LE MANS: A trio of Second Generation Drivers

As who will win the battle of rookies this year?

 

Continuing my overview of five promising drivers. Here’s three who’s fathers were former Formula 1 pilotes.

 

Eduardo Barrichello

DOB: September 23, 2001, Age: 24

U.S. F2000 National Championship: 2019-2020; Stock Car Pro Series

LMGT3: #23 The Heart of Racing, Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo

Eduardo Barrichello is the older son of Rubino’, nee Rubens Barrichello, who once held the record for most Grands Prix starts at 322. Before being surpassed by Kimi Raikkonen.

 

F1: Alonso Moves into P1’

 

Rubino’ won 11 Grands Prix, primarily as Michael Schumacher’s Wingman at Scuderia Ferrari between 2000-2005. Before winning twice for Brawn GP as Bloody Jense’s (Button) teammate in 2009.

 

Rubens also contested the 2012 IndyCar Series alongside friend TK’, aka Tony Kanaan and EJ Viso for KV Racing Technology. Being named Rookie Of the Year in His lone Indianapolis 500 start, after finishing 11th.

 

Just learned that Eduardo’s Mum’ is Silvana Giaffone Alcide, and that Felipe Giaffone is His uncle, and Alfonso Giaffone is His second uncle. As many will know that both drivers competed in the Indianapolis 500 during the Indy Racing League (IRL) era.

 

As Felipe is best known for being at a Babys R Us store when getting the call from A. J. Foyt to come and Bump His way into the field in 2005, bumping Arie Luyendyk Jr out of the race…

 

As Felipe’s son Nicolas (Eduardo’s cousin) was the USF Juniors champion in 2023. While Eduardo’s younger brother Fernando is also a racing driver.

 

Eduardo sent two seasons in U.S. F2000 National championship “Road to Indy” Feeder Series with a best finish of runner-up in 2020, driving for Pabst Racing. With Christian Rasmussen winning the title.

 

After racing Stock Cars in Brasilia, Barrichello moved to Sports Cars in 2025. And currently is contesting the full IMSA SportsCar Championship for Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin team this year. Along with also competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Heart of Racing

 

“Dudu”, Eduardo’s nickname, will share the No. 23 Aston Martin Vantage with Jonny Adam and Gray Newell.

 

Guiliano Alesi

DOB: September 20, 1999, Age: 26

Formula 2: 2019-2020; Super formula; Super GT300-Super GT500

LMGT3: #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx, Mercedes AMG GT3

I have several memories revolving around Guliano’s father, who I affectionately call “Mean Jean” Alesi here upon No Fenders.

 

Recalling His audacity to battle for the lead of the 1990 Iceberg Grand Prix on the streets of Downtown Phoenix vs. Ayrton Senna and His championship winning McLaren! As Alesi was driving that evocative Tyrrell 018, with the first dihedral “High Nose” racecar.

 

Sending shock waves through Formula 1 when leading the race, then repassing Senna’s superior McLaren Honda V-10, Eventually finishing runner-up to Senna with a customer Cosworth DFR V-8.

 

Along with all of His talent only netting a lone Formula 1 win at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix for Scuderia Ferrari. Plus that Jordan F1 car with 200 boldly emblazoned on it’s sidepods, celebrating Alesi’s 200th Grand Prix start, which was a big deal Wayback in 2001!

 

Or being at the 2012 Indianapolis 500, where I coined the moniker “Mean Jean” when driving that recalcitrant Lotus by Judd Dallara for Fan force United. Just noticing that being the same year Rubens Barrichello was racing at Mother Speedway…

 

Guiliano’s Mum’ is none other than Kumiko Goto, a Japanese former Model, Actress and Pop singer.

 

Guiliano joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016, along with Arthur Leclerc, younger brother of Scuderia Ferrari pilote Charles.

 

For 2019, He contested His rookie FIA formula 2 season for Trident with mediocre results, finishing 15th overall. A switch to Hwa Racelab the following year did little to advance His career, jumping ship to MP Motorsport at season’s end and finishing P17 overall.

 

Guiliano left the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2020, after a single outing in a Ferrari SF71H.

 

After finishing runner-up in Super Formula Lites with four wins, Alesi graduated to Super formula in 2021, winning at Autopolis, before being dropped during the 2023 season, once again due to poor results.

 

Alesi subsequently drove in Super GT300 before moving up to Super GT500

 

As previously mentioned, Guiliano will share the No. 62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx entry with Addulla Al-Khalaifi and Julian Hanses. Being unaware it was Alesi’s Le Mans debut, along with Qatari Al-Khalaifi and Team Qatar’s.

