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… 

Some Thoughts upon the Ford v Ferrari Movie

This beautifully prepared Superformance GT40 Mk II replica was driven by Christian Bale in the Ford v Ferrari movie. (Image source: autoweek.com)

As have Y'all been to a Movie theatre lately?

As a Dyed in thoust Wool FoMoCo' Aficionado, primarily All things Shelby American Inc. and Ford Total Performance lore. Naturally I eagerly awaited going to the Ford v Ferrari movie, for which I did so nearly a Fortnight ago. And was very happy it made It to our sleepy 'lil Seaside town of Florence, Oregon.

It's Here!

This isn't intended to be a Blow-by-Blow review of the movie, which I totally recommend seeing to anybody, even if you're not a Motor Racing Fan. But be aware, it's definitely been "Dramatized for Hollywood!"

Having had the privilege of meeting thou legendous' 'Ol Shel, aka Carroll Shelby in Monterey once, when acquiring his "John Hancock" during one of his multiple Autograph Sessions for his Children's Heart Charity during the 1997 Monterey Historics, featuring his iconic Shelby marque.

And having him bellow at Mwah, What's Your Name, Son! Before signing my Historics program. I was very interested to hear what Matt Damon would sound like while portraying him.

Does the Ford v Ferrari movie have many glaring Inaccuracies? Yes! Am I intending to tear apart the movie? No! As I went into it fully knowing that it had been "spiced Up for Thee Big Screen." And instead just looked forward to enjoying a rare motor Racing Motion Picture, especially since I typically do not frequent movie theatres these days...

Yet I'd like to Highlight two of the movie's major embellishments, since I fear that many will believe they really occurred. Which like I've already typed above, 20th Century Fox definitely took  Artistic license with this Film, which in Hollywood Speak, "is Based upon a True Story."

As Americres' oldest racetrack in continuous operation, with Willows Springs Raceway having opened in 1953, and being just an hour north of Los Angeles. Arse-sumedly' it definitely saw its share of Cobra's, Corvettes, Shelby Mustangs, Camaros and Cudas' racing in anger over the years, Righto?

But the race in the movie at Willows Springs is fictional and never happened. But is simply utilized to speed up the introductory relationship between Shelby and Ken Miles. Which if this Shelby American Inc. chapter was included, could easily add another half hour to the movie's 152mins running time!

Although by doing this, we completely miss the beginnings of Shelby American's, and more importantly Ken Miles important work with the Cobra and Cobra Daytona Coupes before taking over the Ford GT40 programme from Ford Advance Vehicles, (FAV) which the movie gives a cursory nod to with Roy Lund's brief cameo.

Ford v Ferrari: How they Filmed All those Cool Racing Scenes

Secondly, engineered to tug upon our Heartstrings, contrary to the movie, Ken Miles did indeed go to Le Mans in 1965 and raced one of that year's two prototype Ford GT40 X Nasty 7-litre Big Block V-8's, paired with Bruce McLaren, which did retire due to Gearbox maladies.

Part of the film I enjoyed, since I'm Blind and relied upon a wireless Headset "Adaptive Listening" device to fill in the blanks for Mwah, was hearing a younger Lee Iacocca, "Father of The Mustang" and then Vice President of the Ford Motor Company, who'd ultimately become it's President in the early 1970's.

Having subsequently read his Autobiography simply titled Iacocca, for which my Hardcover copy sits collecting Dust somewhere upon my Stuffed Bookcase...

Since I only remember Iacocca from his much later role as the public Pitchman of Chrysler, when rescuing it from Bankruptcy in the early 1980's' as it's CEO. Taunting us by saying: If you can find a better vehicle, then Buy It! Or Somme-thun' to that effect.

And would once again reunite with his Pal Carroll Shelby to Spice Up Chrysler and Dodge's anemic, utilitarian Automobile line-up with such variants as the Shelby GLHS, which I subsequently christened Goes Like Hell Sometimes, Sorta; But I Digress...

Along with wishing I could be able to see what Narly Cobra roadster variant 'Ol Shel's racing round in the movie as his "Daily Driver," presumably a Cobra 427, Eh?

And while Matt Damon does a really good job as that Texas Snake Oil Charmer, nee Carroll Shelby, for Mwah, Christian Bale as Ken Miles Steals the Show! Which is probably largely due to my never hearing Miles in real life.

Whilst if the rumours are true? That originally the film was to star Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in these two roles, then I'm far happier that Damon & Bale ended up as the main characters instead.

