INDYCAR: A Decade of Despair and Rebirth

The Brackster - Kenny Brack’s Team Rahal IndyCar (Source: Rahal.com)

As your humble No Fenders scribe tries mightily tearin’ himself away from those lingering images of WARM, DRY & SUNNY Hawaii - whilst in the midst of another DARK ‘N GLOOMY Pacific Northwest winter... A ‘llittle while ago; Whale HELL! A long while ago as in (2011) Pre-Indy 500 - whilst having a chat with CARPETS, we came upon an interesting subject – as in what drivers are still left from a decade ago? Or how many drivers from that first dubious Indy Racing League Indy 500 are still in the game? As all of this was derived from my comment towards I wish that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway would announce a listing of the confirmed 269 living drivers planning to honour their IMS invitations for this year’s world’s largest autograph session.

As I still question what will become the new demarcation line when The Split NO longer exists, albeit it may never truly go away, a la something known as The War of Northern Aggression...

Thus, what year will it be in the future when there are NO longer any (carryover) Holdover Champ Car/IRL drivers left from the Class of 2008 when the two entities became one again, and how technical do we become, i.e.; for example - do Simona de Silvestro, James Hinchcliffe, J.R. Hildebrand, Raphael Matos and Graham Rahal count as Byproducts of the Champ Car side of the ledger, having cut-their-teeth in Star Mazda, Toyota Atlantics and Firestone Indy Lights. (Pre-merger...)

And do names such as Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, Wade Cunningham, Jay Howard and Alex Lloyd count towards the Indy Racing League’s side of the ledger, i.e.; Indy Pro Series/Indy Lights, eh?

And where does Ryan Briscoe fall into this mix, having come directly from a Formula 1 Testing Gig, I believe... (Although I’d count ‘em as an IRL member)

And although the year 2000 stands out strongest for Mwah – as I still fondly recall watching that year’s Indy 500 from Up North Eh! In Vancouver, BC and rejoicing ALMIGHTY! As Juan Pablo Montoya kicked everybody’s ARSES... (Leading a total of 167-laps in a relatively unknown vehicle...) As I still firmly cling to the notion that the first seven finishers that day were ALL Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) BOYZ... (Nah-Nah Nuh Nuh Nana!)

Yet whilst the CART BOYZ were once again claiming the top prize at the Speedway, unfortunately my darkest memory of Twenty-Oh-one will always be that HORRIFIC day at the Lausitz Ring, where ‘Zorro’s life was forever changed... Although Ive previously scribbled my recollections upon Alex Zanardi’s fateful day in a Post Labour Day story; actually September 15^th, which you can read in;

Zanardi - Ten Years later

Thus, how can we compare ‘N contrast these two past Feuding entities? As according to my (somewhat?) quick research; Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) ran a total of four 500-mile events that season; Motegi, Japan; Lausitz, Germany; Rockingham, Great Britain and Fontana, CA. Meanwhile, the Indy Racing League (IRL) ran a total of four 500-miler’s – Atlanta, Indianapolis and Texas, twice.

And thus, I’ll use the Twin Rings Motegi race – run on May 19, 2001 as the yardstick to compare vs. the 85^th running of that year’s Indy 500; May 27, 2001 to see just how many drivers from those two warring factions would be participating at this year’s Centennial of the Indy 500 – which contrary to the overly ‘Hyped babbling of the media, is NOT the 100^th running – as something known as World War One & Two got in the way... With NO races being run in 1918 and between 1942-45, hence making this year’s Centennial the 95^th running of the Indy 500.

CART: Motegi 500k

DATE: May 19, 2001

Winner: Kenny Brack; Team Rahal

Competitors:

