TexxArse Twister - Austin does F1 in style...

2012 Austin F1 Fan program handed out at airport upon arrival...

Howdy Folks, another year, another story woefully late from the overflowing No Fenders Storybox, as ‘Indy bureau chief Daniel Baines Cooper cheekily quipped last November; what NO ‘Confuzers in Texas? And I suppose Y’all don’t have TV’s either? As sorry folks, but I don’t have a laptop, do TWIT-er or Facebook - thus unable to do any “live” reporting; whilst preferring utilizing ‘Lucy, my ESS-Steamed Screen-reader whilst poondin’ slowly aways upon my old school’s desktop keyboard, hence the stories like fine wine, take awhile to reach their maturation date...

As perhaps Y’all will recall that your humble No Fenders scribe attended last year’s inaugural Formula 1 race at Austin, Texas - the first F1 race Stateside in five years time, having attended my last USGP at Mother Speedway in ‘Twenty-oh-six when some chap named Michael Schumacher stole the show! As I still revel in the memory of doing my bestest ‘lil German boy baton conducting symphony maestro to the soothing sounds of the Italian national anthem at Indianapolis, following the German anthem towards the end of this never ending playing of country songs for DER TERMINATOR and la Scuderia, (his Ferrari Constructor) once again standing upon the top step of the podium; but I digress...

Tues, 11/13

Some of Y’all who may know Mwah? Would be shocked to learn that I purposely decided to forgo thee Power Trio, nee ‘Kuhnadiun Krunch, aka RUSh concert taking place that very same evening at Seattle’s Key Arena in favour of getting up at the obscene time of 3:30AM in  order  to go to the airport instead for the long day’s trek to Austin, Texas; YIKES! As I can only imagine this is what Grizzled ‘Journo Joe Saward does on a weekly basis during the Grand Prix season, eh?

And its pretty STUPID how the airlines deliberately take great pains to ensure that NO direct flights to Austin are available, ergo like trying to get to Indianapolis non-stop; but I digress again, as I don’t want ‘CARPETS to get all worked up over my travel details, right?

Arriving at Austin via a 32-minute flight from Houston, I was greeted by another of the multitude ‘O escorts assisting me, who promptly offered me another wheelchair ride to baggage where Nelie was to meet me. The funniest part about this, was having folded up my white cane, and as Mary Ellen has informed Mwah; you don’t sport the traditional “Ray Charles” dark sunglasses look - so you’re obviously NOT blind...

Thus as we exited the security perimeter a woman was standing in the hallway passing out F1 magazines, to which my escort stopped so the lady could stick one into my lap, even though I couldn’t read I-T! Riding the elevator the man said can I look at it? But kudos to Austin for going this extra mile, as who knows how many of these magazines they handed out the week prior to the Grand Prix; while my escort also boasted he’d already seen Mario Andretti walking thru the airport - which is funny since I agreed with Danny that Mario would obviously be flying on his own personal jet and going first class the entire weekend as part of his compensation for being the Circuit Of The Americas ambassador...

After picking up my luggage, as don’t get me started on the STUPID bag fee - we went to my very first Sonic burger resturante, as apparently Tuesday evenings are half-price burger nights. This was before I fell into a stupour - of Sleep Danny! After my day’s travel...

Wed, 11/14

After a peaceful morning’s slumber, it was funny to listen to the local ‘Internetz only KUOW2 Tacoma, WA broadcast and the day’s weather forecast, not to mention being two hours behind time wise... Thus I listened to a program I’d never heard of before called the Diane Reims Show and a very interesting and intellectual writer named Wendell Berry, who I’d never heard of before - as the people calling in all seemed to gush over this person and his wisdom with words, as I very much enjoyed his no-nonsense approach by telling the listeners I didn’t change you, you have to change yourself. As apparently this is one person to definitely check out his works of literature.

And whilst Clyde pittled about outside, I listened to a Fresh Air program discussing the book Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness with its author, Susannah Cahalan which was all about a very rare brain disorder - which literally makes your head feel like its on fire and causes a range of what we deem irrational behaviours...

Austin’s skyline with the Congress Avenue Bridge, Town Lake and tree-framed cityscape. (Source: istockphoto.com)

Afterwards, we piled into ‘claudio’s well worn PickemUp truck and lumbered down Congress Ave. towards downtown Austin before parking upon a side street prior to crossing the bridge. Thus, on an absolutely perfect fall day, or summer to your Seattleite  scribe, weather-wise, i.e.; mid-70’s (deg-f) we went upon a brief ‘Walkabout and henceforth crossed over the famous Congress Avenue bridge which is known for its multitude ‘O bats that live underneath it. As I was told up to two million bats take up residence underneath the structure during summertime, before flying south for the winter.

