IndyCar’s rope-ah-Dope 2027 Schedule rollout finally revealed

Didn’t ‘Ol Geroge Foreman say something about Knocking You Out?

 

Yeah, IndyCar has finally revealed the full, 2027 schedule. With Penske Entertainment’s No. 1 Puffed Shirt Mark Miles telling us about the Orgasmic TV rating numbers, Neon Bunnies and the Sun burning so bright, that Y’all Gots to wear Shades,

Spew!

 

Perhaps Yuhs remember when IndyCar rolled out what it called Phase One Wayback on August 8th. With an exact carbon copy of last year’s schedule between St Pete’s season kickoff through the Detroit Grand Prix.

 

Phase One of 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season unveiled

 

The second half of the schedule seemed delayed over attempts to run in Washington, DC again along with Arse-sumedly returning to Nashville’s Super Speedway. For which you can say Splat to both of those races.

 

Although much hoopla’s being made over the new International event at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, being the first International race since Sao Paolo’s 2013 event. And Champ Car’s 2007 visit to Assen TT in the Netherlands. For Mwah this is simply lip service to the cancellation of the Nashville Oval race. As way to Kill another Oval IndyCar!

 

Is it just Mwah? Or do we hear every year about needing to add more Ovals to the schedule?

 

As the cancellation of Nashville seems extremely short-sighted to Mwah! As ironically, I couldn’t even name Phoenix when reading the fantastic Phase Two press release about five Ovals on the 2027 calendar, albeit Milwaukee’s a Double Header.

 

Phase Two of 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season unveiled

 

This speaks volumes to Mwah, over how little IndyCar has truly progressed. Whilst Doug Bowles is chirping on about making returning to the North East a priority. Can Y’all say Richmond?

 

Yet for a far more balanced and honest assessment of next year’s stupendous IndyCar schedule, I suggest Yuhs check out David Land’s 23mins video below.

 

VIDEO: The Big Reveal 

Warbirds Invade Roswell

Although there from this world…

 

The legendous’ reno air Races have moved to Roswell, New Mexico this year, having run this past weekend. (Sept 16-20) And feature seven different classes this year. With the top two being the Jet and Unlimited classes.

 

Roswell’s Racers ready

 

Thanks to ray, who informed me about Juan Brown’s blancolirio Youtube channel. Which is primarily devoted to Air accidents, i.e.; Civilian and Commercial Aircraft, plus Helicopters. It also periodically covers vintage Aircraft.

 

As here’s Juan’s Heat 1A “close-up” 8 minutes coverage of this year’s Roswell Air Races from the Home pylon! Featuring several vintage piston-powered WWII Warbirds. Having learned the Bardahl Special is a P-51 Mustang.

 

Unlimited Air Racing Home Pylon - Roswell

 

You can check out Juan’s Youtube Channel at the following link below.

 

Blancolirio 

AUTOS: Martin Auto Museum Hidden Gems

Vintage 1929 custom popcorn truck. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

What’s that ‘Ol sayin’ about a diamond in the rough…

 

There’s simply just far too much to scribble about from my initial visit to the Martin Auto Museum. Which has a bit of everything on display.

 

Like that vintage popcorn & peanuts truck above. To the unheard of and unknonwn likes of the Streetnik Bandit tribute rod and the 1929 Franklin.

 

Yet of growing interest to Mwah after-the-fact is the Museo’s 1929 Franklin Model 135 Sedan. Since I just love the story about how the front radiator grill is fake!

 

Having been added to ease consumers thoughts of what an automobile should look like after dealers demands…

 

In 1929, there were three Franklin models to choose from, the 130, 135 and 137, all powered by the company’s air cooled six cylinder engine.

 

Ironically, there just so happened to be an article about the very 1929 Frankin in question in the April issue of the Martin Automotive Times Newsletter, Shazam!

