NASCAR Invades San Diego

Although three other racing series beat them Thar’, Boy Howdy!

 

Unfortunately, this weekend’s NASCAR race is on Amazon Prime, meaning we won’t get to hear Mike Joy pontificating over NASCAR being the first series to race at a San Diego Naval Base. After all, wasn’t it Joy who proclaimed that NASCAR invented the SAFER Barrier, Oh Never Mind!

 

NASCAR is hosting its inaugural Street Race this June 21st at Naval Air Station (NAS) Coronado, part of San Diego’s active Naval base. Since originally, the Naval Training Center (NTC) was built in the early 1920’s before finally being closed in 1997.

 

Yet in 2000, the SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am Series hosted a race on a 1.65 mile, 14 Turns racecourse upon the streets of the Naval Training Center.

 

What I’ve wondered for awhile, since I first fell down this Wabbit’ Hole in mid-January! Is what’s the distance between the Naval Training Center (NTC) and the Naval Base Coronado (NZY) on North Island?

 

According to Al Gore’s wonderous invention, the All knowing Intrawoods’. As the crow or Seagulls fly is three miles. By car between nine and twelve miles, depending upon starting location.

 

Thus, these two separate entities are very close to one another indeed. And is it just CoInky-dense that NTC closed in 1997 and today’s consolidated Navel Base Coranado; and not the television company, Hya! (NBC) began in 1997, eh?

 

While I’m told that today the remaining NTC infrastructure is known as Liberty Station. With many acres turned into parks and recreation areas, along with housing…

 

As I find it pretty funny that I seem to be one of the extremely few that remembers this previous Trans Am race now over a quarter century ago. While details on the new race were very sketchy when I was tryin’ to stop my mind from wonderin’. (Where it will go?”

 

As Johnny Miller in a Chevrolet Corvette won the 60 lap (99 miles) race held on November 5th, 2000 ahead of Boris Said in a Ford Mustang. Followed by Brian Simo in the Tommy Bahamas Qval DeTomaso Mangusta.

 

Other notable names, or those I recognize from the past include Willy t. Ribbs, Chris Neville, Lou gigliotti, Tony Drissi, Leighton Reese, Stu Hayner, Randy Ruhlman, Michael Lewis and Paul Meatheadz’ Gentilozzi.

 

With a perusal of the 34 car entry grid, with 33 starters revealed the name Linda Pobst, who’s totally unknown to Mwah.

 

Although that last name set off claxon bells , since I remember Randy Pobst being a Bad Arse racer in the long forgotten, defunct North American Touring Car championship. (NATCC) Which He won the second and final championship driving for Honda thirty years ago.

 

Randy Pobst: A legendary Racing Driver

 

Although I wasn’t aware there was a Bruce Qvale, who naturally was entered in a second Qvale Mangusta team entry. Yet retired with zero laps due to ignition failure.

 

While “Bad Boy” Tony Drissi, the 2005 Trans Am Champion was still causing waves in last year’s Trans Am series

 

With the race paying a quaint $18,850 to the winner.

 

San Diego Grand Prix: Naval Training Center, Coranado

 

This year’s three day NASCAR weekend of Trucks, Grand National and Cup takes place on the Coranado Street Course, a 3.4-mile, 19 Turns layout. Having first hosted the Mazda MX-5 Cup series between 2012-2013, followed by Robby Gordon’s Stadium Trucks series in 2014.

 

Two prominent names will be making cameo appearances over the weekend. Having learned that seven times NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson would contest the Trucks and Cup race Wayback’ in February during the Day-Toner’ 500.

 

Whilst only recently stumbling upon the news that Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen will run Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 entry at San Diego. Which has previously run “Wildcard” entries for thee original “Iceman” Kimi Raikkonen, the Gis’, aka Shane van Gisbergen and ‘Ol Dancin’ fool Hulio’, nee Helio Castroneves.

 

Meaning Trackhouse will field four Chevrolet Camaro entries with it’s No. 1 of Ross Chastain, No. 88 for rookie connor Zilisch, and No. 97 for Shane van Gisbergen, plus Magnussen.

 

As it’s all Johnson’s fault! That I learned about the Sand Diego Street race when reading His press release for this year’s Daytona 500. Noting He’d be pulling “Double Duty” in San Diego. Driving the No. 1 Tricom Garage’s Toyota Tundra PickEmUp’ Truck in the inaugural Craftsman Truc Series race. And His No. 84 Legacy Motor Club’s Toy-Yoter’ Camry in the Cup event.

