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… 

The 2024 IndyCar Golden Tailpipe Awards edition

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

WINNERS

2024 IndyCar Champion: Alex Palou, Spain

2024 Indy 500: Josef Newgarden, USA

2024 Rookie Of the Year: Linus Lundqvist, Sweden

 

CATEGORIES

1. Driver of The Year

Winner: Colton Herta

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

 

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

 

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

 

Other Choices

Alex Palou, Scott McLaughlin and Pato O’Ward

 

2. Biggest Disappointments of The Year

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

3. Race of The Year

Oval Track Winner: Nashville

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Other Choices

Gateway and Milwaukee

 

Twisties' Track Winner: Long Beach and Alabama

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Other Choices

Detroit and Toronto

 

4. Most Improved Team of the Year

Winner: Meyer Shank Racing

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

5. Most Disappointing Team of the Year

Winner: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

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

 

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

F1: “Hot Nights in Lusail”

As the season finishes off with a Bang! Punctured Tyres, Bruised Ego’s and damaged racecars, Whamoe!

 

“She didn’t speak much English language…

She didn’t speak much anyway

She wouldn’t make love, but made good sandwich

And She poured sweet wine before we played”

 

With apologies to Jethro Tull, for which I fiendishly stole the title to one of their forgotten songs subtitled: Hot Nights in Budapest, or simply known as the track Budapest from Ye Wayback’ machine. Which Yeah, I realize is a different subject matter, but is it really?

 

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

 

As this year’s Qatar Grand Prix had so many plots ‘n twists, Err subplots, it seemed worthy of my Oh, so clever title, Botta-Boom. Uhm, did somebody say Bottas?

 

Like in one hapless Finn smashing into an errant wing mirror stradling the racetrack! Which apparently Alex Albon’s Williams wing mirror falling off was a side effect of Lance Stroll’s earlier collision with Him! Netting the Kuhnuck’ a ten second penalty.

 

Or three cars ultimately being taken out on a first lap, first corner collision. Not to mention both Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez spinning out of control. With Lawson collecting Bottas and damaging His floor. Whilst Checo’ (Perez) saw His clutch break after His spin, causing another unwanted retirement…

 

Although the lead of the race rarely seemed in doubt. Where should one begin regarding All of the mayhem and carnage. And who’s been Naughty or Nice, Eh?

 

Yet Lando Norris made things interesting on one of the multiple restarts. But Max Blunderhead’ seemed serenely in control all race long. But that’s before we key up the music…

 

As today’s “House” Band Jetro Tull’s Aqualung seems completely apropos as the theme song for FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem, “You Poor ‘Ol Sod”. As perhaps He can take solace in an afternoon cup of team, right Jethro?

 

As did Ben Sulayem really tell the Formula 1 Drivers, whom just weeks ago were being hailed as Gladiators under the twelve million lights on the Las Vegas Strip to mind their own business! Although I suppose at least He cannot Fire the Drivers, since there wouldn’t be a Show…

 

As the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association) has asked for clarity from Ben Sulayem in a public letter, just where does the money they’re fined for swearing go? To which the Emirati ex-Rally Driver told them it was none of their business! Before He fired another two employees. Sacking senior race steward Tim Mayer and Deputy Formula 2 race director Janette Tan prior to the Qatar weekend. And that’s without even mentioning the two other employees who were asked to leave after bringing up a questionable future money transferring scheme by Ben Sulayem…

 

Then as I’m sure everyone’s aware of, there’s the public spat between Verstappen and George Russell, with Max calling George Two Faced and never knowing anyone who wanted to screw somebody over so hard! In regards to the extraordinary FIA Stewards decision to give Max a one place grid penalty for impeding Russell during Qualifying on a cooldown lap. Taking away Verstappen’s deserved Pole position; which for once, I’ll agree with Max. This was ridiculous! Careful Maximilian, no swearing…

 

Whilst apparently “Daggers” were thrown during the Drivers pre-race parade lap, with the Dutchman letting George know of His displeasure with Him. Which obviously Max used as motivation as He Blitzed the Mercedes driver into the first corner and never looked back enroute to His 63rd Grand Prix victory.

 

Although I’m left wondering what Max’s real agenda is here? And why is He focusing His energy upon the GPDA Chairman. As does Verstappen feel that russell’s more of a threat than His “Good buddy” Lando Norris?