 

Lorenzo Patrese

DOB: August 12, 2005, Age: 20

Italian Formula 4: 2020-2021; GT World Challenge Europe, IMSA GT Daytona

LMGT3: #74 Kessel Racing, Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo

Lorenzo’s Pop’s is former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese. Once the Ironman of Formula 1, amassing the most career starts at then a staggering 256. Before ironically being surpassed by Rubino’.

 

Now it’s a Record!

 

Lorenzo has the least seat-time of these second generation drivers in single seaters, debuting at the Mugello round. Then racing at Monza in the 2020 Italian Formula 4 championship, His debut in single seaters. Then finished third in the following year’s Italian F4 Rookie cup and 12th overall, before moving onto Sports Cars.

 

Lorenzo has been contesting the GT World challenge Europe Endurance and Sprint series since 2022.

 

Across thoust Gory Puddle, Patrese drove Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo’s for Cetilar Racing last year, and Conquest Racing this season in the IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) category.

 

Lorenzo is also a winning Show Jumping Horse rider, which He’s done for several years, along with studying International Business at University.

 

Lorenzo joins Eduardo and Guiliano making  His debut at Circuit de la Sarthe. With co-drivers Dustin Blattner and Dennis Marschall behind the wheel of the Kessel Racing Ferrari. 

Indy NXT returns to Action, in Earnest

But like it’s Big Brother IndyCar and Alex Palou. Can anybody stop Denis Hauger?

 

Yeah, your Humble, Haggard No Fenders scribe Tomaso’s another dollar short and several days late…

 

Have to say I agree with For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hando over how exhausting the sheer volume of negativity surrounding IndyCar is, albeit much is self inflicted, unfortunately…

 

Case-in-point is the series yearly inability to smooth out it’s schedule and the Uber annoying three week breaks at season’s beginning, after we’ve waited another agonizing six month to go racing once again!

 

Yet think those three week gaps are annoying? Then think about how the Indy NXT competitors and it’s Fans feel over the totally ridiculous 63 Freakin Days gap between it’s St Pete season kickoff and round two last weekend at thee Barber’s, nee Barber Motorsports Park on May 4th, nine weeks later, Youza!

 

Naturally, much has happened since I last listened to an Indy NXT race, for which I “Drop-in” for the Alabama round., the first I’ve listened to since I Dunno, sometime last year.

Learning that Indiana native Kirk Dooley was named Director of Indy NXT by Firestone on April 7th, and will oversee all operations and competition of the Feeder series.

 

Dooley previously served as IndyCar’s Chief of Staff between 2015-16. In in 2016, Dooley was named Director of Executive Operations for Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Leaving in 2020 to served as Chief Operating Officer of the Skip Barber racing schools.

 

Was ready to scribble all about Doce Femme Fatales in Indy NXT this year, before learning nearly one month after the fact that Sophia Floersch had ended Her Indy NXT campaign with HMD Motorsports, Huh?

 

As the 24yr old German driver reportedly had a misunderstanding with Her primary sponsor according to Racer’s Marshall Pruett and thus She and HMD Motorsports parted ways immediately, with no word on what Floersch will do next?

 

As Sophia qualified P17 and finished P12, two positions ahead of HMD Motorsports rookie Hailie Deegan. As Deegan makes Her transition to single seaters, with the Temecula, California native being known for Her Offroad and  NASCAR career. In ARCA, Trucks and Xfinity.

 

On a side note, learned earlier this season that Jace Denmark, who’s now racing for TJ Speed Motorsports in His third USF Pro 2000 campaign Has been signed as an HMD Motorsports development driver…

 

Norway’s Dennis Hauger claimed His first “Grand Salami”, Err Grand Slam on His rookie debut for Andretti Global. As Hauger is the first Indy NXT driver since Linus Lundqvist in 2021 to win on debut.

 

Hauger led wire-to-wire from pole, and set fastest lap. Along wit leading rookie Lochie Hughes in an Andretti Global 1-2 finish, ahead of Caio Collet, driving for HMD Motorsports.

 

Myles Rowe of Abel Motorsports with Force Indy tied His series best finish in fourth, with Salvador de Alba, also of Andretti global rounding out the top five.

 

HMD Motorsports signed Kirkland, WA native Evagoras Papasavvas to replace the departing Bryce Aron. With Aron moving onto Chip Ganassi Racing’s Indy NXT team for the remainder of the season as Jonathan Browne’s replacement.