 

While Jimmie’s dream of chauffeuring the fabled “Blue blaster”, Atlas Van Lines Unlimited Hydroplane at last year’s Seafair race got me wonderin’ how far Fiesta Island and Mission Bay are from either the former NTC, or North Island Naval Air Station Coranado?

 

HYDROS: Atlas Van Lines latest Hotschue’

 

Reputedly, Fiesta Island and NAS Coranado are 12-13 miles as the Seagulls flock. Or 14-15 miles by automobile. 

Outfoxing Foodies’, bumping Shemozzle and Car Washes

Current day IMS Tenderloin basket. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“Let it rain, let it pour”. Hey I hear an Old Man’s Snore!

 

Certainly, its old news now about Romain Grosjean and Takuma Sato’s Up Close ‘n Personal outcomes with animals at Mother Speedway this April, during the two day IMS Open test.

 

Romain Grosjean, was quite peeved after a bird flew into His cockpit during testing! Grousing about not even getting to have any Chicken pate afterwards!

 

French racing driver Romain Grosjean has angered animal rights group Peta for “flippant” comments after hitting a bird while testing for next month’s Indianapolis 500

 

Whilst Taku-san’ said He saw something “Furry” moving around when entering Turn-1 at some 220mph! Which turned out to be a Fox ambling cross the Speedway!

 

Score 1-1 for the Animals. As Grosjean complained about how His suit stunk, His helmet stunk and He didn’t even get to have any chicken or Courdon Bleu…

 

While no idea why Romain was so mad at Marcus Armstrong following the Sonsio Grand Prix?

 

Hey Romain, its not like Marcus said keep your hands off my Swanson Hungry Man dinner.

 

Letgo my Eggo Romain!

 

“Road Kill lunches

This one’s kinda tough

 

I even like the Chicken

If the sauce’s not too blue”

 

VIDEO: TV Dinners

 

And if you thought those tenderloin sandwiches, Coke and fries, or is it onion rings? Were expensive. Then perhaps Y’all didn’t hear about the $150 caviar with sprinkled gold flakes Hot Dogs sold at the Miami Grand Pris!

 

Whilst Thar was also the Gold Digger steak sandwich available for only $135, or some bite sized ‘lil Debbie caviar muffins for $30, Aye Karumba!

 

Outrage as Miami Grand Prix unveils $150 caviar Hot dog for F1 showpiece: Absolutely tone deaf

 

Then there’s the matter of no Bump Day this year. Which although I don’t have a problem with reshuffling the weekend’s qualifying procedures. Other than I still think artificially boosting the engines is lame!

 

No, I just have a problem with blurring the lines between true Bumping and bumping positions, since they’re not the same. Can you hear me now IndyCar!

 

Nope, No Mother Natured didn’t approve of the Qualie’ format change Jokes here…

David Land: This Didn’t need to Change

 

Lastly, for all of those who drove to Mother Speedway back and their vehicle’s splattered with bugs, road tar and whatever other debris a good road trip entails. Then perhaps you’ll want to make sure your trip to the local car wash pans out far better than Tex’s did!

 

And no, that’s not an ‘Ol SuperTex’ reference either. But John Phillips story is priceless!

 

Don’t Mess with Tex!

 

What’s that ‘Ol song about At the Car Wash, Crunch!

 

Partial song lyrics from: ZZ Top’s TV dinners, 1983 Eliminator Album. 

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 Jay Frye

I Asked Mark Miles

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 13 Dollars and 99 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…

 

VIDEO: The Seeker

 

(Originally written by Tomaso on May 15, 2022. Updated on May 7, 2026) 

INDY 500: The Split’s Driver Entanglement

And how their lives were affected…

 

Yeah, I know Y’all are frothing over today’s riveting qualifying at Mother Speedway, which doesn’t determine anything significant…

 

Having re-examined The Split, what led me down this Wabbit’ Hole was a question that’s long weighed upon my mind. Which like Arlo Guthrie’s magnificent Alice’s Restaurant Massacree; “We’re just waiting for it to come Around”. Each May I wonder over which drivers were denied racing in the Indianapolis 500, due to this travesty!

 

Along with to lesser extent, which drivers gained entrance upon thoust Holy Grail? Although only pondering that this year when researching my answer…

 

For “ease” of comparison, I chose to begin with the Indy 500 vs. U.S. 500, since the latter somewhat became CART’s marquee event. Although run at Michigan International Speedway. Reverting to Michigan 500 in 2000, and Harrah’s 500 the following year. Before jumping to the “Dar Side”, ergo IRL in 2002 as a 400-mile event until 2007.

