NASCAR Invades San Diego

Although three other racing series beat them Thar’, Boy Howdy!

 

Unfortunately, this weekend’s NASCAR race is on Amazon Prime, meaning we won’t get to hear Mike Joy pontificating over NASCAR being the first series to race at a San Diego Naval Base. After all, wasn’t it Joy who proclaimed that NASCAR invented the SAFER Barrier, Oh Never Mind!

 

NASCAR is hosting its inaugural Street Race this June 21st at Naval Air Station (NAS) Coronado, part of San Diego’s active Naval base. Since originally, the Naval Training Center (NTC) was built in the early 1920’s before finally being closed in 1997.

 

Yet in 2000, the SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am Series hosted a race on a 1.65 mile, 14 Turns racecourse upon the streets of the Naval Training Center.

 

What I’ve wondered for awhile, since I first fell down this Wabbit’ Hole in mid-January! Is what’s the distance between the Naval Training Center (NTC) and the Naval Base Coronado (NZY) on North Island?

 

According to Al Gore’s wonderous invention, the All knowing Intrawoods’. As the crow or Seagulls fly is three miles. By car between nine and twelve miles, depending upon starting location.

 

Thus, these two separate entities are very close to one another indeed. And is it just CoInky-dense that NTC closed in 1997 and today’s consolidated Navel Base Coranado; and not the television company, Hya! (NBC) began in 1997, eh?

 

While I’m told that today the remaining NTC infrastructure is known as Liberty Station. With many acres turned into parks and recreation areas, along with housing…

 

As I find it pretty funny that I seem to be one of the extremely few that remembers this previous Trans Am race now over a quarter century ago. While details on the new race were very sketchy when I was tryin’ to stop my mind from wonderin’. (Where it will go?”

 

As Johnny Miller in a Chevrolet Corvette won the 60 lap (99 miles) race held on November 5th, 2000 ahead of Boris Said in a Ford Mustang. Followed by Brian Simo in the Tommy Bahamas Qval DeTomaso Mangusta.

 

Other notable names, or those I recognize from the past include Willy t. Ribbs, Chris Neville, Lou gigliotti, Tony Drissi, Leighton Reese, Stu Hayner, Randy Ruhlman, Michael Lewis and Paul Meatheadz’ Gentilozzi.

 

With a perusal of the 34 car entry grid, with 33 starters revealed the name Linda Pobst, who’s totally unknown to Mwah.

 

Although that last name set off claxon bells , since I remember Randy Pobst being a Bad Arse racer in the long forgotten, defunct North American Touring Car championship. (NATCC) Which He won the second and final championship driving for Honda thirty years ago.

 

Randy Pobst: A legendary Racing Driver

 

Although I wasn’t aware there was a Bruce Qvale, who naturally was entered in a second Qvale Mangusta team entry. Yet retired with zero laps due to ignition failure.

 

While “Bad Boy” Tony Drissi, the 2005 Trans Am Champion was still causing waves in last year’s Trans Am series

 

With the race paying a quaint $18,850 to the winner.

 

San Diego Grand Prix: Naval Training Center, Coranado

 

This year’s three day NASCAR weekend of Trucks, Grand National and Cup takes place on the Coranado Street Course, a 3.4-mile, 19 Turns layout. Having first hosted the Mazda MX-5 Cup series between 2012-2013, followed by Robby Gordon’s Stadium Trucks series in 2014.

 

Two prominent names will be making cameo appearances over the weekend. Having learned that seven times NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson would contest the Trucks and Cup race Wayback’ in February during the Day-Toner’ 500.

 

Whilst only recently stumbling upon the news that Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen will run Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 entry at San Diego. Which has previously run “Wildcard” entries for thee original “Iceman” Kimi Raikkonen, the Gis’, aka Shane van Gisbergen and ‘Ol Dancin’ fool Hulio’, nee Helio Castroneves.

 

Meaning Trackhouse will field four Chevrolet Camaro entries with it’s No. 1 of Ross Chastain, No. 88 for rookie connor Zilisch, and No. 97 for Shane van Gisbergen, plus Magnussen.

 

As it’s all Johnson’s fault! That I learned about the Sand Diego Street race when reading His press release for this year’s Daytona 500. Noting He’d be pulling “Double Duty” in San Diego. Driving the No. 1 Tricom Garage’s Toyota Tundra PickEmUp’ Truck in the inaugural Craftsman Truc Series race. And His No. 84 Legacy Motor Club’s Toy-Yoter’ Camry in the Cup event.

 

While Jimmie’s dream of chauffeuring the fabled “Blue blaster”, Atlas Van Lines Unlimited Hydroplane at last year’s Seafair race got me wonderin’ how far Fiesta Island and Mission Bay are from either the former NTC, or North Island Naval Air Station Coranado?

 

HYDROS: Atlas Van Lines latest Hotschue’

 

Reputedly, Fiesta Island and NAS Coranado are 12-13 miles as the Seagulls flock. Or 14-15 miles by automobile. 

2026 Daytona 500 rewind

As the race Ain’t over until the checkered flag flies…

 

Suppose I should be thanking Liberty Media for moving Formula 1 television coverage to Apple TV this year. As I got quite perturbed over my latest Spectrum bill informing me of a $23 price increase for February, Mutha Fokkers!

 

Vowing to myself upon returning from Arizona, I’d be cancelling my Cable TV! Since after all Spectrum’s motto is: Spectrum, We Care!

