LE MANS: Another Stout Saloons field prepares for Glory

But can anybody predict who’ll be this year’s winner?

 

Once again, this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans field sees the largest class being the LMGT3 category, with two dozen entrants headed by la Scuderia’s five Prancing Horses.

 

Corvette, Mercedes and Porsche have three entries apiece, with Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Lexus and McLaren running two car squads.

 

In alphabetical order, here’s the nine manufacturers competing this year. With (2) Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, (2) BMW M4  GT3 Evo, (3) Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, (5) Ferrari 296 GT3, (2) Ford Mustang GT3, (2) Lexus RC F GT3, (2) McLaren 720s GT3 Evo, (3) Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo and (3) Porsche 911 GT3R LMGT3 contestants.

 

Manthey EMA with Richard Lietz, Morris Schuring and Yasser Shahin at the controls of it’s No. 91 Porsche 911 GT3R (992) are the defending LMGT3 class winners. Are we really surprised that another legendous’ 911 won again at Le Mans?

 

Ladies first, as how can you not cheer for the Femme Fatales Iron Lynx trio of Michele Gatting, Rahel Frey and Celia Martin in the No. 85 Porsche 911.

 

While Manthey returns with the Nos. 90 and 92 Porsche’s this year. With Lietz joined by Ryan Hardwick and Riccardo Pera in the #92 Manthey 1st Phorm entry.

 

The No. 10 Racing Spirit of Leman features Eduardo Barrichello, son of Rubino, aka Rubens Barrichello. Partnered by Derek DeBoer and Valitin Hasse-clot.

 

Suppose I’ll always root for the Heart of Racing team, even if it’s not the Team Seattle entity that inspired me. As the No. 27 Aston Martin features team boss Ian James, IMSA competitor Zacharie Robichon and Mattia Drudi.

 

Team WRT’s No. 46 BMW M4 Evo features The Doctor, aka Valentino Rossi in the cockpit, along with Ahmad Al Harthy and Kelvin van der Linde, older brother of Werks’ BMW Hypercar pilote Sheldon.

 

Having just learned thanks to For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hando, that the Brothers van der Linde’s, along with Agusto Thumper’ Farfus won this year’s Bathurst 12 Hours race.

 

While I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise that United Autosport will campaign a brace of factory McLaren 720s Evo’s. As the No. 95’s Sean Gelael and Marino Sato are the only drivers I recognize; both being ex-Formula 2 racers.

 

Naturally, I’ve never heard of Ziggo Sport – Tempesta before. As the UK based team will run somebody named Eddie Cheever III, alongside Chris Frogga and Jonathan Hui in it’s No. 193 Ferrari 296 GT3 entry. As the team competes in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

 

And although it’s not a straight knife fight, with three Corvettes ganging up against the two Ford Darkhorse Mustang’s. Not sure which two Corvette teams I’m more inspired by?

 

As AWA Racing from Up North Eh! Represents IMSA with it’s No. 13 entry, winner of this year’s Rolex 24 GTD class. Whilst TF Sport runs a two car FIA World Endurance championship (WEC) entry, with it’s Nos. 33 and 81

 

Texan Ben Keating who returns to the #33, was part of the 2023 LMGTE AM class winning #33 Corvette Racing entry with Nicolas Varrone and Nicky Catsburg. The car being campaigned by TF Sport in the final year of that category, so we know that TF Sport is a winning organization.

 

Proton Competition runs the Werks’ Mustang operation, with the Nos. 77 and 88. Which naturally I’ll be hoping can continue their winning ways. Having just beaten Corvette on their home turf in Downtown Detroit, albeit the IMSA Ford Multimatic No. 64 Stang’. As it’s too bad that one of Multimatic’s factory Mustang’s couldn’t be granted entry…

 

The race will be carried live flag-to-flag this weekend on Motor Trend TV, also available via IMSA Radio’s RS1/RS2 channels. Check your local listings for times and places. 

Traipsing thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again

Scott McLaughlin’s 2018 Supercars Championship winning Ford Falcon on display in Scottsdale. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As no jokes about ScottyMac’ needing His Ford Falcon to bounce off the walls at Mother Speedway. Or Team Penske’s travails during Ye Month ‘O May…

 

In what’s become a cherished tradition during every visit to The Valley of The Sun, once again your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was blissfully ensconced in the Penske Racing Museum this past March.

 

Some three weeks plus after my latest visit, I suddenly found myself wondering if my recollection of my inaugural visit was correct? To which I’m happy to say it was fairly spot-on nearly twenty years later. Albeit it was actually November 30, 2005 when I first set foot inside the Penske Racing Museum thanks solely to Blogmeister Miguel taking me there. Having seen El Capitano talking to Ye ‘Ol Windbag Dave Despain on Wind Tunnel the same year from the museum…

 

Although it slays me now, I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised that I launched a nine page story on my first visit to la Museo some 13yrs ago. For which if you’re inclined. Whale’ Yuhs better be Damn well inclined or comfy if you’re gonna read All Gory 4,253 words written in Thy No Fenders Post, Aye Karumba!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/04/penske-racing-museum-inaugural-visit.html

 

Arriving at 1PM, Blogmeister Miguel and I accidently walked into the adjoining Aston Martin dealership, where we were immediately met by a friendly Salesman curtly asking if He could help us? To which Miguel seeing the rest of our party waving at us thru the glass walls, said I guess the museum is next door…

 

The first IndyCar chassis encountered was Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner. Followed by His 2017 Championship winning mount. Other various IndyCars sat on display, including two Norton Gould Rick Mears cars. Mears 1984 No. 6 “Yellow Submarine” Indy 500 winner. Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ read to me the information plaque upon Tom sneva’s racecar that He set the first official 200mph lap at the Brickyard in.

 

Gil de Feran’s 100th race winning Reynard/Honda resplendent in Team Penske’s long standing Marlboro white with Dayglo red also graced the museum’s main floor. Being the car that won El Capitano His “Ton” of IndyCar victories, becoming the first ever IndyCar team to do so.

