Time for another Rolex 24: GTD Preview

As “Drivers, Start your Engines!”

 

This year’s 63rd running of the 24 Hours of Daytona, better known simply as the Rolex 24, commences on Saturday, January 25th.

 

Reportedly 61 entries will take the green flag presumably at 1:40PM Eastern, a la last year’s start time. As heaven’s forbid this information be available early, Frick!

 

Having learned on Jan 3rd that NBC’s Rolex 24 coverage is set to begin at 1:30PM Eastern, before switching to USA Network and Peacock coverage. Before returning to “big” NBC for the race’s final portion.

 

Once again the Tintops’, Err GT3 Saloons; Uhm, Sedans according toTom Gloy features a robust 37 entries, if I’ve done my ryth-muh-tickin’ correctly? Having counted 15 GTD Pro entries, leaving 22 GT Daytona runners making up over 50% of the field.

 

Whilst the 37 Gran Tourismo racers will share the limelight with Thar two dozen Bigger Brother Prototype brethren. With the top tier GTP category and LMP2 category being split evenly with twelve entries apiece.

 

Believe I read there’s a total of nine Prancing Horses entered in the GTD ranks, giving la Scuderia the biggest entry.

 

Although the number’s actually just eight Ferrari 296 GT3’s, but still the largest contingent of Sedans…

 

Yet the bigger news is the advent this year of All GT3 machinery running with torque sensors a la the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) LMGT3 category. Which enables closer monitoring of exactly how much horsepower’s being made at the rear wheels. As I believe this is intended to help with the dreaded BoP, nee Balance of Performance allowances…

 

GT Daytona (GTD)

Naturally, I’m not even going to try previewing all 22 GTD entries, instead just choosing some that Peaked’ my interest Danica, Hya! Previewing each of the nine manufacturers competing briefly…

 

Porsche

Teams: 2

Model: Porsche 911 GT3 R

Iron Dames, No. 83; Wright Motorsports, No. 120

 

Naturally I’ve gotta start off with the le Femmes Iron Dames entry. Having previously scribbled about Iron Lynx divorce from Lamborghini, which is now final. With the Iron Dames side of the equation moving back to Porsche in a new multi-year deal.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/12/racing-never-sleeps.html

 

The IMSA GTD driver quartet will be made up of regular’s Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Sarah Bovy. With newcomer Karen Gaillard joining at selected rounds.

 

Ferrari

Teams: 5

Model: Ferrari 296 GT3

AF Corse, Nos 21 and 50; Cetilar Racing, No. 47; Conquest Racing, No. 34; Inception Racing, No. 70 and Triarsi Competizione, Nos 021 and 023

 

The GT Daytona field is stacked with a total of seven Prancing Horses. As I’m a Fan of Conquest Racing, run by former IndyCar driver and team owner Eric Bachelart.

 

But it’s the Cetilar Racing No. 47 entry that interests me. Featuring the father-son pairing of Roberto and Nicola Lacorte. Along with Lorenzo Patrese, son of ex-Formula 1 driver Ricardo, who played second fiddle to Nigel Mansell at Team Willy’. Rounded out by Le Mans winner “Anchorman” Antonio Fuoco.

 

While the driver announcements keep drip-drip-dripping out. With Triarsi Competizione announcing that Sheena Monk and Stevan McAleer, who raced together last year at Gradient Racing. Will contest the entire 2025 GTD season aboard the No. 021. With 24 Heurs du Mans winner James Calado and Mike Skeen joining them at Daytona.

 

Lamborghini

Teams: 2

Model: Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2

Forte Racing, No. 78; Wayne Taylor Racing, No. 45

 

Of these two Lambo’ runners. It’s the #78 Forte Racing  entry which grabs my Attenzione. As Bad Arse double IMSA GTD Champion Mario Farenbacher joins Misha Goikhberg for the full season. With RASCAR driver Parker Kligerman joining for Day-Toner’, along with Frank Perera.

 

Whilst “I Know Nothing” Herr Schultz! About the WTR Huracan entry. Other than Thars’ been a mighty Huracan at Andretti Global last year!

