The ever continuing IndyCar silly Season Scrum’

As I’m 98% certain that “Free Agency” began on August 1st…

 

Prior to is it just TO’ Up North, Eh? Err Toronto Qualifying, I scribbled the following Silly Season conjecture below. Since Thanks to Alex Palou, whose simply continues Shitting Gold Bricks! Seems like we’re All more interested in the 2024 Silly Season vs. finishing the Championship this year, Eh?

 

Which obviously Palou’s totally turned next year’s “silly Season” upside down and on it’s Head with His decision to now stay at Ganassi instead! Making me wonder if Marcus Ericsson will wind up in the Arrow McLaren No. 6 ride instead?

 

And that was before Palou’s “Midas” touch saw His Front wing being Held intact by just some sponsor Deckels for nearly 40-laps, Aye Karumba!

 

As I came up with at least One-third of the field being replaced or in different Homes next year. But think I can get to at least 11 drivers On the Bubble! As here’s my list, albeit Don’t know if Thars’ been any earth shattering announcements since I’ve been Out ‘n Aboot’ since Iowa. Like Take Off eh!

 

A.J. foyt Enterprises

No changes expected. Since possibly the series most popular rookie on the Grid Benjamin Pederson brings the Sexton sponsorship? And The Great Santini’, aka Santino Ferrucci definitely returns.

 

Well I’m guessing whomever this Global Motorsports Group that Pederson runs for supposedly in Sammamish, WA seems to have money, and who else would Hire Him?

 

Andretti Autosport

Devlin DeFrancesco had already been announced as leaving at season’s end, prior to Toronto. Whilst Romain Grosjean is definitely on the Hot Seat. And guessing that Marcus Ericsson takes over the No. 28 DHL ride, since Grosjean’s stock seems to be continuously Freefalling! And that was before the Frenchman said that the wheel had “slipped” outta His Hands on the Bumpy Streets of Toronto, Butterfingers!

 

Thus, I’m guessing it’s a good thing that Romain’s already signed to drive the Factory Lamborghini SC63 Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) IMSA GTP Prototype next year, or will He be seeing FIA World Endurance Championship duty instead? Leaving just the No. 29 open for somebody new to take over.

 

Arrow McLaren

Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi are both staying. And the worst kept secret is Alex Palou bringing His Astor Cup and taking Felix-the-Cat’ Rosenqvist’s No. 6 ride.

 

Chip Ganassi Racing

Alex Palou is leaving CGR as soon as the Laguna Seca season finale finishes! And most likely Marcus Ericsson’s gone too. Leaving Cheep’ with at least two seats to fill. Marcus Armstrong wants to remain as a Full season driver next year, but needs to come up with more cash. So I’ll say there’s just two open seats at Ganassi to fill, with Armstrong continuing. But don’t know  who winds up here?

 

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett; Don’t expect former FIA Formula 2 driver Robert Shwartzman to find His way to Ganassi. Even though He had a promising test, Pruett says Shwartzman’s lined-up for some Ferrari Sports Car Gig instead…

 

Dale Coyne Racing

David Malukas announced He was leaving during the Mid-Ohio weekend. And Sting Ray Robb seems most likely gone, since He Ain’t exactly moving the “Needle”.

 

As it’s always interesting to see who Coyne picks from obscurity to fill His rides. Although I can somehow “See” Sparky’, nee Devlin DeFrancesco filling Robb’s seat…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing

Count Dracula’, ergo Rinus VeeKay has one more year on His current ECR contract. Hey, that’s the new nickname I came up with for thee Nedierlander’ after spearing Alex Palou in the Pits during the Indy 500. Not to mention many drivers, including ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin aren’t impressed with His Herky Jerky driving style!

 

Arse-suming the dude! Nee Ryan Hunter-Reay won’t return to the No. 20 cockpit and we’ll have to wait ‘n see who’s left available for Fast Eddie to Hire? But Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) would be a good, solid Hire here…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing

“Team Leader” Callum Ilott moves onto a “Bigger ‘n Better” IndyCar team, whomever that is? While Augustin Canapino returns for His second year.

 

Ilott could land at either Ganassi or Andretti, which I think the latter would be a better fit, although Ilott and Armstrong are good friends, Ilott Don’t have any money to give Cheep! And Meyer shank Racing wouldn’t be a bad place either…

 

Meyer Shank Racing

Scuttlebutt suggests that it’s a mere formality before Toronto IndyCar rookie Tom “the Bomb” Blomquist replaces Hulio’ for next year. With Helio Castroneves going to MSR’s sports Car team and running a “One-off” Indy 500 entry next year.