Congress Ave bridge Bats

Clyde & I made our way to the local transit office in order for him to acquire his senior citizen bus pass and then meandered about the downtown area having spotted work already in progress for the weekend’s forthcoming Fan Fest. As Clyde mentioned there was a large delivery style truck sporting the word Pirelli upon it parked in the square area being set-up for the fast approaching Fan Fest forum.

Having walked around the small square, we headed back towards the bridge now facing into the sun, stopping briefly for Clyde to point out to Mwah the cities skyline of hotel buildings behind us, as far as the eye could see. Then we passed by a giant construction project where a multi-story condominium building was being built before heading home and a relatively lazy evening...

Thurs, 11/15

The lazy morning routine continues, as this is the quiet before the storm soon to be known as Formula 1. Thus I started the day by listening to Diane Reims once again, and found it delightfully refreshing to hear her call BULLSHIT on one of her guests who’d called Hogwash upon his opposite number in the debate on the impending shortage of commercial aeroplane pilots. Diane said you’re welcome to disagree but that type of language won’t be tolerated on my show; how quaint.

As my poorly scribbled notes start off by denoting the range of emotions the day’s activities bring. As it was very disturbing to listen to the (Diane Reims) program about Covenant House and the issue of parents physically abusing and abandoning their children upon their coming out over their sexual preferences, as I was aghast over the thought of making teenagers homeless simply because they decide to become gay or lesbians - which in turn led to the discussion of being taken advantage of on the streets as hired sex workers typically leading to sexual diseases or even death...

So, from potential aeroplane pilot shortages, to homeless teenagers and life on the streets we then segwayed to recycling and two truckloads of refuge to the local Ecology Action facility in the heart of downtown Austin, which seems somewhat surreal; as this would be akin to having a recycling station smack-dab in downtown Seattle, say like at the site of Century Link Field; Y’all know where those astounding Seahawks play some ‘lil ‘Ol Pigskin game., right?

2013 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang at PLYMOUTH, Mich. April 4, 2012. (Source: roushperformance.com)

On finishing unloading our second load of recyclables, Clyde noticed two NARLY looking Mustangs and asked if I wanted to go look at them? Uh, Duh! So he drove across the street and parked nearby them. Exiting the dilapidated ‘Feurd’s (Ford) cab, Clyde asked me: What’s Rousch Charged? Holy Superchargers Batman! That’s in as of Jack Roush fame, who builds a truly BAD ARSE “Tuner” Mustang and the Charged bit obviously means they’re supercharged dude! NO idea if these were the all conquering Stage III beasts or not, but they were so BAD ARSE lookin’ I’m just gonna ARSE-sume they were the *540bhp” Stage III behemoths Roush Performance is currently producing.

2012 Stage III Roush Mustang

Clyde asked the two male occupants what they were up to? As the two ‘Stangs sat idling, albeit eerily quiet for such nastiness shoehorned underneath the custom bonnet, as Clyde remarked they sure didn’t look like NO FREAKIN’ stock Mustang! As one of the gentlemen told him they were just looking up directions for Highway 71; Oh, are you going to COTA? Yep, nice, we’ll see Yuhs at the track tomorrow as the two “Slime Green” (lime green) Roushes with no license plates, instead just sporting paper tags slithered away under a low rumble...

Funnier yet, was after those two beasts left us in their rear view mirror, we were passed by a rosso Ferrari 360 Modena or 430? As I can no longer discern my ‘Exoticarz due to what I’ve coined as my “Jellybean vision,” i.e.; everything just looks like a huge freaking coloured blob from a distance to Mwah these days...

VIDEO: 2010 Roush Mustang

Returning home and having consumed one of Nelie’s countless fine meals, the two lads ventured off to the neighboring town of Buda, Texas in search of the State Park where this ‘lil town was hosting the warm-up act for the weekend’s Fan Fest in Austin, as we arrived “Justin-time” to hear the local band named Charlie Hurt ‘N The Hecklers take the stage in what was now becoming a very cool evening. As I cannot explain I-T; BUTT this band’s harmonics were so bad (purposely out of tune?) that I actually began to sorta like them in a strange, twisted, funny Ha-Ha type ‘O way... As this made me think that perhaps this is what a true “Honky-tonk” band sounds like?

Charlie Hurtin & The Hecklers

Then there seemed like an overly long delay to reposition the stages instruments for the night’s featured act: Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, which I’d only ever heard their one hit song “Tough Enough” on the radio before. As they actually sounded quite good, and Kenny Sargent of Speed Freaks fame claims ‘Ol Kim Wilson can sweat up a storm if Yuhs let him, whatever that means? As Clyde noted it looked like the only original member of the band was Messer Wilson, with the rest of the band mates looking quite a bit younger.

We stayed awhile, as they played a bit of music off of  their forthcoming 2013 CD before they played that hit song Tough Enough before Clyde & myself now becoming quite cold and needing to awake at Oh DARK 30 to go to the racetrack tomorrow called it a night...

To continue reading, see; TexxArse Twister - Austin does F1 in style: Part II

Gone Green Sea Turtles spotting!

