LE MANS: Six pack of Aspiring Debutantes

Seeking to rebuild or advance their motorsports careers, who’ll find the mythical glass slipper?

 

This year, I became intrigued in the outcomes of six prominent drivers. Two being former Formula 1 pilotes, and four being sons of former F1 drivers who won Grands Prix.

 

And although it took much sleuthing, I vicariously deduced that all six Debutantes  are “coming Out” at this year’s Circuit de la Sarthe “Ball”.

 

Jack Doohan

DOB: January 20, 2003, Age: 23

Formula 1: Alpine, 2024-2025; 7 Starts. Haas, 2026

LMP2: #24 Nielsen Racing, Oreca 07/Gibson V-8

The son of Mick Doohan, five times GP500 World Champion, with 54 wins, and currently ranked fourth overall. Prior to graduating to Formula 1. Jack’s In His second and final full season in formula 2 finished third overall. With two poles, three wins, five podiums and two fastest laps.

 

Jack became the first Alpine Academy member to graduate to Formula 1, making His debut at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024 as the departing Esteban Ocon’s replacement.

 

Yet the Aussie’ garnered only a cuppa’ coffee in F1, being unfairly dropped in favour of Franco Colapinto after the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Remaining as Alpine’s reserve driver through season’s end, before cutting ties with Alpine and becoming Haas’s reserve driver this season.

 

Doohan tested a Super Formula car, but three identical crashes at Suzuka’s tricky Degner 2 corner ultimately led to signing to contest this year’s European le Mans Series (ELMS) for Nielsen Racing in the top tier LMP2 category. Doohan’s co-drivers were David Heinemeier Hansen and Edward Pearson

 

Enzo Trulli

DOB: April 15, 2005, Age: 21

FIA formula 3, 2023; Super Formula Lites, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

LMP2: #25 Algarve Pro Racing, Oreca 07/Gibson V-8

The son of Trulli Scrumptious’, aka Jarno Trulli, winner of the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix for le Reggie’, aka Renault. Seemingly has had the most mediocre career of sorts, albeit that’s easy for me to say, eh?

 

As Enzo was selected as Porsche Motorsports Asia pacific selected driver in 2025, succeeding Dorian Boccolacci.

 

Trulli began His single seater career by winning the 2021 Formula 4 UAE Championship with four wins and thirteen podiums. Then finished seventh in that year’s Euro Formula Open championship.

 

As second Euro Formula Open campaign saw Enzo win once, but finished tenth overall. Progressing next to FIA Formula 3 for 2023, Trulli finished an unflattering P34, with two 17th place finishes His best results.

 

Enzo then switched to Super Formula Lites where He won twice enroute to fifth overall. Followed by a partial FR Japanese Championship season, scoring a trio of podium finishes at Motegi, ending up tenth overall.

 

Unable to find a seat in Super formula, Trulli contested the Italian GP Championship for 2024. Then moved to the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia series last year.

 

Trulli also competed at season’s end in the Asia Le Mans Series (ALMS) with current team Algarve Pro Racing. Plus two rounds of the 24H series for Earl Bamber Racing, and now is concentrating upon this year’s European Le Mans Series. )ELMS)

 

Driving the team’s No. 20 LMP2 Pro Am (PA) entry with co-drivers Malthe Jakobsen and Michael Jensen.

 

Enzo will make His first Le Mans start for Algarve Pro Racing in the LMP2 Pro Am class with co-drivers Michael Jensen and Jake Hughes aboard it’s No. 25 entry.

 

Logan Sargeant

DOB: December 31, 2000, Age: 25

Formula 1: Williams, 2023-2024; 36 Starts, 1 point

LMGT3: #88 Proton Competition, Ford Mustang GT3 Evo

After winning two races in Formula 2 and securing the necessary FIA Super Licence, Logan was announced as a Williams Racing Formula 1 driver for the 2023 F1 season. With the Williams Driver Academy member making His Formula 1 Free Practice debut appropriately at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in October, 2022.

 

Sargeant went onto score a single point as a rookie after being elevated to tenth place ironically at the United States Grand Prix, in Auston. Becoming the first American to score a championship point since Michael Andretti at the 1993 Italian Grand Prix.

 

Sargeant was dropped by Team Willy’ following the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, in favour of Franco Colapinto. Having already been dismissed for the 2025 F1 season with the arrival of Carlos Sainz Jr.

 

Logan appeared set to drive for IDEC Sport LMP2 in the ELMS in 2025, before backing out of the team. Later running the final two IMSA Sports Car rounds for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.

 

Logan contested this year’s Rolex 24 driving for Era Motorsport in LMP2, also being confirmed as one of Ford’s initial three drivers for it’s 2027 (LMDH) Hypercar programme. Along with racing this year in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Proton Competition.

 

Logan will campaign the No. 88 Darkhorse Mustang with co-drivers Stefano Gattuso and Giammarco Levorato. Making his “proper” Le Mans debut in preparations for next year’s Hypercar effort. 

RETRO: Renault’s Glory Years

Suppose that’s a sad takeoff upon an ‘Ol Bruce, the Boss’s song, Eh?

 

Formula 1 mandated the use of naturally aspirated 3.5-litre engines for the 1989 F1 season, with seven engine manufacturers supplying their wares in various guises.

 

As Ferrari and Lamborghini were the only V-12 producers, while the majority of the field relied upon the Ford Cosworth DFR V-8 unit. Although Benetton who had Ford Cosworth Werks’ status, received the “clean sheet” design HB unit at Circuit Paul Ricard. Judd provided its V-8 lumps in both CV and EV guise. Whilst Zakspeed had a Yamaha v-8, and Honda and Renault opted for the V-10 solution.