 

About our profits. Although the thought of cancelling my long overpriced Cable TV service has felt quite liberating! While I’m really not sure if I want to subscribe to the Apple TV Paywall just for Formula 1?

 

Thus it seems pretty funny that initially, the final racing program I’ll “watch”, Err listen to on Ye boob-tube would be the G-R-R-reat! American Race, ergo the Day-Toner’ 500, since I almost never turn Thy Telie’ on these days. Then again, if I can stomach them? Perhaps one of the first three IndyCar races, but I digress…

 

Although I did tune-in for the entirety of the  St Pete RASSCAR PickEmUp’ Trucks race…

 

Alas, I decided to tune into qualifying Wednesday night for thee Day-Toner’ 500 and was bemused that some College Basketball game knocked Qualie’ from (Sox Sports) FS-1 over to FS-2.

 

Whilst musing to Thyself, Arse-sumedly the older one gets, the more anxious they become? Saying just start the G-Damn Qualifying will Yuhs? As Thar’ were some 15+ minutes of pre-amble, including commercials before the first car took to the track.

 

Whomever was doing the pre-race prattle handed off to Mike Joy, Kevin Harvick and Clint Fisti-cuffs’ Boyer. When it suddenly donned upon Mwah, that I’ve been listening to the soothing sounds of Mike Joy forever. Wonderin’ how old He was?

 

Which took a little “sleuthing” to learn He’s 76 years old, born on Nov 25, 1949. Being born just some nine months after  NASCAR was formed on Feb 21, 1948, Youza!

 

As I think of Joy broadcasting with the Voice of NASCAR’s Ken Squire and Chris Economaki. Along with ‘Ol Hobbo, aka HobbsCap’, ergo David Hobbs as Pit reporter, Youza!

 

As it was funny how many drivers names I’d never heard of, being most impressed by rookie Corey Hein. Who’s the reigning NASCAR Craftsman PickemUp’ Trucks champion. Having won a record 12 races, smashing Greg Biffle’s record of nine wins in 1999.

 

Like I said, since I’m ditching my cable, I went “All In” on Roundy-round this weekend. Thinking the first Day-Toner’ Duels Thursday night also began at 5PM Pacific. So naturally, I was surprised with only eight laps remaining in Duel #1. As it was Hilarious that Casey Mears snuck His way into the race when a last lap Turn-3 crash eliminated Cory Lajoie from Sunday’s Daytona 500.

 

As Mears entry had some dubious history behind its team owner Carl Long. As Long once a driver, was caught with an oversized engine in the 2009 All Star race, with NASCAR throwing the book at Him! Bein fined $200,000, the largest fine to that date! Docked 200 Driver and Team points and suspended for 12 races.

 

NASCAR’s sanctions effectively shut the team down, when Long was unable to pay the fine. Before returning to the NASCAR garage in 2017…

 

Then I, like most people Thursday night, turned off Thy Telie’ after duel #2 thinking the unheard of Anthony Alfredo had raced His way into the Big Dance. Only to learn later that week His No. 62 Beard Motorsports entry had been DSQ’ed (Disqualified) due to post-race technical issues regarding unconnected cooling hoses. With B.J. Mcleod getting the final transfer spot instead.

 

Then according to the Daytona News Journal, Alfredo’s torrid “Speed Weeks” continued when failing to qualify for the newly renamed O’Reily’s Auto Parts series Cup “lite” race Saturday. Before His team bought Him a ride. Then getting involved in a three car “Pile-up” (Spin) at races start before ultimately finishing 11th.

 

The race was pushed forward one hour due to the possibility of impending rain and thunderstorm predicted Sunday evening. Although with the green flag not scheduled until 11:13AM Pacific, I skipped the first 40-plus minutes of Daytona 500 preamble.

 

Thought it was a nice touch of both Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 A.J. Allmendinger and RFK (Roush Fenway Keselowski) Racing to run their cars with the corresponding numeral font that the late Greg Biffle had run on His No. 16 for Roush Racing.

 

Along with a Biffle No. 16 Ford Fusion Roush Racing car on display with other assorted NASCAR Cup racecars. With an ex-Martin Truex Joe Gibbs Toyota and Ron Bouchard’s racecars in the Fan zone…

 

While still cannot believe its 25 years ago that Dale Earnhardt died! Having also watched that race live, Zoinks!

 

Unfortunately, Mcleod had some sort of mechanical trouble with His right rear tyre on lap-4; collecting Justin Allgaier, William Byron and Casey Mears in the wreck.

 

Although not a fan of Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s, it was G-R-R-REAT! Having FOX run an IndyCar promo during the race’s first commercial break during the first caution. As this would have never happened before FOX bought 33% of IndyCar, and all I could say was Sweet!

 

Swear Kevin Harvick prattled on about Corey Hein not lining up correctly behind His Boss Denny Hamlin’s racecar, during an attempt to push the Toy-Yoter’s to the lead. As both drivers, plus 18 others would be involved in the ritual “big One!” As Clint Bowyer said leader Justin Allgaier threw a lazy block upon a hard chargin’ Hamlin. With the wreck occurring on lap 123.

 

But I thought it was even funnier how Mike Joy was singing the praises of Connor Zilisch. As the most exciting rookie since Jeff Gordon, before Joy shouted wreck on lap-85! Involving you guessed it, Messer Zilisch, Chuh-Ching!

 

As believe it was Zilisch who triggered a nine car crash, which involved two-times defending Daytona 500 winner William Byron in His second crash of the day, and ending His chances of Three-peating’…

 

Whilst won’t even try describing the race’s final lap. Other than we know as typical, all Hell broke loose! With Tyler Reddick “stealing” His first Daytona 500 win with 500 yards remaining!

