Aston Martin: Britain’s Great Pretenders?

As what’s that overused cliché about the perfect Storm?

 

Thursday’s press conference preceding the Australian Grand Prix saw Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey dropping the “Bombshell” over both His drivers fearing permanent nerve damage to their hands/fingers due to the unrelenting vibrations the Honda Power Units (PU) were experiencing.

 

As Newey claimed star driver Fernando Alonso thought 25 consecutive  laps was His limit, with Lance Stroll saying He could only do 15 laps.

 

As Alonso said when driving this year’s AMR26 chassis, His legs and hands feel numb, which obviously isn’t a normal sensation drivers are accustomed to!

 

Although Alonso contradicted Newey by saying He could race for three hours is necessary. While Lance Stroll described the vibration like sitting in an Electric Chair…

 

What I fail to comprehend is how could Honda worked itself into the position a second time in Formula 1? Since I think we all remember Alonso’s famous quote about the previous Honda PU being slower than a GP2 car! And making “friends” with Honda eternally…

 

Although some claim this is political theatre, certainly Newey publicly stating He hadn’t had time to discuss this with Honda Racing Corporation’s (HRC) boss Koji Watanabe cannot go over well with the Japanese hierarchy, Righto?

 

Then on Friday, Alonso failed to run at all if the first practice, with Lance Stroll only doing three laps. With Newey admitting they were short on battery units.

 

As two of the units were swiftly out of commission, leaving just the two units in the cars for the remainder of the weekend. Although one unit was repaired, leaving them with a single back-up unit for the Chinese Grand Prix. With teams limited to four battery “packs” for a season, before presumably incurring grid penalties. In the name of cost control, Cough-cough!

 

Yet its a sad state of affairs, when Aston’s Mike Krack, the former Team Principal pronounces Frederico Suave (Alonso) finishing the team’s first Grand Prix at Suzuka P18 as a major accomplishment, Huh?

 

Whilst Stroll retired with a suspected water pressure issue for the Internal Combustion Engine. (ICE) Which I cannot help but wonder if that was caused by more harmonic vibrations?

 

According to Adrian Newey, it came as quite a surprise to Him, major domo Lawerence Stroll and Andy Cowell Some four months prior to Melbourne when visiting Japan. That Honda had lost a lot of their experienced staff after announcing the withdrawal from Formula 1 in 2021. Before making a “U-turn” during 2022, being behind their F1 rivals ever since…

 

It seemed quite odd that Newey was elevated to the Team Principal role at the time, which I just Arse-sumed was the team firmly telling Newey’s former boss Chris Horner, the ex-Pied Piper of Red Bull that He wasn’t welcomed at Aston!

 

But it just didn’t make any sense to me, since Newey was signed on a $25 million per year contract to sprinkle His design “Genius” upon Aston Martin’s chassis. In conjunction with Honda Werks’ engines, Err Power Units and Presto Chango, instant “World Beaters”, Tuh-duh!

 

Yet for Mwah, Aston Martin has some sort of systemic problem at its core. And team owner Lawrence stroll’s idea of simply throwing money around will solve everything doesn’t seem to be working.

 

Not sure how many millions have been spent upon the new state-of-art factory premises, err F1 campus at Silverstone. Or the top flight wind tunnel coming online, et al.

 

It just seems that the constant turnover of staffing speaks volumes.

 

As Mike Krack replaced outgoing Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, who left Aston Martin at the end of 2021. Being part of the “Old Guard”, i.e.; Force India, thru Stroll’s takeover as Racing Point and then becoming today’s Aston Martin F1 Team.

 

Krack became Chief Trackside Officer at the beginning of last year, when then Group CEO Andy Cowell took over His position. Before Newey’s elevation to Team Principal; Cowell was announced as the new Chief Strategy Officer last November, to coordinate the integration of the Honda PU into the Aston Martin AMR-26 chassis.

 

Which makes sense now, after that November meeting in Japan.

 

As Cowell had originally replaced Martin Whitmarsh when joining Aston Martin from Mercedes, with scuttlebutt suggesting Cowell will leave Aston shortly. And so it goes…

 

Since we’re all eagerly awaiting the introduction of Jonathan Wheatley, former Sauber/Audi Team Principal, becoming Aston Martin’s newest Team Principal. Probably after the summer break while on Gardening leave currently.