 

After a three year hiatus, Renault returned to Formula 1 as an engine supplier to Sir Frank’s Team Willy’, aka Williams Grand Prix Engineering. And once again pioneered another first in motor racing. As the Williams FW12C would use the Renault RS1 V-10 that introduced today’s de riggour pneumatic valve spring technology. Which allows valve springs being pushed by compressed air or nitrogen to operate at higher RPM’s without the dreaded valve “float” of traditional wire, coil valve springs past 12,000RPM’s; if I understand this technology somewhat correctly?

 

Although I just heard Bobby Rahal claiming that Toyota were running their IndyCar engines at 18,000-19,000RPM during the latter stage of CART with normal coil valve springs on Unchained with Paul Tracy…

 

Williams had struggled mightily the year prior with the underperforming and “sluggish” FW12 powered by the Judd 3.5-litre CV V-8 normally aspirated lump’. As reportedly, the Judd engine produced 400bhp less than the all conquering Honda 1.5-litre V-6 turbo, that McLaren almost completed a Clean sweep season with in 1988. Ironically, with the exception of Jean-Louis Schlesser tangling with race leader Ayrton Senna at Monza, gifting Ferrari an unexpected 1-2 finish just a month after Enzo Ferrari’s death! With Schlesser deputizing for Nigel Mansell at Williams; as the Brit was suffering from chicken Pox…

 

The FW12C was designed to accommodate the narrower angle, longer Renault V-10, which Riccardo Patrese would qualify second at the season opening Brazilian Grand Prix. The Italian driver’s 176th Grand Prix start, tying the record jointly held by Graham Hill and Jacques Laffite. As Patrese would go onto set the Ironman mark at 256 Grands Prix, before being bested by Rubino’, nee rubens Barrichello. For which Honda decided that the 2008 Turkish Grand Prix was Rubino’s 257th start, with Barrichello the first to surpass 300. And so it goes, now that Fernando Alonso has surpassed 400 Grands Prix starts, Aye Karumba!

 

Now It’s a Record!

 

Theirry Boutsen would give Williams Renault its maiden victory at the rain swept Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve that summer, the team’s only win of 1989.

 

Initially announcing His retirement at the end of 1990, Sir Frank wooed Nigel Mansell to return to Williams for the 1991 Formula 1 season, after giving Him clear number one status in writing. While Adrian Newy joined Williams from Leyton House March, designing what would become the technological tour de force, the FW14B of 1992. As the B spec model featured active suspension, semi-automatic gearshift, traction control and anti-lock braking.

 

Mansell would dominate the 1992 season with a crushing nine victories and 14 pole positions enroute to that year’s F1 Drivers title! With Williams claiming the first of four F1 constructors Championships with Renault engines; its fifth of nine eventual titles. While le Reggie’s V-10 engines took six Constructors titles on the trot, i.e.; 1992-97.

 

With thee Professor Alain Prost joining Williams for 1993, Mansell made His shock move to IndyCar with Newman Haas Racing, while Prost secured His fourth and final Drivers Crown with Williams Renault that season.

 

We all know that Michael Schumacher effectively turfed off Williams driver Damon Hill for the 1994 title at Adelaide, and then repeated as F1 World champion in ’95, when Benetton had switched to Renault V-10 engines. Before Hill was victorious in 1996, followed by Jacques Villeneuve in ’97, becoming the seventh and final Williams driver to win the championship.

 

Following the ’97 F1 season, Renault quit Formula 1 again, and instead supplied Williams with Mecachrome 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10 lumps’. Being followed by Supertec V-10 units being supplied to Williams, Arrows and BAR. While Benetton ran the customer badged Playlife V-10 engine for three season; All being based off of the championship winning Renault RS V-10 engine.

 

Renault then bought the Benetton team, which became the Werks’ Renault F1 team between 2001 and 2010. Although running the ’01 season as Benetton…

 

The team’s zenith was Fernando Alonso winning back-to-back F1 Drivers titles in 2005-06. Along with Renault winning both years Constructors championship, led by the imperious HMS Monogram’, aka Flavour Flav’, nee Flavio Briatore. Hmm, why is that name familiar, eh?

 

Although it was also under Briatore’s reign that Renault had its darkest day, simply known as Crashgate! When Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed to enable Alonso to win the 2008 Singapore grand Prix!

 

Renault pulled the plug as a Constructor once again, at season’s end of 2010. Seeing dueling Lotus-Lotus F1 Teams on the grid for 2011, i.e.; Team Lotus v Lotus GP. For which the most memorable portion of the Lotus era was thee Kimster’, nee Iceman, aka Kimi Raikkonen famously telling the team to “Just leave Me Alone, I Know What to do!” Over the In-car radio enroute to winning the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

 

Renault once again returned to Formula 1 as a Werks’ outfit under the Renault Sport banner in 2015. Then being rebranded as Alpine in 2021, and now once again under the tutelage of Briatore…

 

Renault also supplied its 2.4-liter normally aspirated V-8 engines to Scuderia Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing. With Red Bull scoring a quadruple “double” between 2010-13.

 

With ‘lil syd Viddle’, aka Sebastian Vettel setting many F1 records during this period. Including then setting the record for most wins in a season with 13, which included the record of nine consecutive wins in 2013; both since eclipsed by Max Verstappen’s 2023 season.

 

As Vettel still holds the record for most poles in a season at 15. Along with winning the Drivers title and Red Bull the Constructors title four consecutive years. Before le Reggie’s engine dominance waned, having scored just one single victory during the Power Unit (PU) era. When Esteban Ocon scored a surprise victory for Alpine at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.

 

Yet its sad to “See” Renault, who’ve wone twelve F1 constructors and eleven Drivers World Championships with the fourth most wins as an engine manufacturer leave the sport, again… 

F1: Sainz Fined for last minute Bathroom run in Japan

As What can Brown do for You?