And even though the movie is tweaked to make us feel vindication for Miles and Shelby doing the "Right Thing" their way, I've felt for Decades that Ken Miles never got the recognition he deserved for his instrumental role in Ford's and Shelby's success. So it's nice he's getting it now...

With one of the funniest mental pictures I conjured up in my cranium during the movie was the scene when Miles wife Molly brings out a fold-up chair, sits on the lawn and watches her Hubby' and Shelby get in a fisti-cuffs brawl which includes their bag of groceries Ken was bringing home!

While I'd never known that Miles had a son, who's name is Peter, and as a teenager sadly was at Riverside International Raceway that Fateful Day...  

Although I totally understand why it wasn't in the movie, since it would take the spotlight away from our two Heroes, nevertheless, it's interesting to learn all these years later, that if an enterprising engineer hadn't figured out an unlikely solution for the 427cid V-8 Side Oiler Big Blocks powering those Bad Arse GT40 Mk II's, none of this might have happened!

Ford v Ferrari: The Untold Story that Saved Ford's Race

Whilst Y'all might enjoy the following Youtube video I just Discovered when searching for some 'Ol Shel' Soundbites...

VIDEO: When Ford Defeated Ferrari - Lost 1966 Footage Found

Along with learning the following tidbit regarding the Ford GT40 P/1015 Replica chassis used in the Film...

You'll never be Christian Bale or Ken Miles, but you can Bid on the GT40 used in Ford v Ferrari

F1: Yumps' abound at COTA!

As what's that song 'bout Watch Out for those Trees?

Ah, thou life 'O luxury of being Ye Basement Dwelling Blogger! Hey! Turn the Gory lights back On; Hya! Which is why I'm just posting this now...

As I spent Friday loungin' about 'N watching; Err listening to both of Friday's Free Practice sessions from the Circuit Of The Americas, nee COTA.

Where not only was it unseasonably cool, with the day's first practice starting with a temperature of 48deg-f before warming up during FP2.

Whilst the topic of the day was the track's ultra bumpiness, for which per Tipicali, Golden Child, nee Lewis Hamilton was heard via his In-car radio proclaiming This is the Bumpiest Track in the World! To which Sky Sports Pundit ANT', nee Anthony Davidson Quipped back before Hamilton's comment ended, No it's Not, Sebring is!

Some Formula 1 Drivers Don't like COTA's Bumps, others think Pretty Cool

Hmm? CoInky-dense' that one of the track's loudest critics over the Bumps being Unacceptable is starting from Pitlane after being penalized for missing the Weigh-bridge.

Since Don't recall 'lil Syd Viddle being as Harshly Penalized when he tore-up the Weigh-bridge's scales when he was having another Hissy Fit in Brazil last year

Next, I thought the 10:55AM Pacific F1 Programme listed on ESPNews was going to be Qualie', but instead I enjoyed the rare treat of watching Formula One's FP3 Saturday Third Practice session instead.

As the three Announcers; Err Sky Sports F1 Presenters 'N Pundits spent several minutes covering Sergio Perez's severe punishment. Noting that not only had the Mexican Driver Not stopped at the Weigh-bridge, apparently missing the lights, and continued to his Pit Stall. But then the Racing Point mechanics fitted some, but not All four Pirelli "P-Zero" tyres to Sergio's racecar, which is a definite No-No!

Therefore for these various rules infringements, the Race Stewards were Forced to impose the Harshest Penalty available per the FIA Rulebook, which both former Formula 1 Drivers ANT' and Paul di Resta dually noted were Overly Harsh. Along with David Kroft concurring, and All three suggesting the rules needed to be tweaked.

As apparently, although Vettel's temper-tantrum Antics seem far more Egregious! Once again getting Off with a simple Slap upon his wrist, Uhm, being Fined. The Application of the Rules seems to continue being very inconsistent...

Oops! Sebastian Vettel Threatens to Run Over Steward, is Fined for Breaking Scales

Meanwhile, back to Friday's TV coverage, where Pitlane Reporter and Funnyman Ted Kravitz opened his monologue 'bout it perhaps being (Max) Verstappen's Redemption, saying was it Idaho, Ohio? Where Shaw shank Redemption was? Which led into Kroftie', nee David Kroft saying it's in Maine, it's a Steven King Horror thing. To which ANT' chortled back it's scary enough being with Kroftie'; Botta-Boom!