 

From the Inaugural U.S. 500 Presented by Toyota race, the following names stood out to Mwah: Mark Blundell, Juan Manuel Fangio II, Jeff Krosnoff, Eddie Lawson, Greg Moore and Alex Zanardi.

 

Between 1997-2003, in no particular order: JJ Letho, Memo Gidley, Christiano da Matta, Jan Magnussen and Mika Salo.

 

Other names that tripped my No. 4 wire included: Arnd Meier, Gualter Salles, Luiz Garcia Jr, Tarso Marques, Mario Dominguez, Tiago Monteiro, Mario Haberfeld, Roberto Gonzalez, Rodolfo Lavin and Luis Diaz.

 

Whilst the list of Champ Car World Series (CCWS) drivers between 2004-07 who never got a chance is far greater. Noting just some of the names that jumped out to Mwah.

 

Nelson Philippe, Gaston Mazzacane, Michael Valiante, Guy Smith, Ronnie Bremmer, Andrew Ranger, Timo Glock, Dan “speedy Dry” Clarke, Jan “Van Hagar” Heylen, Nicki Pastorelli, Antonio Pizzonia, Bad Bobby D’, aka Robert Doornbos, Ryan “Razzle-Dazzle” Dalziel, David Martinez and Neal Jani.

 

With no disrespect towards whomever else I left out? Since it behooves Mwah to decide who’s names are worthy of mention or not?

 

Meanwhile, showing off my lack of Short Track driver knowledge, I jotted down the following names when perusing my database of Indianapolis 500 races between 1996-2003, albeit probably gave up after 2001-02.

 

Having noted the following drivers: J. J. Yeley, Jack Hewitt, Steve Kinser, Stan Wattle, Davey Hamilton, Jason Leffler, Jeret Schroeder and Tony Stewart.

 

Although I was wrong about Messer’s Wattle and Schroeder, who both hailed from the Northeast. With Schroeder being the 1995 U.S. f2000 National Championship champion, before graduating to Toyota Atlantic and the IRL.

 

Wattle has the distinction of racing the long forgotten Riley & Scott MkV chassis in the 1998 Indianapolis 500, when the factory Riley & Scott entry of Eliseo Salazar failed to qualify.

 

Mario “Boom-Boom” Dominguez is an outlier to this riveting trivia. Having the distinction of attempting to enter the Indy 500 but failing to qualify in 2008.

 

On a sidenote, Steve Kinser, The Goat! Failed to qualify on His first attempt in Gory 1981! Before successfully racing in 1997 driving for Sinden Racing Services. Qualifying 20th and finishing 14th after an accident on lap 189, upon touching wheels with Buzz Calkins.

 

Obviously the four biggest names that stand out are Alex Zanardi, Greg Moore, Cristiano da Matta and Jeff Krosnoff.

 

For Mwah, the biggest disappointment is over whom during His heyday, I took to calling El Zorro! And I’d Arse-sume when racing fans hear the name Alex Zanardi two things instantly come to mind…

 

First would have to be “The Pass!” When Zanardi audaciously passed Bryan Herta on the final lap at the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca and claimed an improbable victory at the 1996 season finale!

 

Then sadly, there’s that life altering accident at the Lausitzring in Germany on September 15, 2001. Where Zanardi lost both of His legs, and nearly His life!

 

Zanardi - 10 Years later

 

Zanardi, as most know, was the 1996 CART Rookie Of the Year. And followed that by winning the CART Fed Ex IndyCar Championship two years on-the-trot, i.e.; 1997-98. Before making the mistake of returning to Formula 1 to drive the recalcitrant Team Willie’ (Williams) entry in 1999.

 

Alex currently ranks 31st overall, timed with Simon Pagenaud with 15 IndyCar wins. With Juan Pablo Montoya 33rd with 14 wins. Scoring His maiden oval track win at the 1997 U.S. 500 Presented by Toyota at Michigan International Speedway. And then claimed a second oval win that season at Gateway.

 

Although arguably, Zanardi had nothing left to prove in IndyCar. Yet if He’d stayed at Ganassi instead of essentially swapping seats with Juan Pablo Montoya. Might Zanardi’s face be on the Borg Warner trophy instead of Montoya’s?

 

Secondly would have to be Greg Moore, who sadly died at the season finale at California Speedway in 1999. Just months before He was set to become a Team Penske driver.

 

Somebody on the great Marshall Pruett video remembering Greg twenty years later with Dario Franchitti, Paul Tracy and Max Papis brilliantly says the stats don’t tell the whole picture about Greg.

