Les trois French F1 Pilotes remembered

As the Man with the Funny nickname was No Slouch as a Racing Driver!

 

The third and final ex-formula 1 Frenchman I’m remembering is Jean-Pierre Jabouille. For which if memory serves me correctly? Had the nickname of “Jelly-Belly” since many couldn’t pronounce His last name…

 

Uhm, actually believe I’m Cornfuzing Andy “Jelly-Belly” Granatelli with Jabouille, who the English nicknamed Jelly Baby instead, but I digress…

 

According to Grizzled F1 Journo’ Joe Saward, Jabouille had a most interesting career. Beginning with switching from an Art Major to Engineering, and later Engineering His own racing cars. With help from another future Formula 1 driver named Jacques Laffite. And cementing their relationship by becoming Brothers-in-law.

 

Jabouille first became noticed in motor racing during the late 1960’s, culminating with His finishing runner-up to Francois Cevert in the 1968 French formula 3 championship.

 

Jabouille was subsequently hired by Alpine as a Development Driver, racing in Formula 2 and Sports Cars for Matra, before breaking His ties to Alpine in 1975.

 

With backing from French Oil conglomerate ELF, Jean-Pierre constructed His own F2 chassis and finished runner-up that year to Brother-in-law Laffite. Before ultimately winning the European Formula 2 title in 1976.

 

He failed to qualify in His first Formula 1 outings for Iso-Marlboro (Frank Williams Racing Cars) and Surtees. Before finally making His F1 debut at the 1975 French Grand Prix. Driving the second Tyrrell and finishing 12th, ironically one place behind Laffite’s Williams entry.

 

Due to His Engineering prowess, Jabouille was hired by le Reggie’ in 1977 to develop it’s turbocharged Formula 1 car., the first of it’s kind With the Renault RS01 chassis  proving to be quite fickle with it’s revolutionary 1.5-litre V-6 turbo lump’, the first in Formula  1 History. As the turbo engine proved to be quite fragile with reliability, suffer excessive turbo lag, and poor fuel economy!

 

Yet Jabouille persevered and claimed Renault’s first points position, with fourth at the 1978 United States East Grand Prix at Watkins Glen.

 

Next, He  scored the first of His eventual six Pole positions at the 1979 South African Grand Prix. Along with making more History when fittingly winning His and Renault’s first race at their Home race at Le Castellet’s Circuit Paul Ricard! With All of Jabouille’s accomplishments being the first for a turbocharged engine in the sport.

 

For 1980, Jabouille claimed His second and final victory at the Austrian Grand Prix. But steadily being overshadowed by teammate Rene Arnoux, Jabouille had signed with Ligier for 1981 before a devastating accident at that year’s Canadian Grand Prix, resulting in a broken leg.

 

Sitting out the ’81 season’s first two races before failing to qualify in two of His next four attempts, Jabouille decided to retire from F1. Where He was ironically replaced by Patrick Tambay. With Jean-Pierre switching to a manager role instead.

 

For 1984, Jabouille moved from His F1 role to manage Ligier’s planned assault upon IndyCar, and specifically the Indianapolis 500.

 

Ligier teamed with Curb Racing, as in the same Mike Curb of today’s Curb-Agajanian racing, who currently are involved with Andretti Autosport’s Nos. 26 and 98 IndyCar entries.

 

From what little info I can gleam from Ye All knowing Intrawoods’, nee internet. ‘Ol superTex’s Bosom buddy Coogan’, aka Kevin cogan ran the Ligier LC02 Cosworth entry during that year’s Long Beach Grand Prix.

 

But the LC02 IndyCar chassis was reputedly developed from the Ligier JS21 Formula 1 chassis which had less than stellar results, and the Ligier IndyCar project quietly faded away…

 

Jabouille returned to Sports Car racing in the Mid-1980’s and once again, put His Engineering talents to work for Peugeot. Helping to develop Peugeot’s 905 Group C Prototype to become the dominant racecar of the early 1990’s. Winning back-to-back le 24 Heurs du Mans races between 1992-93. Along with winning the Drivers and Teams titles for the 1992 World Sports Car championship.