Yet the Horror Show has to be the track's Nasty Bumps, as the tarmac's steadily gotten worse each year, and the F1 Drivers all noted it had gotten way worse from just one year ago, with the worst spots being Turns 9, 12 and 19, along with a nasty bump exiting Pitlane! While Turn 5 was also causing Headaches for the F1 Drivers.

And I say Yumps 'cause David Kroft kept mumbling on 'bout the correct pronunciation for Houston, which immediately reminded Mwah of my past IndyCar Villain Hulio's losing a Series title when crashing hard over a Bump in the Houston Reliant Park's Stadium parking lot.

Otay, think may be Castroneves just toasted his transmission; Err Gearbox as can't really remember, other than Scott Dixon went on to capture his then second IndyCar Series Championship in 2013 thanks to HULIO's Houston retirement.

Not to mention that I believe that's the Germanic vernacular for what it's fame Nordschliefe, nee Nurburgring's full of over its 175+ corners, Ja Volt!

And the frivolity continued with Kravitz doing an in-depth bit upon DannyRic's "One Off" Helmet livery honouring the Aggies', with a nicely done Texas Longhorns themed Helmet.

To which at least Kravitz didn't try pretending to know what the Number 12 on the motif represented. Saying may be it's for Texas being the 12th State? Or 12th Legislative District? As I groaned NO!

Since I find it Funny I know the answer, since I Ain't a Stick 'n Ball Fan, but have lived in the Land of Thee 12s' forever!

So Wrongo David Kroft! It Ain't for the number of College Conference Teams, but as the Seattle Seahawks know. Since pretty sure they had to pay Texas for the rights to continue using the No. 12, which is synonymous with the 12th Man being The Fans! As our Americre' Football has 11 players on the Gridiron...

And speakin' of Americre', our Formula 1 Team Haas certainly didn't have a great day. As once again it was Romain Grosjean into the Barriers Friday! ruining his new Front wing which Sky Sports Pundit Karun Cowboy' Chandhok noted looks eerily similar to Scuderia Ferrari's Front wing from the beginning of the season.

As I totally Fail to understand why the Haas F1 Team chose to keep Romain another year instead of signing Nico Hulkenberg? As what type 'O Kryptonite for Herr Goonter' does the Frenchman keep in his firesuit's pockets? Since Grosjean just seems to have Peaked a longtime ago now, and I just Don't buy this continuity Babble...

Grosjean refuses to Blame Cool COTA Bumps for Crash

And then the wheels started falling off la Scuderia's wagon, becoming worse 'N worse as the weekend wore on. Since first on Friday, a throttle sensor apparently Done Packed Up! On Chuck LuhCluck's (Charles Leclerc) Ferrari due to those Nasty Yumps!

Which apparently wasn't the only issue Ferrari was surrounded by, since Arch Nemesis Red bull sought a technical clarification upon what it felt was a Rules loophole that la Scuderia was exploiting?

A lot of Noise

Then during Saturday's final practice session, Leclerc immediately stopped his chariot after reporting something's wrong with the engine! Forcing the team to scramble to install a new PU, nee Power Unit prior to Qualifying.

But at least the Monegasque didn't have to take a 10-place Grid Penalty, since Ferrari was able to install an Older Spec PU, which afterwards, the Team would claim was the reason for Leclerc's lack of optimum Horsepower during the race.

Since Team Principal Mattia Binotto and Leclerc both took exception to Max Verstappen's public comments 'bout Cheating...

Ferrari rejects Allegations, Charles Leclerc Hits Out at Max Verstappen

Oh Yeah, almost forgot. I spent the majority of the race Yelling at the Telescreen for Valtteri Bottas to Not let his most esteemed team-mate Golden Child win the Bloody race!

For which although the Finn did, nobody will remember this since Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth F1 Driver World Championship by finishing runner-up, with Red Bull Bad Boy Verstappen rounding out the Austin F1 Podium.

Leclerc trundled home P4, behind his Bosom buddy Max, with the Dutch Lightning Rod's team-mate Alexander Albon rounding out the Top-5 finishers, whilst Vettel retired with a broken rear suspension. Which apparently Ain't Nothin' compared to his contrataumpts at Sao Paolo...

Open Wheel Racing's Cockpit Safety Debate Rages On

As thou Questione is to say Halo or Goodbye to that Bloody Contraption covering thou Formula 1 Drivers Heads...

