2025 Petit Le Mans Postscript

Although Who to root for? Especially when you like All three podium Contendahs’

 

Yeah, I’m still doing Housecleaning here in thoust Dusty annals of No Fenders forgotten stories. Intending to pump Y’all up for the forthcoming 2026 Rolex 24. Especially since the Roar Before the 24’s just concluded…

 

Turning on Thy Telie’ six minutes early. (Last October) Hey, ever thought about how a Blind person aims the TV remote control correctly? Meaning I have to play the game of trying to “aim” the right direction, having gotten really good at turning the cable box’s power On/Off button, but I digress…

 

Thus ironically, NBC was in the final segment of that week’s Earth Odyessy with host Dylan Dreyer. The ironic part for Mwah was that She was talking about the King cobra snake. Noting how they could grow up to 16 feet long and live for 35 years. And their venomous fangs could immobilize an Elephant!

 

Yet instead, my mind flashed back to a different type of King Cobra, which if I remember correctly, only two examples were built.

 

Being mid-engine two litre Sports Cars built by Shelby American Inc, which I also believe were powered by Coventry Climax engines? While I know that Dave MacDonald drove one of these Sports Cars before His Death; also known as the Shelby Monaco King Cobra between 1963-67.

 

What little I remember now, is that it was good hearing Brian till’s voice again in the Announce Booth. Along with Calvin Fish and Townsend Bell.

 

But the Uber annoying part was that NBC couldn’t get it’s Seester Channel USA Network to forego a few hours of Law and Order reruns. And instead hid the final seven hours of this 10 Hour endurance classic behind it’s Peacock Paywall, Urgh!

 

Naturally, not having scribbled any notes afterwards, it’s quite foggy to Mwah now, which I’ll try stitching together my fleeting thoughts…

 

Recall Thar’ was a massive accident on the opening lap, with Joey Hand being an innocent bystander, with the race running under a 40mins full course caution to clean up debris. Come on Guys! What’s that ‘Ol Rick Mears saying about to finish first, first you must finish, Eh?

 

With NBC’s stupidity of subjugating us to it’s Peacock “Blackout”, I tried listening via IMSA Radio for the remainder of the race. Yet this was quite difficult since I’d just gotten my Confuzer’ back from it’s Windows 11 Assimulation. But it wouldn’t recognize my screen reader due to it’s new Hard drive and would only run in 40mins temporary mode. Before I finally figured out to just set the volume and turn off my Zoomtext Fusion at race’s end, Butterfingers!

 

Since I’d been having to shutdown the Bloody Confuzer and restart twice to resume running in 40 minute mode in order to be able to modulate the ever shifting volume level, but I digress FURTHER…

 

The race came alive for Mwah at the final hour, when the No. 23 Aston Martin THOR Valkyrie gambled on fuel strategy. Topping off with 50mins remaining, with the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R leading and the No. 6 Penske Porsche 963 second. Although at one point, the Riley Motorsports Lamborghini SC63 with Romain Grosjean ran as high as second place with The Heart of Racing’s (THOR) Valkyrie hot on it’s heels! Tearing my emotions between the Aston Martin and Squadra Corse Lambo’. Since it would be a stunning upset victory for either! As Roman de Angelis in the Valkyrie said He didn’t realize He had a shot at victory until 15mins remaining…

 

Try as hard as they might, it was to no avail. As the Lamborghini had to pit with five minutes remaining to replenish it’s dangerously low “virtual energy” fuel tank, dropping to fourth overall. Being the Lamborghini’s best racing finish, in what likely will be it’s last ever race? Whilst the #60 Meyer Shank Racing’s Acura ARX-06 closed out the Top 5 IMSA GTP finishers.

 

Yet it was the #31 Cadd-Oh-lac’ of Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti winning, their second, consecutive season’s win. And the trio’s first Petit le Mans victory.

 

Aston Martin claimed their first ever podium finish, finishing 5.1 seconds behind the Whelen Cadillac. With the No. 6 Penske Porsche 963 third overall, and Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell winning the IMSA GTP Drivers Championship.

 

Having since learned that the #11 TDF Racing won it’s second, consecutive LMP2 W’ at Road Atlanta. On the heels of another back-to-back win at Indianapolis and Road Atlanta. Being the perfect send-off to retiring IMSA driver Steven Thomas…

 

While the #48 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 Evo won the GTD Pro category, and the No. 21 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 won the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

 

As qualifying for the 64th Rolex 24 commences with qualifying this Thursday afternoon, January 22nd. Followed by the race on January 24-25, to get our 2026 racing season kicking…

 

As good luck figuring out when ‘n where the race will be Aired on your television! 

Petit Le Mans Postscript

As it was another Nail biting finish, especially for those with malfunctioning Headlights!

 

Yeah, the chequered flag has long flown upon this year’s epic 27th Petit Le Mans ten hours endurance race. Which once again will be my race of the year! For which I’m aiming for reflecting upon some of its too numerous exploits…

 

Tuning in for earnest with five and a quarter hours remaining, I learned that IndyCar’s Colton Herta was racing aboard the No. 40 WTR Andretti Acura ARX-06 in the GTP category. Being one lap down, ahead of Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon in the team’s #01 Cadillac V-Series.R.

 

As it was fascinating listening to IMSA Radio’s John Hindhaugh and Jeremy Shaw marvel over how Herta had not only unlapped Himself, but pulled out a 15-plus second lead over thee “Iceman 2.0”, nee Dixon during the middle of the race!

 

Yet this was all for naught, as suddenly Herta came racing into the pits, having suffered a punctured right rear tyre! Which then flailed about and caused bodywork damage also…

 

Making me ponder if Herta’s intense pace had been the culprit of His tyre delamination? Whilst Dixon would unlap the #01 Caddy’ later…

 

As there were a total of four current, Uhm, technically five current IndyCar drivers participating. Including Herta, Dixon, Kyle Kirkwood, Herta’s Andretti Global teammate. Junco Hollinger Racing’s Romain Grosjean and Dale Coyne Racing aspiring driver Hunter McElrea.