 

As Jabouille would claim His third and fourth third place finishes at Le Mans those two years, along with the same results for Matra between 1973-74.

 

In 1994, Jabouille succeeded Jean Todt as Head of the Peugeot Formula 1 engine project, which had a miserable season with McLaren that year, along with Jordan the next season. Leading to Jean-Pierre’s being fired in ’95. With Jabouille going onto run His own Sports Car team afterwards… 

F1: Remembering Three presumably Overlooked French Formula 1 Drivers

Since I highly doubt any of today’s The Real Housewives of Formula 1 Fans know their names…

 

In Honour of today being Bastille Day, which occasionally makes me remember that Rush song of the same Gory name.

 

Wayback’ when Geddy Lee still had His Crooner “Pipes”, (Singing voice) and Rush was ascending towards Rock ‘N roll Stardom with the impending release of their fourth Studio album 2112. Following the “Darker” and oft, maligned 1975 Caress of Steel album that included the Bastille Day track, and the two singles Return of The Prince and Lakeside Park. Hmm, think I went down another Wabbit’ Hole Thar, eh!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3t6iHhYksc

 

Hence, I’d like to pay a belated tribute to three presumably, largely forgotten Formula 1 Drivers Since the names of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly and Alpine dominate today’s F1 landscape.

 

Ironically, and certainly by sheer CoInky-dense’, two of these former French Formula 1 Drivers from the 1980’s took the Chequered flag this past December. With Patrick Tambay Dying on December 4th at Age 73, and Phillipe Streiff on December 23rd at Age 67. Before Jean-Pierre Jabouille joined them on February 2nd at the Age of 80.

 

Tambay’s name tripped my Number-4 wire since He’s part of another No Fenders story that’s currently sitting on an unlit burner here upon Ye Isle of Nofendersville.

 

As Tambay raced in both the long forgotten SCCA Formula 5000 and reconstituted Can Am series for the late Carl Haas. Although my research denotes it was actually Haas-Hall Racing. And yes, that’s the same Jim Hall of chapparal fame! When Monsieur Tambay won the first of His eventual two Can Am championships in 1977. Before taking a second title in 1980 for then just Carl Haas Racing. Since Hall was busy obliterating the CART/PPG IndyCar World Series with His revolutionary chapparal 2K Ground effects “Yellow submarine” IndyCar in the hands of Lone Star JR’, aka Johnny Rutherford! But I digress…

 

Tambay made His formula 1 debut in the 1977 French Grand Prix in a “One Off” for surtees. Moving to Teddy Yip’s theodore Racing before two lean years at McLaren. Leading to His returning to Haas to clich the aforementioned second Can Am title.

 

Tambay would go onto ultimately record a total of 114 Grands Prix Starts for the likes of zsurtees, Theodore, McLaren, Ligier, Ferrari, Renault and Haas Lola.

 

With Patrick’s F1 Zenith coming whilst driving for Scuderia Ferrari between 1982-83, winning two Grands Prix. The first being the ’82 German Grand Prix just four races after replacing His stricken friend Gilles Villeneuve. And then taking His second and final victory in the ’83 San Marino Grand Prix. Which surely had to be a delight when celebrating with the Tifosi whilst piloting the famed No. 27 Ferrari synonymous  with the late Gilles!

 

Yet la Scuderia replaced Tambay with Michele Alboreto the following year, seeing Patrick move to le Reggie’, aka Renault for 1984. Before finishing His F1 career driving for Carl Haas’s Beatrice Force Lola project  in ‘86.

 

Tambay also contested le 24 Heurs du Mans four times between 1976-1989, with His loan finish being fourth for Tom Walkinshaw Racing’s (TWR) Silk cut Jaguar’s in ’89. Along with finishing third Overall twice in the grueling Dakar Rally!

 

Tambay later had a long career as a TV Sports Commentator, and served as Deputy Mayor for Le Cannet. Before struggling with having Parkinson’s Disease for years prior to His Death.

