LE MANS: Can the Prancing Horses gallop to another victory?

Will Ferrari “Three-peat”, or can somebody stop their dominance?

 

Somewhat feel like I’m going thru the motions here, since the annual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans makes me think that summer is already done! Having nearly reached the zenith of another year’s increasing sunlight whilst pondering where did thoust Gory time go? As soon it’ll be time to put another log on the fire and the kettle on the boil!

 

Although I’ll admit that I do enjoy going thru the entire entry list and seeing what driver names I recognize…

 

This year’s running of the 93rd 24 Huers du Mans commences this Saturday, June 14th. And concludes the following day when  formula 1 races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and IndyCar races underneath the lights at Gateway. (World Wide Technology Raceway)

 

There’s a total of 62 entries in three classes. With le Crème de la Crème  Hypercar featuring 21 racecars. LMP2 with 17 entrants, and 24 LMGT3 Saloons.

 

The Hypercar category consists of eight marques, with four Cadillac V-Series.R and Porsche 963’s leading the way. Whilst la Scuderia, nee Ferrari has three of it’s dominating 499P’s entered. Followed by a further five manufacturers running the mandatory two car teams, i.e.; Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Peugeot and Toyota.

 

The Alpine A424, BMW M8 Hybrid, Cadillac v-Series.R and Porsche 963 all conform to the Le Mand Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) rules. While the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Ferrari 499P, Peugeot 9X8 and Toyota GR010 conform to the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) rules.

 

Six of these eight chassis are propelled by varying displacement turbocharged engines, with only the Aston Martin and Cadillac being naturally aspirated. With the Valkyrie eschewing hybrid assistance to it’s glorious Cosworth V-12. While the Caddy’s 5.5-litre V-8 runs the spec LMHD hybrid component.

 

With the entire 62 car field racing under Balance of Performance (BoP) requirements. Along with the virtual “energy” tank storage and mandatory torque sensors.

 

And whilst the Porsche Penske 963 Panzerwagens have won four of five races in IMSA GTP competition to date. On thoust Gory Atlantic’s puddle side. It’s the Ferrari 499P that’s swept all three FIA World endurance Championship events leading up to Le Mans.

 

As the AF Corse No. 50 won at the season opening Qatar 1,812km round. Followed by the Seester’ No. 51 of James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi winning back-to-back at the Six Hours of Imola and Spa.

 

Whilst just learning that Ferrari swept the podium at Qatar and claimed a 1-2 finish at Spa, Momma Mia!

 

Ferrari is also aiming for a three-peat at Circuit de la Sarthe this year, having won the first two Hypercar class races the past two years. Seeing both the #51 victorious in 2023, and the #50 with Antonio Fuoco,Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen the defending race winners.

 

Yet the entire field is made up of very strong competizione, as Y’all can never count out the Toyota’s. Whilst El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske dearly wishes to win Le Mans. One of the very few Jewell races He hasn’t won…

 

The Cadillac boyz’ should be up front, while the Alpine and Peugeot are both “Sleepers”. As the only unknown quantity is the Aston Martin, making it’s Le Mans debut, and therefore most likely just happy to finish the race. Although obviously they’ll be hoping for a good debut showing…

 

Almost forgot the BMW’s, with the No. 20 BMW finishing runner-up at Imola. As how could I overlook one of my favourites, i.e.; Kevn Bacon’ Magnussen in the No. 15 entry. While the M8 Hybrid has qualified on pole in IMSA GTP competition the first four races this season.

 

The LMP2 category features a race inside a race, with eight P2 entrants, and nine Pro Am (PA) entries. As the Pro Am class features one Bronze rated amateur driver.

 

Have already mentioned some of the IMSA competitors, while a few others that tripped my No. 4 wire are the No. 18 IDEC Sport with Jamie Chadwick, Andre Lotterer and Mathys Jaubert; Hyundai’s Genesiss Magna “Development” squad.

 

McLaren major domo Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport team is always strong with it’s Nos. 22-23 entries. Having won last year’s LMP2 class with it’s No. 22 entry driven by Oliver Jarvis, Nolan Siegel and Bijay Garg

 

Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Jarvis slots into the team’s No. 23 Pro Am entry this year, joined by ex-IndyCar driver Ben Hanley and Daniel Schneider. Whilst the Seester’ entry hosts a stout lineup which I’ve already mentioned in the previous No fenders IMSA Interlopers story.

 

The No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing entry sees “Teddy Porkchop”, aka Theo Pourchaire joined by Liechtenstein’s Matthias Kaiser and Spain’s Lorenzo Fluxa. As very happy to see that Pourchaire’s still racing, even though He should be in Indy Cars.

 

Last year’s LMP2 Pro Am category was won by AF course’s No. 183 entry, with Ben Barnicoat, Francois Perrodo and Nicolas Varrone. As Perrodo is the only holdover for this year’s entry, being joined by Antonio Felix da Costa and Matthieu Vaxivier.