 

As Kirkwood was in the #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 GTD Pro entry, which retired early. McElrea once again was part of the winning No. 11 TDS Racing LMP2 entry, finishing eighth overall, and eight laps behind the overall winner.

 

Grosjean in the Lamborghini SP63 which ran several laps down, for which I don’t know the reason why? Finished 15th overall, behind the first seven LMP2 entries, Yikes!

 

I also enjoy the global aspect of Petit Le Mans, including its Femme Fatales contingent, for which multiple competed this year. As I caught pitlane interviews with two who were making  their Petit debuts. Including one I’d never heard of before named Lilou Wadoux, a 23yr old French racing driver. As Wadoux was part of the #88 Richard Mille AF Corse Oreca-Gibson LMP2 lineup. With the team contesting all of the IMSA WeatherTech Endurance rounds.

 

Little did I know until “reading” Her Bio, Wadoux is a rising star who was part of the LMP2 class winning entry at this year’s Six Hours of Watkins Glen. With the entry finishing seventh in class and P13 overall.

 

Also making Her Petit Le Mans debut was former A.J. foyt IndyCar driver Tatiana Calderon aboard the No. 66 Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 in the GT Daytona class. (GTD) Partnering fellow le Femme Sheena Monk and Stevan McAleer.

 

As I’m not sure what it says about the racecourse, Eh? As Tatiana claimed it was scary racing out there! Presumably due to the insane amount of nonstop “traffic”. Finishing P39 overall, some 37-laps behind.

 

And then there was the #83 Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracan GT3 entry, also in the GTD class with its regular Femme fatales lineup of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting. Finishing P41 overall, 39-laps behind and one place adrift of the No. 66 Gradient Acura NSX in the GTD class.

 

Another winning Indy NXT driver and aspiring IndyCar racer in the field was Mattie B’, aka Matthew Brabham piloting the No. 99 AO Racing’s Oreca-Gibson LMP2 entry. Although Brabham’s IndyCar aspirations seem to have stalled.

 

Whilst I don’t know if it was my ears playing tricks upon me? As I thought I heard Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco being interviewed late in the race? Although the Froggy’ sounding driver mentioned He was still fighting a Flu and that Ibuprofen was His “Friend”. And He didn’t feel anything when driving the car!

 

As DeFrancesco, a former Andretti Global IndyCar driver was part of Forte Racing’s No. 78 GTD Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2 squad. While fellow Hoser’, err Kuhnuck’ thee Mayor of Hinchtown’, aka James Hinchcliffe was behind the keyboard of the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports McLaren 720s GTD Pro entry. As Hinch’ contested the team’s endurance rounds this season…

 

Don’t know all of the gyrations that the #01 Cadd-Oh-lacc’ endured during the race. Besides spending the night hours as a one headlight cyclops! Apparently suffering from a sensor issue that took multiple pitlane trips to fix and dropping them one lap down, or was it two?

 

But after the race’s final full course caution, for a scary three car crash! Triggered by Cory Lewis’s #55 Mustang stranded with no headlights! The race became quite riveting…

 

As Renger van der Zande in the #01 Caddy’ that was driving with just its left headlight working, made a brazen pass for the lead of the race over Nick Tandy’s Penske Porsche 963 with under 20mins remaining? And then you felt the palpable tension of Hindhaugh suddenly screaming over how the No. 01’s lights had All gone out with three minutes remaining and He’ll have to immediately come to pitlane!

 

Yet the lights came back on, and then they winked at us, with the left going out and right coming on, before all four lights came on briefly across the stripe! Giving Chip Ganassi Racing and full season drivers van der Zande and Sebastien Bourdais the Fairytale sendoff for their final Cadillac outing!

 

Even more gripping was the fact that due to a niggling mechanical malady; errant steering wheel connection putting the GTD Pro Drivers Championship into question. With Laurin Heinrich and His No. 77 “Rexi” Dinosaur themed AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R unable to finish any better than eleventh.

 

Heart of Racing’s Ross Gunn needed to finish second in order to steal the Drivers title! For which Gunn’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 entry was leading the race prior to Lewis’s incident!

 

Yet the eventual first and second place GTD Pro entry’s; the No. 19 Iron Lynx Lambo’ with Jordan Pepper and No. 62 Risi competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 with Daniel Serra at their controls, both managed to duck into the pits for their final pitstop before the yellow came out…

 

As Gunn spent the race’s final 35mins harrying Serra in the second place Ferrari. Closing to as close as naught-three second (0.3)  adrift in third place, but could never find a way around the Prancing Horse!

 

Thus Gunn came up four points shy of snatching the title! Ironically due to Heinrich’s Pole position’s extra five points, giving Him the necessary “cushion” over Gunn’s unexpected triumph…

 

While the GTD class winners also took the lead late in the race I believe. As the No. 34 Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 of Albert Costa, Manny Franco and Cedric Sbirrazzuoli were victorious. And yes, that’s the same Conquest Racing of longtime team owner and former IndyCar driver Eric Bachelart. 

How many IndyCar Seats remain for 2025?

And how many lick does it take to get to the center, Oh Never Mind!

 

Following that epic, Heart stopping Disco Cyclops Petit Le Mans finish. Where Renger van der Zande said He liked Disco when trying to get the lights to stay on in the closing minutes of the race! And had simply started pushing buttons, with somebody telling Him to push the white button…

 

Arse-sumedly we can now focus, Hocus Pocus? Upon the remaining IndyCar seats still up for grabs for the 2025 season, El Correctomundo?

