Alex Palou’s “Magical” season

As we All know Alex’s favourite word Amazing, Righto?

 

Although must say I was tempted to go with Magic Carpet Ride, Magical Mystery Tour or Magic Bus for my title to this riveting No Fenders prose.

 

Every week Palou, and 26 other drivers get in the Queue. “Too much Magic Bus”. Thank you Cheep’ for getting me Here. “Too much Magic Bus”. Your being Watched by the other Team Owners Have No Fear. “too much magic Bus” No! You cannot buy it Zak Brown!

 

Thanks to Racer’s website redesign which isn’t conducive to screen readers! If Y’all haven’t noticed, I’ve sort of tuned-out from IndyCar, Sports Cars and Der Weurld de Motorsporten lately, Ja-Ja!

 

As I hadn’t even listened to any of Marshall Pruett’s podcasts in over a month’s time, i.e.; sometime before this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans. As its just plain wrong that its been over two months now without being able to read Racer’s website, but I digress. And yes, I have contacted them about this matter…

 

Returning to the “Fold”, I tuned into Pruett’s The Week in IndyCar July 15th podcast, and was entertained as always with Marshall’s insight. Not to mention enjoying His enthusiasm for the sport. Since after all He should be quite the Jaded Motorsports reporter by now.

 

According to Marshall there were only four drivers ever in the history of IndyCar to win seven or more races in a season, for which I beg to differ after briefly reading a Sportskeeda article.

 

Although I fell Afoul to trying to read the article too quickly, and mistakingly gave Mikey A’ an extra W’ and podium that year, initially…

 

As Marshall just enthused over how “Amazing” Palou’s season is this year, having claimed then seven of the season’s first twelve races prior to Toronto. As Marshall just laughed in giddy, astonishing are you Freakin’ kiddin’ me uproarious laughter!

 

Whilst a rare “Strategery” mistake saw Palou miss out upon possible victory Up North eh!

 

Leaving me wanting to know who the other three drivers were? As Marshall only divulged what I thought was the latest driver to do so, for which I saw win one of His eight races Wayback in 1994 at Portland International Raceway. As ’94 was the year that ‘lil Al and Team Penske decimated CART! As Al Unser Jr. won eight times including that year’s Indianapolis 500 with the “Unfair Advantage” of the “Stock Block” Mercedes. And Penske drivers finishing 1-2-3 overall, with a total of 12 wins out of 16 races! With Emmerson Fittipaldi winning once and Paul Tracy three times; finishing second and third respectively.

 

Of course I could only guess one other drivers name, being the first ever to accomplish this feat, which Y’all may be able to guess? But I’m getting ahead of myself since we’re going in reverse order, due to total number of wins in a single IndyCar season, i.e.; lowest to highest, according to Sportskeeda’s Five IndyCar Drivers with Most Wins in A Season.

 

I also saw the second most recent driver to accomplish this feat, ditto at Portland. Where I have to say that Mikey A’ was the scourge ‘O Portland since I was then a ‘lil Al fan…

 

Michael Andretti tied His father’s feat of winning eight races during His lone championship winning 1991 season. Claiming a total of 11 podiums and eight poles during the 17 race season.

 

As that tally doesn’t include His winning the Marlboro Challenge event at Laguna Seca from pole. Seeing Michael win a total of nine IndyCar races that season.

 

As I actually saw a quarter of both Al Unser Jr’s and Michael’s wins those two championship seasons. Having also attended the Molson Indy Vancouver races Up North Eh!

 

SuperMario’, nee Mario Andretti won nine races in 1969. Arguably His best IndyCar season due to winning that year’s Indianapolis 500 for Andy Granatelli in the legendary Brawer Hawk.

 

And then the top two of this very exclusive category are also tied with an unbelievable 10 wins in a single season. For which I’d Arse-sume Y’all would guess ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. Righto? But can you name the other driver?

 

Yep, Big Al’ tied Foyt’s record in 1970 aboard arguably one of the most beautiful liveries of All-time. Driving the Johnny Lightning Special PJ Colt of Vels Parnelli Jones Racing. Which included the first of Al Unser Snr’s eventual four Indianapolis 500 victories. Along with back-to-back Indy 500 wins in 1970-71.

 

While A.J. Foyt needs no introduction, arguably thee GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) IndyCar drivers who naturally set the record first, and the bar ultra high! Winning ten times in 1964, including that year’s Indianapolis 500. Foyt won 10 of 13 races that season, with only three DNF’s due to mechanical failures.

