19B: No Fenders turns the late Justin Wilson’s Car number today

Long ago Justin Wilson “Hero” Card collected during the 2014 Sonoma IndyCar Driver’s Autograph session. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

With no disrespect towards James Jake, Ana Beatriz, Carlos Huertas or whomever else once presumably drove the #19 Dale Coyne Racing entry?

 

as the needle continuously skips upon the scratchy vinyl record on thoust turntable upon Nofendersville, Y’all know the drill…

 

As I hadn’t even contemplated it was the 10 year anniversary of Justin Big Unit Wilson’s passing when I began scribblin’ this. Ah, I love the smell ‘O synchronicity in the Morning! As IndyCar was racing at the Milwaukee Mile on the tenth anniversary of His Death…

 

Justin Wilson: 1978-2015

 

Or that Amazingly, your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso would still be labouriously poondin’ away at Ye ancient Selectric keyboard here at No Fenders! Still merrily creating fresh content for Y’all weekly consumption 19 Gory years later, Aye Karumba!

 

First ‘n foremost, like All the IndyCar drivers do. Its time to thank the Fans for perusing No Fenders and hopefully reading some of my Zany Blog posts the past 12 months, especially All four of my loyal readers! which are lovingly honed with a dull, rusty knife in Tomaso Manor whilst thoust waves crash upon the jagged coastline of Nofendersville Mateys, Shiver Me Timbers!

 

As why does that ‘Ol MacDougals slogan now serving (19 Million) here come to mind again, Hya!

 

Uhm, where to begin another year later, Eh? Suppose I’ll start with the low lying fruit, even though I’m feeling what’s that word Geddy? Oh yeah, Nihilistic over being in a Post IndyCar Season Funk…

 

As we all know, Alex Palou had a magical season this year, aiming for His ninth win of the season at Portland. Where once again I was passing thru via Amtrak on my way north to Warshington’. Before tuning into the race from one of Puget Sound's many Islands.

 

Meanwhile, thee Pinball Wizard’, nee Marc Marquez has systematically decimated the MotoGP grid this year! Having won eight times thru their summer break following Bruno in the Czech Republic, where Marquez secured His fifth consecutive win this season. Catapulting the Spaniard to second overall in career wins, surpassing the legendous’ Giacomo Agostini.

 

Whilst Denis Hauger has pretty much blitzed the Indy Lights, Err NXT field. Winning six times prior to Portland. His only blemish being the collision with Andretti Global teammate Lochi Hughes at Laguna Seca, seeing His points lead evaporate to 32 markers after leading by 93 Me Thinks…

 

Although Hauger secured both the Driver’s and Rookie of the Year Championships with a fine second place at Milwaukee.

 

this year in the life of Tomaso has just Zoom-Zoomed bye-bye again. As no Roger Waters put a log on the fire Jokes here, Hya!

 

Having felt fairly morose when beginning scribbling this. Since I’m forever trying to have new, fresh Blog content ready to upload on No Fenders, even if I promised myself I wouldn’t let Ye Blob’ consume me! Yet after 19 years, ifs become a piece of my daily fabric…

 

Now I could complain about RACER having wrecked its website with its redesign, which if you’ve been reading my eclectic scribbles, Yuhs know they’ve failed to follow WCAG 2.2 guidelines, the foundations of making Web Content Accessible for everyone, i.e.; Blind and Visually Impaired readers…

 

Trying to Follow IndyCar is a Hard Job

 

Or I could grumble about the insane scrutiny I experienced during my first flight post Open Heart surgery, where TSA didn’t give me the option of walking thru the metal detector on my own as in years past…

 

The Perks of being A Blind Traveler

 

Yet how can I righteously complain about any of these “First World” problems when my Government is complicit in the Deaths and Starvation of thousands of people in the Middle East! Where the figure of some 60,000, mainly Women and Children have been killed during this senseless Genocide!

 

Not to mention 373 people, including 134 children; as of September 5th, perishing from famine is incomprehensible! With a Famine just being officially declared, Shit!