Team Penske: No. 1) Gil de Ferran, No. 3) Helio Castroneves; Chip Ganassi Racing: No. 4) Bruno Junqueira-R, No. 12) Nicolas Minassian-R; Walker Motorsports: No. 5) Toranosuke Takagi-R; Newman Haas Racing: No. 6) Cristiano da Matta, No. 11) Christian Fittipaldi; Team Rahal: No. 7) Max Papis, No. 8) Kenny Brack; Bettenhausen Racing: No. 16) Michele Jourdain Jr.; PacWest Racing: No. 17) Mauricio Gugelmin, No. 18) Scott Dixon-R; Patrick Racing: No. 20) Roberto Moreno, No. 40) Jimmy Vasser; Sigma Autosport: No. 22) Oriel Servia; Arciero/Blair Racing: No. 25) Max Wilson-R; Team Green: No. 26) Paul Tracy, No. 27) Dario Franchitti; Forsythe Racing: No. 32) Patrick Carpentier, No. 33) Alex Tagliani, No. 77) Brian Herta; Team Motorola: No. 39) Michael Andretti; Fernandez Racing: No. 51) Adrian Fernandez, No. 52) Shinji Nakano; Mo Nunn Racing: No. 55) Tony Kanaan, No. 66) Alex Zanardi.

NOTES

Dale Coyne Racing only contested Rounds 1-2 with Michael Krum & Luiz Garcia, Jr.

Memo Gidley replaced Nicolas Minassian for second half of season at TCGR.

Townsend Bell made his rookie debut for Patrick Racing in Dale Coyne’s No. 19 during season’s final two events as a tuneup for his “Full-season Gig” at Patrick in 2002, after winning that year’s Indy Lights title.

Alex Barron replaced Max Wilson for season’s final two events at Arciero/Blair Racing.

Casey Mears substituted for Alex Zanardi at Mo Nunn for season’s final four races...

IRL: Indy 500

DATE: May 27, 2001

Results

Winner: Helio Castroneves-R, Penske; (CART) 2^nd) Gil de Ferran, Penske; (CART) 3^rd) Michael Andretti, Team Motorola; (Barry Green) (CART) 4^th) Jimmy Vasser, TCGR; (CART) 5^th) Bruno Junqueira-R, TCGR; (CART) 6^th) Tony Stewart, TCGR; (IRL) 7^th) Eliseo Salazar; (CART) 8^th) Ayrton Dare; (IRL) 9^th) Billy Boat; (IRL) 10) Felipe Giafone-R; (IRL) 11) Robbie McGehee; (IRL) 12) Buzz Calkins; (IRL) 13) Arie Luyendyk; (CART) 14) Sam Hornish Jr.; (IRL) 15) Robbie Buhl; (IRL) 16) Mark Dismore; (IRL) 17) Greg Ray; (IRL) 18) Buddy Lazier; (CART) 19) Cory Witherill-R; (IRL) 20) Jarret Schroeder; (IRL) 21) Robby Gordon; (CART) 22) Jacques Lazier; (IRL) 23) Davey Hamilton; (IRL) 24) Jeff Ward; (IRL) 25) Donnie Beechler; (IRL) 26) Eddie Cheever, Jr.; (CART) 27) John Herb-R; (IRL) 28) Stephan Gregoire; (IRL) 29) Nicolas Minassian-R; (CART) 30) Al Unser, Jr.; (CART) 31) Sarah Fisher; (IRL) 32) Scott Goodyear; (CART) 33) Scott Sharp; Pole Sitter. (CART)

NOTES

Scott Sharp spins on Parade lap coming to Green flag...

Today’s IndyCar Drivers

Below is the list of drivers remaining from the two warring factions a decade ago that were slated to contest this year’s Centennial Indy 500. I’ve included Townsend Bell, who only participated at the end of 2001 in a Dale Coyne/Patrick Racing project, while Bruno Junqueira once again did qualify for the race before being withdrawn by A.J. Foyt in order to assist Michael Andretti’s placement of Ryan Hunter-Reay and his prized DHL and Sundrop (Pepsi Co.) sponsorship into the series signature event...

As many may know, the 2001 season was full of turmoil, most notably the HORRIFIC accident that nearly claimed the life of Alex Zanardi, along with the crushing accident Davey Hamilton endured.

And the Texas Motor Speedway was a vicious venue that year, not only causing Hamilton to undergo some 21+ surgeries and reside in a wheelchair for a year... But it also caused CART to cancel its planned event due to the dizzying speeds causing drivers to experience vertigo and have many report blacking out from the continuously high speeds (G-Forces) they were achieving.