 

While I’ll be rootin’ for the #199 AO by TF entry, which basically is an IMSA entry, with a stout lineup that I’ve previously mentioned. Although I don’t think it’ll be sporting any sort of Dinosaur teamed livery, Eh?

 

As I’ll split this mesmerizing story into two part harmony, and preview the LMGT3 class in a separate No Fenders post… 

LE MANS: Another Stout Saloons field prepares for Glory

But can anybody predict who’ll be this year’s winner?

 

Once again, this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans field sees the largest class being the LMGT3 category, with two dozen entrants headed by la Scuderia’s five Prancing Horses.

 

Corvette, Mercedes and Porsche have three entries apiece, with Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Lexus and McLaren running two car squads.

 

In alphabetical order, here’s the nine manufacturers competing this year. With (2) Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, (2) BMW M4  GT3 Evo, (3) Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, (5) Ferrari 296 GT3, (2) Ford Mustang GT3, (2) Lexus RC F GT3, (2) McLaren 720s GT3 Evo, (3) Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo and (3) Porsche 911 GT3R LMGT3 contestants.

 

Manthey EMA with Richard Lietz, Morris Schuring and Yasser Shahin at the controls of it’s No. 91 Porsche 911 GT3R (992) are the defending LMGT3 class winners. Are we really surprised that another legendous’ 911 won again at Le Mans?

 

Ladies first, as how can you not cheer for the Femme Fatales Iron Lynx trio of Michele Gatting, Rahel Frey and Celia Martin in the No. 85 Porsche 911.

 

While Manthey returns with the Nos. 90 and 92 Porsche’s this year. With Lietz joined by Ryan Hardwick and Riccardo Pera in the #92 Manthey 1st Phorm entry.

 

The No. 10 Racing Spirit of Leman features Eduardo Barrichello, son of Rubino, aka Rubens Barrichello. Partnered by Derek DeBoer and Valitin Hasse-clot.

 

Suppose I’ll always root for the Heart of Racing team, even if it’s not the Team Seattle entity that inspired me. As the No. 27 Aston Martin features team boss Ian James, IMSA competitor Zacharie Robichon and Mattia Drudi.

 

Team WRT’s No. 46 BMW M4 Evo features The Doctor, aka Valentino Rossi in the cockpit, along with Ahmad Al Harthy and Kelvin van der Linde, older brother of Werks’ BMW Hypercar pilote Sheldon.

 

Having just learned thanks to For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hando, that the Brothers van der Linde’s, along with Agusto Thumper’ Farfus won this year’s Bathurst 12 Hours race.

 

While I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise that United Autosport will campaign a brace of factory McLaren 720s Evo’s. As the No. 95’s Sean Gelael and Marino Sato are the only drivers I recognize; both being ex-Formula 2 racers.

 

Naturally, I’ve never heard of Ziggo Sport – Tempesta before. As the UK based team will run somebody named Eddie Cheever III, alongside Chris Frogga and Jonathan Hui in it’s No. 193 Ferrari 296 GT3 entry. As the team competes in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

 

And although it’s not a straight knife fight, with three Corvettes ganging up against the two Ford Darkhorse Mustang’s. Not sure which two Corvette teams I’m more inspired by?

 

As AWA Racing from Up North Eh! Represents IMSA with it’s No. 13 entry, winner of this year’s Rolex 24 GTD class. Whilst TF Sport runs a two car FIA World Endurance championship (WEC) entry, with it’s Nos. 33 and 81

 

Texan Ben Keating who returns to the #33, was part of the 2023 LMGTE AM class winning #33 Corvette Racing entry with Nicolas Varrone and Nicky Catsburg. The car being campaigned by TF Sport in the final year of that category, so we know that TF Sport is a winning organization.

 

Proton Competition runs the Werks’ Mustang operation, with the Nos. 77 and 88. Which naturally I’ll be hoping can continue their winning ways. Having just beaten Corvette on their home turf in Downtown Detroit, albeit the IMSA Ford Multimatic No. 64 Stang’. As it’s too bad that one of Multimatic’s factory Mustang’s couldn’t be granted entry…

 

The race will be carried live flag-to-flag this weekend on Motor Trend TV, also available via IMSA Radio’s RS1/RS2 channels. Check your local listings for times and places. 

IMSA Interlopers Flock to Le Mans

As nearly the entire IMSA GTP throng is schlepping across thoust Bloody Puddle…

 

Following the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic race. According to IMSA Sports Car writer John Oreo’ Oreovicz, Thars’ a total of 18 out of 22 IMSA GTP drivers from the previous Detroit round contesting this year’s 93rd 24 Heurs du Mans. Which took awhile, but I did manage to find All of these IMSA GTP drivers

 

Hypercar

The No. 4 Porsche Penske Motorsport teams “third” Porsche 963 is comprised of Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy and reigning Formula E Champion Pascal Wehrlein, making His Le Mans debut.