 

As Moore only won five races in His short IndyCar career. Yet three of these were on ovals, including a masterful win at Michigan International Speedway at the 1998 U.S. 500. With an exhilarating duel with Ganassi’s Jimmy Vasser and Alex Zanardi over the final five laps!

 

And without Greg’s untimely death, would there have been a Spiderman climbing Mother Speedway’s fence? And would Helio Castroneves be a four-times Indianapolis 500 winner?

 

Greg Moore – 10 Years after

 

Third has to be Cristiano da Matta, who never got a shot at the Indy 500. Driving for Toyota powered CART teams and claiming the title in 2002 with Newman/Haas Racing. Da Matta then went to Formula 1 to drive for Toyota before retuning to Champ Car in 2005. Before a deer jumped an eight-foot fence and collided with da Matta’s RuSport IndyCar during testing at Road America…

 

Lastly, Jeff Krosnoff never got a chance to show His true potential, dying at Toronto in 1996 after only eleven IndyCar starts. Yet had been Mike Hull’s choice as Jimmy Vasser’s teammate that year. Wit cheep’ (Ganassi) having already decided on Zanardi…

 

Obviously the biggest name of the Short Trackers would be Smoke’, aka Tony Stewart, who went on to become a three-times NASCAR champion. Having bested Davey Hamilton for the 1996-97 Indy Racing League (IRL) Championship title.

 

Although I’d have to say my two favourite Short Track Boyz’ are the aforementioned Hamilton, who chauffeured Mwah in the Indy 2X Seater a long, long time ago!

 

Davey Hamilton - Postscript

 

And then although post Split. The late Brian Clauson, who’s effervescent “spirit” quickly made me a fan of His. Having even gone so far as to purchase a Clauson T-shirt which I proudly wore at Mother Speedway during the 2016 race, driving for Jonathan Byrd’s Racing; run by Dale Coyne Racing. The best of His three finishes, P23. 

INDY 500: Revisiting The Split – 30 Years later

But who really won the war, and does it matter?

 

Yeah, I suppose I’m the only one who cares about this topic? But since I lived thru it and its my Blog. I can Gory well scribble about what I want!

Although thirty years is a long ways to go in the Wayback’ machine, and my recollections are Hazy at best…

 

As what most prominently stands out, beside that scourge simply known as TG’. Whom I preferred calling Ronnie or ‘lil Napoleon, aka Tony George forever ruining Open wheel Racing, with the creation of the Indy Racing League and that infamous 25/8 rule! And yes, I’m well aware it takes two to Tango.

 

Since All I really recollect now is that tag-line of CART having All the Stars, IRL All the Cars! Or something to that effect. Which one must say bit CART in the Toosh when having a massive pile-up on lap one of its competing race, Butterfingers!

 

Although I do recall a T-Shirt which one side said This is your Brain. (CART) And the other side saying This is your Brain on Drugs! (IRL) A takeoff of that infamous Just Say NO to Drugs era…

 

Supposedly Anton Hulman George didn’t like the escalating costs and lack of American drivers in His namesake’s race. And as early as 1989 proposed a new racing series, which didn’t progress pas the planning stage.

 

George than became a Board member of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) between 1992-94 before resigning, to ultimately create the Indy Racing League. (IRL)

 

The IRL would begin in 1996 wit a three race schedule, with the Indianapolis 500 its showpiece. And since the new, normally aspirated “lower” priced racecars wouldn’t be ready until 1997, older CART machinery (circa 1991-95) was allowed for the inaugural season.

 

The final straw in what became irrevocably known as The Split was the invoking of the 25/8 rule. With the top 25 drivers in IRL points guaranteed starting places in the Indy 500, and eight “At large’ open entries for all competitors, including CART.

 

1996 Indianapolis 500 Rookies (17)

Michele Alboreto, Robbie Buhl, Buzz Calkins, Mark Dismore, Paul Durant, Raccin Gardner, Joe Gosek, Jim Guthrie, Davey Hamilton, Scott Harrington, Richie Hearn, Michel Jourdain Jr, Brad Murphy, Johnny O’Connell, Tony Stewart, Johnny Unser, Fermin Velez.

 

Reportedly, there were 49 entries, albeit I could only come up with 44. With 17 rookie drivers being the third most ever, only eclipsed by 19 rookies in the 1919 and 1930 races. With former CART entrant Hemelgarn Racing and driver Buddy Lazier winning “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.

 

CART boycotted the race, with the exception of two teams, i.e.; Galles Racing and Walker Racing participating. Although both teams sent backup drivers instead. With Galles running Davy Jones and Walker utilizing Mike Groff.

