Disappointment abounds over Airwaves, at Racetrack

Can you Hear me now Fox and IndyCar Radio? As I just remembered that ‘Ol Internet  Error code 404…

 

Jumping ahead of myself here. But as David Land recently used the word “Optics” in His discussion regarding the Thermal Club IndyCar race. I’d have to say that MotoGP has a Ginormous optics issue Stateside!

 

As seriously, the lone United States Grand Prix isn’t even aired live, WTF! And dually treated like the proverbial Red Headed Step Seester’ by being aired at 6:30PM Pacific on FS1. Although that’s only if the NASCAR race at Martinsville doesn’t run long, or the NHRA experience any problems…

 

As how many people will either know about where the MotoGP race is being broadcasted or care about tuning in?

 

“It’s A Shame, such A Shame

No one was able to ease the pain

A Red-Headed Wild Flower

Growing in the wrong garden”

 

Sing it Little River Band…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAe7ARwDYzU

 

Yet this No Fenders post is supposed to be about the Thermal Club IndyCar race, along with the Chinese Grand Prix Formula 1 held in Shanghai, which for Mwah, were both fairly processional races. Whilst I’ll leave the debate over whether or not IndyCar should return to the Thermal Club for others to pontificate over.

 

Surely Y’all have read, heard or witnessed FOX’s “Brownout” during the Thermal Club IndyCar race. Which according to the IndyStar’s Nathan Browne lasted for 20 mins from approximately lap 28 to 42, when a circuit breaker “tripped” itself in one of the two IMS Productions Broadcast Trucks. As the root cause seems to have been the Heat, with the Fahrenheit nudging up against 90 degrees ambient.

 

Yet one must say it’s a sad state of affairs when your default is to switch to the NASCAR race in progress whilst trying to fix this failure…

 

Being ensconced once again on the tranquil Vashon Island for the St Pete IndyCar season opener. I grew very annoyed with the multiple Dumping's the IndyCar Radio Broadcast had during the race. Even totally losing the broadcast twice, for which I just had to wonder if it was our internet service on Ye Island? Although as far as I know, no Washington Sate ferry’s have “accidently” cut any telecommunications cables from the Mainland, but I digress…

 

Yet the Thermal Club’s IndyCar Radio broadcast mimicked St Pete’s, Urgh! As perhaps the new IMS Production trucks have a new Bark ‘O Meter installed? Since it seems that whenever Mark Gravelly’ James goes into full-stop manufactured frothing, Screaming excitement, the Intrawoods’ drops the broadcast! Thus again, the programme went “Dark” on the opening lap of the race, as I frantically refreshed the page to try finding out what I’d missed? When apparently Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco tried His Bestest Paul Tracy Chrome Horn treatment on ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin. With Sparky’ chirping at McLaughlin after the race…

 

Then again, the Internets’ feed Dumped when James went into a lather over Alex Palou chasing down the race’s leader Pato O’Ward, WTF! Actually it was All of the excitement over Palou going wheel-to-wheel with Christian Lundgaard which I had to frantically refresh. And then again at the finish of the race!

 

Hmm, perhaps the new, waxed string used for IndyCar Radio events melted in the Coachella Valley Heat, Eh?

 

And this doesn’t include when the broadcast was dropped momentarily before resuming broadcasting. With James noting how they’d lost timing and scoring during the race, presumably when FOX had gone Dark for those twenty minutes.

 

Although there was less dropping of the broadcast for this second race of the season. Nonetheless, when Dumping at the race’s crucial points, it just makes the whole event feel overly disjointed and somewhat hard to enjoy! Since after all I’d Arse-sume that most of us loyal, diehard racing Aficionados tune-in for entertainments sake, Eh? And I’d guess that the touted Youth Generation Demographic IndyCar is so desperately chasing doesn’t put up with such continuing nonsense!

 

Meanwhile,you’d have to say that the Chinese Grand Prix was even duller than the IndyCar race, for which I was happy with the outcome of Oscar Piastri, my Numero doce F1 driver leading wire-to-wire. As the only real excitement during the Sunday morning’s 9AM Pacific replay,Err Encore presentation with copious amounts of the Mothers shoe Polish lady Nicole Briscoe’s insessant interuptions was the Ferrari Boyz’ playing Argie-Bargie. As what front wing endplate Ma? As Leclerc is Faster than you Louis, please confirm…

 

Nope, the real Shanghai fireworks occurred some three hours after the race, when both Suderiea cars were DQ’ed, the first time in Ferrari’s 75yr history to have both racecars disqualified from an event! Although Pierre Gasly’s Alpine was also disqualified.