Stealing a page from Grizzled ‘Journo Joe Saward’s playbook, I’ve decided to go upon another holiday during the buildup to the fast approaching 2013 Formula 1 Season Opener Down Under; which remember will be on the NBC Sports Network this year Stateside - so you’d better bug your cable provider now if Y’all don’t have I-T!

Therefore, your humble No Fenders scribe should be cavorting ‘bout the White Sands beach upon thee B-I-G Island right now, or more likely bobbing like a cork in the warm blue Pacific ocean; CRIKEYS! Hey what can I say? It pays to have friends & family in high places, right?

Thus, I won’t have any free time to catch-up upon the continuing F1 Winter Olympics testing in Barcelona, ‘DragonGate or IndyCar Spring Training at thee ‘Barber’s... Leaving Y’all with a few more elongated posts whilst I’m hoping not to step on any ‘Cammo Sea Turtles tanning themselves upon the beaches, as now all I need is Juan ‘O them drinks with the funny ‘lil umbrellas...

The Other Wallace...

Did Y’all see ‘DW Junior race Friday night at ‘DayToner in duh ‘PickemUp Trucks race? Y’all know where I think somebody named Danica was on Pole? What, you mean there’s other drivers competing at Daytona? Hya!

As this story has held my attention for a little while as the New York Times recently proclaimed that Darrell Wallace Jr. NO relation to Kenny; Hya! Is only the fourth black driver to contest a full season ride in NASCAR, following in the footsteps of Wendell Scott, Willy T. Ribbs and Bill Lester.

Thus I had to break down ‘N watch the Trucks race to see how Wallace Jr. and my other driver “Nielsen  Pickett,” aka Nelson Piquet Jr. faired.

But alas, not only did I NOT watch the ‘DannicaTona, but! I forgot to watch ‘Dem PickemUp Trucks, albeit I hear that Wallace Jnr. Had a pretty decent rookie debut...

Kyle O’Gara Wants You!

To buy one of his limited edition 2013 Freedom 100 Fundraiser T-Shirts - which I’ve just picked mine up from the mailbox this past Tuesday - Thanxs to Autosport Radio’s Donald Kay who facilitated my procurement of said t-shirt!

And it’s a GURR-REAT! Looking t-shirt with printing on both sides, as Kyle’s hoping to use the funds accrued to help him secure a ride for this year’s Freedom 100 with Fan Force United.

NO idea if T-Shirts are available online or not? As  Y’all can try purusing the Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (SFHR) website to see if you can find anything under Kyle O’Gara’s name? Or better yet just contact them and  get your t-shirt pronto...

Good Luck Kyle!

IMS Hall of Fame Museum: 2012 visit - The Sequel

Spirit of America (DOB Photos)

Tuh Duh! Here’s the final installment in the overly delayed posting of the multiple part story of this IMS Hall of Fame museo trilogy, albeit there could be a fourth part  if I tried recollecting hard enough my 2009 visit. (My debutant Indy 500...) As I decided to bookend the 2X Centennials by attending the Moto GP race instead; (as previously noted) but Nah, I think most of its gone, although I’ve got a bunch ‘O pictures from that trip floatin’ around here somewheres in the No Fenders scrap heap; CRIKEYS!

And it was shocking how much difference a lone year made, since the museum was the most crowded since I’ve begun this now yearly tradition; Hmm? Perhaps it was the HEAT? Although it’d cooled down somewhat from the scorching temperatures ‘O raceday, it was still HOT-HOT-HOT! (Outside; yeah, that’s gotta be duh ticket...) As I smiled to myself thinking ‘bout how the museum’s attendance had gone from nearly deserted just a scant three years ago - where I bumped into some chap named William Power! The day after the race, to over filled with way too many ‘Gawkers...

And may be it’s the economy? Or Jeffrey “I’m the Walrus” Belskus’s ever tightening financial grip? But not only was I basically ignored - the museum’s staff had the audacity to charge me attendance this time! (After having let me precede for free the past two year’s in-a-row; SHEEZ! I mean I kind of enjoy getting in for FREE! (Although it’s NOT like the 5-bucks admission fee killed me, right? I just like the preferential treatment my white cane sometimes affords me...)

And repeating that most belabored phrase here at NoFendersville - the day’s outing at Mother Speedway’s most excellante museuo is fast slippin’ away - as Tomaso continues to play! Hey, its summertime in Seattle and there’s actually been a whole lotta Uhm? Bright stuff; Hya! (‘Whale at least when I originally scribbled this, since we’ve just had the mother ‘O all rainstorms the Monday prior to Thanksgiving...)

Lotus P1!

Yep! Lotus was actually P1 as we walked into the over crowded museum’s main floor... As it was a REAL Lotus greeting us, as in Team Lotuses 1964 T-34 that Jimmy Clark put on the Pole for Indy that year before ultimately winding up second; as it was the sophomore season of Colin Chapman’s attack upon the Speedway, which we all know was victorious the following year.

