Six wonderful Gil de Ferran remembrance Podcasts

A jubilant Roger Penske celebrates after Gil de Ferran scored Penske’s 100th IndyCar victory at the 2000 Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix at Nazareth, PA. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As Bravo Marshal, well Done!

 

Yeah I know, I know! It’s just over four months now since Gil de Ferran unexpectedly died at age 56. Which although I scribbled briefly about His untimely departure, I simply didn’t have any space to “Back-time” this particular story into Ye rotation. Especially since I’d already scheduled some 25, Uhm 26, Err 27 No Fenders posts in order to keep thy Blog’, as my late Awntie’ Harriet called it Alive.

 

Nope, No Young Frankenstein “It’s Alive” Jokes Here!

 

Thus, if you haven’t listened to any of Marshall Pruett’s six part interview with some of Gil de Ferran Friends tribute Podcasts. Or if you want to learn more about what made De Ferran such a great person, or the man behind the racing helmet. Then I highly recommend that you visit the Marshall Pruett Podcast website and search for the following episode.

 

MP1478 Remembering Gil de Ferran 1 with Scott Dixon

MP1477 Remembering Gil de Ferran 2 with Zak Brown

MP1476 Remembering Gil de Ferran 3 with Simon Pagenaud

MP1475 Remembering Gil de Ferran 4 with Tom German

MP1474 Remembering Gil de Ferran 5 with Justin Bell

MP1473 Remembering Gil de Ferran 6 with Dario franchitti

 

As they’re All great interviews highlighting Gil’s attributes as a person Off-track, i.e.; Family-man, Husband, Father, Team Owner and Oh Yeah, Championship winning race car driver!

 

Most weigh in around 30mins with the exception of Simon Pagenaud’s, who easily went for some 80mins with Symone’ just getting “Warmed Up!” As it was great hearing Pagenaud’s voice again! The first time since His Horrible accident at Mid-Ohio.

 

Although symone’s memories make me realize just how much I’ve missed over the years, even when perusing motor racing stories daily!

 

As Simon tells two great stories about His reverence for the great Ayrton Senna. For which somehow I never knew that Pagenaud, who back then was my second favourite IndyCar driver! Did a tribute Senna helmet commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Senna’s death in 2014.

 

With Simon debuting said tribute helmet with His three Brazilian “brothers”, i.e.; Gil de Ferran, Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves. While the second Senna story relates to the naming of their first son’s name…

 

Guessing that the only name of the six interviews that will be somewhat foreign to most, including myself is Tom German’s name. Who was Gil’s Championship winning race engineer at Penske. Including setting that amazing All-time closed course lap record of 241.428mph.

 

Which like Marshall says during one of the interviews, that’s an average of 241.428mph, meaning Gil was going faster some of the time, and slower in the corners, whilst averaging 240mph!

As I love German’s telling about De Ferran saying you’re a young guy, how are you gonna handle the pressure when the Pole is on the line? To which German was able to say, I’d do like last year when Scott Pruett won the Pole and you were second…

 

As All six issues have made me cry at some point during their interviews. As I think it was early in episode one, that made me realize I hadn’t been effected this hard by the death of a driver since the passing of my Numero Uno IndyCar Driver, the late Justin Wilson!

 

You can also find the podcast links to All six episodes in Marshall’s three page Racer article on remembering  Gil below.

 

https://racer.com/2024/01/06/gil-de-ferran-as-his-friends-remember-him/ 

Languid thoughts upon De Ferran and Indy Cars future

As 56 is way too early to die!

 

Nah, No April fools Jokes here upon No Fenders today Kiddoes! Other than the only Joke is that I’m posting this story just now, that I began scribbling upon the first weekend of January. When my, and countless others emotions were still raw over the untimely Death of Gil de Ferran at age 56!

 

Although I suppose in another bout of Tomfoolery’, Uhm, we’re a week removed from the Whose your Daddy Thermal Sweepstakes “All Star” event. For which I wasn’t certain Wayback’ in Gory January if I’d get a chance to watch it on Thy Telie? With whomever was providing my final respite ‘O Home Health Care recovery from my Open Heart surgery.

 

Although pretty G-Damn sure Nurse Catherine would give me Permission to do so! Which sorry Y’all, if you’re tiring of hearing me pontificate about this truly life changing experience; but Gil was younger than me.

