Leftovers from the Riley’s Café

Where you can get anything but Alice, Ho-Ho-Ho!

 

Originally “watched”, Err listened to the excellent Racer video recounting much of the late Bob Riley’s life, along with son bill prior to Santa’s arrival. And then watched it again over the Holidazes’, since its such a great look at two of America’s premiere Sports Car designers. With father Bob telling many stories about various racecars of His career. Along with many anecdotes and back ‘n forth footage with son bill…

 

As I love the part about Bill riley at Purdue University, Whale’ I think it was Purdue? When taking basic Drafting classes and learning to draw a pyramid while working on designing the Intrepid racecar. Or asking His teacher about having to take a pay cut after graduating!

 

Not sure how long it weighs-in at? As it runs for quite awhile, but is definitely worth checking out!

 

https://racer.com/2024/12/14/dinners-with-the-rileys/ 

Noted Designer Bob Riley take the Chequered Flag

As how many race car Designers also worked on the Apollo Moon project?

 

Cannot help of thinking about Dario Franchitti’s comments about Halloween’s a Shit time of the year due to His friend Greg Moore dying that day in California. Or how Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure fame noted how October saw Dan Wheldon perish in Las Vegas, Tony Renna at Indianapolis and recently noted designer bob Riley.

 

Almost decided against scribblin’ anything about this. Since as typical, I’m late to thee party…

 

Thus I still really don’t know much about the man, other than the late bob Riley was a noted racecar designer. And at the very least, associated with four famous racing cars!

 

Beginning with working upon the shelby American Ford GT40 Mk IV, which won the 1967 24 Heurs du Mans with Dan Gurney and A.J. foyt.

As

 Foyt would go onto hire Riley to design His stable of coyote IndyCar chassis. Most notably the very Coyote that ‘Ol superTex’ drove to his fourth Indianapolis 500 win. But that’s not the Coyote chassis that inspired me to write something upon No Fenders.

 

Nope, it was the final 1981 coyote, bob Riley’s first ground effects Open wheel Racing chassis. And I simply love the bit about how the racecar created so much downforce, they couldn’t find any springs strong enough for it! And had to cut holes in the chassis to relieve pressure…

 

Another racecar Riley and son bill designed was the Intrepid RM-1, also known as the Intrepid GTP or Chevrolet GTP of the early 19990’s, which featured rear wheel covers and a shovel nose. Being known for its predigious amounts of downforce and amazing cornering speeds. But my mind immediately goes to the other TK’, aka Tommy Kendall’s massive accident in this carwhich raced between 1991-93.

 

Another Bob Riley design I wasn’t aware of was the Ford GTP Mustang for IMSA competition, which was a front engine design. And like the Intrepid won just a single race.

 

I was also not aware that it was another Riley design that Kendall utilized to dominate SCCA Pro Racing’s Trans Am series in the 1990’s. When Kendall and Roush Racing blitzed the field with those dominating Ford Mustang “Body Quencher” TA Steeds!

 

Yet when I think of Bob Riley, who passed away on October 24th at the age of 93. I immediately think of the domineering Riley & Scott Mk III Prototypes that ruled the roost in the World Sports Car )WSC) category of IMSA GT and the rival USRRC. Also racing at Le Mans and later in the American Le Mans Series.

 

Riley & Scott was formed in 1990 by Bob Riley and Mark Scott, beginning with Trans Am racecars before focusing upon a World Sports Car design for the upcoming IMSA GT Championship.

 

Following their stillborn Mk II Sports Car design, they were hired to improve Rob Dyson’s Spice Ferrari chassis. With the lessons learned aiding in the design of the Mk III.

 

Dyson Racing debuted the Riley & Scott Mk III at the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona, running two cars and winning a total of five races that season.

 

Part of the Riley & Scott Mk III’s popularity was its accepting multiple normally aspirated engines. Including the likes of ford, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, BMW and the Judd V-10. As the Prototype won its first Rolex 24 in 1996 with Doyle Racing and Oldsmobile. With Wayne Taylor, Scott Sharp and Jim Pace at its keyboard…

 

The following year was when Dyson Racing used a village ‘O drivers to score victory with its Mk III Ford chassis. As I can still vaguely recall the No. 20 entry driving into victory lane with its seven drivers piled aboard it!

 

As Rob Dyson, Elliot forbes-Robinson and John “Not Bo” Schneider were joined by the team’s No. 16 entry of Butch Leitzinger, Andy Wallace, James Weaver and John Paul Jr. after their entry retired on lap 227.

 

Momo Corse and its Ferrari 333 SP, the Riley & Scott Mk III’s main competizione won the ’98 Rolex 24, before Dyson won in 1999, again with its trusty Mk III Ford entry.

 

For 1998, the second iteration of the Mk III was built, which followed with the Mk III C variant racing until 2005. Although Riley and co. deferred work on the MK III while contracted to create the Cadillac North Star factory effort. As the Riley & Scott Mk III would amass nearly 50 victories overall in 130-plus starts!

