Traipsing thru the Penske Racing Museum, Again

Scott McLaughlin’s 2018 Supercars Championship winning Ford Falcon on display in Scottsdale. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As no jokes about ScottyMac’ needing His Ford Falcon to bounce off the walls at Mother Speedway. Or Team Penske’s travails during Ye Month ‘O May…

 

In what’s become a cherished tradition during every visit to The Valley of The Sun, once again your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso was blissfully ensconced in the Penske Racing Museum this past March.

 

Some three weeks plus after my latest visit, I suddenly found myself wondering if my recollection of my inaugural visit was correct? To which I’m happy to say it was fairly spot-on nearly twenty years later. Albeit it was actually November 30, 2005 when I first set foot inside the Penske Racing Museum thanks solely to Blogmeister Miguel taking me there. Having seen El Capitano talking to Ye ‘Ol Windbag Dave Despain on Wind Tunnel the same year from the museum…

 

Although it slays me now, I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised that I launched a nine page story on my first visit to la Museo some 13yrs ago. For which if you’re inclined. Whale’ Yuhs better be Damn well inclined or comfy if you’re gonna read All Gory 4,253 words written in Thy No Fenders Post, Aye Karumba!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2012/04/penske-racing-museum-inaugural-visit.html

 

Arriving at 1PM, Blogmeister Miguel and I accidently walked into the adjoining Aston Martin dealership, where we were immediately met by a friendly Salesman curtly asking if He could help us? To which Miguel seeing the rest of our party waving at us thru the glass walls, said I guess the museum is next door…

 

The first IndyCar chassis encountered was Josef Schlick’ Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner. Followed by His 2017 Championship winning mount. Other various IndyCars sat on display, including two Norton Gould Rick Mears cars. Mears 1984 No. 6 “Yellow Submarine” Indy 500 winner. Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ read to me the information plaque upon Tom sneva’s racecar that He set the first official 200mph lap at the Brickyard in.

 

Gil de Feran’s 100th race winning Reynard/Honda resplendent in Team Penske’s long standing Marlboro white with Dayglo red also graced the museum’s main floor. Being the car that won El Capitano His “Ton” of IndyCar victories, becoming the first ever IndyCar team to do so.

 

Along with Newgarden’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner, there were a further three chassis I’d never “seen” before. One being the red No. 12 Verizon of Will Power, the Aussie’s 2022 mount that He won the final Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle, along with that year’s Astor Challenge Cup aboard. Nee 2022 IndyCar Series title.

 

Both Blogmeister Miguel and Artiste Dave were “wowed” by and audaciously bright neon lime green IndyCar bellowing to Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud. Being Simon’s 2019 Menard Indianapolis 500 winner.

 

The fourth and final “New” car that initially stumped me as Snowbyrd MJ’ said it was the #17 of ScottyMac’s, Huh? Turned out to be Scott McLaughlin’s No. 17 Ford Falcon FG X racecar that He campaigned for FordDJR Team Penske between 2017-18. The last Falcon model raced Down Under in V-8 Supercars.

 

As it makes sense that the car that Mclaughlin first came tantalizingly close to winning the 2017 Supercars Championship with, and then securing the first of His three consecutive Supercars titles in 2018 with, is now proudly on display in Scottsdale.

 

https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/mclaughlin-reunites-with-first-supercars-title-winner/

 

Also, initially I was Cornfuzed’ over why Newgarden’s 2023 Indy 500 winner wasn’t the same chassis that He used to repeat winning in 2024? And I still hadn’t figured it out some three weeks later, until No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets came up with a close answer. Whale’, at least He pointed Mwah in the right direction…

 

Having “read”, err listened to the IndyStar’s article on the gala reopening of the IMS Museum, which includes the Penske Gallery. Replete with the 1988, 1994, 2009 and 2024 Indianapolis 500 winning chassis on loan. Along with Penske Racing’s first Indianapolis 500 entry, Mark Donohue’s 1969 Lola T152. And the winner from El Capitano’, aka roger Penske’s very first trip to Mother speedway in 1951.

 

Do Y’all know the answer to this riveting trivia question? Time’s up, put them pencils down…

 

Yep, that’s right, the 2024 Dallara DW12 chassis featured the new for that season’s Hybrid Energy Recovery System, (ERS) adding some 100lbs to the ageless DW12 racecar. Having made it’s 200th start at St Pete one year ago!

