Another NASCAR Lawsuit

As a rival team accuses Spire Motorsports of putting the Spy into NASCAR!

 

Oh yeah, in my riveting, elongated St Pete weekend recap. As typical, I ran outta room to scribble about the current lawsuit in NASCAR.

 

As Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has added Spire Motorsports to its lawsuit against former JGR employee Chris Gabehart.

 

JGR alleges that Gabehart, its former Competition Director has illegally taken proprietary information with Him to His new employer Spire Motorsports, where He’s been named their Chief Motorsports Officer. Presumably tabbed with improving Spire’s ontrack performance.

 

Over the St Pete weekend, Gabehart made His first official appearance as an Spire employee, albeit supposedly just chillin’ in their suite.

 

As the Judge presiding in the case, ruled in JGR’s restraint lawsuit that Gabehart could work for Spire, as long as He didn’t perform any of His previous JGR duties. And that Gabehart needed to return any and all “illegal” matrrials in His possession to JGR. With the Judge imploring both parties to come to a settlement before March 15th.

 

Joe Gibbs Racing adds Spire Motorsports to Chris Gabehart lawsuit 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

2026 IndyCar Season Finally set to Start!

Can it really be time again, already?

 

Shiver Me Timbers! As IndyCar’s set to shake off another stupendous Winter’s Slumber and go racing once again. As racecars flock to Saint Petersburg’s temporary street circuit it Friday morning, Hurrah!

 

As guessing that Dale Coyne finally had to divulge His second driver by Valentines Day, Eh? Being Dale’s new “Thanksgiving”, Hya! As Y’all remember Dale saying that Turkey-Lurkey Day was the new Halloween last year, Righto?

 

As who is that masked “second” driver. Although He seems slightly familiar. Donning His Crash-bucket for two days of testing on Sebring’s “Short” course…

 

Here’s some of the typical story lines for this season. As guessing everyone knows about the calendar changes. With the additions of Phoenix, Arlington and Toronto’s relocated Street race. And that Iowa’s been dropped from this year’s schedule. Along with Nashville moving to July and the season finale returning to Laguna Seca…

 

IndyCar announces 17 race 2026 Schedule

 

Obviously that was prior to Don Collosus issuing another Executive Order for the Freedom 250. Where I hear a $1.0 million “Gratuity” will lands Yuhs a VIP Front row seat for the Washington D.C. Street race taking place on August 23rd as Round 18 of this year’s IndyCar schedule.

 

IndyCar to race on Streets of Washington D.C.

 

Meanwhile, 24 drivers, including Dale’s second, Hya! Will be trying to stop the Alex Palou Freight train. As can the affable Spaniard win a fourth consecutive title this year? Which would give Him five IndyCar Championship crowns in total. Surpassing Mario Andretti for third most overall, Aye Karumba!

 

While can DJ WillyP’, ergo William Steven Power ring-in His 45th birthday with a supremely satisfying win Sunday? Upon making His debut for Andretti Global in the No. 26, which is just plain weird!

 

While have to say I’m more intrigued over the Rookie Of the year (ROY) battle for the moment. Since Mick Schumacher’s signing at Rahal is great for the sport. With Dennis Hauger and Caio Collet, who finished 1-2 last year in Indy NXT. Arse-sumedly trying to take the “Mick” outta, Oh Never Mind!

 

Y’all know that bad pun’s Ah-Comin’ sometime this season. Which probably ranks right up Thar with Marshall Pruett’s Prema-nitions’ regarding Prema Racing, cymbal crash please!

 

As Schumacher Jnr has no Oval track racing experience vs. Hauger and Collet’s limited Oval experience, albeit All three will be Newby’s at Mother Speedway…

 

Speaking ‘O Prema Racing. We still didn’t know their situation as of Super Bowl Sunday. When the Seattle Seahawks sought to seek revenge upon those pesky New Patriots after that devastating loss in Super bowl XLIV. As Arse-sumedly Seattle will let Kenneth Walker III run the ball from the One-yard line on Third and Goal, Righto?