 

VIDEO: “Be sure to Wear some Flowers in your Hair”

 

While our Pretender-in-chief Bombastically was busy playing golf in Scotland and presumably stuffing His face with Five Star meals. Not to mention the fabled G7 saying pass the gravy, when civilians were dying hourly from malnutrition! And those in power continue the practices of Colonization in their interests…

 

As what’s that ‘Ol U2 Rattle and Hum song where Bono says “Am I buggin’ you Man? I Don’t mean to bug You, play the Blues Edge!”

 

As the song Silver and Gold is about Apartheid in South Africa, for which currently is occurring in the Middle East! As I Don’t mean to Bug Yuhs…

 

VIDEO: Sover and Gold - live

 

“Imagine there’s No Countries

It isn’t Hard to do

Nothing to Kill or Die for

And No Religion too

 

Imagine All the People

Living for Today

 

Imagine No Possessions

I wonder if you Can

No need for Grief or Hunger

A Brotherhood of Man

 

Imagine All the People

Living life in Peace

 

You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday You’ll join Us

And the World will be as One”

 

VIDEO: A Perfect Circle’s Imagine

 

For those still following along. Thanks to everyone visiting Nofendersville and reading my eclectic scribblings upon No Fenders All these years!

 

Since this Uber' eclectic mix 'N veritable Spin Cycle 'O finely honed Thomason' Tex-Mex Jambalaya of Wordsmithing wouldn't have been possible over thoust numerous seasons without All of the Usual suspects continued yearly support.

 

And like Melody Sheik brilliantly “Sings” in His Symphony of Science Masterpiece from over a Dozen years ago now. As it’ll be just plain weird not having DJ WillyP’ in His ubiquitous No. 12 Team Penske entry next year! But there’s Billions and Billions of Stars, and “We Are All connected”.

 

VIDEO: We Are All Connected

 

Whilst never fear Ladies and Germs’, Your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso is planning on sticking round for awhile. Especially since I’ll be celebrating my milestone 20th Anniversary next September!

 

Arrivederci,

Tomaso

 

Partial song lyrics from: John Lennon’s Imagine. From His second Solo album Imagine, 1971. With the title song “Imagine” peeking at No. 1 in both the UK and USA. 

The most successful Formula 1 Constructor at Le Mans

The 1965 winning Ferrari 250LM on display at the IMS Hall of Fame museum, a very long time ago. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Although this should be Uber’ Obvious!

 

Suppose this is what happens when you’re deep into listening to several hours of le 24 Heurs du Mans on Zed Intrawoods’ via RS1. (Radio Show Ltd, Channel One)

 

Thus I found myself going down another endless Wabbit’ Hole, wondering out loud how many of today’s Formula 1 constructors had also won overall at Le Mans? Which perhaps some of you already know the answer.

 

As it’s a pretty significant 70% “Strike” rate, with only three teams not competing at Circuit de la Sarthe. Although I’m left wondering if one prominent F1 constructor has ever sponsored a winning entry? While arguably, 60% of the current F1 grid has actually won Le Mans.

 

(12) Ferrari: 1949, 1954, 1958, 1960-65, 2023-25

The Prancing Horse’s list of winners reads like a veritable Who’s who? Although not sure that could be said about most of today’s drivers, but who knows, Eh? Since thee Krakow Kid certainly is a “Star”.

 

Luigi Chinetti got the “Ball” rolling, no Hut-Hut Omaha jokes here! For Il Commendatore, nee Enzo Ferrari in 1949, some Gory 76 years ago! Driving the iconic “Red Barchetta”, the evocative Ferrari 166MM. With Chinetti driving an unheard of 23 Hours! While co-driver Peter Michell-Thompson, better known as Lord Selsdon, owner of the Ferrari. Drove for only an hour Sunday morning, around 4:25AM. As it was Chinetti’s third and final victory.

 

1954 saw Doce Argentinians winning for la Scuderia, with El Maestro and El Cabezon victorious. As Five-times F1 World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio needs no introduction! Teamed with Jose Froilan Gonzalez, better known as the Pampas Bull. Who also gave Ferrari its debutante Grand Prix victory at Silverstone in 1951.

 

F1: The British Grand Prix - Now and Then

 

As the Argentine duo were entered in a Ferrari 375+. With another four years passing by, before we get to la Scuderia’s Golden years.