 

In another sign of just how out-of-touch Formula 1 is, I’m certain you’ve heard about Williams Racing Carlos Sainz Jr. Bathroom Fine of EU $10,000; approx. $11,340 USD for being a skosh’ late to the Japanese national anthem at Suzuka.

 

Even though an accredited Doctor confirmed that Sainz had had a stomach issue and He’d given the Spaniard medicine to rectify it, the FIA Fined Sainz anyways. Apparently expecting the driver to have an accident in His Firesuit instead!

 

As Sainz freely admitted He was five seconds late to the start of the national anthem, for which I’d say that Carlos wasn’t showing any disrespect to Japan at all. Just trying to deal with an honest medical issue beforehand.

 

Sainz, who was rightly peeved over the ridiculous fine mentioned in the Thursday press conference in Bahrain Shit Happens! Saying He hoped He wouldn’t be fined for saying such an offensive word…

 

As all I can say is “What Can Brown do For You?”

 

Seriously, the FIA is going out of its way with Draconion penalties for swearing or going to the bathroom before a race?

 

As I’m really trying very hard to not scribble about a driver being humiliated by having to stand for the national anthem with soiled shorts! Err FIA approved fireproof Nomex boxers, Oh Never Mind!

 

As this is ridiculous! And when will the FIA start treating the drivers like the Adults they are? And not fining them for going to the Potty’ or saying that provocative word S-H-I-T! 

No Fenders Post Milwaukee Rewind

As who’s that IndyCar driver participating in the Mexican Grand Prix FP-1 (Free Practice) session this October?

 

Otay, Y’all are probably getting tired about reading of your fairly Humble No Fenders Head Scribe having been on Holiday again, Righto? And being in a virtual motor racing News Blackout for nearly a Fortnight thru this year’s Milwaukee Mile Double Header weekend…

 

As here’s just some of the news I missed, with arguably the biggest being NASCAR’s announcement of going to Mexico in 2025. As the Taxicab Bombers will invade the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez permanent road course, site of the Mexican Grand Prix next June in a points paying race.

 

Naturally this is another strike against IndyCar, and Penske Entertainment in particular! With Penske’s No. 1 Puffed Shirt Mark Miles earning a new, very unflattering nickname regarding His CEO title, Youch! Since it just seems to nasty to type! (With the Executive portion being changed to something Brown)

 

As Y’all know my Numero Uno IndyCar driver just so happens to hail from Monterey Mexico, Pato Who? And has been beating His Head upon the Safer Barrier trying to get an IndyCar race in His Home country the past three years.

 

And due to Miles less than flattering words, which I missed. O’Ward’s taken out two Billboards simply saying Pato Who? One on the way to the Nashville Super Speedway, and once coming to I-465 in Indianapolis later this year. Uhm, can Y’all say Butterfingers!

 

While perusing the RASCAR news, I came across an enjoyable Podcast with Marco Andretti. Who I didn’t even know was racing in ARCA and Trucks this year. Not to mention shortly becoming a father.

 

 

It’s a good interview with Marco, who’s just a straight shooter with no BS! And gives a lot of good information between His former IndyCar ride and wraslin’ Stock Cars and PickemUps’…

 

https://racer.com/2024/08/29/podcast-marco-andrettis-transition-to-nascar/

 

And since I missed both Dutch and Italian Grands Prix, I don’t have anything substantive to report upon Formula 1…

 

Thus naturally I was Cornfuzed when I heard this Harry whoever Chap mentioning some Colapinto name during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Cola Who? As little did I know that Williams had sacked Logan Sargeant after He wrote off another chassis during the Dutch Grand Prix! Being replaced by FIA Formula 2 driver Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season. As the 21yr old Argetinian is a member of the Williams Driver Academy.

 

As Colapinto has shone brilliantly to date. Scoring His maiden points with an eighth place finish in Baku, along with outqualifying team leader Alex Albon in only His second F1 outing…

 

On this side of Ye Gory Puddle’, Chip Ganassi Racing confirmed the already known news that CGR would indeed be downsizing to only three IndyCar entries next year in light of the forthcoming Charter system. Yet I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Ganassi will field a two car Indy NXT program beginning next year. Which will undoubtably utilize some of it’s “Discarded” IndyCar staff. As the Nos. 11 and 4 entries will be shuttered.

 

Arse-sumedly Kyffin Simpson, who’s father’s enterprise Ridgline Oil brings major sponsorship to CGR will “slide” into the No. 8 entry next year alongside Scott Dixon and reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou.

 

The only question left for Cheep’ is whether or not He’ll find a new Sports Car operation to field for the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season? Along with where will current IndyCar drivers Marcus Armstrong and Linus Lundqvist land?

 

As Lundqvist clinched this year’s IndyCar rookie Of the Year (ROY) title at Milwaukee…

 

Meanwhile, the Sports Car world saw the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) make it’s lone United States appearance at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) over the Labour Day weekend. As the Lone Star Le Mans race was won by the privateer No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari P499, driven by thee Krakow Kid’, aka Robert Kubica, Robert Shwartzman and Yifei Ye.

 

The lower tier LM GT3 category was won by Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo with Team Boss Ian James, Danny Mancinelli and Andrea Riberasclaiming a dominant win on Home soil.

 

On a side note, local Texan Ben Keating went from being a spectator to getting a last minute call-up to race aboard the No. 88 ProtonCompetition Ford Mustang GT3. Learning that Keating is a third generation Ford Dealer and has four Ford Dealerships in Texas…

 

In the worst kept secret, Cadillac finally made it official that Wayne Taylor Racing will be running a two car Caddy’ V-Series.R IMSA GTPFactory program alongside Action Express Racing’s (AXR) Whelen Engineering Cadd-Oh-lac’ #31 entry next year.