 

Yep, Walker ran roughshod over the Patriots by cobbling up some 150 yards rushing, being named the Super bowl MVP, Yeah Baby! With Seattle’s “Dark Side” Defense totally dominating Super bowl LX, with Seattle cruising to a 29-13 victory! After holding New England scoreless 19-0 until the third quarter…

 

Uhm, back to racing, as don’t expect Prema to show up at St Pete. And it sounds like according to Marshall Pruett, the Prema Racing name is gone in IndyCar. With the hopes of a new owner purchasing the team, and the new entity showing up later this season…

 

Also guessing Yuhs know about El Capitano’ , nee Roger Penske adding $11 million to the Leaders Circle pot beginning this year, and running thru 2028. As this increases the individual Leaders Circle payout from $1.145m to $1.645m for the Top 22 of the 25 Charter entrants. With teams reportedly budgeting approximately a cool million per new Dallara IR28 chassis in 2028.

 

Whilst we’ve also got the new “independent” Officiating Board, led by Ray Evernham and Company, which I’ve got no news upon or how it differs from last year’s Race Officiating. So as the media Pundits like saying; Watch this Space!

 

Whilst speaking of Penske, and I’m personally happy for one of my favourite drivers ScottyMac’, nee Scott Mclaughlin getting Tim Cindric as His new race strategist. Which is a great move for Penske’s No. 3 entry.

 

And that doesn’t even cover the rest of Team Penske’s major Engineering reorganization, or Ed Carpenter Racing’s for that matter. Along with whatever else I’ve missed the memo upon, Eh? Like is Todd Alt sponsoring two IndyCar team this year? As it surely “looks” that way. Now that the worst kept secret of the No. 18’s driver identity has finally been divulged…

 

While I know everyone’s made improvements over the excruciating Offseason. But the team I’m most impressed with is Rahal Letterman Lanigan’s renewed efforts, which I hope definitely moves up the pecking order this season. As I’d really like to see the team improve dramatically for once.

 

And like ‘Ol Bob Varsha used to say? Turn Up the Volume! 

Indy NXT returns to Action, in Earnest

But like it’s Big Brother IndyCar and Alex Palou. Can anybody stop Denis Hauger?

 

Yeah, your Humble, Haggard No Fenders scribe Tomaso’s another dollar short and several days late…

 

Have to say I agree with For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hando over how exhausting the sheer volume of negativity surrounding IndyCar is, albeit much is self inflicted, unfortunately…

 

Case-in-point is the series yearly inability to smooth out it’s schedule and the Uber annoying three week breaks at season’s beginning, after we’ve waited another agonizing six month to go racing once again!

 

Yet think those three week gaps are annoying? Then think about how the Indy NXT competitors and it’s Fans feel over the totally ridiculous 63 Freakin Days gap between it’s St Pete season kickoff and round two last weekend at thee Barber’s, nee Barber Motorsports Park on May 4th, nine weeks later, Youza!

 

Naturally, much has happened since I last listened to an Indy NXT race, for which I “Drop-in” for the Alabama round., the first I’ve listened to since I Dunno, sometime last year.

Learning that Indiana native Kirk Dooley was named Director of Indy NXT by Firestone on April 7th, and will oversee all operations and competition of the Feeder series.

 

Dooley previously served as IndyCar’s Chief of Staff between 2015-16. In in 2016, Dooley was named Director of Executive Operations for Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Leaving in 2020 to served as Chief Operating Officer of the Skip Barber racing schools.

 

Was ready to scribble all about Doce Femme Fatales in Indy NXT this year, before learning nearly one month after the fact that Sophia Floersch had ended Her Indy NXT campaign with HMD Motorsports, Huh?

 

As the 24yr old German driver reportedly had a misunderstanding with Her primary sponsor according to Racer’s Marshall Pruett and thus She and HMD Motorsports parted ways immediately, with no word on what Floersch will do next?

 

As Sophia qualified P17 and finished P12, two positions ahead of HMD Motorsports rookie Hailie Deegan. As Deegan makes Her transition to single seaters, with the Temecula, California native being known for Her Offroad and  NASCAR career. In ARCA, Trucks and Xfinity.