 

Meanwhile, Simulator Jockey Daniel Juncadella claims He didn’t see any of Honda’s problems coming during His simulator work, while I still don’t quite grasp the need, or what Pedro de la Rosa’s role as Global F1 Ambassador is?

 

Aston Martin Global F1 Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa talks racing and resilience

 

Thus, this ever revolving door makes it reasonable that El Supremo Engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has just been confirmed going to McLaren when His current Red Bull contract expires at the end of 2027, albeit does Red Bull really want Him sticking round after the end of this season?

 

As the exodus of “Rats” is now in high gear at Milton Keynes, with Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s championship winning engineer having had offers from McLaren, Aston Martin and Williams. I’d say He chose to work at the most stable, competitive Formula 1 outfit on the grid, behind Herr Wolff’s mighty Silver arrows, Ja volt!

 

Although I must say I marvel over how Uber’ diplomatic Alonso’s been this go-around, perhaps wishing to continue on past His contract expiring at season’s end. Yet the soon to be 45 year old driver surely is nearing the end of His time in Formula 1, Ci?

 

And Lance Stroll will never deliver anything substantial in F1. Since would He still be in F1 without His billionaire father?

 

Meaning even when Aston Martin and Honda get the kinks worked out. With one rival F1 boss saying they weren’t falling for giving Honda concessions a second time after Red Bull’s latest F1 dynasty…

 

It seems that Aston Martin will still have a major problem without new, capable winning drivers in their cockpits…

 

Whilst lastly, I’ll leave you with the entire trilogy of my epic 75 Years of Honda Racing No Fenders story below. Since I’d like to believe that Honda will once again soar to the top in F1.

 

Honda turns 75 years old 

F1: Super clipping sucking soul out of Sport

As “Battery world Championship” isn’t an encouraging F1 moniker!

 

Why did I think of that ‘Ol Kansas song with the following lyrics, Eh?

 

“Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher
But I flew too high”

 

VIDEO: Carry On Wayward Son

 

Max Verstappen

“I found a cheaper solution. I swapped the simulator for my Nintendo Switch and yeah, practicing a bit of Mario Kart, actually.

 

“Finding the mushrooms is going quite well. The blue shell is a bit more difficult, but I'm working on it. The rocket's still not there. It's coming.”

(Source: grandprix.com)

 

Those were the words of Four-times F1 World Champion Max Verstappen during Thursday’s Chinese Grand Prix press conference. When asked if simulator work helped drivers in managing the complex 2026 car’s energy systems.

 

This year’s Formula 1 season finds myself at multiple crossroads. Having religiously “watched”, Err followed Formula 1 for nearly 40 years now, with my debutante F1 race being the 1986 Detroit Grand Prix. And cannot say I’m overly impressed with the latest interpretation of thee “Pinnacle of Motorsports”.

 

Think we’ve all heard Max Blunderhead’s critique of it being Formula E on Steroids, which I tend to agree with. As what’s happened to the late Ayrton Senna’s famous quip “If you no longer go for a Gap that exists, then you’re no longer a racing driver!

 

“As I’m mot here to finish third, fourth or fifth, I drive to win”.

 

VIDEO: Ayrton Senna – If you No longer Go for a Gap

 

And Fernando Alonso’s sarcastic quip about how the (Aston Martin) chef could drive the car. Hell, half the team could drive the car now! Since you no longer need any skill to drive these cars, instead just managing the energy management system…

 

As formula 1 used to be about skill, bravery and bravado of finding the outer limit of driving a car through flat out corners like Spoon and 130R at Suzuka, which have been neutered!

 

Whilst Lando Norris has rightly pointed out how the current F1 chassis has killed the soul of formula 1! With Charles Leclerc lamenting how its all become about consistency over a lap and not being able to drive on the ragged edge anymore…

 

While I’m guessing we’re all learning about what this Super clipping is, eh? Which if I understand correctly, is when today’s F1 chassis is left with no battery power on the straight and depending solely upon the internal combustion engine (ICE) to propel the car forwards. Seeing to a dramatic drop in performance and overall top speed.

 

Although I’ve read that this Super Clipping phenomenon can even occur when the Power Unit is under full power, with the energy management system deciding to “cut-in”.

