Truncated 2026 Sebring 12 Hours Postscript

Everyone remembers this March’s 12 Hours of Sebring, Righto?

 

Have I mentioned lately how Mucho I’m having a hard time getting my Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to rev-up over motor racing lately Y’all? Or seemingly stuck in second gear? Even if Y’all are quivering with Month ‘O May excitement…

 

Is there something going on in Indiana this month, eh?

 

While at least I don’t have to lament over the fact of the entire 12 Hours of Sebring being shown only behind Peacock’s Paywall, WTF! A la Formula 1 gong behind Apple TV’s curtain, err Paywall, meaning half of my motor racing series have gone “Dark!” Since I no longer have television, but I digress…

 

Tuned in via IMSA Radio somewhere during High Noon, (Pacific) with some seven hours remaining. Although I flitted about during this duration…

 

And its sad when the most poignant part of the entire 12 Hours race was the great story John Hindhaugh waxed poetically upon…

 

Yes, I understand there’s good, bad and mediocre race officials, which obviously applies to all walks of life. But I found the following yarn extraordinary.

 

Hindhaugh recounted about what I believe was the 1999 Petit Le Mans race? And one unnamed pit crew was limbering up for an impending pit stop.

 

The race official was none other than the top overseer of the entire pitlane, and spotting one crew member with His visor still up before the team’s car lumbered to a stop. Went over and slapped the members helmet and whack! The visor slid shut, the team made their pitstop and the car raced off.

 

The chief mechanic having observed what happened, came over and inquired if they were going to receive a penalty? To which the official said, I’m not here to give out penalties, I’m here to make sure you’re being safe! And I bet that won’t happen again!

 

With Hindhaugh saying that the official was Dick Martin and as I listened to this wonderful story, tears began streaming down my face. Due to Martin’s display of humanity. Which we, as a nation are sorely lacking right now. Brandishing our version of the Good, Bad and Ugly!

 

I must also say my mind began wondering about if we’ll have another Arab Oil Embargo, which I was just a Wee lad when that occurred. Due to the starvation of crude oil slipping thru the Straight of Hormuz. And how will the Iran War impact motor racing in general? Since it seems to only be worsening; as somebody pass me the raw, bloody meat…

 

Tend to recall somewhere within five hours remaining. One of the announcers mused over how Renger van der Zande said the Porsche’s were just playing with everybody! Which turned out to be prophetic.

 

Didn’t catch what happened to cause the two leading Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963’s swap positions. With Felipe Nasr in the No. 7 basically pulling over on the straight to allow Keven Estre’s No. 6 by.

 

Yet I marveled over Nasr’s bravado. Telling the team over the in-car radio He’d pull over before asking if they were cleared to race each other? Saying He’d pull over but they’ll lose the race if He stays second!

 

As think it was the No. 31 Whelen Cadd-Oh-lac’ breathin’ down the Penske’s backsides? Before Nasr was given the Ok and swiftly repassed Estre to lead them  home to a 1-2 sweep. On the very same day that El Capitano’, nee roger Penske was serving as the race’s Grand Marshall.

 

Initially Ricky Taylor in the #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac v-Series.R claimed the third podium spot. But was DSQ’ed (Disqualified) following a post-race tech inspection violation. Elevating the No. 31 Whelen to third.

 

The win was Porsche’s 20th overall victory at Sebring. With the two Penske Porsches running special red, white and blue Mobil 1 tribute liveries. Commemorating 30 years of Porsche and Mobil 1’s partnership, dating back to the 1996 Porsche GT1 running Mobil 1 livery at Circuit de la Sarthe.

 

Whilst its also Team Penske’s 60th anniversary of racing, and Porsche’s 75th anniversary of Motorsports. Making it ironic that Porsche won’t be competing in Hypercar this June at Le Mans…

 

In LMP2, Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport claimed a 1-2 finish, with Nikkel Jensen, Phil Fayer and former IndyCar, Indy Lights and current ECR IndyCar reserve driver Hunter McElrea coming out on top in the No. 2. With the Seester’ No. 22 second, and the No. 8 Tower Motorsports third.

 

Porsche claimed a “Double” 1-2 finish with the Manthey Racing No. 911 leading AO Racing’s Roxy’, the prehistoric pink Dinosaur No. 77 pair of Porsche 911 GT3 R’s across the stripe in GTD Pro. Being Manthey’s breakthrough victory at Sebring.

 

Yet it was the GTD Class that featured the most drama and eventful outcome. As AF Corse’s Antonio Fuoco suffered three Drive-thru penalties for various violations, i.e.; avoidable contact, too many crew members over the wall and a second collision on-track!

 

Yet despite Fuoco’s transgressions. Before working His way back up to second place again. Running some scant 1.1 seconds with eight minutes remaining behind Heart Of Racing’s Tom Gamble in the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage. Gamble made a slight bobble on the final lap and Fuoco pounced, giving the No. 21 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo the victory… 

And now, All the remaining Open Wheel Seats are Filled

Testing-Testing, 1-2. Has Dale Coyne actually named His second driver, Cough-Cough?

 

Yeah Ladies ‘n Germs’, your two left Thumbs Scribe Tomaso is another day late, and definitely many dollars shorter after another enjoyable trek to thee Valley of the Sun! Without even realizing I was visiting during the IndyCar test at Phoenix Raceway.

 

Hence no riveting St Pete IndyCar recaps here Folks…

 

Perhaps its just Mwah, but does anybody ever notice how “Sharp” formula 1 is? And doesn’t waste time making decisions or announcing changes. Which perhaps is partially due to the scope of it being a multi-billions, as in “B” business…

 

Although we know that Dale Coyne will have to name its second, Err “lead” driver by February 8th, since IndyCar holds it’s first Open test on Sebring’s “Short” road course February 9-10, Righto?