 

Mercedes

Teams: 3

Model: Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo

Korthoss Competition Motors, No. 32; Lone Star Racing, No. 80 and Winward Racing, No. 57

 

Don’t know anything about the Korthoss or Lone Star entries. Whilst Indy Dontje, Philip Ellis, Daniel Marad and Russell Ward are the defending race winners aboard the No. 57 Winward Racing Merc’, which always seems to be at the front of the pack.

 

With the driver lineup remaining intact with the exception of Lucas Auer returning to the cockpit in place of Daniel Marad. As Auer, nephew of Gerhard Berger broke His back during Thursday practice prior to the 2023 Rolex 24 race. 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2024 Streamliner edition

        

RADD!” A Modern Day interpretation of the Golden Submarine originally made famous by Barney Oldfield debuted at the 2008 SEMA Show. (Image source: autoblog.com)

 

Yeah, it’s that time ‘O year again. Yuhs know, Thee Happy, Joyous Shiny time ‘O thoust New Year. when I subject Y’all to mor of my witty repartee from thoust Mystical Isle of Nofendersville with my tardy, End of Year Overall Winners selections, Mateys! Which Y'all Clearly look forward to, Man Overboard!

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Nonsensical, Zany “First Take” Off Ye Cuff selections made below….

 

While Y’all can Compare ‘N contrast these choices with last year’s No Fenders selections in the following link.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/01/golden-tailpipe-awards-2023-streamliner_0868706982.html

 

CATEGORIES

1. Racer of Year

Winner: Jorge Martin

My Numero Uno MotoGP rider finally won the championship this year! Becoming the first Satellite rider in MotoGP to do so, riding a customer ducati for Pramac Racing in its final season as a Ducati customer outfit. As Pramac leaves Ducati after 23 years to become Yamaha’s new satellite squad next year.

 

I’ll admit that I’m not exactly sure how Martin won the title, hence relying on Raymond Hando’s stats. Stating thattheeMartinator’ had a total of 32 podiums slplit equally between Sprint races and Grands Prix. Winning three Grands Prix vs. Francesco Bagnaia’s Mega eleven wins. With Martin and Bagnaia both winning seven Sprint races.

 

Yet crucially, Bagnaia failed to score any points in three Grands Prix, along with having only ten Sprint race podiums. As obviously Bagnaia had less points at season’s end vs. Martin. As I really wanted the Spaniard to win! Especially since He’s off to Aprilia next year, having been “Aced” out of the second Factory Ducati seat, that both Jorge and Enea Bastianini lost to Marc Marquez…

 

Other Choices

Francesco Bagnaia, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Alex Palou, Scott McLaughlin…

 

2. Stories of Year

Winner: “Andretti Gate” and Team Penske’s P2P Shenanigans

Whilst Team Penske’s farcical Push-to-Pass (P2P) scandal was thee talking point at the beginning of this year’s IndyCar championship. With Josef Schlick’ Newgarden rightly being DQ’ed from His St Pete win. Along with ScottyMac’ (McLaughlin) losing His third place, due to both Penske drivers illegally using P2P. This scandal seemed to drag on ‘n on with the denial-denials from Team Penske and Newgarden just getting bigger and bigger. Before El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske placed Tim Cindric and company on Double Secret Probation for the Month of May’s Indianapolis 500, Chirp-chirp Bueller?

 

But the far bigger story for Mwah wasn’t All of Max Blunderhead’s (Verstappen) “Defensive Driving” antics or trading barbs with George Russell. Or FIA Presiden Muhammed Ben Sulayem telling the F1 drivers to mind their own business and quit swearing…

 

Nope, for Mwah if was Michael Andretti’s ouster from His own racing team Andretti Global! Supposedly taking “One for the Team”, KumbaYa…

 

All in the name of money and getting General Motors to commit to building Power Units for its Cadillac F1 team in 2028. Since I find it most ironic thatFerrari has agreed to provide PU’s to Andretti Formula Racing LLC for 2026-27. As Just Sayin’, what’s wrong with that picture, Eh?