 

The Cars of the 1996 Indy 500 Part 1

 

CART Drivers at the rival U.S. 500 had 109 starts and 5 wins amongst entrant vs. 75 starts and one win for the Indy 500 field, the lowest since 1932. And further highlighting this disparity; CART Drivers had 127 wins and seven National Championships vs. IRL Drivers having a paltry 14 wins and no National Championships.

 

27 Drivers in nine rows of three took the green flag at the U.S. 500 held on the same day as the 80th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Michigan International Speedway, with Jimmy Vasser the eventual winner.

 

1996 U.S. 500 Rookies (7)

Mark Blundell, Fredrik Ekblom, Juan Manuel Fangio II, Greg Moore, Jeff Krosnoff, Eddie Lawson, Alex Zanardi.

 

Yet I suppose one could say that the IRL effectively won the war the following year, when CART raced at Gateway on Saturday, choosing not to go head-to-head with the Indianapolis 500 for the remainder of the arduous, stupid 12 year split!

 

25 Years Ago: CART used the U.S. 500 to take down the Indy 500

 

Chip Ganassi Racing was the first CART team to race at the Speedway in 2000, when rookie Juan Pablo Montoya waxed the field. And I still recall crowing over how the first seven drivers finishing were CART drivers, albeit not 100% correct…

 

Marlboro Team Penske joined the field the following year, and the floodgates essentially opened. With Penske winning three consecutive Indy 500’s.

 

CART further shot itself in the foot with the Firestone Firehawk 600 at Texas Motor Speedway having to be cancelled just hours before race’s start in 2001. As drivers had complained of dizziness, along with experiencing vertigo and blackouts due to the excessive G-Forces their racecars generated at over 230mph upon the 1.5-mile oval.

 

Penske was the first major CART team to leave for the rival IRL in 2002, after having won the CART Championship the previous two years.

 

Then seven years into The Split, the landscape truly shifted. As both Honda and Toyota moved to the IRL, along with CART teams Target/Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Rahal and Mo Nunn Racing.

 

I tend to recall that Chris Pook, the creator of the Grand Prix of Long Beach and then CEO of CART spent $100 million before filing for Bankruptcy at season’s end!

 

As the miserable Split should have ended then, but Tony george’s bid was still deemed “Hostile” and the Champ Car World Series (CCWS) arose out of the ashes of CART. With Gerald Forsythe, Paul Gentilozzi and Kevin Kalkhoven as its owners.

 

CCWS, or what soon became Chump Carz’ to Mwah soldiered on a further four seasons before finally, mercilessly The Split ended with Mergification in February 2008 with that year’s unified IndyCar series.

 

Then the strangest thing occurred in 2019. Ironically being the 40th anniversary of CART’s inaugural season.

 

Tony George sold His beloved Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar series and IMS Productions to Roger Penske for an undisclosed amount. With the irony being that El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske had been one of CART’s primary founders…

 

For those interested in a more detailed examination of The Split. May I recommend John Orovitz’s Indy Split: The Big Money Battle that nearly Destroyed Indy Racing book, which hopefully I can read one day. 

The 2025 IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Awards edition

Everybody loves Alex, except Zak. But Cheep’ loves winners better! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As who will Santa be Awarding “Gifts” to this year? Whilst pretty sure I know who’s getting a lump ‘O coal! (Zakery)

 

Once again,  I’m finishing 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 my Elongated 2024 Selections in the following link.

 

The 2024 IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Awards edition

 

WINNERS

2025 IndyCar Champion: Alex Palou, Spain

2025 Indy 500: Alex Palou; Chip Ganassi Racing

2025 Rookie Of the Year: Louis foster, UK

 

CATEGORIES

1. Driver of The Year

Winner: Alex Palou

Yeah, this one seems obvious, even though I typically try thinking outside the box. Yet “vice Champion” Pato O’Ward finished 196 points behind, and with six less victories!

 

As let that sink in Uno Momento. Alex Palou’s margin of victory was ten points shy of four “Clean Sweep” race weekends, i.e.; Pole, ONE lap LED, Most laps led and the Win. (54 points maximum) Or four points shy of a four race wins lead!

 

As we All know that Alex truly had a magical season, with 8 wins, 6 poles, 14 Top-5’s and 15 Top-10 finishes, enroute to crushing the competition.

 

And for the cherry on top, Palou won His first ever Oval race at none other than the Indianapolis 500, Bravo!

 

Other Choices

Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, and I suppose Scott Dixon?