 

Although perhaps Valentines Day is the new Halloween for Dale Coyne, Hya!

 

Meanwhile, Wayback’ on December 2nd, Red Bull announced the expected. That F1 rookie sensation Isack Hadjar would be moving up to the Big Bulls, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. And that 18yr old Arvid Lindblad would graduate to the ‘lil Bullz’, aka Racing Bulls as Liam Lawson’s new teammate.

 

While Tsunoda’s confined to the dubious role of test and reserve driver at Red Bull. And Arse-sumedly Racing Bulls? As Tsunoda’s contracted to Red Bull for 2026.

 

On Dec 4th, Haas announced that beginning in 2026, it would be renamed as TGR Haas F1 Team, thanks to an expanded partnership with Toyota. Who Haas already has a technical partnership with.

 

As TGR stands for Toyota Gazoo Racing, who are also title sponsors for Hitech’s Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams, beginning last year.

 

As Mucho Attenzione will be focused upon Hitech TGR’s F2 team this year, since Colton Herta will drive the team’s No. 3 entry. With rising Japanese Star Ritomo Miyata aboard the No. 4 spec Dallara F2 2024 Mecachrome racecar.

 

Then two days after season’s end, when the Post Abu Dhabi GP Young Drivers test was being held. (Dec 9th) Der Helmut’, aka Helmut Marco, Red Bull’s longtime special advisor and Junior Driver Impresario tendered His resignation after 20 years with Red Bull. Having been instrumental with bringing Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to Red Bull Racing.

 

Helmet Marco leaves Red Bull

 

Although Der Helmut was also famously known for discarding Red Bull Junior drivers like tepid bathwater, Ja Volt!

 

Slinking back across thoust Gory Puddle. Stateside, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) gave IndyCar rookie Mick Schumacher his first Oval test at Miami’s Homestead 1.5-mile Speedway, on February 4th.

 

“It was a great first day”, as Mick Schumacher completes first Oval laps at Homestead

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guideline standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

Then as noted, the whole Enchilada gathered in Florida. When IndyCar held its first Open Test on Sebring’s “short” road course layout February 9-10.

 

Then, ten of the  previous year’s eleven IndyCar teams, excluding Prema Racing sent their transporters off to thee Valley of the Sun one week later. When IndyCar held its second Open test at Phoenix International Raceway. (PIR) Yeah, I know its just Phoenix Raceway or whatever now? But old habits die hard, especially having gone Thar over 30yrs ago for a CART IndyCar race, when Jack Vanilla, ergo Jacques Villeneuve tried taking out the Goodyear pedestrian crossover bridge!

 

VIDEO: 1994 Phoenix Hiro Matsushita Jacques Villeneuve Crash

 

Uhm, IndyCar held court on Phoenix’s 1.0-mile “Crooked” (Dog-leg) Oval between February 17-18, with new & improved Flintstone front tyres.

 

Interesting how IndyCar and Formula 1 pre-season testing overlapped, before IndyCar’s St Pete season opener on March 1st. Where ’Ol DJ WillyP’, ergo Will Power hop to be celebrating His 45th birthday in style with another trophy!

 

Then Formula 1 heads Down Under to Bloody Melbourne on March 8th for its season’s kickoff Australian Grand Prix. Where everyone whose got Apple TV will be curious over the new fangled F1 machinery…

 

And saying What About Me? MotoGP kicked off its season in Thailand on March 1st at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, another “Tilkie”, ergo Herman Tilke designed race course.

 

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Wasn’t that worth the wait to find out Romain Grosjean is Dale Coyne’s second driver? 

A Soothing Lullaby

Sure to induce Sleep in some of Yuhs…

 

Just a brief Jot’ as Grizzled F1 Journo Joe Saward would say. To let Y’all know that your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso’s On Holiday again, Groan!

 

Meaning Thar  won’t be any riveting recaps of the season’s first IndyCar race, since I’m busy pushing the P2P button Schlick! Having methodically poonded’ away some 26 No Fenders Blog stories for your dining pleasure, Err consumptions…

Hmm, perhaps that will give Colton Herta some No Fenders Mojo’ for Saint Pete, Eh?

Not to mention totally missing the Thailand MotoGP season opener. Along with there not being  any other mesmerizing No Fenders rants upon the latest ‘n greatest whatever, like I dunno?? But its always a goody thingy’ to push away from the All consuming Confuzer and keyboard. Especially when I get to visit a very special lap Hoond named Hang 10’ Hilo!

 

Although I’m Arse-suming that Mary Ellen will be able to furnish the St Pete IndyCar race via IndyCar Radio from Ye Apple Orchard…

 

As I’ll leave Y’all with the soothing, Eh? I said speak up sonny! Thars some darn blasted v-12 contraption making a Bloody racket in the background…

 

As the Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH-spec Hypercar makes its racing debut at Sebring this March 15th. And although its been out for awhile now. Like Marshall Pruett says on the Podcast. The exclusive in-car audio recording from the Valkyrie’s right hand sidepodon the High Banks of Daytona during testing should definitely leave a smile on your face! Not to mention some of the Heavy Hitters giggling afterwards.

 

So check it out, if you want to hear a proper ‘Ol school 6.5-litre normally aspirated glorious sounding V-12 motor getting a proper workout on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course!