 

In 1958, Olivier Gendebien and Phil Hill won Le Mans aboard a Ferrari 250 TR58. Which would be the first of Gendebien’s eventual four Le Mans victories, while Hill would claim three wins.

 

Driving the front engine Ferrari 250 TR58, the pair won Le Mans for the first of their eventual combined three wins. As not sure why? But in 1960, Gendebien won behind the wheel of a Ferrari 250 TR59/60 with Paul frere, whom I remember better as a longtime contributor to Road & Track.

 

As I now know the answer to this unasked question. Ironically Hill was paired with Wolfgang von Trips in one of that year’s five Ferrari’s. With both von Trips and Ludovico Scarfiotti running out of fuel on lap-22 on-track. While eventual winner Gendebien also ran out of petrol, but was able to coast into the pits, Momma Mia!

 

Next, Gendebien reunited with Phil Hill for the pair’s second victory at Circuit de la Sarthe in 1961. Behind the keyboard of the aging, or should that be ageless? Ferrari 250 TRI/61.

 

For 1962, Gendebien and Hill won for the third time together, with Gendebien becoming the first ever four times winner. Driving a Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Spyder, the final front engine winner at Le Mans.

 

While I just learned that the “I” designation in TRI stands for “Indipendente”, for independent rear suspension. As TR stands for Testa Rossa, arguably some of la Scuderia’s most beautiful racecars!

 

This Le Mans specific 330 TRI/LM Spyder began life as a 250 TRI/60 Fantuzzi Spyder. Being rebuilt twice after wrecks in the Targa Florio, along with contesting the 1960-61 24 Heurs du Mans.

 

Then regulations allowed Ferrari to rebuild the car into its final configuration with a larger 4.0-litre normally aspirated V-12 and new bodywork. Which obviously was a different era for racecars…

 

1963 featured the first rear engine winner, the Ferrari 250P piloted by Lorenzo Bandini and Ludovico Scarfiotti. With Jean Guichet and Mino Baccarella winning behind the wheel of an “enlarged” 3.3-litre v-12 Ferrari 275P the following year.

 

Then for 1965, Ferrari won for the sixth year in-a-row thanks to the largely unexpected triumph of the privateer North American Racing Team’s (N.A.R.T.) Ferrari 250LM. Driven primarily by Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt. Along with the unrecognized Ed Hugus.

 

As I won’t even bother trying to explain the controversy surrounding the 250LM and Enzo not getting His way with Homologation! With Scuderia Ferrari racing at Le Mans until 1973, when they quit Sports car racing.

 

Arse-suming Y’all know the story behind Ferrari’s current 499P, which carry’s the Nos. 50-51 in deference to it being a half century since the last factory entry at Le Mans. As the 499P is built to the Le Mans Hypercar regulations, with two Werks’ entries, plus a third “customer” entry contesting the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

While the 499P shares the same 296 GTB 3.0-liter V-6 twin turbos architecture. It is a fully stressed member in the 499P Prototype. And its front axle electric motors generates an additional 268bhp, give the racecar semi-permanent All Wheel Drive.

 

Debuting at Sebring in 2023, the 499P was victorious at that year’s Centenary edition of the 24 Heurs du Mans. With the No. 51 of Antonio Giovinazzi, Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado ending Toyota’s five year win streak.

 

Ferrari repeated at Le Mans the following year, this time with the Seester Factory entry #50 of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nickolas Nielsen. While AF Corse introduced the third “customer” 499P with Robert Kubica, Robert Shwartzman and Yifei Ye. With the No. 83 winning the Lone Star Le Mans race at Circuit Of The Americas. (COTA)

 

This June, Ferrari completed a Hat trick of Le Mans victories, this time with the customer No. 83 entry of Kubica, Ye and Phil Hanson. Bringing the Prancing Horse’s Le Mans win tally to twelve, one behind Audi. (13) As Audi ranks second overall, while Porsche leads the way with an astounding 19 Le Mans victories!

Some Eye Candy outside the Penske Racing Museum

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. 

Alex Palou’s “Magical” season

As we All know Alex’s favourite word Amazing, Righto?