 

Think Pageantry’, nee Simone’ ergo Simon Pagenaud’s also gone from MSR next year, and also moves to sports Cars fulltime. And would be a much better choice over Hulio! But it’s worth noting that Mikey A’ and Wayne Taylor are expanding to two Acura GTP entries next year and Simon’s got a long history with Honda. So I’ll pencil Him in in one of the Acura’s next year…

 

Thinking this is Malukas’s best bet to “Move” forward on the Grid.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Graham Rahal and the driver No Fenders Offical’ Photographer Carpets’ nicknamed Looney Guard or was that supposed to be Christian Lundgaard, Hya! Will both return to RLLR next year. Odd man out is Jack Not Bloody Nige Harvey! Who I think will be hard pressed to remain in IndyCar next year.

 

As I’d like to see reigning Indy Lights champion Linus Lundqvist get the nod, but guessing it’ll be a Pay Driver landing here, and Linus don’t have any dineor…

 

Yet following Toronto Marshall Pruett noted that Lundqvist is “inching” Closer to a possible three race Dealio towards season’s end, including the Gateway Oval and two other Road/Street Course races. As I’m guessing that Lundqvist makes His IndyCar debut with RLLR…

 

Team Penske

The only IndyCar team 100% definitely not making any changes. And won’t have a driver vacancy until DJ WillyP’, aka Wonderful Will (Power) leaves for Sports Cars.

 

As that’s what I’m aware of, but Don’t have a Clue who’s gonna fill what seat or going where? As we’ll just have to wait ‘n see who’s the first announcement…

F1: Comparing Max, What’s All the Noise about?

Especially since you’ve got a long ways to go to catch some Dudes named Schumacher and Hamilton…

 

Perhaps it’s just Mwah? Or is there a lot of noise being made over how G-R-R-R-Reat’ Max Verstappen is? Along with being compared with the pantheon of the Sports elite?

 

Since now that Ye Formula 1 Brat Pack member whom I’m simply calling MaxiMillions’ these days has surpassed the late Ayrton Senna’s F1 career tally of 41 wins, which Max Verstappen tied by winning this year’s Canadian Grand Prix. Dovetailing nicely with Red Bull claiming the “Ton” for Grands Prix victories, i.e.; 100 F1 wins.

 

Red Bull becomes only the fifth Formula 1 Constructor to do so. Behind Ferrari’s 242 W’s, McLaren’s 183, Mercedes 125 and Williams 114. With Red Bull being able to tie Williams by season’s end if they sweep the entire season, Youza!

 

As here’s the numbers I gleamed between Senna and Verstappen as of the Canadian Grand Prix. Since we All know that Max has claimed another two Poles and Wins at the subsequent Austrian and British Grands Prix. And was then only eight wins shy of tying “the Professor”, aka Alain Prost. And ten shy of tying ‘lil Syd viddle’, aka Sebastian Vettel ( With Prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix).

 

Stats                Senna  Verstappen

Starts               161      171

Wins                            41        41

Poles                           65        25       

Podiums          80        85

Fastest laps                 19        24

Championships           3          2

 

 

Ayrton Senna: 1984-1994

First Win: 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix

Last Win: 1993 Australian Grand Prix

 

Max Verstappen: 2015-Present

First win: 2016 Spanish Grand Prix

41st win: 2023 Canadian Grand Prix

 

Although for Mwah, having actually seen racing in person whom I fondly rmember as the “four Horsemen!” Aka Ayrton Senna, alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet. The answer to the Question is simple. NO Max, you’ll never be as great or greater than Senna!

 

Since although I rarely dwell upon it. I’ll never forget the one and only time I stood some three feet apart from Ayrton Senna on the Downtown streets of Arizona!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2008/05/may-day.html

 

Thus, in ten fewer races, when Formula 1 seasons were shorter, therefore meaning a Driver’s career tended to be shorter. Especially vs. today’s disgusting push by Liberty Media to Suck out All the Cash possible from F1 by expanding to a ridiculous 24-25 Grands Prix preseason!

 

Even so, in ten fewer races, Ayrton won three F1 World Championships vs. Max’s two. Not to mention the jarring discrepancy of Pole positions, as in 40 Freakin’ more Poles, Aye Karumba!

 

And this doesn’t even take into consideration that Senna spent His first year driving for the Back-marker Toleman. Or the next two seasons with the under-performing Lotus, before finally moving to McLaren!

 

As it’s pretty amazing that McLaren’s record of 11 consecutive Grand Prix victories with Senna and Prost’s “magical” 1988 season, winning 15 of 16 Grands Prix has stood some Gory 35 years, before being broken by Red Bull!

 

Not to mention this Ain’t a fair comparison, since it’s obvious Senna would have gone onto win more races and Championships at Williams had it not been for that fatefall day at Imola…

 

As I totally agree with the commentator’s points about overall greatness vs. plain Statistics regarding who the Best formula 1 Driver is? Although I’m not sure if Senna would be my All-time Greatest? Since Juan Manuel Fangio and Jimmy clark come to mind! As here’s the Youtube video of why Senna’s the Greatest F1 Drivers.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTg-H3c0kMc&t=60s

 

As I especially like the point about how Senna had three Million grieving Brazilians line the streets for His Funeral. Which I highly doubt would happen for Max!