Meanwhile, this combined group of drivers have some pretty amazing credentials behind them, with some arguably claiming the most prolific to be ‘HULIO’s feat of winning three Borg Warner trophies for The Captain, (Roger Penske) although I’m guessing somebody named PT will still dispute that, eh? Hya! And Y’all don’t think Bryan Barnhart’s letting Paul Tracy complete his qualifying run to make this year’s Indy 500 before going Yellow due to RAIN was Payback for their Officiating MUCK-UP at Long Beach, eh - Dooze Yuh? Which obviously PALES in comparison to either Edmonton or Loudon - take your pick!

INDY 500 WINNERS (15)

(3) Helio Castroneves; Penske: 2001-02, 2009

(2)  Dario Franchitti; Andretti Green Racing: 2007, Target Chip Ganassi Racing: (TCGR) 2010

(2)  Arie Luyendyk; Doug Shierson Racing: 1990, Tredway Racing: 1997

(2)  Al Unser, Jr.; Galles Racing: 1992, Penske: 1994

(1) Scott Dixon; TCGR: 2008

(1) Sam Hornish Jr.; Penske: 2006

(1) Gil de Ferran; Penske: 2003

(1) Kenny Brack; A.J. Foyt enterprises: 1999

(1) Eddie Cheever, Jr.; Cheever Racing: 1998

(1) Buddy Lazier; Hemelgarn Racing: 1996

(Stats ONLY include Class of 2001 Drivers, i.e.; CART v IRL)

SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS (24)

(4)  Dario Franchitti; Andretti Green Racing: 2007, (IRL) Target Chip Ganassi Racing: (TCGR) 2009-11  (INDYCAR)

(3) Sam Hornish Jr.; Panther: 2001-02; (IRL) Penske: 2006 (IRL)

(2) Scott Dixon; TCGR: 2003, 2008 (IRL)

(2) Gil de Ferran; Penske: 2000-01 (CART)

(2) Al Unser, Jr.; Galles Racing: 1990, Penske: 1994 (CART)

(1) Tony Kanaan; Andretti Green Racing: 2004 (IRL)

(1) Paul Tracy, Forsythe Racing: 2003 (CCWS)

(1) Cristiano da Matta; Newman Haas Racing: 2002; (CART)

(1) Buddy Lazier; Hemelgarn Racing: 2000 (IRL)

(1) Greg Ray; Menards: 1999(IRL)

(2) Alex Zanardi; TCGR: 1997-98 (CART)

(1) Kenny Brack; A.J. Foyt enterprises: 1998 (IRL)

(1) Jimmy Vasser; TCGR: 1996 (CART)

(1) ) Buzz Calkins; Bradley Motorsports: 1996 (IRL)

(1) Scott Sharp; A.J. Foyt enterprises: 1996 (IRL)

NOTE: Scott Sharp & Buzz Calkins were ’96 IRL Co-Champions

(Stats ONLY include Class of 2001 Drivers, i.e.; CART v IRL)

2011 INDY 500 Competitors

CART (9)

No. 2) Oriel Servia; Newman Haas Racing

No. 3) Helio Castroneves; Team Penske

No. 9) Scott Dixon; Target Chip Ganassi Racing

No. 10 Dario Franchitti; Target Chip Ganassi Racing

No. 23) Paul Tracy; Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

No. 77) Alex Tagliani; Sam Schmidt Motorsports

No. 82) Tony Kanaan; KV Racing Technology

No. 84) Bruno Junqueira*; A.J. Foyt Enterprises

No. 99 Townsend Bell; Sam Schmidt Motorsports

* = Junqueira gets HOSED by Mikey Andretti’s decision to BUY Bruno’s ride in order to install “BULLY-RAY” (Ryan Hunter-Reay) in order to make sponsors DHL & Sundrop happy; BARF!

IRL (1)

No. 11) Davey Hamilton; Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Bulls Running Wild

Hopefully this is just another ruse by Deeter Majestik’s all conquering Red Bull Racing Organization - having decided to join la Scuderia (Ferrari) by bolting for the door towards the unseemly large chunks ‘O Dinero from Uncle Bernaughty - by abandoning the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) in order to reap better rewards from the forthcoming Concorde Agreement extension in 2012. As its kinda funny how ‘Ol Deeter has ‘Juan foot in each camp with Red Bull’s ‘lil ‘Seester Toro Rosso remaining an FOTA member for the time being...