 

Riley & Scott was acquired by Reynard Cars in 1999. Yet Reynard’s expansion was too quick and they filed for Bankruptcy in 2001. Which not only saw the dissolution of Reynard Cars, but also Riley & Scott.

 

Undaunted by this turn of events, Bob Riley and son Bill continued their success upon forming Riley Technologies in 2001. With subsequent Riley Prototype chassis now designed for the Daytona Prototype (DPi) era winning a further seven Rolex 24 races.

 

The company also “dabbled” in Saloons’, having designed the Speedsource Mazda RX8 that won the 2008 GT Class at the Rolex 24. Along with that year’s BMW M6 and ALMS GT2 category Corvette vs. those dominating Prat & Miller Vettes’.

 

While I last kept track of Riley’s exploits in earnest when running the Werks’ Dodge Viper program between 2012-14. Which culminated with the team winning the Team’s and Drivers championships in the American Le mans Series in 2014. (ALMS) Before Chrysler pulled the plug upon the SRT Viper racing program.

 

As the list goes on and on. For which you’d have to say that Bob Riley definitely left His mark upon motorsports… 

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… 

Bill riley keeps Huntin’ for more Easter Eggs

        As Y’all be kind to those chocolate Bunny’s ears. Yuhs Hear, especially you Max!

 

Yeah, know Y’all are probably distracted with the arrival of Ye Easter Bunny, or should that be Beagle’ this Sunday. Although it still seems odd to be celebrating Easter in march!

 

Therefore, I’m Arse-suming that my already razor slim No Fenders traffic count will decrease even further? But not sure how far it can go down from my three devoted readers, Eh?

 

Alas, I’ll point Yuhs towards another vintage No Fenders yarn celebrating thee Easter Beagle’, as where are Yuhs Snoopy? With the following No Fenders tome.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/04/a-revheadz-easter-basket-full-o-treats.html

 

And for those of Y’all Jonesin’ for something motorsports related. Here’s another story I’ve been letting percolate way too long!

 

As the Racer article that caught my Attenzione was a somewhat “Puff” piece about what Bill Riley’s up to, albeit being posted Wayback’ on August 30, 2023. For which the exact title was: Riley keeps moving forward on multiple Sports Car fronts.

 

As Riley’s wife says He’s pretty busy! With Bill running the Riley racing “empire” that His father bob began, presumably continuing with the three Sports Car teams He’s involved with.

 

With the LMP3 category going away in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship this season. The final LMP3 Champions stepped up to the LMP2 category this year. Making waves when announcing that 2008 Formula 1 runner-up Felipe Massa would join Gar Robinson and company at this year’s Rolex 24.

 

Although I’ve got zero clue how they, or the majority of the field did at this years 24 Hours of Daytona! Due to laying in a Hospotal bed for five days before hopefully being released on January 28th…

 

Riley’s also involved in a partnership with Kelly Moss Racing running a brace of Porsche 911 GT3 R’s in the GTD (Daytona) class. The Nos. 91-92 specifically…

 

Whilst Arse-suming He’s continuing to field an entry for George Kurtz and Colin Brown aboard a CrowdStrike Racing by Riley Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in the SRO’s GT World Challenge America series. Where the duo won the Pro am category last year.

 

Whilst I had no idea that it was an Riley & Scott chassis that the other TK’, aka Tommy Kendall devastated the Trans Am field in during His championship winning years driving for Roush Racing in those Nasty Ford Mustang Trans Am racecar! Or that apparently much of the SCCA Pro Racing’s Trans Am field was comprised of Riley & Scott chassis…

 

As Tony Ave reportedly talked Bob Riley into designing a new Trans Am chassis, known as the Riley TA1 for which Chris Dyson drove to His third consecutive Trans Am National championship last year. Becoming only the fifth driver in series history with three or more championships! Joining the likes of the aforementioned Kendall, Paul Meatheadz’ Gentilozzi, Scott Scooter’ Pruett and Ernie Francis Jr.

 

While the Riley & Scott Mk III Sports Car Prototype chassis was the most successful Privateer “mount”, which I fondly remember Dyson Racing using to great effect, including winning the 24 Hours of Daytona with! Also somehow having forgotten that Riley ran the 2012-14 Viper GT3 program.

 

But I was totally unaware until reading said Racer article that Riley Technologies was now building continuation Ford GT40 Mk IV’s, for which arse-sumedly the first cracecar’s now completed.

 

According to Bill, longtime Riley Technologies customer Jim Mathews bought the former Ford “satellite” Kar-Kraft company. Although actually Riley Technologies Inc. run by Bob & bill riley, along with Mathews bought the assets of Kar-Kraft Wayback’ in August, 2020, for which I definitely missed the memo!

 

Tooling, Fixtures, Jigs and technical drawings, some with Bob Riley’s name upon them were sent to Riley’s shop in Moorsville, NCAs I also didn’t know that Bob Riley had been involved upon the original Shelby American Ford GT40 Mk IV racecar. With plans to build at least ten continuation Mk IV’s, with the first having it’s delivery date delayed until 2023…

 

And thus, Y’all can “See” that Bill riley indeed is a very busy man! As I just hope none of His championship winning racecars roll over any Easter Eggs or Chocolate bunnies Ears! 