 

So I’ll let the Museo’s unofficial spokesman Rick DeBruhl do the heavy lifting with His excellent 12 minutes video on this very car instead.

 

VIDEO: 1929 Franklin: Innovation, Elegance and the Crash that Killed It

 

While here’s another Youtube video I found detailing the Franklin’s unique air-cooled engine, ahead of its time.

 

VIDEO: Franklin’s last in-line 274cid engine

 

And thanks to museum Docent Gene, I learned that there’s a Franklin Auto museum in Tucson, Arizona, which I wasn’t aware of. With Gene claiming there’s some 30 Franklins on display, along with a cutaway Franklin air cooled engine.

 

Franklin Auto Museum

 

Lastly, albeit an earlier version of the Franklin. Here’s a good video upon their 1923 automobile, including actually driving said vehicle…

 

VIDEO: They beat Porsche to the Punch: Franklin’s Air-cooled Automobiles

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

Two very different Pace Cars at Martin Auto Museum

The 1963 Chrysler Pace Setter on display in Arizona. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Remember Pontiac’s jingle about Winder’s Better, Y’all?

 

Like the Martin Auto Museum, who’s vast collection quickly outgrew it’s original building. With proprietor Mel Martin buying up an entire city block!

 

There’s just so Mucho to talk about that my story quickly outgrew its original footprint, which is quite typical here at No Fenders. So Y’all guessed it, I cranked out another story, Toh-Duh!

 

Somewhere past the one plus hour mark, my most excellent Docent Jeff steered me past two Pace Cars sitting side-by-side. The first peaking my Attention, being the 1963 Indianapolis 500 Chrysler 300, the year that ‘Ol Rufus Parnelli Jones became the first to qualify at 150mph.

 

As the feat was celebrated by awarding Parnelli 150 silver dollars, before Jones won the race in ‘Ol Calhoun. J.C. Agajanian’s Watson Roadster.

 

A 1963 Chrysler 300 convertible Pace Car was driven in the 47th Indianapolis 500 by 1957 Indy 500 winner Sam Hanks, with IMS owner Tony Hulman riding Shotgun. The last Pace car awarded to the team owner.

 

Thanks to Rick DeBruhl, who’s detailed many of these vehicles with His Auto Evolution series, I learned that said Chrysler 300 was a Pacesetter edition. With 1,861 convertibles being sold as celebratory models to commemorate Chrysler pacing that year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

VIDEO: 1963 Chrysler 300 Pacesetter

 

Alongside this Chrysler 300 Pacesetter sat perhaps a Pontiac? Something that paced a NASCAR race, possibly the Day-Toner’ 500? But don’t remember what race it was from.

 

A follow-up phone call with Martin Auto Museum docent Gene revealed that it was indeed a celebratory 1988 Pontiac Pace car.

 

After a little more sluicing, err sleuthing. From the Museo’s website I learned it was a 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix SE Pace Car edition of that year’s Daytona 500 Pace Car. When Bobby Allison won ahead of Davey, with the father-son duo finishing 1-2.

 

Although the sixth generation Pontiac Grand Prix won Motor Trend’s 1988 Car of the Year award, the actual Daytona 500 Pace Car was heavily modified. Since the Grand Prix came stock with an anemic 2.8-litre transverse mounted V-6 lump’ rated at 140Bhp, be still my beating Heart!

 

Rick DeBruhl completely describes this W Body front wheel drive sedan in the video below.

 

VIDEO: The Sleekest car of 1988 - The Pontiac Grand Prix

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Where’s The Judge?

1966 Pontiac GTO. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Strange, but when I think of the Pontiac GTO, I immediately come up with Larry Shinoda’s (1969) version simply known as The Judge!

 

This 1966 Pontiac GTO 400 Restomod is part of the Martin Auto Museum’s vast collection of over 170 vehicles! With the car’s corresponding plaque mentioning being from the Alexander Orzechowski Collection, dated May 15, 2024.