Continuing playing Ketsup here in Nofendersville, this is simply intended to be just a thought provoking exercise for you, my "Valued" No Fenders readers...

As first I'll need to have My Gal Lucy', My ARSE-Steamed Screen Reader read me whatever Felipe Massa said in regards to proclaiming that IndyCar isn't doing enough for Driver Safety, following Robert Wickens Horrendous Shunt at Pocono - Before commenting upon it.

IndyCar not doing much on Safety - Massa

Although as a former Formula 1 Driver who's experienced a Severe Knock on the Head during the '09 Hungarian Grand Prix. I totally feel Massa's entitled to voice his opinions upon Driver Safety publicly...

Yet as a Formula 1 "Purist," having grown up with the sport since the late 1980's, albeit missing  the early 1980's era where the Drivers Cockpit saw multitudes 'O lower extremity injuries due to their "Cab Forward" design. When the front axle's centerline was behind their feet during the Dawn of the initial turbo era!

Part of the allure to Formula 1 for Mwah was their being the Baddest Land Sharks Open Wheel Racing machinery on the Planet! and thus, naturally I'm not a Fan of F1's HALO contraption.

F1: Halo to Formula 1's Crapwagons era...

That being said, I'm not opposed to improving Drivers Safety, especially when it comes to costing their life's. Yet it seems like there's an interesting Divide, or Dare I Say It? There seems to be a Political War 'O Words going on, with obviously the FIA being Pro-Halo.

IndyCar style Windscreens only 10% as effective as F1 Halo in Leclerc Crash

As the opening lap of this year's Grand Prix of Portland IndyCar race made me think about this safety issue, since Marco Andretti's Dallara DW12 Somersaulted as part of a five car "Pile-up" in The Festival Curve's Turn 2. Ultimately Breaking his Roll Hoop and leaving him stranded upside down, with his helmet being mud stained afterwards!

As Marco Dryly said, it's a good thing NOBODY Hit Him when he was in this precarious position! Whilst I believe that 'Ol R', aka Robin Miller spoke to Ed Jones during the race, who was also involved in the first lap shunt and had streaks of rubber upon his crash bucket...

As these two close calls made me Flashback to the 2017 Indy 500? Or wherever it was that HULIO' had Alexander Rossi's tyre up close 'N personal when leaving the Pits.

Ah, thou Beauty of getting old-ER... Since actually it was the 2016 Pocono 500 race No less, which is somewhat ironic, since that's where Wickens Horrendous accident occurred.

VIDEO: 2016 Pocono 500 Pitlane Incident

Yet two current Formula 1 Drivers are less than impressed with All of the Halo Ballyhoo, with Max Verstappen's comments being the most interesting to me. As he debates whether or not current F1 Cars can cause such a problem of Striking a Driver's Head or if they'll simply ride up 'N over instead?

Halo Critics Unmoved after Leclerc's Crash

While I'll say it again. I'm Not an Engineer or know Anything about Safety or Designing Racing Cars. But I certainly would Dispute the Claims that Indy Cars isn't doing enough for their Drivers Safety. As I'd argue they're constantly trying to improve their racecars, which after all are built by Dallara.  Ironically the very same outfit involved in the current Haas F1 chassis. And one of the primary reasons for IndyCar introducing the DW-12.

Would the Halo have saved Justin Wilson and Harry Surtees? Most likely, yet in the same inference, the Halo probably wouldn't have helped Dan Wheldon and certainly not Jules Biancci!

As I'm very curious how Halo would impact a crash into Catch Fencing at let's say for sake of argument, 220mph! Even though Indy Cars, and Formula 1 exceed 230mph in certain instances.

Would the Halo's front center post rip off and impail a Driver? Would the Halo's ring be caught upon the catch fencing and also subsequently impact the Drivers Head? Or cause this hurtling projectile into unforeseen reactions?

While I've still yet to read anywhere how Formula 1 Drivers are supposed to extricate themselves and "Bunny-hop" down the nose of their stricken racecar during an ERS electrical failure, a la what Nico Hulkenberg endured Onboard his Renault during the 2017 Mexican Grand Prix.

And I could go on 'N on, since although I cannot see how UGLY the HALO is, and it certainly hasn't detracted from the racing this year, other than possibly emboldening Drivers to be more reckless?

I cannot help but think of the negative initial reaction to the HANS Device, but at the same time I'm also nauseatingly Sick of hearing the FIA, presumably at Monsieur Todt's direction Beating it's Drums over how Fantastic the Halo is...