 

Although must say I was tempted to go with Magic Carpet Ride, Magical Mystery Tour or Magic Bus for my title to this riveting No Fenders prose.

 

Every week Palou, and 26 other drivers get in the Queue. “Too much Magic Bus”. Thank you Cheep’ for getting me Here. “Too much Magic Bus”. Your being Watched by the other Team Owners Have No Fear. “too much magic Bus” No! You cannot buy it Zak Brown!

 

Thanks to Racer’s website redesign which isn’t conducive to screen readers! If Y’all haven’t noticed, I’ve sort of tuned-out from IndyCar, Sports Cars and Der Weurld de Motorsporten lately, Ja-Ja!

 

As I hadn’t even listened to any of Marshall Pruett’s podcasts in over a month’s time, i.e.; sometime before this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans. As its just plain wrong that its been over two months now without being able to read Racer’s website, but I digress. And yes, I have contacted them about this matter…

 

Returning to the “Fold”, I tuned into Pruett’s The Week in IndyCar July 15th podcast, and was entertained as always with Marshall’s insight. Not to mention enjoying His enthusiasm for the sport. Since after all He should be quite the Jaded Motorsports reporter by now.

 

According to Marshall there were only four drivers ever in the history of IndyCar to win seven or more races in a season, for which I beg to differ after briefly reading a Sportskeeda article.

 

Although I fell Afoul to trying to read the article too quickly, and mistakingly gave Mikey A’ an extra W’ and podium that year, initially…

 

As Marshall just enthused over how “Amazing” Palou’s season is this year, having claimed then seven of the season’s first twelve races prior to Toronto. As Marshall just laughed in giddy, astonishing are you Freakin’ kiddin’ me uproarious laughter!

 

Whilst a rare “Strategery” mistake saw Palou miss out upon possible victory Up North eh!

 

Leaving me wanting to know who the other three drivers were? As Marshall only divulged what I thought was the latest driver to do so, for which I saw win one of His eight races Wayback in 1994 at Portland International Raceway. As ’94 was the year that ‘lil Al and Team Penske decimated CART! As Al Unser Jr. won eight times including that year’s Indianapolis 500 with the “Unfair Advantage” of the “Stock Block” Mercedes. And Penske drivers finishing 1-2-3 overall, with a total of 12 wins out of 16 races! With Emmerson Fittipaldi winning once and Paul Tracy three times; finishing second and third respectively.

 

Of course I could only guess one other drivers name, being the first ever to accomplish this feat, which Y’all may be able to guess? But I’m getting ahead of myself since we’re going in reverse order, due to total number of wins in a single IndyCar season, i.e.; lowest to highest, according to Sportskeeda’s Five IndyCar Drivers with Most Wins in A Season.

 

I also saw the second most recent driver to accomplish this feat, ditto at Portland. Where I have to say that Mikey A’ was the scourge ‘O Portland since I was then a ‘lil Al fan…

 

Michael Andretti tied His father’s feat of winning eight races during His lone championship winning 1991 season. Claiming a total of 11 podiums and eight poles during the 17 race season.

 

As that tally doesn’t include His winning the Marlboro Challenge event at Laguna Seca from pole. Seeing Michael win a total of nine IndyCar races that season.

 

As I actually saw a quarter of both Al Unser Jr’s and Michael’s wins those two championship seasons. Having also attended the Molson Indy Vancouver races Up North Eh!

 

SuperMario’, nee Mario Andretti won nine races in 1969. Arguably His best IndyCar season due to winning that year’s Indianapolis 500 for Andy Granatelli in the legendary Brawer Hawk.

 

And then the top two of this very exclusive category are also tied with an unbelievable 10 wins in a single season. For which I’d Arse-sume Y’all would guess ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. Righto? But can you name the other driver?

 

Yep, Big Al’ tied Foyt’s record in 1970 aboard arguably one of the most beautiful liveries of All-time. Driving the Johnny Lightning Special PJ Colt of Vels Parnelli Jones Racing. Which included the first of Al Unser Snr’s eventual four Indianapolis 500 victories. Along with back-to-back Indy 500 wins in 1970-71.