 

As how ironic, but refreshing and enjoyable for Michael Jordan to be in victory lane hoisting the coveted Harvey J. Earle winners trophy!

 

While it took me forever to figure out whom this Riley Herbst Cat was? As they kept talkin’ about 23XI Racing having four entries in the field. Before finally learning that Herbst drives the team’s No. 35 entry. And probably is the only Cup driver with two Baja 1000 Trophy Truck Spec Class wins (2023-24) on His resume…

 

As congratulations to Reddick for maneuvering into the right position to win the Day-Toner’ 500, and with “Help from His Friends”. 

Trucks Steal Show, but not All’s Sunny in St Pete

With the exodus of an IndyCar Announcer, and another lawsuit in NASCAR…

 

For Mwah, the best news of the weekend was Friday morning’s carefully timed PR announcement that the Civil War between McLaren, Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing was finally over! Making me instantly think a Come to Jesus, Err Roger meeting had occurred somewhere along the line? As its fantastic that this lawsuit is over, and we can simply get back to racing.

 

And its funny how life goes, since you’d have thought I’d been ecstatic over it finally being the kickoff weekend for Indy Cars, Chirp-Chirp, Bueller?

 

Yet I thought it was odd that Friday’s first practice session wasn’t airing on Fox Sports One (FS1) until 3:30PM Pacific. And if I’d thought about it, would realize that would have been 6:30PM eastern, before No fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’ email made me realize I’d missed the live airing…

 

Yet sitting on the couch listening to the comatose, sleep inducing voice of Wee willie Buxom’, (Will Buxton) as where are Yuhs Scott Somonex Goodyear, Eh?

 

Yep, you guessed it. Your haggard No Fenders scribe Tomaso was soon doing the falling asleep Head-bob during much of the riveting first practice replay! Although I did learn later that both Josef Schlick’ Newgarden and Scotty thee Iceman 2.0 Dixon had suffered crashes, say what?

 

Whilst I woke up Justin-time’ to hear thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown talking about racing with Dario REO Speedwagon in the Craftsman PickEmUp’ Trucks race Saturday morning, saying I’ll tune into that…

 

Thus Saturday was a purdy G-Damn good day, as I did manage to stay awake for both the entire RASSCAR PickEmUp’ Trucks race and IndyCar Qualie’ session.

 

I always enjoy hearing Jamie Little, whose become the Trucks lead Play-by-Play announcer. While I’m definitely not a fan of Mikey “I’m Not a cheater!” Waltrip. With IndyCar’s (Townsend) T-Bell rounding out the cross pollination weekend’s activities.

 

Nice interview with Kevin Lee the father, saying He didn’t know what to do with empty hands just spectating. Arse-sumedly referring to having a microphone in His “Mitts”.

 

Thus I was surprised that Kevin’s son Jackson Lee was making His Trucks debut at St Pete, who I think usually races Lamborghini Super Trofeo instead?

 

With Kevin saying that Dario was Jackson’s Idol, who last I’d heard was racing Karts. With Jackson purposely dropping to the rear of the 36 “Car” field before having worked His way up to P25. Before finishing 29th, five laps behind. Driving the No. 22 Team Reaune Ford.

 

Dario and thee Mayor, who the booth tried changing to Jimmy Hinch’ got together early during the race. (Lap 8) Since Y’all know Racins’ Rubbin, Yeehaw! With Franchitti using Hinch’s truck to arrest His spin, with Hinch getting the worst of it! But Hinchcliffe had the last laugh after dropping to 22nd. Finishing in tenth place. While Franchitti, who’d been in the Top 10, made an extra pitstop before coming home P27.

 

As I know T-Bell spoke to Dario repeatedly about the bag of ice for His shoulder, His nifty left foot shifting, and a squeegee thrown into the cockpit. Whilst Dario also mentioned that the “Air Con” wasn’t working! (Air Conditioning)

 

Whilst another High profile name from the Tricon Garage’s stable of Toyota Tundra’s was Adam Andretti. Although the SCCA Trans am racer went fairly unnoticed in P17. With the highest finishing Tricon entry being the No. 11 of Kaden Honeycutt finishing fifth.

 

Winner Layne riggs drove an uber impressive race. Starting 28th, saying not bad for a Short Track Boy! Along with noting His Ford had started sputtering with eight laps to go, making Him worry about His petrol supply! Along with noting how eventual third place finisher Ben Rhodes, who ran second awhile, could have given Him the Chrome Horn treatment…

 

While Shout Out to Colin Brown, the highest finishing RAM, driving for Kaulig Racing. And finishing a respectful ninth in the brand’s NASCAR Trucks debut season.

 

As I’d thought Brown, the prodigious IMSA road racing champion had finished eighth. But learned He lost one place with two laps remaining.

 

Colin Brown returns to Trucks 15 years later with Top 10 finish

 

Awaiting IndyCar Qualie’, I tuned into IndyCar Radio for the last half of Indy NXT qualifying, and was disappointed hearing Michael Schreech’ Young in the lead Play-by-Play chair. As where’s my boy Nicky Salt’ Yeoman?