 

Not to mention how many millions did Ayrton donate to His Countries Poor? Which what has Max done?

 

Yet it seems pointless to compare formula 1 Greats or any other drivers across the countless generations. Since the more I think about it, I’m just Uber impressed by El Maestro! Formally known as Juan Manuel Fangio.

 

As Fangio didn’t begin wrasslin’ a front engine Formula 1 roadster until Age 37 in 1948. Arse-sumedly withot power steering! Not to mention Drum brakes, etc. until Age 47! And in only 52 entries  or 51 Starts, won an incredible 24 Grands Prix. The best ever winning percentage of nearly 50%, noted as 46.15 Freakin percent!

 

Along with then an unassailable five F1 World Championships won over just seven years! For which somebody named Der Terminator’ here at No Fenders, aka Michael Schumacher claimed his sixth F1 World Championship 46 years later at Suzuka in 2003. A race your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso just so happened to be present at!

 

Or winning His five titles driving four different Marques, i.e.; Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes, Ferrari and Maserati once again.

 

With His 1954 F1 championship impressing me most, since He won driving for two different manufacturers in one season, beginning with Maserati before switching to Mercedes; the only time ever done.

 

Not to mention recuperating from a broken Neck in 1952! Along wit contesting the grueling Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, Carrera Pan America or countless other trechorous Rally races in Argentina…

 

Or how about Jimmy Clark? Who surely would have won more than two F1 Championships if not killed racing in a Formula 2 race. Being just one of three Formula 1 World champions to win the Indianapolis 500!

 

Or Jackie Stewart simply retiring from F1 after the death of His teammate Francois Cevert. Another of the multitudes of racing drivers perishing when safety was fairly non-existent. Along with the gritty determination of Nicky “the Rat” Lauda?

 

As I could go on ‘N on, but I think Y’all get the point! Yes,Verstappen’s a very good F1 driver who’ll surely surpass Prost and Vettel to become the third All-time Grands Prix winner. But what does it mean? And how much credit does Adrian Newey, whose F1 Chassis have now won a staggering 200+ Grands Prix! Plus the entire Red Bull Racing Organization deserve… 

RETRO: Iconic Ford GT Racecar Bows Out for Third Time

As will we ever see a fourth iteration of this venerable, iconic Sports Car on Racetracks around the Globe?

 

By now, especially since it was nearly Gory four years ago, Zoinks! I'm Arse-suming Y'all have totally forgotten that the October 2019's Petit Le Mans signaled the end of the much vaunted Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) Werks' Ford GT racing programme. When those two IMSA Grand Touring Le Mans Spec Ford GT's crossed the finish line with Ryan Briscoe behind the Keyboard of his No. 67 mount gamely chasing the class winning #62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTE, El Correctomundo?

 

As Briscoe finished 11th Overall, with the Seester’ #66 finishing 17th Overall…

 

Yet in for a Pound, in for a penny? Here’s what I’ve gleamed for the final three year’s of Cheeps’ wonderful Ford GT Werks’ programme.

 

2017

The second year of Ye Cheepster’s, nee chip Ganassi’s Werks’ Ford GT racing programme started off with a Bang! When the No. 66 CGR Ford GT with Joey Hand, Dirk Mueller and le Hamburgular’, Sealmeister B’ ergo Monsieur Bourdais winning the season opening Rolex 24's GT Le Mans Category. With Hand & Mueller claiming Thar second W' later that season at road America.

 

Across thoust Gory Puddle in what Racer’s Marshall Pruett enjoys calling the “Weckity Wec”, nee FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC) The season got off to a great start when CGR’s No. 67 was victorious with Pipo Derani, Harry Tincknell and Andy Priaulx behind it’s Keyboard at Bloody Silverstone’s opening round.

 

Once again for Le Mans, (Round 3) CGR entered it’s four cars. With it’s No. 67 Ford UK WEC entry finishing P18 Overall and second in class, behind the winning No. 97 Aston Martin Vantage.

 

With it’s Seester’ No. 66 WEC entry finishing P27 overall and 10th in class.

 

Whilst it’s two IMSA WeatherTech sportscar  Championship (Ford USA) Nos. 68-69 entries finished in lockstep with each other. With the No. 68 finishing sixth in the LMGTE Pro class and 22nd overall. And the No. 69 finished 23rd overall and seventh in class.

 

Then at Round 8 at Shanghai, the Ford UK entry of Tincknell and Priaulx scored the No. 67’s second and final WEC victory of the season.

 

2018

For Year three, the Ford GT won it's second consecutive 24 Hours of Daytona race, this time with the #67 piloted by it's regular crew of Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook, with some Cool Kiwi Bloke commonly referred to as The Iceman, aka Scott Dixon as it's third driver.

 

The Seester' #66 won the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Watkins Glen Six Hours Enduro with regulars Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller, followed by the two cars playing Leapfrog upon the Podium's top step. As the No. 67 won next time out at Mosport, followed immediately by the No. 66 at Lime Rock, followed by the #67 winning at Road America - with the Ford GT's sweeping Four races in-a-row!