Red Bull Quits FOTA

Bulls Set to Trample Milton Keynes Streets

Meanwhile, on a happier note, Red Bull Racing will celebrate its second consecutive Double World Championships (Drivers + Constructors) with Master ‘Zebb (Vettel) and Mark ‘Handlebarz Webber running a pair of Red bull F1 Show Cars on the streets of the team’s adopted Hometown - Milton Keynes on December 10^th...

Red Bull Celebrates 2011 Championships

Bahrain - A New Infamy?

It’s interesting how the world works... As originally I wasn’t really aware of the fact that today would mark the 70^th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor - A Day of Infamy... Which I was quickly reminded of when shopping in Kona and the free coffee mug I was given as part of my purchase just so happened to be a 70th Anniversary commemoration mug...

As we’ve learned over the years, the Japanese made a surprise attack upon the naval forces stationed at Pearl Harbor - reeking unbelievable destruction upon Battleship row and the surrounding Air bases, most notably Hickam Field, with the first wave of Japanese warplanes inbound at 7:55AM in what forever sticks in my memory banks as Tora-Tora-Tora.

Continuing on with this somewhat nebulous symbiotic theme, I find it most interesting that I’m just discovering now how Hawaii was actually “appropriated” from the Island’s Monarchy some 103 years ago when a Committee of Safety called upon a US Marines battalion to come ashore and essentially assist the overthrowing of Queen Liliuokalani who was trying to take back her rightful Monarchy from the Sugar Barons and the tidal wave of Western occupation; protesting what was then known as the Bayonet Constitution...

As I’ve learned a smigen ‘bout in a recent interview with Julia Flynn Siler on NPR’s On Point interview regarding her new book titled: Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America's First Imperial Adventure.

This land grab over a century ago was primarily edicted upon the islands strategic location of being halfway between the United States West Coast and Asia, primarily the Philippines and was ideal for replenishing warships coal bunkers for the long haul transoceanic voyages.

Meanwhile in a desert region on the opposite side of the world, whale at least for Mwah - since I’m firmly affixed upon the ‘Left Coast, there’s currently another Island Kingdom witnessing a war of sorts, more likely a revolution, perhaps? As this tiny Island Nation in the Persian Gulf, approximately 3.5-times the size of Washington DC is known as Bahrain, made up of 33 Islands, with its capital being Manama.

And if you’ve bothered reading this tiny ‘lil Blog thingy, then you’ll most likely know how I’m opposed to the Government’s brutal crackdown upon its citizens trying to protest the Kingdom’s regime which has resorted in Police brutality, numerous deaths and imprisonment of locals, including Doctors, Nurses and other Medical personnel, i.e.; Ambulance Drivers, etc.

Ironically, the US 5^th Fleet currently resides on the southern portion of the Island along with a Marines base, as part of the Gulf’s protectionary forces - not to mention that Manama is linked to Saudi Arabia via a causeway, which was used to import Saudi Security forces to help quell Bahrain’s populous uprising this past February-March; of which the Kingdom’s rulers and police forces have just been harshly criticized in the BICI report issued on November 23^rd, which notes that 46 civilians were killed during this period of civilian protesting.

Bahrain commission issues brutal critique of Arab Spring crackdown

Yet perhaps it’s just Mwah? But I found myself immediately thinking of another Mesopotamia upon reading the highlighted portions of the report. Can you say Iraq? As the nefarious practices outlined by the King’s men, aka police simply make me conjure up images of the US’s Occupation of Iraq, (NOT to mention Afghanistan...) with the only thing missing being another Abu Graves prison scene. (Or Jerry Sandusky at Penn State? Which pales in comparison...)

Thus why all of this chatter ‘bout Bahrain? Well in case you’re unawares, for what I suspect is primarily driven by copious amounts ‘O Dinero, ultimately filtering into Uncle Bernaughty’s pockets and Family Trust... FIA and the WMSC have reinstated the Bahrain Grand Prix for 2012, which still seems like a very unwise move to your humble scribe - who has already stated he will NOT support in any way...