 

While Hauger once again cruised home for His second win in dominating fashion, with a second wire-to-wire victory from pole. The story of the weekend was Papasavvas’s Indy NXT debut.

 

Papasavvas, who raced in USF2000 the past two years, initially had signed a partial season deal with HMD Motorsports. A three race deal beginning at Gateway and concluding at Mid-Ohio. Yet the HMD Motorsports reserve driver, who impressed during a Mid-Ohio test, was called-up as Aron’s replacement four round two.

 

Evagoras won His maiden USF2000 race at Mid-Ohio, His hometown track in 2023. Followed by a second win at Toronto and fourth in that year’s USF2000 Championship.

 

On debut at Barber Motorsports Park, Papasavvas qualified third, inherited second when Caio Collet had a throttle issue, and held off a menacing Lochie Hughes, Myles Rowe and Josh Pierson to finish Vice Champion, Err runner-up!

 

Hughes tried everything He could think of, with Rowe and Pierson nipping at His Heals, all to nought…

 

Indy NXT contests a Double Header outing on Indianapolis’s road course this Friday-Saturday.

 

While can anybody catch the red-hot Hauger? Who’s two back-to-back wins on debut matches Ed Jones start to His 2015 Indy Lights season. As Jones would win the first three races in-a-row before finishing third overall behind Spencer Pigot and Jack Harvey… 

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… 

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. 

The Unknown Formula race Promotions ladder Staircase

Since who’s Heard of FRP lately?

 

Today begins another Ha-Ha Short! Intended three part No Fenders tome covering the current Open Wheel Racing “Staircases” to Indy Cars, North America’s premiere Open Wheel Racing category. But as typical, I keep finding more “Driftwood” on the shores of Nofenderville…

 

Thus, I suppose if I keep Digging for Clams, I’ll learn about more Open wheel Racing single seater Championships I’ve been totally unawares’ of, Righto?

 

Since I was just trying to spell out today’s best known ladder systems for aspiring racers to progress upon once what was known as the Road to Indy. Which was the best, most concise ladder system to date…

 

Thanks to researching two aspiring “Junior” talents, I ran into what is billed as the East coast’s “premiere” Formula Cars Feeder Series – sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing.

 

Having never heard of Formula Race Promotions (FRP) before, visiting their website which only gives the briefest of descriptions. Somehow I “spotted” the logo for Parella Motorsports Holdings, (PMH) for which I couldn’t ascertain if FRP is owned by them or not?

 

Since PMH, which is owned by Tony Parella seems to be a fairly large motorsports entity, primarily owners of SVRA )Sports Car Vintage Racing) and the modern day Trans Am series. Whilst also being involved with another “rival” Junior Open Wheel Racing ladder system. Making it All as clear as Mud on a Rainy Day!

 

FRP’s single seater ladder system comprises of F1600, F2000 and Atlantic Championships, and presumably is “Billed” as a lower cost alternative for aspiring racers. Since what’s that ‘Ol Adage about Cubic Horsepower costs Cubic Dollars! And how many people who start with a large budget end up with a small budget after going racing, or something to that effect…

 

These three categories serve as support series to SVRA and Trans Am events around the nation, with this year’s calendar consisting of seven events.

 

Road Atlanta (March 21-24) served as the season opener. Followed by Mid-Ohio, (April 26-28) Lime Rock*, (May 24-27) Pittsburg International Race Complex, (June 7-9) Road America, (June 28-30) New Jersey Motorsports Park* (July 25-28) and Summit Point Motorsports Park. (August 16-18)

 

The Atlantic Championship will not contest the Lime Rock weekend. While the New Jersey event will also include the U.S. formula 4 and FR Americas series.

 

F1600 Championship

The F1600 Championship Pro category is an almost exclusive Honda engine category, utilizing 1.6-litre normally aspirated four cylinder engines, hence the series name. Although also having spotted a lone ford lump’ noted. With the series being dominated by the Van Diemen chassis, with Piper, Mygale and Swift sprinkled about this “Formula ford” single seater series.

 

I first learned about this series when perusing the career summary of Jace Denmark, who ran three races in 2021. While 2020 F1600 Championship winner Simon sikes is now His Pabst Racing teammate in the USF Pro 2000 Championship.

