles and six wins. Winning His first title by 56points over Kiwi’ Zack Scoular. Whilst Nikita Johnson, who’d been second much of the season, slid to third overall, 65 points adrift of Lindblad.

 

As Johnson will  contest this year’s Indy NXT championship driving for Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR. Along with a fulltime drive for Rahal Letterman Racing in IMSA GTD Pro, aboard their factory McLaren 720S Evo.

 

Lindblad graduated to Formula 2, joining Campos Racing for the 2025 season. Scoring His first win in the Jeddah Sprint race, after Richard Verschoor was penalized.

 

Barcelona was Arvid’s high water mark of the season. Claiming two pole positions and scoring the feature win at Campos home track.

 

Afterwards, a spate of collisions, a disquification, etc. Lindblad ultimately slid to sixth overall by season’s end. Although claiming His second Sprint race victory in Abu Dhabi, netting three wins overall that year.

 

As Arvid’s wins in Formula 3 and Formula 2 made Him the youngest driver ever to do so in both series…

 

Having been a Red Bull Junior Driver member since 2021, Lindblad drove His very first Formula 1 chassis, a Red Bull RB8 during a demonstration run in Houston in 2024.

 

He completed His first private test in an AlphaTauri AT04 at Imola the following February. A second test in the same chassis followed in June.

 

Lindblad took part in a promotional “gimmick” of racing three Leeds United F.C. “Footballers” on foot in a Red Bull RB7 at Elland Raud, also that June. Before Red Bull requested an early FIA Super License for the 17yr old, a la Kimi Antonelli’s earlySuper License dispensation.

 

Arvid made His Free Practice debut at the British Grand Prix, finishing P14 in the morning’s (Free Practice) FP1 session.

 

 

Presumably Lindblad gained Attenzione by finishing sixth in FP1 in Mexico City as Max Verstappen’s “replacement”. Before a third and final FP outing in the season finale on Yas Isle as Yuki Tsunoda’s replacement.

 

Then in December, Racing Bulls announced Lindblad as Liam Lawson’s new Racing Bulls teammate for 2026, before taking part in the post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Young Drivers test session… 

Don’t Forget about Indy NXT

Even if its one step below IndyCar’s…

 

Lost in All of the feverish anticipation over IndyCar finally coming out from underneath its shadow, and shaking off its stupendous six months winter’s slumber…

 

IndyCar’s “premiere” Feeder Series, Indy NXT also kicks off its season in Saint Petersburg, Florida, and sports a truly different flavour this year.

 

As new regulations allows for a maximum grid of 24 cars and teams being limited to four entries apiece. Having scribbled about the Grid changes previously, following last October’s Chris Griffis test.

 

Plenty to Take away from Annual Chris Griffis test

 

Although less than 60 days out, there were still five TBA seats on the grid. One at Cape Motorsports, half of HMD Motorsports and both Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) seats being unknown when I began scribblin’ this…

 

Ah contrair, Thar had been three more announcement, which I missed two-thirds of. Leaving just one seat at Cape and JHR still vacant…

 

I’ll surmise that this year’s championship scrum will be between sophomore Lochi Hughes and Myles Rowe, who’s entering His third season. As the duo finished third and fourth overall respectively last year. And the top two finishers; Dennis Hauger, the 2025 Indy NXT Champion. (6 wins) And Caio Collet, the runner-up, (3 wins) both have graduated to IndyCar this year.

 

Abel Motorsports (3+)

Abel Motorsports with Force Indy (1)

Can Abel Motorsports finally win a championship and stop the likes of Andretti and HMD Motorsports? As they were the only three teams to win races last year.

 

On “paper”, you’d have to say that Myles Rowe is the team leader. Having finished fourth overall last year upon scoring His first two Indy NXT wins in His sophomore season. Along with six podiums and 10 top-five finishes. Rowe finished just eight points adrift of Lochie Hughes, with a worst finish of 18th vs. Hughes P16.

