Can Colton Herta close His Formula 2 Points Deficit?

Or will His Formula 1 aspirations fizzle?

 

Still have to commend Colton Herta for making the bold decision to leave IndyCar to chase His dream of racing in Formula 1.

 

Yet that said, this year hasn’t exactly gone to plan for Herta. Beginning with the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 races, where Formula 2 was part of the weekend. We all know how  the calendar revisions to race at Miami and Montreal impacted Colton’s plans of running Andretti Global’s fourth Indianapolis 500 entry.

 

Reportedly, Herta currently has 34 points from His IndyCar Vice Champion (second place) finish in 2024 and seventh place finish in 2025. Putting Him just six points shy of the 40 points threshold required for the mandatory FIA Super Licence to race in Formula 1.

 

Thus Colton needs to finish eighth or better this year in Formula 2 to collect His Super Licence. Although think I heard Colton can amass one extra point for each F1 Free Practice session He contests?

 

Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in sprint races. And top ten in feature races, a la F1 scoring format.

 

Two extra points are awarded for feature race pole position. And a bonus point is awarded for fastest lap in each race, provided it’s set by a driver finishing in the top ten. Otherwise awarded to the fastest driver inside top ten places.

 

Sprint points: 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.

Feature races: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.

 

In the seven rounds (14 races) prior to the Mighty spa weekend. (Spa-Francorchamps) Colton had scored five top ten finishes, and one top five finish. Finishing seventh, (Australia) eighth (Miami) and seventh (Montreal) in feature races. Plus ninth (Montreal( and fifth (Barcelona) sprint races for a total of 20 points, classified P17. While Norway’s Martinius Stenshorne was eighth with 48 points.

 

His best weekend was Montreal, where He finished ninth and seventh, albeit one position out of the points in the sprint race.

 

Following Spa-Francorchamps, with P13 in the Sprint race, and seventh in the Feature race. Moving up one position to 16th overall with 26 points.

 

Herta finished P14 during Saturday’s Hunga-boring’ Sprint race; one place behind Hitech teammate Ritomo Miyata, 25.7 seconds behind winner Gabriele Mini in what was anything but a boring race.

 

Sunday’s Hungaroring feature race saw Colton finish a disastrous P19 out of a 22-car field. Nearly one minute adrift of maiden race winner Noel Leon.

 

As Herta trails current eighth place Laurens van Hoepen (65 points) by 39 markers, still languishing in P16. (26 points) With Hitech teammate Ritomo Miyata P13. (34 points)

 

Following the summer break, (July 27-Sept 4) five rounds remain. Monza, the brand new Madrid circuit, Azerbaijan’s Baku street circuit and the final two rounds at Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

 

Yet will the stupendous attacking of Iran and the ensuing war impact these final two events for all concerned, including Formula 1? Which with the constant escalation of attacking Iran, these races, and racing in the Middle East in general now seem quite threatened.

 

Meanwhile, even if Colton achieves His objective and secures a FIA Super Licence, where would He race? Since I’ve already speculated that current Cadillac F1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez surely have multi-year contracts?

 

Yet a somewhat larger obstacle is Colton’s age. Having turned 26 this March 30th. As I cannot think of recently hearing ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson telling Paul Tracy a story about Felix-the-Cat’, who Johansson manages.

 

Saying He’d rung up Helmut Marco to try getting Felix Rosenqvista test for Formula 1 and Marco said forget it, He’s too old!

 

FIA F2 points leader Nikola  Tsolov is 19yrs old. Campos teammate Noel Leon 21yrs old. Whilst Invicta Racing’s Rafael Chaves Camara is 21yrs old, with teammate Joshua Durksen being 22yrs old.

 

DAMS Lucas Oil’s Dino Beganovic, a Ferrari Academy driver is 22yrs old and in His second full F2 season.  ART Grand Prix driver Kush Maini turns 26 in September. But with 91 starts, 3 wins, 2 poles and 8 podiums in four seasons, I highly doubt will progress to F1. Even if Maini is having His best season to date so far; currently sixth overall when scribbling this. One position ahead of Beganovic.

 

And lastly is Trident’s John Bennett, age 22. In His sophomore campaign, having won His maiden F2 race in Austria’s Sprint race. Being the first driver to step up to Formula 2 directly from the GB3 championship.

 

As the following drivers above have won the majority if not all F2 races preceding Hungary.

 

Then again, Bottas and Perez are both in their mid-thirties, so who knows, Eh?