 

Thus, as of Monday, October 14th, when I began this riveting prose. Hot on the heels of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing having inked the reigning Indy NXT champion Louis foster to the de riggour multi-year contract.

 

Thar’ were still technically seven seats available: (1) Chip Ganassi Racing, (2) Dale Coyne Racing, (2) Juncos Hollinger Racing, (1) Prema Racing, and (1) Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

 

Yet the Ganassi and Prema seats are already taken, with Kyffin Simpson moving to the No. 8 entry formerly driven by 2024 IndyCar Rookie Of the year Linus Lundqvist. And Robert Shwartzman in the second, unannounced Prema Racing seat alongside Callum Ilott.

 

Where to start, Eh? As we know Dale Coyne won’t have anything finalized until the week before St Pete’s season opener, Righto? Although Dale’s hands are somewhat tied now, due to the Dale Coyne Charter rule of only three drivers in a car per season. Meaning He’ll have to find drivers with more than a single race’s funding…

 

No idea over whether or not Romain Grosjean will be back at Juncos Hollinger Racing next year? Or which “Pay” Driver they’ll insert into the No. 78 next season? Since I’m guessing we shouldn’t read too much into Conor Daly testing for them at Mother Speedway’s Hybrid system test.

 

Whilst interestingly, another Free Agent named Rinus veeKay was testing for Dale Coyne at Indianapolis…

 

As the pool of current IndyCar drivers without rides theoretically exceeds current vacancies. As Lundqvist, Grosjean, VeeKay, Daly, Toby Sowery, Hunter McElrea and Sting Ray Robb are All seeking employment.

 

Oops, how could I forget “Teddy Porkchop”, aka Theo Pourchaire, who seems totally deserving of an IndyCar drive! And I’ve also momentarily forgotten current RLLR Simulator Jockey Juri Vips.

 

Not to mention that Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco is supposedly trying to find His way back into an IndyCar seat.

With no disrespect to thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge, whom I’ve also overlooked…

Whilst that doesn’t include any other potential Indy NXT  graduates like runner-up Jacob Abel, whom seems locked out of an IndyCar career. Or any FIA Formula 2 drivers wanting to come Stateside. Since we know that Zane Maloney tested with RLLR this past August on Indianapolis’s road course, during His IndyCar debut.

 

Along with current Aston Martin Formula 1 test and reserve driver Felipe Drugovich’s recent test for Ganassi. As it seems a waste for Drugovich, the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Champion to still be sitting on the sidelines!

 

Or the upcoming test for former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant at the Thermal Club with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) on November 19th.

 

Since we know that both Ganassi and MSR don’t have any vacancies for next year. But these late season tests give them an opportunity to evaluate future talent, set-ups and a variety of other things. Like MSR testing out its new technical alliance with CGR.

 

As I fear that many of the drivers named above, and those I don’t know about will be disappointed “When the Music’s Over” and we “turn Out the Lights!” Upon the 2025 IndyCar Silly Season… 

Once again, it’s time for IMSA’s Season Finale Petit Le Mans

But can anybody stop Porsche from winning the Championship

 

This year’s 27th running of the Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta Saturday, October 12th will once again see the crowning of this year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s four categories title winners, i.e.; GTP, LMP2, GTD Pro and GTD.

 

As it appears to essentially be a two Horse title fight between the two Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 Panzerwagens, Ja Volt!

 

As the No. 7 leads the points standings with 2,630 vs. it’s Seester’ No. 6 with 2,616 points, Crikeys!

 

As Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr in the #7 have scored a total of six podiums, including two wins at Daytona and Watkins Glen, both endurance rounds. While the #6 duo of Mathieu Jaminet and Nick Tandy have claimed five podiums, including wins at Laguna Seca and Road America.

 

The #01 Cadillac of Chip Ganassi Racing with Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande lies third overall with 2,466 points. Having won at Long Beach and amassed four podiums to date.

 

Yet that was before learning that the third place No. 6 Penske and fourth place No. 40 WTR Andretti Acura had been penalized for being out of compliance following the IMSA GTP Impound after the Battle on The Bricks! With the #6 Porsche 963 falling afoul of having an unapproved wiring harness and the #40 Acura having unapproved brake ducting.

 

Both failing to meet their chassis Homologation requirements, and dropping to the rear of the field in tenth & eleventh respectively.

 

Thus the No. 7 Penske now has a “robust” 124 points lead over the No. 6. (2,650 vs. 2,526) and the #01 trailing the two Porsches with 2,486 points. Meaning it would be sort of “Funny” if Ganassi could steal the championship in it’s final race for Cadillac…

 

If I’ve read the points system correctly, there’s a maximum of 385 points on offer at Petit Le Mans. With Pole position paying 35-points and a win equals 350 points. But I’m not gonna even try doing all of the permeations necessary!

 

The LMP2 category is led by Nick Boulle and Tom Dillmann, driving for Inter Europol by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. With the No. 52 Oreca Having won once and claimed three podiums with 1,919 points. Followed closely by Gar Robinson and Felipe Fraga in the No. 74 Riley with 1,821 points. Whilst Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Dalziel sits alone in third place aboard the #18 ERA Motorsport entry, with 1,796 points.

 

GTD Pro sees Laurin Heinrich atop the standings, behind the keyboard of the No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R with 2,887 points. Followed by Ross Gunn in the #23 Heart of Racing Team’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo with 2,788 points. With Heinrich having three W’s vs. Gunn’s solitary win.

 

While you can never count out the championship winning duo of Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow aboard the #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 lurking in third overall with 2,668 points. And the defending GTD Pro champion Vasser Sullivan No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 duo of Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat are fourth with 2,659 points.

 

As Heart of Racing will once again enter two Vantages in the GTD Pro class with the No. 23 and No. 027 to attempt bolstering Gunn’s outside chance of winning the title. As Roman de Angelis joins Ross Gunn and Andre Riberas in the #23. Whilst Mario Farnbacher, Zacharie Robichon and Marco Sorensen man the #027.