Thus, in what has now become a common theme, I asked ‘CARPETS if he would take a picture of this beautiful racecar... And we waited ‘N waited for a clearing among the crowd, but finally gave up as there were simply too many people hovering around this sharp lookin’ Lotus...

All conquering 1966 Ford GT 40(Mk II (DOB Photos)

Sports Car Row

Think this is where we went next? As I’ve forgotten the exact sequence of viewing...  As I became dumbfounded over the marvelous brown? Ford GT-40 sitting parked in a stunning row of wicked Sports Cars. Asking Dave what it was?  As surely it’s a GT40, right? Dave said it’s a Mark I-I... NO buddy, that’s one of the baddest BAD ARSE Sports Cars of all time. The all conquering Ford GT-40 MarkII which crushed the competition at le Circuit de la Sarthe (Le Mans) in 1966!

While parked alongside I-T was la Scuderia’s final overall winner, the NART 1965 Ferrari 250LM, with another car I’d never seen before; a super narly lookin’ Corvette SS which I believe was from the Zora Arkus-Duntov era. A 1957 ‘Vette, perhaps? As I tend to recall there were five or more ‘Tin Tops lined up in Le Mans slanted starting position of the early 1960’s, when drivers actually ran across the track to their awaiting mounts to start the race, as I still recall watching some film of drivers hurtling themselves into awaiting cockpits - with Sir Stirling Moss or Jimmy Clark actually mangling their chassis in the process... 

VPJ Dihedral wing (DOB Photos)

(Pic-1) Ex-Lotus F1 Designer Maurice Philippe also designed cars built for Vel's Parnelli Jones "Super Team" in 1972 - which were tested with much secrecy employing side mounted dihedral wings...

’Ol Rufuses Private Collection

This was ‘kOOL! As the museum had a bunch ‘O Rufus Parnelli Jones private collection on hand, as we started with another batch ‘O cars I’d never seen, the Viceroy “Smokey-Smoke” (cigarette) chassis of the Vels Parnelli Jones Superteam era; when the team featured a three-driver lineup of ‘super Mario, ‘BIG AL and Joe Camel; Err Leonard as Mario Andretti and Al Unser Sr’s teammate.

VPJ Standard wing (DOB Photos

(Pic-2) After considerable experimentation prior to the first weekend of 500 qualifications by the Vel Miletich & Parnelli Jones (VPJ) team, it was determined the cars ran better with a standard rear wing...

There were two Viceroy Cars on hand, and one of them featured a very strange wing - I believe this is the Dihedral car designed by Maurice Philippe I’ve read about recently in Donald Davidson’s Autocorse History of Indianapolis book. (Which ‘CARPETS photos & borrowed captions above seem to confirm...)

And I think there was one of the BAD ARSE ‘Ba-Jah (Baja) Bronco’s - you know the Powered by ‘Oly winner... Hey, everybody from my generation up here knows that Oly stood for Olympia beer which was brewed in Tumwater, Washington - which its slogan was: It’s the Water!

And then there were the beautiful PJ-Colts, or as ‘CARPETS noted: WINNERS! As the brace ‘O ‘BIG AL’s 1970-71 Johnny Lightning Specials were parked side-by-side, and yeah, they’re two separate chassis... And can’t recall if the Joe Leonard turbine car was part of this grouping of insane vehicles or not - also previously having read how Lotus sold one of these unique chassis to Rufus in 1969...

Spirit of America

Obviously I wasn’t expecting to see this most unusual car? Err, rocket-sled on display at the Hall of Fame museum no less! As I very briefly know the history of Craig Breedlove, who was the first person to exceed 400, 500 and 600 miles-per-hour; Aye Karumba! All of these feats being accomplished in his various Spirit of America vehicles - yet when I think of Breedlove, I flash back to his ill-fated attempt to beat the BLOODY BRITS to the speed of sound upon land in which he failed miserably... Experiencing a wicked spin and crash when his crew miscalculated the Black Rock desert’s wind speed - along with destroying one of his few jet engines when a loose bolt was left inside of I-T! Thus licking his self-inflicted wounds, Breedlove’s camp could only watch dejectedly as RAF Wing Commander and F4U Phantom jet fighter pilot Andy Green went supersonic aboard Thrust SSC in 1997 with a two-way average speed of 763mph!

The 700 Club

No. 54 Novi (DOB Photos)

Other Notables

Unfortunately I didn’t take any notes (once again) and thus I really cannot recall all of the Gems we saw - as I don’t even remember gawking at the Novi; YIKES! As this is surely one of the coolest; ‘Whale, Uhm? Definitely LOUDEST! Indy Cars of all time with its staccato supercharger furiously screaming towards maximum revolutions ensuring the V-8 engine it sat atop melody to be heard ALL the way ‘round Mother Speedway!