 

Both Gasly and Leclerc’s cars were disqualified due to being underneath the minimum weight, presumably due to running ultra-long stints on the Hard Pirelli tyre compound, having both been one kilo underweight, i.e.; 2.2lbs.

 

As recall that George Russell was stripped of His victory at Spa-Francorchamps last year when suffering a similar fate, having run an extra-long stint on the hard rubber compound, albeit several other drivers at Shanghai also ran long stints to no detriment. Meaning that Ferrari and Alpine simply cut the margins too close.

 

Hamilton’s Ferrari SF25 was disqualified for excessive plank wear, with the minimum allowance being 9mm after race’s end. WithLouis’s Ferrari measuring 8.6mm on both the RHS and Centerline, and 8.5mm on the LHS, or visa-versa, since I don’t remember now. Other than the “Jabarock” glass infused “plank” to prevent teams from running their chassis too low was worn below the minimum ground clearance, and so it goes…

 

And that’s before we even get to Red Bull’s latest round of Driver Whackamole! Whilst hopefully IndyCar can sort out it’s media transmissions issues before Long Beach, which presumably will be another Hot race? 

IndyCar Teams go Testing at Thermal

For which at least one IndyCar reporter should be present, even if it’s His Wedding Anniversary…

 

What appeared to initially be a single car test, in what probably is the last test session of the year? Although I’ve got zero clue if the other six IndyCar teams have test days they’re sitting on?

 

As tomorrow’s private test has grown into a procession of five IndyCar teams using their remaining allotted Driver Evaluation test days in the California Desert, even if they have “No Vacancies” on their driver rosters next year…

 

Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) was the first team to book a date at Thermal, and will run Logan Sargeant in it’s Dallara Honda chassis. As Sargent, who turns 24 years old on Tony Kanaan’s birthday, (Dec 31st) raced in formula 1 between 2023-24 for Williams F1, making a total of 37 starts  before being replaced by rookie Argentine sensation Franco Colapinto at Monza this September. And previously raced in Formula 2, finishing fourth overall in 2022. Scoring a total of four podiums, including two wins driving for Carlin.

 

MSR Arse-sumedly is using the test as an evaluation of Thermal for next year’s upcoming points race on March 23rd. And possibly also vetting personnel for its technical alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing, who can also use MSR’s data…

 

Arrow McLaren will test Enzo Fittipaldi, the younger brother of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Pietro Fittipaldi. As Pietro still doesn’t know if He’ll be returning to the cockpit of the No. 30 RLLR Honda entry next year?

 

Pietro, Age 28 major accomplishment to date in Open Wheel Racing is winning the 2017 Formula V8 3.5 series, the final iteration of what was popularly known as the world Series by Renault 3.5 Championship. And has been the Haas F1 Team’s test & reserve driver since 2019. Along with making two Formula 1 Grands Prix starts as Romain Grosjean’s substitute after His fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020.

 

Enzo Fittipaldi has spent the past three years racing in the FIA Formula 2 World Championship. Currently driving for Van Amersfoort Racing and having amassed 71 starts, with two wins and 13 podiums to date. Along with having won the 2018 Italian F4 title. But like His older brother Pietro, His chances at a Formula 1 career seem virtually Nil’.

 

Penske will have its standout Sports Car driver, and reigning IMSA GTP Champion Felipe Nasr behind the wheel of its lone racecar in California.

 

Nasr, Age 32 drove for the Sauber f1 Team during the 2015-16 seasons, with a career best finish of fifth place upon His Formula 1 debut in Australia.

 

Following F1, Felipe made His debut in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Partnering Eric Curran in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R prototype. As the duo won the Prototypes championship with five podiums. Including finishing runner-up in the Rolex 24 behind their Seester’ “Mach 5 Mustang Sally”, Err No. 5 Mustang Sampling entry. Along with winning at Belle Isle.

 

Felipe made three starts in Formula E in 2019, before being announced as a Carlin driver for its IndyCar team the following year. Yet due to COVID-19 shutting down motorsports in the spring of 2020, Nasr never got to race in Indy Cars, returning to Sports Cars instead…

 

Rejoining the IMSA DPi ranks, Nasr and new teammate Pipo Derani won at Sebring’s Spring Sprint race that year, starting from Pole and winning the race, once again aboard the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Caddy’.

 

For 2021, Nasr and Derani had a “magical” season, scoring a total of eight podiums, including three wins enroute to the title, Nasr’s second Sports Car Prototypes crown.