 

On a side note, learned earlier this season that Jace Denmark, who’s now racing for TJ Speed Motorsports in His third USF Pro 2000 campaign Has been signed as an HMD Motorsports development driver…

 

Norway’s Dennis Hauger claimed His first “Grand Salami”, Err Grand Slam on His rookie debut for Andretti Global. As Hauger is the first Indy NXT driver since Linus Lundqvist in 2021 to win on debut.

 

Hauger led wire-to-wire from pole, and set fastest lap. Along wit leading rookie Lochie Hughes in an Andretti Global 1-2 finish, ahead of Caio Collet, driving for HMD Motorsports.

 

Myles Rowe of Abel Motorsports with Force Indy tied His series best finish in fourth, with Salvador de Alba, also of Andretti global rounding out the top five.

 

HMD Motorsports signed Kirkland, WA native Evagoras Papasavvas to replace the departing Bryce Aron. With Aron moving onto Chip Ganassi Racing’s Indy NXT team for the remainder of the season as Jonathan Browne’s replacement.

 

While Hauger once again cruised home for His second win in dominating fashion, with a second wire-to-wire victory from pole. The story of the weekend was Papasavvas’s Indy NXT debut.

 

Papasavvas, who raced in USF2000 the past two years, initially had signed a partial season deal with HMD Motorsports. A three race deal beginning at Gateway and concluding at Mid-Ohio. Yet the HMD Motorsports reserve driver, who impressed during a Mid-Ohio test, was called-up as Aron’s replacement four round two.

 

Evagoras won His maiden USF2000 race at Mid-Ohio, His hometown track in 2023. Followed by a second win at Toronto and fourth in that year’s USF2000 Championship.

 

On debut at Barber Motorsports Park, Papasavvas qualified third, inherited second when Caio Collet had a throttle issue, and held off a menacing Lochie Hughes, Myles Rowe and Josh Pierson to finish Vice Champion, Err runner-up!

 

Hughes tried everything He could think of, with Rowe and Pierson nipping at His Heals, all to nought…

 

Indy NXT contests a Double Header outing on Indianapolis’s road course this Friday-Saturday.

 

While can anybody catch the red-hot Hauger? Who’s two back-to-back wins on debut matches Ed Jones start to His 2015 Indy Lights season. As Jones would win the first three races in-a-row before finishing third overall behind Spencer Pigot and Jack Harvey… 

Time to Kick Off the 2025 IndyCar season

As anticipation mounts over another insidious 43 weeks Offseason coming to a Close!

 

Diehard IndyCar Aficionados will already know about the major news items for this year’s NTT IndyCar Series season, beginning this weekend at St Pete. The biggest being the switch to FOX, with All 17 races being hosted live on network television.

 

With FOX’s TV Booth lineup being announced just prior to IndyCar content days in January, with Will Buxton being the new lead Play-by-Blay Anchor, with James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell as the Driver Analysts. Or should that be protagonists? Whilst Ryan Hunter-Reay, Jack Harvey and Charlie Kimball’s names were thrown round as potential Pitlane reporters…

 

FOX is also bringing the advent of Drones to its IndyCar coverage. As no jokes about Amazon making deliveries, or pepperoni pizzas dropping from the skies here, Hya!

 

Along with the debut of the “Birds eye”, Err Driver’s Eye system at the St Pete season opener. As the miniaturized in-helmet camera system which has been used in Formula 1 and NASCAR, now joins IndyCar. Which Y’all can read in detail below…

 

https://racer.com/2025/01/15/indycar-drivers-eye-system-to-debut-on-fox/

 

I’ll save All of the Driver switches for my yearly, IndyCar team previews, Groan! Other than to say once again it’ll be an action packed, nearly nonstop 17 race calendar from the beginning of March to the final day of August.

 

Since I still firmly believe that IndyCar sold its Soul for the FOX Network TV Deal!

 

And are simply shooting themselves in the foot (again) by limiting the season to a tiny, six months period. Since we won’t even get started about what happens when Mother Nature reeks havoc upon race weekends! And that doesn’t even include running in Iowa in the middle ‘O summer, Oh Never Mind!