 

I say Restomod since this car has been tastefully modified, most notably it’s 400cid Pontiac V-8 engine, along with “knockoff” Cragar wheels, etc.

 

While once again, Rick DeBruhl “schooled” me on the finer aspects of this vehicle, specifically what it’s Hardtop variant means. Check out the video below…

 

VIDEO: The Car that made Pontiac Famous – The 1966 GTO

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

The most Awesome introduction to the Martin Auto Museum

Tomaso and Snowbyrd MJ’ stand in front of 2002 Lincoln Continental concept car, with Bumblebee Transformer in background. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“It’s A little bit country, and A whole lot Rock ‘n Roll!”

 

This February, thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’, I got to visit the Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona. Where I had the most awesome Docent Jeff give me a personally guided tour. As Jeff led me by the arm and described countless automobiles in brief order, one at-a-time for nearly three hours, Aye Karumba!

 

As this was pure Nirvana for Mwah, Talking Cars for nearly three hours. And no three hour cruise jokes here, Hya!

 

Where to begin, Eh? Since naturally I’ve long forgotten all of the various automobiles we sauntered by. Thus just tried to Jot’ down what I recall in no particular order before it all “Vamooshed!”

 

Although I do know the very first vehicle Jeff introduced me to was an 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen replica. Which strangely, I vaguely recall “Seeing” one of these exact same contraptions on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s museum I believe?

 

There was a very impressive sounding 2002 Lincoln (Mercury) Continental concept car with “Suicide” doors. And a Aston Martin (Lagonda) sourced naturally aspirated V-12 lump’ shoehorned underneath the Lincoln’s bonnet. Riding on 22-inch custom wheels.

 

Interestingly, as Jeff had me run my hand upon the trunk’s “door”, noting how it slid directly into the rear of the car, instead of hinging upwards, and featured custom aluminum luggage containers that fit into their respective tray compartments.

 

The car’s design was touted as retro-futuristic and debuted at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show, but never went into production.

 

2002 Lincoln Continental Concept Sedan heading to Auction

 

Cannot remember what vehicle it was, but when Jeff described using “lanterns” for running lights to illuminate the road. I told Jeff how it made me think of the Prestolite company, and Eddie Rickenbacker and those early lantern “lighting” systems of Indianapolis. As Indiana seemingly was one of America’s car making hubs during the 1920’s.

 

We passed by a Ford Model T, Cadillac, etc. As some of the early vehicles didn’t have windshields, before this became standard practice as vehicle speeds increased.

 

Although its been a long time since I’ve seen them, I asked if there were any of the Cadd-Oh-laccs with the tall rear fins? To which Jeff said was the 59’ Caddy’, which they didn’t have any. But think He mentioned something about a 1957 model being present.

 

There were various Studebakers, including two Avanti’s. As Jeff had me run my hand over the Avanti’s “torpedo” front bumper. Explaining how I’d just listened to a story about the Avanti forming part of a museum’s main theme in California.

 

A very special Studebaker Avanti will be on display in L.A.

 

While what seemed to be the lone Dodge on display? Was my mumero uno favourite Dodge! A Dodge Daytona Charger, with Jeff having me run my hand over the iconic, tall rear wing. Asking if I’d seen the Day-toner’ 500? And what a crazy ending to the race, with Tyler Reddick “Stealing” it in the last 500 yards!

 

There were Auburn’s and cord’s, with the Auburn name “screaming” Boat tail ! Which is the quintessential Auburn. Both being reproductions or “continuation” cars. As Jeff noted how the names had been bought and someone had tried selling them again in the 1990’s. While there was a Packard nearby too.

 

In the celebrity department, there was the 1964 custom car used in 1977’s The Late Show movie, starring Art Carney and Lilly Tomlin. But I cannot comprehend why you’d build a car with the front half being an Oldsmobile and the back half being a Cadillac…

 

Later on, we briefly stood in front of Red Skelton’s Rolls Royce Wraith, with Jeff noting it had been  bought at auction. Could it be the 1962 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith noted in the following link I found upon Zed Intrawoods?

