MOTO GP: The Show must go On

With riders Deaths and serious injuries just being part of the business…

 

Par of being a one band Blind Word Butcher, aka Basement dwelling Blogger is you can never keep up with the onslaught of racing news. Nor know how much is too Mucho content here upon No Fenders, Eh?

 

Thus being fully ensconced in the single day Qualie’ at Mother Speedway, and awaiting the canned, highlights MotoGP package upon Ye Intrawoods’. Naturally I was totally unaware of the devastating outcome for two of these ultimate Kneedraggers’, i.e.; Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco.

 

Thanks to Raymond Hando’s Musing from the Weekend post on For the Love of Indy Blog, this is where I first became aware there had been two serious crashes at Circuit Barcelona de Catalunya’s Grand Prix.

 

Listening to the highlights, it sounded like KTM’s Pedro Acosta suddenly slowed for no reason. And as His hand shot up to warn riders behind Him, Alex Marquez who was in His slipstream had absolutely nowhere to go! Seeing Marquez presumably “High-side” with His bike’s carbon fibre bits exploding,! Cart-wheeling from striking Acosta’s rear tyre, reportedly at some 250kp/h! Wit the hapless rider tumbling in lock-step with His stricken Ducati thru the gravel trap!

 

Acosta’s Scooter’ had slowed suddenly due to an unexpected electrical problem. While Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo said He had “Goosebumps” riding past the accident scene!

 

Then upon the race’s restart; having been red flagged for Marquez’s savage accident. Pro Honda LCR’s Johann Zarco fell, causing the unexpecting duo of Luca Marini and Francesco Bagnaia to be caught up in Zarco’s accident. With one of Zarco’s leg’s becoming tangled between Bagnaia’s rear wheel and motorcycle!

 

Naturally I was stunned reading Monday morning, following the Catalan Grand Prix that Alex Marquez had suffered a broken neck and shoulder in this incident! Whilst Zarco tore ligaments and had a fibula tear in the ankle region. But acknowledged He hadn’t broken His femur…

 

As I hesitate to even remotely speculate upon Marquez’s injury, while Zarco got off with less serious damages to an extent, albeit will surely also be out of action for awhile.

 

Marquez underwent successful shoulder surgery to repair His fractured right collarbone. With no surgery performed upon His C7 vertebrae.

 

“Not Necessary”: Champion rides say MotoGP should have been Axed 

F1: Super clipping sucking soul out of Sport

As “Battery world Championship” isn’t an encouraging F1 moniker!

 

Why did I think of that ‘Ol Kansas song with the following lyrics, Eh?

 

“Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher
But I flew too high”

 

VIDEO: Carry On Wayward Son

 

Max Verstappen

“I found a cheaper solution. I swapped the simulator for my Nintendo Switch and yeah, practicing a bit of Mario Kart, actually.

 

“Finding the mushrooms is going quite well. The blue shell is a bit more difficult, but I'm working on it. The rocket's still not there. It's coming.”

(Source: grandprix.com)

 

Those were the words of Four-times F1 World Champion Max Verstappen during Thursday’s Chinese Grand Prix press conference. When asked if simulator work helped drivers in managing the complex 2026 car’s energy systems.

 

This year’s Formula 1 season finds myself at multiple crossroads. Having religiously “watched”, Err followed Formula 1 for nearly 40 years now, with my debutante F1 race being the 1986 Detroit Grand Prix. And cannot say I’m overly impressed with the latest interpretation of thee “Pinnacle of Motorsports”.

 

Think we’ve all heard Max Blunderhead’s critique of it being Formula E on Steroids, which I tend to agree with. As what’s happened to the late Ayrton Senna’s famous quip “If you no longer go for a Gap that exists, then you’re no longer a racing driver!

 

“As I’m mot here to finish third, fourth or fifth, I drive to win”.

 

VIDEO: Ayrton Senna – If you No longer Go for a Gap

 

And Fernando Alonso’s sarcastic quip about how the (Aston Martin) chef could drive the car. Hell, half the team could drive the car now! Since you no longer need any skill to drive these cars, instead just managing the energy management system…

 

As formula 1 used to be about skill, bravery and bravado of finding the outer limit of driving a car through flat out corners like Spoon and 130R at Suzuka, which have been neutered!

 

Whilst Lando Norris has rightly pointed out how the current F1 chassis has killed the soul of formula 1! With Charles Leclerc lamenting how its all become about consistency over a lap and not being able to drive on the ragged edge anymore…

 

While I’m guessing we’re all learning about what this Super clipping is, eh? Which if I understand correctly, is when today’s F1 chassis is left with no battery power on the straight and depending solely upon the internal combustion engine (ICE) to propel the car forwards. Seeing to a dramatic drop in performance and overall top speed.

 

Although I’ve read that this Super Clipping phenomenon can even occur when the Power Unit is under full power, with the energy management system deciding to “cut-in”.

 

F1 2026 Super Clipping explained

 

Today’s racecars are dependent upon the 50% battery power, and with the subtraction of the MGU-H, (Motor Generator Heat Unit) harvesting exhaust gasses to limit turbo lag. Drivers can only recharge their battery during braking in corners, which leads to a lack of electrical energy on circuits with long straights and little corner braking, which Suzuka used to be.