 

https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/podcast/mp-1569-aston-martin-valkyrie-amr-lmh-in-car-at-daytona/ 

RETRO: Remembering BMW’s Le Mans Winner

As today’s Hybrid BMW V-8 racecar is a totally different Animal…

 

As noted, BMW effectively “scrapped” it’s V-12 LM racecar following it’s unsuccessful debut at the 1998 24 Heurs du Mans. Selling chassis No. 1 to German racer Thomas Bscher, and chassis No. 2 to Japan’s Team Goh.

 

As both of these chassis would compete in the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans race with mixed results…

 

While the V-12 LMR retained it’s 6.0-litre normally aspirated lump’, the rest of the car was completely redesigned. With all new bodywork to correct it’s aerodynamic deficiencies. Most notably it’s cooling ducts being moved topside, vs. the V-12 LM’s being on the chassis bottom and being compromised by track heat.

 

The LMR’s most striking feature had to be the use of a rules loophole to fashion a single seater style roll hoop just behind the driver’s helmet, which allowed for better airflow to it’s rear wing. Not to mention causing less drag. As the LMR is claimed to have reached 342 kph on the Mulsanne straight. Or 214mph for us metrically challenged Yanks’, Aye Karumba!

 

A further four chassis were built, with Schnitzer Motorsport running the entries, including a two car effort for the newly created American Le Mans Series. (ALMS) With the new LMR making it’s racing debut at that year’s 12 Hours of Sebring.

 

The car was fast, claiming it’s maiden Pole position, with both Schnitzer entries running up front, before the No. 43 suffered a massive crash. Effectively writing off this chassis! While the No. 42 with Jorg Muller, Tom Kristensen and JJ Letho were victorious.

 

Next Schnitzer showed up at Circuit de la Sarthe with three BMW V-12 LMR’s for the requisite test day. With the Nos 15-17. The third LMR chassis being the striking BMW #16 Art Car designed by Jenny Holzer. Yet that would be it’s lone outing at Le Mans.

 

Having scribbled about BMW’s Art Cars in a multi-part tome, for which I’ll point Y’all to one of these No Fenders stories below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/04/retro-more-bmw-competition-art-cars.html

 

Thus the two V-12 LMr’s (Nos. 15 & 17) lined-up third and sixth on the grid when the Tricolour was waved on June 12, 1999. As both cars proved reliable and able to circulate at the sharp end. Before JJ Letho driving the No. 17 reportedly suffered a struck throttle late in the race, crashing out!

 

This left Yannick Dalmas, Joachim Winkelhock and Pierluigi Martini’s No. 15 in the lead, which they retained to the chequered flag – despite heavy pressure from one of the Toyota GT-1’s, before it suffered a high speed tyre puncture!

 

Ironically, the second highest finishing BMW was the No. 18 Price + Bscher BMW V-12 LM in fifth overall. With Thomas Bscher, Bill Auberlen and Steve Soper at it’s controls, albeit 20 laps behind the winner.

 

The No. 19 Team Goh privateer V-12 LM entry retired on lap-223 with gearbox issues. Having just learned that part of it’s Japanese drivers trio included King Hiro’, aka Hiro Matsushita! A name Hardcore IndyCar Fans should remember.

 

Now I’m feeling S-L-O-W! Since I’ve just finally realized that’s the exact same Team Goh that partnered with Dale Coyne Wayback’ in 2020 to run some rookie IndyCar driver named Alex Palou…

 

Whilst Team Goh won the 2004 24 Heurs du Mans with a privateer Audi R8 with Seiji Ara and Audi Factory drivers Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello behind the wheel. As it was then “Mr. Le Mans” fifth consecutive Le Mans victory!

 

Meanwhile, after winning Le Mans, “Team Schnitzer” returned to the ALMS, enroute to winning a further three races that season. With JJ Letho and Steve Soper in the #42 winning at Sears Point, Laguna Seca and Las Vegas’s November 7th season finale.

 

The year 2000 would be BMW’s swan song for it’s Werks’ prototype V-12 LMR. Although sadly, BMW chose not to defend its 24 Heurs du Mans victory, having checked that box. Instead focusing upon its new Formula 1 effort with Williams F1. Supplying Sir Frank 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10 lumps’.

 

Schnitzer Motorsport did campaign two cars in that year’s ALMS season. Yet the Sebring 12 Hours season opening round saw Audi flexing its muscles with its soon dominant Audi R8. Seeing the BMW’s settling for third and fourth place finishes.

 

The BMW V-12 LMR would play second fiddle to the Audi R8 the entire 2000 ALMS season. Scoring its final two wins at Charlotte and Silverstone, which Audi had skipped in order to prepare for Le Mans.

 

As the No. 42 with JJ Letho and new teammate Jorg Muller won both races. Whilst its Seester’ No. 43 entry of Jean-Marc Gounon and Bill Auberlen fought for “crumbs”.

 

Meanwhile, Thomas Bscher who’d campaigned His BMW V-12LM, prepared by David Price Racing in the 1999 ALMS season. Returned to Le Mans one final time, being the lone BMW Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) entry for 2000, with the chassis once again prepared by David Price Racing.

 

Yet the #15 entry with Bscher, Geoff Lees and Jean-Marc Gounon behind its keyboard retired on lap 180 with gearbox damage, due to an accident. Before the car made its final race outing later that Fall at the Nurburgring. Followed by Bscher retiring from racing.

 

Although Team Goh’s V-12 LM was supposedly heavily updated by Dome, the car never raced again…

 

For that year’s Petit Le Mans, BMW brought the V-12 LMR Art Car out of mothballs, seeing three V-12 LMR’s entered at Road Atlanta. As the Art Car would be the only LMR to finish in fifth place – during its lone race outing.