 

Although IndyCar didn’t introduce the Hybrid ERS system until Mid-Ohio in July, 2024. I’m 86% certain that the 2024 Dallara DW12 was decked out with the new magnesium bell housing/transmission casing and other ERS ancillaries, minus the ERS unit…

 

Hence, Arse-suming this Dallara DW12 also included the auxiliary “plumbing” systems. Most notably the right hand side ERS cooling radiator, that Chevrolet teams used the “blocker” plate , louver or whatever they’re called at the Thermal Club this year to negative effect. When the increased temperature sent the ERS into “limp” mode to preserve itself from overheating!

 

Or was it simply the fact that I heard sometime this May that Penske simply pulls every Indianapolis 500 winner out of service for posterity’s sake to be displayed in perpetuity?

 

Naturally, as time marches on, and we’ve just wrapped up another vaunted “Month of May”. Especially with how crazy this year’s race was! I’m beginning to forget what else was on hand? Although I know Mark Donohue’s 1973 IROC Porsche 911 Carrera RSR was there. Along with El Capitano’s 1963 Catalina NASCAR Tintop’.

 

Whilst Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that the 1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Pace Car was on display. Although I don’t remember if Donohue’s 1972 McLaren M16 Sunoco Indy 500 winner was on display?

 

And although I knew it wouldn’t be there, I was still disappointed that one of the Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsch 963’s weren’t present. Then again, Id Arse-sume that the All conquering No. 7 will once day in the future grace the Penske Racing Museum.

 

And that’s just a slice of what was Thar’, since I didn’t even mention Joey “Sliced bread” Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500 winning Pennzoil Ford fusion, or All of the “Eye Candy” outside the museum… 

Thinking of Robin Miller

As others in Ye Blogosphere have written previously, whether you love Him or Hate him, ‘Ol R’, Ye Curmudgeon of IndyCar’s, aka Robin Miller has been a constant voice, be it on Television, in thou Ether’, either in Interviews with such Folks as “The (Speed) Freaks,” Radio with such luminaries as JMV’ (John Michael Vincent) or via his weekly contributions on Racer.com. Robin Always knows what’s the latest going on in IndyCar and usually Breaks many News stories first, and is typically right when he throws something at us we’re not thinking of…

 

Cannot say when I truly became a Fan of his, albeit at the very latest when I had the pleasure of being introduced to him in the IMS Media Center Wayback in 2009. Although I knew of him previously, having followed him weekly since at least ’06 when I began this No Fenders Blog, which he even granted me an Interview for.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2009/01/miller-time-interview-with-robin-miller.html

 

Having always enjoyed Miller during his SPEED TV Days , and looking forward to his participation on Ye ‘Ol Windbag’ Dave Despain’s Wind Tunnel TV Show, or The Speed report with Bob Varsha. While I can still recall him hosting the Reunification Press Conference on Speed when Champ Car and the Indy Racing League announced their Mergification in February, 2008.

 

And I’ll confess that I’m not a regular reader of his weekly Racer Mailbag column, specifically since my Putrid Zoomtext Fusion 2021 Screen Reader’s so Persnickety and I could almost never get it to go to the next page, albeit I’ve finally figured out a Work around solution to that problem, but I digress…

 

And although I enjoy writing about the constant Salt spray ‘O Synchronicity misting over me here on thoust Isle of Nofendersville, I did find it funny that I’d just posted two wacky, Zany non racing related Posts here on No Fenders about my Longs Donutz’ Holes Baker’s dozen-plus Musak’ selections. With the title being a nod to Robin Miller who once regaled  Mwah about taking Juan Pablo Montoya a dozen of these famous Doughnuts at Mother speedway’, Arse-sumedly Miller’s favourite Haunt prior to perusing Racer.com Wednesday afternoon.

 

Thus if you checked in to read Miller’s latest Mailbag edition this week, you know you were greeted by a message to Robin Miller’s Readers informing us that Robin’s currently fighting a serious Illness and they’ve got No idea if or when the Mailbag will return…

 

Obviously this implies that Robin’s fighting some serious Health issues, and I’d like to believe I can speak for All of my loyal, remaining No Fenders readers that we wish Robin a Speedy Recovery!