 

While the race for second place and beyond seemed overly chaotic, thanks in large part to a total of three safety cars being deployed. Yet the worst part of the entire race was when brand new F1 race director Rui Marques allowed the inappropriate use of double Yellow Flags being waved for four laps while Albon’s wing mirror laid on-track before Bottas obliterated it! With the carbon fibre shreds surely causing both Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes Lewis Hamilton punctured tyres, ultimately effecting their race’s outcome.

 

As Bloody Jense’, Sky Sports F1 Pundit Jenson Button dryly noted. Its not a nice feeling getting a puncture at 200mph!

 

As I find this inexcusable! Even though I’m not a race director, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn…

 

As it was only Marque’s second ever Grand Prix as race director. But regardless of how big or “small” this wing mirror was? There was clearly potentially racecar damaging debris on circuit which needed to be removed immediately!

 

Meanwhile McLaren is wingeing on over Lando Norris’s penalty being too harsh for not backing off His throttle where double yellow flags were clearly visible waving! To which I disagree, as this is probably the only way to get the Drivers to follow the rules.

 

And no, I don’t know how hard it is to see these flags at a high rate of speed, but Norris apparently was the only driver to not do so? Since Verstappen was immediately on His radio asking if Norris had slowed down?

 

Whilst I’m certain it will continue, but Daily Telegraph F1 columnist Gary Anderson had a good point of how every driver immediately calling in anyone else’s transgressions via in-car radio being akin to “footballers” (soccer( taking a Dive in order to get a penalty called on their opponents…

 

As the stewards were busy dolling out penalties in Qatar, as Hamilton received two  five second penalty’s for jumping the race’s start and speeding in the pit lane. With Lawson getting a ten second penalty for His collision with Bottas, for example. And so it goes…

 

As obviously Max and George won’t be exchanging Christmas Cards. And I don’t know who’ll be getting lumps ‘O coal in their stockings? But it seems that more than one of our cast of F1 Merrymen and FIA President will be disappointed this Christmas morning after Santa’s arrival!

 

 

And that was before we got to Thursday’s day ‘O fireworks at Yas Isle, where Max, George, Chris Horner and toto Wolff kept the volume turned up to 11!

 

Partial song lyrics from:

Jethro Tull’s Budapest. From the 1987 Album Crest of A Knave. 

Without The Jones Family, their would be No Seafair!

As this trio of Jones Designers, built some of the Sports most famous boats…

 

You never know when Father Time’s going to ask you to “Bring your Torch”. As Ron Jones Jr. died at the relatively young age of 67 this past April 24th. With “JR” being the third generation of revolutionary Unlimited Hydroplane designers and builders of these unique racing boats.

 

Ron Jones Jr’s Grandfather, Tudor Owen “Ted” Jones shocked the Boating world when driving His radical “three-pointer” Unlimited Hydroplane to win the 1950 APBA Gold Cup in Detroit, Michigan. During an era when the winning Yacht Club got to Host the following year’s Gold Cup event.

 

As Ted Jones was the first to successfully employ the skimming technique of an Unlimited running with it’s propeller only partially submerged and skimming the water on it’s two sponsons, when He designed the Slo-Mo-Shun IV for Stan Sayres in 1949. And with this boat’s superiority, the sport would never look back!

 

As Ted Jones Slo-Mo-Shun IV and V Hydroplanes would dominate Unlimited racing for a five year stretch. Winning the gold Cup between 1950-54. Before

Lou Fageol spectacularly barrel-rolled the Slo-Mo-Shun V during Gold Cup qualifying on Lake Washington in 1955!

 

Miraculously Fageol survived this backwards flip some fifty-feet in the air, albeit forcing His retirement from boath racing! Which ended the Slo-Mo-Shun’s dynasty, before owner Stanley Sayres died of a Heart attack in 1956.

 

Having regaled Y’all Wayback’ many Moons ago with Lou fageol’s connection to Mother Speedway in the following No Fenders yarn…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2015/09/hydros-drivers-with-speedway-connections.html

 

As Ted Jones designed and built Unlimited Hydroplanes with such legendary names as Miss Thriftway, Miss Century 21, Miss Wahoo and the Hawaii Kai III. Being just a few of the names that saw Ted’s boats win a staggering 75 major races, 14 APBA Gold Cups and ten consecutive National High Points Championships between 1950-66, according to former Unlimited Hydroplane Historian Fred Farley.

 

While Ted is also credited with spotting a promising driver named Bill Muncey, who went onto become one of the sport’s legends…

 

Although Ted’s most famous Hull arguably has to be the Green Dragon, His 1962 Miss Bardahl. Which won the National High Points Championship and Gold Cup three consecutive years in-a-row between 1963-65. Which was also Ted’s last “Hands On” Hull He was involved in, before retiring from racing.