 

General Motors reportedly asked that the new two car effort replacing the outgoing Chip Ganassi Racing effort be simply known as Wayne Taylor Racing due to it’s winning heritage with WTR previously. Even though it’s definitely a WTR Andretti entry.

 

Lastly, and I only heard the results after Tacoma Bureua Chief Mary Ellen asked me if I wanted to know about the MotoGP race? Before telling me that thee Alien’, ergo Marc Marquez had won in Spain at Aragon.

 

As it was the Pinball Wizard’s first victory in an astounding 1,043 days! 

Ferrari turns Blue Chasing Red Bull

Although totally changing colours did little to Help!

 

Casual Formula 1 viewers couldn’t be blamed for thinking there was something wrong with their television set’s reception when tuning into this year’s Miami Grand Prix. Like Hold on Vern’, Thars something wacky going on with the colour settings! Try movin’ those Wabbit’ Ears Vern…

 

As for reasons unknown, la Scuderia’, nee Ferrari’s traditional Rosso corsa racecars were appearing to be two different shades of Blue!

 

Although we quickly learned that this was ultimately another marketing gimmick, celebrating Scuderia Ferrari’s signing of computer giant HP as their new title sponsor. Even though the team claimed it was in Honour of the 70th Anniversary of Ferrari’s involvement in North America.

 

Yet I’m cornfuzed why this isn’t being trumpeted as the 75th Anniversary of Ferrari’s presense in North America? Since noted Ferrari Factory agent Luigi Chinetti began importing Ferrari’s to the United States in early 1949. With some Chap named Briggs Cunningham finishing second at Watkins Glen aboard a Ferrari 166MM Spyder in ’49.

 

Yes, that’s the same Luigi Chinetti who gave Ferrari it’s first 24 Heurs du Mans victory Wayback’ in Gory 1949! When the naturalized Italian drove a super Human 22.5 Hour total! Spelled only briefly by the evocative Ferrari 166MM Barachetta’s owner and co-driver Peter Mitchell-Thompson.

 

As Chinetti also established N.A.R.T., known as North American Racing Team in 1958. Going onto win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965 with the controversial Ferrari 250LM prototype.

 

Accroding to the Daily Mail, Alberto Ascari wore light Blue shirts and Hat during His two Formula 1 World Championships for Ferrari during 1952-53. While John surtees, Chris Amon, Lorenzo Bandini and Ludovico Scarfiotti all wore light blue Overalls during the 1960’s.

 

Niki Lauda wore light blue overalls for His 1974 debut season at Ferrari, before switching to rosso for the ’75 F1 campaign. While teammate Clay Regazoni wore Dark Blue the same season

 

Most famously, John Surtees won the 1964 Formula 1 World Championship driving a blue and white Ferrari 158. As reportedly Il Commendatore, nee Enzo Ferrari was so outraged that the FIA wouldn’t recognize His Ferrari 250LM prototype for Homologation, He threatened to never race in Rossa corsa again!

 

Thus Surtees and teammate Bandini Ferrari’s ran the final two rounds of the ’64 championship in the blue and white national colours of the United States under the N.A.R.T. paint scheme at Watkins Glen and Mexico city.

 

While Ferrari ran a special “One-off” Red and White paint scheme in Honour of those glorious 1970 Championship winning racecars of Lauda and Jody Scheckter, during the inaugural modern day Las Vegas Grand Prix last November.

 

As the Ferrari SF24 and it’s drivers will be adorned in Astro la planta And Astra Dino, with the first being the light blue hue. Whilst the latter dark blue hue’s name pays homage to Enzo Ferrari’s son known as Dino.

 

Yet Scuderia Ferrari has also seen multiple F1 chassis race in solid yellow. Including when the privateer Equipe Nationale Belgium entry of Olivier Gendebien appropriately finished fourth at the 1961 Belgian Grand Prix.

 

As Scuderia Ferrari claimed a 1-2-3-4 sweep. With Factory drivers Phill Hill winning. Wolfgang von Trips second and Richie Gintherthird ahead of Gendebine. Which I believe is the only time an F1 Constructor has swept the first four finishing positions…

 

But when I think of Hewlett Packard and Formula 1, I immediately Flash back to those early 2000’s superb Williams BMW racecars with Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher at their keyboards…

 

And speaking of Williams, I hope that former Team Willy’ and current Red Bull Designer supreme Adrian Newey goes to Ferrari next year!

 

Naturally, after I’d initially finished scribbling these thoughts. On May 1st no less, for which Y’all should know the significance of the date regarding Formula 1 History. Making it somewhat odd, since that’s arguably Newey’s and Williams Darkest Day. When Ayrton Senna died driving His Williams FW16 Renault V-10 racecar.

 

As Y’all may enjoy this video upon the history of Imola, which you can watch below…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQvDQy7ADfU

 

Red bull announced that Adrian Newey would indeed leave the team in the first Quarter of 2025 and spend His remainng time at Milton Keynes finishing the RB17 Track Car.

 

Apparently this means that Newey, now 65 cannot start His next F1 Engineering assignment until 2026? Although next year’s F1 chassis will be a bit of lame Ducks due to the impending, massive rules change for the 2026 F1 season.