 

Knew it was gonna happen eventually. And while I’m happy for Him, I’m not happy losing Nick to the Performance Racing Network, (PRN) where Yeoman made His NASCAR Cup debut at Atlanta…

 

Lafayette’s Nick Yeoman makes NASCAR Anchor debut after years with IndyCar

 

Most impressive duo of IndyCar’s Fast six shootout was both Coyne entries, with rookie Dennis Hauger finishing third! Whilst ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin drew first blood with His 12th pole. And seemed a good bet to win Sunday, eh?

 

No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets latest nickname goes to Marcus Ericsson, who He’s named “Harvey”, as in Harvey Wallbanger, claimed second and was only Andretti entry in Fast Six.

 

And don’t look over here, but Alex Palou was fourth, David Malukas 5th and Romain Grosjean sixth.

 

And speaking ‘O Andretti, it was SuperMario’s 86th birthday Saturday…

 

Sure would like to know where Todd Ault gets All of His money from? As the Dude’s everywhere! With His Only bulls company sponsor of PickEmUp’ Trucks race and IndyCar Radio. Not to mention both Coyne and Meyer Shank Racing Cars. As somebody’s getting Duped…

 

Sunday morning, got up early to tune into Indy NXT race via Zed Intrawoods’ – even if Nicky Salt’ Yeoman’s no longer anchoring broadcast, Boo!

 

As it just took one wrong move on the opening lap for second place Nikita Johnson to pounce upon Max Taylor, with the Hometown Boy leading the rest of the way. Regardless of the countless cautions and restarts…

 

While I didn’t think DJ WillyP’, aka Will Power would be celebrating His 45th birthday with a W’ prior to the race. Before learning He’d crashed during one of the practice sessions, and then again during the race, Youch!

 

As Alex Palou put another Beatdown upon the entire field, winning by 12,49:48 – the largest ever winning margin at St Pete! Although He’d been up to 15 seconds at one point!

 

As the race was for second place, with Scott McLaughlin prevailing over Christian Lundgaard. With Kyle Kirkwood dropping from second to fourth, and Pato O’ward a very quiet fifth place finish.

 

As the Coyne duo continued impressing, with Grosjean eighth, and Hauger tent on His IndyCar debut.

 

David Malukas flat spotted a front tyre, shredding its carcass – for a 13th place finish. With Rinus VeeKay having another solid finish in ninth, starting P19. Whilst the MSR Boyz’ seemed off the boil, albeit Marcus Armstrong got rubbed wrong by Harvey! As that’s all that stands out for Mwah. And will Phoenix upset the proverbial Apple cart? 

HYDROS: Atlas Van Lines latest Hotschue’

But Don’t blink, or you’ll Miss Him sticking His Boots in Lake Washington…

 

Yeah, I know we’re All getting wound-up over Ye momentous Day-Toner’ 500 upcoming this weekend.

As typical, this story got washed down sometime last year, and I just managed to finally spool-up Ye waterlogged turbine…

 

Actually managed to tune-in to Heat 3B and Seattle Seafair Final race this past August via H1 Unlimited’s Youtube channel. Which had somewhat better sound quality, only needing to crank up the volume by 16-20 levels…

 

Reading H1 Unlimited’s pathetic dribbled of News content on their website, I learned that ‘Ol JJ’, aka Jimmie Johnson would be driving the Atlas Van Lines fabled “Blue Blaster” during an exhibition run Friday afternoon on Lake Washington.

 

If this is the boat I think it is? Since have I reminded Y’all I’m Blind lately? Although I’m fairly certain having confirmed it was the first of the successful Cabover designed Unlimited Hydroplanes. Then its Uber Funny for Mwah. Since I recall always thinking the boat looked ugly!

 

As I can visually remember it having no engine cowling for the exposed Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 (WWII Airplane) engine behind the cockpit, and the boat always lunging forwards out of the water, with a dull, silver engine plemum exposed…

 

Yet that being said, it was one of the most successful Hulls in Unlimited Hydroplane racing. With Bill Muncey “Three-peating” at its tiller. Winning the 1977-79 APBA Gold Cup races, and the 1978-79 National High Points Championships. Along with a total of 24 victories aboard this Hull.

 

Yet being a devoted Miss Budweiser fan, it wasn’t until Bernie Little claimed another “Unfair Advantage” with the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Miss Bud, which ended Muncey’s streak! As the Griffon powered Budweiser itself became unbeatable between 1980-84. Although we lost the second star Unlimited driver Dean Chenoweth, when His Mis Bud Hydroplane flipped at the Tri-Cities race on the Columbia River in 1982.

 

But back to ‘Ol JJ’ and last summer’s romp in the fabled Blue blaster. Having read that Johnson was reuniting His longtime association with the Muncey family and Miss Atlas Van Lines.

 

During Jimmie’s 2024 induction to the Motorsports Hall of Fame Of America, (MSHFA) a picture resurfaced of Jimmie Age 4 sitting upon the Blue Blaster at Mission Bay in 1979. When Bill Muncey’s Hydroplane had broken down during competition on Mr. Hydro’s Home court in San Diego.

 

As this is the very same Blue Blaster that Muncey lost His life aboard in Acapulco in 1981. Which ironically I “celebrated” the 30 year anniversary the very same weekend that Danny-boy Spike’ Wheldon was meeting His maker in Las Vegas…

 

HYDROS: The Day the Sport’s King met His Maker

 

Jimmie mused His Dad used to take Him to the Hydroplane races, which fell on His birthday weekend. Watching the action from Fiesta Island. Where Muncey’s Blue Blaster floated to after retiring that day, some 46 years prior…

 

Another Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee, Chip Hanauer, Class of 1995. The youngest ever MSHFA inductee “reached out” to Johnson during His induction ceremonies over possibly driving the restored Miss Atlas Van Lines. Which naturally, JJ’ got very excited about!