 

Other series champions include Nicholas D’Orlando, (2021) younger brother of Michael D’Orlando, the 2022 U.S. F2000 National Championship champion. Along with Thomas Schrage, (2022) and the reigning champion Porter Aiken. All having gravitated to the U.S. f2000 National championship and USF Pro 2000 Championship series.

 

F2000 Championship

This is the second rung of the series, in what are known as “Wings & Slicks” single seaters with a larger 2.0-litre four cylinder naturally aspirated motor. As the class dovetails with the re-introduction of the U.S. F2000 National Championship in 2010, when the Van Diemen DP08 was selected as the sole spec chassis for this category.

 

Becoming the Elan DP08, the chassis was used for U.S. F2000 National Championship competition until Tatuus won the contract and began supplying the series first carbon fibre USF-17 chassis beginning in 2017.

 

With No Disrespect to today’s competitors, from what I can tell, this is now an “Ameteur” Class utilizing “vintage” single seaters primarily with the Mazda MZR and older spec Zetec Ford powerplants. Since Van Diemen ceased as a company in the early 2000’s when Former American Le Mans Series founder Don Panoz bought the company. With the Van Diemen name being replaced by Elan after full integration.

 

As a mix of “vintage” chassis compete in this class, including Van Diemen, Mygale and Piper for example.

 

A few of the class’s former Alumni include “The Viking”, aka Andres Krohn who won the 2008 championship. While Chris Miller who won the following year’s title also progressed to what then was known as Star Mazda a la Krohn.

 

Krohn and 2010 F2000 Champion victor Carbone would compete against each other in the 2011 Indy Lights Championship with mixed results.

 

Whilst ’08 F2000 Alumni Conor Daly would graduate into Indy Cars. Beginning  in 2013, as a “One-off” Indy 500 entry for A.J. Foyt enterprises. Yet Daly’s IndyCar career arguably could be summed up as an “Journeyman’s” career until being “let go” by Ed Carpenter Racing after the 2023 Indianapolis 500…

 

Atlantic Championship

When I hear the word Atlantic, I immediately think of the former Toyota Atlantic Championship, which later became the Champ Car Atlantic Championship The series continued for two more years, albeit no longer part of the Champ Car World Series, (CCWS) which thankfully finally merged with it’s rival Indy Racing League for 2008.

 

Formula Race Promotions effectively took over the Atlantic championship circa 2012, and has run it ever since. Which now utilizes the Swift 016 chassis for it’s 2016 category. Whilst presumably older chassis for it’s Open category… 

INDYCAR: Thermal club Rear View Mirror

As the weekend wasn’t an entire Dud…

 

Yeah, I know we’ve All since long moved on from that Whose Your Daddy $1 Million Challenge Sweepstakes race at the Thermal club, along with what could be done to make it better. Especially since we’ll be salivating over the IndyCar Open Test at Mother speedway this week…

 

Yet lost in All of the Thermal club Drama, was the debut of Nolan “flock ‘O Seagulls” Siegel’s debut in what my Awntie’ Harriet called the Big boyz’, nee IndyCar debut. Although now I’m cornfuzed over how the IndyCar revisionist record books will record said debut? Since after all, it was a (NC) Non Championship Points race, so does that constitute being a Full fledged IndyCar race, Oh Never Mind!

 

Whilst I’ll also try refraining from any more Stu Seagull Jokes about Nolan, whom Harriet called Steven Seagal, but I digress…

 

The 19yr old Palo Alto, California native will run a total of four races this season for Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) including the Thermal Club event. Along with the upcoming Long Beach, Indianapolis 500 and Toronto races. Running just a maximum of four IndyCar races in order to preserve His rookie IndyCar status for next year.

 

As Siegel will share the No. 18 entry with Jack Harvey, who’ll run the remainder of the 14 points paying IndyCar events.

 

Arse-sumedly Nolan began His racing career like most contemporary drivers by competing in Karting, before making His single seater debut in the 2019 U.S. f2000 National Championship driving for Newman Wachs Racing, finishing 15th overall.

 

The following year, Siegel switched to Jay Howard Driver Development for His sophomore U.S. F2000 campaign, finishing P13 overall.

 

Then for His third and final U.S. F2000 season, Nolan switched to DEForce Racing, finishing eighth overall while claiming His maiden victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

 

Having made His Indy Pro 2000 series debut in 2021 at Gateway, Siegel graduated to the Indy Pro 2000 championship for a full season drive with DEForce Racing. Nolan won first time out at St Pete, before dominating the next round at Barber Motorsports Park. Yet that would be the last of Siegel’s victories, ultimately finishing fourth overall in the title fight.