 

And DragonSpeed which made it’s GT debut at Indianapolis, now moves up to GTD Pro with it’s Ferrari 296 GT3 entry…

 

The GT Daytona (GTD) class is headed by Philip Ellis and Russell Ward driving the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. Having claimed four wins and a total of six podiums, with a worst finish of seventh! Seeing the duo amass 3,006 points. And holding a healthy advantage of 222 “markers” over the second place challengers Robby Foley and Patrick Galligher of Turner Motorsports. As the No. 96 BMW M4 GT3 pairing trails with 2,784 points.

 

 

 

Being the season finale’s ten hours endurance race, everybody will be running a minimum three driver lineup. Meaning that Ganassi will see Soctt Dixon as it’s third driver. With Romain Grosjean and company in the Lamborghini SP63, which is just contesting the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds this season. Which will also be decided at Road Atlanta.

 

No idea if Kyle Kirkwood or Hunter McElrea will be on hand? Or any other IndyCar drivers?

 

Have read conflicting reports over the four categories breakdown. But believe it’s 11 GTP’s, 10 LMP2, 13 GTD Pro and 20 GT Daytona entries, if I’ve done my math correctly?

 

According to Racer.com, the “Maxed-out” field of 54 entries will take the green flag at 12:10PM, Arse-sumedly being  Eastern time. Meaning the race will end at 10:10PM EST, or during dinner here on the west coast…

 

Also Arse-suming the race will be available on it’s typical Cabbage Patch menagerie ‘O media platforms, i.e.; Peacock, USA Network and Big NBC? Plus my personal favourite, IMSA Radio, which is available All ten hours!

 

Since According to my Zap-2-It TV guide, the first three hours airs upon Big NBC; from 9AM-Noon Pacific. Then disappears to Peacock for three hours, Frick! Before the final fours hours of the race and beyond air upon USA Network; from 3-7:30PM Pacific.

 

But as Always, Check your local listings! 

IMSA: Petit Le Mans Notes

    As once again, I missed thee memo…

 

Having put my Petit Le Mans preview to “Bed” prior to the entry list being made public. I’d say your humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso did a pretty good job guessing on which IndyCar drivers would be racing this weekend at Road Atlanta.

 

As I did get Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Scott McLauglin and Helio Castroneves rides sorted correctly. Only guessing’ wrong upon which racecarKyle Kirkwood would be in.

 

As “Kirk” Kirkwood will be driving the Vasser Sullivan Racing’s No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 entry alongside season regulars and GTD Pro Class Champions elect Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat. As the trio are the defending Petit Le Mans GTD Pro Class winners.

 

ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin will indeed be back with the No. 8 Tower Motorsports in the LMP2 prototype category. As the Kiwi’ will team with the totally unknown Arie Balogh and Chip Ganassi Racing 2024 IndyCar rookie Kyffin Simpson.

 

Also of interest is the Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracan GT Daytona (GTD) entry. As the No. 85 sports an All Femme Fatale lineup with Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Doraine Pim at the Lambo’s keyboard.

 

Whilst I find it Uber embarrassing that only the final three hours of the season finale will be available upon USA Network, provided the RASSCAR lite’ Xfinity race doesn’t go into overtime…

 

Meaning the majority of one of IMSA’s premiere endurance races is stuck behind that nebulous Peacock Paywall for the majority of it’s ten hours duration. Meaning I can skip directly past GO, straight to IMSA Radio instead!

 

Hmm, can Y’all say TV ratings Bonanza? Whilst believe I’ve heard the Green Flag flies at 8:40AM Pacific. But as Always, check your local listings… 

IMSA: 2023 Petit Le Mans Season Finale another Nail Biter

As which IndyCar team owner will become this year’s Prototypes Champion?

 

This year’s 26th running of the Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta Saturday, October 14th will feature another winner take All outcome! As there are four IMSA GTP teams competing to win the Prototypes Championship. With the Top-three title competitors being an amazing five points apart of each other!

 

As the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Action Express Racing (AXR) Cadillac V-Series.R of Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims lead the points battle with 2460 points. Then just a scant three markers back (2457) is the No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport’s Acura ARX-06 with Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque at it’s controls. Nipping at Thar’ Heels a further two markers adrift (2455) is the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsports duo of Mathieu Jaminet and Nick Tandy. Having taken their Porsche 963 to victory at the latest race at Rodger’s “Playground” at Mother Speedway.

 

Needing All three of these teams to run into trouble, along with needing to finish multiple places ahead of them. The #25 Team BMW Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing entry of Nick Yelloly and Conor De Filipe have an outside chance of clinching the title aboard their BMW M8 Hybrid, albeit the duo currently ranks fourth with 2422 points; 38-points adrift.

 

Interestingly, the WTR Andretti entry is the only one of these four title Contendahs’ to have not won a race. Instead just having amassed three podium finishes; a pair of second’s and one third place.

 

While the Whelen Engineering Cadillac and Team BMW RLL have both one win apiece. With the Porsche Penske having scored two W’s in what’s been deemed a Feast or Famine season.

 

Although I suppose it’s worth mentioning that the Seester’ No. 7 Penske Porsche is still mathematically alive at 2387 points; 73-adrift…

 

Being the final endurance race of the season, with currently five IndyCar teams competing, i.e.; Andretti Auto, Err Andretti Global, Chip Ganassi Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, (MSR) Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Team Penske. Although MSR will lose it’s Acura ARX-06 next year when Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Global becomes a two car Acura program. Alas, Thars’ plenty for IndyCar fans to keep track of.