 

Red Skelton’s six most Jaw Dropping Cars

 

There was a Ford Starliner with hardtop retractable roof. A 2016 WaterCar Amphibious vehicle. Presumably a WaterCar Panther, a modern day version of those wacky Amphicars of the 1960’s

 

As the Panther has a top speed of 85mph on land, and 45mph on water, utilizing jet drive propulsion…

 

Another oddity was the Streetnik Bandit tribute car, bult by Dennis ‘lil Daddy’ Roth, and many others I failed to recognize or record. Like the 1934 Desoto Airflow for starters.

 

As here’s an excellent 19 minutes video of Rick DeBruhl touring the Martin Auto Museum, which gives far better detail than I can! Not to mention showing a whole bunch of cars I didn’t even stop at. As Thars’ simply too much to take in on a single visit!

 

XVIDEO: Tyler Hoover falls in love with Tucker at Martin Auto Museum

 

To continue reading, please visit the following No fenders link below.

 

More Martin Auto Museum visit recollections

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Chevrolet’s Pony Car

Martin Auto Museum’s blue with white stripes 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. (The Tomaso collection)

 

The car that “Captain America”, aka Mark Donohue and El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske made famous. Or is it the other way round

 

Having been homologated for SCCA Trans Am competition, with Donohue winning the 1968-69 Manufacturers title for Chevrolet in a Nasty Sunoco blue Penske Racing Camaro Zed’ 28.

 

Winning 10 of 13 races in 1968! A record that stood until Tommy Kendall won 11 of 13 races in 1997. With TK” (Kendall) also breaking Donohue’s streak of eight back-to-back victories in 1968 with eleven consecutive wins in 1997!

 

While Rick DeBruhl profiles the legendous’ Z/28, albeit a 1969 example at the California Auto Museum in Sacramento below.

 

VIDEO: Why the 1969 Camaro Z/28 became a legend

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

AUTOS: Caution, Snake Onboard!

1968 1/2 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang. (The Tomaso collection)

 

This pristine white 1968 1 / 2 Ford 428 Cobra Jet Mustang on the “prowl” at the Martin Auto Museum.

 

Or sit back and let Rick DeBruhl give you a guided tour of this venomous Beast!

 

VIDEO: Is the Cobra Jet Mustang the Fastest Car of 1968?

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister’ Miguel. 

IndyCar unveils the long awaited 2028 IR28 Chassis

    15 years after rolling out the DW12 Race Car…

 

Author’s Note

For those who don’t know the drill. Have I reminded Y’all lately that I’m Blind. Not to mention always being late to thee Party!

 

Therefore Captain McObvious here, I cannot give any thoughts upon how the new Dallara IR28 chassis looks, or what visual cues are different. For which perhaps you’ve already seen during its initial track testing on the Indianapolis road course last weekend. When Alexander Rossi and Alex Palou ran one day apiece in what I’d call a “Mule” chassis.

 

As IndyCar has released digital sketches and a swanky video narrated by Matt Damon regarding the new racecar replacing the aged Dallara DW12.

 

New NTT IndyCar Series Race Car introduced for 2028 and Beyond

 

From the press release I gleaned the following tidbits, beside all of the typical boiler-plate it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread comments from various people like J. Douglas Boles, etc. Along with claiming it’ll break track records.

 

Uhm, why do we need to break Arie Luyendyk’s 30 years old one and four lap Indianapolis 500 records? Especially when we’re artificially upping turbo boost to do so. Then turning it back down during the race, but I digress…

 

“Watching” David Land’s 18mins video on the digital reveal. He repeatedly mentions the front and rear wings looking very formula 1-ish. While the press release mentions the integration of the new, lighter Aeroscreen makes it look like a Jet Fighter.