 

Then for 2023, Nasr became a Werks’ Porsche Penske Motorsport driver. Having just won this year’s IMSA GTP title with Dane Cameron. Nasr’s third championship and Cameron’s fourth.

 

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett, Nasr has tested Indy Cars for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Carlin and Team Penske previously. And Penske President Tim Cindric claims Felipe always has His Hand up to test and stay current in single seaters.

 

But like everyone else, Team Penske doesn’t have any vacancies and Nasr’s not going anywhere. Having been confirmed to continue in the #7 Penske Porsche 963 with new teammate Nick Tandy next year.

 

Meanwhile, RLLR will run its latest signing, the reigning Indy NXT Champion Louis Foster. (Age 21) Having previously won the 2022 Indy Pro 2000 Championship with seven victories. Then ran away with the Indy NXT Championship in His sophomore season with eight wins and seven Poles. Being the only rookie for next year testing at Thermal.

 

Ed Carpenter Racing was the latest to join the ever growing party at the Thermal Club on November 19, asking Hunter McElrea to test for them. In what appears to be an early birthday present from ECR, as the Kiwi’ turns 25 years old on November 21st.

 

Having won the 2018 Australian Formula 4 Championship with 13 wins before coming Stateside. Hunter finished runner-up in the U.S. F2000 National Championship and third in Indy Pro 2000 driving for Pabst Racing. And after claiming Rookie Of the Year for Andretti Autosport in Indy Lights, claimed runner-up to current ECR IndyCar driver Christian Rasmussen in 2023.

 

McElrea impressed with His raw speed during His IndyCar debut at Toronto for Dale Coyne Racing. And has also become somewhat of a Sports Car standout, having won this year in the LMP2 category driving for TDS Racing. Taking back-to-back  wins at the Battle On the Bricks (Indianapolis) and Petit Le Mans. Along with winning this year’s IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup LMP2 crown.

 

And like the Fittipaldi brothers, obviously McElrea wishes to become a Fulltime IndyCar driver, but appears to be a long shot… 

INDYCAR: Thermal club Rear View Mirror

As the weekend wasn’t an entire Dud…

 

Yeah, I know we’ve All since long moved on from that Whose Your Daddy $1 Million Challenge Sweepstakes race at the Thermal club, along with what could be done to make it better. Especially since we’ll be salivating over the IndyCar Open Test at Mother speedway this week…

 

Yet lost in All of the Thermal club Drama, was the debut of Nolan “flock ‘O Seagulls” Siegel’s debut in what my Awntie’ Harriet called the Big boyz’, nee IndyCar debut. Although now I’m cornfuzed over how the IndyCar revisionist record books will record said debut? Since after all, it was a (NC) Non Championship Points race, so does that constitute being a Full fledged IndyCar race, Oh Never Mind!

 

Whilst I’ll also try refraining from any more Stu Seagull Jokes about Nolan, whom Harriet called Steven Seagal, but I digress…

 

The 19yr old Palo Alto, California native will run a total of four races this season for Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) including the Thermal Club event. Along with the upcoming Long Beach, Indianapolis 500 and Toronto races. Running just a maximum of four IndyCar races in order to preserve His rookie IndyCar status for next year.

 

As Siegel will share the No. 18 entry with Jack Harvey, who’ll run the remainder of the 14 points paying IndyCar events.

 

Arse-sumedly Nolan began His racing career like most contemporary drivers by competing in Karting, before making His single seater debut in the 2019 U.S. f2000 National Championship driving for Newman Wachs Racing, finishing 15th overall.

 

The following year, Siegel switched to Jay Howard Driver Development for His sophomore U.S. F2000 campaign, finishing P13 overall.

 

Then for His third and final U.S. F2000 season, Nolan switched to DEForce Racing, finishing eighth overall while claiming His maiden victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

 

Having made His Indy Pro 2000 series debut in 2021 at Gateway, Siegel graduated to the Indy Pro 2000 championship for a full season drive with DEForce Racing. Nolan won first time out at St Pete, before dominating the next round at Barber Motorsports Park. Yet that would be the last of Siegel’s victories, ultimately finishing fourth overall in the title fight.

 

Siegel also contested the final Indy Lights race at Laguna Seca driving for HMD Motorsports before joining Indy NXT fulltime in 2023, remaining with HMD Motorsports.