 

Ah, I love Zed Intrawoods’, since when I Googled most IndyCar wins in a season a second time, naturally I got a completely different answer. With Autoweek proclaiming there’s actually nine drivers to have won seven IndyCar races in a season. As why wouldn’t we expect both Foyt and Mario Andretti to have accomplished this more than once in their stellar IndyCar careers, Eh?

 

As Foyt also claimed seven wins in 1975, while Mario captured eight wins back-to-back, between 1966-67.

 

And then Thars’ a proverbial logjam at drivers with eight wins in a season, for which we already know about ‘lil Al and Mikey A’. But how could I overlook le Hamburgular’, aka Sealmeister B’, aka SeaBass’ or simply Sebastien Bourdais? As the master of Champ car won eight times in the series final season of 2007. Which naturally I can say, once again I saw Him win at Portland that year much to my chagrin. Being a loyal Justin Big Unit’ Wilson fan!

 

And how could Marshall forget His Buddy “French Fry?” As I do miss those Pruett and Bourdais wacky weekend race videos…

 

Then naturally who would know that Tony Bettenhausen also claimed eight wins during the 1951 season? Giving us four drivers in this rarefied domain. Before Palou joined this club with another crushing victory at Laguna Seca. Leading 84 of 95 laps enroute to His third win in four years at Monterey!

 

While we have to go all the way back to over a decade ago to Gory 1922, when Jimmy Murphy won seven races that season, including that year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile International Sweepstakes race.

 

While I’d have to say that Murphy’s accomplishment is probably the most impressive, since some of these wins came upon the diabolical Board tracks of the Day!

 

As my foggy memory said that the long defunct Tacoma Speedway Board track was part of that year’s AAA National Championship. Which indeed, Murphy began the fourth ‘O July Montemarathon 250 from pole, with arch nemesis Tommy Milton winning the race.

 

Yet I love Pruett’s enthusiasm for what Alex Palou has done this season. Making me want to “See” Alex get to at least eight wins this year, Mission Accomplished! Which puts Him into very “Heady company. Although like Marshall says, I don’t feel Palou is one of the sport’s “Great” IndyCar Drivers yet! And certainly not in Scott Dixon territory, whom with the second most IndyCar titles and wins, doesn’t even make this list of nine drivers, Crikeys!

 

Nine IndyCar Legends with the Most Wins in a Single Season

 

Can Palou win His ninth race of the season at Portland, where He’s won twice before? As you’ve gotta love Alex’s attitude when interviewed in victory lane about going for more wins? For Sure He bluntly stated!

 

My witty Magic Carpet Ride lyrical “Ditty” was inspired by The Who’s 1968 Magic Bus song. Which No, you still cannot buy it Zak! 

INDY 500 Race Day prediction

Will Felix Rosenqvis’ts “Life change today, Tears of Joy on His Face and With Arms Wide Open” driving this Creed racecar?  (The Tomaso Collection

 

As who besides Hulio’ and Schlick’ will be making History today?

 

It’s what all of us lowly, basement dwelling Bloggers and Bench Racers do each and every year…

 

As once again I found myself choosing who my pool of Indianapolis 500 winners were following the Alabama IndyCar race, and prior to the Indy road course outing. For which I could only come up with the following ten names.

 

Andretti Global: Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson; Arrow McLaren: Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard; Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon and Alex Palou; Ed Carpenter Racing: Alexander Rossi and Team Penske: Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin and Will Power. As those are the ten true Contendahs’ for Mwah, prior to Fast Friday.

 

Although I’d have to say that Herta’s chances took a major dent with that frightening Qualifying Day crash!

 

This  year seems to be the least prepared, least excited I’ve been about the Indianapolis 500 in years, albeit perhaps I say that every year I get older, Eh? I said speak up Sonny, Hya!

 

Don’t take any stock in the Open test from April, other than as Soctt Dixon eluded to, this year’s debut of the much dreaded Hybrid Energy Recovery system (ERS) is a definite wildcard. Especially since we don’t know how it will fare over 200 laps of repeated use…

 

Whom shalt thoust  Lady Luck, Err Mother Speedway choose today to drink milk in victory lane? Uhm ride the victory elevator to the stage high above the adoring crowd, for everyone to see in rapture, having just won the 109th running of this year’s Indianapolis 500…

 

My top Cinderella story pick is thee great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci winning in the No. 14 and ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee A.J. Foyt celebrating victory again!

