Making it to Indy NXT is a Hard Slog’

As sing it Bon Scott. It’s a long way to the Top if you wanna Rock ‘n roll!

 

Thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’, I learned about aspiring IndyCar driver Jace Denmark earlier this year, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona. Having previously scribbled about Him on No Fenders in the following tome.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/05/an-aspiring-racer-named-jace.html

 

Thus, I’ve been loosely following Jace’s USF Pro 2000 season exploits. After learning how tantalizingly close He came to winning the 2022 U.S. F2000 National Championship vs. Pabst Racing teammate Myles Rowe, who finished runner-up by a scant six points While Michael d’Orlando driving for Cape Motorsports “Zoom Zoomed” past the two Sparring teammates enroute to the title.

 

Myles Rowe won the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship, scoring five wins and four Poles enroute to the title in His rookie season. Seeing Rowe graduate to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports and His backers Force Indy.

 

Fellow rookie Michael d’Orlando finished fourth overall, with six total podiums, including four wins whilst amassing seven Poles! Also made the leap to Indy NXT for 2024, albeit with less than expected results. As d’Orlando was plagued with funding issues and only ran a partial season for Andretti Cape Indy NXT.

 

Jace Denmark  who finished third overall in the year’s prior U.S. F2000 National championship, 18 points behind Rowe. Finished seventh in His maiden USF Pro 2000 Championship season. With three podiums; a pair of thirds and a second place finish.

 

For 2024, Denmark was second for much of the season before slipping to third overall, ten points behind eventual runner-up Nikita Johnson. As Denmark scored a frustrating five second place finishes, plus a trio of third place finishes, for a total of eight podiums.

 

Meanwhile, another aspiring IndyCar driver from South of The Border named Ricardo Escotto finished 13th overall in the 2023 USF Pro 2000 championship with one top ten finish, a win at Indianapolis Moto speedway’s road course’s first round. Then followed up His sophomore USF Pro 2000 season finishing ninth overall, with just two third place finishes to His credit.

 

As Y’all may be wondering why I drug Escotto’s name into the mix? Well, that’s because Andretti Cape Indy NXT has announced the Mexican driver as the Piloto’ of its No. 3 entry for 2025. Presumably with one more seat to fill for next year…

 

The annual Chris Griffis Memorial test held on October 18th saw a total of 22 drivers participating in the Indy NXT test session. With Indy NXT being the final rung on the ladder before IndyCar’s.

 

Of the 22 drivers participating, Myles Rowe, whose joined Abel Motorsports for His sophomore Indy NXT campaign was quickest. As Rowe finished P11 in His rookie Indy NXT campaign for HMD Motorsports with Force Indy.

 

Second quickest was rookie Dennis Hauger. As the Norwegian, who won the 2021 Formula 3 championship, along with winning five races in Formula 2 will drive for Andretti Global next year.

 

As could Hauger become the heir apparent to The Viking’, aka Anders Krohn?

 

Aussie’ Lochie Hughes, this year’s USF Pro 2000 champion, also driving for Andretti Global was third quickest. Moving up to Indy NXT next year courtesy of His USF Pro 2000 title prize fund.

 

Fourth fastest was Callum Hedge, testing with Abel Motorsports. As the Kiwi who just celebrated His 21st birthday raced for HMD Motorsports this year, finishing fourth overall in His rookie Indy NXT season. And previously won the overlooked (Formula Regional)  FR Americas title in 2023.

 

Rounding out the top five was rookie Kiwi’ Liam Sceats behind the keyboard of one of HMD Motorsports six car armada, or is it nine? As ironically Sceats finished fifth overall in this year’s USF Pro 2000 Championship. Winning His maiden race at the second of the Indianapolis Motor speedway’s road course triple header in May.

 

Meanwhile, Jace Denmark tested for Andretti Cape Indy NXT once again. Having tested with them last October. With Jace finishing P14 overall. Being only the second time He’s tested an Indy NXT racecar. And possibly takes solace from outqualifying Christian Brooks. (P16)

 

As Brooks was Denmark’s Pabst teammate this season, along with also driving for HMD Motorsports in Indy NXT. Taking over the vacated seat of IndyCar bound Nolan siegel.