 

Meanwhile, making things messy, the FIA decided to switch to an bi-yearly calendar for the 2018-19 season, for which Ganassi’s Ford UK operation won just one lone race. When the No. 66 driven by Oliver Pla, Billy Johnson and Stefan Mucke took the top step at the season opening Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Class podium.

 

2019

Stateside, on Ye IMSA championship trail, the two Werks’ Porsche 911 RSR’s dominated the season. With the Ford GT not scoring it’s first W’ until Round 8 at the venerable Lime Rock Park facility. As Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook in the No. 67 were victorious. With the duo winning next time out at Road America.

 

Then at the penultimate round at Laguna Seca, Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller gave the Ford GT it’s final victory in IMSA competition, aboard the sister No. 66 entry.

 

As mentioned above, the FIA had moved to an Summer-Fall calendar, instituting it’s 2018-19 season, which featured two 24 Hours of Le Mans events. Wit the latter 2019 portion of the calendar beginning with that year’s super Sebring weekend.

 

Yet neither of Ganassi’s two Ford GT WEC entries didn’t win again, after winning at Spa the previous year.

 

And Le Mans was another disappointment, albeit three-fourths of the Ford GT Armada finished P-4-5-6 in the LMGTE Pro Class. With the WEC’s No. 67 finishing 23rd Overall. Followed by the IMSA No. 69 and WEC #66 in lockstep. With the second IMSA #68 entry being disqualified Post race!

 

Yet the even bigger news was the apparent LMGTE Am win of Ben Keating’s No. 85 Ford GT, the first “Privateer” ford GT effort, resplendent in beautiful Wynns livery. Having it’s Class victory taken away Post race! As it too, along with it’s Big Brother’s #68 entry were both DSQ’ed’, nee Disqualified for having illegal, oversized fuel tanks, Youch!

 

And then as noted above, the CGR Ford GT progamme came to it’s glorious end at Petit Le Mans, in what had always been a four year programme. Which in motor racing is an eternity!

 

Epilogue

Whilst the Doran Ford GT-R is denoted as a Mk VII variant, and the following Ganassi Ford GT’s racecars as Mk VIII models. Try as I might, I cannot find any information upon what the missing Ford GT40/GT Mk VI variant was? And apparently it’s a State Secret? Although perhaps the TOMS Japanese Ford GT300 is the mysterious Mk Vi racecar? 

RETRO: The third coming of the Iconic Ford GT Racecar returns

When the Dearborn Giant revives it’s legendary Sports Car for more racing duty around the Globe!

 

Although it’s a fleeting memory now. Naturally one would say that these last, third generation of Ford’s venerable Halo GT racecars, or that's how I denote 'em. Obviously beginning with the legendous' GT40's of the 1960's have certainly Done “Job 1” for the Ford Motor company by claiming many victories world-wide.

 

As I say “GeN-3” especially since I still recall vacillating over obtaining an 1:18 scale AutoArt white No. 4 Ford GT Diecast racecar many years ago, modeled upon the 2005-06 version. Which I think I refrained from, since Thar wasn't an actual racing version at that point, as far as I can recollect…

 

Which of course I wishe I’d purchased now, since I do have a 1:18 scale Maisto Ford GT90 Concept Car in my cavernous Diecast collection! Even if it’s currently in a shoebox somewhere, but I digress…

 

As fortunately I’ve been able to witness countless Ford GT40’s, primarily Mk I’s in action at Pacific Raceway in Kent, WA. Portland International Raceway, Laguna Seca and Sonoma at various Vintage races. Where at the latter two California tracks, I’ve also seen a few of the Nasty Mk II’s and the (J-Car) Mk IV’s in action! Along with one fine Safir EngineeringMk V Ford GT40 model running the No. 17 being a fixture at the SOVREN events in Warshington’.

 

Not to mention seeing the 1966 24 Heurs du Mans winning No. 2 Ford GT Mk II on display at the IMS Museum upon my debutante trek to Mother speedway for the 2001 United States Grand Prix…

 

As I say fortunately, since this was Wayback’ when your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso could still actually See them! Since have I reminded Y’all that I’m Blind lately? And hence, have never been able to see what the Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) Ford GT’s looked like, but I’m getting ahead of myself!

 

Whilst I’ve only ever seen a first generation (2005-06) Ford GT once some 15yrs ago at the Penske Auto Group facility’s “Used Cars” lot! When making my annual visit to the Penske Racing Museum with Blogmeister’ Miguel.

 

And it was a Bad Arse looking Supercar! Looking like a Killer Bee resplendent in bright yellow with the requisite, iconic twin Le Mans stripes in black!

 

Whilst I do still fondly recall when the unheralded couple of David & Andrea Robertson took their meagerly funded Privateer Doran built Ford GT-R Mk VII programme to Circuit de la Sarthe and made history by becoming the first Married couple to claim a Podium position at Le Mans. Bringing Thar No. 68 Ford GTR home third in the LMGTE Am Class in thou 2011 24 Heurs du Mans race debut!