 

Siegel impressed as a rookie by winning two races and finishing third overall, also claiming Indy NXT’s rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honours. And is currently leading the 2024 Indy NXT Championship after leading wire-to-wire from Pole at St Pete’s season opener.

 

Siegel will contest the entire Indy NXT championship once again for HMD Motorsports, which presumably due to it’s affiliation with DCR, made Nolan an easy choice to run at Sebring in one of Dale Coyne’s Indy Cars during Pre-season testing. And being suitably impressed with the youngster, Nolan’s now in the midst of His four race IndyCar campaign…

 

As Siegel started P12 in the 14-car Group-1 Heat Qualifier and finished an impressive seventh. One place behind Colton Herta in sixth, the final transfer slot for Sunday’s main event.

 

As Nolan claims He learned a ton by following Herta and observing where Colton kept Him from passing to transfer to the main event. And it’ll be interesting to see how Nolan fairs in the upcoming Long Beach Full tilt boogie IndyCar weekend, when racing against 26 other cars at once over a longer race distance… 

INDYCAR: The Series we Love to Hate!

As how’s that “New & Improved” Marketing Department working out?

 

For Mwah, the words Mission accomplished came to mind following the conclusion of the “Whose Your Daddy” Million Dollar Sweepstakes event held at the Thermal club.

 

As I have to agree with Racer’s Marshall Pruett that Sunday’s Non Championship (points-wise) event was an event that none of the competitors were truly interested in. And simply was a convenient way for IndyCar to fill a Humungous six weeks gap in it’s schedule due to Texas Motor Speedway pulling the Plug upon them.

 

Being Blind, have I mentioned that Y’all lately? I had issues with the sound quality during both the Qualifying coverage on IndyCar Radio and Sunday’s race on Big NBC, with the latter’s being overly wonky, i.e.; constantly fluctuating up ‘n down the entire 2.5hrs TV Broadcazt.

 

For the IndyCar Radio “Simocast”, I had to Jack up my volume 16 levels in order to hear Mark Gravelly’ James and Jake the Riddler’ Queiry pontificating about everything but the action on-track during the first five minutes of the ridiculously short eight minute Qualie’ sessions. With Qualifying being delayed due to Marcus Ericsson’s crash – backing into the tyre barrier when potentially a Flinstone’ rear tyre went down…

 

Have to say that Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) has really grown on me. And I’m now a Huge Fan of the Swede’s! And I really appreciate His Dry Wit! Noting how the $500,000, the winner’s amount for the Million Dollar challenge. Would help for His upcoming wedding in September and buy a lot of nice flowers…

 

Enjoyed sitting on the couch with Snowbyrd MJ’ and explaining various questions about the day’s event. As I found the day’s first Heat race far more entertaining due to the collision between “Count Dracula”, aka Rinus VeeKay and Romain Grosjean. Although in both’s defense, Scott Dixon punted romain, who collided with VeeKay, who “Hip checked” Christian Lundgaard and left a gaping Hole in the Dane’s sidepod. Whilst ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLaughlin made Rosenqvist work for His victory…

 

The second Heat race was a Snoozer with Alex Palou leading wire-to-wire, with the first four cars following in procession…

 

This was the first time I’d “watched”, Err listened to an NBC TV Broadcast in over a year and-a-half! So it was nice hearing lead announcer Leigh Diffey’s voice again, along with (Townsend) T-Bell’ and thee Mayor’, nee James Hinchcliffe. Yet the two Pit reporters Kevin Lee and Marty Snyder were their usial, annoying selfs! As Lee, whom I call the Werewolf! Was His usual over-the-top, trying to emulate manufactured excitement! And may be had one too many cups of coffee? WhilstSnidely Whiplash’, akaMarty Snyder doesn’t need explanation…

 

I only bring this up since scuttlebutt suggests that Diffey may be leaving IndyCar for a new NASCAR Gig later this year? Meaning potentially a new lead announcer would be needed.

 

Whilst some on Ye Blogosphere have “Championed” Kevin Lee as the perfect replacement for years. I for one think that Lee makes a Horrible lead announcer whenever filling in for Diffey! As His Fake enthusiasm which sounds simply like shrieking is what led to His No Fenders moniker…

 

As I’d say that Brian till would be the perfect replacement if necessary, as Kevin’s a fine Pitlane reporter. But is one of the main reasons I’ve switched over to listening to All IndyCar races on IndyCar Radio instead, but I digress…

 

Fortunately I wasn’t playing any drinking games for every-time Diffey mentioned the One Million Dollar challenge, which only paid $500,000 to the winner! As surely El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske with All of His Business connections could have squeezed $500k from somebody to be the “title” sponsor, El Correctomundo?