 

Everybody in the race’s five classes, i.e.; GTP, LMP2, LMP3, GTD Pro and GT Daytona (GTD) will be employing a third Enduro’ specialist for the ten hours race, with current IndyCar driver Scott Dixon joining the #01 Ganassi (CGR) Cadd-Oh-lacc’ as usual alongside Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande. As  Dixon was the only current IndyCar driver I knew for certain being on the Grid when beginning to scribble thisNo Fenders tome…

 

Yet of note, initially Josef Newgarden and Jenson Button were listed as TBA on the series potential season’s competitors entries in the GTP ranks. Wit Newgarden in the No. 7 Penske Porsche 963 and Button in the No. 5 “Mach 5 Mustang Sally”, Err Sampling? JDC-Miller Motorsports customer Porsche 963.

 

Having learned that indeed both Newgarden and Button will be making their IMSA GTP debuts at Road Atlanta, with both drivers racing in Porsche 963’s for the first time. Whilst it’s also Button’s debut racing in IMSA competition.

 

Two other IndyCar drivers I was unaware of potentially competing are ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin and Helio Casstroneves participation. As McLaughlin will possibly reunite with the No. 8Tower Motorsports in LMP2.

 

Whilst don’t be surprised if Castroneves whose been an “Afterthought” for Mwah this entire IndyCar season, once again Moonlights aboard the #60 MSR Acura GTP entry.

 

Believe the LMP2 title fight is between George Kurtz and Company in the #04 CrowdStrike Racing by APR vs. Ben Keating and Company in the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports entry. With both running the dominant Oreca 07 LMP2 chassis.

 

Oopsadaisy! Actually Nikkel Jensen and Steven Thomas in the NO. 55 TDF Racing lead the LMP2 title fight with 1680 points. Keating and Paul-Loup Chatin are a scant twenty markers adrift at 1660 points, with Kurtz and Ben Hanley third on 1580 points.

 

Not sure if the points structure is the same for every IMSA category? If so, then I believe there’s still a maximum of 385 points on offer at Road Atlanta? Meaning it appears to still be a three way title fight in LMP2. Arse-sumedly winner take all But I don’t know how the Michelin Endurance Cup points factor into the outcome? Since pretty sure this is the final round of that separate championship.

 

And although I Don’t Know Nothing! About the first and third place LMP2 runners. It’s potentially shaping up to be a banner year for Keating. As the talented Texan “Gentleman” driver has already won the final FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMGTE AM Championship. Along with winning this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans category aboard the Larbre Competition Corvette C8.R, after being two laps down! And is now on the cusp of His second title this season.

 

Not to mention becoming part of United Autosports two car IMSA LMP2 Full season entry next year. Driving for somebody named Mr. Zakery Brown and co-owner Richard Dean.

 

While there are simply way too many former IndyCar drivers on the Grid to bother typing. Other than I’d Arse-sume current IndyCar driver Kyle Kirkwood will once again be Moonlighting aboard the #12 Lexus RF C GT3 in the GT Daytona category…

 

And speaking ‘O Lexus. Former IndyCar team owners Top Jimmy’ (Vasser) and James Sully’ Sullivan, who run Lexus’s two car IMSA program. Will claim their first IMSA GTD Pro Championship by simply taking the green flag on Saturday. With former IndyCar driver Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat becoming Class Champions aboard the No. 14 Lexus entry.

 

The #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 wit Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow has already won the GTD (Daytona) Championship on the strength of a record five wins. Whilst I’m fairly certain that Gar Robinson and His No. 74 Riley Motorsports Ligier have a lock upon the LMP3 category, which is making it’s series swan song at Road Atlanta.

 

Arse-sumedly television coverage will once again begin on Big NBC with an Hour’s or more “teaser” before shifting over to USA Network for a few hours. And then Arse-suming to Peacock in order to make way for USA Network running a brace of Law and Order or Chicago PD reruns…

 

And then who knows where the finish of the race winds up on television? Since by then, I’ll have long switched over to IMSA Radio’s coverage with John Hindhaugh, Jeremy Shaw and Shea Adam. So as Always, I’ll leave it to Y’all to check your local listings. 

RETRO: Iconic Ford GT Racecar Bows Out for Third Time

As will we ever see a fourth iteration of this venerable, iconic Sports Car on Racetracks around the Globe?

 

By now, especially since it was nearly Gory four years ago, Zoinks! I'm Arse-suming Y'all have totally forgotten that the October 2019's Petit Le Mans signaled the end of the much vaunted Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) Werks' Ford GT racing programme. When those two IMSA Grand Touring Le Mans Spec Ford GT's crossed the finish line with Ryan Briscoe behind the Keyboard of his No. 67 mount gamely chasing the class winning #62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTE, El Correctomundo?

 

As Briscoe finished 11th Overall, with the Seester’ #66 finishing 17th Overall…

 

Yet in for a Pound, in for a penny? Here’s what I’ve gleamed for the final three year’s of Cheeps’ wonderful Ford GT Werks’ programme.

 

2017

The second year of Ye Cheepster’s, nee chip Ganassi’s Werks’ Ford GT racing programme started off with a Bang! When the No. 66 CGR Ford GT with Joey Hand, Dirk Mueller and le Hamburgular’, Sealmeister B’ ergo Monsieur Bourdais winning the season opening Rolex 24's GT Le Mans Category. With Hand & Mueller claiming Thar second W' later that season at road America.

 

Across thoust Gory Puddle in what Racer’s Marshall Pruett enjoys calling the “Weckity Wec”, nee FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC) The season got off to a great start when CGR’s No. 67 was victorious with Pipo Derani, Harry Tincknell and Andy Priaulx behind it’s Keyboard at Bloody Silverstone’s opening round.

 

Once again for Le Mans, (Round 3) CGR entered it’s four cars. With it’s No. 67 Ford UK WEC entry finishing P18 Overall and second in class, behind the winning No. 97 Aston Martin Vantage.

 

With it’s Seester’ No. 66 WEC entry finishing P27 overall and 10th in class.