 

Now am I advocating for the return of those shrieking 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10’s. I said speak up Sonny! What do you mean my hearing Sucks? Huh? Did you say something eh?

 

I’m just left feeling that Formula 1 has gone too far forward with this technical regulation cycle. With two immediate thoughts, Err three springing to mind…

 

Do you all remember that despised Delta wing racecar? Once hailed as the next generation of Indy Cars. As where did the Delta wing go?

 

Along with the Handford device which made overtaking occur Ah-Plenty’ in (CART) IndyCar racing. Perhaps being the original Yo-Yo racing format, Eh?

 

Or how about the ridiculous amount of drivers passing and then being repassed during the 2013 Indianapolis 500 Me Thinks? Or whatever year there was some ridiculous 68 passes for the lead or something to that effect.

 

As I’ve said many times before, I’m not an engineer, nor do I pretend to play one. Or stay at Motel 6 or whatever the tag-line is? Meaning I’ve got zero clue on how to solve this current dilemma…

 

But you only need to look at Oliver Bearman’s nasty crash at Suzuka when encountering Franco Colapinto at a closing speed of 28mph. And indeed, Formula 1 is extremely lucky that Ollie’ walked away from His 50G impact at 191mph with only bruising to His extremities!

 

Since why does the late Gilles Villeneuve crash come to mind?

 

Whilst Lando’s comment about how He repassed Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka even when He didn’t want to, solely due to the battery system kicking in. And then having Hamilton immediately repass Him when His energy store was depleted and Lewis could call “Slingshot On!” Is definitely not real racing!

 

Although Lando sarcastically quipped after the Japanese Grand Prix: “this is the Best racing ever!”

 

Yeah, I understand that IndyCar has its vaunted P2P, ergo Push-to-Pass turbo boost system, going back at least to Champ Car. And Formula 1 previously had DRS. (Drag Reduction System) Both artificial methods to increase overtaking.

 

Its just that I’ve always thought F1 was supposed to be the pioneers of technology that one day would filter down to our road cars. Meaning do we really want everyone saying Slingshot On! Or pushing the turbo boost button on our Freeways and residential streets?

 

And is Formula 1 really all about Megajoules deployment? You make the call…

 

Partial song lyrics from: Kansas’s Carry On Wayward Son; 1976 Leftoverture Album. 

RETRO: Dale Earnhardt, 25 years later

As Y’all know the drill. Where has the Freakin’ time gone?

 

Little did I know that my day would be bookended by thee Intimidator’, aka ‘Ol Ironhead, ergo Dale Earnhardt Sr.

 

Began the day, Thursday Feb 12th by listening to a great story about the young girl who gave Dale Earnhardt a lucky penny in 1998. Listening via my Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service’s ESPN Online Motorsports Headlines section.

 

Earnhardt’s Lucky Penny

 

Then I finished the day off by Watcin’, Err listening to the Dale Earnhardt 25 Years later one hour TV Show on FOX. As don’t tell anybody, I “watched” one and a quarter of the two NASCAR Cup Duels preceding this program…

 

Yet like many stories here upon thoust mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville. I hadn’t gotten round to scribblin’ my thoughts before another month’s time slipped by. Hoping to watch an encore presentation March 8th. But ironically, due to the Phoenix Cup race running long, it was pre-empted.

 

It was weird hearing former NASCAR boss Mike Helton speaking again. And His words were most prophetic when simply saying We’ve lost Dale Earnhardt.

 

As I enjoyed Helton’s perspective on Earnhardt, who was also a friend of His. But found it odd there was nothing from arch nemesis Jeffry Pretty boy Floyd’ Gordon.

 

And I enjoyed Curt Busch’s recollections of tangling with thee Intimidator’, and how it was only a matter of time until He got paid back!

 

Now twenty-five years later, obviously I remember very little from that fateful day. Other than I know I watched the race live and heard ‘Ol Boogity-Boogity-Boogity DW’ (Darrell Waltrip) crapping His pants over His brother Mikey, ah Shucks Waltrip getting ready to win the Day-Toner’ 500!

 

As Earnhardt Sr. was running third and blocking both Kenny Schroeder and Sterling Marlin in order for the two Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) entries of Waltrip and His son ‘lil e’, aka Dale Earnhardt Jr. running 1-2 to finish ahead of Him.

 

After light contact with Marlin, Schroeder and Earnhardt collided on the final lap, with Earnhardt hitting the wall Head-on!

 

And I’m fairly certain we as an audience, or at least myself didn’t know that Earnhardt had perished in that last-lap pile-up…

 

As all I remember now, is that snowbyrd’ MJ mailed me a copy of Times Magazine with thee Intimidator on its cover. Along with His death being the lead story.