Can the NXT Indy Lights Champion make it into IndyCar Next year?

And will the winner’s prize be enough to fund more than a One-off entry at Mother speedway?

 

Although the season’s far from over, with nine rounds remaining entering Road America, albeit Mid-Ohio’s July 2nd race will be the Halfway point of the season.

 

Nonetheless, the Wo’s Next Championship battle’s currently shaping up to potentially be a two way fight between HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing teammates Christian Rasmussen and Nolan Siegel.

 

As Rasmussen led by a squeaky clean two points ahead of Siegel; 178-176prior to Road America this weekend. Although Seagal should have been leading the Championship following Detroit, but I’m Jumping the Shark here…

 

Whilst surely Andretti Autosport Boyz’ Hunter McElrea (138 points) and Lewis Foster, (123 points) currently third and sixth respectively, will wish to join the Championship conversation over the remaining rounds. With the pair whom seem magnetized during most races split by Danial Frost (132 points) and Jacob Abel (128 points) P4-5.

 

Interestingly, Indy NXT has had five different winners during the season’s first five rounds a la IndyCar’s multiple winners. With Frost winning at St Pete Wayback’ on March 5th. Followed by Rasmussen at Alabama, and rookie Matteo Nannini’s breakthrough victory at the first Indy GP. As the calendar’s now been amended from a Double Header over the “Guns ‘N Roses” Indy Grand Prix weekend, and will race during the August Brickyard RASSCAR’ IndyCar weekend instead.

 

And yes, Matteo’o’s related to former Formula 1 driver Alessandro Nannini. Whose His First cousin Once removed…

 

Rookie Reece gold took a surprise win during Detroit’s first race, when Siegel who’d led most of the way saw His Half shaft break with two corners remaining and limped home a dejected eighth! Yet Siegel wasn’t to be denied during Sunday’s second race at Detroit. Starting third, He quickly jumped to the lead and remained Thar until claiming His Debutante Indy NXT victory!

 

As the three various HMD Motorsports/Dale coyne Racing concerns, which comprise nearly Half of the Grid with it’s combined nine entries. Have won four of the first five rounds. Arse-sumedly much to Andretti’s and the rest of the field’s dismay! With Nannini winning for Juncos Hollinger Racing being the lone Non HMD/Coyne win to date…

 

Christian Rasmussen from Denmark is in his sophomore Indy NXT campaign. Having won the 2020 U.S. F2000 National and 2021 Indy Pro 2000 championships driving for Jay Howard Driver Development. Before graduating to the final Indy Lights season last year with Andretti Autosport. Scoring two victories enroute to sixth Overall.

 

Whilst rookie Nolan Siegel previously spent three seasons in the U.S. F2000 National Championship with a best finish of eighth in 2021 driving for DEForce Racing. Before contesting Indy Pro 2000 last year, also driving for DEForce. Scoring two wins and finishing fourth overall.

 

Detroit’s Race-1 saw Jagger Jones, grandson of ‘Ol Rufas Parnelli Jones score His maiden NXT podium, finishing second. With Ernie Francis, Jr. doing likewise when finishing third.

 

As I have to say I’m most impressed with Francis’s Gritiness! As the Multi-times Trans Am Champion previously drove the majority of the second round at Barber Motorsports Park with a Broken wrist! And then only missed the following race at Indianapoli’s road course outing…

 

Meanwhile, cannot say I’m overly impressed by either of the two IndyCar Development Drivers Kyffin Simpson (Chip Ganassi Racing) or Homeboy’ Josh Pierson. (Ed Carpenter Racing) Although Pierson’s only doing a limited schedule due to His Day Job of driving LMP2 Sports Cars on both sides of Ye Puddle. Including racing at Le Mans for the second year in-a-row for United Autosports, whose co-owned by some Mr. Zakery Brown character…

 

Whilst Pierson’s Stand-in toby Sowery will get to test an IndyCar for ECR June 8th at Sebring, alongside reigning Indy Lights Champion Linus Lundqvist. Before Pierson closes out the remainder of the season.

 

Whilst Lundqvist is still Hoping to become an IndyCar driver some day after getting Screwed Out of His Indy Lights Advancement Prize! As way to go Penske Entertainment!

 

As I’d say it’s anybody’s guess who’ll win at Road America this weekend, or wind-up the Champion by season’s end at Laguna Seca this September… 

AUTOS: Is Detroit really still the Motor City?

Or will it just become another Outpost for “Rorge Retson” Flying Cars in the future?

 

Every year around this time, that being Indy Cars Detroit Grand Prix weekend, I Hope to have posted a very long overdue, languishing No Fenders post about Tintip Boyz’ and the ‘Ol glory Years of the SCCA Trans Am era when The Cat in the Hat, aka Jack Roush’s Nasty Ford Mustangs ruled the roost in SCCA Pro Racing’s Trans Am series.

 

But I just never quite get around to it, after becoming engrossed in the Month of May’s festivities at Mother Speedway instead.