 

Look, I get it, and am resigned to the irritating fact that IndyCar is too afraid of the Big, Bad NFL 986lb Gorilla! And that others have pointed out that both Sports seasons are the same duration, But!

 

I’d argue that the NFL keeps it firmly in our minds with All of its offseason activities, i.e.; Draft, OTA/Spring Training and Pre-season Games, et Al.Not to mention the monumentous playoffs to the Super Bowl…

 

Thus it seems that IndyCar could at least resume holding an official Spring Trainning Pre-season weekend accessible to All Fans at the very least. Whilst I for one would appreciate further “Offseason” international races. As surely the Braintrust at Starship Penske, Err Penske Entertainment can come up with a viable way to extend the IndyCar season for All of us Diehard Fans who Don’t give a Tinkers Damn about Stick ‘n Ball Sports, Righto?

 

Hell! No wonder why Formula 1 is encroaching upon IndyCar’s turf and TV viewing numbers! I mean they were in the midst of Hamilton Fever in late January when He arrived at Maranello. Before everyone whent Gaga over His testing a two year old Ferrari at Fiorano…

 

Hey, you didn’t think this entire, riveting No Fenders post was gonna be 114% Sunshine, Bunnies and Rainbows, did Yuhs?

 

As I just hope the Intrawoods’ connection or that IndyCar Radio at least used some brand new dental floss for its tin cans broadcast connection this weekend at St Pete! And I can listen to an interruption Free radio broadcast from Ye Gory Apple Orchard. As Y’all know the words…

 

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!

 

And lookie Thar Mom, I didn’t even mention a word about Josef Schlick’ Newgarden using the button Illegally at St Pete…

 

While I’d enjoy seeing the “conquistador ‘O concrete”, aka Alex Palou do what the Kansas City Chiefs couldn’t accomplish! Seeing the Spaniard “three-peat” for Championship titles this year, Ole! Just as long as everybody runs roughshod over Schlick! 

The IndyCar Story that Keeps on giving

And Yeah, I know I’m helping keep it alive…

 

Strange how I’ve already put Team Penske’s P2P transgressions ito thoust proverbial rear view mirror. And not because I think El Capitano’, nee roger Penske, Tim Cindric or Team Penske should be cut any slack!

 

No, it’s just because it doesn’t present the Open Wheel Racing series I far prefer these days in a very flattering light!

 

As somehow I missed the news over ‘Ol superTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt saying that Roger’s “Innocent”. Whilst Mikey A’ (Andretti) isn’t so convinced…

 

Hmm, who does Foyt have a Technical “Wink-Wink, Nudge-Nudge” Alliance with? Just Saying’

 

But it’s Funny, because I keep waffling back ‘n forth over whether or not The Captain knew anything about this? Since I get the impression that Roger’s removed Himself from the Day-to-Day operations a long time ago? But then again, somebody knew something! Since when ever has Penske been that sloppy?

 

But it does make you wonder? If Penske, Cindric, Chevrolet and others knew, why would they have “Outed” themselves during Sunday morning practice? Or was the technical glitch in Race Control really not a glitch?

 

Meanwhile Michael Andretti’s “take” upon the subject on His recent appearance on Keny Wallace’s podcast is pretty forthright over how I’d Arse-sume many of the current IndyCar team owners feel upon the subject.

 

As Michael wasn’t shy about saying how none of the Penske drivers and Tim Cindric’s “excuses” match-up, and He just wishes that Roger and Team Penske would be more transparent. Which I think we All as loyal fans would also hope for. Since Racer’s Marshall Pruett has been quick to point out how we the Fans, i.e.; paying customers have never received an apology…

 

And that’s before hearing that GM hired a third party lawyer to clear Chevrolet of any wrongdoing. Which once again is somewhat dubious, since I believe that Roger Penske owns Ilmor? The manufacturers of Chevrolet’s IndyCar race engines, Oh Never Mind!

 

As why does this whole sordid subject make me think of disgraced Tour de Farce winner Lance Armstong, Eh?