 

As I had a co-worker at the time who wore shorts all year round, no matter the temperature in Seattle who was a ginormous Dearnhardt fan, i.e.; T-Shirts, Diecasts, etc. So I ended up giving the magazine to Him. Although I don’t remember if He even said anything to me afterwards? Since He still seemed in shock over His Hero’s death…

 

Thus I was eager to “See” how FOX would portray Earnhardt’s death, and discuss any of the real facts of what happened? With Bill Simpson and His Simpson Performance Products company being made the scapegoat for Earnhardt’s death…

 

Now I understand the need to burnish ‘Ol Ironhead’s legend, despite His on-track antics. He did do many good things behind the scenes, and away from the camera’s eye.

 

Perhaps there’s still some legal ramifications over what transpired? Or FOX simply didn’t wish to paint a true picture of how Earnhardt Himself was responsible for His death, or how NASCAR was wrong. And thus I had a hard time swallowing the narrative of how thee Intimidator brought about new safety standards that haven’t seen another drivers death since…

 

After the Daytona Beach Police Department and NASCAR opened two investigations into Earnhardt’s death. Allegations over the crash regarding seat belt failure forced Bill Simpson to resign from His company. Having received many death threats.

 

Now I’m going off of memory here, so bear with me. As I tend to recall that Earnhardt enjoyed driving with loose lap belts and refused to wear a HANS device. The Head And Neck restraint System that has long since become mandatory in racing around the world, because it was uncomfortable to Dale. Who preferred open faced helmets instead.

 

Reportedly NASCAR claimed that Earnhardt’s left lap belt failed, allowing His head to strike the steering wheel upon impact with the wall. Yet I also tend to recall there was speculation over paramedics using a boey knife to cut Earnhardt from His seat following the accident.

 

Dr. Barry Myers, a Crash Incident expert from Duke University was appointed to independently study Earnhardt’s death, and concluded the broken lap belt held no cause regarding His death, rejecting NASCAR’s assertion. Which Bill Simpson said was the best news He’d heard in several weeks.

 

Subsequently, three doctors, including Dr. Steve Olvey, CART Medical Director during Greg Moore’s death, all concurred that they agreed with Dr. Myres assessment.

 

Simpson subsequently sued NASCAR $8.5m for Defamation, since Dr. Myers accident investigation rendered the seat belt failure moot. Although Simpson held steadfast to the lap belts being installed incorrectly, which NASCAR said nothing about.

 

The lawsuit was settled out of court for an unspecified amount, while the HANS device became mandatory in NASCAR in October that year. (2001) Along with a total of 37 safety recommendations being made.

 

So the program ended by making Earnhardt a Hero for propelling the sport forward. And skillfully side-stepped telling the real story behind the late Intimidator’s death… 

McLaren Walks the Plank in Vegas

Perhaps when passing Treasure Island each lap?

 

Yeah, this is old news now, especially since we’ve now completed the Qatar Grand Prix. But in the wake of the previous Grand Prix in Sin City, ergo Las Vegas, where Y’all know that well worn cliché. What Happens in Vegas…

 

In the Media’s typical rush to get the news out. I became Cornfuzed over the various reports stating that both McLaren’s had been Disqualified due to either Skid block or Plank ware. Since perhaps its just Mwah? But the word skid block congers up the image of a square, equidistant block. Verses a plank being of a rectangular distance. So which Bloody one was it?

 

When I hear the word plank, I immediately think of the word Jabroc, and Michael Schumacher being disqualified from His Belgian Grand Prix win in 1994.

 

Following these” composite” plank’ then made from beechwood, having been introduced to prevent teams from running their chassis to low to the ground for aerodynamic effects.

 

Although apparently Jabroc has been replaced by today’s modern materials, i.e.; fiberglass or composite.

 

All Formula 1 chassis are required this mandatory composite plank being affixed to the car’s bottom along it’s centre line from a horizontal line’s point lying 330mm, approx. 13 inches behind the front wheel’s cenre line. Extending to the rear wheel’s centre line.

 

This rectangular plank must be of uniform thickness when new. Measuring a width of 300mm, i.e.; approx. 12 inches. (One Foot) Having a thickness of 10mm with a 0.2mm plus/minus tolerance. And being symmetrically fixed, allowing no airflow between it and the car’s bottom mounting surface.

 

What I didn’t know until Thanksgiving day, four days after said disqualification. According to ESPN Online Motorsport Headlines, there are four FIA measurement holes in the plank protected by titanium plates for inspection purposes. Presumably during both pre and post-race technical inspection. Wit a maximum of one millimeter wear.

 

As the titanium skid blocks are used to protect the floor and are what make the sparks one sees onscreen during a race broadcast…

 

According to Racer’s Chris Medland, Lando Norris’s car was found to be 0.12mm and Oscar Piastri’s car was 0.26mm out of the minimum 9mm plank allowance, both at the rearmost measurement point. For which I believe there being holes cut in the plank’s left and right sides for said measurement.

 

Being a Yank’ fully ensconced in Standard measurement, I set about trying to find out the differences in what ‘Ol Professor (Steve) Matchett would define as Old Money vs. New Money…

 

Thus learning that one millimeter is equal to approximately 0.0394 inch. (0.039371)  And one inch is equal to 25.4mm.

 

Amazingly, the thickness of a typical, single sheet of paper varies from 0.07 to 0.18 of a millimeter, with copy paper typically being 0.1mm, Aye Karumba!