 

There’s the return of LED panels, which like David Land muses. Hopefully this time they work! Along with a viewable top portion of the engine cover allowing us to see Chevrolet and Honda badging. Arse-sumedly on the cam covers.

 

The new 2.4-litre twin turbo V-6 lumps’; Uhm, weren’t those gonna be introduced in 2022-2023? Err, second generation units will initially produce between 640Bhp up to 760Bhp, depending whether Speedway or Road course/Street Cricut specification. Coupled to a brand new hybrid system producing 60Bhp from a chassis that’s 100lbs lighter. Along with 65Bhp Push-to-Pass (P2P) with longer RPM duration.

 

As it’s the new hybrid system I’m most interested upon more details. Changing from the original super capacitor version to a battery pack system instead. Presumably once again a la Formula 1, being produced by either an UK firm named Helix, or a Spanish outfit called Vold; or perhaps both? Claiming to store up to 14 times more energy than the previous incarnation.

 

While the IR28 also uses spec suspension and spec Dampers, taking away the IndyCar teams last customization area, albeit I’ll Arse-sume that Damper (Shocks) Engineers will still be important in tuning said spec components.

 

While BBS becomes the spec supplier of wheels, which I believe will be aluminum instead of magnesium, and many more details to come…

 

VIDEO: Up close and Personal with the New IndyCar

 

As welcome to the 21st Century Dallara IR28 chassis. What’s that Bono? “It’s a Beautiful day!” 

PHOTOS: Two ex-Team Penske legends at IMS

Gil de Ferrand and Helio Castroneves reminiscing in Gasoline Alley. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

This picture was taken sometime during this May’s Pole Day weekend at Mother Speedway. As No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ claims He asked Hulio’ if He’d gotten back at Gil and Penske Racing Boss Tim Cindric for the Speeding ticket prank pulled upon Him? And saying that Gil had a wry smile upon His face afterwards…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwVT3oM_Fuw 

Night Before Indy 500 Tradition

Uncle Bobby giving Tomaso directions which way to Pose at the IMS Flagroom, circa 2012. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As Thars Nonthin’ like Robin Miller being Master of Ceremonies for a Hilarious Roasting of Uncle bobby!

 

Arse-sumin’ we won’t have any T-Storm Cells that Knock out the power this year, a la last year when I lost my internet connection…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/05/an-electrifying-night-before-500.html

 

When your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was trying to “Watch,” Err listen to The Roast of Bobby Unser. For which I’ve only ever seen the first part of Uncle bobby’s roasting, which weighs in at 47mins.

 

Although I can only find a slightly altered version from what I remember “watching” the past two years…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0CaYumlHu0&t=961s

 

Yet this year, when “googling” the Roast of Bobby Unser on Youtube. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Marshall Pruett had uploaded Part 2, which I’ve never “seen” before. Which weighs in at 52 minutes, so guess it’s gonna be another late nigh, Eh?

 

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

 

Since say what you want. But I sure miss ‘Ol R’s, aka Robin Miller, Ye Curmudgeon of Indy Cars unique style of “Delivery!” Not to mention the Wise-domes” of ‘Ol Uncle Bobby!

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ 

ROLEX 24: Iconic German Brands Join the GTP Polka!

Although No idea if we’ll be Rolling Out the Barrel for either of them in Daytona’s Victory lane…

 

These two legendous’  German marques have joined the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) revolution, which allows for competing for Overall victories at all of the iconic Endurance Sports Car races around the globe. Such as Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans for starters.

 

BMW

BMW M Hybrid V-8

Engine: 4.0-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

TEAM:

Nos. 24-25) BMW M Team RLL

Longtime BMW runners Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will continue their association as the Factory BMW Squad in IMSA, joining the super anticipated GTP Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) Prototypes category, Ja Volt!