 

Escotto finished a respectable ninth overall. Yet the Mexican driver contested five races for Juncos Hollinger Racing this season. Making His Indy NXT debut on the “Mean” Streets of Detroit, and now is set for His first full season Indy NXT campaign.

 

As the burning $64k question is can Jace Denmark land one of the coveted, remaining Indy NXT seat next year? As Denmark recently left Pabst Racing after a successful four seasons stint with Auggie Pabst’s championship winning team… 

Can Jace Denmark win an unlikely Championship in Portland?

And how many people pay any Attenzione to this Feeder series?

 

This weekend’s festivities at Portland International Raceway include the crowning of All three of Anderson Promotions Junior Open Wheel Racing feeder series, i.e.; USF Juniors, U.S. F2000 National championship and USF Pro 2000; the three rungs below Indy NXT.

 

As the USF Juniors caps off it’s sophomore season in the Rose City with a triple header. With Max Taylor leading with 210 points. Followed by Liam McNielly (201 points) and Sebastian Wheldon, (185 points) with 99 points remaining up for grabs.

 

Ditto for the U.S. F2000 National championship, also finishing with a triple header with 99 points on offer. As Max Garcia leads with 347 points. Followed by Sam Corry )312 points) and Max Taylor. (305 points) Yep’, that’s the same Max whose leading the aforementioned USF Juniors Championship. Pulling “double Duty” for Velocity Racing Development

 

But it’s the USF Pro 2000 Championship I’m most interested in. Where Aussie’ Lochie Hughes leads with 354 points. Followed by Jace Denmark (319 points) and Nikita Johnson. (291 points) With just two rounds remaining and 66 points up for grabs.

 

Although I must confess, I hadn’t been paying any Attenzione to the USF Pro 2000 Championship until Mid-Ohio over the Fourth ‘O July weekend, when only three races remained – with six round  total.

 

As I’d forgotten that Jace finished runner-up at the series lone Oval track this year, held at Indianapolis Raceway Park over Memorial Day weekend. Then being one of His five podiums prior to Mid-Ohio.

 

Was pleasantly surprised Wayback’ then when perusing the Drivers Championship standings. As Jace was currently second, Say What? With 221 points. He trailed Aussie’ Lochie Hughes by 50 points. (271 points)

 

While third place was Nikita Johnson, who was running away with the championship earlier this season. But was Disqualified from one round and has been slipping backwards ever since. As Johnson has 215 points; just six “Markers” behind Jace. Whilst Denmark’s Past Racing teammate Christian Brooks was then fourth in the title fight with 207 points; only 14 adrift of Denmark.

 

And yet Brooks began doing “Double Duty” the remainder of the season. Racing in both the USF Pro 2000 Championship and the Indy NXT championship as Nolan Siegal’s replacement at HMD Motorsports. As Siegal jumped to IndyCar, joining Arrow McLaren for the remainder of the season on a multi-year contract.

 

Nikita Johnson, the youngest of this trio of aspiring title Contendahs’ at age 16 swept both rounds at Mid-Ohio, with Denmark claiming a pair of second place finishes.

 

And after Race-1 Up North Eh! At Toronto, where Jace finished runner-up again. I believe Denmark trimmed points leader Lochie Hughes lead to a fairly close 24-points. As Denmark’s Pabst Racing teammate, rookie Simon Sikes, the reigning U.S. F2000 champion scored His second W’ of the season, while Hughes finished fifth and Johnson P17.

 

Yet Hughes turned the table in Race-2 winning from Pole, with Jace third and Nikita 12th; seeing Denmark slide to 35 markers behind in the title fight with just two races remaining.

 

As Jace’s biggest “weakness” to date is the lack of having zero wins vs. Hughes having five wins, and Johnson having six. (prior to Portland)

 

While Lochie has a total of ten podiums, and Nikita eight. With Denmark sandwiched in-between  with a total of nine podiums, including five runner-up finishes.

 

Meaning Jace has got to win both rounds this weekend, preferably from Pole in order to have any hope of winning this year’s USF Pro 2000 title. Along with Hughes having a streak of bad luck in order to overhaul Him. Not to mention Johnson  gunning for second overall, albeit trailing by 28 points.