 

Especially since Herta’s now completed two Friday (Free Practice) FP1 sessions in Barcelona, replacing Perez. Then at Hungary replacing Bottas, with speculation suggesting Colton’s in-line to replace Bottas next year. Although Valtteri says its complete Balderdash!

 

As for scoring extra FIA super Licence points when driving in Friday practice sessions. Reportedly a driver can earn up to 10 points over any three year period, gaining one point per session, provided said driver completes a minimum of 100km in that session.

 

So, will we see Cadillac insert Colton an additional six times during Friday practice and running long to obtain the necessary points? Which increasingly, seems His only pathway left.

 

Whilst could Cadillac be so bold to go for an all new lineup in the future with Herta and Guanyu Zhou, we’ll “See”.

 

Good luck Colton! 

Myles Rowe puts on Clinique at Gateway

As I’m certain He saw the Chequered flag being waved!

 

Have to say that was one of the most bizarre race weekends I can remember in awhile, at Gateway. Yeah, it will always be Gateway to this ‘Ol Codger. Not Wide World Technology Raceway, Spew! (WWTR)

 

Missed Indy NXT live Qualie’, so I was unaware of the drama afterwards. As pole sitter Myles Rowe, who’d been faster by one mile per hour was disqualified for taking an extra flying lap after finishing His run. Failing to follow race officials instructions.

 

Have to say I agree with IndyCar Radio’s Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton, who said you cannot blame your radio for not hearing what lap you’re on. You need to be visually aware of your surroundings and situation and never trust your equipment.

 

Davey said He loved Myles, but just didn’t agree with Rowe trying to blame His radio, while Myles had said He needed to have a talk with the Bell Helmet guys…

 

Thus Myle was relegated to the final row, rolling off last in P24. But Hamilton said He was excited to see what Rowe and Enzo Fittipaldi could do coming from the back.

 

Also missed the memo over points leader Enzo Fittipaldi not being able to qualify Saturday due to a mechanical failure, meaning He’d start P23, alongside Rowe.

 

Yet as the race got ready to start, IndyCar Radio’s Michael Young and Davey Hamilton noticed a lack of two cars from the grid. Most notably Fittipaldi standing on pitlane waiting the arrival of His No. 67 HMD Motorsports racecar, before walking to the front of the grid.

 

As Hamilton said He couldn’t see any cars being pushed towards the track from their vantage point, with the other delinquent racecar being Matteo Nannini’s #20 Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR entry.

 

Then Fittipaldi ran to the garage as the race got ready to start, before His racecar with driver was pushed into pitlane. But race officials wouldn’t let Fittipaldi on-track until the entire field had taken the green! While Nannini also appeared and entered the race behind, possibly two laps down?

 

As queue the JAWS’ theme music! As Rowe was up to tenth place by lap 19 of 75. He’s coming boys!

 

“the High line is the Right line!”

 

Really have to say I was rootin’ for Homeboy’ Josh Person who’d gotten round Andretti Global teammate Max Taylor for second place; believe Alessandro de Tullio who’d started second dropped down the order. With Pierson then harrying pole sitter and Andretti global teammate Lochie Hughes before passing the Aussie’ for the lead.

 

Yet not only was Myles faster than everyone else, He also could place His car wherever He wanted to pass the opposition. Going down low to pass Taylor on lap 32 for third place, with His next victim being Hughes.

 

Rowe passed Hughes on lap 41 with a spectacular three wide pass and set sail for leader Person.

 

Target acquired, as Rowe went to the bottom again six laps later to pass Pierson and never looked back! Making history in the process of starting deepest in the field to win. Shattering Esteban “Ratta-Tat-Tat” Guerrieri’s record climb from P18 to first at the 2012 Freedom 100.

 

Fittipaldi’s day starting from the back wasn’t as stellar as Rowe’s, yet did climb ten places to finish 13th . With title protagonist Nikita Johnson finishing seventh.

 

De Tullio regained positions and finished runner-up to a distant Rowe, while Pierson held on for third, His best finish of the season.

 

Swear I heard Team Penske boss Jonathan Diuguid congratulating Rowe during Myle’s post-race winners interview. As it was Rowe’s third career win, all coming on ovals, and this one being extra special.

 

While Marshal Pruett has reported that Team Penske is considering giving Rowe a post season test aboard one of it’s Indy Cars.

 

Following Gateway, Nikita Johnson led the championship by two markers over Enzo Fittipaldi. (285-283) Both having won twice. And a further three markers adrift (280-points) was Tymek Kucharczyk. As the Polish driver’s been the revelation of the season so far! Scoring His maiden victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s second Indy road course race. Along with finishing third the first three races, and four thirds to date.