 

As I love hearing Jimmie wryly not He’d learned where the Merlin’s redline was, and pushed the Blue Blaster up to the limit…

 

VIDEO: Jimmie Johnson Drives the 1977 “Blue Blaster” Unlimited Hydroplane

 

While you may enjoy this 16 minutes H1 Unlimited Onboard video, which chronicles the entire driving experience, i.e.; somewhat troublesome start-up to returning to the Stan Sayres Dock…

 

VIDEO: Onboard with NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson driving Bill Muncey’s 1977 Atlas Van Lines Blue blaster

 

As Chip Hanauer, third winningest Unlimited Hydroplane driver, including 11 Gold Cup wins served as Jimmie’s mentor. And can be heard saying Well Fucking done! At the end of the video.

 

While its interesting hearing Johnson describing how physical driving the Hydroplane was. How it wanted to hunt round and constantly moved about after getting on plane…

 

Meanwhile, Johnson’s “Day Job”, if Yuhs can call it that? Since JJ’ has only been contesting NASCAR Cup races on a part-time basis since 2023. Will once again enter this year’s Daytona 500 in His No. 84 Toyota Camary.

 

As the seven times NASCAR Champion became majority owner of Legacy Motor Club last year. With the team fielding Charter team entries for the No. 42 of John Hunter Nemechek and No. 43 of Erik Jones also driving Toyota’s.

 

As Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing (RWR) have settled their lawsuit of last year, stemming over sale of one of RWR’s vaunted Charter.

 

Whilst I was totally unawares’ that RASSCAR’ will be racing at Naval Base Coronado, beginning this June 19-21. Until reading Jimmie’s press release for His participation in this year’s Day-Toner’ 500. Ironically making the announcement the very same day that Greg Biffle’s Jet crashed in North Carolina…

 

As Johnson, now Age 50, a native of El Cajon, California, will also compete in this summer’s inaugural San Diego Street Race., aboard His No. 84 Legacy Motor Club’s Toy-Yoter’ Camry. Thus completing another “full Circle” adventure, albeit I believe Four Lefts makes a Circle!

 

As JJ’ will pull “Double Duty” in San Diego. Also driving the No. 1 Tricom Garage’s Toyota Tundra PickEmUp’ Truck in the inaugural Craftsman Truc Series race at Naval Base Coronado.

 

Since that’s where this story all began at, Wayback’ in Gory 1979 on Mission Bay’s Fiesta Island. Arse-sumedly just a Hop ‘N Skip away from Naval Base Coronado, Righto?

 

Johnson, who’s tied with Cale Yarborough for sixth in career victories with 83 apiece, finished third in last year’s Day-Toner’ 500. With the two times Daytona 500 winner (2006, 2013) capping His 700th Cup start in last year’s Charlotte Coca-Cola 600 All Star race. 

Three Japanese Trailblazers

Who left their indelible mark upon Motorsports and Automobiles…

 

Like many stories here upon Ye Isle ‘O Nofendersville. This one has been growing barnacles along thoust rocky shoreline, where All the ‘lil Creatures play in their Tide pools…

 

Yet before the 2026 racing season begins in earnest, I’d like to honour a few men who made a difference upon motorsports, which I’ve been neglecting awhile. As Marshall Pruett’s words still resonate with me, even if it now some ten months since hearing them, when I first began thinking about this.

 

Reflecting upon Shigeaki Shigi’ Hattori’s death last April. Marshall said He was embarrassed over His Dickishness towards Shigi! For which I say Kudos to Marshall for “Manning” up to this, since I surely also fall afoul to! Since I’m guessing I would have lambasted Shigi during His brief tenue at Bettenhausen Motorsports Wayback’ in 1999.

 

Think about this, Hattori came to the U.S. in 1995 after winning the 1994 Toyota Racing Series in Japan. And at Age 32! Was a rookie in Indy Lights, driving for Dorricott Racing.

 

Hattori’s teammate was Jeff Ward, with Shigi finishing 13th overall. Scoring a best finish of fourth at Toronto; amassing seven Top 10 finishes.

 

Following a sophomore slump driving for Lucas Place Motorsports, with His only Top 10 finish coming at Long Beach. (9th) Hattori moved to Indy Regency Racing in 1998 for His third Indy Lights campaign, which began brilliantly! As Shigi dominated at the season opener, leading the most laps enroute to His maiden Lights win at Homestead. Hattori followed this up with another dominant victory at Gateway, while ultimately finishing P14 overall.

 

For 1999, Shigi joined Bettenhausen Motorsports in CART, contesting only eight races. With a best finish of 15th at Gateway. Unfortunately after a spate of crashes, CART Steward Wally Dallenbach revoked His IndyCar Competition license. While its worth noting that Bettenhausen was running the then uncompetitive Mercedes-Benz in a year old Reynard chassis. And these racecars were known for their brutal horsepower…

 

Hattori then migrated to the Indy Racing League (IRL) in 2000. Making over two-dozen starts between 2000-03, with a best finish of sixth at Texas Motor Speedway. Along with two Indianapolis 500 starts in 2002-03. Driving for Bradley Motorsports and A.J. Foyt Enterprises respectively. With a best finish of P20 in 2002.

 

Shigi capped off His driving career with a partial season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series in 2005, making ten starts. Before forming Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) in 2008, competing in NASCAR and ARCA.