 

As the Robertson’s shared their Roush Yates prepared 5.0-liter normally aspirated Ford GTR with David Murry, finishing 26th overall. Ironically with Larber Competition sweeping the classes top two podium steps.

 

As the No. 50 Larber Corvette C6.R won the LMGTE AM Class overall, followed by the team’s No. 70 Porsche 997 GT3-RSR.

 

Since ironically twelve years later, Larbre Competition won the final LMGTE Am category race at le Mans with it’s Corvette C8.R, but I digress…

 

With the icing on the Robertson’s Cake being that it was the couple's Wedding Anniversary that weekend, while Andrea became the first Female to stand on the Podium at Le Mans since 1931, Aye Karumba!

 

Presumably, since the ACO dropped the GT1 Class from Competizione beginning in 2011, with the then GT2 category being renamed LM GTE. This became the reason why Thar were no Ford GT’s contesting the 2012 24 Heurs du Mans, Say What?

 

Whilst sadly, Matech Concepts went out of business at the beginning of 2011. With no idea where their (Matech Competition) or the Marc VDS Racing Team’s Ford GT’s went?

 

Alas, FoMoCo' decided to Celebrate it's glorious Ford GT 40's success, and “Cash-in” by returning to racing with a Full-blown "Werks" effort with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) running it’s four car Factory programme both near "N abroad.

 

With the ACO having updated the LM GTE regulations for 2016, which nicely coincided with the 50th anniversary of the first Ford GT40 victory at Le Mans. Ford built a new second generation ford GT racing version, now powered by it’s new “Ecoboost” 3.5-liter twin turbo V-6 lump’.

 

The new Ford GT made it's IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Debut at the 2016 Rolex 24 where it's pair of CGR entries finished seventh and ninth in the GTE Le Mans class.

 

then beginning with that year's round 4 at Monterey's Laguna Seca Raceway, Former IndyCar Driver Ryan Briscoe and "Westie," aka Richard Westbrook gave the Ford GT it's Maiden Win aboard the No. 67. As the pair would go on to notch a Hat trick 'O Victories that season, i.e.; Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen and Mosport respectively.

 

Yet obviously the win that garnered the most Attenzione that year was the Fairy-book Class Victory at Le Mans in the World Endurance Championship's (WEC) LMGTE Pro Class on the 50th Anniversary of Ford's Debutante Overall Victory at Circuit de la Sarthe!

 

As Ford and Ganassi had come loaded for Bear’ with four Ford GT’s. With the #68 with Joey Hand, Dirk Mueller and Le Mans native le Hamburgular', nee Sealmeister B', aka Sebastien Bourdais scoring a very popular Class W' for the Ford GT's first outing at Le Mans since the Robertson's triumph, finishing 18th Overall.

 

With the Seester’ IMSA #69 with Briscoe, Westbrook and Scotty thee “Iceman 2.0” Dixon on it’s driver’s roll finishing two places behind, and claiming third in the LMGTE Pro Class. Giving Ford two teams upon the Class’s podium!

 

And directly behind them was the Ford UK #66 entry, (21st Overall) with the other WEC Ford (#67) GT finishing P40.

 

And Yeah, Y'all know it's Ah-comin', since why does All this Robertson Hyperboly, especially regarding Andrea, albeit the couple well Deserves It! But suddenly I've got 'Ol Simon & Garfunkle's Mrs. Robinson song stuck in my head. Even if Y’all say robinson and I say Robertson, Ka Choo-choo-Choo, Hya!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C1BCAgu2I8

 

And thus with the euphoria of winning at Le Mans. I’d Arse-sume the Ford UK No. 67 entry winning the following WEC rounds at Fuji and Shanghai was simply overlooked… 

LE MANS 100C: A Belated Ford GT Farewell

The oft, overlooked No. 4 Holman & Moody 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II of Mark Donohue and Paul Hawkins on display at the IMS Museum in 2012. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Nah, No Have you Driven a Ford lately Jokes Here!

 

Presumably Y’all know that earlier this summer we celebrated the Centenary running of le 24 Heurs du Mans. And in typical glacial fashion Here upon thoust rocky shores of Nofendersville. Another No Fenders “Gem” has been waylaid in the rotting seaweed, Ooh, What’s that smell!

 

Like countless Auto Manufacturers, the Ford Motor company is intertwined in the fabled races illustrious History. With Ford being involved in many facets of the Circuit’s and Motor Racing lore.

 

And whilst I’d Arse-sume Y’all would be quick to name that the iconic Ford GT40 won Le Mans four consecutive years in-a-row between 1966-69. I’d argue that Ford and it’s venerable Ford GT40 has actually scored five victories including the Mirage GR8’s 1975 triumph! But that’s a topic for another day…

 

As I suppose this story partially came back upon Ye Memory screen due to the continuous noise being made over Matt Damon and Company’s filming of their upcoming Formula 1 movie. With filming occurring during this year’s British Grand Prix weekend.