 

Schnitzer ran the final two North American ALMS races, finishing a best of third behind both Audi R8’s again. Before BMW decided to skip the season finale Australian round. Closing the book upon the V-12 Le Mans Prototype effort.

 

Thus it would be nearly a quarter of a century before BMW returned to Circuit de la Sarthe with a factory Le Mans Prototype category. This being the BMW M Hybrid V-8 which made its debut at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona. With longtime BMW partner Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing running the program’s two Le Mans Daytona Hybrid-spec (LMDH) racecars.

 

Having scribbled about the BMW M Hybrid V-8 and its German IMSA GTP contemporary in the following No Fenders tome…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/01/rolex-24-iconic-german-brands-join-gtp.html

 

With Belgium’s multiple championships winning W Racing Team, better known as WRT campaigning a brace of BMW M Hybrid v-8’s in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class under the banner of BMW M Team WRT. 

F1: When is a Grand Prix not a Grand Prix?

Gran Primio de Cuba 500km magnet with the date February 25th on it. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As no Jokes about Lions, Tigers, Cheetah’s, alligators, Crocodiles, or other “spotted” critters here, Oh Never Mind!

 

Like countless stories stuck upon Ye Driftwood here upon thoust Isle ‘O Nofendersville Mateys! This one’s been high-centered quite awhile…

 

As prior to Christmas, 2021, former Florentine F1 Spotter Jeannie “innocently” asked me if there had ever been a Cuban Grand Prix? To which I said I don’t think so? Even though I vaguely knew that El Maestro’, aka Juan Manuel Fangio had been Kidnapped in Cuba. Being held captive briefly in 1958 during the Castro revolution…

 

Thus try as I might briefly before Christmas, I couldn’t find anything confirming that an actual, honest to goodness Formula 1 Grand Prix had ever been held in Cuba! For which perhaps some of you are way ahead of me, Ci?

 

As little did I know I was being “teased” over my awesome Christmas presents that year, when Jeannie & Jonathan, and Beverlee gave me an awesome assortment of eight vintage racing magnets, which proudly adorn my “Icebox’s” (refrigerator) side. And naturally, one of them is for the Gran Primio de Cuba!

 

Since indeed, there would be a total of three Cuban Grands Prix held between 1957-60, with the first two back-to-back being run on the streets of Havana! While the third and final event was held on a military base in 1960.

 

As the Bitchin’ magnet  denotes the Gran Primio de Cuba being a 500km race held on February 25th. For which amazingly, I just found the following 2007 story commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the inaugural Cuban Grand Prix below. Although be aware that it’s obviously dated now, since All of the Star names have passed away, i.e.; Fangio, Phil Hill, Carrol Shelby, etc.

 

Whilst the author also notes that the official poster was printed with the wrong date upon it! Since February 25, 1957 was a Monday and the race was most definitely held upon Sunday, February 24, 1957 instead! Meaning my reproduction magnet also contains this mistake upon it…

 

As it’s a fairly long article, but full of vintage photographs of the various racing drivers participating, along with some of the race circuit’s surroundings, and worth a read.

 

Havana-May 1950-Nov 1960: Gran Premio de Cuba - 1957 (havana5060.blogspot.com)

 

As the author notes that the races two main protagonists were Juan Manuel Fangio driving a Maserati 300S vs. Alfonso de Portago behind the wheel of a Ferrari 860 Monza! Hmm, why do I recognize the latter’s name? Oh yeah, because I’ve previously pointed Y’all to my No fenders story about the man who died during the 1957 Mille Miglia, recently portrayed in Michael Mann’s excellent movie Ferrari. Which fortuitously I got to see the final showing here in Bumfiddle’ Florence Wayback in mid-February!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2017/05/de-portago-who-lost-formula-1-bobsledder.html

 

Interestingly, the 860 Monza was one of a multitude of Ferrari Monza Sports Cars built between 1953-57, with reportedly only three 860’s being built. Culminating with a triumphant 1-2 finish in the 1956 12 Hours of Sebring. Where Fangio and Eugenio Castellotti won ahead of Ferrari teammates Luigi Musso and Harry Schell. Although interestingly, the Monza models were fitted with inline four cylinder engines vs. la Scuderia’s then traditional twelve cylinder lumps’. 

 

As noted above, other Big Name racers included the likes of Phil Hill, Eugenio Castellotti, Carrol Shelby and apparently a rather snobbish Stirling Moss! With Fangio winning after De Portago retired with a blown engine on lap-68.

 

The ’58 race was filled with much Hijinxs. Most notably the Kidnapping of Fangio in order to draw Attenzione to Castro’s revolution. Although the Five-times F1 World Champion went unharmed and was returned to the Cuban Embassy following the conclusion of the race.

 

Reportedly the second race drew some 200,000-plus spectators and was another Ferrari v Maserati scrum. With such notable drivers as Hill, Moss, Shelby, Wolfgang von Trips, Masten Gregory, Jo bonnier, Harry Schell and Bruce Kessler participating. Whilst Maurice Trintignant was drafted in as Fangio’s replacement.

 

Yet a local driver in a Ferrari spun on an oil patch and crashed into the crowd lining the streets, killing six spectators! With the race being Red-flagged and ultimately completed on lap-6! With Stirling Moss being declared the winner, driving a Ferrari 4.1-litre V-12 335 S racecar ahead of Masten Gregory.

 

Gregory initially planned to protest the outcome. Before Moss convinced Him to pool the first place ($10,000) and second place ($7,500) prize money and split it evenly. And Hightail it out of Cuba before a revolution erupted!