 

Get Well Soon, Robin!  

Tomaso 

Sir Stirling Moss Speaks No More

Although I'd surmise that many today outside the UK Don't know who he was?

By now, presumably Y'all have heard of British Racing legend Sir Stirling Moss's passing on Easter Sunday, Righto?

Sir Stirling Moss, Legendary British Racer Dies at 90

Yet for Mwah, it's pretty Funny that the first thingy' that comes to mind is a very old post from the No Fenders Archives, now an Uber long 12yrs ago - when this Blog-site was in its infancy; Aye Karumba! As 'Ol Salt ex-Blogger Mark of Full Throttle Fame was giving me some good natured grief upon posting a picture of Stirling along with the story.

Whilst Mark was also responsible for christening Max Mosley Thee littlest Curve' in deferance to his Bondage Fascinations; Ja Volt! For whom I followed up by calling him Sir maXXam! But careful Y'all, as Max is a bit touchy over that subject Ja-Ja!

As it was my take upon a wonderful interview by Dave Despain on that long missed television Talk Show called Wind Tunnel which got scuttled during the mighty Fox Sports neutering of the Speed Channel; Sigh!

Stirling Moss onWind Tunnel

 

Since although Ye Mighty Windbag Messer Despain is still on the Airwaves, now on MAV TV, it's on a Freakin' Pay Channel on my Spectrum Cable TV Service, Alas I Don't get It! Since we All know how Overpriced Cable TV is these Days, El Correctomundo!

Although my favourite memory of Moss has to be upon walking past the mangled front bodywork of an extremely rare Shelby GT350R at the Monterey Historics that he'd crumpled against his opposition upon giving it the Rowdy Holmes treatment, as Moss’s solution to the crumpled front fender was to autograph it and simply walk away! (Although you’re NOT supposed to have any contact when Vintage Racing…) Whilst I no longer remember which Hystericals' event this was...

As Stirling raced during a time of Chivalry, when Formula 1 racecars ran in Thar Nation's colours sans thou litany 'O Sponsors! And Moss's overlying Dedication to keep a Stiff Upper Lip and Drive only British marques whenever possible seemingly cost him opportunities to become a Formula 1 World Champion, albeit I wasn't aware of his turning down somebody named Enzo initially!

Stirling Moss took High place among Greats with Dash and Elan

Whilst Thar are countless tributes right now over Sir Stirling, and I was tempted to use Sir Jackie's, it was the remembrances of a Wee lad Idolizing him that paints a most wonderful portrait of Moss instead...

Farewell to Stirling Moss - My Childhood Idol and Pen Friend

And although Stirling is best known for finishing runner-up or as Ye Bloody Brits enjoy calling Vice Champion four times while amassing 16 Grands Prix victories in 66 F1 Starts. Moss was an All-rounder' for which I'd say his mercurial 1955 Mille Miglia victory aboard a Mercedes Benz 300SLR, finishing 32mins ahead of Mercedes Benz team-mate Juan Manuel Fangio has to be his most impressive win.

And I also enjoy knowing the trivial fact that his father Alfred, a Dentist contested the 1924 Indianapolis 500 and finished 14th. Which I tend to recall it was Grizzled F1 Journo' Joe Saward telling me this in one of his myriad 'O F1 Fascinating Factoids.

Stirling Moss follows Father's Racing lead

Actually I first learned this fact when reading Donald Davidson's 1st edition massive Autocourse Book Detailing the History of the Indianapolis 500 many, many years ago...

While Stirling showcased his racing diversity by taking victory in the 1954 12 Hours of Sebring in a small displacement OSCA MT4 Sports Car with unheralded Yank' Co-driver  Bill Lloyd in a Briggs Cunningham entry. Just one of his Mega' 200+ victories over 500+ starts! Claiming a 40% Winning Average - Not too Shabby, Eh?

As Y'all can read a more Honed version of Sir Stirling's Motor Racing exploits in the following Obituary...

Sir Stirling Moss Obituary: British Motor Racing Ace Who...