 

While A.J. Foyt needs no introduction, arguably thee GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) IndyCar drivers who naturally set the record first, and the bar ultra high! Winning ten times in 1964, including that year’s Indianapolis 500. Foyt won 10 of 13 races that season, with only three DNF’s due to mechanical failures.

 

Ah, I love Zed Intrawoods’, since when I Googled most IndyCar wins in a season a second time, naturally I got a completely different answer. With Autoweek proclaiming there’s actually nine drivers to have won seven IndyCar races in a season. As why wouldn’t we expect both Foyt and Mario Andretti to have accomplished this more than once in their stellar IndyCar careers, Eh?

 

As Foyt also claimed seven wins in 1975, while Mario captured eight wins back-to-back, between 1966-67.

 

And then Thars’ a proverbial logjam at drivers with eight wins in a season, for which we already know about ‘lil Al and Mikey A’. But how could I overlook le Hamburgular’, aka Sealmeister B’, aka SeaBass’ or simply Sebastien Bourdais? As the master of Champ car won eight times in the series final season of 2007. Which naturally I can say, once again I saw Him win at Portland that year much to my chagrin. Being a loyal Justin Big Unit’ Wilson fan!

 

And how could Marshall forget His Buddy “French Fry?” As I do miss those Pruett and Bourdais wacky weekend race videos…

 

Then naturally who would know that Tony Bettenhausen also claimed eight wins during the 1951 season? Giving us four drivers in this rarefied domain. Before Palou joined this club with another crushing victory at Laguna Seca. Leading 84 of 95 laps enroute to His third win in four years at Monterey!

 

While we have to go all the way back to over a decade ago to Gory 1922, when Jimmy Murphy won seven races that season, including that year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile International Sweepstakes race.

 

While I’d have to say that Murphy’s accomplishment is probably the most impressive, since some of these wins came upon the diabolical Board tracks of the Day!

 

As my foggy memory said that the long defunct Tacoma Speedway Board track was part of that year’s AAA National Championship. Which indeed, Murphy began the fourth ‘O July Montemarathon 250 from pole, with arch nemesis Tommy Milton winning the race.

 

Yet I love Pruett’s enthusiasm for what Alex Palou has done this season. Making me want to “See” Alex get to at least eight wins this year, Mission Accomplished! Which puts Him into very “Heady company. Although like Marshall says, I don’t feel Palou is one of the sport’s “Great” IndyCar Drivers yet! And certainly not in Scott Dixon territory, whom with the second most IndyCar titles and wins, doesn’t even make this list of nine drivers, Crikeys!

 

Nine IndyCar Legends with the Most Wins in a Single Season

 

Can Palou win His ninth race of the season at Portland, where He’s won twice before? As you’ve gotta love Alex’s attitude when interviewed in victory lane about going for more wins? For Sure He bluntly stated!

 

My witty Magic Carpet Ride lyrical “Ditty” was inspired by The Who’s 1968 Magic Bus song. Which No, you still cannot buy it Zak! 

What Home Court Advantage?

As betcha Y’all thought I was talking about the Oakie Dokey thunder, EH?

 

Following the Indianapolis 500 a week later on the bumpy, lumpy, concrete canyon of the series shortest circuit on the Downtown streets of Detroit. A 1.645-mile, nine turn temporary street circuit always feels a Wee Bitamyte’ anti-climatic to Mwah. Although Thar was certainly action ah-Plenty!

 

Tuning into IMSA Radio Saturday, following IndyCar qualifying. I was bemused hearing John Hindhaugh announce the Noah’s Arc two-by-two lineup of the first three rows of the IMSA GTP prototype machinery. Being under the shadow of General Motors World HQ at the Renaissance Center, the two Acura’s locked out the front row. Followed by the two BMW’s and two Porsches. With the highest placed Cadillac being Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken’s No. 31 Whelen Engineering mount in seventh. With the two Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) Cadd-Oh-laccs’ in formation behind Aitken.