 

As Tandy and Nasr currently lead the IMSA GTP championship by some 70 markers over Porsche Penske Motorsport No. 6 IMSA teammates Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell. With Jaminet joining Penske’s No. 5 Porsche 963 lineup, and Campbell in the No. 6 Porsche 963 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) entry. With Penske fielding three Werks’ 963 Panzwrwagens once again.

 

Cadillac WTR sees Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) running the No. 101 for the Taylor Brothers, i.e.; Jordan and Ricky, joined by longtime WTR driver Filipe Albuquerque aboard the Cadillac V-Series.r entry adorned in the classic Mobil 1 livery.

 

Action Express Racing’s (AXR) Whelen Engineering brings their Cadd-Oh-lac’ V-Series.R prototype to the Le Mans party. With Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Felipe Drugovich and Frederik Vesti at the controls of the No. 311 Caddy’.

 

Werks’ BMW Hotschues’ Dries Vanthorr and Sheldon van der Linde will be aboard the BMW M8 Hybrid Nos. 15 & 20 respectively.

 

Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis, pilotes’ of the only current FIA WEC Hypercar competing in IMSA GTP. Sees Gunn and De Angelis in the Aston Martin Thor Team’s #007 and #009 Aston Martin Valkyrie’s respectively.

 

Earl Bamber who co-drives with Aitken in IMSA GTP, also races for Hertz Cadillac Team Jota in WEC. As the Kiwi’ will join le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka SeaBass or simply Sebastien Bourdais and Bloody Jense’, ergo 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button behind the wheel of the team’s No. 38 entry.

 

LMP2

The United Autosport #22 entry sees former IndyCar driver Pietro Fittipaldi joined by IMSA’s Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Acura prototype driver Renger van der Zande and David Heinemeier.

 

The No. 24 Nielsen Racing entry sees MSR Acura prototype driver Colin Brown joined by fellow Yank’ Maveen Rao and Turkey’s Cem Bolukbasi.

 

Inter Europol Competition’s No. 34 Oreca 07 Gibson IMSA entry features Nick Boulle, former Dale Coyne Racing IndyCar driver Luca ghiotto and Jean-Baptist Simmenauer.

 

With the Seester’ #43 entry seeing the third MSR Acura IMSA GTP Hotschue’ Nick Yelloly at it’s controls. Partnered by Tom dillman and Jakub Smiechowski.

 

Rounding out MSR’s quartet of Acura IMSA GTP pilotes, Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist is entered in the No. 37 CLX – Pure Rxcing entry. With co-drivers Tristan Turbo’ Vautier and Alex Malykhin.

 

IMSA competitor’s Algarve Pro Racing’s No. 45 fields a strong Pro Am lineup with Nicky Catsburg, George Kurtz and Alex Quinn behind the keyboard.

 

Another strong Pro Am entry is the #199 AO by TF entry with Dane Cameron, Lous Deletraz and team owner P. J. Hyett.

 

As the Pro Am Cup is a race inside a race of LMP2 competitors. With the Pro Am (Professional Amateur) driver lineup consisting of one Bronze rated driver.

 

LMGT3

Oh Kanaduh’s AWA Racing IMSA Corvette Z06 GT3.R #13 entry sees Matt Bel, Orey Fidani and Lars Kern behind the wheel.

 

The NO. 33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 racecar sees longtime IMSA “Gentleman” driver Ben Keating at the controls, alongside Daniel Juncadella and Johny Edgar, not Winter, Hya!

 

“Union Jack” Hawksworth returns to the Akkodis ASP #78 Lexus RC F GT3 entry, teamed with Finn gehrsitz and Arnold Robin.

 

And that’s just what I found during my initial cursory look over this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans entry list, which naturally is subject to change.

 

But it’s good knowing that IMSA is so well represented once again, as you’ll definitely need a scorecard to keep track of everybody! 

What Home Court Advantage?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 Update

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

 

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

 

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

Another lost weekend of Shouting

As Are, You, Excited Now? Speak up you frothing Announcers…

 

Hmm, why did that title make me immediately think of an ‘Ol Rush song titled Between the Wheels, and the words Another Wasteland, Eh? Although it’s actually “another War, Another Wasteland and Another Lost Generation”, Righto Geddy…

 

“To live between the Wars in our time

Living in real time

Living in Good times

Holding on to Yesterdays,

 

You know how that Rabbit feels

Going under your speeding wheels

Wheels can cut you down

But the Wheels of time

Just pass you by”

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj1eUnNOvpY

 

Spent the entire weekend of April 11-13 consuming four separate motor racing series, i.e.; IndyCar, IMSA, formula 1 and MotoGP, Gulp! With my primary focus upon Indy Cars at The Beach’, ergo Long Beach. Along with the IMSA Sprint race which featured the return of Robert Wickens; beginning with Friday’s first IndyCar practice session.