 

For which I have to say this year’s Indy 500 finish left a sour taste for Mwah, with a ridiculous Red Flag, Uhm Chequors or Wreckers Greann-White Flag finish!

   

Yet with All of the previous drama surrounding Graham Rahal and Stefan Wilson at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Not to mention Graham’s ties to the late Justin Big Unit Wilson, notably being Wilson’s teammate at Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing in 2008. My mind goes Ah-Wanderin’ Wayback’ to 2008 when Justin Wilson scored His first IndyCar victory after that Dastardly Helio Castroneves Blocked Him upon The Raceway at Belle Isle!

 

Since it’s funny how whenever I hear the words IndyCar and Detroit, I immediately think of Ye Beautiful Island, Err Belle Isle, for which I tried scribblin’ about some of my Belle Isle memories previously in another No Fenders tome.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2016/06/belle-isle-recollections.html

 

As IndyCar has become so synonomous with Belle Isle that I forget that the CART/PPG IndyCar World Series raced Thar between 1989-1991, following Formula 1 choosing to not race on the Streets of Detroit following 1988.

 

Which fortuitously for Mwah led to my very first, true Grands Prix. Being the 1989 Iceberg Grand Prix held upon Ye Downtown Streets of Phoenix, Arizona on June 4, 1989. A very significant day in world history, i.e.; China, Iran and Poland!

 

Whilst your much younger humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was sweltering in the 104 degrees Fahrenheit Heat of that year’s amusingly named Iceberg Grand Prix!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/06/retro-formula-1-on-phoenixs-streets.html

 

As I also like to believe that it was the 1986 Detroit Grand Prix with Ayrton Senna’s beautiful black and gold John Player Special Lotus that introduced me to F1 Wayback’ when! Which would be fthe first of Ayrton Senna’s three consecutive Detroit Grand Prix victories.

 

As the much unloved 2.50-mile, 17 turns  temporary street circuit was despised by the Formula 1 drivers. This race which was considered the Hardest of the season, due to the circuit’s bumpiness anlong with being run during the brutally Hot portion of mid June in Detroit, where the Ash-fault

 Routinely disintegrated! Just proves to me again, how much of a Bad Arse F1 Pilote the late Ayrton Senna was! Since Senna won the most Detroit Grands Prix before the F1 Circus departed to Phoenix.

 

Without scouring the current IndyCar race circuits lengths, I believe that the new, 1.70-mile 10 turn course on Detroit’s streets will be the shortest on the IndyCar calendar, with the only caviot being that the entire race course’s Downtown Streets have been repaved expressly for this purpose! While for Mwah, the most interesting portion of the track is the unique Pitlane, which I think features drivers pitting on two different sides of the Pitlane…

 

Meanwhile, how much does having an IndyCar race in Downtown Detroit really matter? Since when I think about the once fabled “Motor city”, I think of the “big-3”, i.e.; Ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler and the legendous’ Muscle Car era and the Pony Cars war.

 

Not to mention Scotty Scooter’ Pruett kicking Arse during the Motor city 100 SCCA Trans Am races…

 

Yet now Ford will soon be the only Playah’ with a rear wheel drive V-8 powered Pony Car left for customers to purchase. Following the demise of Chevrolet’s sixth generation Camaro in January, 2024. Whilst Stellantis has already killed off the amazingly brutal Dodge Hellcat Charger! Leaving us with just the Mustang, which Ford has just rolled out it’s seventh generation version.

 

 Making me wonder if we’re headed back for another incarnation of the early 1980’s, when turbocharging initially became the rage during an enforced tightening of vehicle emissions and fuel economy, if I remember correctly?

 

As one has to say it’s slightly odd thinking that Indy Cars, albeit going Hybrid next year, will be pounding round the streets of Detroit hopefully for years to come with their “ERS” (Energy Recovery systems) Internal Combustion Engines, (ICE) while Chevrolet, Ford and Stellantis are all racing to “lock-up”, Uhm secure the world’s deposits of lithium and other raw materials in order to make everybody drive Electric Vehicles…

 

Although the ACO which governs le 24 Heurs du Mans has just instituted a Hydrogen Class for it’s top LMH category for Le Mans beginning in 2026 for Fuel Cell technology. And intends to make Hydrogen powered prototypes the Classes only fuel source by 2030. So may be the V-8 Internal Combustion Engine can be converted to Hydrogen after all? 

Diving into Paul Newman’s Racing Career

As slow ‘N Steady Wins the Race for this gentlemen Driver…

 

Following the 1969 movie Winning, Paul Newman bought himself a brand new Corvette Stingray. In 1970 He set out from home in Westport, Connecticut and drove to Lime Rock Park Raceway, where once a week, anybody could test themselves and their own cars on it’s racetrack. As Lime Rock Park was built on the site of a former Gravel Pit and comprises of 325 Acres.

 

Yet Newman didn’t wish to embarrass Himself, so He asked the track’s Manager for a few “Pointers.” Newman was then introduced to bob Sharp, a Racing Driver, Auto Dealer and Team Owner who had No Clue who Newman was, which made Paul Happy.