 

Along with Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner, there were a further three chassis I’d never “seen” before. One being the red No. 12 Verizon of Will Power, the Aussie’s 2022 mount that He won the final Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle, along with that year’s Astor Challenge Cup aboard. Nee 2022 IndyCar Series title.

 

Both Blogmeister Miguel and Artiste Dave were “wowed” by and audaciously bright neon lime green IndyCar bellowing to Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud. Being Simon’s 2019 Menard Indianapolis 500 winner.

 

The fourth and final “New” car that initially stumped me as Snowbyrd MJ’ said it was the #17 of ScottyMac’s, Huh? Turned out to be Scott McLaughlin’s No. 17 Ford Falcon FG X racecar that He campaigned for FordDJR Team Penske between 2017-18. The last Falcon model raced Down Under in V-8 Supercars.

 

As it makes sense that the car that Mclaughlin first came tantalizingly close to winning the 2017 Supercars Championship with, and then securing the first of His three consecutive Supercars titles in 2018 with, is now proudly on display in Scottsdale.

 

https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/mclaughlin-reunites-with-first-supercars-title-winner/

 

Also, initially I was Cornfuzed’ over why Newgarden’s 2023 Indy 500 winner wasn’t the same chassis that He used to repeat winning in 2024? And I still hadn’t figured it out some three weeks later, until No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets came up with a close answer. Whale’, at least He pointed Mwah in the right direction…

 

Having “read”, err listened to the IndyStar’s article on the gala reopening of the IMS Museum, which includes the Penske Gallery. Replete with the 1988, 1994, 2009 and 2024 Indianapolis 500 winning chassis on loan. Along with Penske Racing’s first Indianapolis 500 entry, Mark Donohue’s 1969 Lola T152. And the winner from El Capitano’, aka roger Penske’s very first trip to Mother speedway in 1951.

 

Do Y’all know the answer to this riveting trivia question? Time’s up, put them pencils down…

 

Yep, that’s right, the 2024 Dallara DW12 chassis featured the new for that season’s Hybrid Energy Recovery System, (ERS) adding some 100lbs to the ageless DW12 racecar. Having made it’s 200th start at St Pete one year ago!

 

Although IndyCar didn’t introduce the Hybrid ERS system until Mid-Ohio in July, 2024. I’m 86% certain that the 2024 Dallara DW12 was decked out with the new magnesium bell housing/transmission casing and other ERS ancillaries, minus the ERS unit…

 

Hence, Arse-suming this Dallara DW12 also included the auxiliary “plumbing” systems. Most notably the right hand side ERS cooling radiator, that Chevrolet teams used the “blocker” plate , louver or whatever they’re called at the Thermal Club this year to negative effect. When the increased temperature sent the ERS into “limp” mode to preserve itself from overheating!

 

Or was it simply the fact that I heard sometime this May that Penske simply pulls every Indianapolis 500 winner out of service for posterity’s sake to be displayed in perpetuity?

 

Naturally, as time marches on, and we’ve just wrapped up another vaunted “Month of May”. Especially with how crazy this year’s race was! I’m beginning to forget what else was on hand? Although I know Mark Donohue’s 1973 IROC Porsche 911 Carrera RSR was there. Along with El Capitano’s 1963 Catalina NASCAR Tintop’.

 

Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that the 1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Pace Car was on display. Although I don’t remember if Donohue’s 1972 McLaren M16 Sunoco Indy 500 winner was on display?

 

And although I knew it wouldn’t be there, I was still disappointed that one of the Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsch 963’s weren’t present. Then again, Id Arse-sume that the All conquering No. 7 will once day in the future grace the Penske Racing Museum.

 

And that’s just a slice of what was Thar’, since I didn’t even mention Joey “Sliced bread” Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500 winning Pennzoil Ford fusion, or All of the “Eye Candy” outside the museum… 

Scott McLaughlin rivaling Ranks of IndyCar's past TinTop Boys’

Scott McLaughlin preparing to qualify at Indianapolis. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Although obviously, He’s still smarting over not winning this year’s Indianapolis 500! Along with a disappointing race in Detroit…

 

In another languishing No Fenders story. Surely which should be a decent vintage, having begun fermentin’ over a decade ago! Once again, although I swore I wouldn’t do it after my Heart surgery. Here I am trying to cobble another story together Justin-time’…

 

As we all know, Scott McLaughlin whose just basked in the limelight of winning this year’s Indianapolis 500 enroute to His best Indy 500 race finish of sixth. Arguably is one of the Badest All-time Tintop Boyz’ to make the switch from Saloons to single seaters.

 

Since when I think of Detroit, I never think of Indy Cars. Along with forgetting that’s where I saw my first ever Formula 1 race on TV Wayback nearly 40yrs ago, but I digress…

 

Nope, instead I think of those Nasty Ford Mustang Trans Am “Pony” cars from the Cat in the Hat’, ergo Jack Roush and Roush Racing instead. Even if the Chevrolet Camaro gave Ford constant fits.

 

McLaughlin, whom I enjoy calling ScottyMac’, was a Bad Arse Australian V8 Supercars pilote. Winning three consecutive titles between 2018-20, with an astonishing win rate of 56 career W’s. Along with 106 podiums and 76 Poles, Aye Karumba! Before shrewdly, Team Penske inserted Him into their No. 3 IndyCar as Helio Castroneves replacement…

 

McLaughlin’s has scored five wins, six Poles and a best overall finish of third last year in His burgeoning IndyCar career.

 

Thus the only former Tintop to IndyCar driver I can think of currently whose overall body of work eclipses the Kiwi’ is another driver ironically with the first name of Scott. As Scotty Scooter’ Pruett began His illustrious racing career by winning the 1986 & 1988 IMSA GTO titles for Jack Roush. With the first of His three eventual Trans Am Championship titles sandwiched in-between, before making the leap to IndyCar.

 

As my memory’s totally foggy now. Although I’ve still got the article I tore out of Autoweek detailing how Pruett invested His life savings of $80k to buy a ride in the ’88 Long Beach Grand Prix IndyCar race for Dick simon Racing somewhere in a box in Tomaso Manor…

 

As Pruett would finish 18th in His debutante IndyCar start. Before capping the ’88 season with two further IndyCar drives for the Machinists Union team.