 

Whilst it’s two IMSA WeatherTech sportscar  Championship (Ford USA) Nos. 68-69 entries finished in lockstep with each other. With the No. 68 finishing sixth in the LMGTE Pro class and 22nd overall. And the No. 69 finished 23rd overall and seventh in class.

 

Then at Round 8 at Shanghai, the Ford UK entry of Tincknell and Priaulx scored the No. 67’s second and final WEC victory of the season.

 

2018

For Year three, the Ford GT won it's second consecutive 24 Hours of Daytona race, this time with the #67 piloted by it's regular crew of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook, with some Cool Kiwi Bloke commonly referred to as The Iceman, aka Scott Dixon as it's third driver.

 

The Seester' #66 won the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Watkins Glen Six Hours Enduro with regulars Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller, followed by the two cars playing Leapfrog upon the Podium's top step. As the No. 67 won next time out at Mosport, followed immediately by the No. 66 at Lime Rock, followed by the #67 winning at Road America - with the Ford GT's sweeping Four races in-a-row!

 

Meanwhile, making things messy, the FIA decided to switch to an bi-yearly calendar for the 2018-19 season, for which Ganassi’s Ford UK operation won just one lone race. When the No. 66 driven by Oliver Pla, Billy Johnson and Stefan Mucke took the top step at the season opening Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Class podium.

 

2019

Stateside, on Ye IMSA championship trail, the two Werks’ Porsche 911 RSR’s dominated the season. With the Ford GT not scoring it’s first W’ until Round 8 at the venerable Lime Rock Park facility. As Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook in the No. 67 were victorious. With the duo winning next time out at Road America.

 

Then at the penultimate round at Laguna Seca, Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller gave the Ford GT it’s final victory in IMSA competition, aboard the sister No. 66 entry.

 

As mentioned above, the FIA had moved to an Summer-Fall calendar, instituting it’s 2018-19 season, which featured two 24 Hours of Le Mans events. Wit the latter 2019 portion of the calendar beginning with that year’s super Sebring weekend.

 

Yet neither of Ganassi’s two Ford GT WEC entries didn’t win again, after winning at Spa the previous year.

 

And Le Mans was another disappointment, albeit three-fourths of the Ford GT Armada finished P-4-5-6 in the LMGTE Pro Class. With the WEC’s No. 67 finishing 23rd Overall. Followed by the IMSA No. 69 and WEC #66 in lockstep. With the second IMSA #68 entry being disqualified Post race!

 

Yet the even bigger news was the apparent LMGTE Am win of Ben Keating’s No. 85 Ford GT, the first “Privateer” ford GT effort, resplendent in beautiful Wynns livery. Having it’s Class victory taken away Post race! As it too, along with it’s Big Brother’s #68 entry were both DSQ’ed’, nee Disqualified for having illegal, oversized fuel tanks, Youch!

 

And then as noted above, the CGR Ford GT progamme came to it’s glorious end at Petit Le Mans, in what had always been a four year programme. Which in motor racing is an eternity!

 

Epilogue

Whilst the Doran Ford GT-R is denoted as a Mk VII variant, and the following Ganassi Ford GT’s racecars as Mk VIII models. Try as I might, I cannot find any information upon what the missing Ford GT40/GT Mk VI variant was? And apparently it’s a State Secret? Although perhaps the TOMS Japanese Ford GT300 is the mysterious Mk Vi racecar? 

IMSA: 2022 Petit le Mans Preview

As it’s time to bring thoust curtain Down upon the DPi era…

 

Author’s Note

Full disclosure, this No Fenders Yarn’ was scribbled several weeks prior to this year’s race, and therefore will most likely Not include the latest Driver/Team Chane Developments…

Tomaso

 

As noted, this is just a “Best” Guess at who you might See running at this year’s 25^th unning of the Motil Petit le Mans race this Saturday, October 1^st. Which Arse-sumedly you’ll be able to catch various portions of the ten Hour race on Big NBC, USA Network and Frick, Peacock! But I’ll leave it up to Y’all to figure out the How ‘N When to play Chase the TV Broadcast over multiple outlets…

 

Starting with the Big Boyz’, in what will be the series Swan Song for the Daytona Prototype International (DPi) racecars, which will be replaced next year by IMSA’s GTP Class, although currently known as LMDH, i.e.; Le Mans Daytona Hypercars,. Thar will be seven entries competing for the Overall win. With the two Acura’s fighting against five Cadillac’s.

 

Acura

The Championship leading #10 Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) entry features Ricky Taylor and Felipe Albuquerque, along with Endurance Specialist Will Stevens.

 

Whilst Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) #60 will be piloted by Tom “the Bomb” Blomquist, Oliver Jarvis and presumably MSR IndyCar Drivers Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud will be on Hand?

 

Cadillac

The “Mach 5 Mustang Sally,” err Mustang Sampling No. 5 JDC Miller Motorsports features “Westie,” aka Richard Westbrook and Tristan Turbo’ Vautier at it’s controls, presumably with Loic Duvall once again as it’s Endurance specialist.

 

Whelen Engineering’s (AXR) #31 entry is comprised of Pico Derani, Olivier Pla and Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway. With the Seester Action Express Racing (AXR) Allied No. 48 entry seeing Jimmie Johnson and His All Stars, i.e.; K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi and Mike “rocy” Rockenfeller at it’s Keyboard.

 

Lastly, Chip Ganassi Racing’s (CGR) two car entry sees it’s #01 entry piloted by Renger Van der Zande and le Hamburgualr’, nee Sebastien Bourdais presumably paired with Scotty the Iceman 2.0’ Dixon.

 

While the #02 sees Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn paired with potentially Marcus Ericsson?