 

While if I remember correctly? One 16th of an inch = 0.625, being more than one millimeter thick.

 

Thus one can now understand indeed how the dreaded Porpoising of today’s F1 ground effect cars can cause these inherit infractions of running one’s chassis too low by accident or excessive wear.

 

With both McLaren drivers being instructed to “Lift and Coast” on the track’s long straights to try mitigating this porposiing effect, which didn’t work…

 

As both Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Charles Leclerc )Ferrari) cars were DQ’ed’ (Disqualified) at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in 2023 for similar infractions. And the rules are the rules, especially since every formula 1 team is trying to sun their chassis at the lowest possible ride height for aerodynamic efficiency. And just how tight the tolerances are! 

Current Formula 1 Constructors who’ve Won at Le Mans

Although when is an F1 Constructor not a winner at Le Mans?

 

Yeah, its another long winded No Fenders story turned into two part harmony. Or is that more groaning I hear?

 

As I’ve already covered the most successful Formula 1 constructor to win Le Mans overall. With the rest of the grid paling in comparison.

 

As I came up with the following trivia question. What do Mercedes and Williams share in common? As here’s what I came up with for winners, beside Ferrari.

 

Aston Martin: 1959

The Aston Martin DBR1 is the only other front engine winner at Le Mans. And yes, I realize that today’s Aston Martin F1 Team began life as Jordan Grand Prix, before Lawrence Stroll cleverly rebranded it as Aston Martin in 2021. Born out of the ashes of Force India and its interim name of Racing Point. Which dovetails nicely with His owning the controlling interest of their road car company.

 

As many will known, the David Brown owned Aston Martin Racing team designed the DBR1 for the 1956 Sports Car Championship season, before the upgraded 3.0-liter straight six cylinder lump’ was introduced in 1957.

 

After three years of frustration, Aston Martin achieved their greatest glory, winning that year’s 24 Heurs du Mans with Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori at its controls. While Aston Martin would also win the Sports Car Championship title that year. Only achieved three times that decade. With Ferrari doing likewise in 1954 and 1958.

 

Yet how many remember that Aston Martin during the David Brown Corporation era also entered Formula 1 briefly between 1959-60? Although by the time they got round to introducing the DBR4 it was obsolete. Along with the lighter, replacement DBR5, both being front engine layouts with straight six engines. When Sir Blackjack’, aka Jack Brabham was dominating the sport in His Cooper rear engine racecar…

 

Alpine: 1978

Alpine has a long, tangled relationship with Renault, its parent company. With today’s Alpine F1 Team having been rebranded from the latest iteration of Renault in 2021.

 

Although Alpine had been merged into Renault Sport in 1976. Nevertheless, it assimilation included its Sports Car racing programme.  Which Renault wished to win Le Mans for the prestige of winning on home soil.

 

Interestingly, there were actually four Renault-Alpine’s entered in the 1978 race, one being a customer entry, with different models entered. Including the controversial ‘Bubble” top roof which was only raced upon the winning Alpine A442B.

 

As Patrick Depailler and Jean-Pierre Jabouille in the latest A443, said the acrylic bubble top partial roof made them feel claustrophobic and trapped engine heat in the cockpit. Along with obscuring vision. Even though Depailler set a top speed of 236mph on the Mulsanne Straight! As the acrylic “canopy” gave the car an extra 5mph…

 

Thus it was Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud winning aboard their bubble roof A442B.

 

And with the victory complete, Renault withdrew from endurance racing to focus their energies upon Formula 1. Before returning to endurance racing first with the A480, a rebadged Rebellion R13. Grandfathered into the ACO’sLMP1 Hypercar rules between 2021-22. And then today’s current factory Alpine A424 Hypercar programme. Which includes the likes of Mick Schumacher as one of the team’s six drivers.

 

Sauber: 1989

Peter Sauber began His long motorsports career by racing in Hill climbs in 1970 in a car of His own construction. While Sauber first competed at Le Mans in 1978 with its C5 Sports Car.

 

Sauber’s association with Mercedes Benz began in 1985, supplying engines for the Sauber C8 Group C chassis, with the C9 being introduced in 1987.

 

Sauber officially became the Mercedes Benz Werks Sports Car team the following year, and the C9 not only won at Le Mans in 1989, but also claimed the Constructors and Drivers titles that year.

 

The C9 was the second fastest car ever at Circuit de la Sarthe, recording a terminal velocity of 248mph, the magic 400kp/h on the Mulsanne Straight!

 

The renamed Mercedes Sauber C9 was replaced by the C11 for 1990, which also won the Constructors and Drivers titles again, before ultimately being replaced by the C291.

 

It was these “Silver Arrows” Sauber Sports Cars that I believe first brought my Attenzione to a young German driver named Herr Schumacher. As I tend to recall that Michael Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Karl Wendlinger drove together as Junior Drivers for Mercedes in Group C, before all three advanced to formula 1.

 

Sauber itself made the leap from Sports Car racing at the end of the Group C era to F1 in 1993 with Mercedes backing, taking over the supply of Leyton House March’s Ilmor V-10 lumps’. Having remained in F1 ever since under various guises. And will become the Werks Audi F1 Team next year.