 

As Pruett would go onto record a total of 145 CART PPG/IndyCar starts over ten years. With two wins at the 1995 Michigan 500 and 1997 Surfers Paradise races. Along with scoring Toyota’s first IndyCar Pole at Fontana’s Marlboro 500 in 1999. Where Pruett captured the pole with a speed of 235.398mph! Yet this race sadly is solely remembered for the Death of Greg Moore…

 

As I know I scribbled another zany No Fenders post about Pruett’s watch collection, primarily made up from His multiple Rolex 24 wins. While I think Pruett mentioned how He’d “treated” Himself to another Rolex. This one being a Gold  Wristwatch to celebrate scoring Toyota’s maiden IndyCar Pole position, after blowing up several engines in the process!

 

https://www.thedrive.com/design/9401/rolex-24-veteran-scott-pruett-shows-off-600000-worth-of-rolex-watches

 

Pruett went onto a long IndyCar career with a brief NASCAR stint before turning His attention to Sports Cars fulltime. Ultimately winning multiple Grand Am titles for Chip Ganassi Racing. Not to mention that Scooter’s currently tied with Hurley Haywood for most overall 24 Hours of Daytona victories with five apiece.

 

Wally Dallenbach Jr, son of the late CART Chief Steward and IndyCar racer Himself – also had a impressive Trans Am career before making the leap to “Bigger ‘n Better” things. As Wally claimed the 1983 SCCA Pro Racing Tans Am Rookie of The Year Honours. Then scored the first of His two back-to-back; Hmm, where have I heard that expression lately in IndyCar’s, Eh?

 

As Dallenbach “Junior” first won the 1985 Trans Am title for Jack Roush before jumping ship and winning the next season’s title in a rival Camaro! Yet His IndyCar career was far less successful, making only a total of four starts over three years.

 

Substituting as Dick Simon’s replacement at Road America in 1987. And then filling in at Leader Car Racing in late 1990 after Pancho Carter had left the team…

 

Dallenbach’s 1985 Roush teammate needs no introduction to Y’all. As willy t. Ribbs finished runner-up that year with seven wins vs. Dallenbach’s five. Before Ribbs went on to make history as the first African American IndyCar driver to race in the Indianapolis 500 in 1991. Before making His second and final Indy 500 start in ’93. As Ribbs drove for Raynor-Cosby and Walker Racing during His brief IndyCar career.

 

Another driver whose persona resembles Mr. Uppity’s, aka Willy t. ribs  on the Brashness scale is Robby DirtMann’ Gordon, whom later I began calling Gourdoun for several reasons. Including being caught throwing His Headrest out of His racecar in order to trigger a Full course caution! Which I think was to keep Him from going a lap down?

 

Robby is a prolific Offroad racer with multiple Championship titles, following in the footsteps of His late father “Baja Bob”. But I first became a fan of Robby’s when He won the infamous Roush Racing Gong Show! And quickly began winning races in both IMSA GTO and Trans Am in a nasty Whistler Ford Mustang. Including four consecutive Rolex 24 and three consecutive 12 Hours of Sebring Class victories!

 

Robby than made the leap to the CART/PPG IndyCar World Series as a rookie driving for A.J. Foyt in 1992, before moving to Walker Racing. Having His best success driving for Derrick Walker between 1994-96, when He won His only two IndyCar races. Before ultimately jumping to the Dark side and joining the IRL.

 

Gordon gravitated to NASCAR, where He contested 396 races in a span of 19yrs, winning three times before returning to Offroad racing. Running several years in the grueling Dakar Rally, where He bcame the first American to win a stage. Along with creating His Stadium Super Truck series, for which I believe He still competes in…

 

Last on this list is Scott sharp, who came from a road racing background and captured multiple titles, including the 1991 and 1993 Trans Am Championships, before making His IndyCar debut in 1999 for Bettenhausen Motorsports.

 

Sharp drove for Pacwest Racing during the team’s inaugural season, along with being His first full season (CART) IndyCar campaign, before moving to the rival Indy Racing League in ‘96. Where Sharp went on to win a total of nine races, along with being the series inaugural Co-champion with Buzz Calkins in 1996. Before moving onto Sports Cars in the American Le Man Series. Ultimately setting up His own Sports Car team named Extreme Speed Motorsports… 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2023 Streamliner edition, Positions 6-9

Otay Kiddoes', it's that time 'O year again. When I wrap-up another long, meandering year's Final storytelling from thoust Isle of Nofendersville, with my Zany End of Year Overall Winners selections…

 

As Y’all know thou Drill here upon Ye Isle ‘O Nofendersville. Where the Nights are long and Dark, and the Days spent type-type-typing Away Way too Mucho on thoust Keyboard! Alas, Once again it’s another long form No Fenders Two part Harmony, Err meandering prose for your consideration

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Zany Random Off Ye Cuff selections made below…

 

CATEGORIES

Rider of The Year, Sports Car Drivers of The Year, Freak of The Year and Quip of The Year

 

6. Rider of Year

Winner: Jorge Martin

Otay, I’ll confess this is a biased choice. Since I was rootin’ Ah-Mighty’ for thee “Martinator” to win the MotoGP World Championship!

 

Yes, I’m aware that ultimately Francesco Pecco’ Bagnaia had a better season overall, i.e.; wins, podiums, etc. But naturally I was rootin’ for a Satellite Squad to do the unthinkable! Not to mention just totally enamoured by Martin’s All or Nothing, Win or Bust mentality!

 

Although I suppose you could also say that was Jorge’s Downfall, Ci? But just simply Uber’ impressed with the Pramac Racing team and Martin’s performance All season long!

 

Other Choices

Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Giannantonio

 

7. Sports Car Drivers of Year

Winner: Robert wickens & Harry Gottsacker

You already know about whomever for Mwah will be known as thee “Young Wicky”, thanks to His good Buddy, thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’ James Hinchcliffe who also fondly calls Him Robby, ergo Messer wickens…

 

But I must admit I’d never heard of Wickens co-driver Harry Gottsacker before, for which the duo won this year’s Michelin Pilot challenge Touring Cars (TCR) category.