 

3. Race of Year

Winner: Petit Le Mans

Even though I Only listened via IMSA Radio to just over half of this race. The ending was so dramatic with Renger van der Zande’s Disco Ball turn out the lights Cyclops one headlight pass for victory in the dark! As what’s that song about One Headlight Jacob Dylan?

 

Especially with it being Cheeps’ and Cadd-Oh-lacs’ final race; as nothing lasts for ever, with Me and Cinderella in the middle of this ‘Ol Caddy V-Series.R and Renger pushing buttons but the Headlight doesn’t work…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzyfcys1aLM

 

Other Choices

Sao Paolo Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500,; Uhm, “That’s All Folks”, insert race here…

 

4. Sportsperson of Year

Winner: Jamie Chadwick

Just so happened to listen to the Indy NXT Road America round and was rootin’ with two sets ‘O fingers crossed for Jamie to win Her debutante Indy NXT race! Which She did, holding off Andretti teammate and eventual title winner Louis Foster to boot!

 

As Jamie’s a great racer, whose only drawback has been lack of funding. As it would have been nice to see Her graduate to Indy Cars. So hopefully

, may be some day? While hoping Her European Le Mans Series season in LMP2 with IDEC Sport Racing goes well and leads to something bigger!

 

Honourable Mention

Abbi Pulling

How could I not mention the upstart Britain who the FIA made work twice as hard for Her eventual championship! As the 21yr old Brit’ thought She’d won the inaugural F1 Academy title once, before the FIA decided to reinstate the final round the week following at Yas Isle, or was it Qatar?

 

But No Problema! As Pulling just went out and claimed All three rounds Pole positions. Putting the title out of runner-up Dorian Pim’s reach, sealing Her title a second time in seven days! And will race for Rodin Motorsports in the British GB3 Championship in 2025.  

 

Other Choices

Katherine Legge, Erica Enders and Dorian Pim

 

5. Flatliner' of year

Winner: Austin Prock

Even though I no longer follow Drag racing casually. How could I not choose Austin Prock, Eh? As the 29yr old wasn’t even supposed to be racing this season, having lost His John Force Racing ride due to the ever crucial funding issues…

 

Yet with Robert Height suffering a nedical issue that kept Him from driving, enter Prock. Who reeled off eight wins enroute to His maiden NHRA Championship title in funny Cars!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/12/a-foreign-world-bubbles-to-surface.html

 

Honourable Mention

Greg Anderson

The wily veteran claimed His sixth Pro Stock Championship title in a winner take all finale! Winning His 106th Pro Stock race, which is crazy! As Anderson’s now tied for second overall with Warren Johnson and Erica Enders…

 

Other Choices

Antron Brown and Jack Beckman

For the Conclusion of this Golden Tailpipe  Awards Categories 6-9. Please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2024 Streamliner edition, Positions 6-9

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2024 Streamliner edition, Positions 6-9

Otay Kiddoes', it's that time 'O year again. NO! Not when Ed McMahon comes ‘n visits Y’all with that Publishers Clearing House envelope…

 

But instead when Tomaso caps off another long, meandering year's storytelling from thoust Isle of Nofendersville with my Zany Year’s end Overall Winners selections. Where the Nights are long and the Days spent type-type-typing Away Way too Mucho on thoust Keyboard! Alas, Once again it’s another long form No Fenders Two part Harmony, Err meandering prose for your consideration

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Zany Random Off Ye Cuff selections made below…

 

CATEGORIES

Rider of The Year, Sports Car Drivers of The Year, Freak of The Year and Quip of The Year

 

6. Rider of Year

Winner: Enea Bastianiniex

Although the simple choice would be thee Martinator’, nee Jorge Martin. I’m going with “The Beast!” instead.

 

As Bastianini,  who was dropped by Ducati Corse in order to make way for the incoming Marc Marquez never gave up fighting! As I was rootin’ for Him to finish third overall ahead of ye Pinball Wizard…

 

Bastianini won two races this year, but couldn’t hold off Marquez in the season finale and had to settle for fourth overall. But fought tooth ‘n nails down to the final race! As I just really enjoyed His no holds barred mentality this season. Especially since who knows if He’ll be able to win a race for KTM?