 

As I certainly feel zero empathy towards Josef Newgarden and His race victory being rightfully taken away from Him! Whilst I like ScottyMac’, aka Scott mcLaughlin, so I’ll give Him a pass. While

Y’all have to wonder how come Will Power new it was illegal to use Push-to-Pass on race starts and re-starts, Eh?

 

You make the Call! 

Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”

One of Mark Donahue’s Penske Racing Sunoco Trans Am Chevrolet Camaro’s on display at the IMS Hall of Fame museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As Roger says the team will take it’s punches. But shouldn’t that really be chances?

 

Naturally, I was surprised to discover the news about Team Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”. Upon learning of Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin’s Disqualifications from St Pete. As I cannot remember the last time an IndyCar race win was taken away from an IndyCar driver, if ever? Which is exactly what happened to Newgarden regarding His season opening St Pete victory this March.

 

Surely Y’all have heard Penske President Tim cindric’s response about software “accidentally” not being removed from the engine’s ECU followingprevious Hybrid testing…

 

For which if you’re a Hard Core IndyCarAfficionado like Mwah, you’ll know that Penske is well renown for it’s frequent Cheating under the phrase “Unfair Advantage”, which the team was legendous’ for doing during the 1960’s Trans Am competition! And presumably other racing series…

 

Thus upon reading this startling revelation, I immediately thought of when Team Penske got caught for having “lightweight” rear wing pylons, which were discovered after rear wing failures As I thought it was Milwaukee? Which Helio Castroneves crashed out from a rear win failure while leading the 2007 Milwaukee race. And Penske teammate Sam Hornish Jr. retired from second place with a “flapping” rear wing.

 

But then the more I think about it, I think perhaps it was at Texas? Although I can no longer remember where this happened. But I do recall the team being found to be using unapproved lightweight rear wing pylons…

 

While I did discover that Castroneves was fined $35,000 and docked 15-points following Post-race Tech after the 2013 Texas IndyCar race He’d won, but that was for having the rear underwing “Diffuser” not “set” correctly. And Castroneves and Team Penske kept their victory…

 

Whilst Thars’ countless examples of Team Penske being caught Cheating in NASCAR. With one of the most recent examples being Joey “sliced Bread” Lagano wearing an “Amphibious” webbed glove to win this year’s Pole at the Daytona 500. Using the glove as an aerodynamic device to aid in extra “Downforce”, before Lagano was subsequently penalized at Atlanta. Losing His runner-up finish and being fined $10,000. With el Capitano’, nee Roger Penske being outraged over this “Egregious” behaviour…

 

The interesting part about Penske’s Push-to-Pass “P2P” infraction is that it was only discovered during Long Beach’s Sunday morning Warm-up session due to a technical glitch with the overall system during the sessions first ten minutes. When only Team Penske drivers had use of the inactivated P2P! When the entire grid should have not been able to utilize the system due to the technical difficulty preventing it’s usage.

 

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett, naturally the story runs far deeper. With several anonymous sources saying that the software “excuse” doesn’t wash! And the team found a way to get around the ECU, (Engine Control Unit) the engine’s “Brain” preventing unwarranted P2P usage thru the CLU. (Central Logger Unit) The main Data “collecting” system that Chevrolet was quick to distance itself from! Claiming the CLU is each team’s responsibility…

 

Pruett also notes that one rival team sent IndyCar video clips of Penske drivers using P2P way too much during races last year, implying this “Tom-Foolery” was potentially going on for several months, before Penske self incriminated themselves at Long Beach when they shouldn’t have been able to use P2P during the Sunday warm-up’s first ten minutes…

 

As Y’all may wish to read Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s excellent article titled How Team Penske took Push-to-Pass beyond the Limit.

 

As All three Team Penske cars were able to manipulate the P2P, but only Newgarden and McLaughlin used it illegally at St Pete, with Will Power not doing so, and thus only being docked 10 points. With All three entries being fined $25,000 and forfeiting All prize money.

 

As Newgarden drops to 11th in the championship from leading, and McLauglin drops to a lowly P27, ergo last place!