 

Siegel also contested the final Indy Lights race at Laguna Seca driving for HMD Motorsports before joining Indy NXT fulltime in 2023, remaining with HMD Motorsports.

 

Siegel impressed as a rookie by winning two races and finishing third overall, also claiming Indy NXT’s rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honours. And is currently leading the 2024 Indy NXT Championship after leading wire-to-wire from Pole at St Pete’s season opener.

 

Siegel will contest the entire Indy NXT championship once again for HMD Motorsports, which presumably due to it’s affiliation with DCR, made Nolan an easy choice to run at Sebring in one of Dale Coyne’s Indy Cars during Pre-season testing. And being suitably impressed with the youngster, Nolan’s now in the midst of His four race IndyCar campaign…

 

As Siegel started P12 in the 14-car Group-1 Heat Qualifier and finished an impressive seventh. One place behind Colton Herta in sixth, the final transfer slot for Sunday’s main event.

 

As Nolan claims He learned a ton by following Herta and observing where Colton kept Him from passing to transfer to the main event. And it’ll be interesting to see how Nolan fairs in the upcoming Long Beach Full tilt boogie IndyCar weekend, when racing against 26 other cars at once over a longer race distance… 

INDY NXT: Another Chaotic First Lap at Portland!

Where Mayhem’s Always Ah-Waitin’ racers at Ye Festival Curves…

 

Although I tend to only follow whatever for Mwah will be affectionately known as Indy Lights casually. Since I find it’s current Nom de Plume Indy NXT moniker to be El supidio! I do try “Tuning IN” upon occasion whenever the races are at a reasonable time upon the IndyCar Radio Network.

 

Having taken a month’s “Sabbatical” from Ye All conquering Intrawoods’, nee internet; which Y’all are probably getting tired of hearing about, Eh? Naturally I missed a ton of news regarding Indy NXT and the plethora ‘O Driver changes occurring…

 

Totally “Missed the Memo” that Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) had terminated the contract of Matteo Nannini with immediate effect upon July 18th. For which I can find no reason for, other than He obviously did something the team didn’t like!

 

Rejoining the Indy NXT competition for it’s Gateway round, it’s final Oval race at WWTR. I noticed that Thar were only 15 cars competing and Cape Motorsports was absent, Huh? Apparently due to a lack of funding, since presumably “Pay Driver” Enaam Ahmed ran out of Dinero’, leaving the team in a temporary lurch…

 

Whilst noting the return of former IndyCar and Indy Lights competitor Matty B’, aka Matthew Brabham to the field. As the Australian born, and Dual Citizenship (USA) racer has had quite a busy season “Deputizing” for both Cape Motorsports and JHR, filling the latter’s two entries.

 

As I was unaware that Matthew had former history with the Cape Brothers. Having won the 2012 USF2000 Championship ahead of another former IndyCar driver named Spencer Pigot when driving for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylore Racing…

 

Whilst I won’t even attempt trying to list All of the copius Driver changes this season, since I got exhausted just listening to my Screen Reader “Zoey the Princess Warrior!” reading them to me, Youza!

 

As I’ve forgotten what I believe was IndyCar Radio Pitlane reporter Ryan Marin’s exact comments during the Sunday morning Indy NXT race about various connections to Portland…

 

With Ryan noting that Brabham, Jones, Roe and Pierson All had ties to the Rose City and IndyCar.

 

As Matty B’s father Geoff Brabham was a longtime IndyCar competitor, including making ten starts in the Indianapolis 500. Although arguably, Geoff’s best known for being a Four-times IMSA GTP champion in those dominating Elactramotive Nissan GTP ZX-turbo (ZX-T) IMSA GTP Prototypes! Not to mention having won some race called the 24 Heurs du Mans.

 

Whilst Jagger Jones last name is synonymous with Indy Cars. Being the Grandson of some ‘Ol Codger known as rufus Parnelli Jones, who just turned 90yrs old on August 12th.

 

Josh Pierson, who’s an IndyCar Development Driver for Ed Carpenter Racing, (ECR) was contesting His maiden Indy NXT race at His Home track. Hailing from Portland, Oregon.

 

But Pierson’s race went about as well as His partial rookie Indy NXT campaign has. Being one of the eight cars, nearly Half the field that ran into each other on the opening lap at Portland’s notorious Turn-1 Festival Curve! With Pierson finishing a lowly P17 and last! And was 15th in the Championship prior to the Laguna Seca Double Header season finale.