 

Gottsacker, a 24yr old Texan was introduced to Drag Racing by His Grandfather before beginning Go-Karting at age 13.

 

In 2016, Gottsacker made His Cars debut in the Global Rallycross (GRC) Lites category, along with the Pirelli World challenge, (PWC) both being partial season efforts.

 

The following year He ran a brief three race stint in the British GT Championship series, along with another partial season PWC campaign.

 

For 2018, Gottsacker ran His first Full-season PWC campaign in the Pro GTS Class. Finishing runner-up Overall by a scant three points.

 

2019 saw Gottsacker winning the newly formed GT4 Americas Pro-Am category with co-driver John Miller, claiming six wins in ten races. Harry also made His debut in the Michelin Pilot Challenge that year as a Factory driver for Hyundai at Bryan Herta Autosport. (BHA)

 

Gottsacker’s first two Michelin Pilot challenge Touring Car (TCR) seasons resulted in a brace of runner-up finishes with Mason Filippi and Mark Wilkins respectively.

 

For 2021, Gottsacker remained Wilkins teammate at BHA, where the pair finished fith overall in TCR. The following year saw Harry teamed with longtime teammate Parker Chase at BHA, with the duo claiming fith overall in the TCR category.

 

Then for 2023, Gottsacker paired up with Robert Wickents with the duo scoring seven podiums aboard their Hyundai Elantra N TCR enroute to winning the Class title, ahead of BHA teammates filippi and Wilkins.

 

Honourable Mention

Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow

Suppose I shouldn’t be like All the Other Sheep and overlook the GTD (Daytona) Class winners! As the pair guided their #1 Paul Miller Racing’s BMW M4 GT3 to a stout five wins season. Clinching the title prior to Petit Le Mans…

 

Other Choices

Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat

 

8. Freak of Year

Winner: Max Verstappen

Initially planned on giving this award to thee “Martinator”, aka Jorge Martin. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how much a Freak ‘O Nature thee dutch Tsunami was this year!

 

As it Pains me greatly over how Magnanimous MaxiMillions’ has been this season! Definitely being able to largely keep in check His Maximus Hothead persona, except upon rare occasions.

 

As we All know, Max set the current record for most consecutive Grands Prix wins this year with 10, running from Miami to Monza! And then after Red Bull’s streak of 15-straight W’s was snapped in Singapore, Verstappen reeled off another seven straight victories to close the season! Not to mention an astounding 12 Pole positions, Sigh…

 

As I’ll begrudgingly admit that Max is a very good driver. Ok, even bordering on Great, Youch! But I simply cannot help wondering how much of Verstappen’s amazing success is due to the Red Bull RB19? Or more importantly it’s Honda RBPT PU; which we’ll be seeing for another two years.

 

And Yeah, I’m aware of Checo’s, ny Sergio Perez’s struggles in “identical” machinery. But Checo’s No Max!

 

Since would we be talking at all abou Verstappen if He was driving the ‘lil bulls’, aka Scuderia AlphaTauri entry instead?

 

Other Choices

Jorge Martin, Alex Palou, Zak Brown

 

9. Quip of Year

Winner: Go Suck on An Egg! And 99% Show, 1% Sporting Event!

Those were just two of the multiple, indelible sound bites that thee Dutch Tsunami’, MaxiMillions’ or MaxAttack’, ergo Maximilian Verstappen left upon us

 

Following Red Bull’s run of 15-straight race wins coming to an end at Singapore. And the FIA having issued a new technical directive regarding Flexible Wings. Critics thought perhaps this was the root cause to Red Bull’s issues in Singapore, with F1 Cynics suggesting even further?

 

Yet Verstappen was bak in Full MaxAttack’ mode at the next round is Suzuka. And when speaking to the media regarding this suggestion. Verstappen promptly said Fans could Go suck an Egg! Especially if they didn’t appreciate His brilliance!

 

Verstappen was widely panned for His 99% Show comment before the Las Vegas GrandPrix weekend began. Yet the track’s and Liberty Media’s handling of Thursday evening’s Shit Show! Y’all know when CarlosSainz Jr. was so cruelly punished for accidently Hittig that lose Drain Hole cover!

Made Max look pretty smart after all!

 

As Maxi-boy’ had some other doozies during Lost Wages’. As I especially liked the Quip about going to some Far-flung place I’d never heard of before in order to get Shit Faced for the weekend…

 

As that's a Wrap for last Year’s riveting No Fenders storytelling, Y’all! 

Indy Cars Ultimate Cage Fight

As where’s ‘Ol tina Turner to sing us the intro to Thunderdome ‘N Beyond?

 

In the far reaches of the Australian Outback, in a tiny enclave known as Truwombia, a young lad wearing just a loincloth would spend hours playing with His boomerang while His father was on the road. The boy simply known as Johnny soon became proficient with His Boomerang, finding Himself needing to trek ‘n trek farther distances to retrieve it, along with the various wildlife He’d killed with it…

 

Johnny’s Old Man Alan of average Aussie’ build with a shock of red hair, had spent His lifetime driving ESSOLUX Oil tankers back ‘n forth from Truwombia to the high desert plains of Kookaburra and beyond with the ever shrinking legions of Australia’s notorious Road trains.

 

As the precious oil was crushed out of the porous rocks found in the Outback nearby Truwombia, providing work for it’s dwindling population, needing to be exported, meaning somebody needed to drive the Oil tankers to market…

 

Alan was a keen fan of the company’s sponsorship of Rally Cars and was super proud of the ESSOLUX Motorcycle team that had won the prestigious Truwombia-Canberra Marathon Rally Raid some 14 times.