 

As Gil’s Death was shocking enough just for it’s unexpected earliness. But hit me even harder due to my then awaiting Open Heart surgery and knowing the same could have happened to Mwah…

 

And since I’m still really not sure when I’ll return to thoust keyboard and Blogging in earnest. Therefore I’m trying to “pad” out some more time before resuming my normal Pre-surgery routine.

 

Look, I’m always Happy whenever IndyCar’s on-track, since it happens way too little during the year. Like can Y’all say El Stupidio 182 days Freakin’ Off-season!

 

And thus I had nothing against the Thermal Club event other then it simply seemed like another Gimmick from Day-1 of it’s announcement!

 

And Marshall Pruett had me laughing in stitches when sardonically mentioning that although the IndyCar press release said only the Top-5 finishers would be given prize money. The same press release went onto claim that positions 6-27 would each garner a cheque for $23,000. As Marshall wryly noted that He needed to finish P13, Brilliant!

 

Hence with the words All Star and The Thermal All Skate event occurring after only one IndyCar race. The word All Star made me think of the late gil de Feran once again!

 

Since like I previously scribbled here upon No Fenders. I’m guessing it must have been 2013? Since All I know it wasn’t the initial Legends Day Gala event of 2011, which had the largest trove of former IndyCar drivers in attendance. For which IMS Sherpa Carpets’ and I waited an hour or hour and a half? For me to get ‘lil Stevie Johnson’s, aka Stefan Johansson’s John Handcock!

 

Well at least I thought that was the one ‘n only time I briefly met De Ferran at Mother Speedway. Perhaps it was De Ferran’s line that was too long and we skipped it instead? Even though I swear I can still see His face and hear Him saying Hi to me…

 

Regardless, this reminded me of another De Ferran memory – that I know for certain happened…

 

As I’d been pestering thee Donald’, No-No-No! Not that Juan’, but Don Kay of Autosport Radio to see if He could procure me Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud’s John Hancock during an Autosport Radio Show interview some 15 years ago, Aye Karumba!

 

And in true De Ferran fashion. Not only did I get Simon’s autograph on a De Ferran Motorsports “Hero” card. But I got several! One each of Pagenaud and De Farran individually, along with the pair’s signatures together during their ALMS days…

 

Don’t need to recap how many times IndyCar shot itself in the foot last year! Other than as Marshall Pruett likes repeating sardonically upon His weekly Podcasts. According to IndyCar management – from the top down, beginning with The Captain, RP’ ergo Roger Penske Everything’s AWSM!

 

And although I’ve never worried before, naturally life’s taken on a whole new meaning to me…

 

In Geo. Phillips Christmas tidings Oilpressure post. Who’ll remain Ye Oldest IndyCar blogger to me! Even if George pointed out casually that The Pit Window’s Mike Silver is older than Him, but I digress…

 

George noted that this May will be fifteen years for His Blogsite, and at age 65, He doesn’t plan to be still blogging in another 15yrs at age 80.

 

This got me thinking that keeping that same thought-bubble’. That I’ve been poondin’ out stories nonstop here on No Fenders for over 17 years, and another 17 would get me to my 77th birthday! For which I have a hard time thinking I’ll still be blogging then also…

 

And I’d Arse-sume similar sentiments from Mike silver? Since that puts three current IndyCar bloggers already at or nearly Senior Citizens today! With I Kissed the Bricks Patty Nolan being 53 and the Field of 33’s Paul Dalbey is soon to turn “The King’s” number, ergo 43. While I have no idea what age For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hamdoat is?

 

All of which makes me wonder if there are any IndyCar Bloggers currently under the age of 40 out Thar? Or are Blogs akin to Facebook? And just what the older generation gravitates towards?

 

As may be there’s young, savy “Digital Warriors” out there in IndyCar-land solely on Instagram? But being Blind, have I reminded Y’all lately? I Don’t do any of the social media stuff, especially Instagram, since obviously I cannot “See” it!

 

As the age old question is how does IndyCar excite and grow it’s next generation of Fans to replace us current Diehard, but aging Fanbase? And nope, No corny NXT jokes here! Even if everything’s AWSM!

 

As it seems that the best way to start this massive “C” Change would for Penske Entertainment and RP’ insert son Greg Penske into the “big chair”, ergo CEO now! With El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske becoming the Chairman, provided He didn’t keep Greg’s Hands tied behind His back decision-wise!

 

Since with many current IndyCar team owners being in their 60’s or older? Whilst I think the two youngest owners are Zak Brown and Riccardo Juncos currently. We don’t exactly have an infusion of age in the ownership ranks!