 

F1 2026 Super Clipping explained

 

Today’s racecars are dependent upon the 50% battery power, and with the subtraction of the MGU-H, (Motor Generator Heat Unit) harvesting exhaust gasses to limit turbo lag. Drivers can only recharge their battery during braking in corners, which leads to a lack of electrical energy on circuits with long straights and little corner braking, which Suzuka used to be.

 

Now am I advocating for the return of those shrieking 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10’s. I said speak up Sonny! What do you mean my hearing Sucks? Huh? Did you say something eh?

 

I’m just left feeling that Formula 1 has gone too far forward with this technical regulation cycle. With two immediate thoughts, Err three springing to mind…

 

Do you all remember that despised Delta wing racecar? Once hailed as the next generation of Indy Cars. As where did the Delta wing go?

 

Along with the Handford device which made overtaking occur Ah-Plenty’ in (CART) IndyCar racing. Perhaps being the original Yo-Yo racing format, Eh?

 

Or how about the ridiculous amount of drivers passing and then being repassed during the 2013 Indianapolis 500 Me Thinks? Or whatever year there was some ridiculous 68 passes for the lead or something to that effect.

 

As I’ve said many times before, I’m not an engineer, nor do I pretend to play one. Or stay at Motel 6 or whatever the tag-line is? Meaning I’ve got zero clue on how to solve this current dilemma…

 

But you only need to look at Oliver Bearman’s nasty crash at Suzuka when encountering Franco Colapinto at a closing speed of 28mph. And indeed, Formula 1 is extremely lucky that Ollie’ walked away from His 50G impact at 191mph with only bruising to His extremities!

 

Since why does the late Gilles Villeneuve crash come to mind?

 

Whilst Lando’s comment about how He repassed Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka even when He didn’t want to, solely due to the battery system kicking in. And then having Hamilton immediately repass Him when His energy store was depleted and Lewis could call “Slingshot On!” Is definitely not real racing!

 

Although Lando sarcastically quipped after the Japanese Grand Prix: “this is the Best racing ever!”

 

Yeah, I understand that IndyCar has its vaunted P2P, ergo Push-to-Pass turbo boost system, going back at least to Champ Car. And Formula 1 previously had DRS. (Drag Reduction System) Both artificial methods to increase overtaking.

 

Its just that I’ve always thought F1 was supposed to be the pioneers of technology that one day would filter down to our road cars. Meaning do we really want everyone saying Slingshot On! Or pushing the turbo boost button on our Freeways and residential streets?

 

And is Formula 1 really all about Megajoules deployment? You make the call…

 

Partial song lyrics from: Kansas’s Carry On Wayward Son; 1976 Leftoverture Album. 

F1: Dawning of the Latest Era begins

Although behind Closed Doors…

 

Testing

Jan 26-30: Private test at Circuit de Barcelona

Feb 11-13: First “Open” Test at Bahrain International Circuit

Feb 18-20: Bahrain Final Test

 

2026 Formula 1 Pre-season testing has begun this week in earnest, with the commencing of a five-day private test for all 11 F1 Teams at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. With teams permitted to run any three days of the five.

Whilst I don’t know how much information we’ll receive, or how much results will truly resonate with the season kicking off Down Under at Melbourne on March 8th.

 

Thus, following the conclusion of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, I immediately began wondering about the intricacies of the much ballyhooed 2026 F1 regulation changes, before I settled in for my long winter’s nap…

 

Each team was allowed to run one “Mule” chassis with a lead driver at the post Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test, along with the requisite “Youngster” driving the 2025 chassis, held on Tuesday, December 9th.

 

Although several teams split the day between their current two drivers aboard the 2026 Mule chassis.

 

While I knew that the chassis would be smaller, lighter and “nimbler”. With increased electrification and smaller Pirelli tyres.

Erroneously, multiple websites reported that wheels rim sizes would “shrink” from 18-inches down to 16-inch diameter, Say What?

 

As let’s delve into these “Lean, Mean, Fighting Machines”…

 

First off, the wheel rim size will continue to be 18 inches with reduced size, “Skinnier” revised Pirelli compound range rubber, designed to give bigger compound separation.

 

F1 2025 Post Abu Dhabi test: Pirelli’s first major run with 2026 tyres

 

The new Power Units or PU’s will still utilize the existing 1.6-litre single turbocharger configuration introduced in 2014. But the Internal Combustion Engine )ICE) will be “Detuned” from a maximum 850bhp to 540bhp, running on 100% sustainable Fuel.