 

As Kudos to IndyStar’s Nathan Browne Me Thinks? Or whomever it was who pointed out that IndyCar couldn’t even get their message straight! Regarding boasting over it being the largest non-Indianapolis 500 purse…

 

Uhm, Wrong again IndyCar! Since Jimmy Vasser won an actual $1.0 million at the 1996 U.S. 500 during the first year of The Split. With the U.S. 500 being contested in front of 110,000+ Fans on the same Sunday as that year’s inaugural Indy Racing League (IRL) Indianapolis 500. Which CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) teams were Boycotting due to Tony George’s infamous 25/8 Rule!

 

With the U.S. 500 held at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) paying out some $3.6 million-plus in total purse. As can Y’all say Oops, Butterfingers?

 

Now I have no clue over what I’d do to improve the “All Star” $1 Million Challenge Sweepstakes format, as you have to say that the first 10-laps segment was a Snoozer! Other than the mild intrigue caused collectively by Andretti Global’s Colton Herta’s decision to run excrutiatingly slow in order to conserve His Firestone rubber for the race’s second 10-laps segment, since tyres weren’t allowed to be changed. Only tyre pressures could be adjusted.

 

Have to say I like the addition of the “P2P”, ergo Push to Pass forty seconds of additional Horsepower, but this also only allowed effectively for one lap’s duration. But did aadd a nice wrinkle of “Strategerie” as Marshall Pruett would say…

 

Unfortunately the three podium finishers All effectively ran nose-to-tail the entire twenty laps after McLaughlin jumped Rosenqvist on the first race start, with Alex Palou simply being untouchable the entire weekend, including the entire race.

 

Yet Herta did manage to ultimately go from Dead last in P12 to finish in fourth, being the best part of the “Show”. Finishing ahead of Marcus Armstrong, who netted a paltry $50,000 for His Team Boss Chip Ganassi.

 

Since Nathan Browne wrote that drivers typically average only 40% of the prize winnings before taxes, etc.

 

Along with Alexander Rossi and Josef Newgarden playing “Argie-Bargie”, allowing rookie Linus Lundqvist to slip past both and finish P6.

 

Yet positions 6-27 paid a measly $23,000, which probably didn’t even pay the corresponding teams Hotel Bills?

 

Which leads me wondering who actually paid the Bill for this event? As did IndyCar charge the Thermal Club a sanctioning Fee? And how did those limited, 75% reduced price limited attendance tickets work out? Since Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that only strategically “shot” television coverage showed All of the “Beautiful” people dining on members decks. Before showing a few empty decks but NO Fans attending…

 

Regardless of how this event is perceived by us Hardcore Fans, or Ye legions of les Miserables. You have to concede that we’re All talking about it! And we were treated to having 27 Indy Cars on-track for our entertainment. Along with filling a sizeable gap in the IndyCar schedule.

 

So I’d say that the event did it’s “Job” overall… 

Open Wheel Racing’s Money Grab equals More Negative Camber

As what did ‘Ol Gordon Gecko say about Money Never Sleeps?

 

The title of IndyCar website’s Bright, Shiny, Bunnies and Rainbows article was Season Anticipation Kicks into Top Gear this week at Thermal. For which after I’d “read” the article, my Blood was Boiling!

 

As I was uncharacteristically seething wit Anger after having read this Puff piece on Indycar.com. Y’all know, Indy Cars official House Organ!

 

As I’d read this following IndyStar’s Nathan Browne’s article on the Thermal Club and it’s Gated community, for which at least it’s owner was Honest by admitting that the ultimate goal of Hosting Indy Cars “Open” Cough Cough, Butterfingers! Test at the Thermal Club was All about hopefully selling more Housing lots via $175,000 initiation Memberships. Where the average Home was said to cost $2.6 million in 2019. But now All of the Headlines are titled what your $5.2 million Membership (Fee) Gets you…

 

As the owner of the Thermal Club seemingly boasts over having sunk more than $275 million into this project and has $500 million in property left to sell!

 

As seriously IndyCar? You couldn’t find a public venue that was Open to the General Public anywhere in North America to Host your vaunted Spring Training? And then even worse. IndyCar was too Cheap to bother sending a small contingent of it’s IndyCar Radio Crew to cover the two days of “Action!” Not to mention IndyCar, Err Penske Entertainment being unwilling to fork out a few Hundred thousand Dollars to Have NBC cover it on Peacock. What a Fucking Joke!