 

Max Taylor was fourth, 27 points behind. (258-points) And Vaulting to fifth was Myles Rowe, albeit 73 markers adrift. (212-points)

 

While the $64k question was whether Rowe could continue this momentum at the following Double Header weekend at Road America and to the end of the season?

 

Meanwhile, we learned that both Fittipaldi and Nannini’s racecars had suffered fuel leaks, being the cause of their maladies. Which struck a third, unrelated racecar. As Dennis Hauger failed to start the IndyCar race due to also suffering a fuel leak.

 

As don’t think I’ve ever heard of three cars suffering fuel leaks over a race weekend! 

LE MANS: A trio of Second Generation Drivers

As who will win the battle of rookies this year?

 

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

 

Eduardo Barrichello

DOB: September 23, 2001, Age: 24

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

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

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

 

F1: Alonso Moves into P1’

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Guiliano Alesi

DOB: September 20, 1999, Age: 26

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Lorenzo Patrese

DOB: August 12, 2005, Age: 20

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

LMGT3: #74 Kessel Racing, Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo

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

 

Now it’s a Record!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

LE MANS: Six pack of Aspiring Debutantes

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

 

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

 

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

 

Jack Doohan

DOB: January 20, 2003, Age: 23

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Enzo Trulli

DOB: April 15, 2005, Age: 21

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Logan Sargeant

DOB: December 31, 2000, Age: 25

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

LMGT3: #88 Proton Competition, Ford Mustang GT3 Evo

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Indianapolis 500 Driver Factoids

Yeah, let’s just push the Cliffs  nothing-burger’ car back into the garage, and knock off the Drive for 5 nonsense! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Who’ll be adding their name to the record books this year?

 

Arse-sumedly, most of Yuhs will already know this? But thought I’d “Jot” it down quickly for those keeping tabs…

 

This year’s field only has 33 total entries with no bumping, BOO! Comprised of the full season 25 Charter entries and 8 “At large” entries, sound familiar? Can Y’all say 25/8 Rule, Eh?

 

Naturally it appears to fast becoming another Alex Palou Gravy-train express to His fifth championship title overall, and fourth consecutive, Aye Karumba!

 

Indy 500 Rookies

#4. Caio Collet, Brazil; A. J. Foyt Enterprises

#19. Dennis Hauger, Norway; Dale Coyne Racing

#47 Mick Schumacher, Germany; Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

#51. Jacob Abel, USA; Abel Motorsports

 

Caio collet is 24 years old and finished “Vice champion” (Runner-up) in last year’s Indy NXT championship. claiming three wins.

 

Prior to the Sonsio Grand Prix at Mother Speedway, Collet was P21 overall with a best finish of 12th at Arlington.

 

Having qualified 12th at Indy’s road course, Caio was collected in a first lap accident and never recovered, finishing P19, ironically one place ahead of Mick Schumacher.

 

Dennis Hauger is 23 years old and is the reigning Indy NXT champion, claiming seven wins enroute to the title.

 

Prior to the Indy Road Course race, He was 16th overall with a best finish of 10th at St. Pete.

 

Although starting a disappointing P24, Hauger worked His way thru the wild ‘n wooly Sonsio Grand Prix for a career best finish of eighth!

 

Mick Schumacher is 27 years old. A former Formula 1 driver and winner of the 2020 Formula 2 championship.

 

Prior t this May’s Indy’s permanent road course race, where He made His IndyCar debut testing for RLLR last October, Mick’s best finish was P17 at Long Beach; being 24th overall.

 

Mick looked set for a possible top ten finish at IMS until a late race collision with Santino Ferrucci, who had worn out His tyres. Netted Schumacher a Drive-thru penalty and a finish of P20 Saturday.

 

Jacob Abel is 25 years old and finished second overall in the 2024 Indy NXT championship. Last year He drove for Dale Coyne Racing in IndyCar, but failed to qualify of the Indianapolis 500.

 

This year Jacob make’s His Indy 500 debut in a “One-off” drive for His family’s team at Mother Speedway, while competing in IMSA Spors Car LMP2 category for Era Motorsports.

 

Hauger currently leads the Rookie Of the Year (ROY) battle with 100 points. Followed by Collet, 30 markers adrift, and Schumacher third,  a further 16 markers behind Collet, with 54 points.

 

Hauger finished 15th in His first IndyCar oval race at Phoenix this March. Collet finished 19th , and Schumacher sandwiched in-between at P18.