 

Yeah, if Y’all can’t tell, I’m rootin’ for Jace Denmark this weekend! Having previously scribbled about Him in the following No Fenders link.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/05/an-aspiring-racer-named-jace.html

 

Good luck Jace! 

An Aspiring Racer named Jace

As Hopefully He’ll be Strummin’ His way to the Indy NXT Championship next year…

 

Typically I pay very scant attenzione to the myriad of Open Wheel Racing Feeder Series, since my Cranium’s already crowded way too mucho with the Big boyz’ series, i.e.; IndyCar, Formula 1, Sports Cars and MotoGP…

 

Thus thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’, I recently learned about aspiring Open Wheel Racing driver Jace Denmark, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Jace will turn 20 on July 1st and currently competes for Pabst Racing in the USF Pro 2000 Championship, and is currently ranked fifth overall after five of 18 rounds.

 

As most aspiring racers these days, Jace Denmark began racing Karts at the tender age of five, and has been racing ever since. As I don’t know the results of His Karting career, other than His website claims He represented the United States at the Rotax Grand Finals in Sarno, Italy in 2022, finishing eighth overall for Team USA.

 

From what I can tell, Jace made His single seater debut in the 2020 United States Formula 4 Championship. Although  contesting just three races for DC Autosport, finishing 23rd overall.

 

The following year, He began the year by contesting three rounds of the F1600 Championship series for K-hill Motorsports with a ranking of P27.

 

Next, Jace graduated to the U.S. F2000 National Championship, then the first run on the Road to Indy ladder system. Joining Pabst Racing, where His teammates were Yuven Sundramoorthy and Josh Pierson. With Pierson hailing from Portland, Oregon.

 

Denmark had a typical rookie season, claiming His maiden podium finish at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park enroute to finishing 11th overall.

 

For 2022, Denmark remained with Pabst Racing for His Breakout season. Having won four races that season, including my “Home” track Portland International Raceway. Along with six Pole positions and nine podiums.

 

Jace began by winning the season opener at St Pete in round one, before notching His second W’ at Road America in June.

 

Then at season’s end, Jace went on what appeared to be a “Hot” streak, winning back-to-back races. First Up North Eh! Winning at Toronto from Pole. Followed by winning race one of Portland’s triple header season finale that  decided that year’s U.S. F2000 National championship, which He finished third overall.

 

I say Hot streak since Jace started from Pole for All three of Portland’s title deciding races. Being in a three-way title shootout for the 2022 U.S. F2000 championship vs. teammate Myles Rowe and DEForce Racing’s Michael D’Orlando

 

As it was rounds two-three which changed the eventual outcome for whom would become champion. As Rowe broke the Cardinal rule of racing; Don’t take out your Teammate! Driving over Denmark’s rear wheel and leaving the door wide open for Mac Clark to inherit the win.

 

On an interesting sidenote, Clark became the F1600 Championship series Canada’s youngest ever champion when winning 14 of 15 races in 2020. And at age 16, He broke the long standing record of somebody known as PT’, Sugar Ray tracy’, The Thrill from the West Hill! Or simply Paul Tracy…

 

Trailing championship points leader Rowe by a scant six points. The final saw Jace on Pole Hit once again in Portlan’d Turn-1. This time being punted by Thomas Nepveu, tumbling out of the points! Whilst Rowe also struggled with contact before finishing fifth. With D’Orlando claiming the chequored Flag and the championship title to boot

 

As Jace’s teammate Rowe finished the season with 5 wins. While both D’Orlando and Denmark finished with 4 wins apiece.

 

For 2023, Jace, along with Bosom Buddy Rowe both graduated to USF Pro 2000 with Pabst Racing. Where Rowe would go onto take the championship title, while Jace finished seventh.

 

For 2024, now in His fourth season with Pabst Racing, Denmark is contesting His sophomore USF Pro 2000 campaign, and is currently ranked fifth overall with 77 points.

 

Having claimed two podium finishes at the recent triple header weekend at Nola Motorsports Park. Finishing third in Race-1, and second in Race-3. Although everybody’s currently chasing Velocity Racing Development’s Nikita Johnson!

 

As Denmark’s teammates this season are Christian Brooks and Simon Sikes, the latter being the reigning U.S. F2000 National Championship champion. Whilst I’ll admit I know nothing about Brooks…

 

As you can check out the USF Pro 2000 series and the rest of the USF Pro Championships “Junior” support series this weekend on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course. (May 9-11)

 

While you can visit Jace’s website at: jacedenmark.com

 

Good Luck Jace!