 

Initially when in California for work, Newman took his first laps around Ontario Motor Speedway, (OMS) a sister track to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Before returning to OMS  during the spring and summer of 1970. Doing so while on location in Oregon filming some Kinds of Nothing, Paul took time going Back and forth to Ontario Motor Speedway and driving Ontrack, even becoming a Board Member along with Kirk Douglas and Dick Smothers.

 

Newman and a veritable Who’s Who of “leading Men,” including James Garner, Steve McQueen, Robert Redford, dick Smothers, Robert Wagner and Pancho Gonzalez competed in a Charity race at OMS that year.

 

Newman continued striving to improve at Lime Rock and by 1971 had reached agreement with bob Sharp, father of some Indy Racing League driver named Scott Sharp… To lease a Bob Sharp prepared and maintained Datsun 510 racecar in local SCCA competition the following summer.

 

Sam Posey was less than impressed by Newman’s driving in ’72, saying the Guy’s totally Oblivious to Anybody around Him Ontrack! Although Newman was just taking it Slow ‘N Steady, which had been his successful method towards Acting…

 

Newman continued racing at Lime Rock and elsewhere, including Nelson Ledges and Qualified for the 1973 SCCA National Championship runoffs at Road Atlanta, where He Spun Out in practice and finished ninth in his Class.

 

Newman competed poorly in the  final International Race Of Champions (IROC) inaugural IROC I event on February 18, 1974. Held  on Daytona International Speedwa’s Infield road Course with 12 identically prepared Porsche 911 RSR’s.

 

Admitting He’d gotten in Over his Head! As Newman Spun Out at the first Corner, then caused another competitor to spin out before ultimately Detonating his Porsche’s Flat Six lump’ on lap-6!

 

As ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee A.J. Foyt, one of the race’s competitors was so unimpressed with Newman’s driving that He took to calling Newman Steve! As Foyt’s dig was in reference that Steve McQueen was a better driver than Paul! As I can only surmise this slight was slightly less annoying than another racing driver being called Coogan’ by Foyt, Yikes!

 

In September 1974, Paul unwisely agreed to be part of a Driver Quartet including Graham Hill attempting to break 17 existing Land Speed records aboard an N.A.R.T. (North American Racing Teams) Ferrari sponsored by Ragu Spaghetti sauce. To which Newman said was like Driving On the Moon! Since He’d Never driven on the Salt flats, where the course was simply noted by sticks with ribbons on them, compared to normal racetracks. As the car suffered mechanical failure and only five records were broken…

 

Newman continued racing every chance He got, and soon his movie schedule revolved around his racing schedule. Continuing to improve his driving, Bob Sharp had Paul join his race team, and in 1976, Newman raced in the SCCA Runoffs in two classes. Finishing third in a Datsun 510, and winning his Class in a Triumph TR6 and being awarded the President’s Cup for Overall Excellence by the SCCA.

 

In 1977, He took the year off from filming and solely raced cars. Returning to Florida for that year’s 24 Hours of Daytona, his first Endurance race, musing how He’d never raced at Night before. Co-Driving a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 with Elliott Forbes Robinson and Milt Minter. With the Ramsey Ferrari/Medina Sports Car entry finishing fifth Overall.

 

Then in 1979 as we All know, P.L. Newman in a Porsche 935 Co-Driven with Team Owner Dick Barber and Bad Arse Sports Car Ace and ex-formula 1 Driver rolf Stommelen finished runner-up to the Whittington Brothers and Klaus Ludwig at that year’s 24 Heurs du Mans! As Newman was 54years old, but far from done racing.

 

In 1982 at Age 57, Newman won his first professional race. Winning that year’s SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am event at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota.

 

As Newman won driving a Datsun 280ZX, the last year of the Datsun Brand Stateside, switching to it’s Nissan Brand today. While the Trans Am series was Dominated that season by Elliot Forbes-Robinson claiming five wins Overall, including four in-a-row aboard a Pontiac Trans Am Firebird. Handly Beating series runner-up doc bundy in a Porsche 924.

 

Between 1985-1986, Newman won his third and fourth SCCA National GT1 Championships Consecutively  behind the wheel of  Bog Sharp Racing Nissan 300ZX’s. Paul also won his second SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am race at his Home track Lime Rock Park in ’86, also behind the wheel of his Bob Sharp Racing Nissan 300ZX.

 

Newman was Shocked when fellow competitor, good friend and Trans Am teammate  Jim Fitzgerald Died at Age 65 during the season finale St Petersburg Trans Am race in 1987, after crashing Head-on into a Jersey barrier at over 100mph! For which Newman was unable to continue after the race had been paused…

 

In 1995, Newman made History as the Oldest Driver to win a major Auto race, winning the GTS Class behind the wheel of a Nasty Roush Racing Ford Mustang emblazoned with Nobody’s fool upon it, which just so happened to be Paul’s latest movie.

 

Newman’s Co-Drivers were Michael Brockman, a Connecticut Pal’, Mark Martin and the other TK’, aka Tommy Kendall.

 

Paul was hesitant during practice and the start of the race, before getting into the Groove after his first hour behind the wheel. Paul ran a total of six hours at the Keyboard, including a Double Stint during the Night.