 

Yet the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic, the weekend’s first race, the 100 minutes (1hr 40mins) “Sprint” race certainly was spicy enough! As it looked like Porsche Penske Motorsport had played the Overcut strategy perfectly to get the GTP prototypes points leading No. 7 tandem of Nick Tandy, who’d handed off to Felipe Nasr once again into the lead. Seemingly enroute to it’s fourth victory of the series first five races. With it’s Seester’ No. 6 Posche 963 having won last time out at Laguna Seca…

 

Yet just south of fifteen minutes remaining, Ricky Taylor in the WTR Cadillac V-Series.R gave Nasr a solid Hip-check in Turn-3, the exact same turn Ricky had made the past last year to win aboard their Acura ARX-06 racecar…

 

Taylor’s Bump ‘n Run was devastating for Nasr, relegated to fourth place. With both Mathieu Jaminet’s#6 Porsche 963 and Renger van der Zande in the pole sitting Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) #93 passing the hapless Brazilian. As race control reviewed Ricky’s Bump ‘n run, but ruled no further action, with Hindhaugh saying you know that will now be in the back of Renger’s mind…

 

With some five minutes remaining, van der Zande made a brilliantly clean pass upon Taylor into Turn-1 for the lead, and went onto win! Breaking Porsche’s winning streak, along with being the first pole sitter, won by Nick Yelloly to win in 16 races. With Taylor coming home second, and Jaminet and Nasr in third and fourth respectively.

 

Meanwhile the GTD Pro “supporting” class was Hammers ‘n Tongs between Roxy, the pink AO Racing Dinosaur Porsche 911 and Pratt & Miller Corvette Z06 GT3.R swapping paint multiple times. Not to mention the Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 playing Argie Bargie’.

 

But it was the pole sitting Multimatic Ford Mustang No. 64 of Sebastian Priaulx and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller winning, not to mention that the two Ford Darkhorse Mustang’s had locked out the front row on Chevrolet’s playground. While the No. 3 Factory Corvette of Alex Simms and Antonio Garcia finished second, with the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan claiming the podium’s final step.

 

Sunday’s Headlining Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix IndyCar race saw Andretti Global’s #26 Honda of Colton Herta on pole, with teammate Kyle Kirkwood third. While A.J. Foyt Enterprises David Malukas’s Dallara Chevrolet was the meat in the Andretti Global sandwich.

 

And although the race started clean, there was pitstop strategy, multiple cautions and even one red flag to keep us on the edge’s of our seats! As the scariest accident was when Louis Foster’s Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s front right suspension simply folded up upon itself on the high speed straight! With Foster simply being a passenger, which also collected Felix Rosenqvist’s MSR Honda.

 

Meanwhile, runaway points leader Alex Palou was heard saying sarcastically Great! Over His in-car radio after Malukas had centerpunched the Spaniard on a race restart! Ultimately seeing Palou listed P25 and His whopping points lead of 115 markers trimmed to 78-points over Kirkwood.

 

And although I was happy for Kirkwood winning, His fourth IndyCar career win, all coming on street circuits to date. I was more intrigued over Birthday Boy Santino Ferrucci hanging onto second place, with both Herta and Will Power giving chase.

 

Yet the Great Santini held onto the finish to capture His career best IndyCar result, surpassing His best of third place in the 2023 Indianapolis 500. Having just turned 27 the day before, which He celebrated by having a steak dinner…

 

Thus, since the race has returned to the Downtown Streets of Detroit in 2023, Honda has won all three IndyCar races. While their Seester’ luxury brand Acura has swept the Sports Car Classic race. Seeing Honda Racing winning All five events on GM’s home court!

 

Now much of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship paddock will be off to Circuit de la Sarthe, for the June 14-15 running of this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans, while IndyCar will be hosting its first night oval race at Gateway the same weekend. Meaning that half of the year is already over, Yikes

 Update

Although the IndyCar Radio Network Booth Boyz’ Mark Gravelly’ James and Davey Hamilton were cornfuzed by apparently two different monitors giving conflicting results. One with Pato O’Ward second and the other with Kyle Kirkwood P2, they went with Kirkwood being second 78 markers adrift, which I just took for granted.

