Five shiny Prancing Horses in Penske Auto Group’s
stable. (The Tomaso Collection)
Tomaso standing in front
of a row of five Ferrari’s: One is silver, than black, then red, then white,
then red.
Apologies for not having any description of what
Ferrari models these are? Parked outside at the Penske Auto Group’s Mega’
Dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Photo c/o Blogmeister Miguel
The perfect, exotic summer six pack of Prancing
Horses rounded up at Penske’s stable. (The Tomaso Collection)
Tomaso standing in front
of a row of Ferraris. (six of them) Gray, white, gray, gray, White and then
red.
Apologies for not having any description of what
Ferrari models these are? Parked outside at the Penske Auto Group’s Mega’
Dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Photo c/o Blogmeister Miguel
Hmm, that sure is a strange
lookin’ Ferrari Vern! (The Tomaso Collection)
As why is Supertramp’s Dreamer, You know You’re A
Dreamer song playing in my Head right now. You’re Nothing but A Dreamer,
Tomaso!
Trying to “Stitch” together the languishing
thoughts of another great visit to the Penske Racing Museum this past March.
Which naturally is fading away, since time simply marches on, Hut One-Two-four!
Traipsing
thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again
As here’s what I initially scribbled upon my
return home, which I’ve tried adding more context to, along with my usual
corrections…
A lone Lamborghini Huracan Evo sat parked
alongside a stable of Prancing Horses. Next to a Ferrari F8 Tributo, followed
by a Ferrari Roma. Then a pair of SF90 Stradale’s followed by quattro 296GTB’s;
ranging in cost from $320k to $400k, Aye Karumba! Although I believe that the
F8 Tributo was above $500,000, Sheisa!
Pretty sure I had another of my “Strike the
Pose” pictures snapped standing between a pair of Ferrari 488’s. Initially
thinking that one was a coupe and the
other being a Spyder model. Although later, Blogmeister’ Miguel informed me
they both appeared to be Coupes.
Have to say my only minor disappointment was
the fact that there were no 296 GTS models for sale, albeit these were the
previously owned models holding court outside in the Penske Auto Group’s voluminous
parking lot…
As how can one be disappointed with being able
to freely saunter around such a stunning collection of previously owned
Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s! While having Blinders for all of the other luxury
brands, i.e.; Aston Martin, Bentley, etc. Including the Joey “Sliced Bread”
Lagano Ford Mustang GT Taxicab Bomber, Zoink!
Ironically,
Lagano just broke “The King”, aka Richard Petty’s record for being the youngest
driver to reach 600 starts at Dover, being some six month younger than Petty…
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
But being Blind, have I mentioned that lately, Y’all? Naturally I was nervous
posing around such expensive automobile finery with my white cane. Which
contrary to many, is not a walking or hiking stick, seriously people?
Blogmeister Miguel made sure I didn’t get too
close to any of these beautiful Ferrari’s. Or whack ‘em with my cane!
Naturally I have zero clue what looks better?
The Huracan, F8 Tributo or Roma? Although I know which of these three I would
choose to own…
Thought that the F8 Tributo was the final
Ferrari built with its traditional V-8 engine, to which Miguel immediately told
me that the Roma had a V-8, so what do I know, Ci?
As both the F8 Tributo and Roma utilize
Ferrari’s Tipo 154 CV 3.9-litre twin turbocharged V-8 engine, that first
debuted in the 2013 488 GTB. Which contrary to my rudimentary knowledge of
Ferrari’s model naming conventions, for which there appears little, Ci? The 488
denotes the actual per “Cilindri” cubic volume (CC) of its v-8 engine. Hmm, I
just learned something new, Magnifico!
As the Tipo 154 V-8 engine was the first
turbocharged motor developed by Ferrari since the F40’s Tipo 120A Wayback’ in
1987.
Both the F8 Tributo and Roma utilize seven
speed sequential dry sump automatic transmissions. Arse-sumedly with Ferrari’s
de riggour steering wheel paddle shifters.