 

As Connor De Philippi and Mick Yelloly will campaign the No. 24. And Augusto Farfus and Philipp Eng the No. 25 for the Full season Campaign. With Sheldon van der Linde and Marco Wittmann being the Nos. 24-25 Endurance Specialists respectively.

 

Yet many IndyCar Fans will be watching the #24 closely, since it’s fourth Driver for Daytona is Andretti Autosport’s “Team leader” Colton Herta. As Herta will be aiming for His third Rolex wristwatch! With the first two coming from GT Le Mans and LMP2 Class victories.

 

Although I’m not sure if the new BMW Hybrid racecar will go the full distance, since the new Bimmer’ was the last GTP Challenger to get On-track. And they’ve had the most intensive development programme, essentially playing Ketsup’ with Thar competition…

 

Yet I seem to be most fascinated by this racecar, notably it’s motivating power. As BMW Dusted Off it’s old P66 DTM motor for the basis of it’s new Hybrid motor. Beginning with the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated 90-degrees V-8 lump’ from 2012-2018, which is now known as the P66/1.

 

Then BMW “re-engineered” this engine with the addition of two turbochargers, in what I believe became known as the P66/2 internally. Before the current 2022 spec P66/3 unit which is now mated to the spec Hybrid Energy Recovery System (ERS) and spec Xtrac sequential Gearbox, which All manufacturers incorporate into their designs.

 

As Racer’s Marshall Pruett notes that the BMW is the Quietest GTP Chassis on the Grid, along with the lowest revving at 8,000 RPM’s…

 

So I’ll be interested to “See” how the new BMW racer performs at Daytona. Which Marshall claims took it’s individual styling ques to the maximum limit. And Nobody won’t know who’s behind them when seeing BMW’s iconic Kidney shaped nostrils flashing it’s High Beams at them!

 

As here’s the second of Marshall’s GTP 101 Tech videos, where He goes over the basics of the BMW M Hybrid V-8 racecar…

 

https://racer.com/2023/01/16/video-gtp-101-bmw-m-hybrid-v8-tech-tour/

 

PORSCHE

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

TEAM: Nos. 6-7) Porsche Penske Motorsport

Presumably everyone knows about El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske’s lengthy association with Porsche. Stretching Wayback to those All Conquering 917/10, 917/30 Can Am Panzerwagen Days over a Half Century ago! Along with a very successful partnership when campaigning the Porsche RS Sypders during the American Le Man Series (ALMS) years.

 

As Penske has reunited with Porsche as it’s Werks’ team with it’s brand new Porsche 963 Hybrid Prototype. Arse-sumedly the GTP Chassis that’s logged the most testing mileage, since they were the first to reveal and test their GTP racecar last year. With it’s public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ironically where Roger Penske Himself was running His Team Penske’s 2008 Sebring 12 Hours Overall winning RS Spyder.

 

Mathieu Jaminet and Nick Tandy are the No. 6 regular season Chauffeurs, with Dane Cameron joining them during the Endurance events. While the No. 7 entry sees Matt Campbell and Felipe Nasr for the Full IMSA GTP season, with Michael Christensen running the Endurance races.

 

Naturally, I became curious about the 963’s motivating power aftert what BMW decided to utilize. Which reportedly the new 4.6-litre Twin Turbo V-8 lump’ is a development of the Porsche 918 Spyder’s engine. Which in turn is a derivative of the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 that powered the RS Spyder racecar.

 

Meaning Thar new “Quad Valve” (32 valve) V-8 “Thumper” 963 Panzerwagen which seems to have the most testing mileage? Having Debuted over one year ago, could very well find it’s way into victory lane on Sunday.

 

Ah contraire, Mon Sheree! As I’ve just learned via Marshall Pruett’s GTP Tech 101 videos. That Porsche is actually using it’s RS Spyder’s old 3.4-litre normally aspirated race motor as the basis for the 963’s engine. With it having been Up-stroked to 4.6-litres and twin turbocharged, revving to an 8,150RPM Redline.