 

But it’s the electrical energy side that gets “Charged” up! As the Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H) is deleted entirely, while the Motor Generator Unit – kinetic

 (MGU-K) increases significantly. With the MGU-K’s power increasing to 470bhp from 150bhp, tripling power-wise. With a total power output o 1,010bhp on tap.

 

According to Formula1.com, the chassis wheelbase length shrinks by 200mm to 3400mm, the size of your reusable “Drinks” bottle. Width reduces 100mm to 1900mm, the size of a chocolate bar, albeit Arse-sumedly these are European sizes. So don’t know how they differ Stateside?

 

Minimum chassis weight decreases by 30kg to 768kg, along with new moveable front/rear aerodynamics. Most notably the removal of the DRS. (Drag Reduction System)

 

Yet what I found most frustrating was the lack of current information preceding the first official closed door test. Since as of Boxing Day, (Dec 26th) everything I could find was from June, 2024, WTF!

 

Since along with the racecar’s smaller size, the biggest change occurs with the new Active Aerodynamics, which feature moveable front and rear wings. Which I don’t know if we’ll still be using the initial “Z-mode”, or Zed mode )Zulu) cornering high Downforce, wings closed configuration. And “X-mode” (X-Ray) straight-line low Drag wings opened configuration designations during racing this season? As both front and rear wings are dramatically different.

 

Z-mode and X-mode Active Aerodynamics explained

 

While more importantly, the full Ground Effects era is discontinued. With a partial flat floor section returning. With a larger diffuser with larger openings, and a overall higher minimum ride height mandated. Which should hopefully cure the undesired and dreadful porpoising effects we’ve previously encountered.

 

Overall Downforce is reduced by 15%, with lap times expected to be two seconds slower. Although as typical, Engineers will claw back these decreases, which normally occurs over a regulation “life cycle”.

 

 Yet probably the hardest part to get used to will be the use of the new terminology of Overtake, Boost and Recovery modes.

 

Recovery’s the most obvious, meaning the car is “Harvesting” or recharging its electrical system.

 

Boost mode is when the stored electrical energy is deployed for either offensive or defensive “Driving” modes.

 

While Overtake mode is when a driver can “manually” enact the Boost mode provided they’re within one second of the leading car for “Attacking” the driver ahead…

 

As here’s a pretty good “primer” short video covering all of the complex 2026 F1 regulation changes.

 

VIDEO: Everything You need to Know about the F1 2026 Regulations 

Talking Trains, Not Turkeys

As No Lucas lectrics’ Jokes Here!

 

Yeah, bare with me Y’all, or indulge Mwah. Since after all it’s my Blog and I can Jolly well scribble’ whatever I want. Although I’m probably Preaching to The Choir. Or more likely Talking to The Hand! As what’s that ‘Ol Pressdog saying about Don’t Engage the Crazies George?

 

Having regaled Yuhs about my latest train adventure home, I’ve learned more than I’ve ever known about the Amtrak Cascades Express trains.

 

Whilst I can no longer recall when the first time I ever rode an Amtrak train was? Although I do recall riding home from Portland circa 1996. And then believe I started riding them Up North eh! To Vancouver, BC in the early Ought’s’. And then definitely took it once-a-year to Portland for the final three years of Champ Car at Portland International Raceway, (PIR) but I digress…

 

Was surprised that I found an immediate answer to what type locomotive the Cascades Express No. 503 train route uses. Being a Siemens SC-44 Charger. With these Diesel-electric locomotives beginning production in 2016 in Florin, California. And the first SC-44 Charger going into service on the East Coast in 2017.

 

Also learned that the SC Charger model generates it’s own Head-End Power (HEP) in it’s locomotive car. Generating the 60Hz used to create the necessary electrical demands for the passenger cars Heating/Cooling, (HVAC) lighting, WiFi’, etc. Including electrical power to individual business class seats and the Bistro/Dining car.

 

Thanks to Ray, I also learned that one week after my trip home, where the power failed on our train, albeit guessing it was the passenger cars connections. That Amtrak had to suddenly pull all of the Cascade Express railway “Sets” out of service after finding severe corrosion on the passenger cars, Say What?