The F8 Tributo is a two door mid-engine layout,
whilst the Roma is a front engine 2+2 model. Both presumably with plenty “O
Horsepower to Giddie Up!
As the F8 Tributo has 710bhp on “tap” to
claimed 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. 0-124mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 211mph,Magnifico!
Whilst Road & Track reportedly flogged
their U.S. spec model thru the Quarter mile in 10.3 seconds at 132.8mph. Making
Ferrari’s 0-100kp/h (62mph) and 0-200kp/h (124mph) claims slower then stated,
but its still no slouch!
The SF90 Stradale, a la F8 Tributo also debuted
in 2019. While the soon to be out of production Roma debuted in 2020. And is la
Scuderia’s first plug-in hybrid automobile It uses a slightly enlarged
4.0-litre version of the Tipo 154 V-8 twin-turbo engine, which as been produced
in four various capacities.
Fitted with an eight speed dual clutch
automatic dry sump transmission. The car utilizes three electric motors, one on
the transmission, and one on each front wheel. Developing a staggering 986bhp
total output!
Ferrari claims the SF90 can reach 0-62mph in
2.5 seconds, 0-124mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed also of 211mph. Which
I’d say is very impressive since I’d Arse-sume the electric motors and battery
add significant weight to the car.
The SF90 Stradale comes in two body
configurations, i.e.; Berlinetta or Spyder. The latter being an electronically
driven retractable hardtop.
While the 296 GTB’s seem almost not worth
discussing, especially with four various “garden” variety 296 GTB’s parked
together.
But its hard to scoff at any Ferrari, and the
296 GTB is a serious piece of Kit as those Bloody Brits would say. Even if it
utilizes a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V-6 in place of la Scuderia’s traditional V-8
engines…
Joey Lagano’s No. 22 Ford Mustang GT racecar photo inside Penske Racing Museum c/o Blogmeister Miguel.
Perhaps I can catch a lift upon Pato’s Motorcoach? (The
Tomaso Collection)
Every week I get in the queue, “Too Much Magic
Bus”. To get in the Cab that takes me to Town, “Too Much Magic Bus”. I’m so
nervous they’ll be late again! “Too Much Magic Bus”. The Casino’s just a mile
away, “Too Much Magic Bus
Thank you Chuck for getting me there, “Too Much
Magic Bus”. You’ll be compensated, have No fear, “Too Much Magic Bus”. I Don’t
wanna cause a Fuss, “Too Much Magic Bus”. But can you put my bag over here?
“Too Much Magic Bus”.
No! You still cannot buy it Zak Brown, Hya!
Jus another clever No Fenders Ditty’ to let
Y’all know that your Humble No Fenders scribe is off again on another Holiday,
groan. Or perhaps euphoria for those of Y’all who frequent this blog Although I
do appreciate your readership, everyone!
And for the second year in-a-row, I’ll be
passing by Portland International Raceway just days before the IndyCar race,
Choo-Choo…
As typical, I’ve been poondin’ away furiously
upon thoust ‘Ol Selectric’s keyboard to provide Yuhs some canned stories during
my absence, so enjoy!
While I’m sure I’ll have some more memories,
hopefully not to akin to Weird Al’s Another One Rides the Bus, but Who knows,
Eh?
As this one’s for you Claire!
VIDEO: Weird Al’s Another
One Rides the Bus
Arrivederci,
Tomaso
My ‘lil “Magic Bus” Haiku” was shamelessly inspired by The Who’s 1968 Magic Bus song. With my apologies to Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. And No! You still cannot buy it Zakery!
2023 Shell V-Power Nitro+ IndyCar. (The Tomaso Collection)
Front view of Josef Newgarden’s 2023 Team Penske
Indianapolis 500 winner, replete with de riggour Aeroscreen.
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Side view of Shell V-Power Nitro+ Dallara DW12
Chevrolet. (The Tomaso Collection)
Here’s Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Team Penske
chassis, winner of the 107th Indianapolis 500 on display in Scottsdale.