 

Hmm, may be they’re saving the Cash in order to write Linus Lundqvsit a Checque for winning last year’s Indy Lights Championship?

 

As I understand your feeble attempts at pandering to a younger Audience by only using Social Media Channels, but this shouldn’t be at the cost of Alienating your Core Audience! Since Not everybody does the social Media thing, especially if you’re blind! Ooh, look at them purdy Instagram pictures…

 

And this Cockamamy excuse about Not being able to find any Warm weather venue for Spring Training just seems ridiculous. As why not have Held it at Willow Springs International Raceway? Or how about Sonoma, Homestead or Sebring? Although there’s gotta be more than just two race tracks available in Florida, Righto? Whilst I’m guessing that Laguna Seca’s busy getting it’s new Asfault right now? And it’s definitely a bit Chilly at Portland International Raceway currently, but I digress…

 

Also, I do Not want to Hear or read any more Bullshit about How Amazingly Sustainable IndyCar is! Since let’s consider how everybody involved got to the track from Indianapolis. Hmm, guessing they All flew on Commercial Airplanes? Not to mention who flew their private Jets into Thermal, Roger Penske? And Arse-suming that All of the Catering vehicles and other various supplies weren’t delivered by vehicles running on Bio Fuel or Synthetic, “Clean, Green” Gasoline!

 

And Don’t even get me started on what All of the Crews, Support personnel and Drivers used for transportation  to and from the track…

 

 And then there’s the whole issue of building a luxury, Gated Compound over 300 Acres enclosed by 18-foot High Brick Walls in the middle of the Desert! Where you’re required to build a 30,000 square foot House within five years of being granted membership.

 

Making me wonder where’s the community’s water for each member’s Mansion coming from? As I think California’s still in a Super Drought.

 

As can Y’all say the Salton Sea? With the Coachella Valley taking it’s water from the ever Shrinking Colorado River…

 

All of which just Reeks of How Out of Touch the Senior leadership at IndyCar is! I mean the only thing missing at the Thermal Club were the live Entertainment Acts like Donny Osmond. Since His Ah ‘lil bit country, and A little bit Rock ‘N Roll would have been perfect. Oh Never Mind!

 

Meanwhile Formula 1 Doesn’t get a Free pass either. Since “America’s” Haas F1 Team’s new title sponsor MoneyGram says it All! As I prefer the moniker Money Grab. And I sure Hope it works out better than their previous two title sponsors Rich’s Energy and Uralkali…

 

As it was Grizzled F1 Journo’ Joe Saward who said it best about the ten little F1 Teams saying No No No to Mikey A’s intentions of joining the Club when He used the word Poppycock!

 

Now has Michael Andretti ingratiated Himself with the ten Formula 1 Team bosses and Liberty media, probably Not. But then again, I’m fairly certain Nobody Forced the current ten F1 Teams to sign the present Concorde Agreement that says a maximum of 12 F1 Teams can take to the grid with 24 Cars, and not the current 20!

 

As I was glad to Hear Joe using the word I’d been saying to myself, that being Colusion. While Messer Saward also rightly threw in the word Cartel!

 

As I’ve been a Fan of Formula 1 long enough to remember when the staggering sum of $48 million was the asking price to buy a new team “Membership” into F1. And there wasn’t any extra $200m Fee to pay the current Formula 1 Teams for projected loss of income.

 

Or how about when four of the smaller teams like Williams, Minardi and others went to the EU with a Lawsuit about F1 being a Cartel and How they weren’t getting a proper slice of the Cake financially. For which I believe they filed with the Anti Corruption Branch of the European Commission? But that was so long ago, I can no longer remember the exact details, other than they got more money to seemingly make the Lawsuit disappear…

 

As Sorry Toto Wolff, Chris Horner and the majority of the other F1 Team Bosses crying Crocodile Tears! You indeed Are Greedy just like Michael accused you of being! Although I’d say what Michael left out is that He desperately wants to join this “Rich ‘N Famous” Club and become one of the Elite Himself!

 

Since after all, Michael Andretti is a Businessman just like the others, but at least He’s willing to proclaim that He wants to become a Global Playah’ like the rest of those Cut Throats and Has found the necessary money and everything else the F1 Boys Club currently requires a potential, interested New F1 Team Constructor to do!

 

And that’s without even going into How Liberty Media has made it virtually impossible for the “Common Folk” to attend either the Miami or Las Vegas Grand Prix! With Austin close behind, for which may be I’m Cornfuzed? But if the whole idea is to attract a New, vibrant, younger Demographic. Then Don’t you need to make it Affordable for those with less income to be able to attend your motor races?