As there were other Pre-war racecars interspersed with various winners, like the Nalley Valley Potato Machine; Err, sorry inside joke there. As Nalley’s used to be a home grown affair... It was actually thee Rachel’s ’98 Eddie Cheever winner, etc. As it was fun seeing the Rachel’s-mobile parked alongside a different era’s mount in order to notice the stark characteristics of tyres, wings, etc. May be the Bobby Unser 1968 Risoline?

And I think The Flying Dutchman’s Pizza-mobile was there, along with ‘Gordie’s (Gordon Johncock) ’73 STP Eagle, as the traditional grouping of what I commonly call “Winners Row” was redistributed throughout the museum.

Also quickly PEAK’ed at one of the Cummins Diesel Special’s, as the original version is currently on loan in Tacoma, WA at LeMay-America’s Car Museum... While I got to briefly drool over Joe Leonard’s pole-winning Lotus 56 turbine-car.

Please forgive me for omitting any of the other treasured race cars on hand - have just forgotten them, as it always seems like a bit ‘O sensory overload when visiting the museo...

DannyBoyz Mount

As we gravitated back towards the Jim Clark Lotus to take my picture - a sudden roar of people excitedly moving about the museum washed over us... Perfect timing for a Photo-Op, as the museum’s staff was rolling in the 2011 Indy 500 winning Bryan Herta Autosports entry driven by the late Dan Wheldon, to which I told Dave I wanna pic of I-T!

But Dave said there were too many people around it, so we walked off to view the other suddenly forlorned raceing cars on display, whilst I recall while circling back a woman was trying to take a picture of another racecar to which Dave said: She’s trying to take your picture... NO she’s NOT, silly! To which the woman replied to me: How do you know, may be I am?

And with the crowd having now vacated Wheldon’s car, I had ample time to examine the No. 98 somewhat up close, as I sure do like those ‘Ol CRAPWAGONS; Hya! Actually I’ve never really been that bothered by them and I still prefer them OVER the new DW-12, (which Derrick Daly hit a home run recently upon Autosport Radio by referring to I-T’s rear flanks as Kardashian humps...) albeit it didn’t look as horrific as I’d thought previously when checking out Helio’s Showcar at the airport. But I sure wish DannyBoy ‘SPIKE Wheldon was here, albeit I’m glad that thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown got the ride...

(All Photos Courtesy of No Fenders ‘Offical Photographer ‘CARPETS)

IMS Hall of Fame museum: 2011 visit

For Indy’s second and final Centennial 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Hall of Fame museum had a veritable Treasure Trove of Indy 500 winners on hand; Err, display... Yet, as we made our visit the day after the B-I-G race, I was somewhat ‘Bummed to discover that ALL of the Penske Racing I500 chassis had been removed from the museum for a Team Penske Photo-shoot at an undisclosed location... As the absence of 15 winning Racecars, many emblazoned in the storied ‘BAD HABITS red & white livery of Marlboro (“Smokey Smokes”) made for a substantially devoid display, as the museum simply looked somewhat disingenuous with the multiple gaps of empty spaces between the various rows of Indy “Greats” on hand.

And Juan ‘O the troubles of not jotting down your memories immediately, is that by the time you get ‘round to scribbling them some seven months later is... Yuhs guessed IT! They’re gone; URGH!

“The Gasman’s” (Tom Sneva) 1983 Indy 500 winning Texaco Star (DOB Photos)

Although I still recall enjoying the day’s outing as always at the Hall of Fame museum; where every time I attend, I become more ‘N more impressed with their staff! As I take it for granted now that the ‘Yellow-shirts will automatically open the doors for Mwah. Along with my two most recent visits - where I’ve been granted “FREE” Admittance, along with asking me if I have any questions? (Pertaining to specific racecars) But the part (Piece de la Resistance) that really BOWLED me over was the “Docent” coming up to me and specifically saying if there were any cars I wanted to touch - as long as they belonged to the museum; he’d be glad to assist me in this endeavour; HOLY BLINDFOLDS BATMAN!

Oh, yeah, have I mentioned to Y’all lately that you’re humble No Fenders scribe is legally blind and henceforth travels with his white “Joystick,” aka cane, which is what apparently caused all of the attention from the museum staff, eh? For more upon this visually impaired ‘Vurd Botcheror, Y’all can SEE the post below...:

Low Vision Racer

Otay, ‘nuff of ‘Dat, but what about the museum Yuhs say? Whale, as always; even though the ‘Usual Suspects were on hand and it was another very pleasurable visit, I always eagerly await discovering  which new IndyCar chassis will be on display for me to see during my once-a-year visits

Thus the gala ‘O previously unseen treasures started off with a pair ‘O my favourites, as there were not one, but two Johnny Lightning Specials! Of which I’ve not paid close enough attention too... Since I always thought that the 1970-71 chassis ‘BIG AL (Unser Sr.) drove to consecutive victories was the same car... But just having read Thee ‘Dom of IMS - nee Donald Davidson’s Indy 500 bible, (Haven’t Y’all gotten yours yet?)