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Menards 2019 Dallara DW12 Chevrolet. (The Tomaso
Collection)
Front view of Simon Pagenaud’s 2019 Menards Team
Penske IndyCar. Winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500.
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Side view of Menards 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner. (The
Tomaso Collection)
Here’s Simon Pagenaud’s bright, neon green Menards
2019 Indianapolis 500 winner on display in Scottsdale. As Symone’, nee
Pageantry’ (Simon Pagenaud) gave John Menard His debutante Indy 500 winners
ring, after forty years of frustration!
Long ago Bruce Martin story on John Menard’s path
to finally claiming victory in the Indianapolis 500.
https://www.indycar.com/News/2019/05/05-29-BMartin-John-Menard
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
Verizon Dallara DW12 Chevrolet IndyCar. (The Tomaso
Collection)
On display at the Penske Racing Museum this March,
sat DJ WillyP’s, aka Will Power’s shiny red Verizon racecar He drove to victory
at the final Belle Isle IndyCar race in 2022, along with winning that year’s
Astor Cup aboard.
(Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel)
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…
Tomaso with His “service” Dog Hang-10’ Hilo waiting
for the train. (The Tomaso Collection)
And that’s got Nothing to do with El Presidente
giving this Government Agency the Midas touch!
Ah Matey’s, here’s
another soothing lullaby about a somewhat typical, Madcap 13 hours trek
homewards…
Not to mention
Microsoft’s Office being persnickety per usual! Since no matter what I do to
try changing the text below to my normal font settings, it won’t save it, Sigh!
Tacoma Bureau Chief
Mary Ellen told me to set my talking keychain clock’s alarm for Gory 5:15AM,
Crikeys!
Ah, the joys of
Island life, as this included being early for the 6:20AM Ferry back to Ye
“Mainland”. Before an El Stupidio breakfast at IHOP at 7:00AM. As the cook was
incredulous when our chirpy waitress told Himn my order. As I ended up paying
$15.43 for a plain egg breakfast Burrito; asking to “Hold” the bacon, ham and
Snazzauges’ I Don’t eat following my Heart surgery…
As I highly doubt
we’ll ever do that again, especially since it took 40mins! Before scurrying to
the nearby train station where I barely had time to use the Loo’ before
boarding the 8:00AM Cascades Express train to Eugene. With the train being
early and leaving at 8:00AM sharp from the Tacoma train station, all Aboard!
Suppose I should have
known something was up, Eh? Since I swear there was zero Heat turned on from
Tacoma to Portland, albeit we “flew” south to Portland in 2Hrs 45mins,
including four stops in-between.
Whilst I’m glad I’ve
long since figured out where the bathroom door’s lock is, since twice people
tried opening the door as we sat for an half hour in Portland. Making me
flash-back to the first time I’d ever ridden this type of train and not knowng
how to lock the door, Surprise! As the door opened upon Mwah in the middle of
you know what when headed to Vancouver, BC decades ago, but I digress…
Yet strangely, when I
tried calling Mary Ellen on my cell phone twice whilst parked in Portland I
couldn’t dial out or get Her number to ring, WTF? As this was an apparent sign
of things to come…
Approaching Oregon
City, OR, our Conductor made the first of multiple announcements, telling us
that our train was currently experiencing electrical maladies – including no
WiFi’ or HVAC, i.e.; Heating/Cooling, or power to the business class seats.
Although it smelled like dust burning briefly when waiting at Portland, when I
finally felt heat coming up from the heat register alongside my seat…
Following Oregon
city, the Conductor announced that the train was just running on electricity;
that’s what I believe He said. Although I did Arse-sume correctly that it was a
Diesel Electric locomotive pulling us…
Saying they’d
troubleshooted everything possible to no avail, i.e.; Fuse breakers, Computer
reboot, etc. And were going to try one more outside train fix at our next stop
in Salem, whatever that meant?
Arriving at Salem
sometime before 12:28PM; time of the first of two emails sitting in my Inbox
when I got home that evening, alerting me of our train issues, Uh Duh!