 

GTD Pro/GT Daytona

Thars’ simply Way too Many Gran Torismo entrants to attempt chronicling! As the GTD Pro and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) entrants All competing in GT3 Saloons, albeit the Corvette C8.R’s have been “reversed Engineered” from Thar GT LM (Le Mans) Specs to comply. While the Pro designation stands for All Professional Driver lineups…

 

Some entries of Note include the No. 9, Number Nine, Numeral Nein? FAB Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R with it’s All Porsche Penske Motorsports trio of Matt Campbell, Mathieu Jaminet and Felipe Nasr.

 

Whilst former IndyCar Co-Owners Top Jimmy’ and Sully’s Vasser Sullivan Racing’s Lexus RC F GT3 Squad runs one Lexus in each category. With No Clue if (Townsend) T-Bell’ will be Moonlighting aboard the No. 12? While I’d expect to see IndyCar Driver Kyle Kirkwood once again in the #14 GTD Pro entry alongside Ben Barnicoat and Union’ Jack Hawksworth.

 

And then Thars’ for whatever will be my Homeboyz’ “Team Seattle’s” Heart of Racing Team now campaigning Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT’s, with it’s iconic No. 23 with Ross gunn, Alex riberas and Maxine Martin in the GTD Pro category. With it’s Seester’ NO. 27 entry of Roman De Angelis, Ian James and Darren Turner? In the “lower” tier GTD Ranks.

 

And you can never count out the No. 16 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R of Jan “Van Hagar” Heylen, Ryan Hardwick and Zach Rubichon.

 

And suppose I should also mention Good ‘Ol Bimmer Billy’, aka Bill Auberlen in Turner Motorsports Shiny, New BMW three litre inline six turbo M4 GT3 Chariot with Robby foley and Michael Vinan? At it’s Keyboard… 

Another Petit Le Mans Closes Sports Car Season on a High

As it was the typical Donnybrook, Firecracker fisticuffs Multi-class racing Us Sports Car Fans have come to Enjoy…

 

Gorged Thyself over thoust weekend, “Watching,” Whale’ actually listening to most of the Petit Le Mans, for which I partook All 10 Hours of, Zoinks!

 

Began by Tuning into the first two hours plus on Big NBC enjoying hearing Leigh Diffey with his Sports Cars Sidekicks Calvin Fish and Townsend Bell before switching over to ESPNews for another McQuackery’ Joker Quack-Quack F1 Sprint qualie’ race. Then spent the next six and three quarter Hours listening to John Hindhaugh and Company on IMSA Radio…

 

Yeah, I know that the Dreaded BoP (Balance of Performance) plays a large part in the close racing. Nevertheless, how can you not marvel over the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship’s Season Finale coming down to the last 21mins of another epic 10 Hour race!

 

As I was Pullin’ for the little Mazda that could All race long, even when they went three laps down, Yikes! Since it would simply be a Fairy Tale ending to Mazda’s Prototype’s tenure running the smallest motor on the grid, i.e.; 2.0 litre Inline Four Banger’ (4 cylinder) turbo, which always makes me think of those All conquering IMSA GTP AAR Eagles of years past!

 

Yet with my Talking Keychain Clock chiming 6:49PM Pacific when Harry Tincknell put a brazen pass upon Felipe Nasr for the lead and eventual win, how could you not be Happy for Mazda in Thar Swan song, Eh? Especially since the Double Nickel #55 was adorned with scores of Fans John Hancock’s, including IMSA Radio’s Pit Reporter Shea Adam upon it.

 

Whilst it was apparent that Nasr in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac was completely focused upon claiming the DPi Prototypes Championship title since he backed out of a few potential lunges for the lead whilst trailing Tincknell, instead keeping a fleeting, scant 1.8 second lead ahead of Ricky Taylor in the #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura. The two protagonists for the Prototypes title, with whichever car finished ahead being crowned Champion!

 

As I was Rootin’ for Nasr to hold off Taylor, who attempted Dive Bombing the Brazilian on the final lap to No avail! As Nasr leaes the team for Audi, and Co-Driver Pipo Derani who lost the title to Taylor and Hulio’ (Castroneves) last year were worthy Championship winners this season!

 

In the words of RASSCAR’, The big One occurred when seven GT Cars were ultimately taken out of competition upon one of the multiple restarts, being victums of what ‘Ol Hobbo’, aka HobbsCapp’, nee David Hobbs would call the Concertina effect, when the trailing pack sped up, slowed down and Whamoe! As the ensuing Full Yellow Caution would last for a Half hour-plus.

 

Very Happy over my Team Seattle Homeboyz’ Heart of Racing’s No. 23 Aston Martin being victorious in the GT Daytona class, with team leader and Endurance “Specialist” Ian James saying after the race that Ross Gunn was simply On Fire and No One was gonna Catch Him! Although obviously Roman DeAngelis did his part during the race.

 

The final GT Le Mans race seemed sorta Anti-climatic, especially with the leading #97 Weathertech Porsche 911 RSR-19 gifting the win to it’s Seester No. 79 full Season entry.

 

And I was Pullin’ for the #30 JR III Racing LMP3 entry after the #36 Andretti Autosport entry had multiple issues, but it was another ex-Indy Lights Driver atop the Class Podium instead, when Gar Robinson led the way aboard his #74 Robinson Ranch riley Motorsports entry.

 

And the Fireworks didn’t end there, since the leading #52 LMP2 entry was Docked a Post-race Drive-thru time penalty at the races end for Avoidable contact, seeing the No. 8 Tower Motorsports winning the class instead, with another obscure, forgotten ex-Indy Lights driver James French as part of the winning Driver’s trio.

 

As usual, it was a totally gripping race for ten solid hours, never knowing who would win the race outright, since many of the Big boyz DPi runners spent time leading, before deservably the ‘lil Car that Could won it’s final race! As not even could it’s suffering a broken Spark plug keep it out of Victory lane… 

IMSA: 2021 Petit Le Mans Season Finale

                 

As Class titles are on the line in what surely, No Don’t Call Me Shirley Jokes Here, Hya! Typical Fisticuffs, Donnybrook Firecracker racing will be Action Ah-Plenty at Road Atlanta!