BOOK: Official History of the Indianapolis 500

I’ve discovered that the ’71 Johnny Lightning Special was a new chassis based off of the prior year’s model with its most distinguished difference being short nose wings on it vs. its predecessor...

And the whole confusion over the two VJM Colt-Fords’s led me onto a whole nuther ‘lather - pickle via la ‘Interwoods, or what Grizzled ‘Journoe Joe Saward just coined as the WZ... Over a previously never heard of before ’68 Johnny Lightning Special; Hmm? But I’ll save that story for another day instead, (since its fermenting in the NoFendersville story hopper right now) and hence back to the Memorybanks instead, with just a few assorted ‘Tails below.

Close-up of LoneStar JR’s McLaren ‘Schnoz (DOB Photos)

Nose Job

 ‘Carpets took an up-close pic of a ‘Kiwi nose - which I believe was Nose of LoneStar JR’s (Johnny Rutherford) 1974 McLaren M16...

AAR Winner

(No. 48: 1975 Jorgeson Eagle; Bobby Unser)

Without a doubt, this has to be my All-time favourite ‘Uncle Bobby winner, as I simply find this All American Racers (AAR) Eagle/’OFFY (Offenhauser) to be ‘Juan of Dan Gurney’s most beautiful chassis. Not to mention being my Bobby Unser favourite, albeit I’m smitten by the Igloo-white Olsenite Special and his Risoline Special too...

’lil Al’s ’92 Galmer (DOB Photos)

Galmer

(No. 3: 1992 Galmer/Chevrolet; Al Unser, Jr.)

This is the car that made ‘lil Al (Al Unser Jr.) famous... Whale, sorta, as I think he actually bolted to national prominence back in ’89 when he gave ‘EMMO his double thumbs UP gesture to the race winning Brazilian; not to be Cornfuzed with giving ex-boss Billy Bob Brazenheartz a double Byrd salute like; Oh Never Mind!

And this Valvoline liveried Galmer holds another ‘Hook in my steadily growing Indy lore. As the Galmer was utilized one year later by “Seattle-lite” Dominic Dobson as the springboard to the future winning PacWest Racing Team...

Filler Up!

(No. 5: 1983 Texaco Star; Tom Sneva)

If you’ve ever read this blog, then you’ll know that “The Gasman,” aka Tom Sneva is a sentimental favourite ‘O mines... As the Schoolteacher from Spokane, Washington DONE GOOD! Having won the 67^th running of the Memorial Day classic after having sparred with Al Unser Sr’s unofficial Wingman; son and rookie competitor ‘lil Al en route to chuggin’ some ‘Buttermilk in Victory lane...

The Gasman

The ‘Brackster’s winning mount (DOB Photos)

BracksterMobile

(No. 14: 1999 Dallara/Aurora; Kenny Brack)

This car totally caught me off guard - as I totally expected Thee Brackster’s 1999 winner, a car I’d never seen before to be painted black... Simply expecting it to be in ‘Ol SuperTex’s traditional black colours ‘O longtime Tobacco sponsor Copenhagen, right?

Having tuned OUT of ‘Ye Greatest Spectale after that most memorable Quip ‘bout Eddie Who? At the grocery store after Cheever’s Rachel’s Potater Chip-mobile had left the cashier totally Clueless! I failed to watch the following year’s I500 telecast, as I guess I musta watched the end of the ’98 classic. Hence I was ultra surprised to see the Swede’s car in a “Lighter shade ‘O Grey;” Uhm? Pearlesant white? Whale all I know is it AIN’T black!

Yet the more time flies by, the more I recall laughing myself SILLY over thee ‘DirtMann’s, nee Robby ‘Gordoun (Gordon) demise when running outta fuel with a precocious two-laps remaining, thus I must have watched the ’99 Indy up to that point, albeit I really don’t recall seeing thee ‘Brackster win - or receive the victor’s laurels nor drinking of milk... Perhaps ‘Somme-thun to do with my total disgust over AJ’s reverence towards ‘lil Napoleon (Tony George) and the Hulman’s?

Watson Roadster

(No. 1: 1960 Leader Card 500 Roadster; Jim Rathman)

Its funny how I keep mixing up this car with two-time Indy 500 winner Roger Ward, (1959, and 1962) as it’s actually the car that Jim Rathman drove to victory that year in what has been described as the best all-time 1-2 sustained duel for eventual victory in Speedway history...

VIDEO: 1960 INDY 500 Highlights

Yet its funny how our tastes change as we all get old-ER, right? As although I’d be hard pressed to pick against any of the rear engine machinery as my favourites, nevertheless on this day’s ‘Walkabout, it was a front engine Roadster no less that stole my heart! As I found the aqua blue, which reminds me of Ford’s ’69 winter  blue hue Watson Roadster perched in the museo’s entrance normally where the Marmon Wasp is located to be my hands down Numero Uno favourite chassis on display that day! As you simply have to marvel at the simplicity of these cars, along with their sleek lines devoid of the clutter of today’s rolling billboards...