Our Conductor said
we’d be staying put there until receiving permission to proceed. Since we
didn’t wish to become stranded somewhere between Salem and Eugene with no
pick-up possible, like Marion. And He’d give us further updates when
Possible, with
Management working on Plan B, whatever that was?
Telling us we were
allowed to leave the train to stretch our legs if desired, but should remain
nearby the train. And then the female Café worker told us She’d put out
complimentary water and snack packs for us. While those remaining seated around
me “Cheered” when the lights went on. With somebody said whatever they’d
wiggled, worked! Meaning I’d had no idea we’d been riding in the Dark for
awhile, Hya! Or if this was a momentary fix?
After a half hour’s
plus of sitting on the train, (sometime after 1:05PM) our Conductor made an
announcement I’ve never experienced before in all my decades of riding Amtrak.
Announcing that our train had now been Cancelled and would be going no further than
Salem! Due to electrical Gremlins, two stops north of our final destination
Eugene.
Our Conductor said
He’d be passing thru the train to take a roll call of those remaining and that
a bus was on it’s way to transport us to our final destination in 20-25mins.
Then the same female
Café worker made a further announcement saying we could take whatever food we
wanted from the Diner Car since it would have to be thrown away that evening.
But this didn’t include any Alcohol…
The Conductor who
handled the whole procedure remarkably well in a calm, firm but polite manner
told me that yes, I’d make my Link Lane Shuttlebus connection from Eugene to
Florence before escorting me off the train and into the adjacent Salem train
station.
Then another Amtrak
employee escorted me outside to stand against a concrete wall to line-up for
boarding the soon arriving bus.
Next a friendly
female employee asked for everybody to wait to allow the visually impaired
rider to board first. As She guided me up the bus’s multiple steps and into a
front row seat. Before our bus filled up and off we went on the Highway south
to Albany and then finally Eugene, arriving at 3:12PM approx. Or roughly an
hour and one-half after our trains scheduled arrival. With the bus ride taking
approx. 1Hr 45mins…
Did the ‘Ol college
try at the train’s ‘lil Boys room before another friendly female Amtrak agent escorted
me outside. Taking my suitcase for Mwah, and placing me underneath the
building’s overhang to be out of the rain while waiting approx. 20mins for the
Shuttlebus to arrive.
Then the man standing
to my right with His wife offered to load my suitcase aboard the Shuttlebus.
While it’s driver, the famous Jethro’ sat motionless, didn’t budge a muscle or
even call out the Shuttle to me! Presumably the only Blind person who utilizes
it? Although perhaps He thought I was traveling with the others?
This kind man also
helped me aboard, with His wife directing me to an empty seat, while He told
Jethro He had one more bag to load…
And then this same,
kind, Good Samaritan repeated the process for me when we arrived at our
destination in Bumfuddle’ Florence, where I awaited the local taxi to pick me
up and complete the day’s arduous journey!
Amtrak subsequently
sent us an email apology for any inconvenience. And then sent us a travel
voucher for a future train trip , which I didn’t even ask for. Since All I’d
cared about was catching the day’s final Shuttle which I did; so No Harm, No
Foul as far as I was concerned…
And we didn’t even
get delayed or detoured when riding the Shuttlebus. Even though we did pass a
car that had crashed into a roadside ditch on our way home!
As that’s another typical adventure for Mwah, which it amazes me that I always make All of my connections and get back home with the assistance of kind strangers. As I really enjoy riding the train, and dearly Hope there won’t be any Staff reductions or loss of service in the future!
An upright, mobile Tomaso poses with a brace ‘O
Prancing Horses. (The Tomaso Collection)
What do you mean, I can’t take my Easter Basket
thru Security?
Yeah, as I’m surrounded to the tranquil sounds
of a chainsaw, Timber! Hopefully just “pruning” the bushes? As I prefer my
shade trees, Numbskulls! And in lieu of hunting for chocolate Bunnies,
Marshmallow Peeps, Jellybeans, etc. I thought I’d serenade Y’all with this
Easter tale of woe. Or should that be Lake woebegone?