 

Of these three ex-Formula 1 Pilotes’, the one I most admire due to His perseverance of dealing with a life altering Disability is Monsieur Strieff!

 

 Philippe Streiff began His Motor Racing career relatively late at the Age of 22, when He won the 1977 Volant Motul competition. Before winning the Formula Renault race at Circuit Paul ricardthe the following year. Then rapidly advancing, Streiff went onto win the 1981 French formula 3 title before graduating to Formula 2.

 

Strieff then made His Formula 1 Debut in a third Renault chassis at Estoril in 1984. And if memory serves me correctly? This was an entry to test an In-car Camera?

 

Streiff then raced part season for Ligier in ’85, replacing the Crash prone Andrea “De Crasheris.” (De Cesaris) Along with a “One Off” appearance for Tyrrell, where the Frenchman raced for the following two years.

 

While Philippe scored His one and only F1 podium Down Under in Adelaide in 1985, finishing third. Crossing the “stripe” on three wheels after colliding with teammate Jacques Laffite!

 

In 1988 Philippe returned to AGS, having previously won the European Formula 3 Championship with. Now being an F1 Constructor, unfortunately was involved in a Horrible Pre-season Testing Accident at Rio de Janeiro in early 1989. Being paralyzed from the Neck Down and confined to a Wheelchair for the remainder of His life.

 

Yet Streiff continued His involvement in Motorsports, including forming the ELF Kart Masters programme, (Karting Masters Paris Vercy) held between 1993-2001. for which such F1 luminaries as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villeneuve, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have participated. Along with others like Mario Andretti, Jody Scheckter, Sebastien Bourdais, Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti. Plus several Formula 1 drivers over the years…

 

Philippe also tirelessly advocated for Disability rights along with being the Importer of Adaptive Automobiles. Whilst then Blind Speed record setter Luc Costermans dedicated His accomplishment of capturing the World Blind Road Speed record in 2008 to Streiff.

 

With Blind Machinist Dan Parker setting the Guinness speed record for a Blind person in 2022…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/04/     

IndyCar’s Silly Season Set to commence

Which makes me think it was Karmic hearing ‘Ol Billy Preston’s Will it Go round in Circles song on my Oldies’ radio station the morning before I began typing this…

 

Ah, I love the Universe of Synchronicity! Since just a few Dazes’ after wrapping up my riveting No Fenders yarn with it’s working title of Whither Palou? Naturally IndyStar’s Motorsports Beat reporter Nathan Browne published His views upon the current IndyCar silly Season landscape.

 

Obviously the two main protagonists and “Biggest” names in this years participants are Alex Palou and Marcus Ericsson, who are both currently Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) drivers. Followed by a lesser extent to Felix Rosenqvist and Romain Grosjean, with Callam Ilott waiting in the wings.

 

Browne sheds a little more light upon Palou’s situation. Which as Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s already stated, seemingly is a game of “chicken” between a potential Formula 1 Back-marker seat or as expected, driving the No. 6 Arrow McLaren next year.

 

As Browne notes that Palou has a “Get Out” option with Mr. Zakery Brown to drive at Arrow McLaren if He lands a Formula 1 drive by the end of July. Yet this is when F1 goes on it’s traditional summer break, meaning the F1 teams usually don’t make any changes until during or following the summer break…

 

 

Browne speculates that possibly four Formula 1 teams could be eyeing Palou, i.e.; Alfa Romeo, Haas, Scuderia AlphaTauri and Williams. For which I’d guess only the latter two will be making driver changes for next year.

 

And if scuttlebutt serves correctly, than current Red Bull Junior Driver Liam Lawson is being lined-up as the struggling AlphaTauri rookie Nyck de Vries’s replacement. And I cannot understand why Palou would want to go to Williams? Since they’ve got years to go to become a competitive Midfield F1 entity!