 

Or is this just one more example of the Uncle Bernaughty’ method of simply making money? When I believe Mr. Bernard Charles eccelstone used to Crow over How He Didn’t give a Tinkers Damn over how many people attended Grands Prix, since He made His money off of the TV Broadcasts!

 

So perhaps Y’all can “See” why right now at the moment I’m having a really Difficult time getting excited. Or kicking into Top Gear with Anticipation over the fast approaching Open Wheel Racing season… 

IndyCar Announces 2023 Testing and Season Schedules

As Welcome Back Spring training!

 

Pretty sure by now, Y’all are already aware of IndyCar having announced it’s three IN-Season tests, along with the Calendar for next year. Although I wasn’t expecting Indy Cars return to Spring Training to occur at the Thermal Club, which I only learned of last year. When that Cheeky Fellah Elton Julian claimed that’s where He met Don cusick to cement the Dealio that garnered IndyCar it’s vaunted 33rd Indianapolis 500 entry, with Stefan Stork’ Wilson at it’s controls…

 

As IndyCar will hold a two Day Open test on February 2-3 at the Thermal Club, before another two Day Open test at Mother speedway in April. Followed by the third and final Open test at Laguna Seca in September. For which I’ll let The Pit Window’s Mike Silver do All of the Heavy lifting.

 

https://thepitwindow.blog/2022/10/10/indycar-opens-season-with-thermal-club-test/

 

As for the 2023 NTT IndyCar Series season Schedule, it features the same 17 races as last year’s calendar. With the only venue change being the return to the Streets of Downtown Detroit after leaving Belle Isle.

 

As you can read All of the Glowing words Heaped onto this typical IndyCar Press Release, with it’s No. 1 Puffed Shirt Mark Miles Crowing again over How GURR-REAT’ Indy Car is! Somebody pass me some Tums, as I think I’m gonna Ralf! As once again, Toronto and Oh Canada get the Shaft! By being the only IndyCar race exclusively on NBC’s “Popular” Spew! Peacock Network. With 13 races airing on Big NBC and three on USA Network…

 

https://www.indycar.com/news/2022/09/09-27-2023schedule 

INDY 500: Chasing the Dragon’s Tail. Month of May Almost Over

As will the Pole sitter be victorious, or will somebody else Spoil Scott Dixon’s party?

 

Perhaps it’s just Mwah, but I find the whole Saga of Saving No. 33 and How It Took an IndyCar Village to be the most Appealing Month ‘O May Story this year, even if I’m Not sure what I now think about Elton Julian, since I really didn’t need to know that He lives in Beverly Hills, California. But then again Motor Racing is A Rich Man’s Game after All…

 

Actualy have to save I’m most impressed by A.J. foyt’s racing team’s efforts in making sure IndyCar, and more importantly, the Indianapolis 500 got to keep it’s tradition of 11 Rows of 3 this year. Since not only did Foyt provide the chassis, but then the team began converting it from Road Corse setup to Oval Track configuration immediately following the “Guns ‘N Roses” Indy GP race, before the DragonSpeed team arrived in Gasoline Alley Monday morning. Since they’d been Busy winning at Mid Ohio Sunday, where Henrik Hedman and Juan Pablo Montoya won the LMP2 Class.

 

While some Foyt Crewmembers even pulled “All Nighters” to ensure the car would be ready for Opening Day Tuesday, May 17^th, Bravo!

 

Not to mention IndyCar President Jay Frye’s tireless efforts to make the 33^rd Indy 500 a reality, along with Team Penske, Andretti Autosport and Juncos Hollinger Racing stepping up and providing the various Bit’s ‘O Missing Pitlane equipment.

 

Entertaining how Elton (Julian) not only told IndyCar Radio’s Ryan Marin the story of how He and Don Kusik put the Dealio’ together at Thermal Club Racetrack in Sleepy Thermal, California, which I’d never Heard of before. Apparently being an Automotive Enthusiast’s Playground for the Rich and Famous…

 

https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/lifestyles/2021/08/04/thermal-club-race-track-housing-development-revs-up

 

But also said Thars’ seven drivers in this year’s Indy 500 that have driven for him, beginning with the three who won this year’s Rolex 24 LMP2 Class being: Colton Herta, Pato O’Ward and Devlin DeFrancesco. Then there’s that Montoyer’ Feller’, aka Juan Pablo Montoya. Whilst I’d forgotten that rinus VeeKay and Felix Rosenqvist had driven for DragonSpeed, with Stefan Stork’ Wilson being number seven.