 

For which I previously scribbled about Damon’s excellent performance as ‘Ol Shel’, aka Carroll Shelby in the brilliant 2019 Ford v Ferrari film. For which I totally thought Christian Bale should have won the Oscar for Best Actor that year!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/12/some-thoughts-upon-ford-v-ferrari-movie.html

 

As 1966 was the year that the FoMoCo’ Brass infamously pulled their staged 1-2-3 Photo Finish Farce that cruelly robbed Ken Miles from winning All three major Endurance races that year, i.e.; Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans.

 

While Dan Gurney made history by not only winning the 1967 event with A.J. foyt. But for being the instigator of the now de riggour Champagne Spraying celebration. Wich Gurney impromptly “Uncorked” upon the podium.

 

Or for Mwah, what is the greatest Le Mans race ever, albeit I’m quite biased being a Died in the Wool Ford Racing and Shelbyphile! When Jacky Ixkx refused to participate in the then mandatory Le Mans start of drivers sprinting across track to their awaiting cars.

 

With Ickx simply waiting until everyone had gone, sauntering across track to His waiting Ford GT40. Climbing in, calmly buckling His safety belts and then winning His first of eventual six Le Mans triumphs by some 100 yards over the second place Porsche in 1969!

 

In 2002 at Detroit’s North American International  Auto show, Ford stunned us by debuting it’s modern era GT40 concept car, which ultimately became known as the ford GT. Honouring it’s forthcoming 100th anniversary.

 

And then upon celebrating it’s own Centenary in 2003, ford unveiled three pre-production Ford GT’s. Hopefully in the same base colours as those three nasty 1966 GT40 Mk II’s, i.e.; black, light blue and gold?

 

And with the first generation Ford GT going into production in late-2004, several private entities were quick to create their racing versions of the Ford GT. Although reporetedly Ford didn’t want the Ford GT raced and supposedly didn’t back any racing versions of the iconic Supercar.

 

As it’s worth noting that the model years 2005-06 Ford GT came stock with a 5.4-liter Supercharged V-8, unlike it’s unofficial racing brethren…

 

As the first example of these Ford GT racing derivatives I came across was a 2005 ford GT was converted into a Ford GT300 by TOM’s for the DHG Racing Team for competing in the 2006-07 Japanese Super GT series.

 

Interestingly, this car was modified to be powered by an 1990’s era Ford Zetec-R 3.5-litre normally aspirated V-8 lump’. With the same engine propelling Michael Schumacher and Benetton to their first Formula 1 World Championship in 1994!

 

Geneva, Switzerland based Matech Concepts, formed in 2006, struck an agreement with Ford Racing to develop the Ford GT for Sports Car racing with GT1 and GT3-spec variants. Along with becoming the official European Distributor of parts for the Ford Racing Mustang FR500

 

In Germany, Matech built their first  Ford GT variant, the GT-3 racecar for the 2007 FIA GT3 European Championship. Which interestingly, Matech denotes as being powered by a “Cammer” Ford 5.0-liter normally aspirated V-8 motor.

 

 Matech won the title the following year! And then defending their title in ’09, before graduating to the top flight GT1 championship.

 

Meanwhile, Doran Enterprises of Ohio, founded by longtime successful IMSA Championship winner Kevin Doran. Built it’s version known as the ford GT-R Mk VII to ACO GT-2 specifications. Enabling it to compete in racing Stateside and abroad, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

 

As a total of six Doran Ford GT-R’s were reportedly built. With motivating power coming from a Roush Yeates 5.0-liter normally aspirated V-8 lump’ mated to a Emco six-speed transmission.

 

As Atlanta based Robertson Racing took initial delivery of the Doran Ford GT-R in 2008. Before debuting at that year’s 12 Hours of Sebring, finishing 10th overall. While a second Doran GT-R was raced by Black Swan Racing under the Falken Tires banner sporadically, both contesting the American Le Mans Series GT2 category…

 

Matech Competition entered two of it’s Ford GT1 racecars for the 2010 GT1 World  championship. Along with also contesting that year’s 24 Heurs du Mans. Being the first time a Ford GT derived racecar had pounded round Circuit de la Sarthe since the Mirage M12 Cosworth DFL entry of 1982…

 

Le Mans saw it’s No. 60 Ford GT entry, with Thomas Mutsch, Romain Grosjean and Jonathan Hirxchi retiring on lap-171 due to engine failure.

 

And yes, that’s the same Romain Grosjean who currently races for Andretti Autosport in IndyCar…

 

While it’s sister No. 61 entry retired on lap-161 due to an engine fire, and was driven by the All Femme fatale trio I’ve previously scribbled here upon No Fenders about a long time ago, when first learning about the then unknown Matech Ford GT1’s.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2010/06/swiss-misses-invade-le-sarthe.html

 

While the third Ford GT1 was entered by the Marc VDS Racing Team, with it’s No. 70 driven by the Eric De Donker, Bas Leinders and Markus Palttala retiring from a lap-26 Accident. 