 

Marcus ericsson whose also out of contract at year’s end, wishes to become one of IndyCar’s small cadre of Paid drivers instead of continuing to bring a Budget to a team. And although Cheep’, aka Chip Ganassi has been making All the right noises about wanting to keep Ericsson. The Swede apparently vented His frustrations of their contract talks going nowhere to Kevin Lee at Road America according to Browne. Which I’d Arse-sume is part of the negotiation “process”. Which is odd since Ganassi stands to lose two top IndyCar drivers simultaneously…

 

Browne also mentions how it was perceived that “Sparky!” Aka Devln DeFrancesco was not expected to return to the No. 29 Andretti Autosport ride next year,.

 

As this was before Mikey a’ and Co. announced that indeed DeFrancesco’s two year tenure at Andretti Autosport would end at season’s end…

 

Hence leaving at least one vacancy at Andretti. Since Romain Grosjean’s stock seems to be steadily in Free Fall currently. Will Mikey A’ be looking for two new drivers in 2024? Whilst I guess it’s a good thing that Grosjean’s got a factory Lamborghini Sports Car drive already secured for next year.

 

As Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) certainly isn’t a flashy driver, making me doubt He’ll return to CGR. But the Swede would certainly be a good fit aboard Andretti’s No. 29 entry.

 

Whilst I think it’s also no secret that Helio Castroneves is far beyond His prime and won’t return at Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) for another full season drive next year. Which I’d tend to believe that current MSR Sports Car Ace Tom “the Bomb” Blomquist will take over the #06 seat next year? Or may be the #60 drive instead, with Simon Pagenaud taking over Blomquist’s Sports Car drive? Meaning that MSR could have two vacancies?

 

And lastly Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Jack Harvey’s contract expires at season’s end. And did He do enough by bumping out RLLR team leader Graham Rahal at Indianapolis to secure a contract extension?

 

Tend to recall that Marshall Pruett noted awhile ago that there’s possibly four or five Indy NXT drivers with large enough budgets to graduate to IndyCar next year. With third year NXT driver Danial Frost’s name coming to mind.

 

Whilst Nathan Browne pointed out how CGR Development Driver Kyffin Simpson has family ties to the Ridgeline lubricants Oil concern, current rotating sponsor of the No. 11 Ganassi entry. Making Simpson a likely future IndyCar driver…

 

While Pruett also previously noted upon one of His Podcasts. These well funded Indy NXT participants will make it tough for the likes of Linus Lunqvist and Toby sowery to find IndyCar rides, unfortunately! Unless one of the ten IndyCar teams is willing to take talent over money? Ahem, Andretti!

 

While I’d like to believe that the current No. 11 Ganassi driver, rookie Marcus Armstrong will return for a full season IndyCar campaign next year? Who’s reportedly got an Oval test lined up after this year’s IndyCar season concludes…

 

Which just leaves me Ah-Wonderin’ where my current Numero Tres IndyCar driver Callum Ilott will wind-up next season? As I’d have to believe that Ilott’s ready to move onto something bigger ‘N better, with no disrespect towards Juncos Hollinger Racing!

 

And those are just the drivers names that I know about. Since will we continue seeing the influx of former FIA Formula 2 drivers migrate to Indy Cars? Or will their be a large intake of Indy NXT drivers instead?  

 

As that was before my current Numero Doce IndyCar Boy David Malukas made His announcement at Mid-Ohio that He Ain’t coming back to Dale Coyne Racing next year… 

Will Alex Palou Walk Away from IndyCar?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

AUTOS: “Don’t Cry” over these legendary Mustangs

Long ago postcard from America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA Honouring the 50th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As these few FoMoco’ examples only continue the illustrious Pony Cars lore…

 

Tirelessly Hammerin’ out a nonstop time space continuum ‘O veritable word, comprising labouriously crafted stories here upon thee Isle of Nofendersville. This one like many, havs been baking in the sun, bleached in the tide pools, waylaid like countless pieces of driftwood Mateys…

 

Arse-sumedly the spark that sent me down this Wabbit’ Hole was thecolossal sell of Steve McQueen’s missing Bullitt Mustang for a whopping $3.7 million Wayback’ in January, 2020, Aye Karumba! Which got my internal gears Ah-Revvin’ over classic Mustangs, primarily of the Shelby versions.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2020/04/retro-like-steve-mcqueen-absolutely.html

 

As sing it Mark Knofpler; what’s that about “Sunday Driver never took a Test, Only in the Wild, Wild West!”