America’s preferred Open wheel Racing ladder system

Even if it’s not called the Road to Indy anymore, Thanks Roger!

 

Yeah, like many stories here upon thoust mythical Isle ‘O Nofendersville, the genesis of this post began Wayback’ some five years ago, following the conclusion of the inaugural 2018 FR Americas Championship…

 

As it used to be much simpler when it was still the Road to Indy, with the entire Junior Open Wheel Racing ladder system underneath “One” umbrella. But that All changed when IndyCar bought Indy Lights from Anderson Promotions at the end of 2021. With the three rebranded series under USAC sanctioning becoming the USF Pro Championships.

 

Longtime rubber supplier Cooper Tires has been replaced by Continental Tires beginning this season. And with their aid, the three scholarship advancement prizes have been increased for 2024.

 

USF Juniors now pays out $263,700 to the champion. With the U.S F2000 National Championship victor receiving $458,400. And the USF Pro 2000 series winner nests a “cool” $681,500!

 

USF Juniors

This series was created as a direct competitor to the SCCA Pro Racing’s United States Formula 4 Championship, presumably to fill the USF Pro Championships “Hole” between Karting and it’s then entry single seater U.S. F2000 National Championship series. And now serves as the entry level of this single seater racing ladder.

 

The schedule consists of six round beginning at Nola Motorsports Park in New Orleans. (April 5-7) Along with being part of the IndyCar support series at Barber Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio, Road America and Portland, which serves as it’s season finale. Plus taking part in the VIR Grand Prix at Virginia International Raceway.

 

The series is open to 14yr old teenagers and up and utilizes the Tatuus JR-23 chassis, which can be upgraded for continued usage in both of it’s “parent” feeder series.

 

The series inaugural champion was Mac Clark, who’s currently contesting His rookie season with DEForce Racing in the USF Pro 2000 championship.

 

While last year’s champion was Brazilian teenager Nicolas Giaffone, who indeed is the son of former Indy Racing League (IRL) driver Felipe Giaffone. As Felipe is best known for driving for A.J. foyt enterprises in the Indianapolis 500.

 

With His $260,000 (approx.) scholarship prize, Nicolas has graduated to the next rung of this ladder system, and will contest the U.S. F2000 National Championship, continuing with DEForce Racing this season.

 

U.S. F2000 National championship

The series race at eight venues, primarily as part of the IndyCar “Junior” Open Wheel Racing support series, beginning the season at St Pete, florida from March 8-10.

 

Their second event was the triple header at Nola Motorsports Park at the beginning of April. Before a Double Header at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s )IMS) permanent road course at the beginning of May.

 

There’s also a “One-off” event at Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg, Indiana. With the Freedom 75 precluding this year’s Indianapolis 500. Followed by stops at Road America, Mid-Ohio, Toronto and Portland as it’s season finale.

 

The series utilizes the current Tatuus USF-22 racecar, powered by the former Mazda MZR 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine built by elite Engines. Which is run by Steve Knapp, a former IRL racing driver, who was the 1998 Indianapolis 500 rookie Of the Year. (ROY)

 

Reigning series champion Simon Sikes took His $450,000 (approx.) scholarship prize and advanced to the USF Pro 2000 Championship with Pabst Racing, whom He won His USF2000 title with.

 

USF Pro 2000 championship

This is the final rung upon the USF Pro Championships ladder system ascending to Indy NXT, the final step prior to IndyCar.

As the series has increased this year’s winner’s scholarship advancement prize to $681,500, which Ain’t too Shabby! Especially when you consider the miserly Penske Entertainment Indy NXT award of $850,000. For which reigning Pro 2000 driver Myles Roe has graduated to this season…

 

Wisely, the series utilizes a Tatuus single seater racecar for All three series, which reportedly are “interchangeable”, saving teams operating costs. With the USF Pro Championship series racing the Tatuus IP-22 powered by the same Elite Mazda sourced MZR 2.0-litre inline four cylinder lump’ used in all three series.