 

As these Horizon passenger rail cars were built in-between 1988-90, or 1992? By a now defunct division of Bombardier, and had aluminum bodies on steel chassis, which is a recipe for corrosion.

 

Although there was one train set that wasn’t comprised of Horizon rail cars that remained in service. As this lone Cascades Express train apparently used the old Talgo rail cars? And ironically I believe it was the very same 503 route from Seattle to Eugene…

 

Full Cascades Express service was restored eleven days later, albeit with reduced rail cars comprising each train set. As rail cars were diverted from the east coast and other Amtrak routes. While the Washington State Department Of Transportation (DOT) has reportedly, already ordered eight replacement train sets from Siemens. Along with a further two SC-44 Charger locomotives.

 

These Venture rail cars are slated to be acquired this year, but not go into service until 2026. Whilst I still don’t comprehend the difference between Talgo and Horizon passenger rail cars? Other than I tend to recall that the initial Cascades Express routes began with the Talgo rail cars.

 

Now having learned that indeed the initial Amtrak Cascades Express service that began in 1998 utilized Talgo Series VI train sets, with two Series 8 sets joining in 2013. With the older Series VI sets being retired in 2020 and replaced with those corroding Horizon sets, which will inturn be replaced by the Siemens Venture “Rolling Stock” coming online shortly.

 

Whilst I just learned that Talgo is a Spanish company, and not French as I’ve always Arse-sumed, especially after riding a high-speed Talgo TGV train from Colone, Germany to Paris, France Wee-Wee! With the late-Canadian lass Clare nearly two decades ago, but I digress further…

 

Prior to my latest train excursion, I “read”, Err listened to an article on the Boseman Daily Chronicle titled Are Passenger Trains entering the Golden age, or End of the line?

 

As the article points out how the “Double Decker” passenger rail cars utilized on on the Empire Builder and Coast Starlight are Amtrak’s most used passenger cars. Racking up enough miles to circumnavigate the world seven times a year!

 

Yet these same rail cars were built during the 1970’s and 1980’s and are just one major collision away from wiping out the fleet! Although a tender was put out for new passenger rail car construction last year, as part of the Infrastructure Investments and Job Act of 2021. These cars won’t be put into circulation until the 2030’s, provided you-know-who doesn’t torpedo those plans…

 

As Amtrak was created in 1971 and has basically suffered fifty years of neglect regarding it’s rolling stock, primarily it’s passenger rail cars, due to a constant lack of investment, penny-pinching and outright slashing of funds over the decades.

 

Last year, Amtrak recorded an increase to nearly three million riders, while the Cascades Express services from Vancouver, BC to Oregon carried a stout one million riders. Which I don’t know about Y’all, but that’s a lot of cars off of the roads, freeing up the Interstate for other travelers!

 

Not to mention that everyone cannot drive a motor vehicle, like your Blind No Fenders scribe Tomaso. As have I reminded Y’all lately I’m blind?

 

Reportedly, in fiscal 2017, the Cascades Express routes, which travel 467 miles from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver, BC, was Amtrak’s eighth busiest route.

 

Amtrak, like many Government agencies is working quite good right now, as I’d say a large portion of it’s daily delays are caused by sharing the BNSF railways and that Freight trains get priority. And privatization would only benefit whomever got the contract. Not to mention the scores of employees who’d lose their current jobs!

 

As here’s a novel idea. Instead of some Emperor wearing new clothes, whose easily distracted by shiny things. And publicly lambasting our nation’s current rail system. How about stepping up and increasing spending on this vital network of transportation that millions depend upon?

 

Hey, I know, how ‘bout we go back to steam powered locomotives, as I hear that coal’s making a comeback. As who cares about that mercury or arsenic in the air, All Aboard!

 

Yeah-Yeah, I know. The future’s so bright, Uhm where’s my Gory sun glasses, OH Never Mind! 

When the Lights go Dark on Amtrak!

Tomaso with His “service” Dog Hang-10’ Hilo waiting for the train. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

And that’s got Nothing to do with El Presidente giving this Government Agency the Midas touch!

 

Ah Matey’s, here’s another soothing lullaby about a somewhat typical, Madcap 13 hours trek homewards…

 

Not to mention Microsoft’s Office being persnickety per usual! Since no matter what I do to try changing the text below to my normal font settings, it won’t save it, Sigh!