 

Alas, once upon a time, Arse-sumedly some thirty years ago? Since naturally I cannot even remotely remember the last time I watched the video when I could actually see it! Presumably in the early 1990’s, since the song was released Wayback then.

 

As a total of 1,003 Shelby GT 350H’s (Hertz) models were produced in 1966. With reportedly some 800 in black with gold striping. Whilst apparently a limited number were painted in Wimbledon white, Sapphire blue, Candyapple Red and Ivy green. For which I’m guessing each of these four colours were limited to 50 cars each. Having read one Intrawoods’ (internet) thread claimimng only 50 Wimbledon white versions were built that year.

 

Whilst having previously known somebody that owned one of these Uber rare Sapphire blue with gold stripes model that He told me only 50 examples were made. And I still marvel over the fact that Roberto was audaciously generous enough to let me drive it once briefly! Telling me that He would shift it’s three speed automatic for Mwah, an that I just focus on the road…

 

As the song in Question is Guns ‘N roses Don’t Cry from September 1991. And in the subsequent video, a Wimbledon white with blue Le Mans stripes and blue side graphics with GT 350H is apparently crashed off a cliff and explodes into a fireball if memory serves me correctly?

 

And with IndyCar having recently returned to the Mean Streets of Downtown Detroit, once again I found myself thinking about the Myths of another legendous’ Rocker’s one and only car, being known as The Lizard King! Aka Jim Morrison of The Doors.

 

As perhaps Y’all have heard the story about the car He named the Blue Lady? That being Morrison’s Nightmist Blue 1967 Shelby GT 500, with a 428cid Big Block “Police Interceptor” dual carburetor V-8 four speed manual transmission Hot Rod.

 

But where the story gets weird, or interesting for Mwah. Is the part about the loose connection to a one Mr. Charles Manson! For which I just cannot understand how Manson was able to connect with such Rockers? Having previously scribbled here upon No Fenders about His encounter with the Beach Boys Dennis Wilson.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/11/a-thanksgivings-automotive-dark-or.html

 

According to Hagerty.com, following The Doors Light My fire scoring Elektra Records it’s first No. 1 Hit. Elektra Founder Jac Holzman told the four Doors members He’d buy them anything they wanted! With Jim Morrison saying He wanted a car, but what to get?

 

Reportedly, Morrison’s Hairstylist Jay Sebring who was running round town in a Shelby GT350 became the impetus for what would become Morrison’s one and only car. Although Sebring upgraded it to the aforementioned 355bhp big block GT500 sibling instead. Which The Lizard King drove Hard! But I’m jumping ahead of myself…

 

Yeah, if that Sebring names sounds familiar, it’s because it’s that same legendous’ Sebring International Raceway in Florida. AS Thomas John Kummer was so enamored with the racetrack that He changed His last name to that, along with naming His Hair Salon business Sebring International!

 

As Messer Sebring became a celebrity Hair Stylist whose clients incuded the likes of Warren Beatty, Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, along with The Doors Morrison. And after Jay’s marriage to actress Bonnie Lee Marple dissolved in 1963. Sebring was partners with actress Sharon Tate between 1964-1966.

 

Long story short, Sebring was one of those unfortunately murdered on August 9, 1969 by the Manson Family in what’s also referred to as the Tate-Labianca Murders. With Sebring being an innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time! While McQueen gave His eulogy days later at Sebring’s funeral.

 

Yet Morrison apparently continued racing round in the Blue Lady which reportedly was constantly in the shop for cosmetic and mechanical repairs. With several rumours existing over the still unknonw fate of this prized Shelby some 50+ years after Morrison’s death in Paris in July, 1971.