 

Top speeds vary, with the entry USF Juniors Tatuus JR-23 racer going 135mph. While the JSF-22 goes 145mph, and the IP-22 tops out at 165+ mph.

 

This season’s schedule mirrors the U.S. F2000 National Championship’s eight events, beginning at St Pete and ending at Portland. Although it’s weekend’s rounds vary slightly over the course of it’s 18-race calendar. With the season finale at Portland being just a single race, which could make for an interesting title showdown.

 

At the moment, prior to the Indianapolis Road Course triple header May 9-11, Nikita Johnson handedly leads the championship with 141-points, having scored three wins, a second and fourth place finish at St Pete and Nola Motorsports Park. 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2023 Streamliner edition

“RADD!” A Modern Day interpretation of the Golden Submarine originally made famous by Barney Oldfield debuted at the 2008 SEMA Show. (Image source: autoblog.com)

 

Yeah, it’s that time ‘O year again,. Yuhs know, Thee Most Wonderful time ‘O Spew! Uhm, when I subject Y’all to mor of my witty repartee from thoust Mystical Isle of Nofendersville with my End of Year Overall Winners selections, Mateys! Which Y'all Clearly look forward to, Man Overboard!

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Nonsensical, Zany “First Take” Off Ye Cuff selections made below….

 

While Y’all can Compare ‘N contrast these choices with last year’s No Fenders selections in the following link.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/01/golden-tailpipe-awards-2022-streamliner_0301729842.html

 

CATEGORIES

1. Racer of Year

Winner: Robert Wickens

Everybody knows about Robert Wickens Horrific accident at Pocono during it’s 2018 IndyCar race, that left the amiable Kuhnuck’ paralyzed from the waist down.

 

And presumably everyone knows that Wickens won His first major Championship in over a decade this year. With the triumph fittingly coming at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

But it’s been several years since I’ve revisited who’ll forever be known as thee Young Wicky to Mwah. The nom de plume bestowed upon “Robby” by His good friend thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, aka James Hinchcliffe.

 

Thus how many remember that Wickens was a Bad Arse Deutch Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) Ace driving Mercedes Tintops’, Eh? As Wickens claimed six wins during 84 starts over five years, before switching to Indy Cars for Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2018. Where Robby’ captured the IndyCar Series Rookie Of the Year Honours, even after His season was cut short by three races…

 

Robby’ has actually won three Championship, including previously the 2006 Formula BMW USA title, and the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series Chhampionship. Along with finishing runner-up in the 2009 GP2 and the 2010 GP3 championships.

 

Following that Horrific Shunt at Pocono, Wickens first “tested’ the waters for getting back behind the wheel by driving a specially adapted Hand Control Acura during the Parade laps during the 2019 Toronto IndyCar race, where His wife rode Shotgun!

 

Then with inspiration and self-determination. Wickens tested aboard a Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) Hyundai Veloster Touring Car adapted with Hand Controls for paralyzed team driver Micheal Johnson at Mid-Ohio in May, 2021, and the rest is History.

 

Robby’ resumed racing for BHA in the Michelin Pilot challenge series the following year with co-driver Mark Wilkins. They finished third in Wickens first race since Pocono, 2018 at Daytona. Then the duo shared a magical seven days, first winning the TCR category at Watkins Glen, Wickens first W’ since 2017. And then a week later at Trois Riviers they won again! Whilst in-between Robby’s son was born.

 

For 2023 Wickens was paired with new co-driver Harry Gottsacker, with the duo ultimately scoring seven podiums enroute to winning the Michelin Pilot Challenge Touring Cars (TCR) Championship!

 

2. Stories of Year

Winners: Contract Gate, Gaming and Hybrids

Sadly, but not surprisingly, All three of these issues resolve around IndyCar. Being the Open Wheel Racing series I far prefer these days vs. Formula 1…

 

Really despise Zak Brown being a Bully and trying to Crush Alex Palou, and any other driver for that matter! Who dares cross Him. Since perhaps it’s just Mwah? But didn’t Messer Brown have a Zakery pulled upon Him? A la it was ok to attempt poaching Palou from Ganassi, but when Alex Palou did an about face, Incoming!