 

Meanwhile, Newey’s possible future employer disappointed by only adding splashes of two different blue hues to it’s Rosso corsa racecar at Miami. Although both drivers Overalls at least were blue… 

F1: Thoughts upon Formula 1 from Afar

As I miss the days of talking about Suzuker’ Specials when Honda (and others) made special Qualifying lumps’ for the Japanese Grand Prix…

 

Although I totally expected MaxiMillions’, nee Max Verstappen to dominate the Suzuka weekend and win from Pole position again, Yawn! Since I highly doubted His Brakes would catch on Fire this weekend…

 

As I really Don’t find myself to interested in Formula 1 these days. Yet nonetheless, I decided to tune-in to Friday’s and Saturday’s action from one of my favourite racetracks, ergo Suzuka. Especially since we’re in the middle of a month’s Hibernation by Indy Cars! And the last time I tried “watching” an F1 race was over a month ago at Jeddah.

 

As I’m mostly intrigued by two key issues in F1 right now. The plight of Williams having no spare chassis. And DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo’s current performance “slump” in particular. Along with wondering if any of the other top teams, i.e.;Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren can ever truly mount a challenge to Red bull and Verstappen? With ‘Ol Frederico Suave, nee Fernando Alonso making All the right noises about increased Competizione…

 

As I’ve heard Williams team principal James Vowles “TeamSpeak” over why Williams currently doesn’t have a spare chassis, and has been without one since season’s start. For which I say Poppycocl! Or is Williams really that far behind on modernizing it’s team’s approach to thee pinnacle ‘O motorsports?

 

This got me thinking about the days when Der Terminator’, nee Michael Schumacher routinely, and always had la Scuderia’s (Ferrari) third car and spare F1 chassis at His disposal for running on Friday’s. Although my Foggy memory thinks He also would run it during the  Sunday morning’s race warm-up?

 

This sent me down another Wabbit’ Hole, since I loosely recalled the term T-Cars in my memory, but couldn’t rmember if that was Formula 1 or IndyCar?

 

As I was able to discern that the running of third cars on Friday’s in formula 1 was Banned in 2007, due to the FIA implementing cost-cutting measure to save F1 Teams money.

 

Whilst thanks to Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure Fame. George helped me upon my hazy memory of Indy Cars entering backup chassis with the designation of X during the CART days, i.e.; #6X for Mario Andretti, etc. With George explaining that at Mother Speedway’ which was then sanctioned under USAC Rules. Backup chassis for the Indianapolis 500 were instead designated as T-Cars, i.e.; #6T for Mario Andretti, etc.

 

Although today IndyCar T-Cars are basically “Trailer Queens”. Being stored in team Haulers sans engine. And typically only “wheeled” out to replace said primary IndyCar chassis due to significant crash damage. Being a function of today’s IndyCar engine leases, and Arse-sumedly also to reduce costs…

 

According to Vowles, Williams has totally modernized and changed it’s chassis building process, which took longer than expected to implement. Along with the now de riggour Supply chain excuse…

 

Since All F1 Teams including Williams, have needed to build spare F1 racecars for each yearly season’s beginning. Which implies to Mwah that Team Willy’ is building their carbon fibremonocoque chassis entirely differently tooling-wise. Which Vowles may have already eluded to?

 

But it just seemed really awkward that Williams had to withdraw Logan Sargeant for the Australian Grand Prix weekend due to my Numero Uno F1 Driver Alexander Albon destroying His sole chassis!

 

Which was the totally pragmatic decision due to Albon having outscored Sargeant 27-1 points-wise during their tenure at Williams, for which it sounds like Sargeant was a dutiful “team” Player.

 

While no need to pile on Sargeant for making an unforced error during Friday’s “(Free Practice) FP1 session – where He crashed Heavily into a tyre barrier. For which thankfully the chassis monocoque survived, with Vowles saying the rest of the Bits were a write-off!

 

Since although Sargeant missed FP2 due to the team rebuilding His lone racecar, the inclement weather meant that He and the team really missed very little. While I’m happy to report that Sargeant qualified 19th, ahead of Sauber’s Guanyu Zhou. Since the Switzerland based team is enduring it’s own struggles currently.

 

As Jokes were made about how Sauber had completed a Pitstop with zero issues during Saturday’s FP3 session. Since the team has been suffering from slow, poor Pitstops during races…

 

I also find it fascinating how Williams has divulged that Albon’s repaired chassis that Sargeant was using at Suzuka, and presumably a Fortnight at Shanghai, was only 100 grams heavier than when originally built. As leave it to Formula 1 for such detail!

 

Whilst I’ll also Arse-sume that this battered, bruised,  as what’s that ‘Ol Timex saying? Takes a licking but Keeps on Ticking Me Thinks? Will become Williams spare chassis at Miami, when the team finally has a third racecar’s monocoque built. And I’d also guess that the newest chassis would go to Albon, with Sargeant getting the second best chassis, Eh?

 

Yet to be fair to Williams and Vowles. It was also divulged over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend that Alpine had no spare chassis on-hand, but would have one ready for Shanghai…

 

Whilst Albon’s unfortunate accident on lap-1 at Suzuka with the forlorned Ricciardo didn’t do the team any favours with it’s hard impact, bringing out the race’s only Red flag! Before Sargeant added company to the team’s misery when making another mistake during the race and also crashing out, Urgh!

 

Although the week’s break between Suzuka and Shanghai should allow the team to run both drivers, even if the team’s running low on spares, i.e.; front and rear wings and other “Bits”…

 

Epilogue

In the April 10th Racer Mailbag, Chris Medland covered the Williams dilemma brilliantly. Noting how the carbon fibre monocoque and suspension mounting points need to be “released” by October of the previous year. Since it takes up to three months to pass the mandatory FIA Crash testing.

 

With Vowles noting it takes approx. eight-ten weeks to build a full carbon fibre monocoque. With F1 Teams trying to focus upon getting the first three chassis produced with a fourth in the pipeline, without needing to divert resources to producing spare parts, i.e.; front and rear wings, floors, etc.