HYDROS: Three Promising Drivers Hoping to Make Waves

As I just Hope All three will be competing in the season’s final two events…

 

Two thirds of this year’s remaining H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Drivers are rookies, and thus unknown quantities for the moment. Whilst it’s unknown if the  other HotSchue’ will be behind the tiller at either of the two remaining races?

 

Bucket List Racing

U-40 Snuskitush Enterprises, Dustin Echols

U-440 Boitano Homes, (R) Brent Hall

Once again, I missed last year’s memo that Dustin Echols had replaced the Sport’s All-time winningest H1 Unlimited’s Driver Dave Villwock at San Diego.

 

And like all of the Big Boats Skippers’, Echols “CV” (Curriculum Vitae) is Chock-ablock full of lower division Championships…

 

As Dustin was the 2017 H1 Unlimited Rookie Of the Year, having qualified aboard the Bucket List Racing’s U-440 that year. Which I believe is the least powerful Unlimited in the Fleet due to it’s Lycoming t-53 turbine. Yet Dustin drove it skillfully to sixth place overall at season’s end.

 

As Echols has extensively driven the U-440 since then, along with team owner Kelly Stocklin’s name listed as Co-Skipper the past few years. With Echols going on Sabbatical last season in order to help His daughter Findley’s racing career…

 

Reportedly in 2020, Sharon and Kelly Stocklin bought the former U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Racing’s 2007 Lycoming T-55 turbine Hull, which became the team’s current U-40 Hydro’, originally driven by Dave Villwock.

 

Dustin Echols served notice to the entire Unlimited Fleet at the season opener Southern cup on Lake Guntersville by qualifying P1 with a stunning lap of 171.294mph!

 

As Echols lap was the fifth fastest in series history, and fastest in the two decades since Fuel-flow restrictions were mandated. Yet All of the seven Hydroplanes entered at Guntersville were fast due to the course featuring wider turns.

 

Then the following week at Madison, Indiana, Echols suffered a wild Barrel-rolling Blowover accident for which I’ve got no idea if the Minnowesqe team from Snohomish, WA can repair the damaged Hull in time for the two upcoming races?

 

Whilst I’m guessing Echols will take little solace in being classified third in the Governor’s Cup on accumulated points?

 

The U-440 Boitano Homes is the original Bucket List Racing Hull that began life with the Sport’s smallest turbine, a Lycoming T-53 unit. As I’m left guessing that this 2005 Hull was upgraded to turbine power in 2012, and then being rebuilt in 2015, albeit retaining said T-53 turbine.

 

Rookie Brent Hall is set to make His H1 Unlimited debut at this year’s Columbia Cup, and at Age 53, according to H1 Unlimited. The Seattle driver will make history as the Sport’s first ever African American to race an Unlimited Hydroplane.

 

Hall last raced Hydroplanes in the Grand Prix class in 2012. And finished second in the nation in last year’s F500 tunnel Boat class. Along with having extensive lower series experience.

 

Go Fast Turn Left Racing

U-60 The Beast Unleashed present Miss Thriftway, (R) Gunnar O’Farrell

In 2019, go Fast Turn Left Racing located in Maple valley, WA, and owned by Greg and Brian O’farrell reportedly raced a brand new Unlimited Hydroplane as the U-99.9 Carstars Miss rock, with Brian Perkins at it’s controls during that year’s controversial Seafair race.

 

Veteran Unlimited Skipper Perkins unfortunately Jumped the Start of the Seafair Cup Final and was assessed a One minute penalty. Which I believe saw the U-99.9 clasified seventh and last of the race…

 

As the Mis Rock of Seattle Radio Station KISW 99.9FM is a longtime staple of Warshington’ Unlimited Hydroplanes History. Thus I’m making the leap and Arse-suming that this year’s U-60 with rookie Skipper Gunnar O’Farrell at it’s controls is the same Hull?

 

Yes, on the surface it appears that the renamed U-60 is indeed the team’s 2019 Unlimited Hydroplane, which Gunnar qualified as an Unlimited driver aboard last year when completing the requisite 15-laps over 130mph. With gunnar’s fastest being a skosh over 145mph.

 

Gunnar has most recently been racing in the 2.5 Mod ‘n Stock Inboard class, where He won the 2021 summer Nationals.

 

Meanwhile the team’s set to make waves with the return of the famed Miss Thriftway name upon it’s Hull at this year’s Seafair gold Cup event. For which the press release claims is an All new 100% Carbon Composite Hydroplane that rookie Gunnar O’farrell set a top speed of 161-plus mph during testing at Tri-cities earlier this year.