 

As Porsche takes a page out of it’s Bavarian rival BMW, or was that visa-versa? By Dusting Off one of it’s old racing engines and modernizing it…

 

https://racer.com/2023/01/20/video-gtp-101-porsche-963-tech-tour/

 

But Porsche’s Customer 963’s won’t be present at either Daytona of Sebring. With JDC Miller Motorsports, the first customer announced eagerly awaiting the delivery of it’s $2.9 million Porsche 963!

 

Whilst JOTA and Proton Competition also await arrival of their 963’s. With Porsche originally aiming for delivery in April, but I’ve read that seems unlikely now, and presumably more likely May instead… 

ROLEX 24: 2023 Sees Debut of New GTP Hybrid Class

In what’s a veritable Two-by-Two Congo line of four Manufacturers…

 

This year’s Rolex 24  sees the unveiling of IMSA’s brand new Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) Prototypes Class called GTP making it’s debut. Where nine Shiny new GTP entries will vie for Overall victory. Since Cadillac’s bringing three cars to the party!

 

While I’ve tried previewing the four major Manufacturers in a previous No Fenders tome below.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/09/imsa-gtp-can-yuhs-taste-it.html

 

With two supporting Prototype classes, i.e.; LMP2 and LMP3 comprising of a further 19 entries, for a total of 28 Prototypes in this year’s 61st running of the 24 Hours of Daytona.

 

Whilst another Mega’ Saloons’ grid of 33 GT3 Spec machinery is split between the GTD Pro Class and Thar “Kissing Cousin’s” GTD (Daytona) entrants, giving us a total Grid of 61 racecars! Magically matching this year’s 61st Rolex 24 running.

 

But as Always, I prefer listening to the race via IMSA Radio with it’s lead announcer John Hindhaugh & Company. Arse-sumedly Y'all can catch the start of the race, along with multiple hour's television coverage once again  on Big NBC and USA Network,. Along  with the majority on that Dreaded, Nasty Paywall service called Peacock, Cock Ah Do-little doo! And Yes, it really is a Paywall!

 

As I’ll leave it up to Y’all to Check Your local listings for TV/Streaming Broadcast times.

 

(GTP) Grand Touring  Prototype Class

ACURA (2)

Acura ARX-06

Engine: 2.4-litre V-6 Twin Turbo

TEAMS:

#10) Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport

#60) Meyer Shank Racing

 

Seventy-two Hours after Christmas, Wayne Taylor and Mikey A’ announced that Andretti Autosport had bought an Ownership Stake in Wayne Taylor Racing. (WTR) Hence the rebranding to Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport. With plans to presumably move the WTR Operation in House to Andretti Global’s new Fisher’s Mega Complex by 2025. Although WTR will run it’s Acura Sports Car programme virtually unchanged this year.

 

Thus Honda continues with it’s split strategy for it’s two Acura’s between the Defending Race winner, IndyCar’s Meyer shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing, the 2021 Rolex 24 winner.

 

Beginning with the Defending Champs Meyer Shank Racing, (MSR) the Ohio based Squad sports another  new Driver line-up for 2023. With former DTM racer Tom “the bomb” Blomqvist being partnered by longtime Sorts Car Ace Colin Brown as the No. 10’s  regular season HotSchues’. With the Duo being joined by MSR IndyCar Drivers Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud during the Endurance rounds.

 

Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport will once again field Ricky Taylor with Filipe Albuquerque as its regular season drivers. While WTR-Andretti comes loaded for Bear once again this January! As Kiwi’ Bad Arse Sports Car Driver Brendon Hartley and Louis Deletraz fill out it’s Daytona lineup. As Deletraz will serve as it’s Endurance Specialist. While Hartley will “Moonlight” at Daytona, since His “Day Job” is being a Toyota Werks’ FIA World endurance Championship (WEC) Pilote.