 

Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen told me to set my talking keychain clock’s alarm for Gory 5:15AM, Crikeys!

 

Ah, the joys of Island life, as this included being early for the 6:20AM Ferry back to Ye “Mainland”. Before an El Stupidio breakfast at IHOP at 7:00AM. As the cook was incredulous when our chirpy waitress told Himn my order. As I ended up paying $15.43 for a plain egg breakfast Burrito; asking to “Hold” the bacon, ham and Snazzauges’ I Don’t eat following my Heart surgery…

 

As I highly doubt we’ll ever do that again, especially since it took 40mins! Before scurrying to the nearby train station where I barely had time to use the Loo’ before boarding the 8:00AM Cascades Express train to Eugene. With the train being early and leaving at 8:00AM sharp from the Tacoma train station, all Aboard!

 

Suppose I should have known something was up, Eh? Since I swear there was zero Heat turned on from Tacoma to Portland, albeit we “flew” south to Portland in 2Hrs 45mins, including four stops in-between.

 

Whilst I’m glad I’ve long since figured out where the bathroom door’s lock is, since twice people tried opening the door as we sat for an half hour in Portland. Making me flash-back to the first time I’d ever ridden this type of train and not knowng how to lock the door, Surprise! As the door opened upon Mwah in the middle of you know what when headed to Vancouver, BC decades ago, but I digress…

 

Yet strangely, when I tried calling Mary Ellen on my cell phone twice whilst parked in Portland I couldn’t dial out or get Her number to ring, WTF? As this was an apparent sign of things to come…

 

Approaching Oregon City, OR, our Conductor made the first of multiple announcements, telling us that our train was currently experiencing electrical maladies – including no WiFi’ or HVAC, i.e.; Heating/Cooling, or power to the business class seats. Although it smelled like dust burning briefly when waiting at Portland, when I finally felt heat coming up from the heat register alongside my seat…

 

Following Oregon city, the Conductor announced that the train was just running on electricity; that’s what I believe He said. Although I did Arse-sume correctly that it was a Diesel Electric locomotive pulling us…

 

Saying they’d troubleshooted everything possible to no avail, i.e.; Fuse breakers, Computer reboot, etc. And were going to try one more outside train fix at our next stop in Salem, whatever that meant?

 

Arriving at Salem sometime before 12:28PM; time of the first of two emails sitting in my Inbox when I got home that evening, alerting me of our train issues, Uh Duh!

 

Our Conductor said we’d be staying put there until receiving permission to proceed. Since we didn’t wish to become stranded somewhere between Salem and Eugene with no pick-up possible, like Marion. And He’d give us further updates when

Possible, with Management working on Plan B, whatever that was?

 

Telling us we were allowed to leave the train to stretch our legs if desired, but should remain nearby the train. And then the female Café worker told us She’d put out complimentary water and snack packs for us. While those remaining seated around me “Cheered” when the lights went on. With somebody said whatever they’d wiggled, worked! Meaning I’d had no idea we’d been riding in the Dark for awhile, Hya! Or if this was a momentary fix?

 

After a half hour’s plus of sitting on the train, (sometime after 1:05PM) our Conductor made an announcement I’ve never experienced before in all my decades of riding Amtrak. Announcing that our train had now been Cancelled and would be going no further than Salem! Due to electrical Gremlins, two stops north of our final destination Eugene.

 

Our Conductor said He’d be passing thru the train to take a roll call of those remaining and that a bus was on it’s way to transport us to our final destination in 20-25mins.

 

Then the same female Café worker made a further announcement saying we could take whatever food we wanted from the Diner Car since it would have to be thrown away that evening. But this didn’t include any Alcohol…

 

The Conductor who handled the whole procedure remarkably well in a calm, firm but polite manner told me that yes, I’d make my Link Lane Shuttlebus connection from Eugene to Florence before escorting me off the train and into the adjacent Salem train station.

 

Then another Amtrak employee escorted me outside to stand against a concrete wall to line-up for boarding the soon arriving bus.