 

My second choice is Felix-the-Cat’, (Rosenqvist) as Hulio’s Cactus, and Ain’t gonna win number five, so put a Fork in it!

 

Initially, my third sentimental pick was Taku-san’, nee Takuma Sato becoming a three times winner. But I’ve changed that to Alexander Rossi, who I think desperately needs a second win at Mother Speedway to secure His place as a great IndyCar driver, who’s career appears to be on a down glide scope. Then again, you could say ditto for Marcus Ericsson, Eh?

 

Whilst don’t know why, but before practice started Tuesday, my initial pick for winner was Scott Dixon. Who I think is definitely flying underneath the radar this year, especially with that No. 10 teammate of His winning everything in site! And I still felt this way prior to Friday’s Carb Day final practice session. Even if Palou was fastest during Monday’s post qualifying practice session.

 

Will Power seems to be another stout choice, while forget All of the chatter over Josef Schlick’ Newgarden winning three consecutive races, which Ain’t gona happen!

 

All of which was before Sunday’s Attenuator Gate Shenanigans!

 

Had to go Wayback’ for the following statistics. As of the 2008 Reunification, only three Indy 500 pole winners have won the race: Scott Dixon, 2008; Helio Castroneves, 2009 and Simon Pagenaud, 2019. And only one rookie has won on debut, i.e.; Alexander Rossi in 2016.

 

Whilst No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’ told me that 23 of the last 25 winners have come from just four teams, i.e.; Andretti Global, Chip Ganassi Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and obviously, Team Penske.

 

Bryan Herta Autosport, 2011 with Dan Wheldon and KV Racing Technology in 2013 with Tony Kanaan are the only non “big four” team winners. Meaning the deck’s stacked upon the field once again this year, Sigh!

 

As suppose I wasn’t going out on a limb predicting that pole would be between Alex Palou and Scott Mclaughlin on Saturday Night. With my nod going to ScottyMac’ in the “Yellow Submarine”. Although that means the Odds are against Him winning…

 

Of course that was before I learned that ScottyMac’ had destroyed His primary car during the Fast Twelve morning’s practice with No possibility of getting the backup chassis prepared in time, Youch!

 

Then there were the two savage crashes of Colton Herta and Marcus Armstrong on Saturday! Plus Takuma Sato destroying His Dallara DW12’s tub during the Open test. Along with Kyffin Simpson trashing His racecar and going airborne during Fast Friday practice! All before we get to the Penske Attenuator Cheating scandal; Can Y’all say gorilla Glue?

 

Sato impressed as Always in Qualie’. As Nicky Salt’ Yeoman quipped during the Fast Twelve Shootout He was convinced that Taku-san’ could qualify a Shopping Cart! As Sato rolls off P2 Sunday.

 

Can Y’all tell I’m stalling? Since I’m struggling over my pick between my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato Who? As Patricio O’Ward’s interview following the Fast Twelve Shootout just made me smile over His trying to explain the euphoric feeling of satisfaction of driving these Narly racecars!

 

Verses my head telling me still Scott Dixon who starts fourth, even though I obviously prefer O’Ward starting third, His best Indy 500 qualifying result. I just don’t know how many times you can be the Bridesmaid before winning?

 

And surely Alex Palou will factor into the conversation, while I’d guess you have to say Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) is a Dark Horse pick.

 

Ok, even though I think it’s gonna be Dixon, I’ll choose my main man Pato O’ward as the winner of this year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’) 

INDY 500: Searchin’ Far and Wide

Now if I could only find me a decent Tenderloin sandwich to go with my Chips, and something to Drink! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As the yearly Hunt for the perfect, Classic Jumbo Tenderloin Rolls On…

 

Every May, the Media likes to Salt ‘N Pepper us with stories of People’s yearly Indianapolis 500 traditions, since after all it’s the Gurr-Reatest’ Something Ruther…

 

And although I can No longer recall if I’ve ever Had one? Since I only remember paying $9.00 for a Steak Sandwich during the 2006 USGP Formula 1 race instead, but I digress…

 

Thus for over a Decade Now, I’ve lived vicariously thru the written and spoken word  of one such person with the tradition of Hunting for the elusive, perfect Classic Jumbo Tenderloin Sandwich at Mother Speedway every May! For which this ‘lil Ditty’s in regards to and Good Hunting!