 

Ironically, the 335 S is the very model that De Portago crashed and dide-in during the ’57 Mille Miglia…

 

While Y’all can read about that and more of the second race in the Sports Car Digest articled titled The infamous 1958 Cuban Grand Prix…

 

The ’59 event was cancelled due to Castro’s revolution being in it’s final stages, before the event returned to be run upon support roads at a military Airfield. As Stirling Moss won again, this time driving a privateer Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage ahead of Pedro Rodriguez in a Ferrari and Masten Gregory in a Porsche 718 Spyder.

 

As Bruce Kessler appears to be the only Yank’ living who participated in thosewild street races in Havana! And is a most colourful Chap’. Who just so happened to be Pals with the late Lance Reventlow, and reportedly is the last living person to see James Dean alive…

 

As All three of these Sports Car races featured many of the days top Formula 1 drivers, it was a much different era back then. When F1 drivers were not only allowed to dabble in other events, they were expected to do so driving for their respective marques!

 

Thus as Y’all can “See”, the words Grand Prix have been ridiculously overused for any and All motor races! A practice that IndyCar continues doing today! Like is it really the Grand Prix of Alabama? Not to mention its newest edition, the Grand Prix of Arlington.

 

Since when I hear the words Grand Prix, I immediately think of formula 1, not Indy Cars, MotoGP or Sports Cars, Oh Never Mind!

 

Photograph c/o J&J Images 

LE MANS: When Scandia Racing went to France

Hey Andy, watch out for that triple F1 World Champion!

 

Yeah, I’m still waylaying Y’all with Ye bevy ‘O Canned stories I scribbled before going on sabbatical here upon No Fenders, during my Open Heart surgery recovery. Thankfully now into week seven of said recovery!

 

Apparently I listened to this sometime in early June of last year, and just haven’t been able to find an appropriate “slot” for “Back-timing” it’s posting. Yet with the 12 Hours of Sebring this coming Saturday, and the Ferrari 333 SP being one of my All-time favourite Sports Car prototypes. Well, Yuhs get the drill, Righto?

 

As Scandia Racing was one of my former Home team racing outfits, and actually won Sebring twice in 1995 and 1997.

 

With team owner Andy Evans and a superb cast of supporting drivers, i.e.; Fermin Velez, Eric van de Poele and ‘lil Stevie Johnson’, aka Stefan Johansson taking the chequered flag at Sebring!

 

Buoyed with the evocative Ferrari 333 SP Stateside success in the newly formed IMSA Exxon World Sports Car Championship and Supreme GT series, (WSC) try saying that fast five times Y’all, Hya!

 

“Moneyman” and Team boss Evans opted to take His pair of Ferrari’s to Mecca for the 1996 24 Heurs du Mans. Which is where things get interesting…

 

As Marshall Pruett The Week in Sports Cars Podcast with former Scandia Racing Technical Director Jeff Brown is most enlightening. With Marshall prefacing the Le Mans experience by noting you won’t find them listed in the Box Score!

 

As the two cars, Nos. 17-18 oddly were entered under the banners of Racing for Belgium Team Scandia and Rocketsports, Inc.

 

As the No. 17 was naturally an All Belgium Drivers affair, with the two Eric’s, i.e.; Eric van de Poele, Eric Bachelart and Marc goossens at it’s controls.

 

Having recently scribbled here upon No Fenders about Bachelart’s Conquest Racing’s latest foray into IMSA GTD Competizione this year with a brand new, shiny Ferrari 296 GT3 no less, ironically contesting this week’s 12 Hours of Sebring…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/11/another-ex-indycar-team-races-on.html

 

While the No. 18 Rocketsports entry featured Andy Evans, Fermin Velez and Yvan Muller behind it’s keyboard.

 

As the No. 17 entry faired far better than it’s Seester’ No. 18 entry. As Van de Poele set the races fastest lap before the Racing for Belgium entry retired on lap-208.

 

Whilst the No. 18 only lasted a scant 31-laps overall, before also being listed as DNF. (Did Not Finish)

 

As Brown’s Deadpan comment about telling Boss Andy Evans, you do know that’s Nelson Piquet is Priceless! After Evans outbrakes Himself on Lap-1 no less!

 

https://marshallpruett.podbean.com/e/mp14xx-the-week-in-sports-cars-le-mans-1996-team-scandia-ferrari-333-special-with-jeff-braun/

 

Whilst apparently the Ferrari 333 SP has rightly just been inducted into IMSA’s Hall of Fame, with it’s Bio’ written by Marshall Pruett…

 

https://www.imsahalloffame.com/drivers/ferrari-333-sp/#content 

Creeping towards the Conclusion of IndyCar’s 2024 Silly Season

As Who’s left to be included  upon Santa’s Naughty or Nice list?

 

Yeah, like I said previously. This is just what I tend to loosely recall timewise, stretching deep into the Off-season! And after Callum Ilott’s Firing, Err “Mutual Parting” from JHR, there were five unconfirmed seats with three teams remaining as of Veteran’s Day.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR)

This is the most confounding driver signing to Mwah. As I still don’t know where Pietro Fittipaldi as Jack Harvey’s replacement in RLLR’s No. 30 came from? Since I thought it was simply a formality before Juri Vips was announced as it’s new chauffeur.

 

But it appears it was a sponsorship based decision, with the Fittipaldi name carrying vastly more clout vs. Vips. Not to mention Pietro’s Oval experience, and perceived prowess set to help the team solve it’s weakest racing parameter.

 

And although I thought I’d read that Graham Rahal has re-upped for at least the 2024 season. Racer’s Marshall Pruett said ah Contrair you Silly blogger! Noting how de facto team leader Graham hadn’t been announced publicly yet, albeit I’d say this is just a formality, Wee Wee?