 

Arguably, Mick Schumacher has the least IndyCar experience of these four rookies, with only one oval race to His credit, not to mention being on His second race Engineer…

 

Indy 500 Only entries

#06. (W) Helio Castroneves, Brazil; Meyer Shank Racing

#11. Katherine Legge, UK; HMD Motorsports with Foyt enterprises

#23. Conor Daly, USA; Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

#24. Jack Harvey, UK; Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

#31. (W) Ryan Hunter-Reay; Arrow McLaren

#33. Ed Carpenter, USA; ECR

#75. (W) Takuma Sato, Japan; Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

 

‘Ol Dancin’ fool Hulio’ is the most decorated of these seven Indy 500 Only runners with four Borg Warners to date. As could we please stop the Drive-for-5 nonsense!

 

Taku-san’ (Sato) is the only other multiple winner, which very likely could have been three; Playin’ Thru Dario!

 

The Dude! Nee Ryan Hunter-Reay is the only other former winner, while Fast Eddie’ has won three poles.

 

Indy 500 Pole Sitters

(6) Rick Mears: 1979, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991

(5) Scott Dixon: 2008, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022

(4) Helio Castroneves: 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010

(3) Ed Carpenter: 2013, 2014, 2018

(1) Alex Palou: 2023

(1) Scott McLaughlin: 2024

 

The last pole sitter to win the Indianapolis 500 was Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud in 2019.

 

Indy 500 Consecutive Winners

Wilbur Shaw: 1939-1940

Mauri Rose: 1947-1948

Bill Vukovich: 1953-1954

Al Unser: 1970-1971

Helio Castroneves: 2001-2002

Josef Newgarden: 2023-2024 

Trucks Steal Show, but not All’s Sunny in St Pete

With the exodus of an IndyCar Announcer, and another lawsuit in NASCAR…

 

For Mwah, the best news of the weekend was Friday morning’s carefully timed PR announcement that the Civil War between McLaren, Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing was finally over! Making me instantly think a Come to Jesus, Err Roger meeting had occurred somewhere along the line? As its fantastic that this lawsuit is over, and we can simply get back to racing.

 

And its funny how life goes, since you’d have thought I’d been ecstatic over it finally being the kickoff weekend for Indy Cars, Chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

Yet I thought it was odd that Friday’s first practice session wasn’t airing on Fox Sports One (FS1) until 3:30PM Pacific. And if I’d thought about it, would realize that would have been 6:30PM eastern, before No fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’ email made me realize I’d missed the live airing…

 

Yet sitting on the couch listening to the comatose, sleep inducing voice of Wee willie Buxom’, (Will Buxton) as where are Yuhs Scott Somonex Goodyear, Eh?

 

Yep, you guessed it. Your haggard No Fenders scribe Tomaso was soon doing the falling asleep Head-bob during much of the riveting first practice replay! Although I did learn later that both Josef Schlick’ Newgarden and Scotty thee Iceman 2.0 Dixon had suffered crashes, say what?

 

Whilst I woke up Justin-time’ to hear thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown talking about racing with Dario REO Speedwagon in the Craftsman PickEmUp’ Trucks race Saturday morning, saying I’ll tune into that…

 

Thus Saturday was a purdy G-Damn good day, as I did manage to stay awake for both the entire RASSCAR PickEmUp’ Trucks race and IndyCar Qualie’ session.

 

I always enjoy hearing Jamie Little, whose become the Trucks lead Play-by-Play announcer. While I’m definitely not a fan of Mikey “I’m Not a cheater!” Waltrip. With IndyCar’s (Townsend) T-Bell rounding out the cross pollination weekend’s activities.

 

Nice interview with Kevin Lee the father, saying He didn’t know what to do with empty hands just spectating. Arse-sumedly referring to having a microphone in His “Mitts”.

 

Thus I was surprised that Kevin’s son Jackson Lee was making His Trucks debut at St Pete, who I think usually races Lamborghini Super Trofeo instead?

 

With Kevin saying that Dario was Jackson’s Idol, who last I’d heard was racing Karts. With Jackson purposely dropping to the rear of the 36 “Car” field before having worked His way up to P25. Before finishing 29th, five laps behind. Driving the No. 22 Team Reaune Ford.