 

As owner Greg O’Farrell has a past connection to the original Miss Thriftway When at Age 11, He was given the opportunity of a lifetime. When the legendous’ Mr. Unlimited’, aka Bill Muncey took the young boy out for a spin around the Lake Washington race course in Miss Thriftway II with Greg perched upon Muncey’s lap!

 

(R) Denotes Rookie Driver 

HYDROS: Can Anybody Stop Strong Racing this Season?

As they’ve definitely got two of the best Skippers and Hulls on the circuit…

 

Like my No Fenders story’s title denotes. The upstart Strong Racing organization now just in it’s third season, looks like the team to Beat this year! And with two of the fastest boats and veteran drivers, look out everybody!

 

Strong Racing

U-8 Beacon electric, J. Michael Kelly

U-9 Beacon Plumbing, Cory Peabody

It’s now two years ago since Vanessa and Darrell Strong acquired the assets of the former Elstrom and Jones Racing H1 Unlimited Juggernauts, with Skippers J. Michael Kelly and Cory Peabody, longtime Best friends being retained this season.

 

Both team Hulls are running new sponsorship this year, with Kelly once again piloting the newer U-8 Beacon Electric. The former Elstrum U-16/96 built in 2014.

 

As Kelly’ and Peabody are both 44yrs old, with J. Michael having some 20yrs Hydroplane experience, along with multiple National Championships, including the 2021 H1 Unlimited National High Points Drivers Championship.

 

Kelly began the season with 96 Starts, 14 Wins, 84 Heat victories and 47 Podiums to His credit. And by my rudimentary math skills, should claim His 100th race start at Seattle.

 

And although it appears Kelly got off to a somewhat slow start in Guntersville. He made up for it at Madison, where He was awarded His 15th W’ when claiming the Governor’s Cup on accumulated points.

 

As Kelly has the most H1 Unlimited victoriesof current Skippers and is always a threat in the Emerald City. (Seattle) Along with having won the 2016 gold Cup.

 

Cory Peabody and His U-9 Hydroplane,the former Jones Racing race boat, is currently The oldest Hull in the fleet. With the Ron Jones, Jr. Hull having beenbuilt 31yrs ago in Gory 1992!

 

As the U-9 now sports Beacon Plumbing sponsorship, which last year was on Dave villwock’s U-40 Bucket List racing Hydro’.

 

Peabody who won last year’s gold Cup at Guntersville. Suffered a wicked End over End Blowover accident at the following Madison, Indiana event on the Ohio River. When racing Jimmy Shane for the first four laps Deck-to-Deck for victory in the Governor’s Cup final.

 

And the Old Gal was so severely damaged, that Peabody was forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 season, with the boat being completely rebuilt over last year’s Offseason.

 

Now sporting a new white and blue paint scheme in Beacon Plumbing colours, Peabody began this year’s season by winning for the second time in Alabama, when being declared the Southern Cup’s winner on accumulated points.

 

Then reportedly at Madison, Indiana. Peabody’s U-9 “Threw-a-Rod”, err broke it’s propeller strut during Sunday’s first preliminary Heat and was sidelined for the rest of the event…

 

But Strong Racing definitely looks to be the team to beat this season. With both Boats firing on All “Cylinders”, Uhm turbines spooled up!

 

And with Tri-cities being Thar Owners Home event, and both drivers posed to claim their second Gold Cup in Seattle. You’d have to say one of these two drivers will be this year’s National High Points Champion, with the other being disappointed…

 

Unlimited Racing Group

U-11 Legend Yacht Transport, Jamie Milsen

Not sure how many season now that veteran Jamie Milsen’s been at the tiller of the former U-11 JND’s Hydraulics Unlimited Hydroplane? Having just learned that the U-11 Hull was built in 1994, Zoinks!

 

Whale’ Milsen seems like a veteran to Mwah, although only having made 22 Starts prior to the beginning of this season. Having gotten His maiden Unlimited ride aboard the U-37 Peters n May Wayback’ in 2010 at Seattle. And then obtaining His Unlimited Creds’ when Qualifying for Unlimited racing aboard the U-21 Go Fast Turn Left Big Boyz’ Boat in 2013.

 

As Jamie’s won multiple championships in both Outboard and Inboard Hydroplanes, along with having scored 12 Outboard Hydroplane World Speed records, for which six still stand.

 

And whilst previously noting that it’s a fast Boat at times. Not knowing it had set the British Speed record in 2012 for fastest propeller driven boat in Bloody England. With an average speed of 175.11mph! It’s also perpetually had mechanical Gremlins to deal with, including turbine engine explosions!

 

Yet while not Flashy, Milsen and the U-11 Legend Yacht Transport Hydro’ have scored third and second place finishes at Guntersville and Madison this year. Seeing Jamie lead the National High Points Championship by one marker over J. Michael Kelly.

 

Yet this boat seems to continue feeling like a Midfield runner against the likes of Miss Madison and Strong Racing, whom they’re All chasing! With Milsen looking to score His maiden Finals victory soon! And either Tri-Cities or Seafair would be a great place for His first H1 Unlimited win.