 

Indeed, RLLR announced that Graham has signed a new multi-year contract extension on November 13th…

 

Christian Lundgrd returns for at least one more year, with the team signing Vips as a reserve driver. And Bobby Rahal saying He’d like to run the Estonian as a fourth entry in selected events next year.

 

Along with being RLLR’s “Insurance policy” for either Graham’s retirement or Lungaard being poached by a rival team for 2025. Since Pruett thinks it’s only a formality for Vips to be a Fulltime IndyCar driver then…

 

Only Problema with running vips next year is where would RLLR”s fourth Honda engine come from? Since theoretically if Andretti keeps it’s four Honda engine leases next year. Then HRC US (Honda Racing Corporation U.S.) is already stretched to capacity with 16 Full-season engine leases.

 

Thus as previously noted, Andretti still holds the key to it’s fourth engine lease. With everyone waiting to see if they’ll use it in some capacity next year?

 

Ed Carpenter Racing

Unlike JHR, Fast Eddie’, aka Ed Carpenter gave 2023 ECR No. 20 IndyCar driver Conor Daly His “Pink Slip” during the season, following the Detroit race. With The Dude! Aka Ryan Hunter-Reay replacing Daly for the remainder of the season in an attempt to help ECR fix their wandering ways…

 

ECR subsequently held an Off-season Shootout between Oliver Askew and reigning Indy NXT Champion Christian Rasmussen to fill the vacated No. 20 seat. And although I’m not surprised. Naturally I’m disappointed that Rasmussen who “won” the drive is only getting a partial season as a “Twisties” Specialist. Along with the third Indianapolis 500 seat next May.

 

As the 23yr old Dane’ will share the ride with His Boss Ed Carpenter running the Ovals. With ECR shuttering Ed’s No. 33 Ovals only entry.

 

Rasmussen’s part time status makes me think He’ll be hard pressed to pull off an Marcus Armstrong and win 2024 IndyCar Rookie Of the Year Honours running the Street Circuits and Road Courses only vs. Ganassi’s Full-season rookie Linus Lundqvist…

 

While “Count Dracula”, aka Rinus VeeKay will pilot the No. 21 ECR entry fulltime in what I believe is the final year of His current contract.

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR)

Have already pontificated about the nasty Firing of Callum Ilott in order to make way for Romain Grosjean to fill His seat next year here upon No Fenders

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/11/indycars-junco-hollinger-racing-saga.html

And thus I’m very unhappy with Riccardo Juncos right now, and will be hard pressed to root for this upstart Minnowesqe IndyCar team next year! Other than I cannot wait to “See” what happens when Romain gives Argentine “golden boy” Augustin Canapino the Chrome Horn treatment next year…

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises

This is one of the two remaining IndyCar teams that hasn’t solidified it’s 2024 drivers lineup. As both Santino Ferrucci and Benjamin Pederson are considered to be in the “Frame” to remain with the team. But naturally both drivers will need to bring some sort of budget with them.

 

Meanwhile, we’re All Ah-Waitin’ to see how the new Foyt-Penske technical alliance partnership works out and whether or not this will influence who the team ultimately decides to put behind the wheel of it’s Nos. 14-55entries next year.

 

As much as I’d love to see Callum Ilott filling a third Foyt entry for a season, before moving onto “Greener” pastures, I Don’t expect this to happen…

 

Meanwhile, Larry foyt told Pruett that the team’s focused upon retaining Ferrucci in the No. 14 Fulltime next year, but wouldn’t be drawn upon Pederson’s status in the No. 55. With Pruett noting if the most loathed IndyCar driver of last season doesn’t return, then look for a well funded replacement. Meaning Sting Ray Robb, Devlin DeFrancesco or Gasp! Even perhaps Enzo fittipaldi could wind up there?

 

Although it sounds like Robb has the inside track for the “Double Nickel” #55 seat…

 

Dale Coyne Racing (DCR)

Pruett also noted in His November 3rd Silly Season update. It’s Happy Hunting Grounds for the Illinois team owner. With Dale having reverted back to His traditional status of being the last to pick ‘n choose and announce who His newest drivers will be. And with two seats available at DCR, the field’s wide open for who’ll land the two coveted IndyCar seats next year.

 

Sting Ray Robb who drove for Coyne’s No. 51 with Rick Ware Racing entry this season is rumoured to have a significant budget of some $9m available! While former Andretti driver Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco also has money to bring to the table. With current FIA Formula 2 driver Enzo Fittipaldi, younger brother of Pietro testing an Coyne IndyCar at Sebring in November.

 

Current Indy NXT driver Jacob Abel tested first for Coyne (DCR) on November 6th, running a single day test. His first outing in an IndyCar. Although Abel’s test was just a familiarization outing, with Jacob planning to continue in Indy NXT next year.

 

The following day at Sebring, Enzo shared the track with older brother Pietro, with just the two Fittipaldi brothers testing together. With Enzo getting His first taste in an IndyCar. While Pietro reacclimatized Himself to Indy Cars with RLLR after last racing for DCR in 2021…

 

DCR Development Driver Danial Frost is also a possible candidate for one of Coyne’s Indy Cars. Whilst reigning FIA Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire is also interested in racing in Indy Cars.

 

And that’s before we even get to Messer Ilott’s availability, or Jack Harvey sniffing round… 

LE MANS: Triple Crown Winners, Part 5

Betcha Y’all are saying Hallelujah! We’ve finally crossed the Finish line on this lumbering endurance story multiple 24 Hours round Ye clock later!

 

Yeah, if you’re still reading this five part No Fenders story? Which I definitely appreciate Y’all doing so! Especially since if Yuhs cannot tell, I’m runnin’ outta Steam.