 

Felt really Bad for Wilson, when somebody probably burning Ye Mindnight Oil a tad too Mucho? Inadvertently got the NO. 25’s “Gear Stack” scrambled and ended up putting the second and third Gears in BassAckwards! So that when Stefan thought He was shifting into third gear on His way to fourth, Kablamoe! The lower second gear ratio sent the 2.2-liter turbocharged Chevy spinning past it’s 12,000 Redline to 16,000RPM’s, Crikeys!

 

So I’m really Hoping that Stefan, who starts 33^rd with No Time recorded not only finishes the entire race, but Doesn’t finish last, since He and Everybody involved in this effort Deserves a Decent Indy 500 Finish!

 

Obviously, Thars far too many Storylines to cover in the remaining space Here, and I’m Not gonna predict a winner this year, since I chose Scot Dixon last year before Wilson’s unforced Brake Failure on Pitlane left Dixie’, Alexander Rossi and Tony Kanaan All running Out of Fuel or taking Emergency Pit Stops!

 

And after having chosen rinus VeeKay to win Pole for the second year in a row, after the Kiwi’ threw Down that Monstrous, Mega first 234+ lap! I knew it was All Over, and began Hearing ‘Ol Dandy don (Meredith) singing turn Out the lights, The Party’s Over…

 

And with Dixon’s setting the All time Pole Speed record for the Indianapolis 500 at a blistering 234.046mph! Breaking the late Scott Brayton’s mark of 233.718mph set in 1996, you’d have to say Dixon’s got some Unfinished Business, Again, after starting on Pole a year ago! As I’ve never Heard a Driver being so Pestimistic every time a microphone’s been Shoved in front of His Face this May.

 

Dixon’s CGR teammates Alex Palou, Tony Kanaan and Marcus Ericsson All seem like good possibilities.

 

Although Don’t think Palou will be Joking this time round if Dixon wins about Sharing one of his Borg Warners with Him! Since the Affable Spaniard had been Joking about how Soctt had four Poles Already, so He could at least give me One, before Dixon secured His fifth Indy 500 Pole…

 

Whilst the cagey Kanaan seems like He’s just waiting to pounce Sunday for His second Borg Warner trophy. But I suppose several Drivers are thinking likewise…

 

Row 9 will be fascinating to watch, since it features Colton Herta on the Inside, Scott McLaughlin and Helio Castroneves on the Outside starting P25-27, as surely this trio will work their way forward. But No! Hulio’ won’t be winning His fifth Indy 500 this Sunday!

 

Meanwhile two former winners surely Aren’t Happy of missing out on the Fast 12 Shootout, with Simon Pagenaud rolling off 16^th and Alexander Rossi a Dejected P20, after having Pulled His initial 17^th Qualifying time only to drop three places backwards.

 

While I’d enjoy seeing Taku-san’, aka Takuma Sato Drinking Milk for the third time in His long IndyCar career, which would be the fitting touch to his interesting Month of May, which would befit Dale Coyne’s Arduous IndyCar career, albeit Not so wild about His Pardner’ Rick Ware, and I just don’t know if Coyne-Ware Racin’gs Pit Crew is Good enough for Victory?

 

And I’m somewhat resigned to the idea that Jimmie Johnson seemingly has the best shot of being Rookie Of the Year now, as How He Saved that Power Slide on lap one of his Fast 12 shootout Qualie’ run still amazes Me! But then again, it’s 500 miles, so we’ll see. As I definitely do Not think He’ll win the race.

 

Whilst Two Sites Unite Bloggers Geo. Phillips and Paul Dalby haven’t exactly gone out on limbs picking Scott Dixon and Pato O’Ward to win respectively, which naturally the latter’s pick makes me Happy, albeit I just don’t think O’Ward will be drinking Milk Sunday…

 

And I could ramble on ‘N on, but it’s time to put a bow upon this No Fenders tome. Uhm, is that an Omen of which engine manufacturer wins on Sunday. Or did I just

Curse the Bowtie’ runners?

 

And although I’m Not picking a winner this year, I will toss out my Kentucky Derby 80:1 Longshot winner pick. And No, it’s Not Stefan Wilson, since that seems to easy.

 

Instead, my Longshot choice is J.R. Hildebrand, since I think Mother speedway needs to return some “Love” to A.J. foyt Enterprises for ensuring 33 Cars this year!