 

McLaren: 1995

Presume everyone knows of the evocative McLaren F1 GTR winning le 24 Heurs du Mans with Lanzante Motorsports in 1995. With J.J. Letho, Yanick Dalmas and Kokusai Kaihatsu at the controls of the No. 59 LMGT1 entry.

 

As the racecar was developed from the original McLaren Supercar designed by Gordon Murray, with its unique three seat layout, seating the driver’s lone seat in the cabin’s centre.

 

As I’m guessing that McLaren is the only Constructor to have won Frederico Suave, nee Fred Alonso’s mythical “Triple Crown”, i.e.; Le Mans, Indianapolis 500 and either the Monaco Grand Prix or the F1 World Championship…

 

Williams: 1999

Yeah, technically Team Willy’s never won Le Mans, which I’m aware of. Yet I included them since Williams Grand Prix engineering designed, built and developed the winning BMW V-12 LMR Prototype that Yanick Dalmas, Pierluigi Martini and Joachim Winkelhock drove to victory that year.

 

RETRO: Remembering some of BMW’s Sports Racing Cars

 

The quick answer to my trivia question above is the year 1999. Although it was also when Mark Handlebarz’ Webber and other members of the Mercedes Werks team went airborne and spectacularly barrel-rolled their CLR Prototypes. Which had a nasty habit of somersaulting due to high speed aerodynamic deficiency, Youza! 

Cornholed, Again!

And He misses the Pile…

 

Yeah, know Y’all are saying where’s my riveting Canadian GP or Gateway IndyCar race reports eh? But Yuhs know how I roll here in Nofendersville…

 

Once again, I got Cornholed! Just over a fortnight ago, (Sunday, June 1st) when chaos was breaking out in Barcelona, ci!

 

Supposedly ESPNews was replaying the Spanish GP at 2:30PM. (Pacific) As I long ago stopped getting up at Oh Dark 30 for Formula 1, Ole!

 

I turned Thy Telie’ on early, since I often aim the remote the wrong way and have to play the turn the cable box on game, being Blind Y’all…

 

Yep, Thar was some riveting Cornhole game being played, which I must say is like my trying to watch a Darts match, with the bean bags going womp-womp-womp! Followed by what sounded like somebody calling a High School tennis game TV announcers noise.

 

Without knowing the time, 2:30PM came ‘n went, and when I finally checked the time since this riveting Cornhole match was now onto another game, it was 2:43PM. And in the words of George Crybaby’ Russell, What The Flock? Language George, the FIA doesn’t like cuss words, Tsk-Tsk!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/04/welcome-to-formula-ones-pariah-club.html

 

Hmm, may be the F1 replay won’t start until 3:00PM? Since the Emilia Romagna rebroadcast had a similar problema, with some college sports program running 20mins extra before somebody apparently woke up and began the F1 replay. Which I “watched” an hour of the Max parade before going to bed…

 

Checking my Zap-2-It TV guide again for the umpteenth time. Since it was past 3PM and Cornhole was still going strong, with the scintillating score being 8-6, Urgh! It said that ESPNews was also replaying the Spanish GP at 7PM. And even though I’d accidently heard who the winner was, Sigh! I thought I’d watch it anyways, since this is the only reason I keep my outlandishly overpriced Spectrum Cable TV service. Now that Fox Sports has taken over MotoGP and doesn’t replay it until the middle of the night, but I digress…

 

Nope, Stee-rike Two! As there was some riveting womens college baseball game going on, in the middle of the fifth inning involving Arkansas I believe, Swell! So I just went and “watched” Err listened to the Youtube Highlights “package” instead. Since I’d waisted far too mucho time trying to catch the Gory F1 replay!

 

Guessing y’all know what happened in the closing stages of the Spanish GP race highlights, ci?

 

But once again, I missed All of the Fireworks surrounding who I’m now calling Max Blunderhead! Being just one more blatant example of why I don’t like Maximus Hothead! And I totally agree with 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg’s assessment that Verstappen should have been given a black flag for purposely ramming Russell! As a ten second time penalty doesn’t send a severe enough message to a driver well known for His outrageous, and dangerous driving antics…

 

Have scribbled previously that I’ve never disputed Verstappen’s driving talent. It’s just His unrealistic behaviour of a toddler throwing His bottle out of the pram whenever He doesn’t get His way on-track that rankles me!

 

As His petulant spearing of Russell after having been told by His race engineer to give George the place back seems reminiscent of Senna deliberately crashing Prost at Suzuka! Or Michael Schumacher squeezing Rubino’, nee Rubens Barrichello into the wall at some 180mph at the Hungaroring in 2010! Where the German received a ten place grid penalty for the next race at thee Mighty Spa’; Spa-Francorchamps for His reckless, Err Ruthless driving behaviour.