 

Thus it seems overly Apropos that we’ve begun with a German and we end with another two Germans. As Germany and the United States ties with three drivers apiece. Followed by two Bloody Brit’s and Uno Italian’s…

 

Marco Werner

Birthplace: Dortmund, Germany

DOB: April 27, 1966, Age: 57

Wins: Daytona1995; Sebring, (3) 2003, 2005, 2007 and Le Mans, (3) 2005-07

 

Marco Werner is another Sports Car driver I tend to remember nothing about, albeit His name sounded vaguely familiar and I should have remembered Him for racing in the American Le Mans Series for the All conquering Audi’s.

 

Reportedly Werner finished runner-up in the Opel Euroseries and German Formula 3 Championships behind somebody named tom Kristensen…

 

Unable to graduate to thee Pinnacle ‘O Motorsports, ergo Formula 1, Werner focused upon Sports Car racing instead.

 

After toiling in Porsche Supercup, Marco scored His first major endurance race event upon winning the 1995 Rolex 24 driving a Kremer Porsche 962.

 

Werner then won the first of His eventual three 12 Hours of Sebring victories in ’03. Dovetailing His latter two Sebring W’s while completing a rare Hat trick at Circuit de la Sarthe. Winning the prestigious 24 Heurs du Mans between 2005-07 for Audi. With Sebring being part of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) which ran a similar rules package to the ACO, governing body of Le Mans.

 

As Werner’s first victory at Le Mans alongside JJ Letho, claiming His second and final Le Mans win. Presumably were overshadowed by co-driver Tom Kristensen claiming His sixth consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans victory and seventh overall, surpassing Jacky Ickx’s previous record…

 

With Audi primarily racing in ALMS and Le Mans, albeit Audi’s dominant R8 LMP1 chassis did contest the Le Mans Endurance Series. Werner’s winning Daytona was rare for drivers of this era, since the 24 Hours of Daytona was under the auspices of first the United States Road Racing Championship. (USRRC) And then the rival Grand American Road Racing Championship, later becoming the Rolex Sports Car Series sanctioning bodies. Better know  simply as Grand Am between 1998-2013.

 

Timo Bernhart

Birthplace: Homburg, West Germany

DOB: February 24, 1981, Age: 42

Wins: Daytona 2003; Sebring 2008 and Le Mans, (2) 2010, 2017

 

What stands out to me about Timo Bernhard, our youngest and most current Triple Crown winner is His Porsche RS Spyder links.

 

As I fondly recall Him being part of El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske’s Werks’ AMLS LMP2 Porsche RS Spyder team between 2006-08. As this was one of the tteams I rooted for, since I quickly tired of Audi winning everything!

 

Having seen the winning Porsche RS Spyder multiple times at the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale, AZ. Although I don’t recall it being on display during my most recent visit to The Valley of the Sun.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/03/another-enjoyable-visit-to-my-favourite.html

 

As Bernard won the ’08 12 Hours of Sebring as alongside fellow  Factory Porsche drivers Romain Dumas and Emmanuel Collard, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

 

Like most current day racing drivers, Timo cut His teeth in Go Karts, before making His single seater debut in 1998 in Formula Ford. The following year He finished third overall in the German Formula ford Championship before moving onto Sports Cars.

 

Bernhard raced in Porsche Supercup and made His ALMS debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2001, finishing second in the GT Clas for alex Job Racing.

 

In 2002 He claimed His first GT Class victory at Le Mans driving for Kevin Buckler’s The Racer’s Group in a Porsche 911 GT3-RS.

 

The following year, Buckler and Company surprised the racing world by winning the 24 Hours of Daytona outright in the aforementioned Porsche 911 GT3-RS racecar. As this was the debut season for the Grand Am’s Daytona Prototypes (DP) class, leaving the door open for the ultra reliable Porsche 911 to claim victory.

 

Paired with Jorg Bergmeister, timo and Jorg won their class at the season ending Petit Le Mans. And then the duo romped to six wins in nine races to win the 2004 ALMS GT Class, which included victories at Sebring and Petit Le mans.

 

After His three year stint at Penske ended, when the team’s contract expired and Penske wound down it’s ALMS programme. Bernard and Dumas joined the Joest racing team, better known as Audi Sport Team Joest. With Bernhard, Dumas and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller winning the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans aboard an Audi R15 TDI Plus.

 

Arse-sumedly Timo became part of Porsche’s return to top flight LMP1 prototype racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship between 2015-2017. Driving one of the Porsche 919 Hybrid’s to it’s third and final victory at Le Mans, in what became a survival of the fittest in the 919 Hybrid’s final outing at Circuit de la Sarthe.

 

Coming from behind, at the 20 Hours mark, Bernard’s No. 2 Porsche was fifth overall, before first Bernard unlapped the entry back onto the lead lap and then took the lead with one hour remaining! As Bernard and co-drivers Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley won the 2017 24 Heurs du Mans, giving Porsche it’s 19th and most current overall victory at Le Mans. 

LE MANS: Triple Crown Winners, Part 4

As Hang On to your Hollyhocks Folks! We’re two thirds of the way done…

 

Positions 6-7 on the “Depth Chart” of the informal Triple crown of Sports Car endurance racing includes our second and final Bloody Brit’. Along with the lone Italian to have accomplished this feat.

 

Andy Wallace

Birthplace: Oxford, England

DOB: February 19, 1961, Age: 62

Wins: Le Mans 1988; Daytona, (3) 1990, 1997, 1999 and Sebring 1992-93

 

When I began to scribble ‘bout Messer Wallace, our sixth driver to win the Triple Crown. I immediately remembered having posted something here upon No Fenders about enjoying Racer’s Richard S. James article upon Hall of Famer Andy Wallace Taming the Bumps at Sebring.