 

Best quote I’ve ever heard about Zak Brown was Colton Herta saying He’s Cut throat. He’s a Businessman! And I get it that Zak’s pride and ego were bruised! But seriously? Demanding an Asinine 20-22+ million dollars because a driver changed His mind after two tumultuous seasons of contract wrangling, just makes you really look like “A Mean one” Mr. Brown!

 

What can I say or type about Indy Cars ridiculous Bungling of it’s decision to engage Motorsports Games for it’s new, long in-the-tooth Gaming platform. Especially after everyone preferred the iRacing platform instead!

 

As this was just plain embarrassing, especially since it seems par for the course!

 

And then there’s the ever continuing saga of the debut of Indy Cars going Hybrid for 2022, Uhm 2023, err, Uhm 2024. Do I hear 2025 Anyone? As it’s an overly ambitious piece of Kit! As I can barely understand it’s complexity. But the more I think about it, it seems thewrong thing to “rush” it intocompetition more than Halfway thru the upcoming season, since only select teams have tested prototypes so far…

 

And that’s before we even get into Honda’s massive Shot Across the Bow by Chuck Schifsky over the Japanese Auto manufacturers concerns over IndyCar costing too much!

 

3. Race of Year

Winner: Singapore Grand Prix

Typically I wouldn’t be so enamoured by this type of race, which was purely strategy. With eventual winner Carlos Sainz Jr going only as fast as necessary. And keeping runner-up Lando Norris within the one second DRS range in order to prevent the superior Mercedes from passing Him! Which surely would have left Carlos a sitting Duck!

 

As Sainz mastery reminded me of another Ferrari Pilote known as The Professor, aka Alain Prost! Not to mention being the lone Formula 1 victory not won by Red Bull…

 

4. Sportsperson of Year

Winner: Erica Enders

What can I scribble about Femme fatale Erica Enders that I haven’t already done so? As She’s now become the winningest Female Drag Racer in History! Enroute to capturing Her sixth NHRA Pro Stock Championship tis year, need I say more?

 

5. Rising Stars of year

Co-Winners: Myles Rowe and Fabio Di Giannantonio

The first of these two names should be obvious. With the Uber talented Myles Rowe ever continuing to impress! Following His runner-up finish in the U.S.F2000 National Championship by winning this year’s USF Pro 2000 title and earning a Scholarship ride in Indy NXT for 2024 with HMD Motorsports.

Became totally enamoured with Fabio Di Giannantonio towards season’s end. When the 25yr old Italian was currently without a ride for 2024 before winning His maiden MotoGP race. Having the audacity to ignore “EZY” Pitboard orders and pass eventual MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia for the win at Z1

 

Di Giannantonio then followed this up with another impressive romp from P11 to second place at Valencia, before finally being classified fourth. And I’m looking forward to Him doing more good thins riding for the satellite VR46 Ducati concern this year…

For the Conclusion of this Golden Tailpipe  Awards Categories 6-9, i.e.; Rider of Year, Sports Car Drivers of Year, Freak of Year and Quip of Year, Please visit the following No Fenders link below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/01/golden-tailpipe-awards-2023-streamliner.html

Racing to Redemption?

As sing it Aretha! R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

 

According to the Marion Webster Dictionary, the definition for the word Redemption is,

 

“The act, process or an instance of redeeming”

 

While the Oxford languages definition from Ye All knowing Intrawoods’ (interent) is as follows,

 

“The act of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil”

 

As you may be wondering why I’ve started today’s No Fenders story with those two definitions? But the word has been “Haunting” me ever since reading Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s very insightful story upon Juri Vips return to a racing car cockpit. With Vips being tabbed to drive the No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing entry for the season’s final two rounds, i.e.; Portland and Laguna Seca.

 

Presumably Y’all know about how the Estonian, then a Red bull Junior Team member, Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri Formula 1 reserve driver – potentially headed to Formula 1 used the same racial slur during a Twitch gaming session that Kyle Larson had previously done Himself!

 

Now I realize we All do very stupid things when we’re young and presumably naïve?

 

With Larson having rightly been suspended indefinitely by chip Ganassi Racing as a NASCAR Cup driver on April 3, 2020 for having used the same racial Slur during an i Racing event the day before.

 

Thus when Vips used the same racial Slur some two years later, and claimed He didn’t know of it’s significance, I struggle to comprehend that excuse!