 

Which like I’ve said before, Senna and Schumacher are the two closest drivers Max Blunderhead seems to emulate on-track, meaning I should be a fan of His…

 

And how can you not enjoy Max’s off track candidness? Saying that Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda is not a pancake! In regards to the Japanese driver completely struggling with the diabolical RB21 chassis, for which Liam Lawson was demoted from, and arguably should have never been so hastily promoted to the Big Bullx’ outfit after only eleven Grands Prix experience…

 

Or Max saying He’ll bring some tissues next time after Russell’s remarks regarding His driving antics.

 

Yet Maximus Hothead’s temper tantrum is inexcusable, and once again Red Bull is doing nothing about it! Since what would be the draconian punishment to Tsunoda, Lawson or the other ‘lil Bullz’ (Racing Bulls) rookie driver Isack Hadjar for disobeying a direct order from the race team?

 

Max needs to be sat down for one Grand Prix if the sport really wishes to set the proper example for not tolerating such egregious driving behaviour! Where the Austrian Grand Prix minus Verstappen would definitely send a message! Or at the very least, a ten grid place penalty at Montreal.

 

Thus, I found Thyself hoping Maxwell silver Hammer would pick up one more needed penalty point at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to enforce a one race ban at Spielberg. Although knowing Maxwell Silver Hammer’s to shrewd for that…

 

Yet it serves Max right that He won’t secure a fifth consecutive F1 world championship this year, since He doesn’t deserve it!

 

Meanwhile, thanks to F1 being on the eastern seaboard, and Indy being a night race. I actually got to “watch”, Err listen to most of the Canadian Grand Prix live on Thy Telie’, i.e.; both Friday practice sessions, Qualie and the race.

Apparently the word Lando Norris was using over the weekend on Il Notre Dam was inevitable. Which surely, I should have expected it would be inevitable for Max Blunderhead and George F-bombs R Us Russell to be on the front row together again for Sunday’s race.

 

Max was very “Cool” in the post qualifying interview with Jack Vanilla, aka Jacques Villeneuve. Replying He always wants to be on pole…

 

Then Russell was a Cheeky Bugger! And  I’m 86% certain the crowd Booed Him when He said He’s got a few more points on His license to play with. For which all I could say was Youch!

 

Or as ‘lil Davey Malukas used to say during the Team Penske Bus Bros dazes’, shots fired!

 

And then during Martin BillyBob’ Brundle’s legendous’ Grid Walk, Brundle cheekily told Carlos Sainz Jr. I promise you Carlos, your not late as He went scurrying by, Youza, good one Martin!

 

Yet the race was anti-climatic at the front with Russell leading wire-to-wire from pole, with Max second and Kimi Antonelli scoring His maiden podium.

 

While all of the fireworks occurred on lap 67 of 70 when Norris made an ill-advised overtaking attempt upon McLaren teammate, and F1 championship points leader Oscar Piastri. With Norris shunting and Piastri finishing fourth after a cautionary pitstop to change tyres, at least that’s what I thought I heard the Sky sports Pundits say? With the race finishing under caution… 

INDY 500: Penske to the Forefront Again

But for All the Wrong reasons!

 

So it’s the day before the Mack Daddy 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, and I just have to say that this year’s race has a bad taste in the mouth for Mwah…

 

After learning late Monday evening of Team Penske’s additional penalties handed out by J. Douglas Boles, all I could say was Horseshit! Wondering to thyself do I totally ignore Team Penske being caught cheating again, or do I try scribbling something constructive here upon No Fenders? Skipping the F-bombs’ laden initial response I had when learning about this…

 

Everyone knows about Penske’s No. 2 Josef Newgarden and No. 12 Will Power’s entries being sent to the last row, now starting P32-33 based upon Saturday’s qualifying speed. And that they’ve been given the final two pit selections, forfeited their qualifying points and handed a $100,000 fine per car. Along with Team Penske top two IndyCar lieutenant’s Tim Cindric and Ron Ruzewski being banned from taking further part in this year’s Indianapolis 500; for the second straight year, Boo-Hoo-Hoo!

 

I understand Boles decision of keeping the fastest 33 cars in the field, but I also believe what Pato O’Ward said. Claiming that the cars were in their altered configuration on Saturday, for which we’ll never truly know…

 

But I say that IndyCar’s penalty wasn’t harsh enough. As the only message that can truly be sent about altering a safety component on a racecar, however slight is simply for immediate Disqualification. End of Story!

 

As the IndyCar statement claims that the Attenuator’s seams were filled in order to gain an aerodynamic advantage, which regardless of whom you believe, is just another of the countless examples of Penske seeking it’s legendous “Unfair Advantage!”

 

My “gut” feeling is that as long as Roger Penske holds the keys to everything. Sadly, there will forever be a dark cloud overhead IndyCar! Which I really don’t know the solution to, but I’d say it’s quite the conundrum.

 

Since once again one of the little teams is taking it in the shorts financially, whilst the Big Dawgs’ keep rollin’ on! As how much did Dale Coyne just lose out upon?

 

As the spotlight should have been solely focused upon the incredible accomplishment of rookie Robert Shwartzman, which was Freakin’ Amazing! With only five IndyCar races to His (and Prema’s) credit, He becomes just the third rookie in Indy 500 History to win pole!