 

And being Captain McObvious. Without a younger, more vibrant Fanbase, it really won’t matter if IndyCar gets a new chassis, goes Hybrid, lands a third engine manufacturer, etc. Making me wonder if IndyCar will just keep plodding along before fading into obscurity sometime in the future?

 

As I’ve done my part supporting IndyCar for nearly four decades. And as Queen Danica would say. It’s Not my Fault that we had The Split and lost a generation of IndyCar Fans!

 

Which naturally made me think of Rush’s great song Between the Wheels!

 

Y’all know how that Rabbit feels going underneath your spinning wheels,

Windshield towards the Fly,

Time just passes you by,

Another lost Generation…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj1eUnNOvpY

 

Partial song lyrics from: Rush Between the Wheels; Grace Under Pressure, 1984 

Bill riley keeps Huntin’ for more Easter Eggs

        As Y’all be kind to those chocolate Bunny’s ears. Yuhs Hear, especially you Max!

 

Yeah, know Y’all are probably distracted with the arrival of Ye Easter Bunny, or should that be Beagle’ this Sunday. Although it still seems odd to be celebrating Easter in march!

 

Therefore, I’m Arse-suming that my already razor slim No Fenders traffic count will decrease even further? But not sure how far it can go down from my three devoted readers, Eh?

 

Alas, I’ll point Yuhs towards another vintage No Fenders yarn celebrating thee Easter Beagle’, as where are Yuhs Snoopy? With the following No Fenders tome.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/04/a-revheadz-easter-basket-full-o-treats.html

 

And for those of Y’all Jonesin’ for something motorsports related. Here’s another story I’ve been letting percolate way too long!

 

As the Racer article that caught my Attenzione was a somewhat “Puff” piece about what Bill Riley’s up to, albeit being posted Wayback’ on August 30, 2023. For which the exact title was: Riley keeps moving forward on multiple Sports Car fronts.

 

As Riley’s wife says He’s pretty busy! With Bill running the Riley racing “empire” that His father bob began, presumably continuing with the three Sports Car teams He’s involved with.

 

With the LMP3 category going away in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship this season. The final LMP3 Champions stepped up to the LMP2 category this year. Making waves when announcing that 2008 Formula 1 runner-up Felipe Massa would join Gar Robinson and company at this year’s Rolex 24.

 

Although I’ve got zero clue how they, or the majority of the field did at this years 24 Hours of Daytona! Due to laying in a Hospotal bed for five days before hopefully being released on January 28th…

 

Riley’s also involved in a partnership with Kelly Moss Racing running a brace of Porsche 911 GT3 R’s in the GTD (Daytona) class. The Nos. 91-92 specifically…

 

Whilst Arse-suming He’s continuing to field an entry for George Kurtz and Colin Brown aboard a CrowdStrike Racing by Riley Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in the SRO’s GT World Challenge America series. Where the duo won the Pro am category last year.

 

Whilst I had no idea that it was an Riley & Scott chassis that the other TK’, aka Tommy Kendall devastated the Trans Am field in during His championship winning years driving for Roush Racing in those Nasty Ford Mustang Trans Am racecar! Or that apparently much of the SCCA Pro Racing’s Trans Am field was comprised of Riley & Scott chassis…

 

As Tony Ave reportedly talked Bob Riley into designing a new Trans Am chassis, known as the Riley TA1 for which Chris Dyson drove to His third consecutive Trans Am National championship last year. Becoming only the fifth driver in series history with three or more championships! Joining the likes of the aforementioned Kendall, Paul Meatheadz’ Gentilozzi, Scott Scooter’ Pruett and Ernie Francis Jr.

 

While the Riley & Scott Mk III Sports Car Prototype chassis was the most successful Privateer “mount”, which I fondly remember Dyson Racing using to great effect, including winning the 24 Hours of Daytona with! Also somehow having forgotten that Riley ran the 2012-14 Viper GT3 program.

 

But I was totally unaware until reading said Racer article that Riley Technologies was now building continuation Ford GT40 Mk IV’s, for which arse-sumedly the first cracecar’s now completed.

 

According to Bill, longtime Riley Technologies customer Jim Mathews bought the former Ford “satellite” Kar-Kraft company. Although actually Riley Technologies Inc. run by Bob & bill riley, along with Mathews bought the assets of Kar-Kraft Wayback’ in August, 2020, for which I definitely missed the memo!