 

Alpine has also been without a spare chassis the first three races after continuously failing to pass the crash test. But due to not having wrecked their cars during races, have been able to complete it’s third car, i.e.; spare chassis sooner than Williams has…         

Thoughts upon IndyCar’s current Engine dilemma

As I Hate to say this, but what’s Indy Cars NXT move?

 

In a forever languishing story I’ve intended to scribble here upon No fenders for years regarding the long forgotten Luddi’ lumps’. For which Engine Developments Limited, a racing engine manufacturer founded by John Judd and Jack Brabham during the early 1970’s built those unsuccessful Lotus IndyCar engines campaigned briefly during the 2012 IndyCar season.

 

As I still recall No Fenders Offical Photographer Carpets’ asking the late Dr. Who, aka Tim Wardrop tongue-in-cheek if He wanted Him to throw something on-track? In order to bring out a caution so “Mean Jean” (Alesi) could catch-up to the pack?

 

As that was when sitting in the IMS Flagroom having a few Adult beverages and just Joshin’ around following Carb Day practice, where bothLotus powered entries had been dead last!

 

Making it hard to believe that it will have been twelve years ago come this May! Since I also fondly recall Dr. Who asking me incredulously, What’s a Last Row Party? But I digress…

 

As I’ve previously scribbled a brief version of Honda’s IndyCar history in my three part tome about Honda celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary, so no need to reinvent the wheel here.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/11/honda-racings-75yrs-trilogy-conclusion.html

 

As I first became aware of Judd engines Wayback’ in 1988. When Team Willy’, ergo Williams F1 had lost it’s supply of then Honda’s All Conquering 1.5-litre twin turbo V-6 lump’ to Arch rivals McLaren. Primarily due to Il Lione’, Red 5’, Bloody Nige’ or simply Nigel Mansell wringing the stuffing out of His underpowered Judd CV V-8!

 

Since for some vague reason, I rememberd that Bloody Nige’ had stood on the podium at Silverstone that year. Actually finishing runner-up to McLaren’s Ayrton Senna. With Alessandro Nannini third in the Benetton Ford, while Mansell also set Fastest lap during the race.

 

Judd then built the narrow angled EV V-8 lump’ before constructing the GV V-10 engine, for which I’d forgotten JJ Letho finished third for BMS Scuderia Italia in the ’91 San Marino Grand Prix no less.

 

Since I tend to recall that the naturally aspirated Judd V-10’s had far more success in Sports Car racing. With Kevin Doran inserting one into a Ferrari 333 SP! Along with winning the 2002 Rolex 24 in a Doran Lista Racing Dallara SP1 chassis.

 

Yet as mentioned, Judd provided Formula 1 customer engines during the 3.5-litre normally aspirated era of the 1990’s, mandated for the start of the 1989 F1 season. Not to mention building Honda’s first IndyCar engine Wayback’ in 1986, when it made it’s CART debut with Geoff Brabham driving for Galles Racing.

 

Thus Judd had extensive experience building racing engines for the top two Open Wheel Racing series, and you’d like to believe that this would have transferred successfully to it’s abortive 2012 IndyCar campaign, where it’s 2.2-litre turbocharged V-6 motor sadly became the laughing stock of Indy Cars, myself included!

 

As all I can figure is that obviously the Judd Lotus IndyCar engines were underdeveloped and once again lacked sufficient horsepower to challenge Chevy and Honda, both having more current IndyCar engine production and competition experience vs. Judd…

 

Having read Racer’s December 20, 2023 Mailbag, I came away with some new thoughts towards the conundrum of IndyCar’s current engine dilemma, due to Honda’s Mega’ Shot across the Bow warning over potentially leaving at the end of it’s current supply contract in 2026.

 

First, I now feel sort of glad that IndyCar hasn’t been able to lure a third engine manufacturer into the fray. Since if Toyota had joined, then Arse-sumedly with the exception of going Hybrid, we’d still be stuck in the same racing rut.

 

Having been fortunate to “Grow-up” during the CART Glory Days, including Groan, Nigel mania. Unlike what Marshall Pruett claims about today’s 20-something’s, I did care about the actual, individual engine manufacturer battle!

 

And being a died in the wool FoMoCo’ devotee. Naturally I was thrilled when Ford released it’s new Cosworth XB lump’ which was Uber competitive, followed by the XD Me Thinks…

 

Thus I have to admit I’m not at all interested in a single-spec engine formula as Honda’s Chuck Schifsky has proposed. Yet obviously I also do not wish to lose Honda from the series. Since a small part of my appeal to today’s IndyCar series is there being two engine manufacturers giving us amazing competition!

 

Initially I thought of why couldn’t IndyCar propose an engine development freeze period like Formula 1 is currently in? Although I don’t know if Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Honda/RBPT are still spending vast amounts of income for engine “reliability” updates?

 

Thus I liked one Mailbag reader’s question of why not implement a single source V-6 Short Block and allow engine manufacturers to develop their own cylinder head or some other portion of the engine?

 

Or am I just remaining a Dinosaur by not admitting the future of Automobiles and racing purely electrical?

 

As I still do not understand why none of the amazing F1 Hybrid technology has made it’s way into mainstream Automotive application today, some ten-plus years later?

 

Whilst as much as I detest IndyCar’s No. 1 Puffed Shirt Mark Miles. I do agree that IndyCar really cannot go forward until the current Hybrid Energy Recovery System (ERS) is properly sorted and working seamlessly in competition!

 

Especially since it’s such a complicated piece of Kit! Needing to be implemented into an existing design with exceedingly tight packaging constraints!

 

So perhaps the way forward in the future after all is to simplify the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) portion. And perhaps have either somebody like Engine Developments Limited or Cosworth or others win a tender to provide spec long block engines?