 

Yet now having looked at IndyCar’s championship standings, it lists the following. Alex Palou leads with 311 points, followed by O’Ward 90 points behind. (221 points) Kirkwood sits third, 102 behind. (209 points) Christian Lundgaard is fourth, 106 behind, (205 points( and Will Power rounds out the top five, 136 behind. (175 points)

 

Also following Detroit, during post race technical inspection, the second place No. 14 of Santino Ferrucci was afoul of the Driver’s minimum weight equivalency of 185lbs, although the chassis was 10lbs over it’s minimum weight requirement. Thus, both Ferrucci and A.J. Foyt enterprises No. 14 entry were docked 25 points, and a $25,000 fine. Along with forfeiting the second place prize money, points and bonus points for leading laps, but get to keep their second place finish.

INDY 500 Race Day prediction

Will Felix Rosenqvis’ts “Life change today, Tears of Joy on His Face and With Arms Wide Open” driving this Creed racecar?  (The Tomaso Collection

 

As who besides Hulio’ and Schlick’ will be making History today?

 

It’s what all of us lowly, basement dwelling Bloggers and Bench Racers do each and every year…

 

As once again I found myself choosing who my pool of Indianapolis 500 winners were following the Alabama IndyCar race, and prior to the Indy road course outing. For which I could only come up with the following ten names.

 

Andretti Global: Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson; Arrow McLaren: Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard; Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon and Alex Palou; Ed Carpenter Racing: Alexander Rossi and Team Penske: Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin and Will Power. As those are the ten true Contendahs’ for Mwah, prior to Fast Friday.

 

Although I’d have to say that Herta’s chances took a major dent with that frightening Qualifying Day crash!

 

This  year seems to be the least prepared, least excited I’ve been about the Indianapolis 500 in years, albeit perhaps I say that every year I get older, Eh? I said speak up Sonny, Hya!

 

Don’t take any stock in the Open test from April, other than as Soctt Dixon eluded to, this year’s debut of the much dreaded Hybrid Energy Recovery system (ERS) is a definite wildcard. Especially since we don’t know how it will fare over 200 laps of repeated use…

 

Whom shalt thoust  Lady Luck, Err Mother Speedway choose today to drink milk in victory lane? Uhm ride the victory elevator to the stage high above the adoring crowd, for everyone to see in rapture, having just won the 109th running of this year’s Indianapolis 500…

 

My top Cinderella story pick is thee great Santini’, ergo Santino Ferrucci winning in the No. 14 and ‘Ol SuperTex’, nee A.J. Foyt celebrating victory again!

 

My second choice is Felix-the-Cat’, (Rosenqvist) as Hulio’s Cactus, and Ain’t gonna win number five, so put a Fork in it!

 

Initially, my third sentimental pick was Taku-san’, nee Takuma Sato becoming a three times winner. But I’ve changed that to Alexander Rossi, who I think desperately needs a second win at Mother Speedway to secure His place as a great IndyCar driver, who’s career appears to be on a down glide scope. Then again, you could say ditto for Marcus Ericsson, Eh?

 

Whilst don’t know why, but before practice started Tuesday, my initial pick for winner was Scott Dixon. Who I think is definitely flying underneath the radar this year, especially with that No. 10 teammate of His winning everything in site! And I still felt this way prior to Friday’s Carb Day final practice session. Even if Palou was fastest during Monday’s post qualifying practice session.

 

Will Power seems to be another stout choice, while forget All of the chatter over Josef Schlick’ Newgarden winning three consecutive races, which Ain’t gona happen!

 

All of which was before Sunday’s Attenuator Gate Shenanigans!

 

Had to go Wayback’ for the following statistics. As of the 2008 Reunification, only three Indy 500 pole winners have won the race: Scott Dixon, 2008; Helio Castroneves, 2009 and Simon Pagenaud, 2019. And only one rookie has won on debut, i.e.; Alexander Rossi in 2016.

 

Whilst No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’ told me that 23 of the last 25 winners have come from just four teams, i.e.; Andretti Global, Chip Ganassi Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and obviously, Team Penske.

 

Bryan Herta Autosport, 2011 with Dan Wheldon and KV Racing Technology in 2013 with Tony Kanaan are the only non “big four” team winners. Meaning the deck’s stacked upon the field once again this year, Sigh!