 

Meanwhile, the Acura ARX-06 chassis features the Sewing Machine-like 2.4-litre Twin Turbo v-6 powering it’s rear wheels, being the smallest displacement engine on the GTP Grid. Although I think it’s the Highest Revving lump’ competing? Revving to 10,000RPM. Which I’m guessing is the IMSA GTP Class’s maximum RPM limit?

 

Although Racer’s Marshall Pruett notes that the Acura is the highest revving lump’ on the grid, screaming to 9,500 RPM’s in His GTP 101 Tech videos…

 

As Honda Performance Development (HPD) had originally produced the AR24E engine to serve as both Honda’s future 2.4-liter IndyCar engine and current Acura Sports Car engine, before IndyCar was forced to Pull the Plug upon it’s upcoming new 2.4-litre engine formulae.

 

As here’s the first of Marshall Pruett’s GTP 101 Tech videos, which gives a great look and description of the ARX-06’s key elements…

 

https://racer.com/2023/01/10/video-gtp-101-acura-arx-06-tech-tour/

 

CADILLAC (3)

Cadillac V-LMDH

Engine: 5.5-litre normally aspirated V-8

TEAMS:

Nos. 01-02) Cadillac Racing

#31) Whelen Engineering Racing

 

IndyCar diehards should also already know that Chip Ganassi Racing, (CGR) a la their longtime IndyCar rival Team Penske. Will campaign two LMDH Prototypes this year, as the Werks’ Cadillac Racing organization. With one apiece in IMSA GTP and the WEC’s Hypercar Classes.

 

As Cheeps’ #01 IMSA GTP entry’s season regulars will consist of Renger van der Zande and the former Sealmeister B’, aka le Hamburgular’, nee SeaBass’ or simply Sebastien Bourdais. Whilst Scotty Thee Iceman 2.0' Dixon will once again Continue his Enduro' Specialist role he's enjoyed for years in the #01 Cadd-Oh-lacc’. With Dixon aiming to claim His fourth Rolex wristwatch Overall. To Potentially join the rarefied company of Peter Gregg, Rolf Stommelen and Bob Wollek.

 

The Seester’ #02 FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Fulltime Chauffeurs will be Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn. With “Westie,” aka Richard Westbrook sliding over from JDC Miller Motorsports to be it’s Endurance Specialist.

 

Perennial IMSA Prototype Champions Action Express Racing (AXR) will only run one brand new Cadillac V-LMDH Prototype this year, having “Parked” it’s second No. 48 Endurance Rounds Only entry for now.

 

And I have to say I’m most intrigued by the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Racing Caddy’s Drivers lineup for Daytona and beyond. With the team making it’s 24 Huers du Mans Debut this June

 

As the No. 31 sports it’s third new Full season Drivers lineup in the past year, with Pipo Derani being the only constant. With the Brazilian Speedster now being joined by Alexander Sims. But it’s their new Endurance Specialist Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken whom I’m most interested in.

 

As Aitken currently served as the Williams F1 Reserve Driver and is a former FIA Formula 2 race winner, with a best Overall finish of fith. Aitken also races in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and the ACAC GT Masters.

 

Alexander Sims has previously driven for Corvette Racing and BMW Team RLL in GT Le Mans. Along with a four year stint in Formula E.

 

As Cadillac is the only competitor running a normally aspirated engine. Sporting  a brand new version of It’s tried and true past 5.5-litre Small Block V-8 motors. As I’m guessing that the GM designed 32 valve DOHC lump’ utilizes the current Flat plane Crank technology, mated to the new spec Energy Recovery System. (ERS)

 

With the Caddy’s lump’ revving to 8,800 RPM’, the second highest revving engine according to Marshall Pruett, who boldly claims it’s the Bruiser of the GTP category which pays Homage to Eddie Van Halen with it’s “Flying V” rear wing appendages. Which Marshall points out in the following video…

 

https://racer.com/2023/01/18/video-gtp-101-cadillac-v-lmdh-tech-tour/