Jim Rathman passes away...

To continue reading, see; IMS Hall of Fame museum – 2012 visit

(All Photos Courtesy of No Fenders ‘Offical Photographer ‘CARPETS)

IMS Hall of Fame museum – 2010 visit

As promised, albeit a tad bit late; Whale Otay, extremely LATE! But Hey, what’s that saying ‘bout ringing in the New Year’s and resolutions, right? Alas, here’s my semi-quick (NOT!) recap of Juan ‘O my yearly visits to my favourite Indianapolis Motor Speedway haunt, the Hall of Fame museum! Although I’ll admit that September (2010) seems like a long-long-time-ago now; BUTT! Thanxs to Mister Carpets, I got to have another very enjoyable outing at the Speedway Shrine, even having things pointed out to me that I’d never noticed before. Along with Dave graciously offering to take some assorted photos for Mwah ‘N email them to me, as my hurriedly scribbled notes sez;

I LUV THEE HALL ‘O FAME MUSEUM!

Having previously mentioned this visit in conjunction with my visit to Indy for the Moto GP  race, which became thee Sandwich ‘O my Centennial 500 Bookends - nevertheless, this story simply became suspended in the all conquering NFWHV! (No Fenders Worm Hole Vortex...) Of which I scribbled the following epic tome in

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MOTO GP: 2010 Indianapolis Race Outing

And without further adu, here’s my take upon that fleeting late summer visit...

Monday, August 30^th

Dave graciously took me back to my Numero Uno favourite building on the Speedway’s grounds; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame museum... which I thoroughly enjoy visiting every time at the Brickyard, as there’s always something new to see... And once again two Yellow shirts opened the doors for me and as I prepared to pay my three smackeroos... (Unaware that the price has increased to $5.00) The nice lady at the desk told me that mine was FREE!

Entering the museum – I noticed how the ‘Ol Timer’s (Racecar’s) are simply AMAZING! As we started perusing the plethora “O nostalgia by checking out a 1925 Ralph DePalma Special; to which ironically, Dario “REO SPeedwagon” Franchitti has just surpassed DePalma and somebody named “Lone Star JR” for 11^th Overall in career victories with 26; surpassing DePalma & Rutherford’s tally of 25-apiece. (Although Franchitti has since moved into a tie for 7^th place overall with Sebastien Bourdais & Paul Tracy whom all currently have recorded 31-victories each as of the end of the 2012 season...)

Next up was a 1938/39 Bowes Seal Fast Special driven by Louis Meyer; before chatting with a very nice museum volunteer who was busy watching the racecars... who told us that they’re always moving the cars around – but they’re lined-up in order; telling us there’s 30-winning chassis on display in chronological order.

Janet Guthrie

Sadly, Janet’s racecar was parked alongside someone known as Princess Sparkle Pony, Err “danica-FO-manica,” Yuhs knows – DannaWho? As I guess I should type her full name? Danica Patrick; URGH!

Whale at least Janet’s chassis was parked ahead of Princesses 2005 Rahal Letterman Racing steed, replete with Danica Doll (manikin) hoping into the car – whew! At least it the Danica doll was kitted out with her entire driving uniform instead of just a swimsuit; Hya!

Then we checked out a nice montage of an early Indianapolis Motor Speedway Garage complete with two of ‘Ol Super Tex’s (A.J. Foyt) winning Indy Cars; the 1961 & 1977 Coyote.

Parked alongside it was the old IRL chassis I’d sat in way back in 2001 during the USGP, which was a “Photo-Op” racecar, that either you or the Speedway would take your picture in – although I noticed it’d had a new coat of paint slapped upon it...

Sandwiched in-between the Foyt/IRL chassis sat a George Snider car on display, (Sprint car?) followed by “Vuky’s” (Bill Vukovich Sr.) 1952-53 winner parked alongside my Old Timer stand-out; Mauri rose’s 1947-48 winning blue Crown Spark Plug Special...

Then it was off to what I affectionately denote as “Winner’s Row,” car’s I’m more familiar with; beginning with Bobby Unser’s 1968 Risoline Special, followed by Mario andretti’s replica Brawner Hawk and ‘Big Al’s Johnny Lightning Special. Next is the (“REAL”) ’72 Sunoco Special followed by Johncock’s STP Special, while the “Yellow Sub,” Rutherford’s winning Chaparral is next, with the “Flying Dutchman’s” (Arie Luyendyk Sr.) Doug Shierson Domino’s Pizza car; Hmm... Sub ‘N Pizza makes me think may be it’s time for dinner? (Hya!) While Jackie V’s 1995 mount fills out the row, as I still consider this the last true Indy 500 winner; Oh Never Mind!