And all of this comes on the heels of what appears to be escalating unrest (violence) in the region, as Y’all may heard that a bomb was recently exploded on a Minivan parked nearby the British Embassy in Manama, which neatly(?) coincides with the British Embassy being ransacked in Iran following further sanctions place against them... As the Brits seem to be coming under the spotlight, including some Dow Chemical Olympic stadium wrap issue. Can you say Bhopal?

Hmm? Didn’t we just have the inaugural Indian GP? And surely the show must GO on in Bahrain, right? And around the Globe, in Russia, Korea and all points in-between.

Thus it appears that may be the world really hasn’t changed that much since seventy years ago? Instead, just having shifted its Theatre of Operations...

A Sad Day indeed, NHR announces it’s ceasing of Operations...

By now you’ve probably heard the overly sad news that Newman Haas Racing (NHR) has decided to pull-the-plug and cease its racing operations effective immediately, although the 33-staff members will receive paychecks thru December 31, 2011 - with NHR closing shop and therefore not contesting the 2012 Indy Car Series season after a memorable 29-seasons of competition.

This is very-very sad news, as Newman/Haas has always been a perennial powerhouse team since its inception, albeit the Post-Champ Car unification years have been rather difficult for NHR. Although their first year as a CCWS “Transition” team saw them capture two victories; one apiece for THE GRAMINATOR, nee Graham Rahal at St Pete, with Justin ‘BIG UNIT Wilson being victorious at Detroit’s Belle Isle; the Lincolnshire, IL squad’s final victory before the passing of the legendary Paul Newman.

Paul Newman

As ironically, the team’s final victory overall; but NHR then struggled to keep their ship afloat, even having taken on Honda’s Japanese Hideki-san, aka Hideki Mutoh And his Honda Formula Dream money to campaign a single car effort for 2010 originally; having dumped Graham Rahal for lack of funds - before the Son ‘O Stash found savior’s Quick Trim and the Kardashian ‘Seesters to enable Graham’s return to the Newman Haas Lanigan fold for the remainder of the season from Toronto onwards.

Yet for Mwah, I’ve always had mixed emotions towards Carl Haas and NHR, even though I’ve enjoyed their being a thorn in the side of The Captain, (Roger Penske) Pat Patrick and later-on Thee ‘Cheepster. (Chip Ganassi) As Newman/Haas was often the team to beat - especially when CART reputedly hit its zenith when ‘Ol BLOODY ‘NIGE (Mansell) jumped ship from Formula 1 and won the CART title in his rookie season of 1993...

As the story has been told numerous times of how Mario Andretti brokered the alliance between Can Am competitors Carl Haas and Paul Newman, with the latter running a team in conjunction with Bill Freman. As although Newman-Freman Racing never won the Can Am title which invariably fell to Carl Haas who was the Lola Cars Distributor, nonetheless Newman & Co ran a competitive ship with the likes of talented drivers such as: Elliot Forbes Robinson, (EFR) Keke Rosberg, Teo Fabi, Danny Sullivan and Bobby Rahal. As it was Newman’s Budweiser sponsorship plus Haas’s factory Lola that Mario drove in the team’s inaugural CART campaign in 1983, where he’d remain until retiring at the end of ’94...

Yet Newman/Haas was a thorn in my side for many seasons - as I was truly never a fan of Mario or Michael Andretti; who were the “ENEMY!” As for reasons now long forgotten, I was an Unser fan instead; primarily a ‘lil Al (Unser Jr.) fan... Although I’ve long since given up on him - prior to this year’s latest DWI incident, which seemingly tarnishes his driving achievements to Mwah; but I digress...

And although I didn’t personally become  acquainted with Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) until the late 1980’s and hence missed out on the beginning of Newman/Haas Racing and its star driver Mario Andretti in the Budweiser Lola... Nevertheless I remember NHR perennially running all black liveried Kmart and Texaco/Havoline racecars during the early 1990’s, in which ‘Mikey won his lone CART Championship in, although I recall Christian Fittipaldi being his teammate... Which was after the Super Mario Arrivaderchi Tour in ’94; while I found it funny that Paul Tracy’s name was left outta the Newman Haas lore, as the Krazy ‘KuhNuck did a short spell for Newman Haas circa 1995, a one-year sabbatical from Penske Racing where he upstaged ‘Mikey’s lone victory with two ‘W’s to his credit that year, nonetheless in a “BUTTWIPER” sponsored chassis I believe... 