 

Testing Testing, 1-2, 1-2, Is this Thingy’ On?

 

“The Searcher”

I looked Under Stand J

I looked Behind the Museum

I Asked around the Pagoda

But They couldn’t Help Me either

 

They Call Me The Searcher

I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide

I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For

Until I’m Trackside

 

I Asked Doug Boles

I Asked Mark Miles

I Asked Jay Frye

But He Couldn’t  Help Me either

 

They Call Me The Searcher

I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide

I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For

Until I’m Trackside

 

People ten to Scoff at Me

They Think I’m Crazy lookin’ for the perfect Tenderloin

Always interrupting Me to Say Hi George

When I’m putting Mustard on my Bun

 

Finding A Classic Tenderloin

I’ve been Searchin’ for Miles

 

Because I’m The Searcher

And I want A Real Tenderloin

 

And I Won’t Get to Get What I’m After

Until I’m trackside

 

I’ve learned Not to Stop at the First concession Stand

But Yeah look at My Face, Ain’t that A Smile

 

I’m Happy when I’ve found My Classic Tenderloin

Cause I’ve Got Values and I Won’t be Denied

 

I’m lookin’ for Mine

You’re lookin’ for Yours

We’re Both lookin’ together, But we don’t Know where to Turn!

 

They Call Me The Searcher

I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide

I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For

Even if they’re now Twelve Dollars and 50 cents

Until I’m Trackside!

 

This Lyrical Prose was Shamelessly inspired by The Who’s The Seeker song, which Y’all can listen to in the Youtube link below…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAbzlj3nf4E

 

(Originally written by Tomaso on May 15, 2022. Updated on May 16, 2024) 

Clearing the Air

And I’m not talking about the overwhelming amounts of particulates in the environment these days…

 

First off, I am not an Engineer, nor an Aerodynamicist. Or pretend to know the intricacies of either profession. That said, I have become disappointed over how much the term “clean” and “Dirty” Air’s being thrown round in current Formula 1 Grands Prix.

 

I would Arse-sume that cheating the air has existed in the design of modern racing cars since they began being created. Not to mention this aspect of aerodynamics has been applied to production automobiles forever, with modern cars lowering of their “CD” number, i.e.; Coefficient of Drag being pursued vigorously. While I’m not certain if locomotive trains from the 1930’s benefitted from this practice?

 

The first modern Grand Prix racecar that popped up upon thoust radar’s internal Jukebox was the 1937 Auto Union Streamliner, known as the Type C Stromlinie. Having competed at the world’s fastest race course AVUS in Germany  in 1937 vs. Mercedes Benz All conquering Stromlinienwagen. A series of three Mercedes Benz, Err Daimler AG Grand Prix racecars fitted with streamlined bodywork. With both the W125 and W25 chassis utilized.

 

Herman Lang won the “One-off” high speed event at AVUS, replete with it’s “Wall of Death” turn, a banked curve of some 42-45 degrees banking constructed from brick. Hmm, that bricks idea sounds familiar to Mwah…

 

Lang won the event aboard a W25 Grand Prix racecar with said streamliner bodywork. Where the long straightaways allowed for top speeds nearing 400kph, or a remarkable 248.50mph, Sheisa!

 

Whilst fast forwarding to today. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Mercedes W196 Streamliner driven by Juan Manuel Fangio just sold at auction for a whopping $53 million, the second most expensive racecar ever!

 

Scary to think I’ve been following Formula 1 for nearly four decades now, meaning it’s really hard to remember everything that’s happened over that time span, Ja volt! But I tend to believe that aerodynamics became the rage in F1 in the early 1960’s, when the first wings sprouted on Grand Prix machinery. With this push for these Aero’ gains culminating with the failures of high mounted rear wings. For which a certain Pete Lovely’s late 1960’s Lotus racecar comes to mind. Which I think was a Lotus 49?

 

As the win “pylons” were simply failing due to being overstressed by the aerodynamic downforce loads being exerted upon them!

 

Then I’ve just been reminded about the foray into the sliding skirt era by Racer’s Marshall Pruett. As this early 1980’s F1 era saw designers trying to create a vacuum of low pressure? Underneath said racecar to “glue” it to the circuit with the aid of ground effects and the car’s wings, which were basically inverted airfoils to push the chassis down to increase cornering speeds. If I understand the concept correctly?