 

One day at age eight, Alan came home with a special present for Johnny, a well used Zand hard ridden Spencer Flying Squirrel SX250 motorcycle for Johnny to cut His teeth upon the rugged Outback. With Johnny dreaming of one day becoming a professional racer like Peter Brock, Dick Johnson, Marcos Ambrose or Mark Winterbottom Even if His Pops’ wanted to get Him a job driving Oil rigs…

 

Although Johnny enjoyed the thrill of racing His Flying Squirrel motorcycle at Daredevil speed thru the Outback, He’d also taken many a tumble upon it. While a chance meeting with one of His Heros Marcos Ambrose led Him to a trryout for the local Doohingle Australian Formula Ford team. With Johnny being selected as one of Thar drivers for the forthcoming season.

 

Although lacking experience in racing cars, along with many reliability issues. Johnny soon earned the nickname of Oil Can Johnny in part to His fathre’s occupation along with causing quite a few engines to go Kuhblamoe!

 

From there with help from His father’s ESSOLUX connections, Oil Can Johnny gravitated to the wide open spaces of Europe and it’s ultra competitive European Formula 3500 series. Since He’d been unable to find anybody willing to take Him on to contest the New South Wales Supercars Championship, which Ambrose had suggested to Him previously…

 

After scoring a single win in the Euro F3500 series on the man-made Island of Socitui in the South Pacific Seas. Fellow Japanese racer Noda Makasuki urged Oil Can Johnny to join Him in His Home series Autopolis Formula Supreme.

 

Competing in the single make Formula Supreme series, Oil Can Johnny took His Toyota powered Dragonlady MZ93 to an amazing third place in the championship with multiple wins.

 

In the United States, the wily Kenny Simpson, who had a knack for spotting obscure talent, signed the promising Oil Can Johnny to drive one of His Champ Cars for the following season for His Minnowesqe Simpson Racing Team.

 

Franco “Chester” Betuzi was a stocky man of medium height with jet black hair and charcoal brown eyes that bore Holes into you. As Franco had gotten the nickname Chester whilst growing up in the Windy City and having a penchant for noisily chewing pistachios.

 

Chester who usually sported a five O’clock shadow and preferred wearing a Brooks Brothers denim sports jacket over one of His racing team’s Polo’s. As the Betuzi Motorsports team logo was adorned in a shield remeniscant of the great Italian Bambino’s lore. With the initials BM in black letters against a red shield with gold accents.

 

Betuzi Motorsports was a perennial championship winning Champ Car team, most notably with the likes of another driver from Down Under, albeit from New Zealand by the name of Taffy Tonkaberg. Who usually made the others pay by standing on the winners step after making fun of His first name!

 

Preston Henly Winchester III had been an aspiring racing car driver who instead focused upon making His Advertising Agency No. 1 in it’s field, before the floundering Canamax Formula Libre team sought His considerable skills to right it’s sinking ship. As Canamax had a long, storied success in the Formula Libre Championship dating back to the 1950’s…

 

Preston who played the part of an Aristocrat was always adorned in the latest, most expensive Armani four piece business suit. As the lean, six-foot plus American with tasseled blonde hair and piercing blue eyes was always on the lookout for the latest, up ‘n coming talent to plug into His new racing team’s vast array of many different series.

 

Chester, who also fancied Himself as a shrewd talent spotter, spotted something in the young Oil Can Johnny’ and hired the lad to a bare bones, no frills bargain basement contract to drive for BM the following season, having become displeased with previous Simpson Racing prodigy Edwardo Jolliet.

 

Preston, who longtime Champ Car paddock members took to calling “Winnie” behind Preston’s back! Soon settled upon a scheme to poach as many staff of the rival Betuzi Motorsports concern, since after all BM was one of the top two teams on the Championship  Car Trail!

 

Thus Preston fast talked the Star Struck Oil Can Johnny into signing a very lucrative contract to come race for rival Canamax, even though Johnny had a year left on His BM contract. Regardless of the fact that Chester had just exercised His option to retain Johnny, who’d just won that year’s Champ Car Championship for Betuzi Motorsports, it’s 27th title!

 

Next Chester’s and Preston’s lawyers worked out a solution that would see Oil Can Johnny serve out the remaining year of His BM contract; as Be Good Johnny! And then you’ll be free to renegotiate. With Winnie’ throwing in enticement for Johnny to ultimately join Canamax a year later by making Him a test and reserve driver of their famous Formula Libre team, which Chester acquiesced to.

 

The next year, Johnny had a magical season driving for Betuzi, blitzing the Champ Car field with nine victories and romping His way to His second championship title in three years…

 

Meanwhile, Preston, who never quit making Deals. Signed the German Wunderkind Mathias Lowenbach to become it’s newest Formula Libre HotShcue’, leaving Oil Can Johnny without a path to a coveted seat upon the Formula Libre Grid with Canamax anytime in the near future…

 

Thus Johnny, with the help of His manager Makasuki-san, who He’d quietly reunited with the former racing driver. Called Chester and set up a clandestine meeting to discuss staying at Betuzi Motorsports after all, even if He had already signed a new contract to drive for Canamax’s rival Champ Car team the following season. Provided Betuzi would give Him a much more lucrative contract…

 

As Chester relished the chance to give that young upstart Whippersnapper Winnie’ a taste of His own medicine! And after letting His experienced Swede’ go to another rival team. Along with the help of money from Caribbean Businessman Jolly Mahley, including stepping up to run His son Kiffree by expanding Betuzi Motorsports to an unheard of six car entry. Giving Chester twice as many entries on the grid vs. Preston’s Champ Car outfit, even with All 43 of it’s drivers signed to various contracts.

 

Plus with increased financial support from Oil Can Johnny’s current American Champ Car backers Chucky Cheese. Chester quickly retained the impressive young driver’s talents for the foreseeable future at poor ‘Ol Winnie’s expense! Even if Preston threatened more legal action, He still didn’t have a multi-times Champ Car driver in His current Canamax stable… 

Tintop Pilotes’ Near and Far

As what did ‘Ol Bonn Scott of AC/DC Croon about “It’s A long Way to the Top, if You wanna Rock ‘n Roll!”

 

Forgive me for Dusting Off another languishing No Fenders tome. But what’s that ‘Ol sayin’ about whilst the Cat’s Away, those Mice definitely Play!