This March I went to Arizona, being the first
time I’ve flown on a Big ‘Ol Jetliner post Open Heart surgery, for which I was
somewhat apprehensive over going thru security now with “metal” in my body. As
not only do I have a mechanical heart valve, to which I have zero clue over
it’s materials composition, but supposedly also carry stainless steel “bailing”
wire around my sternum that was cut in half…
SO I asked the friendly Check-in Agent, who
breezily said to tell TSA when I got to security. Then I awaited my “Chariot”,
Err wheelchair to take me to my Gate. Since I’ve long since given up “fighting”
over going by wheelchair thru crowded airports, which really is the easiest way
for all involved.
Thus, a very no-nonsense, curt, All business
woman briskly pushed me to my Gate, first going thru security. As I repeated my
inquiry about my heart valve when handing my ticket and ID to the first
security worker, who once again just said tell TSA.
Now in years past, after I’ve removed my shoes,
put them, my folding white cane, backpack, etc. into the bins for screening,
I’ve always been allowed to walk thru the X-Ray machine with the assistance of
a TSA worker guiding me thru by taking my hand. Yet little did I know this
wouldn’t be an option on this trip! For which I wasn’t even asked about, or
given the option. Which I must say I found disconcerting…
But first I had to deal with the woman
assisting me, who was very gruff and apparently didn’t understand what being
Blind means? Curtly telling me to put my boots in the bin, on the table. Uhm,
Hello? Do you realize I’m Freakin’ blind and cannot see the table or bin
sister! As the “fun” was only beginning!
Little did I know that I’d be receiving a full
body pat-down. With the TSA security worker explaining how He would be running
the back of His hand in a horizontal and vertical motion over my groin and
buttocks, Swell! After telling me to raise my arms up and hold them like
somebody on a cross. Hey, after all the Easter Bunny does make Her yearly
appearance today, Righto?
Telling me I could remain seated in the
wheelchair, but to hold my arms up as He ran His hands over them, before
patting down both the front and back of my torso, beginning with my backside…
Before He got to my buttocks, He inserted His fingers
inside my jeans waistband. Yo Dude, you’re getting a Wee bitamyte’ Frisky! Before
asking me to slide to the right and left of the chair, and raise my buttocks
into the air for Him. As I lifted one butt cheek at a time, before it was time
for my frontal lobotomy, Err probe of my groin, Ooh la lah! Before He
thoroughly patted down my legs to my ankles on both sides, with All of this
“screening” occurring in full public view, since I’d declined the “privacy”
screening…
And as I sat there being frisked, I suddenly
realized that I’d brought my metal Hiking water bottle fully filled. Musing to
myself kiss that goodbye! Before a female security agent pleasantly asked if
I’d like Her to empty it for me? Yes, that would be wonderful, after She’d
inquired if I had water inside it? Not only putting it back into the plastic
bag I had it in, to prevent having a wet backpack. But also put the twisty
“zip-tie” back on it…
Then my friendly wheelchair attendant, HaHa!
Told me to put on my boot, which you guessed it, were on the table, Sigh! And
then just pushed me to my Gate, said it’s right in front of you and simply
walked off without saying a word.
Parked at my Gate a half hour before boarding,
suddenly Southwest Airlines made a Gate change announcement for my flight, as
my waiting area simply became a Ghost town with me being the only person left
there in my forlorn wheelchair, WTF? Wondering if somebody was going to
“collect” me? But nothing happened…
As I started to get a little bit concerned
after they’d made the second Gate change announcement for my flight and I still
sat alone. Hearing what sounded like an Airport worker nearby, I unfolded my
cane and prudently called out to this
lone man in the concourse. Hearing His walkie talkie squawking “Airport-speak”,
asking if He worked here? Who then summoned somebody to come get me, take me to
the new Gate, which thankfully I made my flight!
Ah Contrair, the
fun’s just beginning, as that was only round one of going thru security.
And it’s funny, Haha?