 

As it was the late colin Chapman and His legendary Team Lotus that pioneered this concept with the Lotus 78 that Mario Andretti claimed the F1 Drivers World Championship with.

 

Aerodynamics have always been at the forefront of Formula 1 chassis design as long as I can remember. Although it seems like we enjoyed great on-track skirmishes over the decades, or at least from the 1980’s to the early 2000’s. Which may have been due to the cars massive amounts of horsepower? Although today’s racecars are no slouches!

 

Whilst the last, great scrum I recall seems to be Nico Rosberg v Lewis Hamilton in equally prepared Mercedes in 2016. Along with the superb “Dust-up” between Hamilton and Max Verstappen over the 2021 season…

 

Making me wonder if today’s Formula 1 chassis have simply become too Aero-efficient? As I don’t know what year the Drag Reduction System (DRS) came into effect? But I do know that the current chassis were hailed as the biggest overhaul in quite awhile for their 2022 technical rule changes. Specifically designed to encourage closer following of a leading car, and promote overtaking. Which we’re now seeing a total lack of, regarding who’s leading the Grand Prix.

 

DRS was implemented in Formula 1 in 2011, and ceases at the end of 2025, when the new Aerodynamic Aids come into effect…

 

The current Grand Prix races have seen nothing more than the pole sitter either lead start to finish, or the car that get’s out front, i.e.; Oscar Piastri at the first corner in Jeddah going on to win. As the cars simply run best in “clean” Air and I suppose due to the convergence of design. Now struggle to run faster in what the Pundits call “Dirty” Air, which seemingly is the wake or vortex created behind the leading racecar…

 

As I don’t know if my example’s correct? But this is somewhat akin to being buffedted by the “Dirty” Air coming off a semi-truck from a far distance behind it. As we won’t digress into the realm of draftin…

 

IndyCar doesn’t seem totally adverse to this situation either, as it seems that I’ve heard drivers saying you don’t want to be too far in the pack at Mother Speedway. Although the cars do seem to “suck-up” better, where you don’t necessarily wish to be the leading car at the end of the Indianapolis 500. As just ask both Marcus Ericsson and Pato O’Ward about that!

 

Sadly, I feel that la Scuderia boss Frederic Vausser’s words are poetic? Err, Uhm prescient. With the Scuderia Ferrari team principal noting at Suzuka that this year’s F1 Championship will most likely be won during qualifying, Sigh! Since apparently the design staffs have clawed back the lost performance, which they always do. And now the F1 cars are simply too similar in performance, leading to lack of overtaking at the front of the grid, leading to rather dull races.

 

And yeah, I know that both Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris  managed to overtake George Russell for positions on-track with the aid of their DRS at Jeddah. Yet it was only third and fourth place. With Oscar Piastri controlling the race ahead of Max Verstappen.

 

Yet recall that even when Piastri got within DRS range of Verstappen, He was unable to pass Him. While Williams Carlos Sainz Jr. brilliantly led, and allowed teammate Alex Albon to follow in DRS range andeffectively create a DRS “train” which Racing Bulls Isack Hadjar couldn’t overcome. With the trio finishing P8-9-10 respectively…

 

Next year, Formula 1 is set to implement it’s biggest raft of technical rule changes with the advent of both new chassis and Power Units. (PU) As the chassis are said to be “smaller”, more nimbler and weigh less, and feature moving aerodynamic “devices”, i.e.; front and rear wings. With just two fixed positions available, i.e.; fuel efficiency or “High” downforce modes.

 

While the PU’s will feature a 50/50 split between Electric and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power output. With a third item of consideration being the redesigned, narrower 18-inch Pirelli tyres for said racecars…

 

And so it goes, as will 2025 be the season that diminishes Formula One’s current wave of popularism? And how will the 2026 F1 season pan out? 

The 2024 Formula 1 Golden Tailpipe Awards edition

The long, forgotten Caterham CT01. (Image source: Bing.com)

 

As Who’s got the Biggest Balls of All, Max?

 

With Formula 1 actually becoming interesting once again, after the white washing Max Verstappen and Red bull put upon the opposition in 2023. As we’ll never see another season like that! I simply had nothing to say about the Max Verstappen Show.

 

Yet Max Blunderhead’ had to work quite hard this year to secure His fourth F1 World Championship. Not to mention having an amazing seven drivers winning Grands Prix this season, along with McLaren winning the vaunted Constructors title!