 

Other Choices

Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez

 

7. Sports Car Drivers of Year

Winner: Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr

This is a bittersweet choice, since Dane Cameron got the boot after winning His fourth IMSA Championship! As I don’t know why Penske felt motivated to drop this perennial championship winner? While keeping teammate and co-driver Felipe Nasr who won His third IMSA Prototypes title.

 

Although Cameron has landed a full season ride piloting Spike-the-Dragon aboard AO Racing’s Oreca LMP2 purple ‘n orange Dragon…

 

Other Choices

Renger van der Zande, Nick Tandy, Ricky Taylor and I suppose Rodney Sandstorm, Eh?

 

8. Freak of Year

Winner: Max Verstappen

How can I not choose Max Blunderhead’ for this award, especially after being referred to as Dick dastardly!

 

As MaxiMillions’ has never been shy of using His racecar as a weapon! As I’m sure Maximus’  Hothead lost His temper at more than one race. But with 24 Grands Prix and probably only tuning into a third of them? Its hard remembering where All Max has been naughty!

 

Although I did totally enjoy His telling the FIA to Bugger Off! Over His using the “ Rated” F-word in a press conference, Bad, Bad, Max, Hya!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/09/f1-max-tells-fia-to-bugger-off.html

 

Not to mention calling George Russell two Faced and allegedly threatening to put the Englishman in the F$$KING Wall upon His Head!

 

As that’s just some of Max’s Freakish moments I can recall…

 

9. Quips of Year

Winners

“If my Mum had Balls, She’d be my Dad!”

That was the hilarious, sardonic leave me alone quip from Max Verstappen during the Miami Grand Prix post-race press conference. As the Media was hounding Max over whether or not the Safety Car had influenced the race? After peppering Him about His reported floor damage. After He’d kerb-hopped a chicane and wiped out the bollard! To which Verstappen claimed He hadn’t felt the car was any different. Before sarcastically saying He’d wanted to crash test the front wing by getting rid of the bollard…

 

Yet the Media wouldn’t relent with Max saying it’s always if, if, if? To which He brilliantly pointed out how His Mum could have been His Dad!

 

“Yapping little Terrier”

Der Crying wolff lands a Good One at Yas Isle! Where Mercedes GP Boss toto Wolff hilariously, and I’d say rightly pigeon-holed whom I’ve been calling the “Pied Piper” of F1 for years. Ergo Christian Horner, Boss of Red Bull Racing and Toto’s biggest adversary…

 

As the pair were sparring over their drivers Max and George Russell exchanging “pleasantries’ in the Steward’s office, Zoinks!

 

Honourable Mention

“Dick dastardly”

1996 F1 World champion Damon Hill calls out Max Verstappen and His ruthless, over-the-top aggressive driving antics during the Mexico City Grand Prix. Claiming that Max was driving like Dick Dastardly!

 

As that's a Wrap for the Year 2024 Kiddoe's, as it's been a really long year. Err, Uhm, Oh Yeah, Ah blast as always…

 

Arrivederci

Tomaso 

The Horse that Stole America’s Heart

Due to His precocious nature, Undersized stature and pure determination…

 

Following Red Pollard’s horrible accident aboard Fair Knightess in February, 1938, Seabiscuit’s owner Charles Howard and trainer tom smith decided that Seabiscuit needed to race. And with Doctors proclaiming Pollard’s injuries would take a year to mend, a new Jockey was needed!

 

Pollard lobbied for His friend George Woolf getting the ride, but instead Raymond “sonny” Workman rode Seabiscuit in the San Antonio Handicap, in preparation for that year’s Santa Anita Handicap Stakes race.

 

Think the Biscuit’ finished fourth in the Lone Star state? With Smith being furious at Workman for not riding the Horse per His instructions, and that Workman had to go!