 

The last being Italian Teo Fabi in 1983, the year Prema was formed. And first rookie team since the “Gasman” Tom Sneva driving for Mayer Motor Racing in ’84.

 

Totally Unbelievable!

 

Yet lie Pato O’Ward said in the IndyStar article I listened to late Sunday night, following the Fast Twelve Shootout. The real question is why does Penske feel they need to do such things? As they’ve got really good drivers, good equipment,  so why?

 

And who will Roger put on Double Secret Probation this time? Uhm, guess that Doug Boles did that for Him, Eh?

 

Although I’d like to point out what at least I heard Boles say during His press conference announcing the harsher penalty. The Nos. 2 and 12 weren’t disqualified, Team Penske simply elected to withdraw them on Sunday. As they were allowed to run in the Fast 12 Shootout but most certainly would be disqualified afterwards for failing post technical inspection.

 

While I still do not believe Cindric’s comment about ScottyMac’s No. 3 car not having a modified attenuator. Unless that means that Team Penske made the modification between McLaughlin’s practice crash and Sunday qualifying? Even though reports claim that other teams have photographs of Penske’s car running with this modification going back to last year, Huh?

 

As it’s a really Ugly problem! And no matter how it was handled/not handled? Somebody in the Last Row shootout got screwed! Especially when it’s the series owner caught cheating at the racetrack He owns!

 

As congratulations to Robert Shwartzman and Prema Racing! And may somebody beside Team Penske win this Sunday! Since can you imagine the scuttlebutt if either the No. 2 or No. 12 wins?

 

Aftermath

Naturally, the story wasn’t finished. Since a day after I finished penning this article, Roger Penske dropped a Bombshell with the firing of Tim Cindric, Rob Ruzewski and Kyle Moyer, His top three IndyCar lieutenants on Wednesday, May 21st.

 

This is quite significant, since I like many believed that Cindric would one day take over control of Team Penske when El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske had finally taken the chequered flag…

 

I should also say that I’ve found Doug Boles to be very pragmatic during this whole ugly situation, and as a lawyer saying He’s just been working with the facts. As Boles has been decisive and straightforward in what appropriate punishment He could deal out. Thus I find myself unexpectedly defending Him, by just saying that He’s only been president of IndyCar since early February. And as Boles said, the Penske penalitespenalties are probably Harsher then what was handed out to other team violations at the Thermal club this past March…

 

I also know that whilst photographic evidence of Josef Newgarden’s 2024 Indy 500 winning car sporting the exact same alterations exist. Boles has noted that He’s been told the Aerodynamic modification would net 0.0mph gain.

 

While it’s also somewhat hard to believe that Roger Penske would wish such negative publicity focused upon Him at the racetrack He so cherishes, and has spent millions improving to make “Penske Perfect”. Not to mention the huge stain this puts upon His legendous’ racing organization. Not to mention All of the people who work so diligently for Him…

 

Yet I still say that the only acceptable punishment for modifying a safety component. With the rear attenuator designed presumably with said seam gap to crumple in a rearwards accident and dissipate crash energy away from the driver, is for immediate Disqualification of said racecar!

 

While it will be very interesting to see how IndyCar moves forward from this massive scandal… 

IndyCar 2025 season Changes

but will they Spice up the Show?

 

Yeah, this is old news, especially if you’ve been following IndyCar since the March 2nd St Pete kickoff. But once again, your Humble, but Haggard Head Scribe Tomaso simply cannot adequately Back-time’ everything to scribble about here upon No Fenders. Nor keep up with thoust Wurld de Motorsporten, Ja Volt!

 

Hey, Y’all try managing keeping track ‘O multiple racing series single handily on your ancient Selectric typewriter. Not to mention IndyCar tweaking it’s tyre allocation rules following St Pete for the Thermal Club’s cheese grader event! Due to the track’s super abrasive surface.

 

As here’s the major rule and regulation changes for this season.

 

Long Beach is the first of six races having their race distances altered. As this weekend’s event at The Beach adds five laps for a new total of 90-laps. With Mid-Ohio adding ten laps for a total of also 90-laps. While both of Iowa’s races add 25-laps for a total of 275. Toronto increases five laps for 90 total. And Nashville adds 19 for a total of 226-laps, in an effort to increase full “rich” race running. Taking away Scott Dixon’s fuel saving strategy He employed to win at Long Beach last year.

 

Firestone has changed it’s tyre allocation for Twisties’ race weekends, now seeing five sets of “Hard” primary and “Soft” alternates for road course and street circuits. With the exception of the previously mentioned Thermal club event, along with the Indianapolis road course event. Both reverting to last year’s allocation of six primary and four alternates.

 

Drivers will be allowed to run one set of alternates during Friday’s first practice, along with continuing the addition of one extra set of primary tyres for rookies. While Firestone was asked to provide a wider performance separation gap between the primary and alternate rubber compounds.

 

The 45mins “All Skate” session followed by the field split into two groups for 10min apiece sessions will continue this year at all road course and street circuit events.

 

A new, spec fuel meter has been mandated for this year’s competition, at the behest of engine manufacturers. As the mandatory fuel flow meter is produced by Sentronics, and is Slowsonic fuel flow meters are used in Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship competition.