 

As Y’all can compare ‘n contrast these Spur of Ye Cuff, Nonsensical selections vs. two years ago in the link below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/12/the-2022-formula-1-golden-tailpipe_0250107140.html

 

WINNERS

2024 F1 World Champion: Max Verstappen

2024 Constructors Champion: McLaren

2024 Monaco Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc

 

CATEGORIES

1. Driver of The Year

Winner: Carlos Sainz Jr.

Yeah, the obvious choice would be Max Verstappen, Righto? But for Mwah, anybody who comes back one race after emergency Appendicitis surgery and wins Down Under in Bloody Melbourne Mates! Is a Shoo-in! Especially if I’m a Fan of His…

 

Yes, others including His Ferrari teammate had more wins. But Charles Leclerc also threw a Hissy-fit over the radio when He didn’t get His way and Carlos finished ahead of Him. Suck it up Chuck!

 

Not to mention having to race the entire season knowing that He was being dropped in favour of Lewis Hamilton. As it would have been easy to just trundle along, but Sainz competed mightily the entire season. Ultimately scoring two Grands Prix victories. The latter being a storming drive from pole at Mexico City!

 

As it’ll be interesting to see how Carlos performs at the underwhelming Williams this season…

 

Other Choices

Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, et Al

 

2. Biggest Disappointments of The Year

Without a doubt, the biggest disappointment is Mikey A’ being told He needs to retire, Box-Box-Box on the penultimate lap of Andretti, Err Cadillac Racing finally being granted the 11th F1 Garage on Pitlane for 2026! As I don’t know how to scribble ‘bout Michael Andretti’s ouster any better…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/10/whats-really-going-on-at-andretti-global.html

 

While the return of HMS Monogram, as Grizzled F1 Journo’ Joe Saward called Him. Flavio Briatore’s return to Formula 1 is definitely disappointing! Being the mastermind behind le reggie’s Crash Gate!

 

Not to mention it being a sad day for French motorsports with Alpine’s decision to abandon its own PU’s, ergo Power Units in favour of customer Mercedes units!

 

And its also disappointing if Max really did threaten to put George Russell on His F-KING’ Head…

 

3. Race of The Year

Winner: Sao Paolo Grand Prix

This seemed like a no brainer to me. Especially with Max Verstappen’s amazingly sublime drive in the wet! As Max’s marching from P17 to the lead was simply breathtaking, especially since He passed car after car cleanly in the rain!

 

As both eventual runner-up Esteban Ocon and Oscar Piastri simply marveled over Max’s exquisite car control. Which I scribbled about in the following No Fender tome…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/11/f1-which-max-will-show-up-under-strips.html

 

Whilst I’m guessing some will wonder about my other choices below, particularly the latter. Since even though Lando Norris checked out, it did feature two more superb from back of grid to the podium performances by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton…

 

Other Choices

British, Miami, Hungarian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix

 

4. Most Improved Team of the Year

Winner: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team

Initially, it was a shock regarding Herr Guenther’s, nee Guenter Steiner’s dismissal as team principal for the unknown Ayao Kanotsu. Yet Konatsu being an engineer apparently has a steady hand. And doesn’t seek the spotlight like Steiner did…

 

As the team more than quadrupled its overall points tally this season. As I believe they were even as high as sixth in the vaunted F1 Constructors chase before finishing seventh, three positions better than 2023.

 

Along with finishing one place behind Alpine. Which Alpine jumped to solely upon the excellent 2-3 finish at Interlagos…

 

5. Most Disappointing Team of the Year

Winner: Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

This was a toss-up between Williams and Sauber for Mwah. As I’d hoped for better from both of these long established F1 Constructors. Although Williams wasn’t alone in the spare chassis saga, the British team was definitely in the worst scenario! Which wasn’t aided at all by the multitude ‘O crashes its three drivers had during the long season.

 

As I understand that somebody’s gotta be last, butSauber only scored an embarrassing total of four points! As I don’t think the drivers were trying any less, or that the team wasn’t working hard. But I’m just left wondering if there was a lack of development or money spent in a lame Duck season before Audi took final, outright control of Sauber? 

F1 goes testing, TPC Style

But Don’t expect to see them in Action, until at least Bahrain…

 

In all of the hype surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, and His total immersion to Scueria Ferrari culture. Read a good article by Racer’s Chris Medland on Formula One’s  Testing Previous Cars (TPC) programme. Hey if the Bloody Brits’ can Chuck round vernacular such as Vice champion and Box-box-box George! Then I can Bloody scribble programme, but I digress…

 

As TPC is designed to allow Formula 1 teams the ability to go testing in F1 chassis being two years old, with the previous three seasons machinery allowed. Making 2021-23 F1 chassis eligible for TPC duty this season.