 

Tooling, Fixtures, Jigs and technical drawings, some with Bob Riley’s name upon them were sent to Riley’s shop in Moorsville, NCAs I also didn’t know that Bob Riley had been involved upon the original Shelby American Ford GT40 Mk IV racecar. With plans to build at least ten continuation Mk IV’s, with the first having it’s delivery date delayed until 2023…

 

And thus, Y’all can “See” that Bill riley indeed is a very busy man! As I just hope none of His championship winning racecars roll over any Easter Eggs or Chocolate bunnies Ears! 

INDYCAR: The Series we Love to Hate!

As how’s that “New & Improved” Marketing Department working out?

 

For Mwah, the words Mission accomplished came to mind following the conclusion of the “Whose Your Daddy” Million Dollar Sweepstakes event held at the Thermal club.

 

As I have to agree with Racer’s Marshall Pruett that Sunday’s Non Championship (points-wise) event was an event that none of the competitors were truly interested in. And simply was a convenient way for IndyCar to fill a Humungous six weeks gap in it’s schedule due to Texas Motor Speedway pulling the Plug upon them.

 

Being Blind, have I mentioned that Y’all lately? I had issues with the sound quality during both the Qualifying coverage on IndyCar Radio and Sunday’s race on Big NBC, with the latter’s being overly wonky, i.e.; constantly fluctuating up ‘n down the entire 2.5hrs TV Broadcazt.

 

For the IndyCar Radio “Simocast”, I had to Jack up my volume 16 levels in order to hear Mark Gravelly’ James and Jake the Riddler’ Queiry pontificating about everything but the action on-track during the first five minutes of the ridiculously short eight minute Qualie’ sessions. With Qualifying being delayed due to Marcus Ericsson’s crash – backing into the tyre barrier when potentially a Flinstone’ rear tyre went down…

 

Have to say that Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) has really grown on me. And I’m now a Huge Fan of the Swede’s! And I really appreciate His Dry Wit! Noting how the $500,000, the winner’s amount for the Million Dollar challenge. Would help for His upcoming wedding in September and buy a lot of nice flowers…

 

Enjoyed sitting on the couch with Snowbyrd MJ’ and explaining various questions about the day’s event. As I found the day’s first Heat race far more entertaining due to the collision between “Count Dracula”, aka Rinus VeeKay and Romain Grosjean. Although in both’s defense, Scott Dixon punted romain, who collided with VeeKay, who “Hip checked” Christian Lundgaard and left a gaping Hole in the Dane’s sidepod. Whilst ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLaughlin made Rosenqvist work for His victory…

 

The second Heat race was a Snoozer with Alex Palou leading wire-to-wire, with the first four cars following in procession…

 

This was the first time I’d “watched”, Err listened to an NBC TV Broadcast in over a year and-a-half! So it was nice hearing lead announcer Leigh Diffey’s voice again, along with (Townsend) T-Bell’ and thee Mayor’, nee James Hinchcliffe. Yet the two Pit reporters Kevin Lee and Marty Snyder were their usial, annoying selfs! As Lee, whom I call the Werewolf! Was His usual over-the-top, trying to emulate manufactured excitement! And may be had one too many cups of coffee? WhilstSnidely Whiplash’, akaMarty Snyder doesn’t need explanation…

 

I only bring this up since scuttlebutt suggests that Diffey may be leaving IndyCar for a new NASCAR Gig later this year? Meaning potentially a new lead announcer would be needed.

 

Whilst some on Ye Blogosphere have “Championed” Kevin Lee as the perfect replacement for years. I for one think that Lee makes a Horrible lead announcer whenever filling in for Diffey! As His Fake enthusiasm which sounds simply like shrieking is what led to His No Fenders moniker…

 

As I’d say that Brian till would be the perfect replacement if necessary, as Kevin’s a fine Pitlane reporter. But is one of the main reasons I’ve switched over to listening to All IndyCar races on IndyCar Radio instead, but I digress…

 

Fortunately I wasn’t playing any drinking games for every-time Diffey mentioned the One Million Dollar challenge, which only paid $500,000 to the winner! As surely El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske with All of His Business connections could have squeezed $500k from somebody to be the “title” sponsor, El Correctomundo?

 

As Kudos to IndyStar’s Nathan Browne Me Thinks? Or whomever it was who pointed out that IndyCar couldn’t even get their message straight! Regarding boasting over it being the largest non-Indianapolis 500 purse…

 

Uhm, Wrong again IndyCar! Since Jimmy Vasser won an actual $1.0 million at the 1996 U.S. 500 during the first year of The Split. With the U.S. 500 being contested in front of 110,000+ Fans on the same Sunday as that year’s inaugural Indy Racing League (IRL) Indianapolis 500. Which CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) teams were Boycotting due to Tony George’s infamous 25/8 Rule!