A few More thoughts about Roger's latest Acquisition

Roger Penske's Debutante Indianapolis 500 winning racecar. The Sunoco blue 1972 McLaren-Offenhauser that Mark Donohue drove to Victory - On Display at the IMS Museum, circa 2010. (The Tomaso Collection)

As surely, Uhm, Don't Call Me Shirley! Thou permeations 'O a Blind Word Hack ardently matter...

Funny, when you've known of someone via motor racing for decades. As Hell, it was his being interviewed upon that 'Ol SPEED TV Show Wind Tunnel with Ye 'Ol Windbag Dave Despain, where he sat majestically in his racecar museum over a Gory Decade ago that inspired Mwah to visit it on thou next visit to Arizona...

My Inaugural Penske Racing Museum visit

Oh Yeah, stay focused Tomaso. And Don't look at that Uber Bright Thingy' in thoust Scottsdale sky! Uhm, but when El Capitano', nee Roger Penske buys Mother Speedway, what's that old E.F. Hutton saying? When Roger speaks, People listen!

Alas, the more I read 'N listen to 'bout Penske buying thou Hallowed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the IndyCar series, the more I tend to believe that this is indeed the best outcome possible of the few buyers that Tony George approached.

Now, I'll say my main worry, beside Roger wiping out the time honoured tradition of the Fastest 33 Cars racing in the Indy 500. As Bloody Hell! With All of Roger's financial might, not to mention crushing the opposition with a record 18 wins. Shouldn't he be capable of mustering competitive entries? But I Digress...

Robin Miller with Roger Penske

Nah, instead I worry about the Elephant in The Room that nobody's talking 'bout. As in what happens when Roger, who turns 83 next February finally takes the Chequered Flag? And what is the succession plan?

Helio Castroneves Team Penske Dallara DW12 Show Car on Display at the Indianapolis Airport for that year's Indy 500 event. (The Tomaso Collection)

Knowing Penske has a few sons previously, and hearing the name Greg Penske mentioned as part of Roger's entourage that visited Mother Speedway the day after the shocking announcement. I pondered just what was Gregory's role in the Penske Hierarchy?

As Roger has four sons and a daughter from two marriages. As Roger Jr. and Gregory are from his first wife, whilst the current Mrs. Penske, Cathy had three children, Blair being the lone girl and then Mark and the youngest being Jay, who's dabbled in Open Wheel Racing as a Team Owner with mixed success, Righto Katherine Legge?

Can't find out how old Greg is, but he seems to be well suited to continue his Pappy's legacy.

Reportedly Gregory who graduated from Cornel University with a Degree in Business Management in 1984 has worked his way up the ranks, working in various Car Dealerships before ascending to the role of Chairman and CEO of the Penske Motor Group.

While Greg was also the past President and CEO  of Penske Motorsports, Inc. which was the Racetrack portion of Roger's empire, responsible for today's Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA, along with the other racing circuits Penske once owned. And also serves on the Board of Directors of the Penske Corporation.

Whew, as I was afraid that the only two Penske sons I knew about, most notably being Jay, would somehow be involved? Although I suppose they All are in some way, shape or form, Righto?

Although having previously been Harangued here on No Fenders for divulging the News over Mark and Jay's Drunken Outing at a Nantucket Yacht Club Wayback in 2012.

Penske Sons simply Not Cut from the Same Cloth as the Captain

Not to mention Jay's less than elegant Dismissal of thy Leggy Juan', nee Katherine Legge from his former IndyCar Team Dragon Racing.

Jay Penske sends Katherine Legge the ultimate Valentines gift!

As Roger Junior must feel the weight of that name? Since I cannot find out anything about him, and Don't care 'bout Mark, whilst Jay makes my stomach turn! But Greg has a very impressive resume of multiple Management positions that seemingly make him well suited to continue the Penske Tradition into the future. Especially since the Penske's seem to be much more fiscally well off vs. the Hulman-George's...

And what can I say 'bout El Capitano that hasn't already been said, written or published? Roger's always been a Class Act, even if I Don't like him always winning.

And even though he's legendary for having "The Unfair Advantage!" He seems determined to make sure there's No Hints of Conflict of Interest impropriety as he moves forward as Mother Speedway's new owner, for which Penske will be a great fit...

(Photos c/o No Fenders ‘Offical Photographer CARPETS')