 

And thanks to Haas’s new technical alliance with Toyota, the smallest F1 team on the grid will run its maiden TPC outing with Toyota’s assistance. Having tested a Haas VF-23 at Jerez recently. Where race drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman ran one day apiece, with Ritomo Miyata getting “seat-time” at the end of each day.

 

As Mercedes joined Haas in Jerez, running one of its earlier F1 chassis. Presumably the F1 W14 for Kimi Antonelli, with no word about George Russell.

 

Reportedly Mercedes has been running the young Italian whose full name is Andrea Kimi Antonelli in a multitude of older spec Mercedes machinery in its attempt to get Him properly prepared for His forthcoming F1 rookie campaign.

 

Naturally there was much Buzz over Sir Lewis’s debutante outing in scarlet, when Golden Child’ and Charles Leclerc ran around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in Ferrari SF23 and F1 75 racecars. While another outing for the duo was planned for Barcelona a week later.

 

While the media reported that Lewis looked like a Mafia Don on His first day in Maranello. Wearing either a double breasted dark blue or black suit with gray trench, err overcoat over His shoulders. Uhm, strike the pose Lewis, Meow!

 

Hmm, why did visions of Michael Jackson looking like a “Dandy” in the epic video Billie Jean come flashing into my Head, eh?

 

I believe that I read that F1 teams are now allowed  only 1000km (Kilometers) or a paltry 621 miles in “Old Money” as Professor’ Steve Matchett would say. Leading me to wonder how this exact mileage is monitored?

 

As teams are required to notify the FIA a minimum of 72 Hours prior to commencing TPC activities. And provide the chassis designation, drivers, venue etc. for the FIA Delagate and other competing Formula 1 teams knowledge of such activities. While I’m guessing this also allows rival teams to share a race track and “Pool” circuit expenses, if desired…

 

Although it sounds like not all ten F1 Constructors carry out extensive TPC programmes, or are required to? As I’m guessing its just the FIA mandate of running at least two rookies per season the teams are bound by.

 

As I understand the mileage, Err kilometers limit is presumably a cost saving measure. But it seems like a bit more mileage could be allowed, which in turn gives more opportunity for F1 cars to be raced around the world. Or even better yet, give Fans a second opportunity to witness testing during the second half of the season?

 

Yeah, I know, the season’s already too Gory long! But these TPC tests give the media something more to write about, and give F1 media exposure… 

The 2024 IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Awards edition

ScottyMac’ capped off another impressive season by winning His maiden Indianapolis 500 Pole with a record speed of 234.220mph aboard the iconic “Yellow Submarine”. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As who will Santa be Awarding “Gifts” to this year?

 

Once again,  I’m languidly trying to finish off the year’s No Fenders posts Here upon Ye mystical’ Isle of Nofendersville, with Thy yearly IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Award selections. Hence these choices were Jotted down after somewhat quick deliberation.

 

Whilst Y’all can compare ‘n contrast this year’s choices with the Uber Elongated 2023 Selections in the following link.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/12/the-2023-indycar-golden-tailpipe-awards_01013109234.html

 

WINNERS

2024 IndyCar Champion: Alex Palou, Spain

2024 Indy 500: Josef Newgarden, USA

2024 Rookie Of the Year: Linus Lundqvist, Sweden

 

CATEGORIES

1. Driver of The Year

Winner: Colton Herta

The obvious choice would have ben Alex Palou, whom presumably doesn’t get enough consideration for His amazing career to date. But I’m guessing that will be most others selection.

 

Hence I went for an outside the box choice instead, even if I’mnot a big Colton fan. But His no-nonsense, straight shooter attitude and demeanour have rown upon me.

 

Not to mention that Colton finally won His first race after two years of futility!Breaking His winless streak at 41 races. And then winning on His first Oval at season’s end. Vaulting Himself into runner-up in the championship.