How each airport does their security screening. Since in Phoenix I didn’t
bother to remove my portable CD player from my backpack. Hey, everybody still
uses those, Righto? But Gee Wally! My backpack made it fine thru the x-ray
machine without removing it, which I’d done in Seattle…
Yep, you guessed it.
Once again, I got to be up close ‘n personal with a TSA security agent for
another wheelchair pat-down. Although I had zero clue that this would be an
enhanced full body pat-down! Being the youngest of the three wheelchair bound
travelers; with a woman who was 81 and a man 72, I just sat there parked alone
for several minutes.
Then two agents
approached me and asked if I had anything to declare? Telling them about my
heart valve and bailing wire, they asked if I was able to stand for 4-7mins?
Standing upright,
once again I got to spread my arms like being on a cross. Before the one man
said I could put them down after He’d seen my one hand shaking apparently?
After they’d been thoroughly patted down.
Now, not only did I
get to have my buttocks and groin patted down with the backs of His palms. But
this time they had me give myself a “wedgie!” Asking me to pull my jeans
waistband up as high as it would go and then hold it there!
Yet first I needed to
remove the empty plastic produce bag I’d forgotten was in my rear pants pocket.
With the agent asking if I could remove it for Him please. Which He handed back
to me later…
As I hiked up my
jeans, holding them by the empty belt loop on each side, once again a hand
slipped inside my waistband front and back. And then He asked me if I could
spread my legs? A little further, please…
As the second man
then instructed the one patting me down, where to thoroughly frisk me. Making me guess He must
have been in training? He lightly “caressed” the insides of my groin down to my
ankles before I could put my legs back together. Then said I could get back
into the wheelchair, before my much friendlier male wheelchair attendant
collected me.
Putting on my boots,
the other male wheelchair bound member of our trio, who’d apparently watched
these proceedings bemusedly proclaimed
to Mwah afterwards: My Gawd, I didn’t know I was traveling with Osama Bin
laden!
Having watched the
TSA agent search every inch of my body from neck to toes front and back
thoroughly!
And that’s just a
“small” flavour of some of my Blind travel Hijinx
As just don’t Call me
Shirley! Roger-Roger. Guess I picked a Bad day to Quit sniffing Glue, Hya!
Although these Prototype “Horses” ran far faster
than Seabiscuit…
Having tuned into nearly 15 hours of this
year’s Rolex 24. I’m reminded of how far IMSA has come from it’s initial GTP
era. Which I suppose you could say that Dan Gurney’s All conquering Eagle MKIII
“Four-banger” prototype killed…
Following reading Laura Hillenbrand’s most
excellent book Seabiscuit: An American Legacy last December, which I chronicled
in the following No Fender tome.
http://www.nofenders.net/2025/01/when-horse-outweighed-horsepower.html
This shot me down another Wabbit’ Hole
regarding my one and only visit to Del Mar’s 1.6-mile temporary “Stadium” race
course. Which I only have two vague memories of now. That being those Jaguar
XJR-10’s turbo chirpiness! And taking a picture of that beautiful looking gold
and white Miller Highlife Busby Racing BFGoodrich Porsche 962.
Comparing ‘n contrasting the 1989 Del Mar race
held in the Fairgrounds parking lot vs. the upcoming 12 Hours of Sebring’s IMSA
GTP field sees virtually the same number of GTP entries; 14 vs. 13 Also being a
split of normally aspirated and turbocharged motors. With eight Camel Lights
vs. a dozen or less LMP2 entrants.