 

Jordan Missig returns for His second full season campaign with the team, having finished ninth overall last season. While Colin Kaminsky returns to Abel after a year’s absence; Arse-sumedly due to financial constraints…

 

Whilst the team’s newest signing being of much interest. As Max Garcia spent two seasons in the USF2000 Championship driving for Pabst Racing. Culminated by winning the championship in His sophomore season. (2024)

 

Garcia then stomped the USF Pro 2000 competition enroute to the title with nine wins! And a total of 13 podiums as a rookie last year, Remaining with Past Racing.

 

Will Max give teammate Rowe, Lochie Hughes and the rest of the Indy NXT Grid Headaches this year fighting for the title?

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

The storied racing team returns to Indy NXT competition after last competing fulltime in 2003, albeit running Jeff Simmons in a “One-off” at the 2004 Freedom 100. As Y’all remember when the Freedom 100 was arguably Indy Lights most exciting race of the year, Eh?

 

Although the Foyt entry is basically one of two HMD Motorsports “Satellite” squads, since they’re supplying the cars and equipment in alliance with Foyt. Thus adverting the new rule over only four cars per team entry, since HMD ran eight or more last year…

 

Foyt Racing returns with two unknown rookies. As cannot say I’m familiar with the names of either Nicholas Monteiro or Alessandro de Tullio. Although I did learn that de Tullio had been the second quickest rookie during last October’s Chris Griffis test. Finishing fifth overall, while Monteiro was P18 on the time sheets.

 

Although Monteiro races as a Brazilian, He was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida. With the 20yr old having made His single seater debut in the 2022 Brazilian F4 Championship, before moving to USF2000 the following year.

 

Monteiro contested three seasons of USF2000 for several teams. Finishing a career best of 10th overall last year, despite missing the final round at Portland.

 

De Tullio swept the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) weekend, winning all three races. Ending the 2023 season third overall in the USF2000 Championship, with a total of five wins.

 

Last year, Alessandro scored His maiden USF Pro 2000 victory at the St Pete Season opener. Ultimately winning four races and seven podiums enroute to fourth overall in the championship.

 

Andretti Global (4)

Once again, the Andretti Global Juggernaut comes loaded for Bear with another stout four-car entry. Having won the past two championships.

 

Aussie Lochi Hughes, who finished second fiddle to teammate Dennis Hauger. Claimed third overall His rookie season on the back of two wins, eight podiums and 10 top five finishes. Finishing just eight points ahead of Myles Rowe. (466-458)

 

Hughes returns to Andretti with three new teammates, with Sebastian Murray having finished P1 during the Chris Griffis test.

 

As Scottish teenager Murray began His single seater career in the UAE Formula 4 series, before graduating to the British GB3 Championship in 2024.

 

Last season, Murray raced for Andretti Cape Indy NXT, before being sidelined after a vicious Mid-Ohio incident. As Murray and teammate Ricardo Escotto “rubbed” wheels, sending Sebastian “cartwheeling,” before coming to a stop upside down in the middle of the track!

 

Max Taylor, who was second quickest at the test, graduates from USF Pro 2000. Finishing sixth overall with one win.

 

While Portland’s Josh Pierson, now in His fourth season was third quickest during the October test. Moving over from HMD Motorsports after three years. Claiming His best Indy NXT campaign at sixth overall. Including His breakout weekend at Laguna Seca.

 

Starting third in both races, Pierson scored His first series podium with third place Saturday. Then improved one place to second on Sunday, His career best finish to date.

 

Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR (2)

Due to the entrant teams restructuring, Andretti Global dropped its affiliation with Cape Motorsports and was replaced by Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) this year.

 

Just days prior to this year’s Rolex 24, the team still hadn’t divulged its second driver. With only Nikita Johnson being named to the team’s No. 21 entry.

 

Johnson had a busy season last year. Racing abroad in Formula Oceania Regional, GB3 and Formula 3, also made selected starts in Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports. But preserved His rookie status doing so.

 

Johnson capped off the year by being the quickest rookie at the Chris Griffis test and fourth overall…

 

Interestingly, Nikita has been announced as one of RLL Team McLaren’s fulltime drivers for this year’s IMSA GTD Pro campaign. Partnering Max Esterson in the No. 59 Rahal McLaren 720S GT3 Evo entry, along with making His Rolex 24 debut this January.