 

2. Biggest Disappointments of The Year

For Mwah, this one’s simple. As the two biggest disappointments are Roger Penske’s Dismissal of will Power, and Zak Brown’s refusal to settle out of court vs. Alex Palou.

 

We all know that Power was Penske’s best finishing driver the past two seasons, not to mention all of His other glittering stats.

 

As how do you replace a Two-times IndyCar Champion, Indianapolis 500 winner. The All-time career Pole winner, (71) and fourth All-time career wins (45) with David Malukus?

 

As no disrespect to Chicago Davey’, having been a Fan of His since entering Indy Cars, But! The Kid’s only raced four seasons with a total of 44 starts. Zero pole positions or wins and three podiums.

 

Although He did finish a career best 11th overall driving for A.J. Foyt Enterprises last year…

 

Yet how does one replace the legendous’ Will Power? While Shame on Roger for treating Him like a commodity on a ledger sheet and deciding it’s past it’s best used by date, which He also did with Helio Castroneves…

 

An Inglorious end to a Glorious Partnership

 

Yet even worse, is Zak Brown’s insistence upon ruining Alex Palou for life! Claiming the Four-times IndyCar Series Champion and reigning Indy 500 winner owes Him an eye watering $19.5m, as in millions for alleged “Damages” over Palou rescinding His desires to drive for Zak!

 

As I cannot confirm this, or heard it anywhere else. But I believe I heard Marshall Pruett say on His Podcast that at one point Zak was willing to settle for just a few million dollars…

 

The “long and expensive” McLaren v Palou war comes to a Conclusion

 

3. Race of The Year

Oval Track Winner: Milwaukee

Like most choices here, this was simply a process of elimination. As I’d have to say that Gateway ranked towards getting the nod, but ultimately fell short due to the fact that Milwaukee featured our latest debutante IndyCar winner, that being Christian Rasmussen.

 

Not to mention that Rasmussen and Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) boldly chose to pit on the final caution to bolt on fresh Firestones and storm to the lead from I believe being P19, or was it 9th? Audaciously passing none other than Alex Palou for the victory!

 

Sugarplums, Rainbows and Splenda Sweetness abound at Milwaukee

 

Twisties' Track Winner: Portland

This probably was the hardest choice for Mwah, since the season finishes so long ago! But giving my Home-track the nod. Since Thar was actually passing at Portland, with Pato O’Ward starting on pole due to pole winner Christian Lundgaard serving a six grid place drop for an unapproved engine change.

 

While Lundgaard and Palou had a mighty scrap over second place, while Will Power returned to the top step of the podium a year later after His last win at Portland. As DJ WillyP’ started third, but won again!

 

4. Most Improved Team of the Year

Winner: Meyer Shank Racing

Initially considered two other teams for this honour, i.e.; A.J. Foyt Enterprises and Ed Carpenter Racing. Since both improved overall. Yet Foyt’s Santino Ferrucci slid down, and even with one win, ECR’s two drovers were only 13th and 15th.

 

Yet with MSR’s two drivers finishing inside the Top 10. With Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) sixth, and Marcus Armstrong only 8 points behind in eighth. (372-364) This is “Heady” territory for the Midfield team. As now they need to win a race to continue their upwards trajectory.

 

5. Most Disappointing Team of the Year

Winner: Team Penske

Yeah, their three drivers finished P9-10-12 in the championship, with a paltry two wins. Which naturally you’d expect more from El Capitano’s eponymous race team.

 

Yet being caught cheating at Mother Speedway, the second time in 14 months, ultimately left shock waves at Team Penske. And then there’s the bungling of Will Power’s dismissal to boot! Which makes this choice a no brainer.

 

INDY 500: Penske to the Forefront Again 

Cable TV Mogul, Le Mans winner Dies

But how many know about Him?

 

Its funny what we as individuals pay Attenzione to, or choose to ignore.

 

Case-in-point, naturally the words Le Mans winner will “Peak” my Attenzione. And no, I won’t elabourate on the Danica peaking pun intended. Which Arse-sumedly, most have forgotten by now…

 

The second part of the obituary that intrigued Mwah was the mention of the gritty city of Tacoma, Washington. Although I have to say the sir name of Hindery did nothing for me.

 

Leo Hindery Jr was born in Springfield, Illinois on Halloween of 1947, and died at age 77 in Zurich, Switzerland on September 18, 2025.

 

Leo grew up in Tacoma, where His father was a manager at a Sears Roebuck store. Completing His undergraduate studies at Seattle University, followed by a MBA from Stanford University.