 

As I love somebody adding in the requisite Muscle Car sounds into The Doors timeless classic L.A. Woman song! Which I included previously upon my No Fenders top “Driving” songs list…

 

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

 

As here’s the aforementioned two part No Fenders summer Driving theme songs playlist I came up with two years ago. But it’s a Doozy Y’all, with a total of 26 selections!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/07/top-10-veritable-bakers-dozens-plus-o.html 

The Tomaso Files: Some Blind Cat-packing Adventures

Nice Kitty-Kitty. Uhm, Have Cat, Will Travel, Meow! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As surely, Don’t call me Shirley! Everybody carries a Cat in a Backpack now and then?

 

Nah, No Cat in the Hat Jokes Here!

 

As typical, this No Fenders post has been fermentin’ awhile now. Since I always feel Sad ‘N Blue after another visit with Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen. Hence leaving me feeling not like typing anything of substance here upon Ye mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville, Mateys…

 

Thus, this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans weekend was quite different for Mwah, remember that Y’all? As that splendid Centenary race seems an eternity ago now, Righto? Since fortuitously I had company in town visiting, which naturally took precedence over gorging Thyself on thoust 24 Hours race.

 

As Mary Ellen and Her Traveling Menagerie of Harriet Jean, Hang-10’ Hilo and the Demon Cat Marny made Thar annual pilgrimage to view our abundance ‘O wild Rhododendrons upon Ye Oregon Coast. Primarily around the regions of the disappearing Sand Dunes! Since Mary Ellen said that the Scotch Broom, an invasive species was in full bloom this year, Yikes!

 

As usual, I tuned into Motor Trend TV’s coverage for some ambiance whilst eating breakfast, before preparing for the day’s outing. Having tuned in just prior to le Hamburgular’, Sealmeister b’, SeaBass or just plain ‘Ol Sebastien Burdais got Hammered by somebody not paying Attenzione to when the Slow Zone was still employed! This being during Hour-2 Me Thinks?

 

As it wouldn’t be until just after High Noon that Mary ellen said we’re Here and get your Butt out to the Car, Hya! Telling Hilo to wait until I got in the car! Before He promptly sat on my lap and helped me eat my lunch…

 

After driving thru the Sutton Creek Park ground looking for rhododendrons, and Harriet Jean getting out to discover that we’d been looking at some Redwood trees. Little did I know that Mary Ellen would take mi up on my previous offer to carry the “Demon cat” Marny in a Backpack! For which was a very large mesh Backpack, which I believe allowed Marny to see out of…

 

After adjusting the straps to fit me, Mary Ellen inserted Marny into the pack before yours truly shouldered a nervous feline Cat with an additional 15-20lbs total weight on my back, Youza!

 

Starting along the Sutton Creek trail on a relatively cool day, and mostly having the trail to ourselves. Marny soon settled down after making a few feeble cries of protest, along with a few movements inside the pack, before mostly holding still.

 

Watch Out for that Tree! (The Tomaso Collection)

Funniest part of this new adventure of carrying a Cat for Mwah! Having only previously carried Thy Mad Molly and Hang-10’ Hilo before. As Yeah, who’d know that I’d become a Sucker for little Dogs! Was when we got to the tree growing across the trail horizontally!

 

As it immediately made me conjure images of a Congo line in my Head, and how it made me think of having to do the limbo underneath this tree blocking the path! And it was bad enough having to totally squat to go underneath the tree, but then I kept getting the backpack stuck on the tree whilst trying to stand up! Although I don’t recall Marny ever making any noise…

 

Wisely on our return trip, Mary Ellen suggested I take the backpack off before going underneath the tree, which naturally made the Congo line maneuver mucho easier!

 

Following an early dinner, I settled down upon the couch and “watche”, Err listened to a few more hours of le 24 Huers du Mans TV coverage. Although I cannot really remember anything of substance from that. As it just seemed like the Talking Headz’ prattled on ‘N on about nothing! Although I did finally figure out that the familiar voice in the booth was Jim roller, who used to be a Pitlane Reporter for Radio Le Mans. Whilst I think that the No. 8 Toyota was leading the Ferrari when I finally switched off?