 

Other Choices

Alex Palou, Scott McLaughlin and Pato O’Ward

 

2. Biggest Disappointments of The Year

Trying to keep this short, HaHa! Meaning we don’t need to rehash Team Penske’s P2P-Gate…

 

Bigger disappointment to Mwah was Will Power’s lap belt inexplicably coming loose in the early stages of Nashville, along with scuttling His title hopes at Milwaukee, or where ever that was when He spun Himself out and dropped from fourth to an eventual tenth place finish! Along with my g-Damn’ P.O.S. Internet provider Spectrum going Dark during the most crucial portion of the Nashville season finale race, i.e.; Power pitting to fix His seat belt, Urgh!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/09/indycar-nashville-rewind.html

 

But the biggest disappointment has to be Mikey A’ getting squeezed out of His eponymous Andretti Global racing empire! As will we ever know the real story behind this, eh?

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/10/whats-really-going-on-at-andretti-global.html

 

3. Race of The Year

Oval Track Winner: Nashville

Every year, the easiest, most simple and logical choice is the Indianapolis 500. But I tend to shy away from this race due to it being IndyCar’s “Death Star” blotting out the remainder of the IndyCar calendar…

 

Thus I chose Nashville since it had been not even on the schedule originally! And after the switch of venues from downtown Nashville to the concreate oval on the outskirts of Lebanon, Tennessee. Not to mention the worry and concern over whether or not it would provide a decent race? I’d say it was “Mission Accomplished” for the season finale.

 

As the race was filled with plenty of drama, including Power’s “Wardrobe Malfunction!” While the High groove finally came in, with Colton Herta using it to full effect, whilst others faltered…

 

There was plenty of side by side passing. Along with Herta making a late race pass upon Pato O’Ward to win His first ever Oval race while battling David Malukas for the win.

 

Funniest bit is that California transplant and now Nashville resident Colton Herta won His second race of the year here. Although will anybody remember that when the season resumes a Gory six months later this March at St Pete?

 

Other Choices

Gateway and Milwaukee

 

Twisties' Track Winner: Long Beach and Alabama

This was probably the hardest choice for Mwah, since Thars’ multiple races that sprang to mind. Depending on what you’re angling for. Most carnage or good racing?

 

As I actually had to go back ‘n review much of the season, since being some three months since season’s end, Frick! I’d forgotten most of it…

 

Thus Detroit comes up number one for most mayhem or carnage! Whilst Toronto also stands out. With the good news being there was multiple lead changes at nearly every Twisty’ event…

 

Thus I chose two winners this year. As both Long Beach and Barber Motorsports Park stand out for their multiple passing and pit strategies. With thee Iceman 2.0’, aka Scott Dixon once again winning at The Beach on excellent fuel mileage strategy. Holding off an angry pack of chasers!

 

While ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin once again motored His way to victory lane at thee Barbers’ on an excellent, “alternate” pit strategy, along with superb Hustle behind the wheel…

 

Other Choices

Detroit and Toronto

 

4. Most Improved Team of the Year

Winner: Meyer Shank Racing

Initially toyed with A.J. foyt Enterprises for this category, but Sting Ray Robb made that illogical to Mwah. And then I thought about how wrong Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) season had gone last year! Especially with that Horrendous crash Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud endured at Mid-Ohio!

 

Along with MSR finally having to admit that ‘OL Dancin’ fool Hulio’ was Cactus’ as a full season driver! Necessitating a brand new driver lineup for 2024.

 

The obvious “Home Run” for MSR was Felix Rosenqvist, even if the Swede faltered to an eventual 12th place finish overall. Felix-the-Cat’ electrified us during season’s beginning, including securing MSR’s first ever Pole position at Long Beach.

 

The second “Route 66” No. 66 entry with Sports Car Ace Tom “the Bomb” Blomqvist didn’t pan out, with the rookie being let go following His Indianapolis 500 debacle! With Helio Castroneves drafted in for two rounds before hiring David Malukas to run the remainder of the season and ensure the #66 made the necessary Leader Circle prize fund payout to MSR. Which Chicago Davey did.

 

5. Most Disappointing Team of the Year

Winner: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Ok, if you’re still reading? As this story’s gotten way too long. It feels like a broken record choosing RLLR again. But they just seem like they’re still lost in the wilderness! And you’d expect better results from this team.

 

Graham Rahal was a lackluster P18 overall, with Pietro Fittipaldi P19. As the Brazilian (Fittipaldi) finished just one point ahead of Sting Ray Robb in 20th, Zouza! While the team “leader” and best finisher overall, Christian Lundgaard was eleventh. Before leaving the team for the “Greener” pastures of Arrow McLaren…