Yet I suppose you could say the stakes are
higher today, with virtually no privateer entries. Just the lone $2.9m Proton
Competition customer Porsche 963 vs. six customer entries Wayback’ when…
Camel
Grand Prix of Southern California
IMSA GT Championship
Date: October 22, 1989
Duration: 2 Hours
Round 20 of 20
Entrants
Porsche 962C; (4) Spice SE89P; (4) Jaguar
XJR-10; (2) Nissan GTP ZX-T; (2) 1 All American Racers Eagle HF89 (1) and one unheard of ALBA AR9 Buick = 14 total
GTP entries, with a further eight Lights Prototypes in the “mix” = 22 total
entries
Race Highlights
The race was broadcast on ESPN with Bruce
Flanders and John Morton in the Booth. Whilst it was funny hearing Chris Economaki
trying to make something out of nothing over the young Wayne Taylor’s “Shock”
pole position during the pre-race preamble. As Economaki couldn’t get Geoff
Brabham to bite, with the Aussie’ saying He wasn’t surprised at all by the
Spice’s being on the front row…
(Chris Economaki and Ralph Sheheen were the Pit
reporters)
Taylor, then 33yrs old, claimed pole with His Spice
SE89P Pontiac Firebird 5.4-litre V-8. While Bob Earl aboard a Spice SE89P with a
6.0-litre Chevrolet V-8 lined up alongside Taylor, seeing Spice lock-out the
front row.
Spice Engineering ran two of it’s Factory SE89P
Pontiac Firebird racecars for the aforementioned Wayne Taylor, in the No. 34.
Who was apparently paired with Scott Atchison, albeit no idea if the latter
actually raced? As Taylor led from the “Get go” for the first 22-laps? Before
Earl passed Him for the lead. Before Taylor’s Pontiac Done Blown Up! As ‘Ol
Hobbo’, nee HobsCapp’, aka David Hobbs would say…
The Seester’ #33 Spice Engineering entry was
driven by Costas Los, Say Who? Retiring on lap-69 due to an accident.
Jeff Kline drove a “Ex Works” Koll Motorsports
privateer Spice Pontiac entry, finishing an unheralded P16.
Whilst the best of the Spice entries was Bob
Earl, who started second, led for awhile before ultimately finishing third
overall, driving for Jim Miller Racing.
Electramotive Engineering’s All conquering
Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo’s had already ended Porsche’s reign by winning the 1989
IMSA GT Manufacturers Championship with ten wins; six for its No. 83 and four
for its NO. 84. With the driver title up for grabs between Geoff Brabham and
Nissan teammate Chip Robinson.
As Brabham and Robinson had scored six W’s
together, with Brabham netting a further three solo vs. robinson’s one win.
With Robinson leading the points battel 219 to 215 entering Del Mar.
Brabham started third and led late into the
race before erring on the side of caution over a braking issue, finishing
runner-up and claiming the Drivers title. While Robinson’s race had gone up in
“smoke!” Chasing Brabham all race long after starting sixth. Robinson snapped a
driveshaft on lap-59, ending His championship hopes.
Four privateer Porsche 962C’s contested the
race, with a brace of Joest Racing cars entered for Jean-Lous Ricci and Henri
Pescarolo in the #0, and Frank Jelinski in the “Double buckshot”. (#00)
Whilst my Home town Bayside Racing’s No. 86
Panzerwagen with Jochen Mass at its keyboard was the highest finisher in fifth,
one place ahead of the #0 Joest.
The No. 67 Busby Racing Porsche 962C that won
that year’s 24 Hours of Daytona, saw Bob Wollek and John Andretti finishing a
quiet P13. Whilst the “Double Zero” Joest Panzerwagen finished a lowly 20th due
to an accident.
Willy t. Ribbs drove the lone All American
Racers (AAR) Eagle HF89, the team’s and Toyota’s first GTP chassis to a fourth
place finish after starting P4.
Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) ran two Castrol
liveried Jaguar XJR-10’s for Jan Lammers (#60) and Price cobb. (#61)
Lammers who started seventh, quietly worked His
way forwards, before pouncing upon Brabham at Turn-1, the course’s 10/11 turns
best passing opportunity on a late race restart, and with Brabham locking up,
Lammers motored to the chequered flag!
Meanwhile, Cobb, who’d started ahead of Lammers quietly soldiered home in seventh. While the “Mach 5: (#5) totally unknown of DeBlasi Racing’s ALBA AR9 Buick turbo machine finished eighth. Which I’ll try chronicling in another of my countless No Fenders stories…