 

Ted Jones died at the age of 90 on January 9, 2000.

 

Ron Jones Sr. was brought-in over the winter of 1962 to fine tune the Miss Bardahl’s sponsons, with obviously dramatic effects. Before taking over the reigns from His father, ironically having built the 1958 championship winning Miss Bardahl His father designed.

 

This was the first Unlimited He built, whilst ultimately building over 500 estimated boats of all classes, including some two dozen plus Unlimiteds during His lifetime.

 

Ron had been chomping at the bit to design a Cabover Hydroplane, with the driver’s cockpit being placed ahead of the engine. Which Ole Bardahl let Him do for the 1966 season. Yet sadly, thru no fault of His own. Ron Munsen lost His life when the boat threw a propeller and dove to the bottom of the Potomac river, killing Munsen instantly. The sport’s darkest day, when three drivers met their maker during that year’s Presidents Cup in Washington DC.

 

Yet Senior would be vindicated when Tom D’Eath and the Miss US, a Cabover “Picklefork” design of His won the 1976 Gold Cup, for which every winner since has driven this same forward cockpit design…

 

The elder Ron was the Designer of two legendary Unlimited Hulls. First what was known as the “Winged Wonder”, the 1973 Pride of Pay n Pak, which won 22 races enroute to the National High Points Championship between 1973-75.

 

And my All-time Numero Uno Unlimited, the 1980 Miss Budweiser Griffon! Which also won 22 races and was basically unstoppable between 1980-84. With it’s only major blemish being Dean Chenoweth’s death at Tri-cities in 1982.

 

Senior was also responsible for implementing the now de riggour cockpit canopies following the death of Chenoweth. Which was first used successfully on what was known as the “bubble Bud”. The team’s third and final version of it’s legendous’ Rolls Royce Griffon Hulls.

 

As new “bud Man” driver Jimmy Kropfield was the first to compete in a enclosed cockpit raceboat in 1985. Although the Bubble Bud’s canopy was actually composed from vacuum-formed plexiglass and opened skywards, pivoting forwards vs. traditional F-16 canopy style.

 

As this ushered in the now long ago mandatory use of surplus F-16 canopies. Which Ron Sr. introduced on the first turbine powered Miss Budweiser and 7/11 Unlimiteds in 1986.

 

Ron Jones Sr. died at age 84 on January 19, 2017.

 

Ron Jones Jr’s accomplishments were a little harder to discern initially. Other than He spent the majority of His lifetime working on boats until His last project, the U-88 Unlimited in 2011. Having been diagnosed with Stage-4 emphysema and COPD, due to a genetics disorder described as Alpha-1 Anti-Tryplsin I believe.

 

Ron Jr. began working in the family’s boat building business in earnest during High School, when He would cut and prepare all of the wooden parts used in the building of Unlimited Hydroplance. With His Grandfather Ted being the Shop Foreman. Before His Dad Ron Jones Sr. introduced the widespread application of aluminum honeycomb composite to Unlimited Hydroplanes, first upon the 1973 Pride of Pay n Pak.

 

JR worked on all aspects of building Unlimiteds for His Pop’s Ron Jones Marine business, including the implementation of the F-16 enclosed cockpit canopies and migration to turbine power…

 

JR met and apparently interacted with Dave Villwock prior to His being chip Hanauer’s Crew Chief upon the Miss Circus Circus, before His Driving career began. And worked with Scott Pierce and the Evans brothers Mark and Mitch amongst other drivers.

 

As JR rebuilt the Hull that previously was the Miller American Beer wagon of 1985, which began life as the ’84 Atlas Van Lines Hull in 1984. Becoming the brand new from the waterline up U-50 American Spirit in 1992.

 

Ron Jones Jr. also was a team owner three different times. The first being the building of the Coors Dry in less than 60 days! Which rookie driver Villwock, making His Unlimiteds debut won first time out at San Diego in 1992! With JR noting this two wing boat was seeing a top speed of 218mph in Hawaii!

 

JR also rebuilt the former Miss Circus Circus after it caught on fire in Hawaii, which ran with a triple rear wing. Although villwock destroyed both boats in ’93 and Rone Jr. and Villwock split under bitter terms. While JR’s final ownership was in a not so enjoyable partnership with Dr. Ken Muscatel

 

As thanks to the ingenuity of All three generations of Jones, the sport of Unlimited Hydroplanes would have never been the same without them!