 

As I’m Hoping that last Sunday, I did indeed get to listen to the St Pete IndyCar race via the IndyCar Radio network, while “On Holiday,” again. Meaning No riveting race recap here Y’all. And that both Juncos Hollinger Racing Boyz’ had a good race! And that Argentine Touring Cars Standout Augustin Canapino had a good debut IndyCar outing.

 

Since by my very unofficial “rolodex,” I’m pretty sure that Canapino is only the second ever Argentine to race in Indy Cars, Ci? Following Juan Manuel Fangio II, nephew of the country’s greatest ever racer! Where all I recall of Fangio II was driving for Dan Gurney’s All American Racers (AAR) concern during 1996-97. First in an AAR’s Eagle Mk-V Toyota chassis, and then aboard a year old Reynard 96i Toyota.

 

Yet I’d forgotten that Fangio II’s Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART( IndyCar career actually began in 1995 when driving for my Home team Pacwest Racing as Danny Sullivan’s replacement. As ‘Ol Hollywood’ (Sullivan) broke His pelvis amongst other injuries at Michigan that year, leading to His retirement. With Fangio II beginning at Mid Ohio with a seventh place finish.

 

Yet after two Full seasons in IndyCar, Fangio II told his friend and Boss Dan Gurney He no longer could bring 100% commitment to the sport and left Open Wheel Racing, before completely retiring in 1999.

 

Forgive Mwah for also having sat upon this story for nearly some six years now, Aye Karumba! But Lucas Auer’s name came screaming to my Attenzione, like many others upon breaking His Back during practice for this year’s Rolex 24 behind the Keyboard of the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo GTD entry.

 

Since I’d previously begun scribbling about how another aspiring DTM Chauffeur was getting set to make His Formula 1 debut in a test outing for Force India, but would it lead to Formula 1?

 

Although I'd previously read some rumours of this F1 Test occurring Wayback’ in gory 2017, Yikes! I must say that I simply Knew Nothing! About this then 22yr old Austrian Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) Tintop driver Lucas Auer. For which you could say even having an Uncle named Gerhard Berger doesn’t guarantee you landing a Formula 1 ride…

 

As Auer tested alongside another “rising Star” that summer who ultimately earned the Dubious nickname of MazzaSpin’, Youch! Formally known as Nikita Mazepin. With the pair testing for Force India at the HungaBoring’, Err Hungoraring on August 1, 2017.

 

As Auer seemingly was “Peaking” in the DTM that summer. Having won two races and trailing Mattias Ekstrom by only two points in the title fight, before apparently fading. Since Auer ultimately finished sixth Overall that season with three wins, while Rene Rast won the title ahead of Ekstrom.

 

As the Austrian’s primarily spent His Tintops’ career racing in the DTM and other Touring Car categories. And finished a career best in the DTM last year driving for Team Winward Mercedes, finishing runner-up to Sheldon van der Linde. While His Team Winward links have enabled Lucas to race at the Rolex 24 on multiple occasions…

 

And it was interesting to Mwah back then, how the DTM seemed to have become somewhat of a training ground for Mercedes drivers to graduate to thoust Pinnacle 'O Motorsports, nee Formula 1. With the two Mercedes Werks’ DTM HotSchues’ Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon graduated to F1.

 

As Wehrlein who won the DTM title in 2015, was the first to be promoted to the Back marker Manor Racing team, albeit  naturally just plodding along as a Tail Gunner Charlie!

 

And then Pascal spent His second and final season in Formula 1 racing for Sauber, before returning to DTM. And since has found refuge in Formula E, where He currently competes for Tag Heuer Porsche. Having just won both rounds of the Diriyah ePrix, on the city streets of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 

Esteban Ocon was even “Faster” tracked into F1. With Mercedes also placing the Frenchman alongside Wehrlein at the struggling Manor Racing outfit. Beginning at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix, following the traditional F1 Summer Break.

 

Ironically Ocon was replaced by current Indycar Driver Felix Rosenqvist in DTM. While Ocon went onto race for Force India between 2017-18.

 

Although Ocon had to sit out the 2019 season of Formula 1 after being the Odd Man out at what then became Racing Point. Ocon’s currently the only driver to graduate from the DTM that’s still in F1, now starting His fourth season for Alpine.

 

And there’s probably more than I can recall. As the names of Bernd Schneider, Gary Paffett and Paul di Resta come to mind as DTM Chauffeurs who made their way into Formula 1, albeit briefly. Although I tend to recall that Paffett only ever was an McLaren F1 Test Driver…

 

Fast forwarding to Indy Cars. Obviously Canapino has a rough transition to make. And having V8 Supercars Superstar, and Triple series Champion ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin on the Grid has to be somewhat Daunting to the Argentine driver!

 

But then again, and with No Disrespect towards Juncos Hollinger Racing. Obviously JHR Ain’t No Team Penske! And I just wish for both Canapino, Callum Ilott and JHR to have a successful season this year.

 

Oh Yeah, naturally along with Lucas Auer having a Speedy recovery and returning to Touring Cars racing shortly… 

RETRO: Remembering Dario franchitti’s Most controversial Indy 500 Win

Y’all know, the race that made  the following motto famous: No Attack, No chance!

 

Earlier this year when “Watching,” Err listening to Marshall Pruett’s great video remembering Greg Moore 20 years later. With Dario Franchitti, Max Papis and Paul Tracy reminiscing over the exploits of their Fallen driver. Dario made a comment which I’d Heard before, but forgotten.

 

As Franchitti noted how He had been watching CART/IndyCar with Norbert Haug and said Who is this guy! In regards to Greg Moore. For which Haug was then Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, for which I always forget that Dario was once a contracted Mercedes Driver, albeit in tintops’, and Not single Seaters…

 

As Greg Moore, who drove His entire CART/IndyCar career for Players Forsythe Racing, competed in only Mercedes-Benz powered equipment between 1996-1999. And like Dario says, the Mercedes-Benz’s were Underpowered during the ’98 CART/IndyCar campaign. Which is Funny, since Dario, Max and Paul All elude to how difficult it was driving those Nasty, Narly 900+ Horsepower Bucking Bronc CART chassis!