 

Since I know that Larson’s justified Firing from Chip Ganassi Racing shocked me and sent Shock Waves thru the racing world! Especially since it was during the height of the COVID-19 “Lockdown” and surely made news Headlines around the world!

 

As Red Bull rightly terminated vips contract on June 28, 2022, for which the Estonian driver’s career went into a tailspin.

 

What’s Od to me is how Larson couldn’t have been aware of the ramifications of using said racial Slur. Since although I probably don’t understand the full context of the situation. I personally feel that WISH-TV went upon a Witch Hunt to summarily fire then Racing Analyst Derek Daly Wayback’ in 2018!

 

As Daly was fired for having used the same racial Slur in a 1983 interview, which reportedly the “voice” of the Indianapolis Colts Bob Lamey recanted to a co-worker in August, 2018. With Lamey retiring immediately afterwards…

 

Whilst Derek’s son Conor suffered financially for His father’s past indiscretion, when Eli Lily withdrew Conor’s sponsorship for a NASCAR Xfinity road race at Road America…

 

Thus if your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was aware of Derek Daly’s firing, surely Kyle Larson would have heard about it via His racing community circles, Righto?

 

Thus making me wonder how Vips wouldn’t have heard about Larson’s blaring indiscretion during the spring of 2020?

 

As we know, RLLR has now given Juri Vips a potential “Lifeline” to resurrect His once promising Open Wheel Racing career, for which I’ll let Y’all be the Judge upon whether or not Vips is the best suited candidate to fill the vacated No. 30 entry next year?

 

As I far more agree with Pruett’s assessment that vips would be wise to seek Graham Rahal’s advice upon the Act of Charitablly giving, be it volunteering, financial or however possible to improve Himself going forwards.

 

Which I realize is “Rich” of Mwah to suggest how once present themselves, after the litany of stupid mistakes I’ve made over my lifetime…

 

Ironically, Juri was making His IndyCar career debut at Portland International Raceway on the very same weekend that Myles Rowe became the first ever African American to win a Motor Racing series! When Rowe captured the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship Saturday with His second Podium of the weekend!

 

Rowe is part of Penske Entertainment’s Change for Equality program, and a member of the Force Indy project that also includes Ernie Francis, Jr.

 

As Rowe will graduate to the Indy NXT Championship next year, where Francis, Jr. currently competes, and hopefully will return for His third Indy NXT season. With both drivers ambitions set upon IndyCar.

 

Meanwhile, I found it even more ironic that Sunday night following the Portland IndyCar race. I listened to the New York Times Obituary of William “bill” Pinkney, a most fascinating person. As Pinkney became the first Black Sailor to successfully circumnavigate the world Solo via the treacherous Cape Horn route in 1992. A journey that took 22 months to complete!

 

As Pinkney noted in His 2006 Autobiography, the Seas doesn’t known what your Skin Colour is, Nor does it Care! 

Penske-A.J. foyt IndyCar Technical Alliance Announced

Meaning Bosom Buddies ScottyMac’ (Scott McLaughlin) and everybodies favourite IndyCar driver Benjamin Pederson will now be “Working together!”

 

Like IndyCar that was in a Thunderstorm ‘n Rain Delay last Saturday, your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso’s also been shuffling planned “Posts” here upon Ye Blob’, as Thy late Awntie’ Harriet called it…

 

Found this to be very interesting news, which I first spotted during my daily News Trawl on Racer.com last week. Wit Marshall Pruett noting how the previously discussed Technical Alliance between Team Penske and A.J. Foyt enterprises had been rekindled upon Larry Foyt making a phone call to Tim Cindric.

 

As Foyt should improve with technical feedback on “go Fast” parts. Arse-sumedly most notably those All critical Dampers programme. (Shocks) Along with other engineering expertise, albeit Foyt’s main man Mike Cannon Ain’t exactly No Slouch! With No Disrespect towards any of the other Foyt Engineering Staff.

 

Where it got interesting for Mwah was Cindric openly talking about where do they place a Miles Rowe or Ernie Francis, Jr. in the future if either is ready to graduate to IndyCar from Indy NXT? Noting how Penske typically doesn’t insert fresh face rookies into it’s team.

 

Not to mention the alliance will allow Penske to also develop staff for future promotion, i.e.; Engineers and Crew members.