 

Yes, All teams Cheat, or try to get away with as much as possible without getting caught, which is just part of racing. As case-in-point is Meyer shank Racing’s tyre inflation debacle at the 2023 Rolex 24. Or when Justin Wilson won at Texas Motor speedway for Dale coyne Racing with an unapproved part on it’s chassis…

 

But it’s the amount of cheating that Penske’s been caught for over the years, not to mention other major racing teams that makes it All the more intolerable! Especially when you’re the series owner…

 

As how many times over the years has Roger Penske said it’s Humiliating and adoesn’t meet His exacting standards? Or is it simply one reason that Team Penske’s one of the sport’s most successful teams ever? You make the Call.

 

But Inquiring Minds want to Know will Josef Newgarden refuse to give the St Pete winners trophy to Pato O’Ward or not? 

Some brief IndyCar “Tech” Talk

As how come those darn Flinstones’ were Hard as Rocks?

 

Although I haven’t been reading Racer’s Mailbag lately. I did listen to Marshall Pruett’s The Week in IndyCar March 13th edition recently.

 

Regarding all of the reported grousing over the St Pete season opener being a Dud! Marshall pointed out one fact that seems to not be being discussed.

 

The current spec Dallara DW12 which ironically contested it’s 200th race at St Pete, is currenty 30-31 pounds lighter than it’s predecessor – due to the weight savings initiatives taken for the coming (Hybrid) Energy Recovery System (ERS) slated for this July.

 

Yet as Pruett sagely points out. Firestone had to make it’s tyres for the perceived debut of the DW12 with Hybrid technology at St Pete, where it was originally planned to debut. And thus Firestone has had to produce harder, longer lasting tyres that can withstand the added burden the ERS will place upon the rear tyres. Along with producing various 2024 rubber compounds for the first half of the year which now is non-hybrid.

 

Pruett notes how yes, it would have been nice to have added an additional ten laps to St Pete’s total, i.e.; 110 vs. 100 which would have given teams the option to run a three stop strategy. But we only had 100-laps and tyres that didn’t degrade quickly due to the perceived arrival of the DW12 with ERS. And so none of the drivers were overly enticed to take any daring overtaking risks. And hence, St Pete became processional, which has happened during more than one IndyCar race, or now weekly in Formula 1!

 

Perhaps IndyCar will revisit the upcoming race distances? But I wouldn’t hold your breath upon that!

 

As the teams will just need to adjust their set-ups and strategies, and presumably if Ganassi and Andretti can qualify further up the grid. Along with at least Christian Lundgaard for Bobby Rahal & Company. Along with Pato O’Ward and the McLaren Boyz’ continue Harrying the pack, then Team Penske should have plenty of competition to contend with… 

Andretti Autosport Used Car lot

    

    

Slightly Used, low mileage Vintage eligible Open Wheel Racing Cars Now Available, All Offers Welcomed! (Engines Not included)

 

Obviously, Mikey A’ will be expecting better results this Sunday vs. their 2020 St Pete IndyCar race’s outcome. Where 50% of His team’s entries ended up behind the Wall! Including race leader Alexander Rossi!

 

For which I’m Hoping that Kyle Kirkwood, the new Chauffeur of the Andretti Autosport #27 Has a Solid first race outing…

 

Photo C/O Offical’ No Fenders Photographer CARPETS’

The Crashed cars of (#98) Marco Andretti and (#27) Alexander Rossi sitting behind Barrier (Turn-6?) during the October, 2020 St Pete Season Finale IndyCar race. (The Tomaso Collection) 

INDYCAR: St Pete Rewind

But just How Much should we take away from the Season’s first race outcome?

 

Yeah, what’s that ‘Ol sayin’ about A Dollar Short and A Day late!

 

Since by the time I post this on No Fenders it’ll be Old News. And surely Y’all will already know the results. As I’ll just toss out some random observations instead. Whilst we All wait with Baited Breath over another Pj1 “Slippery liquids” Traction Compound induced race at Texas Motor Speedway March 20^th.