 

After a few jobs, Leo founded InterMedia Partners. A Cable TV company that eventually grew to nearly three million customers. This was then sold to TCI, (Tele-Communications Inc.) the nation’s largest Cable TV company. Co-founded by the ominous John c. Malone. With Hindery ultimately becoming President and CEO of TCI.

 

Yes, that same John Carl Malone, that Al Gore called the Darth Vader of Wall Street Me Thinks! Or simply Darth Vader for His prodigious consumption of media companies. Whose now Chairman of Liberty Media, Liberty Global and the Qurate Retail Group. Whatever the latter is?

 

Although Malone, now 84 years old, has just announced His stepping down as Chairman of Liberty Media and Liberty global at year’s end. And will take up the new role of Chairman Emeritus on January 1st. Although I’m guessing He’ll be treated better than former Liberty Media Chairman Emeritus Uncle Bernaughty!

 

Hindery became smitten with motor racing after being given a gift certificate to the Richard Petty Driving Experience in the early 1990’s.

 

As Hindery’s third wife was Patty Wheeler, daughter of the irrepressible PT Barnum of Stock Car racing, Humpy Wheeler. With the couple marrying in 2005.

 

Hindery would go onto race at Circuit de la Sarthe, finishing second in the GT Class in 2003. Before winning the GT2 category two years later. Driving a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with co-drivers Marc Lieb and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller, for Alex Job Racing. Finishing 10th overall, 38-laps behind the winning Audi R8 of Mr. Le Mans, aka Tom Kristensen, JJ Letho and Marco Werner.

 

As I’ve forgotten the exact quote now from His New York Times Obituary. But it was something to the effect of why He liked motor racing so much. Noting that the Chequered Flag doesn’t care who you are, or how many successful Deals you make in the Boardroom…

 

Whilst interestingly, I was unaware that Leo had been Chairman of Port Imperial Racing Associates, promoter of the failed Grand Prix of America in Weehawken, New Jersey.

 

Having been announced in 2011 as the Port Imperial Street Circuit with a length of 3.2-miles, and resembling Monaco’s race. Although its elevation changes thru the Jersey’ Palisades were higher and the lap time was predicted to be quicker.

 

The race was first scheduled for June 16, 2013, before being postponed. With Bernie Ecclestone saying the contract had been annulled due to breech of contract.

 

Yet the race was subsequently scheduled for June 1, 2014, before once again running into financial difficulty. With the race quietly disappearing, and not being listed on the 2015 F1 Calendar.

 

As oddly, what I remember most about this failed attempt is ‘lil syd viddle’, aka Sebastian Vettel running demonstration Hot-laps over the proposed circuit in some sort of Nissan Infiniti automobile. When Infiniti was then Red Bull Racing’s title sponsor… 

RETRO: An Obscure look back upon the International Race Of Champions

Which once, truly featured a host of International Drivers…

 

Ran across an article in Car & Driver Magazine via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone service. As try saying that fast five time, Undelay!

 

The article was by CD’s Elana Scherr, and begins with Her querying Pretty boy Floyd’, aka Jeff Gordon, who’d just finished fourth in that year’s Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s IROC class, about who were the best drivers in the world? With Gordon replying “That Argument will never be Solved”. As rightfully, how can one compare thee Pinnacle ‘O Motorsports, nee Formula 1 vs. NASCAR? Whilst IndyCar as typical, is overlooked…

 

Hmm, how come nobody ever mentions how RASSCAR is imitating CART? Going for the diversity of multiple racing venues, i.e.; Short Tracks, Super Speedways, Road Courses and Gasp, Street Circuits, Just Sayin’

 

How IROC tried to find the Best Drivers in the World

 

Since until stumbling upon this August 31st article, I was totally unaware that the just concluded Monterey Motorsports Reunion had featured a staggering 24 car IROC field.

 

The International Race Of Champions (IROC) was created by Les Richter, whom was the longtime manager of Riverside International Raceway. Worked for NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. (ISC) Along with playing in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams, wearing the number 48. Plus El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske and Mike Phelps. With the format of drivers from around the world, and different racing disciplines competing aboard identically prepared racecars.

 

The first year’s champion was appropriately Mark Donohue, who’s “Day Job” was driving for Penske. With IROC I commencing on October 27, 1973 in California. Which hosted the first three rounds over the weekend of October 27-28.

 

Donohue led Peter Revson, (F1) Bobby Unser, David Pearson, George Follmer, A.J. Foyt, Emerson Fittipaldi, (F1) Denny Hulme, (F1) Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, Gordon Johncock and Roger McCluskey in the standings.