 

As suppose I wasn’t going out on a limb predicting that pole would be between Alex Palou and Scott Mclaughlin on Saturday Night. With my nod going to ScottyMac’ in the “Yellow Submarine”. Although that means the Odds are against Him winning…

 

Of course that was before I learned that ScottyMac’ had destroyed His primary car during the Fast Twelve morning’s practice with No possibility of getting the backup chassis prepared in time, Youch!

 

Then there were the two savage crashes of Colton Herta and Marcus Armstrong on Saturday! Plus Takuma Sato destroying His Dallara DW12’s tub during the Open test. Along with Kyffin Simpson trashing His racecar and going airborne during Fast Friday practice! All before we get to the Penske Attenuator Cheating scandal; Can Y’all say gorilla Glue?

 

Sato impressed as Always in Qualie’. As Nicky Salt’ Yeoman quipped during the Fast Twelve Shootout He was convinced that Taku-san’ could qualify a Shopping Cart! As Sato rolls off P2 Sunday.

 

Can Y’all tell I’m stalling? Since I’m struggling over my pick between my Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato Who? As Patricio O’Ward’s interview following the Fast Twelve Shootout just made me smile over His trying to explain the euphoric feeling of satisfaction of driving these Narly racecars!

 

Verses my head telling me still Scott Dixon who starts fourth, even though I obviously prefer O’Ward starting third, His best Indy 500 qualifying result. I just don’t know how many times you can be the Bridesmaid before winning?

 

And surely Alex Palou will factor into the conversation, while I’d guess you have to say Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) is a Dark Horse pick.

 

Ok, even though I think it’s gonna be Dixon, I’ll choose my main man Pato O’ward as the winner of this year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

(Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’) 

INDY 500: Searchin’ Far and Wide

Now if I could only find me a decent Tenderloin sandwich to go with my Chips, and something to Drink! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As the yearly Hunt for the perfect, Classic Jumbo Tenderloin Rolls On…

 

Every May, the Media likes to Salt ‘N Pepper us with stories of People’s yearly Indianapolis 500 traditions, since after all it’s the Gurr-Reatest’ Something Ruther…

 

And although I can No longer recall if I’ve ever Had one? Since I only remember paying $9.00 for a Steak Sandwich during the 2006 USGP Formula 1 race instead, but I digress…

 

Thus for over a Decade Now, I’ve lived vicariously thru the written and spoken word  of one such person with the tradition of Hunting for the elusive, perfect Classic Jumbo Tenderloin Sandwich at Mother Speedway every May! For which this ‘lil Ditty’s in regards to and Good Hunting!

 

Testing Testing, 1-2, 1-2, Is this Thingy’ On?

 

“The Searcher”

I looked Under Stand J

I looked Behind the Museum

I Asked around the Pagoda

But They couldn’t Help Me either

 

They Call Me The Searcher

I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide

I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For

Until I’m Trackside

 

I Asked Doug Boles

I Asked Mark Miles

I Asked Jay Frye

But He Couldn’t  Help Me either

 

They Call Me The Searcher

I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide

I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For

Until I’m Trackside

 

People ten to Scoff at Me

They Think I’m Crazy lookin’ for the perfect Tenderloin

Always interrupting Me to Say Hi George

When I’m putting Mustard on my Bun

 

Finding A Classic Tenderloin

I’ve been Searchin’ for Miles

 

Because I’m The Searcher

And I want A Real Tenderloin

 

And I Won’t Get to Get What I’m After

Until I’m trackside

 

I’ve learned Not to Stop at the First concession Stand

But Yeah look at My Face, Ain’t that A Smile

 

I’m Happy when I’ve found My Classic Tenderloin

Cause I’ve Got Values and I Won’t be Denied

 

I’m lookin’ for Mine

You’re lookin’ for Yours

We’re Both lookin’ together, But we don’t Know where to Turn!

 

They Call Me The Searcher

I’ve been Searchin’ Far and Wide

I Won’t Get to Taste what I Came For

Even if they’re now Twelve Dollars and 50 cents

Until I’m Trackside!

 

This Lyrical Prose was Shamelessly inspired by The Who’s The Seeker song, which Y’all can listen to in the Youtube link below…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAbzlj3nf4E

 

(Originally written by Tomaso on May 15, 2022. Updated on May 16, 2024)