 

With 90mins remaining, Newman exited the car with genuine relief. Thinking He’d finished driving and told Jack Roush how relieved He was that was Over! To which thee “Cat in the Hat” (Jack Roush) said No it’s Not! You’re getting back in the car for the final 45mins Paul! Which Newman did, taking the Chequered Flag third overall…

 

While I also tend to recall the Crawford prototype racecar the ‘Ol Fox was driving with the #79, matching his age being adorned with flames on it’s nose after it had caught on fire during practice! And I remember le Hamburgular’, aka Sebastien Bourdais who was then driving for Newman Haas Racing’s IndyCar team being one of it’s drivers at that year’s Rolex 24.

 

Newman had a slight incident at Daytona in 2000 when crashing at 180mph and injuring His wrist! Along with Crashing during a test lap with Kyle Petty in the passenger seat at Watkins Glen. As Newman confessed “Father Time” was catching up with Him and his reflexes! But his worst crash ever was on a public road in one of his Souped Up Volvo Station wagons when a car Side-swiped him! Breaking off the side mirror along with breaking his Hand, which was in a Cast for several weeks. Which His wife Joanne Woodward said Paul was the most Distraught about of All of His Crashes!

 

Whilst Comedian Adam Carolla has somewhat “Quietly” captured the market upon ex-Paul Newman racing cars, which I read awhile ago in this Car and Driver Magazine article. When the Car & Driver Magazine articles Hadn’t been Goobered Up on my Newsline telephone service…

 

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a30089162/adam-carolla-paul-newman-car-collection/

To continue reading about more of Paul Newman’s racing “Connections”, visit the No Fenders link below.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/07/paul-newmans-lasting-entanglement-with.html

Presenting Half of the 2022 Indy Lights Contendahs’

As it appears to be a Good ‘Ol donnybrook between Mikey A’s team and the multi-car HMD Motorsports concern for Top of Ye Pops…

 

This weekend, the Road to Indy’s “Premiere” Category, i.e.; Indy Lights holds the first of it’s three Double Header weekends at Mother Speedway, which for those of you with that Dastardly Peacock service can watch today and tomorrow. Or for those of us Visually Challenged, Ahem Blind, they’re also Available on the IndyCar Radio Network.

 

And although I still think it’s a Bad idea to Not run the Freedom 100 anymore, arguably Indy Lights signature event at Mother Speedway. Nonetheless, I like to believe that Indy Lights is making positive gains, even if appearing only minutely. But Arse-sumedly with Penske Entertainment having reacquired Indy Lights from Anderson Promotions, and installing former racer and USAC Official Levi Jones as it’s Series Director, the final rung on the Road to Indy ladder will indeed move forwards…

 

From what I can ascertain, Thars a “Boomp” of one car to this year’s field vs. last year’s, i.e.; 14 entries vs. 13. Along with three brand new Lights teams, one being rebranded and four leaving the series.

 

There’s seven rookies in this year’s field from six Nations, All with Diverse racing Backgrounds…

 

Abel Motorsports (2)

#11 Antonio Serravalle, Canada

#51 (R) Jacob Abel, USA

 

Abel Motorsports is a Family racing team located in new facilities in Speedway, Indiana, previously having contested the Road to Indy’s Pro 2000 Category, and making their Debut in Lights this year.

 

As Jacob Abel began his Single Seater career contesting the U.S. Honda backed F4 Series, before moving up to what then was the F3 Americas series, now rebranded as the FR Americas Championship. Followed by two partial seasons in Indy Pro 2000 along with racing GT3 Sports Cars in the World challenge series.

 

While Jacob’s presumably the Only Lights Driver who’s contested a round of Robby Gordon’s Stadium Trucks series, having done so last year at Nashville’s IndyCar race, Yeehaw!

 

Antonio Serravalle returns for his second Lights season after racing for his own “Cobbled” together Lights team, having finished 12^th Overall. As the 19yr Old Kuhnuck’s followed a similar progression with stints in FR Americas, etc. and hasn’t ever finished in the Top 10 Standings of any Single Seater series contested.

 

Andretti Autosport (4)

#2 Sting Ray Robb, USA

#27 (R) Hunter McElrea, New Zealand

#28 (R) Christian Rasmussen, Denmark

#83 Mathew Brabham, Australia

 

This is one of the two “Powerhouse” Lights team’s on the Grid, with Mikey a’s team seeing former Juncos Racing Lights Driver Sting Ray Robb, the 2020 Indy Pro 2000  Champion joining the Multi Lights Championship winning team for his second Lights campaign. Whilst former Andretti Autosport Lights Driver Mattie B’, aka Mathew Brabham makes his return after  seven years out of the series.

 

As Brabham took a fortuitous win at the St Pete season opener when leader and Andretti teammate Christian Rasmussen who’d led much of the race, ran Out of Fuel with less than two laps remaining!