 

Dario and thee Mayor, who the booth tried changing to Jimmy Hinch’ got together early during the race. (Lap 8) Since Y’all know Racins’ Rubbin, Yeehaw! With Franchitti using Hinch’s truck to arrest His spin, with Hinch getting the worst of it! But Hinchcliffe had the last laugh after dropping to 22nd. Finishing in tenth place. While Franchitti, who’d been in the Top 10, made an extra pitstop before coming home P27.

 

As I know T-Bell spoke to Dario repeatedly about the bag of ice for His shoulder, His nifty left foot shifting, and a squeegee thrown into the cockpit. Whilst Dario also mentioned that the “Air Con” wasn’t working! (Air Conditioning)

 

Whilst another High profile name from the Tricon Garage’s stable of Toyota Tundra’s was Adam Andretti. Although the SCCA Trans am racer went fairly unnoticed in P17. With the highest finishing Tricon entry being the No. 11 of Kaden Honeycutt finishing fifth.

 

Winner Layne riggs drove an uber impressive race. Starting 28th, saying not bad for a Short Track Boy! Along with noting His Ford had started sputtering with eight laps to go, making Him worry about His petrol supply! Along with noting how eventual third place finisher Ben Rhodes, who ran second awhile, could have given Him the Chrome Horn treatment…

 

While Shout Out to Colin Brown, the highest finishing RAM, driving for Kaulig Racing. And finishing a respectful ninth in the brand’s NASCAR Trucks debut season.

 

As I’d thought Brown, the prodigious IMSA road racing champion had finished eighth. But learned He lost one place with two laps remaining.

 

Colin Brown returns to Trucks 15 years later with Top 10 finish

 

Awaiting IndyCar Qualie’, I tuned into IndyCar Radio for the last half of Indy NXT qualifying, and was disappointed hearing Michael Schreech’ Young in the lead Play-by-Play chair. As where’s my boy Nicky Salt’ Yeoman?

 

Knew it was gonna happen eventually. And while I’m happy for Him, I’m not happy losing Nick to the Performance Racing Network, (PRN) where Yeoman made His NASCAR Cup debut at Atlanta…

 

Lafayette’s Nick Yeoman makes NASCAR Anchor debut after years with IndyCar

 

Most impressive duo of IndyCar’s Fast six shootout was both Coyne entries, with rookie Dennis Hauger finishing third! Whilst ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin drew first blood with His 12th pole. And seemed a good bet to win Sunday, eh?

 

No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets latest nickname goes to Marcus Ericsson, who He’s named “Harvey”, as in Harvey Wallbanger, claimed second and was only Andretti entry in Fast Six.

 

And don’t look over here, but Alex Palou was fourth, David Malukas 5th and Romain Grosjean sixth.

 

And speaking ‘O Andretti, it was SuperMario’s 86th birthday Saturday…

 

Sure would like to know where Todd Ault gets All of His money from? As the Dude’s everywhere! With His Only bulls company sponsor of PickEmUp’ Trucks race and IndyCar Radio. Not to mention both Coyne and Meyer Shank Racing Cars. As somebody’s getting Duped…

 

Sunday morning, got up early to tune into Indy NXT race via Zed Intrawoods’ – even if Nicky Salt’ Yeoman’s no longer anchoring broadcast, Boo!

 

As it just took one wrong move on the opening lap for second place Nikita Johnson to pounce upon Max Taylor, with the Hometown Boy leading the rest of the way. Regardless of the countless cautions and restarts…

 

While I didn’t think DJ WillyP’, aka Will Power would be celebrating His 45th birthday with a W’ prior to the race. Before learning He’d crashed during one of the practice sessions, and then again during the race, Youch!

 

As Alex Palou put another Beatdown upon the entire field, winning by 12,49:48 – the largest ever winning margin at St Pete! Although He’d been up to 15 seconds at one point!

 

As the race was for second place, with Scott McLaughlin prevailing over Christian Lundgaard. With Kyle Kirkwood dropping from second to fourth, and Pato O’ward a very quiet fifth place finish.

 

As the Coyne duo continued impressing, with Grosjean eighth, and Hauger tent on His IndyCar debut.

 

David Malukas flat spotted a front tyre, shredding its carcass – for a 13th place finish. With Rinus VeeKay having another solid finish in ninth, starting P19. Whilst the MSR Boyz’ seemed off the boil, albeit Marcus Armstrong got rubbed wrong by Harvey! As that’s all that stands out for Mwah. And will Phoenix upset the proverbial Apple cart? 

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

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

 

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

 

Arvid Lindblad

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team

Nationality: United Kingdom

Birthplace: Virginia Water, Surrey

DOB: August 8, 2007; Age: 18

Car No. 41

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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