 

Catching half of Saturday morning’s second IndyCar practice on (Fox Sports) FS1, as FS2 pulled Ye ‘Ol Switcheroo. Bumping the MotoGP Sprint race to that afternoon in favour of showing us more Bassmasters, Fish On!

 

Then IndyCar’s Qualie’ session capped off by the 140mins IMSA Sports Car “Sprint” race.

 

Next I “watched”, Err listened to the Bahrain Grand Prix Sunday morning, followed by the Long Beach Grand Prix and the nightcap being MotoGP’s delayed airing of the Qatar Grand Prix.

 

Now perhaps it’s just Mwah, but All of these races seemingly blurred into one long set of Boring motor races! Especially both F1 and MotoGP, the latter definitely not worth waiting until 9PM Pacific to watch, Urgh! As what did Raymond Hando say about late race start times ruining your day?

 

So, I didn’t catch the Australian Grand Prix, other than listening to the Highlights package. Being the most exciting of the season’s first four races, largely due to inclement weather, i.e.; passing rain shower…

 

Yet Formula 1 has largely been processional, even though I’m happy that Oscar Piastri has won twice from pole. Other than I hope He won’t get too swell-headed over thinking He can win the championship. As He’d be smart to ask His manager Mark Handlebarz’ Webber how that worked out Yas Isle 15 years ago!

 

Cannot say that IndyCar has been Uber exciting either, albeit at least there’s been passes for the win, even if Alex Palou won the first two races, followed by second place at Long Beach, where effectively Kyle Kirkwood led wire-to-wire from pole.

 

As it’s funny how at least the DW12 seems more capable of following other racecars and allowing for passing, but is this a biproduct of Firestone’s different rubber coumpounds?

 

Whilst Pirelli makes a range of different compound tyres for Formula 1, the choice of five various compounds in this range seems to be too small for meaningful tyre performance drop-off. As just consider how many drivers ran a one stop race at Shanghai…

 

As it’s even more funny how the current F1 chassis regulations introduced in 2022 were specifically designed to allow for the trailing car to run closer behind and encourage passing! Yet the ten F1 Constructors designs has seemingly converged to the point that this is no longer applicable.

 

Making a Farce of Formula 1 further, is the FIA instituting a mandatory second tyre stop at Monaco this year, to artificially induce some passing upon the narrow streets of Ye Principality, where overtaking is nye impossible…

 

Meanwhile, Team Penske and it’s factory Porsche 963’s have been untouchable. With the team’s No. 7 entry having won the first three races, Yawn! As don’t know if Long Beach was their second 1-2 finish?

 

Whilst Ye Pinball Wizard’, aka Marc Marquez returned to His domineering, winning ways in Qatar. Claiming His fourth, consecutive pole, along with four consecutive Sprint races on the trot. Plus His third Grand Prix win in Doha, Yawn!

 

Oops, what about the Shouting you might be saying? As I just don’t understand why the various TV Announcers think they need to Shout at us to get excited?

 

Although I did tune-in to my very first dosage of the new FOX TV announce lineup. For which I must say, Will Buxton seemed completely, totally out of place!

 

While Jack Harvey didn’t seem “Stiff” to Mwah, just think it’s His dry, British accent coming across…

 

As my favourite Announce Duo of the weekend was IMSA Radio’s John Heindhaugh and Ryan Marin during the Long Beach Sprint race. As Marin manages to interject enthusiasm without shouting or screaming. And Heindhaugh’s always entertaining.

 

Whilst the King of Screamers Kroftie’, aka Sky sports f1 lead Pundit David Kroft was doing His usual bit to keep me awake thru another boring F1 race!

 

And I don’t wanna say that the Long Beach IndyCar race was boring, But! Even Mark Gravelly’ James didn’t bother shouting euphorically over Kirk Kirwood winning, which speaks volumes to Mwah.

 

Yeah, it’s gonna be a Gory long, Hard season of motor racing, if this it what will typically transpire the rest of the year, outside that ‘lil ‘Ol Oval track at 16th and Georgetown. Provided we Don’t have more multiple faux Red Flag stoppages, or some Golf game on Thy Telie!

 

Then again, I suppose a boring race weekend is better than NO racing at all, Eh?

 

Partial song lyrics from: Between the Wheels by Rush. From their 1984 Album Grace Under Pressure. 

Wickens Wait to race in IMSA finally ends

As it will be good to have thee plucky Kuhnuck’ back in a major racing series…

 

This weekend sees the long awaited debut of thee Young Wicky’, aka Robert Wickens in IMSA’s Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) competition, behind the keyboard of the No. 36 DXDT Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

 

Wickens alongside General Motors “Hired Gun” Tommy Milner tested the custom DXDT Vette’ at Sebring over two days back in March at Sebring International Raceway. With Wickens noting He was leaning heavily on Milner to learn the nuances of the Corvette, and wasn’t sure how long Milner would put up with His onslaught of questions? Saying He’d be using Milner as a sponge…

 

Arse-suming by now everybody knows of Wickens horrendous and life altering IndyCar crash at Pocono in August, 2018, leaving Him paralyzed from the waist-down.