 

In fairness to Workman, who also became a Hall of Fame Jockey with more race wins and better winning percentage than the “Iceman”. Smith didn’t like Eastern riders and Pollard had given Him different instructions regarding riding Seabiscuit! Making me wonder if Pollard deliberately sabotaged Him?

 

With Pollard’s continued encouragement, close friend and Mega winning Jockey George Woolf was given the nod to ride Seabiscuit in the following Santa Anita $100,000 Stakes race, where Woolf came up just inches short in a photo finish, losing to Stagehand! Being two years younger and carrying a far lower Jockey input weight vs. Seabiscuit.

 

I also learned that Bing Crosby had been a founding member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club  that developed the Del Mar racetrack in 1937. For which I visited the Fairgrounds once to attend an IMSA GTP race during the early 1990’s.

 

Crosby was close friends with Lindsay Howard, son of Charles; whose father also reputedly had a stake in the Del Mar racetrack. As Crosby and Lindsay established Binlin Stables to breed and race Thoroughbred Horses. Along with also Binglin Stock Farm in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

As many of their Horses would be shipped to the United States. Including Kayak, whose original name was Kajak. Which Charles Howard was allowed to purchase, and would go onto become another famous Horse from the Howard Stables.

 

Seeking promotion for Crosby’s Del Mar resort, Lindsay came up with the crazy notion of challenging His father to a Match race with Seabiscuit racing against Crosby and His Horse Lingaroti in a $25,000 winner take all event.

 

As substitute Jockey George Woolf, known as the “Iceman” won the race in August, 1938. Despite Ligaroti’s Jockey Noel “Spec” Richardson’s dirty, illegal racing efforts!

 

While  Pollard was recuperating from a second riding accident, after volunteering to help a fellow Jockey with a troublesome Horse, which should have ended His career!

 

In 1938 Seabiscuit garnered the most column inches of newspaper press. Ahead of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hitler and Mussolini. Along with Pope Pius XI, Howard Hughes and Clark Gable! Culminated by His epic Match race victory over War Admiral, the 1937 Triple Crown winner!

 

Legendous’ Jockey George Woolf rode another masterful, victorious race at Pimlico Downs on November 1st, in what was called the Match of the Century! As I love the descriptions of Woolf’s mind games with War Admiral’s Charlie Kurtsinger, that Woolf and Seabiscuit won by four lengths; Pollard’s pre-race prediction. Where the phrase “See Yah Charlie!” was coined.

 

As Woolf was simply the most amazing Jockey of His period! Winning nearly 20% of His races, including nearly one hundred major races. With a total of 721 wins. With the Iceman later exclaiming He’d never had more fun riding a Horse then that November day against War Admiral!

 

Yet Woolf suffered from Type 1 diabetes, during a time prior to today’s mainstream usage of insulin. As the book describes the horrible measures Jockey’s went to reducing their weight.

 

Making it even sadder reading that Woolf died in a Horse race in January, 1946, most likely falling off due to fainting from His Diabetes, on a day when He hadn’t wanted to ride. With the whole crowd at Santa Anita hearing the bone smashing crack of His head hitting the racetrack! Dying at the age of 35.

 

Woolf rightly has been elected to multiple Hall of Fames, and bronze statues of Him and Seabiscuit adorn both Santa Anita Park and His Hometown of Cardston, Alberta.

 

As both Woolf and Pollard were fast friends, both racing in Tijuana, Mexico at Agua Caliente in the late 1920’s. Where Woolf was adorned with the nickname Iceman, and Pollard became known as Cougar. With both riders cutting their teeth in what was known as the Bush leagues…

 

But what fascinated me most about Pollard, besides His tenacity to persevere from repeated horrific injury! Was that He was blind in one eye, which He kept as a secret from everybody, except His future wife Agnes, who was His nurse when recovering from that second crash aboard Modern Youth in June. An out-of-control runaway Colt!

 

As Pollard’s leg was almost completely ripped off His body, with Doctors saving it from amputation! Although proclaiming He’d never walk or ride Horses again…

 

Pollard’s lost eyesight, due to being hit with a rock during a training ride immediately made me think of two-times Indianapolis 500 winner Tommy Milton, who also was blind in one eye.