 

And although I’m now well aware that Dario “REO Speedwagon” Franchitti, whom I later took to calling Dashley LePew’ for several years! Was a Rookie in Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) for Hogan Racing in 1997.

 

Yet Dashley’ Didn’t come onto my radar until ’98 when He drove for Team Kool Green alongside Mr. Chrome Horn, aka Paul Tracy. Where I always felt that Dario gave Pt’ Fits! As Dario finished third Overall that season with three wins before finishing Runner-up to Juan Pablo Montoya in 1999. As Montoya won on Tiebreaker with seven wins vs. Dario’s two.

 

George Dario Marino Franchitti was born on May 19, 1973 in Bathgate, Scotland. And Hence will celebrate His 50th Birthday this upcoming May, possibly at Mother Speedway?

 

As Dario was a Bad Arse in Go Karts, winning the 1984 Scottish Junior, 1985-1986 British Junior and 1988 Scottish Senior Karting Championships before graduating to the Formula Vauxhall Jr. Single Seater series, where He won the Championship in 1991.

 

Franchitti then joined Paul Stewart Racing in ’92 and won the Formula Vauxhall Lotus title in 1993 before moving up to British Formula 3. Yet following the ’94 British F3 season, Franchitti was dropped by Paul Stewart Racing and became a Werks’ AMG Racing Driver in the Deutsche Touren Wagen series, along with the International Touring Car (ITC) series behind the wheel of a Mercedes C-Class Saloon for two seasons before Mercedes placed Him at Hogan Racing.

 

And although Dario made His Indianapolis 500 Debut twenty years ago for Team Kool Green, I’m afraid I paid Him No Attenzione as a Rookie. Especially since I was a Diehard CART loyalist and feverishly rootin’ Against HULIO’, whom ‘Ol Sugar Ray Tracy still Swears Stole the 2002 Indy 500 victory away from Him!

 

Franchitti joined the Indy Lacing League (IRL) Fulltime in ’03, what I was then feverishly calling the Indy Retirement League! When Mikey A’, who’d bought majority control of what became Andretti Green Racing, moved the team to the Death Star IRL! And being a Champ Car Devotee, I only paid scant attention to the IRL during some Oval race during the Month of May…

 

Yet I know I was quite Happy when Dario won the first of His three eventual Indianapolis 500’s during the Rain shortened 2007 race. Although I remember that race more vividly for the cameras zooming in on then wife Ashley Judd skipping Jubilantly down Pitlane in the soaking rain after Dario’s victory!

 

Next Dario tried unwisely becoming a Roundy Round Taxicab Bombers Rasser’ the following year. Although His Cup career was Short lived, partially due to His breaking an Ankle

 

Thus returning to today’s IndyCar series a year after it’s Mergification, Franchitti soon became known as the aforementioned Dashley LePew’ due to being the Target Chip Ganassi Racing Scourge who continuously Defeated DJ WillyP’, nee Will Power for the Championship each year! Since I was a Huge Power Fan then.

 

Whilst the late Justin BIG UNIT’ Wilson was my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver and How Dare Dashley make El Stupidio Quips Against Him!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/06/may-be-ganassi-should-add-sazzall-to.html

 

And although I’m certain I watched His second Indy 500 win on Ye Telie’. Instead that year, I chose to attend the 2010 MotoGP over the 500 in what I turned into my own version of celebrating Mother Speedway’s first two Centennials, i.e.; 2009-2010-2011.

 

As I had to watch the 2010 Indy 500 Highlights to remember before the Chequered Flag flew, that Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway was involved in that Horrendous accident when colliding with The Dude! Aka Ryan Hunter-Reay’s running Out of fuel racecar!

 

Now a decade later, my memories of the 2012 Indianapolis 500 are naturally somewhat fleeting. As it’s hard to believe it’s over ten years ago when I saw Doctor Who’, aka Tim Wardrop for the last time. When Tim was Race Engineer for whom I took to playfully anointing “Mean Jean” Alesi in the Luddi’, Uhm Powered by Judd Lotus lumps Dallara DW12! Which sadly, quickly became the laughing stock of IndyCar for being woefully underpowered As I miss my yearly Chinwag’s with Dr. Who at the long forgotten IMS Flagroom Bar!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/10/sayonara-doctor-who.html

 

And besides the delayed wafting of tyre smoke filling the Stands, we all know the outcome of that race. For which I believe I was seated in Turn-1. And I Don’t begrudge Dario for what He did to Taku-san’, aka Takuma Sato, since after all they were fighting to win the Indy 500! As I now just believe that Dario “Squeezed” Sato towards the Wall. But this is the only time I’ve ever Heard an audible, vehement Booing of an Indianapolis 500 winner on the race’s Cool Down lap!

 

As little did anyone, especially Dario know that would be His final IndyCar victory. As I last saw Franchitti racing in person at the following year’s Indy 500, when He caused the race’s final Caution that  cemented Tony Kanaan’s win!

 

And then there was that Uber Nasty accident at Houston’s Reliant stadium! As I can still being able to see Dario’s racecar going somewhat vertical in the Sky as He Flew Up, Up and Away into the Catch Fencing! Which Dario was super lucky to get away with twice! Since I recall Him Summersaulting over the Hapless, unsuspecting “Sofa King,” nee Kosuke Matsuura after having lost count of the final lap at Kentucky, and careened off of Kosuke’s rear wheel in what Marty Reid described as a Hydroplane Blow Over!

 

Thus wisely, Franchitti took His Doctor’s Medical Advice seriously and retired from racing in November, 2013…

 

As Dario retired from Indy Cars with 265 Starts, 31 Wins, 91 Podiums and 34 Poles. Along with being a Four times IndyCar Champion (2007, 2009-2011) and Three times Indianapolis  500 winner. Which Ain’t too shabby, Eh! 

A somewhat Abbreviated look back over IndyCar Activity the past Several Weeks

As Motor Racing Never Sleeps!