 

“Captain Nice”, (Donohue) won the inaugural title based on prize money won over the four races. Three held at Riverside International Raceway. With the finale held on Valentines Day upon the Daytona International Speedway’s infield road course.

 

Donohue won $54,000 in the only year that IROC was contested solely on road courses. Along with the solitary season that Porsche 911 Carrera RSR’s were used. With a total of three drivers representing Formula 1, including two World Champions.

 

Year two, 1974-75 saw for F1 drivers competing, i.e.; Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson, Graham Hill and Jody Scheckter.

 

As a total of seven eventual F1 World Champions would participated over the first seven years thru 1980. With the aforementioned Fittipaldi, Hulme, Hill and Scheckter. Being joined by James Hunt, Mario Andretti and Alan Jones.

 

After a three year hiatus, IROC VIII began its running of a single year format in 1984. Beginning on June 16th at Michigan International Speedway. (MIS) Followed By Burke Lakefront Airport, (July 7th) Talladega Super Speedway. (July 28th) And then returned to MIS (Michigan) for the finale on August 11th.

 

As all four rounds served as “Undercard”, i.e.; support races held on Saturday. Preceding their respective racing series, i.e.; NASCAR and IndyCar. And were televised on CBS, before shifting to ABC/ESPN in 1987 for the remainder of competition.

 

Yet the tide had shifted in 1984. Being the first time the series hosted zero Formula 1 drivers. With Derek Bell and Jacky Ickx both representing World Sports Prototype Championship. Whilst EMMO’ (Fittipaldi) had become a CART/PPG IndyCar World Series driver instead.

 

As the field was comprised of five NASCAR Winston Cup drivers and five CART/IndyCar drivers, plus the two aforementioned Sports Car drivers for that year’s field of twelve participants. With NASCAR’s Cale Yarborough winning the Championship.

 

And although it lacked any Foreign drivers, the 1989 running of IROC XIII was certainly a Who’s Who of drivers! Featuring ‘Ol superTex’, nee A.J. Foyt and The King, aka Richard Petty leading the way. With Petty being joined by fellow Roundy round’ drivers ‘Ol Ironhead, thee Intimidator, (Dale Earnhardt) eventual IROC XIII Champion Terry Labonte, rusty Wallace and “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville”. (Elliot)

 

Foyt led the IndyCar ranks, joined by Rick Mears, (  ‘lil al (Unser Jr and ‘Ol Hollywood, aka Danny Sullivan.

 

Scott Pruet represented IMSA Camel GTO. Whilst Hurley Haywood from SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am and Geoff Brabham from IMSA Camel GTP rounded out the Tintops’ ranks.

 

As I’ll confess that I only perused the first 16 running’s of IROC for my compilation of Foreign drivers, most notably curious about Formula 1 participants. Which as of the 1992 IROC XVI, I believe that Martin BillyBob’ Brundle was the last Foreign competitor, also the last Formula 1 driver to contest what once was truly International…

 

I believe that Folklore claims it was ‘Ol Ironhead’, aka thee Intimidator’, ergo Dale Earnhardt whom gave Brundle the moniker of Billybob’ after Brundle won at Burke Lakefront Airport? Although I don’t know the exact christening of His nickname, since perhaps it came upon Brundle’s first IROC Oval experience at Talladega Super Speedway?

 

As Brundle finished third overall in 1990, behind only Earnhardt and Vice Champion ‘lil Al’, aka Al Unser Jr. Whilst I believe that only Brundle and EMMO’, nee Emerson Fittipaldi were the only two Foreign drivers to win a round of IROC. With Fittipaldi winning the second round of IROC II at Riverside on October 26, 1974.

 

Guessing I last watched IROC during the mid to late 1980’s, before it became totally RASSCAR’ Centric! For which the series rightly garnered criticism for, especially the last ten years of competition! With the final IROC championship featuring seven NASCAR drivers…

 

Mark Martin won a series leading five titles, including a Hat trick between 196-98. With Dale Earnhardt winning three times, while Al Unser Jr, and A.J. Foyt won twice. With Unser Jr being the last no NASCAR IROC Champion in 1988.

 

The Unser’s, ergo Big Al and son ‘lil Al appear to be the only Father-Son duo who raced together between 1986-91. Along with being the first of two Father-Son duo’s to win IROC Championships. The other being Bobby and Davey Allison.

 

Whilst Terry and Bobby Labonte appear to be the only brothers to win the Championship, which spans from 1973-74 to 2006.

 

As you could argue that the short lived Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series between 2021-23 tried to rekindle the majic of IROC. While I suppose its only logical that Ray Evernham heads today’s Historics IROC series, which hopes to race a few times each year…