 

Rookie Drivers

(Friday Practice-1/Saturday Practice-2/Qualifying/Race results)

#11 Tatiana Calderon) 26/26/25/24^th; -3 laps

#14 Kyle Kirkwood) 12/8/12/18th

#18 David Malukas) 10/17/24/R-Accident (26^th)

#29 Devlin DeFrancesco) 13/15/18/22nd

#30 Christian Lundgaard) 25/16/15/11th

#77 Callum Ilott) 22/18/19/19th

 

Although I’m Not planning on doing this for every race. As I’ve already scribbled here upon No Fenders, I’m very interested over this Six Pack of IndyCar Rookies vs. the rest of the field. As I’ve listed each of their finishing positions for each session above, excluding Sunday’s Warm Up results. And am curious how many of these drivers will become longterm IndyCar fixtures of the future?

 

Although we really shouldn’t be surprised by Kyle Kirkwood’s performance, since after all He is the reigning Indy Lights Champion, and simply A Bad Arse Driver! With His only limitation this year being driving for A.J. Foyt’s team.

 

And with Sebastien Bourdais noting during Saturday’s Racer French Fry and Hamburger Show, It’s Back! Track Temp during Qualie’ was a Sizzling 120-degrees, making for super slippery track conditions. And almost everybody was struggling to learn how to fully utilize their Alternate Flinstone’ Red Rubber, for which Bourdais said were One ‘N done! And He didn’t think track conditions would change much for the race. Saying it’ll be interesting to see who can make a set of the Alternate’s last a Stint, or will Thar be a bunch of Alternative strategies instead?

 

Leading towards Race Day…

Some of what stood out to me over the weekend. Symone’, aka Pageantry’, nee Simon Pagenaud looked really Strong during his Meyer Shank Racing debut. Finishing  P4/3^rd/6^th during the two practice sessions and Qualifying.

 

While DJ WillyP’, nee Will Power and Alexander Rossi also looked Strong with Top 5 results in both Practice sessions

 

Initially I was Puzzled over Romain Grosjean going from “top of Thee Pops” (P1) on Friday  to 19^th on Saturday morning’s second practice, Huh? Before learning the Frenchman was looking at his Dashboard? After coming round Turn 10 and Slamming into the back of Takuma Sato’s car!

 

As a bunch of Drivers had Packed-up vying for Clear track-space! As both Grosjean and Sato’s session’s were done! Wit the front end of Grosjean’s and Sato’s Rear both being majorly Askew!

 

Really Confused over Scott Dixon’s Struggles, i.e.; P20 Saturday morning. Along with RLLR’s struggles, as Dalton Kellett finished Ahead of two thirds of Booby ruble’s Squad during Saturday’s practice, Aye Karumba! With Graham Rahal and Jack Harvey an uncharacteristic P22-24 respectively! Sandwiching former RLLR Driver Sato in P23 at the end of the second practice session.

 

Also, Josef Newgarden was the slowest of 3 Penske’s Saturday morning with McLaughlin P1, Power P5 and Josef P14. But remember, Newgarden’s got a brand new Engineer this season…

 

And while both of Arrow McLaren SP Drivers Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist’s Qualifying results were Disappointing, languishing P16-21 respectively. (With Pato Hitting the Wall in Qualifying) Apparently the most insensed Driver on the Pitlane was Alexander Rossi. As IndyCar’s Oldest Blogger Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure Fame noted how He’d planned on taking a picture of Rossi who was in animated conversation with his father. But Rossi’s menancing Scowl discouraged George from doing so!

 

Clearly Rossi was Peeved over being the Meat in an A.J. Foyt Racing Qualie’ sandwich! With Kyle Kirkwood the Highest placed rookie in 12^th, and Dalton Kellett having his best road course result P14.

 

Also, the CGR Boyz’ recovered, with Dixon leading the way in seventh, followed by Marcuss Ericsson eighth and Alex Palou tenth.

 

But it was the Fast Six Shootout that got All the Press! With Team Penske’s youngest member Scotty mcLaughlin capturing his Debutante IndyCar Pole ahead of teammate Power, giving Penske a Front row lockout.

 

Third Quick was Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta with a great “rebound” by Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay P4. And Row 3 see’s an All French lineup with Romain Grosjean fifth and MSR’s Simon Pagenaud sixth.