 

But the piece of Portland IndyCar trivia that most caught my Attenzione was the James Roe connection, since I already knew of the other three drivers times. As I thought I heard Ryan Marin saying that Roe’s uncle had previously raced there in an IndyCar, Huh?

 

Turns out that James Roe, Jr. is the nephew of Michael roe, who indeed contested four CART/PPG IndyCar World Series races for Hemelgarn Racing in 1985. With ironically His best result occurring at Portland International Raceway when finishing seventh. Although having failed to qualify for that year’s Indy 500.

 

As Michael roe had won the previous year’s SCCA Can Am Championship by Blitzing the field with seven wins in ten races. Along wit making a Clean Sweep of Pole positions, when capturing All ten. Both being Can Am records!

 

Like it’s Big Brother IndyCar, the NXT Championship points fight was kept somewhat interesting by the two main title protagonists Christian Rasmussen and Hunter McElrea. Although Rasmussen held a comfortable 50-point lead over McElrea entering Portland.

 

As mentioned above, nearly Half of the field was involved in the first lap’s Turn-1 Fracas in the Festival Curves chicane! Although I think perhaps Thar were multiple incidents? The main crash involved a six car pileup! Including the likes of Pierson, Kyffin Simpson, McElrea and Rasmussen, who’d started third…

 

As I know IndyCar Radio’s Driver Analyst Davey Hamilton went ballistic when apparently Race Control was initially going to assess Reece Gold with a Drive-thru penalty for Avoidable contact. With Hamilton saying they’d better check the videotape, since clearly it was victor Franzoni’s Fault for causing the Turn-1 melee! Which Race Control corrected afterwards.

 

Points leader Rasmussen effectively pulled a “Dixon” by surviving the carnage and resuming in ninth place, while McElrea wasn’t so fortunate, sustaining damage to His racecar. As McElrea went two laps down and finished 13th. While Rasmussen marched up to sixth and spent the remainder of the race there. Until Jagger Jones made a late race mistake with the Dane’ finishing fifth. Seeing Rasmussen take a commanding 65-point lead into Laguna Seca’s season ending Double Header weekend.

 

Rookie Lous foster, McElrea’s Andretti Autosport teammate led wire-to-wire, All 35-lapsin what became a fairly Anti-climatic race after the first lap fracas was cleaned up… 

The Perils of Motorsports

As racing will never truly be Safe!

 

Ironically Thursday evening I listened to a story on Reuters about how Juan Manuel Correa still dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver. Although you’d have to say that time’s running out on the 23yr old Ecuadorian-american FIA Formula 2 driver. Since as Correa Himself admits, racing is a results based business.

 

You may recall that Correa was involved in the death of Anthoine Hubert at the August, 2019 Spa-Francorchamps F2 race. Where Correa Himself was severely injured and has now undergone some 25 operations to His feet and legs!

 

As Correa also astutely points out that He now knows there’s far more than just driving a racing car fast to life! Which He feels has made Him a better racecar driver…

 

Then Saturday morning, I awoke to the news that 18yr old Dutch teenager Dilano van ‘t Hoss had Died while contesting the Formula Regional European Championship at Spa-Francorchamps.

 

As Hoss was involved in a multi-car Shunt in the wet on a race restart before perishing at the daunting Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes forest.

 

Next, at the beginning of IndyCar Radio Network’s live Qualifying coverage from the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. I was momentarily startled to hear that Meyer Shank Racing’s Simon Pagenaud had suffered a wicked crash during the morning practice session after suffering a Brake failure! For which reportedly Pagenaud rolled His No. 60 Dallara/Honda at least nine times! And wasn’t cleared to participate in Qualifying due to the excessive G-Force readings from His in-ear accelerometer.

 

As Pagenaud will need to be cleared by IndyCar Medical Sunday morning in order to start last in the field. Although interestingly, ousted Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) driver Conor Daly is on hand in the IndyCar Paddock this weekend…

 

Whilst IndyCar Radio’s Nicky Salt’ Yeoman noted that the AMR Safety Team had been busy on Saturday. Claiming that one of the USF2000 Championship Contendahs’, Lochie Hughes had spectacularly Cart-wheeled into the proverbial Kitty-litter at the Keyhole during the days race!

 

As Hughes reportedly tangled with Simon Sikes, the Pole sitter who was forced to abandon the race from second when Race Control ordered Him to retire since His rear wing was missing! And His car was deemed to be unsafe… 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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