 

As a team owner Shigi reached His zenith in 2018, when HRE won the Trucks title with Brad Moffitt driving. With the team winning a total of 14 Truck races. While HRE also raced in Xfinity and ARCA, before the team closed its doors in 2025, following Hattori’s death.

 

Sadly, Shigi died on April 5, 2025 at Age 61 when crossing over into oncoming traffic in North Carolina, succumbing  in the Head-on collision

 

While Marshall rightly points out, Shigeaki came to America to do what He loved, racing cars. And Shigi, Dr. Jack Miller. Or “King Hiro”, (Hiro Matsushita) Dennis Vitolo or whomever we as Fans lambast can drive one Helluva lot better than we can! Which you can check out Pruett’s comments in the link below.

 

MP1595: The Week in IndyCar, April 9, 2025

 

Whilst karmically, a day after revisiting Marshall’s podcast above. I ran across an old Car & Driver magazine article by Rich Zeppos, noting how He got His Arse kicked contesting His first Short-track Oval!

 

I got My Ass Kicked in my first Short-track Oval Race

 

Robert Clarke was Honda Performance Development’s (HPD) very first employee, Known today has HRC US. (Honda Racing Corporation U.S.) Clarke was instrumental in turning Honda into the IndyCar Juggernaut of today as HPD’s founder…

 

Clarke was responsible for the formation of HPD in Santa Clarita, California, when their was no facility. As Honda had decided to return to Open Wheel Racing Stateside in 1994, in Championship Auto Racing Teams CART PPG IndyCar World Series.

 

As Clarke would lead Honda from unsatisfying initial results with the HRX 2.65-litre turbo lump’. Before Cheep’ (Ganassi) scored Honda’s first of six consecutive IndyCar Championships in 1996 with Jimmy Vasser.

 

Clarke shepherded Honda to it’s first, elusive Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004, along with its maiden Indy Racing League (IRL) title that year. Followed with a second “Double”, i.e.; IRL Championship and Indy 500 win before Honda became the IRL’s sole engine supplier in 2006.

 

Before retiring from HPD, Clarke was responsible for Honda’s very first racing engine built outside of Japan, with the Acura Sports Car engine. As Clarke would become Head of De Ferran Motorsports in 2008, overseeing its Acura LMP2 Sports Car effort. While Clarke was also president of the SCCA for two years.

 

Clarke died on September 20, 2025 at Age 75 from Heart failure.

 

Ironically, on the very same day Clarke’s death was being announced. (Sept 22nd) Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the “Father” of the first generation Miata’s obituary was also being published.

 

Although graduating from Seikei University as an Engineer. “California Cool” called, with Matano attending California’s Art Center of Design in 1970.

 

After stints with GM in Australia and BMW in Germany, Matano joined Mazda’s Design Studio in California, and the rest as they say, was History…

 

Matano “penned” the first generation Mazda MX-5, which Mazda Brass had desired to revive British Sports Cars of past, i.e.; MG, Triumph, but without their legendous’, porous reliability!

 

And then Matano was instrumental in the third generation Mazda RX-7, arguably the best looking RX-7 of all.

 

As Tom was known to be warm, engaging and willing sparing His time with the legions of Mazda Fans worldwide. Joking He’d lived long enough to become the Miata’s Great Grandfather. Before dying at Age 76 this past September. 

Canamax seeks Justice while Traipsing the Globe

As where’s ‘Ol Sandy Duncan when Yuhs need her? And why did A little Dab will do Yuh spring to mind?

 

We last left off with Preston Henry Winchester III, the guiding force of the Canamax concern. Most notably the Armani Canamax Champ Car team having implored His hired counsel of Dumfries, Duquione and Duncan to enforce withering, punitive monetary damages against His nemesis’s scourge. Err championship winning driver Jonathan Truxbury!

 

Yet instead, Truxbury and arch rival Betuzi Motorsports, and more notably team owner Chester’ have run roughshod over the entire Champ Car field once again. This time seeing Truxbury win ten races enroute to His fourth title, or was it five? Since the BM Champ Car team was currently unstoppable…

 

Mr. Winchester, Gerrard Duncan’s on line three.

 

Yes Gerrard, I agree. We’ve got no other choice than to proceed with the litigation in the High court of Cornwall. Yes, I’ll be there for the proceedings…

 

Audrey, tell Roscoe Snow to please see me. And tell Hugo I need to see Him toot sweet! Yes Mr. Winchester, although Hugo’s at the Gym right now.

 

Hugo Marques was of average height for a former Champ Car driver. Barrell chested, with a clean shaven head, bushy black eyebrows, inquisitive brown eyes and a pugnacious nose.

 

As the former Iron Maiden 5000 winner had run His last race for the ever improving Armani Canamax racing team, albeit a loose wheel nut had caused Him to finish P27…

 

Winferd’, as many called Him collegially. Had initially hired Hugo to be the team’s Sporting Director, before elevating Him to the vacated Team Principal position. As Garret McCloud had left to spend more time in His vegetable garden.  Before joining the rival Champ car operation, now renamed as Torrez Waltrip McCloud Racing.

 

Hugo, a fitness fanatic, during His free time could be most likely found in the team’s state-of-the-art Gym doing one handed push-ups, usually in sets of 100!

 

Yes Boss, you wanted to see me. Yeah Hugo, I’ve got to go to Cornwall next week to sue the BeeGees’ out of that Fucking Truxbury! Meaning you’ll be in charge while I’m gone. As perhaps you can spend some QT’ with your protégé Bryan Boxer. Since finishing 23rd won’t cut it next year!