 

With the U.S. 500 held at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) paying out some $3.6 million-plus in total purse. As can Y’all say Oops, Butterfingers?

 

Now I have no clue over what I’d do to improve the “All Star” $1 Million Challenge Sweepstakes format, as you have to say that the first 10-laps segment was a Snoozer! Other than the mild intrigue caused collectively by Andretti Global’s Colton Herta’s decision to run excrutiatingly slow in order to conserve His Firestone rubber for the race’s second 10-laps segment, since tyres weren’t allowed to be changed. Only tyre pressures could be adjusted.

 

Have to say I like the addition of the “P2P”, ergo Push to Pass forty seconds of additional Horsepower, but this also only allowed effectively for one lap’s duration. But did aadd a nice wrinkle of “Strategerie” as Marshall Pruett would say…

 

Unfortunately the three podium finishers All effectively ran nose-to-tail the entire twenty laps after McLaughlin jumped Rosenqvist on the first race start, with Alex Palou simply being untouchable the entire weekend, including the entire race.

 

Yet Herta did manage to ultimately go from Dead last in P12 to finish in fourth, being the best part of the “Show”. Finishing ahead of Marcus Armstrong, who netted a paltry $50,000 for His Team Boss Chip Ganassi.

 

Since Nathan Browne wrote that drivers typically average only 40% of the prize winnings before taxes, etc.

 

Along with Alexander Rossi and Josef Newgarden playing “Argie-Bargie”, allowing rookie Linus Lundqvist to slip past both and finish P6.

 

Yet positions 6-27 paid a measly $23,000, which probably didn’t even pay the corresponding teams Hotel Bills?

 

Which leads me wondering who actually paid the Bill for this event? As did IndyCar charge the Thermal Club a sanctioning Fee? And how did those limited, 75% reduced price limited attendance tickets work out? Since Snowbyrd MJ’ told me that only strategically “shot” television coverage showed All of the “Beautiful” people dining on members decks. Before showing a few empty decks but NO Fans attending…

 

Regardless of how this event is perceived by us Hardcore Fans, or Ye legions of les Miserables. You have to concede that we’re All talking about it! And we were treated to having 27 Indy Cars on-track for our entertainment. Along with filling a sizeable gap in the IndyCar schedule.

 

So I’d say that the event did it’s “Job” overall… 

Porsche’s modern day Open Wheel Racing exploits

With Stuttgart triumphing in Formula 1 briefly…

 

The 1980’s were heady times for Porsche, with it’s multi-pronged foray’s into single seater racing, a discipline that Stuttgart wasn’t renown for…

 

Thee Ronster’, aka Ron Dennis shrewdly enticed Mansour Ojjeh, owner of TAG Electronics to foot the bill for a brand new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. Although McLaren’s Nicholson massaged Cossie’ (Cosworth) normally aspirated 3.0-litre DFV V-8’s were still competitive vs. the turbo revolution in 1982. Obviously the writing was on the wall…

 

The 90 degrees 1.5-litre V-6 Porsche designed engine, built to McLaren’s Technical Director John Barnard’s tight packaging specifics, in order to mate to it’s revolutionary MP4/2 chassis were ultimately fast-tracked with a hastily converted MP4/1E racecar for the end of the ’83 F1 season, making it’s debut at the Dutch Grand Prix.

 

The McLaren MP4 was the first carbon fiber composite racecar to compete in Formula 1, for which the MP4/2 was an evolution designed specifically for the TAG-Porsch turbo engine, since it’s predecessor had been built for the aging Cosworth DFV V-8.

 

Upon the firing of thee “Professor”, aka Alain Prost from Renault, Dennis immediately snapped up the Frenchman’s services in favour of Wattie’, aka John Watson. And with Prost joining Niki Lauda, the rest was History!

 

And although initially Porsche was weary of having it’s name upon the engine due to fears of uncompetitiveness. Obviously this quickly changed, as Prost and Lauda won a total of eleven races, with Prost outscoring Lauda 6-5. Yet it was Niki “The Rat” Lauda winning the 1984 F1 World Championship by a solitary point ahead of teammate Prost!