 

It’s Finally Race Day!

It’s Funny to Mwah how people are saying this was a great race, which I never got that Vibe from. As Scott McLaughlin simply dominated this race, along with much of the weekend; well at least Saturday and Sunday…

 

Yes, reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou who started tenth did prelentlessly pressure McLaughlin in the final 20 laps, but much of that Drauma revolved around two Backmarkers making life difficult for the Kiwi’ ex-Supercars Driver. As I think it was Townsend Bell who noted the insane amount of wins He had Down Under and was used to controlling a race and seeing the Chequered Flag first…

 

As it was none other than Palou’s CGR teammate Jimmie Johnson scraggling’ behind in 23^rd who first made life difficult for McLaughlin by fighting to stay on the lead lap which allowed Palou to close the gap. And then Devlin DeFrancesco slithering and sliding to remain P22 in the race’s last five laps.

 

But I’m Not trying to take anything away from McLaughlin who did a Brilliant Job this weekend en route to both his IndyCar career first Pole and W’, as He drove a flawless race and I think also led the most laps? Although I know that Soctt Dixon, who was one of the many on the alternate three stop strategy also led a Boatload of laps before finishing a rather Ho Hum eighth.

 

And we’ll never know if DJWillyP’ (Power) would have prevailed as winner ahead of Penske teammate McLaughlin? Since Power was the only driver in the Top 10 Me Thinks, to start on the harder, primary Black Sidewall Firestone and was poised to run to lap 36 before his first Pitstop with All of the leaders coming in earlier. But David Malukas who clouted the Wall on lap 25 bringing out the race’s only Caution effectively wrecked this strategy.

 

Yes there was much strategy being played out, making it seem uncertain if McLaughlin could cycle back to the lead. As Don’t let the Box Score results Fool you, since many of the Back Half of the Grid, I’d say from P15-Down were running the unsuccessful three stop strategy vs. the correct winning two stop strategy. As such “Heavy Hitters” like Pagenaud, Newgarden and Rossi suffered from this, along with Rookies Kirkwood and Ilott, and may be DeFrancesco?

 

Interestingly Rossi has a new Strategist this year in the form of one Billybob Brazenheatrz’, aka Brian Barnhart, who I think it was Kevin Lee who interviewed him mid-race?

 

Since what I took away from this race most was that strategy is King, and once a Driver’s Strategy plan was ruined, along with Hoping to correct it with another future Yellow Flag which Never appeared. The Driver was simply unable to salvage decent results with the exception of Dixon and CGR teammate Marcus Ericsson who was penalized for contact with Graham Rahal exiting Pitlane.

 

As it’s probably just Mwah being Blind and Not being able to See any action Onscreen, But I had a Horrible time trying to follow the race since it felt like every six minutes we were in another Gory Commercial Break making me feel like I was on a constantly Spinning Merry-go-Round that Never Stopped! And I had to constantly adjust the TV’s volume and the Announcers seemed to be repeating each other and really Not giving any Uber’ insightful information!

 

Since the most entertaining part of the whole race for Mwah was Kevin Lee and Townsend Bell’s back ‘n forth over whether or not Rinus VeeKay was going to be able to finish the race on two Pitstops without running out of Ethanol! Along with Bell’s Quip ‘bout McLaughlin Ain’t 20 seconds ahead of the pack…

 

May be I was Disappointed since my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver Pato O’Ward and Arrow McLaren SP simply seemed Out to Lunch this whole weekend! Although I know the young Mexican was giving his typical 100% since He Hit the Wall in Qualifying! Then was another of those caught out strategy-wise when changing to a three stop strategy in Hopes of a late Caution Flag that Never Happened. Having to settle for a 12^th place finish.

 

But you can’t fault All of the teams that thought a second Caution would occur, especially since it was a Temporary Street Circuit where the Concrete Canyon’s usually Breed Yellows, and Dalton Kellett almost made this Happen, since I know one of the Booth boyz’ noted how the Flagman had the Yellow Flag in his Hand and was starting to bring it up when Kellett managed to either get going or pull Offtrack…