 

If you need to get ahold of me, have Audrey call me. No, don’t use your encrypted SpartoCuss account. As I hear Elroid’s got a bug up His tea kettle with Billy Jo Bradshaw and is monitoring it for any devious behaviour. Since Elroid’s still got the exclusive contract with Washington for His Neptune Satellite system. And tell Roscoe to come in.

 

Roscoe, I need you to contact your Dad Cletus for me again on your old fashioned Ham radio, Err CB. No, don’t worry, Thars nobody at the FCC these days to monitor your transmissions. Just tell Him to meet me at the Mockingbird Cafe again.

 

Yeah, I know its not located in Memphis where His favourite haunt Graceland’s at. But the Mockingbird does a mean Hushpuppies brunch. And there’s always leftovers for His Hoond Butch…

 

Audrey, have the jet pick me up in Charlotte. As I need to check in on our Sports Car Boyz’. Then to Italy to pick up the last of my hand sewn Georgio Armani four piece double breasted suits. Since I need to look sharp for court.

 

Hello Snowman, thanks for meeting me again Yes, I already ordered Butch His own plate of Hushpuppies…

 

Look, I need you to make a few deliveries for me. We had to take a bloodbath of Nabisco products, which doesn’t concern you. Well, we thought we had a deal as title sponsor with a certain Champ Car driver, Oh Never Mind!

 

Yeah, I know you’re strictly a Kenworth man. But we’re trying to keep this somewhat anonymous, even though our fearless leader’s favourite colour is gold. But you’ll be needing a refrigerator trailer for some of these errands. So we’ve leased you a 2024 artic white Cascadia sleeper cab.

 

Yes, its even got what I’m told is a super comfortable Murphy bed in the sleeper, with plenty of room for Butch…

 

Know you’ve got family in Bucksnort who work at the local Fireworks plant, but there’s no time for a visit Cletus.

 

You’ll find your Big rig waiting for you in Weehawken, loaded and ready to go. No the Port Authority won’t give you any trouble. As Wade Wetterly, Billy Jo’s Lieutenant General has already had His office contact them.

 

Ok, if you really need to know, we’re writing off a Shit, Err Shipload of Nabisco products. As I need you to take the truckload of Nutter butter, Mega Stuffed Oreos, Fudgebusters, Triple Double Neapolitan Oreos, Big Stuff Oreos, Rocky Road and Chunky Monkeyd Ice Cream to the Bradshaw’s vacation house. While His wife Bianca likes the Bite Size Oreos, Irish cream Ginger Snaps and Wheat Thins, I’m told…

 

Yep, you’ll head directly south to deliver all of these treats to Billy Jo’s Mullbury Manor in the Florida Keys. And make sure you keep Butch inside the cab, since I hear there’s Gators’ down Thar!

 

Nah, don’t worry about the Toll roads. I hear that ever since Billy Jo shut down the local mall in DC, and sent everybody home on Holiday. There shouldn’t be anybody to collect the Tolls…

 

But make sure you leave some of that El Speciale Fizzy water at Mullbury. As I hear that Wade’s a Cat person and Bianca’s feline only drinks bottled water. And make sure you keep it nicely refrigerated, say 45 degrees Fahrenheit?

 

Then I need you to drop off a couple of pallets of that Aqua Tyre Minerale at Homestead, where Hugo and the Armani Canamax Boyz’ should be giving Enrique Capelli an evaluation day’s testing. No, you let the team worry about what that gaseous mineral water’s for…

 

Next stop is the Gulf of Arkansas, even if it comes from Across the Border. And pick up a dozen live Blue Crabs.

 

Just pour some of that Aqua Tyre Minerale into a cooler and put it inside the Sleeper compartment. Hell, I don’t care what you feed ‘em. Although I hear they do enjoy Popeye’s Fried Chicken. Exactly, I’m sure Butch likes Popeye’s too!

 

As I promised my wife Jillian some fresh crabs for dinner, as She doesn’t like turkey…

 

Then up to Delaware. As Billy Jo should have shot His pet Turkeys by then! No way Fred and Barney are getting pardons this year. Although He’ll probably have His friend Cristina Nomeski over to take care of them!

 

No just leave the Crabs and freshly butchered turkeys with me. Our Chef knows what to do with them! As we’re having company over. Hell, we’re stuck hosting the team again, Shite!

 

And then take the truck back to Freightliner’s factory in Oregon. As it’s a good thing we’re using transportation built in America!

 

But just be careful in the Rose City. As I hear they’ve got Bearded women   in Flannel shirts trying to save the trees eating granola wanderin’ the streets up there!

 

Hell! Billy Jo’s sendin’ the Calvary to Portland! I hear that the Screamin Eagles, you know, the 82nd Airbourne’s gonna show those Tree Huggers what happens when they FAFO!

 

And then have somebody give you a lift to PDX, where you’ll find a first class seat booked for you and Butch to fly back to Indianapolis for dinner at our house. Yeah, your son Roscoe will be there too. And of course Butch is welcomed.

 

As we’re having Crab Cakes and Turkey for the main course, and plenty ‘O Coors beer too…

 

For the previous Canamax Capers installment. Please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

Rotten Tomatoes, or should that be Tamales? 

ATTRACTIONS: Northwest Automotive Museums

When Yuhs need to be inside during Our Inclement Weather, or “Escaping” the Heat…

 

The original Attractions “page” was started long ago, in a different era, when ‘Ol Lone Star JR’, aka Johnny Rutherford had been appointed to the Harold Lemay museum’s Board of Director, circa 2008, Crikeys! Which somehow I’m guessing He’s no longer affiliated with?