 

Meanwhile, Andretti teammate McElrea who’d started from Pole, lost the back end of his racecar and Crashed Out on lap 13! Leaving the Door Open for Brabham, who’s last Lights start came Wayback in 2015 at Long Beach to lead just the final two laps, scoring his first Lights win since long ago in May, 2014 on Indianapolis’s Road Corse! As Mattie B’ like All Lights racers Hopes to win the Championship in order to resume his Stillborn IndyCar career…

 

Kiwi’ Hunter McElrea is seemingly Fast, but has had multiple collisions in the season’s first two races!

 

Having won the 2018 Australian Formula 4 Championship with 13 wins in his second season, McElrea won the U.S. F2000 Shootout Scholarship prize and finished Runner-up in the 2019 U.S. f2000 Championship. Hunter then spent the next two seasons contesting the Indy Pro 2000 Championship, scoring multiple wins enroute to a best finish of third Overall in 2021 before graduation to Indy Lights.

 

Denmark’s Christian Rasmussen is a multiple Single Seater Championship winning Driver, having secured the U.S. F2000 title in his second season with nine wins and eight Poles.

 

Then the Dane’ won the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 title in his Rookie season with seven wins, scoring Both titles driving for Jay Howard before graduating to Indy Lights, where He fills the #28 Andretti Autosport seat previously occupied by Kyle Kirkwood, Just Sayin’. As Rasmussen gets my nod for One of the three Lights champions candidates…

 

Force Indy (1)

#99 (R) Ernie Francis Jr., USA

 

(R = Rookie Driver)

 

Presumably Y’all know the story of Force Indy being part of El Capitano’s Shrinking Violet’s Diversity Campaign, having unceremoniously Dumped Myles Roe after their initial U.S. F2000 campaign last year in favour of moving up to Lights this year with Ernie Francis Jr. For which I harbour No ill will against Ernie Francis Jr, who’s one Bad Arse Tintops’ Hombre!

 

As the 24yr Old Floridian Francis Jr. Burst upon the National Scene in last year’s (SRX) Superstar’s Racing Experience series, winning once at Lucas Oil Raceway and finishing runner-up to SRX Champion and series Co-Owner Smoke’, aka tony Stewart.

 

Whilst I’ve previously scribbled Here upon No Fenders how Ernie’s a Bad Arse Trans Am Driver, having won seven Trans Am titles consecutively! Not to mention lagging only behind such legendous’ Trans Am Aces Paul Meatheadz’ Gentilozzi, Mark Donohue and the Other TK’, aka Tommy Kendall for most Trans Am series victories!

 

Francis Jr. cut his teeth in Open Wheel Racing in last year’s FR Americas Championship, where He finished third Overall before graduating to Lights this season. 

Round ‘N Round they go Crash!

Unless we’re in another overly elongated Commercial Break! Or having some Female Racecar Driver soliciting Y’all to text Hash-tag something-ruther to may be win something, or get Yuhs to Bet upon something…

 

The Gurr-Reat Americun’ Race held it’s 64^th running Sunday, February 20^th with it’s vaunted Next Gen racecar.

 

As it’s an Brand New “Clean Sheet” racing car sporting a Carbon Fibre body with 18-inch BBS forged aluminum center locking wheels. Five speed sequential Gearbox, Transaxle transmission with independent Rear suspension. Plus a new Rack and Pinion Steering rack for All of the extra Road Courses RASSCAR’ now frequents; Hmm, going a bit IndyCar style road racing here? Along with it’s previous update to fuel injection, Zoinks! Mimicking today’s modern Street Cars, Aye Karumba!

 

Although trying to correctly put those new wheels on in a Hurry on Pitlane proved Daunting for two teams who effectively lost wheels on the racetrack! With one team’s Crew Chief being Banned for the next four races; presumably for an “Unsafe” Car release?

 

Yeah, I’ll admit I was Desperate for some racing action, since Thar always feels a void this time of year, when we’re All ah-Waitin’ “Breathlessly” for Indy Cars to finally rev up their motors after Thar typically El Stupidio six, or is it seven? Months Gory Off Season, Crap! Before typically starting the season the first weekend of March…

 

Alas, it was somewhat perfectly timed, albeit 5PM Pacific here on the West Coast, for Uhm, almost wrote Soothing ambiance when eating Dinner…

 

Hence, I elected to turn on Thy Telie’ two nights in-a-row, beginning with the Wednesday evening’s Qualifying session, which Ahem IndyCar! If you’re blind like this veritable Open Wheel Racing Fan is; was easily accessible on Good ‘Ol Fashion Terrestrial TV! No Fuss, No Muss, and definitely No Scrolling, Hunting ‘N Pecking for some itsy bitsy teeny weeny colour coded box Onscreen! Nope, just two buttons on the Good ‘Ol TV Remote, i.e.; Power and Channel, Can You Hear Me Now IndyCar!

 

Since I was primarily curious how Jack Vanilla’, aka Jacques Villeneuve, at 50 years Old could make ”The Show” on Speed alone? Which fortunately He did as the Fastest of the six “Open Teams,” i.e.; Non charter Teams, since if I recall correctly, Jacques had a throttle cable issue during the following night’s Dual race.