 

As Pollard kept His condition a secret like Milton thru His racing career, since He’d only ever wanted to be a Jockey. It was All He knew how to do. And discovery of His Handicap would have meant immediate dismissal and banning of racing Horses…

 

I only had one complaint against the Howard’s, who treated Pollard like He was their son, and paid for all of His medical costs amongst other things. Was Charles Howard’s unfair cruelness against Woolf when the Jockey raced Seabiscuit in a “tune-up” race, ironically at Santa Anita Park. Screaming at Woolf why did you do it George repeatedly!

 

Towards the end of the race, Seabiscuit injured His leg. As Woolf heard a crack, but thought Seabiscuit had merely stumbled over a rough patch on the track, and couldn’t detect anything wrong with the Stallion. Until Woolf gave the Biscuit’ a second crack of the whip at race’s end, immediately feeling the change in Seabiscuit’s gait!

 

Thus, with Seabiscuit out of the 1939 Santa Anita Handicap, Howard and Smith focused upon another of their Horse’s. With Kayak; also known as Kayak II for registration purposes winning the Santa Anita Handicap. Although this was of little solace to the Howard’s who’d wanted to win the “Hundred Grander” race all along with Seabiscuit.

 

As Woolf’s incident with Seabiscuit, having ruptured His front left leg’s suspensory ligament was thought to have ended the magnificent Seabiscuit’s career…

 

While its clear to me that both of the Biscuit’s main riders, i.e.; Pollard and Woolf, who were excellent Jockeys would never intentionally harm their mounts! As I like both of these men, but was more impressed by Woolf’s panache, honesty and going the extra mile towards other Jockeys. Which I suppose is why I cried when reading about His death in the book!

 

Yeah I know, Real men Don’t eat Quiche…

 

Meanwhile, sometime in the early 1940’s, trainer “Silent Tom” (Smith) finally parted ways with the Howard’s. And subsequently went to work for none other than Cosmetics tycoon Elizabeth Arden. Where Smith humoured Her request for Her Horses using Her products. With the Horses getting cold cream treatments and perfume “spritzes”.

 

As Smith would win the 1947 Kentucky Derby for Arden. Retiring in 1955 with 29 major Stakes race wins before dying in 1957, some seven years after Charles Howard. 

When a Horse outweighed Horsepower

As not even an Locomotive could have derailed the Biscuit’ that November day!

 

Utilizing that well worn cliché, this book was well outside of my wheelhouse. But I’m super happy I “read”, Err listened to it this past December. Even if I’m one of the last to read this book, eh? Yet having listened to the author Laura Hillenbrand’s second book Unbroken first. I eagerly awaited reading Seabiscuit, which perhaps many of you already know about, or have seen the (2003) movie?

 

The book chronicles the maturation of Seabiscuit, a truly unique Horse. For which the nation’s thirst for reaches a frenzied crescendo with the hugely anticipated Belmont “Stakes” Match race of Memorial Day weekend 1938.

 

This event between the nation’s top two Horses was so anticipated, that it basically squeezed out any national press coverage of that year’s Indianapolis 500! With the Match race’s two protagonists Seabiscuit and War Admiral being on the front pages of countless newspapers and magazines while enthralling the nation! Seeing the Fan Francisco Chronicle’s coverage of the 1938 Indy 500 being relegated

to page 24!

 

Belmont had been pressured into the Match race by Seabiscuit’s owner Charles Howard, with a prize of $100,000 mandated. And had spent $30k promoting the race and preparing the track. Reportedly if you’d turned Belmont on its side, for which every seat had been sold out. It would be nearly as tall as the newly built Empire State building!

 

Not to mention the multiple special trains transporting fans from the west coast and other locales to the event, before it was ultimately cancelled, due to Seabiscuit being scratched.

 

With the first two Match races cancelled at Belmont and Suffolk Downs, the enterprising Alfred Vanderbilt successfully negotiated a Match race at His little Pimlico Downs Horsetrack for November 1, 1938.