 

As I do realize whilst typing this that the lower tier LMP2 and LMP3 Sports Car categories for both European, Asian and North American series have currently been utilizing sole sourced spec engines…

 

Yet I just feel that this totally Dumbs down the DNA of top-flight motor racing series. Since would Formula 1 still be considered the Pinnicle of Motorsports running a single-spec Power Unit? (PU)

 

Or would there be such a proclaimedBuzz over IMSA GTP if the same sole specification Hybrid engine was required? Nor should IndyCar, the top Open Wheel Racing single seater category in North America be forced to do so…

 

Since after all, what’s that U.S. Open Wheel Racing series that currently utilizes single-spec chassis, engine and tyres? Oh yeah, Can Y’all say Indy NXT? 

F1: Farcical Qatar Grand Prix

No Uncle Bernaughty’, Max isn’t the Greatest! And why should I believe anything you say after your latest Tax Cheating scandal! For which I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Ol Martin Billybob’ Brundle give Yuhs the Mickey during His Sao Paulo Grid Walk…

 

Yeah, I know I’m late to thee party once again, but simply haven’t been able to Back-time posting this. And it still seems relevant since we’re off to another Desert, albeit I Don’t expect the same Heat issues in Nevada…

 

Thanks to Qatar being a night race, although it didn’t help much temperature wise! Which I’ll get to shortly. I was able to “watch”, Err listen to Qualie’, the Sprint race and the Grand Prix in their entirety here upon Ye West Coast, with action beginning at 9:55AM Pacific.

 

Although it’s always strange holding qualifying on a Friday, which once again MaxiMillions’ (Max Verstappen) claimed His tenth Pole position of the season, Yawn!

 

Although the Podium interviews was the funniest part of the whole weekend for Mwah! While the female “moderator” was interviewing then third place Oscar Piastri. She said mid sentence; we’ve just been told you’ve been demoted to sixth place for exceeding track linits, but it’s been lovely interviewing you…

 

Saturday’s Sprint race was enjoyable simply because the driver I’m becoming most intrigued upon, ergo rookie Aussie’ Oscar Piastri won.

 

Whilst I think it’s fitting that Verstappen won His third title during a Sprint race that was carried on ESPNews, Crickets?

 

But as everybody knows and probably remembers, it was the race circuit itself, along with the brutally Hot weather that garnered All of the Attenzinoe!

 

Being a brand new racing surface, the first time the fresh Ash-fault’ had been raced upon, along with the extreme temperatures, naturally the oil rose to the surface. As I thought I even heard Verstappen saying the track had Mucho “Slippery Liquids” upon it! As where are Yuhs Uncle Bobby? With Maximilian saing it made them look silly! Making me wonder if this was a contributor to the countless track limits violations?

 

While the pyramid shaped kerbs were worrying to Pirelli, with track limits being altered by simply painting them, along with Pirelli mandating a three stop race and a maximum of 18-laps on any tyre compound.

 

All of which made me immediately think of Michelin Gate! Y’all know that farcical 2005 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Remember that Y’all?

 

And although overall this was handled much better. According to F1 Grizzled Journo’ Joe Saward, Pirelli had warned the FIA of these exact issues back in January.

 

With the maximum 18-lap strategy requiring drivers to go flat out and run Qualie’ laps every lap! Along with temperatures exceeding 50 Celcius in the cockpit = more than 122 degrees Fahrenheit with the race lasting One Hour and 28 minutes! It’s simply amazing we didn’t have any serious racing accidents due to the drivers physical conditions whilst roasting in this sauna for nearly ninety minutes!

 

Obviously you’ve heard or read about Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon and both Williams drivers Heat related issues. Whilst I thought I heard Fernando Alonso asking for a bucket of cold water to be poured upon Him during His pit stop being denied over His In-car radio. Since I recall Sky Sports F1 lead presenter Kroftie’, aka David Kroft musing about the Ice Bucket challenge…

 

While Fernando’s Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll gets some sort of award for worst behaved F1 driver of the weekend! Beginning on Friday when forcibly shoving His trainer out of His way when being instructed for the mandatory F1 driver weighing, after Lance had failed to advance out of Q1’.

 

Then Lance was one of two F1 drivers helped into an ambulance following the race. Wit the Kuhnuck’ later stating that He’d been drifting in and out of consciousness during the race due to His blood pressure dropping due to the extreme Heat!

 

With the FIA investigating Stroll for breech of driver “Etiquette” at Qatar, and it’ll be interesting to see if anything comes of this?

 

Naturally, Stroll got off with a Slap upon His Hand after apologizing to the FIA, and was simply given a reprimand…

 

Alpine’s Esteban Ocon revealed following the race that He’d vomited inside His Helmet twice during the race due to the excessive Heat!

 

While the Williams duo of Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant suffered the worst! As Albon also needed to be assisted to an ambulance immediately following the race before being treated for excessive Heat exposure! While Sargeant retired during the race while suffering from Dehydration due partially to having fought Flu-like symptoms during the Grand Prix weekend.

 

And Mercedes George Russell was spotted driving down the straights? With His Hands off of His steering wheel while trying to fan any shread of air to cool His body! And the list goes on and on. As Verstappen even joked about anybody needing a wheelchair? While Piastri laid on the Green rooms floor with McLaren teammate Lando Norris all waiting to go back out into the Heat for the podium celebrations…

 

As Norris, Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc All said that the race had hit the threshold for Heat and something needed to be done to ensure this not happening again!

 

Whilst many F1 Fans have called for Qatar to be scrapped. But we All know that Ain’t gona happen! Especially if the rumours of Liberty Media receiving $45 million per year for it’s ten years contract!