 

This year’s 24th Motul Petit Le Mans has announced a robust 43 Car entry list, Hmm? Where have I heard that 43 number before, Psyche!

 

The race will Air live on both Big NBC and the fleeting NBC Sports TV channels this Saturday, Nov 13^th, beginning on NBC at 9AM Pacific before shifting to NBCSN for the final seven hours at Noon, but as Always, Check your local listings!

 

There will be a total of 22 Prototypes divided by three classes, with the Top flight DPi (Daytona Prototype International) class fielding it’s normal six entries, plus a second AXR Caddy’.

 

The LMP2 Class will have five runners, including a single entry from United Autosport, who’ll also bring a single LMP3 entry to the Petit party, where a total of ten entrants will take the Green Flag.

 

Former IndyCar Driver Spencer Pigot will Moonlight for JR III Racing in the Prototypes bottom rung, i.e.; LMP3 alongside the team’s Garett Grist and Ari Valogh in the #30.

 

While keep your eye upon that #36 Andretti Autosport entry with Jarett Andretti, Australia’s Josh Burton, No relation to those RASSCAR’ Roundy round burton’s Yeehaw! And Oliver Askew at it’s controls.

 

The Tintops’, Err Saloon Boys and Girls will see GT Le Mans going out in style with a 50% increase with a total of six entries, with Corvette leading a two-by-two Coomb by Yah…

 

As once again, the GT LM Championship will be decided between the two Corvette C8.R’s, most likely going to Jordan Taylor and Antonio Garcia, albeit Tommy Milner and Nick Tandy, who’ve won the last three races in-a-row have an outside chance.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan will run it’s brace ‘O BMW M8 GTE coupes for their final time, along with a second #97 Weatherteck Racing Porsche 911RSR-19 wit it’s Drivers to be announced (TBA) in the category.

 

Per usual, the largest Class will be the GT Daytona (GTD) field with 15 cars ready to Rock ‘N Roll.

 

And although I’ll be rootin’ for multiple cars in this category, naturally my ‘Ol Homeboyz’ (Team Seattle) Heart of Racing’s No. 23 Aston Martin Vantage, the reigning GTD Sprint Cup Champions, it’s another name from the Evergreen State that caught my Attenzione.

 

As the IMSA Pre-Entry list says that the #12 Vasser Sullivan Racing (VSR) Lexus RC F GT3 is sponsored by Bayside Recycling, Huh? Since I know the name well from the ‘Ol Bayside Disposal Racing days of Bruce Leven and his iconic #86 Porsche 962’s and later those sleek black #86 Texaco/Havoline IndyCar’s with Dominic Dobson and Jeff Andretti at their keyboards.

 

But I’ll be pullin’ more for the No. 14 VSR Seester Lexus since it’s got some reigning Indy Lights Champion named Kyle Kirkwood as part of it’s Driver’s lineup.

 

Yet I suppose Mucho noise will be being made over some Indy 500 winner named Helio Castroneves as Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) #60 Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototypes (DPi) third Driver. Uhm, Check that, Hulio’s actually replacing Olivier Pla and the car’s third endurance driver will be somebody known here at No Fenders as Monty’, JPM or once upon a time Mac Montoya! As Juan Pablo will reunite with his IMSA Prototypes Championship winning Co-Driver Dane Cameron and ex-Team Penske teammate for MSR.

 

Jimmie Johnson and other members of his All Star Cast will be back aboard the No. 48 Action Express Racing’s (AXR) second Part-time (Endurance Rounds Only) Cadillac DPi VR entry. As K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi and “Simone,” Err Pageantry’, nee Simon Pagenaud will join Johnson once again.

 

While it’s Seester AXR entry the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadd-Oh-lacc’ will have Pipo Derani, Felipe Nasr and Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway as it’s Chauffeurs.

 

The Championship leading No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing’s Acura ARX-05 of Ricky Taylor and Felipe Albuquerque will be joined by Alexander Rossi.

 

While Cadillac has the most entrants with four to choose from three teams. As Scott Dixon will Moonlight aboard the #01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Renger Van der Zande and the departing Kevin Magnussen.

 

JDC Miller Motorsports “Mach 5, Mustang Sally,” Err #5 Mustang Sampling will have it’s winning Sebring 12 Hours “Band” back together when Sebastien Bourdais rejoins Tristan Vautier and Loic Duvall.

 

Whilst the Sleeper of the DPi Class will be the “Double Nickel” #55 Mazda RT24P entry with Oliver Jarvis, Harry Tincknell and Jonathan Bomarito possibly giving Mazda a Fond Farewell with another victory?

 

Apparently (Townsend) T-Bell’ won’t be doing his usual Double Dipping, since the No. 12 GTD entry has Franky Montecalvo, Zach Veach and Robert Megennis listed as it’s drivers. While it’d would be nice to “See” Thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, aka James Hinchcliffe warming up with his potentially future GT Daytona team in this year’s field, although He’s always a great Addition to the Commentary Booth! Where may be A.J. Allmendinger will also be haunting, provided his RASSCAR Cup-lite’ duties Don’t get in the way?

 

And speaking of Haunting, I’ll probably primarily listen to the race via IMSA Radio and John Hindhaugh instead, since I haven’t Gory missed “Oh No Mr. Bill!” Err Kevin “The Wherewolf!” Lee for quite some time now, albeit I suppose I’ll wanna hear Keigh Diffey’s “Pipes” one last time this year.

 

Also, the Petit Le Mans season ending enduro’ serves as the fourth and final round of this year’s Michelin Endurance cup, where separate points will be awarded to All Classes at various points of the race; giving us another race inside the race…