 

Slated for a Tuesday, in hopes of keeping the crowd “manageable” for His 16,000 seat racetrack to no avail! As massive throngs of people queued up beginning six and one-half hours early. With an eventual overflow crowd of 30,000 spectators jammed into the grandstands and another 10,000 in the infield. With a further 10,000 stranded outside!

 

Not to mention gathering an estimated radio audience of 40 million, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who kept His Advisors waiting as He listened to the race…

 

What I found so enjoyable about both of Laura Hillenbrand’s books is that She makes the characters vividly come to life. Giving us brief biography’s of the major characters, beginning with future rider John “red” Pollard. So nicknamed due to His shock of red hair…

 

To Charles Howard, the owner of Seabiscuit with His second wife Marcela. As Charles rose from beginning as a humble bicycle repairman from New York. Who at age 26 in 1903traveled by train to San Francisco, arriving with an entire 21-cents to His name!

 

Setting up His own bicycle repair shop before teaching himself to repair the early, unloved Horseless carriages frequenting San Francisco.

 

Howard then saw the promise of the automobile and got Buick Boss and future General Motors leader William Durant to grant Him the Buick dealership for San Franscisco, returning with three Buick’s in tow.

 

Following the devastating Sand Francisco earthquake of 1906, where Howard had some of the only working automobiles to aid in recovering and transporting injured people. He became so successful that He eventually had the entire western states distributorship. And when Durant went bankrupt in 1915, Howard bailed Him out with a $190,000 personal loan. Which Durant paid Him back with General Motors stock and other Distributorship perks.

Thus, Howard became a very wealthy person, buying a 17,000 acre “Spread” (ranch) 150 miles north of San Francisco in the Redwoods. Fullfilling a dream of becoming a rancher after having been a short-lived Cavalryman. Leading to what became His second career as a Thoroughbred race owner.

 

The Howard’s didn’t want to take the easy way into Horse racing success. Thus sending out the man who made Seabiscuit into His prize winning status, out in search of a Horse needing reclamation.

 

Trainer “Silent Tom” Smith scoured Horse racing venues countrywide before first spotting Seabiscuit in the summer of 1936 at Suffolk Downs, then under the care of renown trainer “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons. Who’d Previously taken Gallant Fox to the Triple Crown. And won the 1935 Triple Crown with Omaha.

 

Seabiscuit, son of Hard Tact and Grandson of Man o’ War. Was born in 1933, and was thought to be somewhat lazy, since He enjoyed sleeping and eating. Although showing some promise, Ftizsimmons didn’t have time to develop Him due to training Omaha. And thus Seabiscuit was sold to the Howards for $8,000 in 1936.

 

Tom Smith, a reticent man of few words, hence the nickname. Along with hard luck Jockey Red’ Pollard together developed Seabiscuit into the nation’s premiere Horse. Yet just as Seabiscuit and Pollard were looking set to win that year’s Santa Anita “Hundred Grander” (Stakes race, injury struck Pollard!

 

In a “Tune-up” ride on Feb 19, 1938. After Seabiscuit had been scratched due to the muddy track. Pollard switched mounts to another of Howard’s Horses Fair Knightess. Since the Horse was known to be a “Mudder”. Yet unfortunately, Pollard and the Horse suffered a massive spill. With the Horse crushing Pollard’s lungs when landing on His chest! Incurring broken ribs, a shattered collarbone and a broken shoulder, along with internal injuries!

To continue reading, please visit the No Fenders link below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2025/01/the-horse-that-stole-americas-heart.html

                    

Welcome to the New Year 2025

As Y’all know that well worn cliché about time Zoom-Zooming by!

 

Or as ‘Ol Pink Floyd says something ‘bout another year older, tired and liking to warm my bones besides the fire…

 

Nah, no “Meet the New Year, Same as the Old Year” Jokes here! Since apparently the Jokes upon Mwha! And I’m not talking about the weather. Which has done nothing but pummeled us with rain upon Ye Gory Oregonian coast since New Years Day. Not to mention being perpetually cold, but I digress…

 

No, the joke is that Microsoft decided to update/modify some coding upon its All knowing Edge internet browser. Since believe they got tired of it being referred to as Internet Exploder! And broke the Intrawoods’ for All of us whom use Zoomtext Fusion Screen Reading software to interface with the Digital world, Buggers!