 

As Bad Arse’ Sports Car Ace Andy Wallace was inducted into last year’s Sebring Hall of Fame. With the stellar class of inductees including ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson, the original Mr. Le Mans, nee Jacky Ickx, ‘Ol Hobbo’, nee HobbsCapp’, ergo David Hobbs and Oh Yeah, that Walter Cronkite! For which I never knew that Cronkite actually contested the 12 Hours of Sebring in a bloody Lancia!

 

And for those of Y’all who still Don’t think Racing Drivers are Athletes! I especially loved the part about Wallace not telling His Boss, the late Dan Gurney about his two broken Ribs for fear of being replaced prior to winning that year’s Sebring 12 Hours race aboard the All conquering All American Racers (AAR) Toyota Eagle MkIII!

 

As here’s James article that triggered thoust memory about Wallace…

 

https://racer.com/2022/03/25/sebring-hall-of-famer-wallace-reflects-on-a-career-spent-taming-the-bumps/

 

Very little seems to be known about Wallace’srise thru the ranks of motor racing. Other than He began His racing career by taking part in the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School in 1976. Meaning I’ve got zero clue if Andy raced single seaters or not afterwards? Or if He progressed thru the ranks of Saloons before reaching top flight prototypes?

 

Amazingly Wallace won the prestigious 24 Heurs du Mans on His debut at Circuit de la Sarthe driving for Tom Walkinshaw Racing’s eponymous Silk cut Jaguar’s. Behind the keyboard of an XJR-9.

 

What I like about Wallace’s winning of these most iconic endurance races is that He did so driving threetotally different racecars. From the closed top mighty Jag’s with it’s V-12 normally aspirated lump’. To the high revving 2.1-litre “four-banger” turbocharged Toyota eagle. And then later winning aboard Dyson Racing’s riley & Scott Mk III normally aspirated Ford V8 open top “Spyder”prototype.  

 

As it was certainly Foggy Bottoms for Mwah, as the more I Hunt ‘N Pecked at my keyboard, the more I slowly recalled about Messer Wallace from ye Wayback’ machine.

 

Like remembering that Andy had gotten married to Catherine Crawford, daughter of then Andy’s Boss Max Crawford of Crawford Composites while driving for Howard-Boss Motorsports. Where one of His regular season teammates was thee Wanderin’ Milka, aka Milka Duno.

And then I also remembered that Wallace had driven with “Smoke”, aka tony Stewart at the Rolex 24, the year being 2004 Me Thinks? When I think Stewart must have Hit the Wall when leading? Since I vaguely recall Stewart trying to limp to the finish on Sunday morning when a two by four had been inserted to try fixing the damaged suspension…

 

Yes, it was the ’04 Rolex 24 where the Crawford’s DP’s rear tyre inexplicably came off with some 17 minutes remaining in the race. Where Stewart spun but apparently didn’t Hit anything!

 

Hence the reason for the temporary fix for the car that had reportedly been leading the past 17 Hours. For which the stricken car failed to finish. (DNF) But apparently Wallace, Stewart and some other driver named ‘lil E’, aka Dale Earnhardt Jr’s lead was so big that they still finished fifth overall in their Crawford DP03 Chevrolet V-8 Daytona Prototype.

 

As I love the typical sardonic, British understatement in Wallace’s Bio’. Simply noting that He’s won over 25 major international Endurance races during His career…

 

Meanwhile, Wallace was the man behind the wheel of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport  as Bugatti’s Test Driver who officially cracked the 300mph mark, with an astounding record of 304.77mph in 2019

 

As that’s His second official Speed record, since Andy also set the record prior in March, 1998. Driving a McLaren five year old F1 prototype at VW’s Ehra-Lexxien test track in Germany to a speed of 240.1mph! With said recordstanding for eleven years, but still retains the record for fastest normally aspirated production road car.

 

Mauro Baldi

Birthplace: Reggio Emilia, Italy

DOB: January 31, 1954, Age: 69

Wins: Le Mans, 1994; Daytona, (2) 1998, 2002 and Sebring 1998

 

Funny how much you forget over the years. Like my having forgotten that Mauro Baldi is a former Formula 1 driver, the third on this list of Triple Crown winners.

 

Mauro began as a Rally driver in 1972 before switching to pavement racing in ’75. By 1980 He was a top notch Formula 3 driver, winning the 1981 F3 Monaco Grand Prix and European F3 Championship.

 

For ’82 Mauro drove for Jacky Oliver’s Arrows Grand Prix team, before stints with Alfa Romeo and Spirit between 1982-85, making 36 starts.

 

Baldi then switched to Sports Cars, first winning at Le Mans in ’94 with Yannick Dalmas and Hurley Haywood in that modified Dauer 962 Le Mans “Street Car”.

 

Ah, it’s Ah-comin’ back to me now, with Baldi’s name being synonomous with Giampiero Moretti’s Momo Corse racing team. Specifically behind the wheel of one of my favourite Ferrari’s, the evocative 333 SP.

 

Baldi swept the ’98 Florida endurance races for Doran Moretti Racing with the likes of Gentleman racer Moretti, Arie Luyendyk and Didier Theys. And then won again at Daytona four years later aboard Kevin Doran’s Dallara Judd V-10.

 

As Doran was the late Al Holbert’s Chief Mechanic before going onto form His own successful race team.

For the conclusion of this multi-part story, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

LE MANS: Triple Crown Winners, Part 5