 

Wasn’t intending on Dropping into those Made for TV Dual Sprint Qualie’ races, Barf! But then again, as long as it Doesn’t give me indigestion, Why Not?

 

So I tuned-in at the end of Dual No. 1 and heard Mike Joy saying something about Bad Brad Keselowski in the Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing’s No. 6 is first time that car number’s won a Daytona Dual since Pete Hamilton in 1971, Huh?

 

Initially when I heard Messer Joy reciting this factoid, and hearing the name Pete Hamilton, I thought of that other Bad Arse Roush Racing Driver Pete What’s His Name? Since I could clearly see that Nasty, Bad Arse bright red Whistler Radars Detector sponsored IMSA Mercury Cougar GTO Roush Racing car he drove! )Which I’ve still got a “Hero” Card of tucked away somewheres’) Not to mention an equally Nasty lookin’ black Me Thinks? Strohs Beer IMSA Mercury Cougar GTO racecar…

 

As I sat Thar Scratchin ‘N Scratchin Thy Noggin’, before the words Pete Halsmer finally flashed upon Thy radar screen!

 

As Halsmer was a Bad Arse racing driver who I always forget was a Helicopter pilot in Vietnam before taking up racing professionally! And I tend to believe He’s the first driver in Jack Roush’s illustrious racing stable who truly caught my Attenzione, not to mention those Narly IMSA Mercury Cougar GTO racecars! Which after all were representing that Blue Oval brand…

 

Although I’ve also always had a “soft Spot” for those Killer looking Merkur XR4ti racecars that Scotty Scooter’ Pruett (and Halsmer) so brilliantly drove for the “Cat in The Hat!”

 

It also was the Golden Anniversary of ‘Ol superTex’s Day-toner’ 500 victory for the Wood Brothers. Y’all remember when A.J. Foyt won the 1972 Day-Toner’ 500, becoming the second of three IndyCar drivers to win the storied Daytona 500.

 

 

With the current famed No. 21 Wood Brothers car running with Gold Car numbers in deference to Foyt’s win and retro Throwback “Paint” scheme…

 

As the Wood Brothers have won the Daytona 500 five times, beginning in 1963 with Tiny Lund, giving ford it’s maiden Daytona 500 victory. Then in 1968 with Cale Yarborough. Followed by Foyt’s ’72 win. Then the “Silver Fox,” aka David Pearson won in 1976, the latter three in Mercury’s. Before it’s most recent W’, a Shock 2011 win with Trevor Baine behind the wheel of a “Ford,” the race’s youngest ever winner at just 20 years old!

 

But if you Tuned-in for the race like I did, albeit waiting ‘til High Noon here out West in order to miss the majority of the 36mins Pre-race festivities, then Y’all know that young Harrison Burton, son of former No. 99 Excide Batteries Roush Racing NASCAR Driver Jeff burton, Uhm, that’s a mouthful, Eh?

 

Yuhs know that Harrison went for a Wild ‘n Wooly ride when running up front, wasn’t He leading? When Keselowski decided to give him a Love-tap and Push him too Hard towards the end of Stage-1, sending the young Harrison going Upside Down and briefly landing on his roof/hood before taking Out several racecars behind Him!

 

As this Shove ‘em Outta Duh Way or Swoop down and throw Monster blocks upon your competition was the theme of the race, with a ridiculous 25 of the 40 Cars entered being involved in Accidents, as Racins Rubbin’ Indeedy, Yeehaw!

 

Prior to the final restart Mike Joy noted how Trevor Baine won the Day-Toner’ 500 in only his second Cup Start, and Mario Andretti on his seventh. While Austin Cindric was making only his eighth Cup Start, an Oh, by the way, it’s Roger Penske’s (85^th) Birthday…

 

Are you fucking Kidding me? With the Green-White Checkers or Wreckers Flag having been thrown and cars accelerating, my P.O.S. Spectrum Cable TV magically Shuts itself off, WTF! Yet fortunately this is somewhat routine so I was able to Quickly turn the Cable Box back on again, albeit having missed one lap, Crapola!

 

As young Austin Cindric, who Yeah, his father’s the long serving President of Team Penske’s Tim Cindric. Threw a massive Block on Darrell Wallace Jr. to win the Daytona 500! With a fairly Dejected Wallace claiming his second runner-up finish, some scant 0.036 seconds adrift!

 

And now with the Day-Toner’ 500 in our rear view mirrors Tank Gawd! As I only need to “Watch,” err listen to this single RASSCR’ Wreckfest to Quickly remind me why I Detest RASSCAR so much!

 

I mean, don’t get me wrong, Thar All amazing drivers to be able to control a 3,400lb Taxicab Bomber wide open at 200mph alongside 39 of their competitors But! This mentality of simply taking somebody out in order to get ahead or win the race is truly Nauseating for Mwah! Especially now that IndyCar and Formula 1 are back on Thy Telie’, Yeehaw!

 

Oh Yeah, also winning his very first ever NASCAR race on his 358^th start, was last year’s surprise Day-toner’ 500 winner Michael McDowell, who briefly was a (Champ Car) IndyCar Driver…