 

First and foremost, as I’ve already elabourated, it was super enjoyable and Uber Refreshing having been away from Ye Confuzer’s Keyboard for over three weeks. Having gone on an extended Holiday Wayback on September 19^th, which I’ll save Scribblin’ about my latest trek to the Penske Racing Museum for a future No Fenders post.

 

Thus, this is just an attempt at playin’ Ketsup over the major Headlines that Peaked my Attenzione over being on vacation prior to this past weekend’s USGP, and isn’t intended to cover everything that happened in Indy Cars during the past month’s time.

 

As I’d have to say the biggest News to Mwah upon return, was the surprise announcement of Arrow Mclaern SP’s (AMSP) Managing Director Taylor Kiel Departing AMSP. Which I first learned of via Ye Oldest IndyCar blogger Geo. Phillips of Oilpresure.com Fame. Where George notes He believes that Taylor simply grew tired of the Nonstop Three ring Carnival-like atmosphere Mr. Zakery “PT Barnum” Brown’s brought to the Organization with Palou Gate and Piastri Gate and the Never ending Craziness surrounding the attempted Hirings of 37 Drivers this Summer!

 

Although it’s worth noting that Racer’s Marshall Pruett has an article on Racer.com about Alex Palou potentially landing at AMSP for 2024, presumably at Felix Rosenqvist’s expense? Or will AMSP morph into a four car entity?

 

Whilst I couldn’t stand it’s No more and finally asked Blogmeister’ Miguel whilst in The Valley of The Sun to Google Colton Herta latest news on Wednesday night, October 12, to learn that sensibly, Colton had Inked a Multi-year contract extension to stay at Andretti Autosport, which the team’s just confirmed to run thru the end of the 2027 IndyCar season. And reportedly keeps Him from chasing a Formula 1 seat until 2025.

 

 

Thus ending the long running speculation concerning a possible Formula 1 departure, which seemed just a really big longshot due to Colton lacking the necessary points for a FIA F1 Super License, which Y’all know that the FIA Denied the request for granting the Yank one. And with McLaren F1 continued testing of fellow IndyCar drivers Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward, it’s No surprise that McLaren Racing and Zakery Brown have No plans for running Colton in any further F1 tests.

 

On the Driver front, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that A.J. foyt Enterprise’s has Hired the Great Santini’, aka Santino Ferrucci as the Fulltime Driver of it’s No. 14 entry. Along with the not surprising signing of Indy Lights Benjamin Pederson to fill it’s No. 4 entry.

 

Whilst Dalton Kellett has officially left Foyt Racing after three seasons. Making me wonder if the likeable Kuhnuck’ could become part of the previously rumoured Foyt Porsche 963 IMSA GTP entry? Although I’ve Heard Nothing about this ever since Marshall Pruett wrote about it Wayback’ in July…

 

Meanwhile, ‘Ol JJ’, nee Jimmie Johnson has announced His retiring from Fulltime IndyCar competition in 2023, leaving Chip Ganassi Racing’s fourth No. 48 IndyCar entry without a Driver, albeit Johnson Hasn’t made any plans publicly for whether or not He’ll return for another “One Off” Indianapolis 500 entry, run other Ovals or what next season?

 

Although I’d say this firmly signifies Johnson’s intentions to be part of the NASCAR Garage 56 Project for Le Mans next year…

 

Making me ponder if this will become a likely destination for reigning Indy Lights Champion Linus Lundqvist, who after all has a $1.3 million Cheque and guaranteed three race IndyCar entry, including the 107^th Indy 500 next May, even though His name doesn’t seem to be mentioned much lately…

 

Whilst another Racer Headline noted that Kyle Busch was Out of the running for an apparent fourth AMSP Indy 500 entry, but that Tony Kanaan was in the running, and has now been secured at AMSP for next May.

 

And while I wasn’t surprised that Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) IMSA DPi Sports Car Driver Tom “The Bomb” Blomquist topped the unofficial Timesheet for MSR during a private five car IndyCar test on Sebring’s Short Course. I was surprised by the names of the other aspiring IndyCar Drivers.

 

With Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing testing the beleaguered Estonian Juri vips, who lost His Red Bull Racing F1 testing role for using racially Offensive language during a Online “Gaming” session!

 

While Jake Dennis tested for Andretti Autosport and Marcus Armstrong drove for Dale Coyne Racing with HMD Motorsports.

 

As Andretti kept it’s IndyCar “Young” Driver evaluation HotSchue’ “In House,” by running one of it’s current Avalanche Andretti Formula e Pilotes. With Vips and Armstrong both being current FIA Formula 2 championship Drivers.

 

Interestingly, Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) ran longtime Argentinian  Touring cars Driver Augustin Canapino at Sebring, a Tintops’ Driver I’ve never Heard of before. Along with the Scuttlebutt of JHR running IndyCar Demos in Argentina early November with Canapino at the controls of it’s #77 Dallara/Chevrolet.

 

Not to mention being unaware that IndyCar actually once raced in Argentina some 51+ years ago…

 

https://racer.com/2022/10/04/juncos-hollinger-to-hold-indycar-demos-in-argentina/

 

Although in retrospect, I should know Canapino’s name, since I’m Arse-sumin’ I scribbled ‘it during my 2019 Rolex 24 preview, when Agustin drove Juncos Racing’s #50 Cadillac DPi with Kyle Kiser, Rene Binder and Will Owen.

 

Finally, McLaren F1 Racing announced that Alex Palou would make His Debutante Formula 1 outing during Circuit Of The America’s Friday (Free Practice) FP1 session, replacing Daniel Ricciardo. And then Patricio O’Ward will participate in the Abu Dhabi FP1 session in place of Lando Norris. As this is in order for McLaren to fulfill each Formula 1 Team’s obligation to run two Aspiring F1 Hopefuls during an FP1 session this year. Along with the Testing of a Previous Car (TPC) programme.

 

As I’d known about Palou and O’Ward testing McLaren’s MCL-35B in a private test at Barcelona, but didn’t know about the other test at the Red Bull Ring in preparations for the IndyCar duo’s upcoming F1 Friday morning outings. Which I’m guessing is part of Zakery Brown’s Mending Fences with some of His 37 Driver Contracts this year…