 

But my list of museums “Parking lot” had simply become overcrowded and hence, the need to pave more parking spaces, which I’ve been doing very slowly…

 

WASHINGTON

Americas Car Museum

Location: Tacoma

Believe ground was broken on the ten acre site donated by the City of Tacoma in 2010. For what would become a four story, or is it five? 165,000 square foot building housing 350 cars, mostly from the late Harold LeMay’s private collection. Known for being the nation’s largest private collection.

 

Presumably, one of LeMay’s most treasured automobiles was the 1948 Tucker He purchased, which I’ve “seen” before. Having been an ACM member for the first three years of its existence.

 

It’s a wonderful museum, with constantly revolving automotive displays. As think my favourite was when they did an Route 66 exhibit. Not to mention having some of the IMS Hall of Fame IndyCars once on display, most notably one of the Lotus 56 Turbine cars!

 

Alas, having left for whatever will be my Home state, I last visited the ACM museo in Gory 2016, which seems like a really long time ago! Having posted this monstrous five page story, Wayback’ when…

 

AUTOS: Bimmers’ abound at America’s Car Museum

 

Museum Website

https://www.americascarmuseum.org/

 

LeMay Family collection

Location: Marymount

The bulk of Harold LeMay’s private Car Collection resides on the Marymount campus in Tacoma, which I’ve been to once before. But am loathe to admit how long ago that was! Although being before the America’s Car Museum building was built, Crikeys!

 

As I just remember walking past row after row of vehicles, including a Hemelgarn IndyCar, and perhaps a Sherman tank?

 

Having scribbled about Lucky’s Garage and Harold LeMay, the Man in the following No Fenders tome nearly a decade ago…

 

AUTOS: Lucky’s Garage and the Man who Inspired It

 

Museum Website

https://lemaymarymount.org/

 

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum

Location: Kent

Yeah, this Ain’t a Car museum per se, and suppose it actually angles towards aviation instead. Due to having several great vintage, WWII piston powered Aeroplane engine, i.e.; Rolls Royce, Merlin and Allison Hydroplanes on display. Along with a lone turbine powered boat. Being the 1982 U-00 Atlas Van Lines turbine Hull, driven by Chip Hanauer.

 

But it’s a very quaint, unique museum, with a different flavour for those Hard Core racing enthusiasts…

 

Museum Website

https://thunderboats.ning.com/

 

OREGON

Western Antique Aeroplane Automobile Museum (WAAAM)

Location: Hood River

Stumbled into this museum a few years ago when reading the Smithsonian’s Air and Space magazine via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone’s service, about a rare glider I’d never heard of before.

 

Best part of all about this museo is that they call themselves a living museum. Proclaiming that everything is restored to fully functioning status. Along with either being flown or driven, very Cool!

 

Museum Website

https://waaamuseum.org/

 

Pacific Northwest Truck Museum

Location: Brooks

Thar’ were initially two Automotive museums lurking some nine miles north of Salem, the State’s Capitol. In the before unknown Brooks, Oregon to Mwah. With a population of an eye-popping 472, Jeepers!

 

Naturally, my follow-up gander on Zed Intrawoods’, nee internet claimed the museo’ is located in Salem, on Brooklane Road NE. Which I suppose makes more sense, since Brooks itself must be tiny!

 

Trucking is “King” in the Pacific Northwest, albeit it seems odd that Warshington’ doesn’t have a Kenworth or Paccar Truck museum? While weekly I hear the J-Brake and rumble of “Older” logging trucks here in Bumfiddle’ Florence…

 

As the museum’s website proclaims they have over 75 vintage trucks in their collection. Ranging from Semi-truck rigs’ such as GMC, Kenworth, International, Peterbilt, Freightliner and Mack. Along with many trucks from the past that no longer are manufactured.

 

While their newest acquisition is the Freightliner donated first generation Electric Semi-tractor. Built upon a 2017 Cascadia Sleeper Cab platform, with many European parts on the hand built chassis.

 

As it sounds like a very interesting museum, worthy of a visit…

 

Museum Website

http://pacificnwtruckmuseum.org/index.html

 

Northwest Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum

Location: Brooks

This was the other Automobile museum to pop-up when googling Automotive museums in Oregon. Also being located in Brooks, with the same address as the Truck museo’ above, Hmm?

 

As their website says they’re dedicated to preserving the history of vintage Automobiles and Motorcycles. And proud to be one of the 14 Museums located in Brooks, whilst I’ve got no idea how large the museum is? Or what it All encompasses?

 

Museum Website

https://www.nwcarandcycle.org/

 

Powerland Heritage Park

Location: Brooks

Uhm, what’s that well worn saying? Ah, I love it when a plan comes together! As the mystery’s solved, Tuh-duh!

 

The two museums listed above, make up part of the 14 total museums located on the Powerland Heritage Park campus, a 62 acre parcel of land dedicated to the preservation of many vintage machinery.

 

With such factions as Antique Caterpillar and John Deere machinery, the Western Railway Preservation Society,, Willow Creek Railway and Willamette Valley Model Railroad Operating museums. Along with the Trucks, Vintage Cars & Motorcycles, Pacific NW Logging and other related Steam powered collections, it sounds like a fantastic place to visit!

 

Museum Website

https://www.antiquepowerland.com/about-powerland-heritage-park