 

In addition to the electronic LED race corner panels and safety workers local waving yellow flag. The in-cockpit yellow caution flag warning light will now be activated for these local caution flags to immediately warn drivers of an on-track yellow flag. Hoping to eliminate nasty (and costly) pile-ups like last year’s multi-car incident at Toronto’s Turn-1, caused by Pato O’Ward.

 

In the advent of a crash of 65G’s or higher, drivers custom molded seats and seat belts will be confiscated by IndyCar. As seat belts can stretch in such accidents, which the series already confiscated and destroyed these belts previously. While the driver seat confiscation adds a higher safety measure. The foam cockpit head-rest surround will also be inspected in such accidents, and then either deemed returnable or needing replacement.

 

Meanwhile, the Drivers Eye miniature helmet camera system will now only be utilized at four races this season. Possibly being tested at Long Beach during practice? In preparation for four drivers carrying the system in future races, i.e.; Barbers or Indy’s road course prior to the Indianapolis 500.

 

Yet with All of the on-screen graphics problems and Thermal Clubs Brownout, perhaps FOX will further delay this new wrinkle to its IndyCar TV coverage? 

Raging Bulls Showdown in Suzuka

But Don’t forget about Monsieur Hadjar, Wee-Wee!

 

Even though it was Alpine’s Jack Doohan’s Mega’ crash which arguably was thee Talking Point of Friday’s two practice sessions at Suzuka. Much Attenzione was being paid to the intra-squad Scrum of Red Bull’s “Junior” drivers, i.e.; Yuki Tsunoda v Liam Lawson. For which I decided to follow along…

 

Tsunoda wowed the Home crowd straight out of the box during (Free Practice) FP1, finishing an electrifying sixth for Red Bull, with newly demoted Liam Lawson P13 back at Racing Bulls. Yet Lawson flipped the script in FP2, with an impressive fifth, whilst Tsunoda was a lowly P18, the first driver in the 1:30’s.

 

Yet even more impressive was Lawson’s Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar, who finished third in FP2, while the Wunderkind they’re all chasing, i.e.; Max Verstappen was eighth in FP2. With Max fifth and Hadjar eight inFP1.

 

Saturday’s FP3 saw the Red Bull quartet led by Max Blunderhead in fifth. Followed by Tsunoda ninth, Hadjar tenth and Lawson 12th.

 

Qualifying saw the two drivers not on our “Watch list”, i.e.; Verstappen and Hadjar once again outperforming the two Red Bull protagonists. With Hadjar getting much made over His apparent discomfort during Qualie’s Q1 session, when apparently His lap belt(s) were too tight!

 

Sky sports lead “Punter” Kroftie’, aka David Kroft deftly let Theodorre, not Lenny Kravitz due the heavy lifting on this subject. With Kravitz musing over how apparently Hadjar was in immense pain from His belts being too tight upon His lower extremity. Saying He wasn’t sure if His boxers or briefs were balling up underneath His Firesuit. Before saying that guest Pundit Jacques Villeneuve had more experience on the matter, before brief banter about fireproof boxers…

 

Whilst Kravitz prattled on about non-ferrous materials in regards to the F1 chassis titanium skid blocks sending sparks into the overly dry grass and igniting multiple grass fires! For which there inturn caused multiple Red Flags to be thrown in order for workers to dose each fire…

 

Reportedly the rookie Frenchman got the matter straightened out between Qualie’ sessions, feeling much better during Q2 and once again outperforming, by qualifying a fine seventh!

 

Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson were in lockstep with each other. Ultimately Lawson qualified one place ahead of a dejected Tsunoda. With Lawson P13 and Tsunoda P14 after Williams Carlos Sainz Jr. was demoted three places for blocking Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton on a “Hot” lap, and would start P15.

 

Verstappen put in what Frederico Suave, nee Fred Alonso called a magical lap, as nobody, including MaxiMillions’ saw Him pulling a Wabbit’ from His Nomex underwear, HaHa!

 

Pipping McLaren’s Lando Norris by one hundredth second for pole on His final “Flyer” qualifying lap! Being Blunderhead’s 41st pole position, for which Verstappen was obviously overjoyed.

 

And then the “Money” round, nee Sunday’s race certainly wasn’t worth staying up until thoust wee hours of the morning! As I opted for the Sunday morning encore presentation Chock-Oh-Block Full of the Mothers Shoe Polish lady Nicole Briscoe cooing in our ears…

 

As I found it to be a very  dull race, dare I say another F1 Snoozefest? As Verstappen led wire-to-wire from pole. With the only time Lando Norris got close to overtaking Max was during the duo’s lone pitstop, where they came out virtually wheel-to-wheel, with Norris going onto the grass in order to kee from hitting Max. Before it was Game over!

 

Isack Hadjar dropped one position to Lewis Hamilton, finish eighth. While Tsunoda trundled home P12. Obviously not what Yuki or His adoring Japanese fans wished for.

 

While Liam Lawson went backwards during the race, finishing two positions behind another under fire driver, Alpine’s Jack Doohan. With Lawson finishing a rather lackluster P17…