 

Cindric said it’s a work in progress and they’ll work out the long term details as they go along. For now just helping Foyt as much as possible over the final three races.

 

While Pruett mentions how interest has already percolated regarding potential future drivers for Foyt due to the new technical alliance, a la Andretti Autosport and Meyer Shank Racing on the Honda side of the equation.

 

And it seems that Marshall’s mentioned the possibility of new technical alliances being formed, mainly with Arrow McLaren if it decides to expand to a four car operation next year? Since they’re not moving into Mikey A’s current race shop until 2025 when Andretti moves to it’s new Fisher’s complex.

 

Butt I’d Arse-sume McLaren’s plans for four Fulltime IndyCar entries has been delayed now that Zak’s Boy Alex Palou has changed His mind, again. With Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) seeming to be the most logical Bowtie’ runner choice.

 

Yet Pruett noted over the WWTR weekend that He was keeping an “Eye” upon a possible Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) technical alliance “tie-up” with McLaren instead. Although noting that Callum Ilott was one of the drivers on McLaren’s “shopping list” to fill the vacated No. 6 Palou seat…

 

And although I know it’s not the same situation. Nonetheless, I’m old enough to remember how Tony Junior’s Bettenhausen Motorsports Sharp lookin’ IndyCar team ran year old Penske’s exclusively during the early 1990’s, when Penske Cars were building their own IndyCar chassis in Bloody Poole, England. Notably when ‘lil Stevie Johnson’, aka Stefan Johansson was running those Alumax sponsored PC chassis Indy Cars…

 

As just think of how this alliance should remarkably help the Great Santini’s, aka Santino Ferrucci’s overall performance. And how Ferrucci’s prowess on a one, certain 2.5-mile Oval. Some place that El Capitano’ owns potentially benefit Team Penske! Which I prefer calling Mother Speedway…

 

Whilst the idea of B-Teams isn’t anything new, since Scuderia AlphaTauri has been Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 Defacto B-Team since 2006! While I think Mercedes has had linkage with Williams over the years. Not to mention turning the long defunct Manor Racing team into it’s B-Team with AMG Mercedes DTM chauffeurs Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon…

 

Update

Whilst waiting out the Rain Delay at WWTR last Saturday, I read Marshall Pruett’s latest Silly Season update. With Marshall noting that Santino Ferrucci was still unsigned for Foyt next year, with teammate Benjamin Peterson being on a multi-year contract.

 

Think it would be a shame if Foyt didn’t retain Ferrucci! But with Pruett also noting how Fast Eddie’, nee Ed Carpenter doesn’t like being “Ghosted!” Which possibly David Malukas will end up doing to Ed? Ferrucci in the ECR No. 20 entry would be a great “Change-up”. Or may be as an unlikely addition to either Meyer Shank Racing or Juncos Hollinger Racing who both could benefit from Santino’s Oval prowess, Just Sayin’. Especially since the 2024 IndyCar Silly Season is far from being done! With everyone besides Team Penske still having potential vacancies… 

Marshall Pruett Catches Up with Myles Rowe

Although winning an Indy NXT Championship definitely does Not guarantee you a Full season Ride in Indy Cars these days!

 

Love Marshall’s “Playful” dig at those Bus Bros’, noting how they’re just Posers in a Motorcoach! But Myles was actually riding a real “City” Bus in New York enroute to the Gym to work out whilst talking to Marshall…

 

This is a very enjoyable interview from Marshall’s Catching Up Podcast segment with current USF Pro 2000 racer Myles rowe.

 

And with No disrespect to Indy NXT driver Ernie Francis Jr., Myles is definitely the Driver I want to see making it into Indy Cars in the future!

 

As Rowe finished Runner-up to Michael D’Orlando in last year’s USF2000 Championship. With Marshall Catching Up with Him after winning three of the USF Pro 2000’s season’s first four races in-a-row! Driving for Pabst Racing with Force Indy in the No. 99, presumably “Red Tail” racecar.

 

As Rowe will battle D’Orlando once again this year in USF Pro 2000, with the caviot of the Series Champion being awarded a Scholarship prize to compete in Indy Lights, Err NXT next year.

 

https://marshallpruett.podbean.com/e/mp-1376-catching-up-with-myles-rowe-march-27-2023/