 

Next a friendly female employee asked for everybody to wait to allow the visually impaired rider to board first. As She guided me up the bus’s multiple steps and into a front row seat. Before our bus filled up and off we went on the Highway south to Albany and then finally Eugene, arriving at 3:12PM approx. Or roughly an hour and one-half after our trains scheduled arrival. With the bus ride taking approx. 1Hr 45mins…

 

Did the ‘Ol college try at the train’s ‘lil Boys room before another friendly female Amtrak agent escorted me outside. Taking my suitcase for Mwah, and placing me underneath the building’s overhang to be out of the rain while waiting approx. 20mins for the Shuttlebus to arrive.

 

Then the man standing to my right with His wife offered to load my suitcase aboard the Shuttlebus. While it’s driver, the famous Jethro’ sat motionless, didn’t budge a muscle or even call out the Shuttle to me! Presumably the only Blind person who utilizes it? Although perhaps He thought I was traveling with the others?

 

This kind man also helped me aboard, with His wife directing me to an empty seat, while He told Jethro He had one more bag to load…

 

And then this same, kind, Good Samaritan repeated the process for me when we arrived at our destination in Bumfuddle’ Florence, where I awaited the local taxi to pick me up and complete the day’s arduous journey!

 

Amtrak subsequently sent us an email apology for any inconvenience. And then sent us a travel voucher for a future train trip , which I didn’t even ask for. Since All I’d cared about was catching the day’s final Shuttle which I did; so No Harm, No Foul as far as I was concerned…

 

And we didn’t even get delayed or detoured when riding the Shuttlebus. Even though we did pass a car that had crashed into a roadside ditch on our way home!

 

As that’s another typical adventure for Mwah, which it amazes me that I always make All of my connections and get back home with the assistance of kind strangers. As I really enjoy riding the train, and dearly Hope there won’t be any Staff reductions or loss of service in the future! 

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! 

The IndyCar Story that Keeps on giving

And Yeah, I know I’m helping keep it alive…

 

Strange how I’ve already put Team Penske’s P2P transgressions ito thoust proverbial rear view mirror. And not because I think El Capitano’, nee roger Penske, Tim Cindric or Team Penske should be cut any slack!

 

No, it’s just because it doesn’t present the Open Wheel Racing series I far prefer these days in a very flattering light!

 

As somehow I missed the news over ‘Ol superTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt saying that Roger’s “Innocent”. Whilst Mikey A’ (Andretti) isn’t so convinced…

 

Hmm, who does Foyt have a Technical “Wink-Wink, Nudge-Nudge” Alliance with? Just Saying’

 

But it’s Funny, because I keep waffling back ‘n forth over whether or not The Captain knew anything about this? Since I get the impression that Roger’s removed Himself from the Day-to-Day operations a long time ago? But then again, somebody knew something! Since when ever has Penske been that sloppy?

 

But it does make you wonder? If Penske, Cindric, Chevrolet and others knew, why would they have “Outed” themselves during Sunday morning practice? Or was the technical glitch in Race Control really not a glitch?

 

Meanwhile Michael Andretti’s “take” upon the subject on His recent appearance on Keny Wallace’s podcast is pretty forthright over how I’d Arse-sume many of the current IndyCar team owners feel upon the subject.

 

As Michael wasn’t shy about saying how none of the Penske drivers and Tim Cindric’s “excuses” match-up, and He just wishes that Roger and Team Penske would be more transparent. Which I think we All as loyal fans would also hope for. Since Racer’s Marshall Pruett has been quick to point out how we the Fans, i.e.; paying customers have never received an apology…

 

And that’s before hearing that GM hired a third party lawyer to clear Chevrolet of any wrongdoing. Which once again is somewhat dubious, since I believe that Roger Penske owns Ilmor? The manufacturers of Chevrolet’s IndyCar race engines, Oh Never Mind!

 

As why does this whole sordid subject make me think of disgraced Tour de Farce winner Lance Armstong, Eh?

 

As I certainly feel zero empathy towards Josef Newgarden and His race victory being rightfully taken away from Him! Whilst I like ScottyMac’, aka Scott mcLaughlin, so I’ll give Him a pass. While

Y’all have to wonder how come Will Power new it was illegal to use Push-to-Pass on race starts and re-starts, Eh?

 

You make the Call! 

Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”

One of Mark Donahue’s Penske Racing Sunoco Trans Am Chevrolet Camaro’s on display at the IMS Hall of Fame museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As Roger says the team will take it’s punches. But shouldn’t that really be chances?