 

Since Liberty Media seems to agree with the former F1 Supremo Bernie Eccelstone about How the show must go On!

 

Oh Yeah, almost forgot. Max Verstappen won His third F1 World Championship in-a-row, Yawn! As can you say rinse, lather, repeat for the next two years? Thanks to engine development being “Frozen” for Red Bull’s benefit until the new E-E-E-lectricfied’ Power Units are introduced in 2026, Boring! 

Will Alex Palou Walk Away from IndyCar?

And is being Tail Gunner Charlie in Formula 1 really that appealing?

 

Obviously as a cellar dwelling Blogger, Alex Palou, His Management team or anyone else in the IndyCar paddock Doesn’t give a Tinkers Damn what I scribble ‘bout here upon No Fenders! And certainly I’ll be the last to get the Gory Memo over what Palou ultimately intends to do for the 2024 season…

 

Following His Beatdown upon the IndyCar field at Road America, where I just sat around in Thy Basement muttering Animal outloud to myself! I simply cannot understand why Palou would wish to leave Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) in what seems another IndyCar championship season’s ride.

 

And that was before Palou continued His Monstrous season’s winning performances when claiming His fourth win in five races at Mid-Ohio!

 

Yet listening to one of Marshall Pruett’s the Week in IndyCar Podcast, with Marshall going on a long diatribe over just how scary good Palou’s become this year prior to Road America. Pruett seemed fairly emphatic over staying at CGR would only be Option number three for Palou, if that? With Marshall saying it’s not an option, and Palou will leave CGR regardless at the end of this year.

 

Apparently Option number one is the Siren Song call of Formula 1. Although even with some scuttlebutt suggesting there’s two F1 teams interested in Him, i.e.; McLaren and Scuderia AlphaTauri. Arse-sumedly the only true optin is AlphaTauri. Since I seriously doubt that either of McLaren F1 boyz’ Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri are going anywhere soon!

 

Especially when the pair just Shone at McLaren’s Home race with Lando and Oscar starting an excellent P2-3. With Norris scoring a fine second place behind Red Bull’s MaxiMillions’, His second career podium. And Piastri scoring His best finish to date of fourth.

 

Failing Palou going to the current Faenza based F1 AlphaTauri Back-marker. Pruett tends to believe that Palou’s got a Handshake deal with Mr. Zakery Brown to drive for Arrow McLaren beginning in 2024, which Ain’t exactly a secret in IndyCar-land!

 

What I find somewhat difficult to understand is why Palou would wish to go to Arrow McLaren? Which to Mwah, still hasn’t proved it’s of true Championship caliber organization that’s able to beat the likes of Penske, Ganassi or at times, Andretti.

 

Thus I can only Arse-sume that Palou is so motivated to give His current Boss Cheep’, aka Chip Ganassi the will Power “double Bird” Salute! Telling Him He’s Numero Uno for failing to give Him His desired pay raise last season and now wishes to make Cheep’ regret filing the lawsuit against Him last year…

 

As for heading to AlphaTauri and Formula 1, is this really a better situation than staying put in Indy Cars? Since currently, prior to the Austrian Grand Prix, which was another MaxiMillions’ Red Bull Whitewash, Groan! Which I didn’t bother to tune into…

 

AlphaTauri was then ranked tenth out of the ten F1 Constructors, with a measly two points! Courtesy of Yuki Tsunoda’s brace of tenth place finishes.

 

 Whilst sixth thru tenth weren’t exactly setting the world alight. Led by McLaren’s 17-points. Followed by Haas with 11-points, Alfa Romeo with 9-points and Williams with 7-points, after Alex Albon’s impressive seventh place finish at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve!

 

Whilst following Austria; McLaren leapt to 29-points with Lando Norris’s fourth place finish. And then the Woking based squad netted 30 more points at Silverstone, vaulting them to fifth ahead of Alpine, who were stuck on 47-points following a double retirement.

 

And whilst Williams and Haas became tied wit 11 markers apiece. Williams moved to P7 wit Albon’s eighth place finish. And apparently the team has better finishing results vs. Haas.

 

Whilst Alfa Romeo still has four and a half times more points than AlphaTauri, with nine. With AlphaTauri standing pat Dead last with it’s measly 2-points total.

 

Scuttlebutt also suggest that AlphaTauri rookie Nyck de Vries, who’s been struggling to get up to pace this year has already been given a “Yellow Card” warning by Der Helmut’, aka Dr. Helmut Marco, and may be Axed before His Home Dutch Grand Prix? As de Vries and fellow rookie Logan Sargeant of Williams are the only two f1 drivers with 0-points to their 2023 ledger.

 

With Red Bull Junior Driver Liam Lawson waiting in the wings, would Palou wish to subject Himself to this type of pressure?Since the last two Stateside drivers to drive for Scuderia Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri’s previous incarnation had less than stellar outings.

 

With Scotty “The Goose” Speed becoming Franz tost’s punching bag, and le Hamburgular’, nee Sebastien Bourdais also having a miserable time there before returning to IndyCar…

 

But at age 26, Palou’s time is running out for a F1 drive, and I suppose if He chooses to depart with two IndyCar Championship titles on His “CV”. He can always return to IndyCar in the future.

 

But the $64k question then would be who would Hire Him? And would He get another Championship winning ride?

 

And is running around at the tail end of the Formula 1 grid on the streets of Monte Carlo more compelling than competing for the immortality of having your face etched upon the Borg Warner trophy?

 

And lastly, it’s scary noting that Williams is currently the superior option over AlphaTauri! Since Williams has years to go to become just a proper Midfield runner.

 

But then again, obviously I’m just speculating here, and will be Ah-Waitin’ with Baited Breath like Y’all to see what Palou does for the rest of this season and beyond…