 

As Wickens credits DXDT team owner David Askew for taking a risk upon Him and making the project happen. Along with General Motors getting onboard. As well as Pratt & Miller who fabricate the Z06 GT3.R racecars and Bosch who make His custom hand control driving ring work with it’s electronic ‘fly-by-Wire” braking system.

 

Robby said He’s been having to learn to readapt His driving style after racing the front wheel drive Hyundai Elantra in the Michelin Pilot Challenge Touring Car championship. Having won the TCR (Touring Car) title with co-driver Harry Gottsacker for Brian Herta Autosport (BHA) in 2023. The first major championship win for a Hand Controls adapted vehicle.

 

Wickens hasn’t competed at Long Beach since His rookie IndyCar season for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2018. And hasn’t contested an IMSA race since driving in the LMP2 category during the 2017 rolex 24…

 

Back to driving a rear wheel drive Saloons’ vehicle for the first time in awhile, which naturally is a different Beast vs. the Dallara DW12 IndyCar He once piloted. Robby notes He was having to learn how to utilize traction control, which He’s never used before. As Wickens partnered with Bosch a year ago to design a bespoke hand control steering wheel system that can be adopted to multiple racing series and different racing makes. Allowing for Wickens and others, to not constantly have to relearn hand control systems every time they race a different vehicle.

 

Wasn’t aware that Milner, who most recently made waves by infamously giving BMW’s Agusto Farfus the universal “You’re No. 1” salute at Daytona, had raced for DXDT before. Winning an impressive eight races in the GT World Challenge America championship in 2024. Finishing “Vice Champion” George! Err runner-up in the Pro category with co-driver Alec Udell.

 

Robby and co-driver Milner are part of IMSA’s “Twin bill” with IndyCar this weekend at “the Beach”, nee Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach which is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary.

 

The Long Beach weekend is covered on a menagerie ‘O TV Networks beginning this afternoon at 3PM Pacific on (Fox Sports) FS1, with IndyCar’s first practice.

 

Saturday sees IndyCa’s second practice on FS1 at 8:30AM. With Qualifying at 11:30AM on FS2. While IMSA’s 140mins race featuring just IMSA GTP and GTD competitors airs on USA Network at 2PM.

 

Sunday’s IndyCar’s morning warm-up is at 9:00AM on FS1, with the  race airing on the Flagship network FOX beginning at 1:30PM. While the command for Drivers, Start your Engines! Is listed for 1:15PM, according to the LBGPA schedule.

 

All times Pacific and subject to change; as Y’all try looking up this dearth ‘O information on your sometimes not updated Zap-2-It TV Guide! 

Japan’s Next Wave?

Although will any of these prospects succeed to the Pinnicle of Motorsport?

 

As my working title was Japanese Drivers Logjam…

 

Japan has a long, storied history with formula 1. As the very first Japanese driver to Enter a international Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) sanctioned race fifty years ago was Hiroshi Fushida, who failed on both of His entries with the uncompetitive Maki Engineering F101 normally aspirated 3.0-liter Ford-Cosworth DFV V-8 racecar.

 

Hiroshi’s Cossie’ lump’ “Done blown Up!” at that year’s Dutch Grand Prix, for which the team didn’t have a spare motor! And then He failed to qualify (DNQ) at the 1975 British Grand Prix.

 

Hiroshi also contested the SCCA’s Can Am and Trans Am series Stateside. And made history alongside countryman Tetsu Ikuzawa, when they became the first two Japanese drivers to compete in the 24 Heurs du Mans. Driving a Mazda  Wankel rotary powered Sigma MS73 (SARD) in the 1973 event.

 

Japan’s first Formula 1 race was the epic 1976 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway, where a further four Japanese drivers entered their country’s inaugural Grand Prix; Masahiro Hasemi, Kazuyoshi Hoshino, Masani Kuwashina and Noritake Takahara.

 

Although reputedly Kuwashina’s sponsorship Cheque failed to materialize, scratching Him from competing, i.e. DNS. (Did Not Start) Being replaced by Hans Binder.

 

Whilst Hasemi, Hoshino and Takahara all contested the race, becoming Japan’s first three Formula 1 drivers. Although I’d surmise this accomplishment was totally overshadowed by that year’s Mega’ F1 Drivers championship showdown between Niki Lauda and Jame Hunt, which is wonderfully documented in ‘lil Ronnie Howard’sexcellent Rush movie…

 

Kazuyoshi Hoshino’s nickname was “The Fastest Man in Japan”, which is pretty “Heady” suff!