 

Naturally, I was surprised to discover the news about Team Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”. Upon learning of Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin’s Disqualifications from St Pete. As I cannot remember the last time an IndyCar race win was taken away from an IndyCar driver, if ever? Which is exactly what happened to Newgarden regarding His season opening St Pete victory this March.

 

Surely Y’all have heard Penske President Tim cindric’s response about software “accidentally” not being removed from the engine’s ECU followingprevious Hybrid testing…

 

For which if you’re a Hard Core IndyCarAfficionado like Mwah, you’ll know that Penske is well renown for it’s frequent Cheating under the phrase “Unfair Advantage”, which the team was legendous’ for doing during the 1960’s Trans Am competition! And presumably other racing series…

 

Thus upon reading this startling revelation, I immediately thought of when Team Penske got caught for having “lightweight” rear wing pylons, which were discovered after rear wing failures As I thought it was Milwaukee? Which Helio Castroneves crashed out from a rear win failure while leading the 2007 Milwaukee race. And Penske teammate Sam Hornish Jr. retired from second place with a “flapping” rear wing.

 

But then the more I think about it, I think perhaps it was at Texas? Although I can no longer remember where this happened. But I do recall the team being found to be using unapproved lightweight rear wing pylons…

 

While I did discover that Castroneves was fined $35,000 and docked 15-points following Post-race Tech after the 2013 Texas IndyCar race He’d won, but that was for having the rear underwing “Diffuser” not “set” correctly. And Castroneves and Team Penske kept their victory…

 

Whilst Thars’ countless examples of Team Penske being caught Cheating in NASCAR. With one of the most recent examples being Joey “sliced Bread” Lagano wearing an “Amphibious” webbed glove to win this year’s Pole at the Daytona 500. Using the glove as an aerodynamic device to aid in extra “Downforce”, before Lagano was subsequently penalized at Atlanta. Losing His runner-up finish and being fined $10,000. With el Capitano’, nee Roger Penske being outraged over this “Egregious” behaviour…

 

The interesting part about Penske’s Push-to-Pass “P2P” infraction is that it was only discovered during Long Beach’s Sunday morning Warm-up session due to a technical glitch with the overall system during the sessions first ten minutes. When only Team Penske drivers had use of the inactivated P2P! When the entire grid should have not been able to utilize the system due to the technical difficulty preventing it’s usage.

 

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett, naturally the story runs far deeper. With several anonymous sources saying that the software “excuse” doesn’t wash! And the team found a way to get around the ECU, (Engine Control Unit) the engine’s “Brain” preventing unwarranted P2P usage thru the CLU. (Central Logger Unit) The main Data “collecting” system that Chevrolet was quick to distance itself from! Claiming the CLU is each team’s responsibility…

 

Pruett also notes that one rival team sent IndyCar video clips of Penske drivers using P2P way too much during races last year, implying this “Tom-Foolery” was potentially going on for several months, before Penske self incriminated themselves at Long Beach when they shouldn’t have been able to use P2P during the Sunday warm-up’s first ten minutes…

 

As Y’all may wish to read Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s excellent article titled How Team Penske took Push-to-Pass beyond the Limit.

 

As All three Team Penske cars were able to manipulate the P2P, but only Newgarden and McLaughlin used it illegally at St Pete, with Will Power not doing so, and thus only being docked 10 points. With All three entries being fined $25,000 and forfeiting All prize money.

 

As Newgarden drops to 11th in the championship from leading, and McLauglin drops to a lowly P27, ergo last place!

 

Yes, All teams Cheat, or try to get away with as much as possible without getting caught, which is just part of racing. As case-in-point is Meyer shank Racing’s tyre inflation debacle at the 2023 Rolex 24. Or when Justin Wilson won at Texas Motor speedway for Dale coyne Racing with an unapproved part on it’s chassis…

 

But it’s the amount of cheating that Penske’s been caught for over the years, not to mention other major racing teams that makes it All the more intolerable! Especially when you’re the series owner…

 

As how many times over the years has Roger Penske said it’s Humiliating and adoesn’t meet His exacting standards? Or is it simply one reason that Team Penske’s one of the sport’s most successful teams ever? You make the Call.

 

But Inquiring Minds want to Know will Josef Newgarden refuse to give the St Pete winners trophy to Pato O’Ward or not?