 

Sunday morning, I was surprised that the Reuters Motorsports “Feed” was only giving an update on the race with three hours remaining, even though the race was long over. And as I was trying to read Racer’s Sports Car page results, Mary ellen arrived for our Walkabout on South Jetty Beach. As this turned into the most bemusing Beach walk I’ve ever taken!

 

Not sure exactly when Marny started acting up? Since think we stopped twice for Mary Ellen to check on Her just walking up the Sand Dune to the Beach, where the wind was Ah-Blowin’ Almighty!

 

As Marny began Howling in protest and moving left to right and back again as I tried walking down the Sand Dune to the Ocean’s hard packed Beach…

 

As the winds were gusting around 35-40mph and Marny was absolutely miserable. As Her Howling became louder ‘N louder Meooowww, MEEEOOOWWWW! MEEEEOOOOWWWWW!

 

As Mary Ellen bemusedly asked me if I could Hear the Ocean? As Marny constantly shifted back ‘N forth in the backpack crying loudly! And even tried Headbutting the backpack’s zipper seams in order to Breakout of Her Cell! For which when Mary Ellen would check upon Her, Marny would try sticking Her claws through a small opening to which Mary Ellen had tied with a double knot. Telling Marny She couldn’t get out!

 

Have to say it’s quite weird trying to walk along a Beach with a Cat constantly shifting your “CG” (Center of Gravity) and Howling Nonstop in protest over being forced to ride in a Backpack!

 

As I thought may be Marny would calm down on the return leg since we were walking into a Headwind, but All I could Hear over the roar of the Ocean was Meeeooowwww, MMEEEOOOWWWW!

 

As that was the final time I carried the poor Cat during Mary Ellen’s visit! And Arse-sumedly the last time I ever carry a Cat in a Backpack! 

The Perils of Motorsports

As racing will never truly be Safe!

 

Ironically Thursday evening I listened to a story on Reuters about how Juan Manuel Correa still dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver. Although you’d have to say that time’s running out on the 23yr old Ecuadorian-american FIA Formula 2 driver. Since as Correa Himself admits, racing is a results based business.

 

You may recall that Correa was involved in the death of Anthoine Hubert at the August, 2019 Spa-Francorchamps F2 race. Where Correa Himself was severely injured and has now undergone some 25 operations to His feet and legs!

 

As Correa also astutely points out that He now knows there’s far more than just driving a racing car fast to life! Which He feels has made Him a better racecar driver…

 

Then Saturday morning, I awoke to the news that 18yr old Dutch teenager Dilano van ‘t Hoss had Died while contesting the Formula Regional European Championship at Spa-Francorchamps.

 

As Hoss was involved in a multi-car Shunt in the wet on a race restart before perishing at the daunting Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes forest.

 

Next, at the beginning of IndyCar Radio Network’s live Qualifying coverage from the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. I was momentarily startled to hear that Meyer Shank Racing’s Simon Pagenaud had suffered a wicked crash during the morning practice session after suffering a Brake failure! For which reportedly Pagenaud rolled His No. 60 Dallara/Honda at least nine times! And wasn’t cleared to participate in Qualifying due to the excessive G-Force readings from His in-ear accelerometer.

 

As Pagenaud will need to be cleared by IndyCar Medical Sunday morning in order to start last in the field. Although interestingly, ousted Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) driver Conor Daly is on hand in the IndyCar Paddock this weekend…

 

Whilst IndyCar Radio’s Nicky Salt’ Yeoman noted that the AMR Safety Team had been busy on Saturday. Claiming that one of the USF2000 Championship Contendahs’, Lochie Hughes had spectacularly Cart-wheeled into the proverbial Kitty-litter at the Keyhole during the days race!

 

As Hughes reportedly tangled with Simon Sikes, the Pole sitter who was forced to abandon the race from second when Race Control ordered Him to retire since His rear wing was missing! And His car was deemed to be unsafe…