 

Reportedly there have been 21 Japanese drivers to attempt a Grand Prix to date, with 18 making starts. Which I won’t attempt chronicling! Other than three have stood on the third step of the podium. First Aguri Suzuki in1990. Followed by arguably Japan’s “Greatest” driver Takuma sato in 2004. And finally K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi in 2012. With Kamui now firmly established as a Sports Car star; including a World Endurance Championship (WEC) title and 24 Heurs du Mans and Rolex 24 wins to His credit.

 

Currently, Yuki Tsunoda is the only Japanese driver competing in Formula 1, entering His fifth season driving for thee ‘lil bullz’, aka Racing Bulls. Which you’d have to say that Tsunoda’s inclusion in Formula 1 is backed by Red Bull’s engine, Err Power Unit (PU) supplier Honda. Even if Honda “withdrew” from full Factory F1 involvement at the end of 2021.

 

Yuki did finish a very respectable fourth overall in FIA Formula 3, and third overall in Formula 2 with Four poles and three wins before graduating to then AlphaTauri in 2021. Yet with Honda becoming Aston Martin’s Werk’s PU supplier beginning next year, the only option I “See” for Tsunoda is becoming one of Aston Martin’s reserve drivers.

 

But Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 FIA F2 champion has been the team’s reserve driver since 2023. And obviously neither Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll seem intent on departing Formula 1 anytime soon…

 

Ironically, Tsunoda turns 25 one day after Helio Castroneves 50th birthday on May 10th…

 

Ritomo Miyata who turns 26 this August, appears to be Japan’s best bet for joining the F1 Circus in the future. As Miyata will contest His sophomore season of F2 this year driving for ART Grand Prix. (#15) Having finished P19 overall last year for Rodin Motorsport.

 

Ritomo is a member of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Driver Challenge programme, along with being a multiple title winner. Having won both the Super formula and Super GT Championships in 2023. Along with the 2020 Super Formula Lights and 2016-2017 Japanese Formula 4 titles.

 

Miyata was diagnosed with Autism early in life and is an ardent “gamer”. Having won some 500 iSports races!

 

Thanks to Toyota’s technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team, Miyata tested a Haas VF-23 at Jerez recently. Where race drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman ran one day apiece, with Ritomo getting valuable “Seat-time” at the end of each day.

 

Although Miyata’s trajectory seems aimed more for eventual Hypercar duty in the WEC for Toyota, unless a seat on the Formula 1 grid opens up…

 

Although Ayumu Iwasa, who currently competes in Super Formula might have something to say about that . As the 23yr old Red Bull Junior Driver and Honda Formula Dream Project member has already tallied two seasons in formula 2. Finishing fifth and fourth overall respectively between 2022-23. And finished fifth overall last year during His rookie Super Formula campaign.

 

Ayumu helped make “Waves” at last year’s Japanese grand Prix, driving in His first Free Practice outing during FP1. Driving alongside Racing Bulls “teammate” Tsunoda. Having last tested for RB during last year’s Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test.

 

Ryo Hirakawa (Age 31) is a Toyota Werks’ (TGR) FIA World Endurance Championship driver, having won two WEC titles along with the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans. And was announced this January as an Alpine F1 test and reserve driver.

 

As I’m guessing the latter has something to do with team principal Oliver Oakes and Hitech Racing’s involvement with TGR in it’s Junior Open Wheel Racing categories. As Hitech TGR competes in both the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships.

 

Interestingly, and this is purely conjecture on my part. But this arrangement gives Toyota two possible paths to future Formula 1 involvement. But that’s just pure conjecture Folks!

 

Lastly, Kakunoshin Ohta made His IMSA GTP debut at this year’s Rolex 24 as part of Meyer shank Racing’s No. 93 Acura ARX06 entry. As the 25yr old Japanese Sports Car driver will also drive the No. 93 at this year’s Watkins Glen and Indianapolis endurance rounds.

 

Kakunoshin also recently tested for era Motorsports, aboard it’s No. 18 LMP2 entry during the Pre-Sebring 12 Hours test in February. And was slated to ad further LMP2 outing to His busy 2025 schedule.

 

Then naturally, as I was putting this story to bed, word came that indeed Ohta would race for Era Motorsports at both the Sebring 12 Hours and later Road America races in the LMP2 category. With HRC US further cementing it’s “ties” with Era Motorsports in a collabourative effort to promote young Japanese drivers to Sports car racing. As Era has already restored previous Acura Sports Car prototypes for Historic Racing…

 

This is just further speculation. But with HRC US (Honda Racing Corporation) President David Salters recently noting how Honda would like to take it’s Acura GTP racecar to Le Mans, could we see Iwasa or Ohta as part of the drivers lineup? 

A Soothing Lullaby

Sure to induce Sleep in some of Yuhs…

 

Just a brief Jot’ as Grizzled F1 Journo Joe Saward would say. To let Y’all know that your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso’s On Holiday again, Groan!