And speakin’ of Mario, who once tried running over one of our Portland Int’l Raceway Boyz Posse in the Paddock, I seem to believe that I can still envision an all red Hannah Car Wash Lola/Chevrolet letting down Mario during the ’87 Indy 500 after thoroughly dominating the races first 179-laps!

While your humble scribe once observed Carl Haas chewing his signature “mile-long” cigar on an all black Kmart scooter in the Portland Paddock from a relatively safe distance away...

And then there was ‘SHORTY, aka Cristiano da Matta who stopped the Gil de Ferran Penske/Honda Freightrain with his title in ’02, before NHR became the scourge of Champ Car to Mwah... As le Hamburgular, nee Sebastain Bourdais was the driver to beat with his four consecutive CCWS titles (2004-07) as I was a  ‘BIG UNIT (Justin Wilson) Fan all of those years and relished anytime ‘J-Dub defeated ‘SeaBass...

Thus its hard to see this CART mainstay bite-the-dust, as they’ve just come off of an extremely productive season with Oriel Servia finishing fourth in the Drivers title fight, with thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown, aka James Hinchcliffe winning R.O.Y. (Rookie Of the Year) honours over JR Hildebrand and Charlie Kimball amongst others... As I’d really like to see both of these drivers continue their Indy Car career’s in ’12. As I hope Hinch will land a ride at RLLR alongside ‘Taku-san (Takuma Sato) or perhaps either partner “Symone Pagenoe” (Simon Pagenaud) at SSM. Or better yet, see Servia & Hinchcliffe and the NHR nucleus form a two-car operation at Dragon Racing - as after all it’s the staff members, not drivers who’ll potentially suffer the most from this storied team going Out-of-Business...

MILLER: Newman/Haas memories

STATS

Owners: Paul Newman and Carl Haas

First Race: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1983

First Win: Mario Andretti; Road America, 1983

Last Race: Las Vegas, 2011

Last Win: Justin Wilson; Belle Isle, 2008

Total Wins: 107

Total Poles: 109

Championship Titles (8)

Mario Andretti; 1984, Michael Andretti; 1991, Nigel Mansell; 1993, Cristiano da Matta; 2002, Sebastian Bourdais; 2004-07.

INDYCAR: Angstadt Out, Barnhart Emasculated!

Otay, perhaps that’s not a Politically Correct Headline, eh? BUTT! Amen Mr. CandyMann! (Randy Bernard) Who’s apparently still hiding in duress over his botched Las Vegas SuperCaluhDrocius Season Finale Indy car weekend...

Yet, I found it most appealing to read that Terry “where’s duh Beef?” Angstadt has been dismissed from the IRL, Err IndyCar and the BESTEST news of all! Is that the bumbling, baboonish head ‘O competition, i.e.; Chief Steward & Head of Race Control ‘Billybob Brazenheartz, aka Brian Barnhart has been officially stripped of all control, albeit given the option of remaining on as President of Operations, as I can hear ‘Ol ‘R’s (Robin Miller) happy tap dance all the way here in Seattle...

INDYCAR: Barnhart Removed From Race Control; Angstadt Departs

Jim Rathmann Passes away...

Cannot say I ever met the man who was the winner of the 1960 Indy 500, a fantastic duel with eventual runner-up Roger Ward, in which the two drivers traded the lead some 14-times... As I believe Rathmann was the oldest living Indy 500 winner until passing away on November 23^rd at the age of 83.

MILLER: Jim Rathmann farewell tribute

Amongst Rathmann’s noteworthy career statistics; not only did he win at Indianapolis, but finished runner-up on three occasions. (1952, ’57, ’59) While another impressive feat was his winning the Race of Two Worlds race at Monza, Italy in 1958, before his retirement from driving in ’63...

Jim Rathmann: an appreciation

SFR launches fourth Annual 12-days of Christmas Food Drive...

This just in from ‘Offical No Fenders Photographer ‘CARPETS. Sarah Fisher Racing has just commenced its fourth Annual 12-days ‘

O X-Mas Food Drive

once again benefiting the state’s St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. If you feel so inclined to make a donation, then please click here for more details in the full press release...