Then out in the Foyer; basically the middle of the museum – which splits it into two halves, Dave pointed out a mammoth display case I’d never bothered to inspect – which turned out to be a treasure trove ‘O magnificent Rudolf Caracciola items, i.e.; trophies, Goblets, plates, buckles, coins, etc all in exquisite sterling silver. As there were goblets from Le Mans along with various trophies from the 1920’s – as I’ve scribbled down 1927 Nurburgring. As I’m guessing these were bequeathed to the Hulman family who he became friends with while recuperating from his crash at the Speedway in ’46...

Rudolf Caracciola

Really know nothing ‘bout this great racing driver – except what I’ve read... As amazingly he started off as a Dalmer-Mercedes salesman needing permission to race on weekends – provided the events were within driving distance. Yet “Carach” who was adored by the Germans, went onto win three Hillclimb Championships along with three European World Championships – the precursor to today’s Formula 1 World Championship prior to the war. (World War II) As Caracciola still holds the record today for most German Grand Prix wins at six.

After oogling the ‘Mega trophy case; it was off to what I’ve denoted as the opposite side/room of the museum... Which housed a row of Sports Cars which were preceded by a glorious pair ‘O Lotus, or is that Loti? There was Jimmy Clark’s Rookie-car with the wild Dayglo Graham Hill turbine car alongside it! As the Lotus 56 turbine car is my very favourite piece in the museum, albeit the Lotus 29 of Clark also pulled at my Heartstrings. (As I still DON’T know why I didn’t ask for a picture of it - Oh Whale, eh?)

P3Jim Clark

Clark’s No. 92 Lotus 29 “Powered by Ford” - his 1963 Rookie chassis was on static display, while his teammate that year in the No. 93 was somebody named Dan Gurney.

Clark raced 5 times at Indianapolis; 1963-67 and won the classic 500-mile event in 1965. Yet, recall that ‘63 was another controversial victory – as ‘Ol Parnelli Jones Roadster was leaking oil, but wasn’t black flagged as Clark wound up being second.

Then, Holy Mulsanne Straight – Batman! As I simply cannot believe that I’m standing directly in front of a glowing rosso Ferrari 250LM racecar... But NOT just any Ferrari; NO! It’s the 1965 24 Heurs du Mans winning N.A.R.T. Ferrari 250LM that Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt drove to the overall win – as I’m trying NOT to drool to much... (What a FREAKIN’ beautiful car!) Whilst parked alongside it is an A.J. foyt driven Mecom Special, a Maserati Birdcage and the ex-Whittington brothers Kremer K3 ’79 Le Mans winner that was recently involved in a legal Scrum that IMS was victorious in. As Don Whittington sued the IMS Foundation in 2009, claiming the car had simply been loaned to the museum and now he wanted it back... But the Courts ruled in favour of the Hall of Fame museum on April 13, 2010.

(Interestingly I cannot find the story originally published in the IndyStar available anymore... Strange, eh?)

Whittington v Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation

Then a quick perusal of a 1948 Alfa Romeo plus a 1907 single seater that I believe was the Italian Grand Prix winner plus a 1912 FIAT...

Then I hear a lady speakin’ what sounds like German... Something ‘bout Herr Schumacher – as it cracks me up that the museum has positioned Michael Schumacher’s (1991) Benetton B191 line-astern with two Tin Top Stock Car ‘Bombers... As first there’s RASSCAR Star Tony Stewart’s No. 20 Home Depot, (‘05 Brickyard winner) then some Dude called The King; as in Richard Petty – with a Petty blue Pontiac Stocker (’92 STP) and Schuey’s Rookie-year Benetton forlornly in the background; Hya! As sorry Tony: you AIN’T a 7-times Champion!

After checking out DER TERMINATOR’s Benetton mount, we eyeball some wicked looking Streamliners, as there’s a Bike? That went 300+ miles-per-hour at Bonneville – looks DAMN uncomfortable + very hard to get into...

Then Dave talks me into having my ‘Mug snapped next to the Borg Warner trophy before we quickly scan ‘Ol Yeller – Ray Haroun’s inaugural Indy 500 winning Marmon Wasp as we traipse towards the exit...

Also, for more museum insight, you may wish to check out my brief visit with IMS Historian Donald Davidson in: ‘D-Squared.

D-Squared

To continue reading, see; IMS Hall of Fame museum – 2011 visit

Kudos to Mr. Carpets - NoFenderz ‘Offical Photographer for the day’s outing & taking pictures!

Pictures

(Pictures from Top to Bottom)

1. Janet Guthrie Racecar

2. Risoline Special (1968 Indy 500 winner: Bobby Unser)

3. #2 Johnny Lightning Special

4. 1948 Alfa Romeo

All photos courtesy of ‘Offical No Fenders Photographer ‘CARPETS - taken during our 2010 IMS Hall of Fame museum visit...