 

Meaning Thar  won’t be any riveting recaps of the season’s first IndyCar race, since I’m busy pushing the P2P button Schlick! Having methodically poonded’ away some 26 No Fenders Blog stories for your dining pleasure, Err consumptions…

Hmm, perhaps that will give Colton Herta some No Fenders Mojo’ for Saint Pete, Eh?

Not to mention totally missing the Thailand MotoGP season opener. Along with there not being  any other mesmerizing No Fenders rants upon the latest ‘n greatest whatever, like I dunno?? But its always a goody thingy’ to push away from the All consuming Confuzer and keyboard. Especially when I get to visit a very special lap Hoond named Hang 10’ Hilo!

 

Although I’m Arse-suming that Mary Ellen will be able to furnish the St Pete IndyCar race via IndyCar Radio from Ye Apple Orchard…

 

As I’ll leave Y’all with the soothing, Eh? I said speak up sonny! Thars some darn blasted v-12 contraption making a Bloody racket in the background…

 

As the Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH-spec Hypercar makes its racing debut at Sebring this March 15th. And although its been out for awhile now. Like Marshall Pruett says on the Podcast. The exclusive in-car audio recording from the Valkyrie’s right hand sidepodon the High Banks of Daytona during testing should definitely leave a smile on your face! Not to mention some of the Heavy Hitters giggling afterwards.

 

So check it out, if you want to hear a proper ‘Ol school 6.5-litre normally aspirated glorious sounding V-12 motor getting a proper workout on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course!

 

https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/podcast/mp-1569-aston-martin-valkyrie-amr-lmh-in-car-at-daytona/ 

Tower Motorsports Out, Ford In

As what’s that ‘Ol ABC Wide World ‘O Sports saying, Eh?

 

On the very same morning, I awoke to the news via the Daytona Beach News Journal that “We’ve” got a new Rolex 24 winner! As the winning No. 8 Tower Motorsports LMP2 Class winner that saw le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka Sebastien Bourdais taking the chequered flag 40-plus seconds ahead of the second place finisher has been DSQ’ed! (Disqualified)

 

The team’s Oreaca 07 chassis was found in a late post race technical inspection to have worn one of it’s skid blocks below the maximum wear allowance of five millimeters and thus, was stripped of it’s victory and demoted to last place in class. (12th)

 

The team’s subsequent protest was denied and the final results now see the No. 22 United Autosport entry of Paul di Resta, Rasmus Lind, Daniel Goldburg and James Allen declared as the Rolex 24 LMP2 winner.

 

Meanwhile the Detroit News had an article detailing Ford’s announcement to go Sports Car racing in 2027 with a LMDH-spec “Hypercar” entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

As the story touted this news as Ford V Ferrari 2.0, with no word on whether or not the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) entry would cross thoust Bloody Puddle and also race in IMSA GTP or not?

 

Although Racer’s Marshall Pruett notes that Ford plans to join IMSA either a year or two after the “Weckity Wec” debut, a la Hyundai’s Genesis Sports Car prototype project… 

Rolex 24 Postscript

As the 63rd Rolex 24 once again, was another Barn Burner!

 

First off, very cool for Jamie Chadwick to be the race’s Grand Marshall! Although part of me feels like this is some sort of consolation prize for Her. As hope Chadwick’s Sports Car career blossoms like Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken’s has…

 

Tuned into IMSA Radio’s “Countdown to The Green”, and was super happy to hear the voice of my Numero Uno IndyCar Radio pit reporter Ryan Marin. Along with the return of Jamie Howe. With my apologies to Peter Mackay, as initially I thought that ‘Ol EO Speedwagon’ Dario Franchitti was in the announce Booth…

 

Even better yet, Marin got copious amounts of time in the announce Booth,  most notably alongside lead Announcer John Hindhaugh…

 

Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3’s swept the front row of GTD Pro, with Rocky’, aka Mike Rockenfeller on pole in the #64, followed by it’s #65 stablemate. Being Rocy’s first pole position since March, 2006 at Homestead, Miami, Youza!

 

BMW Team RLL, ergo Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing bookended the GTP grid. With Dries Vanthoor taking Pole in the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V-8. While the #25 started last, P12 due to hybrid electrical issues.

 

Meyer Shank Racing two Acura ARX-06’s were quick off the bat. With comment made about the No. 93 being a nod to Honda’s history in IMSA Sports Car racing. Although Nick Yelloly reported a vibration, and then slid off at the west Horseshoe, dripping to seventh…

 

Pfaff Motorsport, fondly known as the “Plaid” Lamborghini had a miserable first pitstop, unable to remove the front left wheel. Needing a chisel to take the wheel off, then suffering a speeding penalty. Before being involved in a six car pile-up in Hour Eight!

 

As Louie’ Deletraz spun out of control on a race restart in the No. 10 Waynte Taylor Racing Cadd-Oh-lac’ V-Series.R GTP machine, before ricocheting back onto track and ultimately causing six cars, including the No. 9 Pfaff Lamborghini to retire from the race!