 

As I first began not being able to “surf the Web” on New Years Eve. But didn’t learn of this issue until contacting Zoomtext Tech Support on Friday, January 3rd. With the workaround solution being to use Firefox Moohzillah’, after the kindly tech support Boffin’ updated my out-of-date Moohzillah’ browser.

 

As this Ain’t exactly a good sign for the New Year ahead, Eh! Although I Don’t have a lot to say. Since it also seems fruitless of Mwah to say I’ll take it easy scribblin’ stories here upon No Fenders for your consumption.

 

As once again, I found myself getting wound-up trying to Hammer away at year’s end, before ‘Ol Santa Claus’s arrival Ho-Ho-Ho!

 

Not to mention originally scribblin’ this riveting post in the wrong text font, but I further digress…

 

Arse-suming everybody knows that Juncos Hollinger Racing announced Conor Daly as the new chauffeur of its No. 77 entry one week before Christmas. Meaning Romain Grosjean will now just focus upon His Sports Car career, unless He can land one of Coyne’s two seats?

 

Although hopefully nobody’s holding Thar’ breath over Dale Coyne announcing His two IndyCar drivers anytime soon. Like I mean we’ve still got 55 days until St Pete, Hya! Although I’m really hoping His lineup will be Rinus VeeKay and Toby Sowery. Or Grosjean and Sowery would be fine also…

 

Formula 1 capped off the year with a flurry of expected announcements from Red Bull. With Checo’ (Sergio Perez) told not to come back! And Liam Lawson filling His seat for 2025. Along with the relatively unheard of Isack Hadjar graduating to F1 filling Lawson’s Racing bulls seat.

 

The F1 grid will have a massive quarter of its seats filled by rookies. Led by reigning Formula 2 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber/Audi. F2 runner-up Hadjar at RB. Oliver Bearman at Haas. Jack Doohan at Alpine and Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.

 

The annual Dakar Rally, once again being contested in Saudia Arabia, began on Friday, January 3rd, and ends on January 17th. Although I’ve got zero clue who’s competing this year? Whilst Arse-sumedly with mediocre TV coverage behind the nebulous Peacock Paywall…

 

Then on Christmas day, I read that the Lamborghini SC63 IMSA GTP program will be run by Bill Riley and His Riley Motorsports concern this season, with a single entry in the five Michelin Endurance cup rounds.

 

Meanwhile, it’s a mad scramble to poond’ out another batch o’ riveting No Fenders blog stories for this year’s fast approaching Rolex 24. With 61 entries set to take the green flag at Daytona International speedway on Saturday, January 25th; just 19-days from now, Yikes!

 

Preceded by the three day Roar before The Rolex 24 taking place between Jan 17-19. Which sees the return of Qualifying moving back to  Thursday afternoon, January 23rd.

 

As Race Fans, Start your Engines! But first, a ‘lil Equine adventure, Giddy Up Y’all…

Leftovers from the Riley’s Café

Where you can get anything but Alice, Ho-Ho-Ho!

 

Originally “watched”, Err listened to the excellent Racer video recounting much of the late Bob Riley’s life, along with son bill prior to Santa’s arrival. And then watched it again over the Holidazes’, since its such a great look at two of America’s premiere Sports Car designers. With father Bob telling many stories about various racecars of His career. Along with many anecdotes and back ‘n forth footage with son bill…

 

As I love the part about Bill riley at Purdue University, Whale’ I think it was Purdue? When taking basic Drafting classes and learning to draw a pyramid while working on designing the Intrepid racecar. Or asking His teacher about having to take a pay cut after graduating!

 

Not sure how long it weighs-in at? As it runs for quite awhile, but is definitely worth checking out!

 

https://racer.com/2024/12/14/dinners-with-the-rileys/