 

Much noise was made over the weather conditions, most notable the thirteen hours and sixteen minutes duration of darkness. Along with expected very cold overnight temperatures. As Sunset set at 5:58PM and Sunrise was at 7:15AM. (Eastern) Leaving me wondering if we’d once again have reports of frozen Iguanas falling out of the Palm trees. Or was it Geckos?

 

The race ultimately was one of attrition, with somebody in the announce Booth mentioning that eventually 21 of the 61 starters failed to finish! Which I won’t even try attempting to recap these, or the entire race…

 

Other than taking note early of the #11 TDS Racing LMP2 entry, with Hunter McElrea at it’s keyboard when initially having trouble on-track. Having been in it’s garage for two hours with a gearbox issue, but hadn’t retired as of 3PM Pacific.

 

(2:50PM Pacific) The first of the IMSA GTP Contendahs’ suffered Heartbreak. As Alex Palou in the  #93 suffered a left rear suspension failure and had to return to the garage via Flatbed.

 

The race’s restart saw K-Squared Harem Scarem’ vs. Colin Brown! As John Hindhaugh says I want to have whatever Kamui Kobayashi had for dinner! As He pulls out 8.5 second lead vs. Brown!

 

Listened to the majority of the first ten hours via IMSA Radio before getting sleepy, but failed to record who was leading at that point? Although it didn’t really matter, since the race has a history of totally changing complexion overnight…

 

Then listened to Hour number 13? Tuning in as the Eighth full course yellow for Charlie Eastwood’s No. 36 DXDT Corvette catching on fire was thrown! Pulling into an orange fire zone expertly at Speedway Turn-2! Just past the halfway point of the race; listening for another hour before calling it quits for the night…

 

Awaking before the alarm clock went off, I listened to the final three and one-half hours, which I’d say had more drama then the race’s first 3.5 hours! Beginning with nobody apparently wishing to claim LMP2 class honours. As first the leading No. 88 AF Corse entry ground to a halt on-track with mechanical woes.

 

Then Spike-the-Dragon’, the #99 AO Racing entry which had inherited the lead, failed to restart following one of it’s final pitstops! As its battery had run out of charge and refused to refire the Gibson V-8 lump!

 

With just a half hour remaining? The leading #18 Era Motorsport got drilled in the Keister’ by the trailing #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports entry! Both coming to the pits, with the #52 receiving a Drive-thru penalty. All the while seeing le Hamburgular’, nee Sebastien Bourdais who’d been watching the scrum ahead of Him steal another victory aboard the No. 8 Tower Motorsports entry…

 

The GTD Pro battle was even more chaotic! As the #4 Corvette of Tommy Milner was leading with the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 Evo hot on His tails when they came upon the second #48 Paul Miller Racing entry, being several laps down in 12th place. Yet the #48’s Agusto Farfas decided to play Blocking Back for the Seester’ No. 1 a little too aggressively! Slowing in the corners and essentially blocking the Vette’s progress. Before the No. 1 hit the left corner of the Vette’ when trying to overtake for the lead.

 

As a disgusted Milner said after climbing out of the damaged Corvette that it was just plain dirty pool and they should be embarrassed! Having given Farfas the you’re Number One salute who received a Drive-thru for His antics…

 

Thus I clapped estatically when in the closing minutes of the race, the No. 1 BMW M4 suddenly found itself the meat in a Pratt Miller Corvette sandwich! As the team’s #3 entry was hounding Dennis Olsen leading in the No. 65 Ford Mustang, who I had two sets ‘O fingers crossed for! As all of a sudden, WHAM! The #4 Vette’ tagged the BMW! Also receiving another Drive-thru. Yet All of this Argie-Bardgie allowed Olsen relief with a sudden 2.7-seconds lead, before taking the cheqered flag for Ford!

 

Being the Mustang’s maiden GT3victory, not to mention Sebastian Priaulx coming home third in the Seester’ No. 64, which gave Ford it’s first GTDPro pole position earlier…

 

The GT Daytona class was just as exciting, with the lucky No. 13 AWA Corvette Z06 GT3.R with Matt Bell at the wheel taking the win by 1.4 seconds. As Bell had also played the bump ‘n run game with one of the Aston’s, albeit the Aston Martin Vantage doing the bumping…

 

With 22mins remaining, Felipe Nasr said “Playing Thru” as He and Matt Campbell in the Seester No. 6 Porsche touched! Whilst the announcers had spent hours repeating how Porsched hadn’t finished 1-2 at Daytona since 1987. Which Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist ensured didn’t happen again. As the MSR HotSchue’ passed Campbell with five minutes remaining to finish Vice Champion, Err runner-up…

 

Thus Nasr scored back-to-back wins aboard the No. 7 entry, the same Porsche 963 He’d won the year before aboard with Campbell, Dane Cameron and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden.

 

And there’s more I wanted to scribble about. But I’ll save it for another meandering No Fenders post…