 

McLaren would also win the first of two, consecutive F1 Constructors Championships with the TAG-Porsche engine that season. With the Woking based outfit utilizing updated MP4/2B and MP4/2C chassis for the 1985-86 Formula 1 season.

 

Prost would claim His first F1 Drivers titles in 1985, before clinching a second consecutive crown in ’86. With “The Professor” ultimately outscoring Lauda 16-6 for wins over the duo’s three years before Lauda retired from F1.

 

For ’87, Prost got a new teammate, with ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson joining McLaren for one year. Yet the once dominant TAG-Porsche V-6 turbo was nearing the end of it’s lifecycle, especially with Honda’s V-6 turbo becoming a real threat!

 

Alas, McLaren could only muster three wins with it’s MP4/3 in 1987, all by Prost vs. Williams/Honda’s nine. Along with two more Lotus/Honda victories for a total of eleven by the Japanese rival! In what would be the final year of competition for the TAG-Porsche lump’.

 

As McLaren would score 25 wins and seven Poles enroute to three F1 Drivers titles and two Constructors Championships between 1983-87.

 

When I think of Porsche and Indy Cars, I immediately think of the iconic green and white Quaker State March Porsche that Teo Fabi drove during the late 1980’s. For which I’ve kept an unbuilt Monogram? 1:24 or 1:25 scale plastic model kit forever, which I’d planned to build when I still had my eyesight! Yet I’m getting ahead of myself.

 

Porsche actually planned to race at the Indianapolis 500 in 1980, in a purpose built IndyCar chassis. As Ted Field commissioned Eagle IndyCar Designer Roman Slobodynskyj to pen His Interscope IR01.

 

This single seater chassis was intended to be powered by a air cooled Flat six turbocharged variant akin to what the Porsche 935 was powered by. And not being a stressed member engine, the IR01 consisted of a tube frame rear end “cradle” to house the Porsche engine.

 

Originally running to stock block turbo boost regulations of 55-inches. Word got out about how fast the racecar was, after setting an unofficial lap record at IMS sister track Ontario during testing! With fellow USAC competitors effectively lobbying USAC to reduce the Porsche’s boost to 48-inches and effectively neutering the Porsche’s “advantage”. With Porsche quickly pulling the plug upon this effort.

 

Porsche returned to IndyCar in earnest in the Fall of 1987, with the project led by the late Al Holbert.

 

As Porsche introduced it’s own carbon fibre chassis dubbed the 2708 in 1987. Which made it’s debut at Laguna Seca wit big Al’ (Unser) at it’s controls, finishing a quiet P24 after retiring on lap-7.

 

Yet Porsche quicky dropped it’s own 2708 IndyCar chassis for a March 88C customer chassis the following season. With Teo Fabi scoring six Top-10 finishes and a best of fourth at Nazareth enroute to tenth overall during Porsche’s first Full season campaign.

 

As the Porsche North America IndyCar entity reached it’s zenith during the 1989 CART PPG IndyCar World Series season. Once again with Teo Fabi as it’s driver.

 

Yet during Porsche’s most successful season Al Holbert wouldn’t get to witness Teo Fabi scoring Porsche’s first Pole position ironically at my Home track of Portland International Raceway during the 1989 Budweiser/G.I. Joes 200. Or Fabi subsequently scoring Porsche’s lone IndyCar victory also from Pole at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course later that summer.

 

As Holbert would perish in a private plane accident after taking off from Columbus, Ohio following the IMSA Columbus street race on September 30, 1988. With Teo Fabi finishing an impressive fourth overall in the championship during the ’89 IndyCar season.

 

Porsche then expanded to a two car entry during it’s final IndyCar season (1990) with Fabi being joined by “Gentleman John” Andretti, with the duo racing in white and blue Fosters livery.

 

Yet John Andretti could only muster tenth overall in the championship with a pair of fith place finishes at Cleveland and Vancouver, BC.

 

With Fabi scoring one Pole at Denver and the team’s solitary podium, a third place finish at the Meadowlands enroute to P14 in the standings. Before Porsche withdrew from IndyCar at season’s end.

 

Porsche then made one last, dismal attempt at returning to formula 1 for the ’91 season, which spectacularly failed! Providing what Alan Jenkins, then Footwork Arrows Technical Director says was basically a “reheated”, warmed-over V-12 lump!

 

Claiming the 3.5-litre normally aspirated V-12 unit was nothing more than two old 90-degrees V-6 turbo motors mated together minus the turbocharging units.

 

Yet the Porsche 3500 V-12 motor was reportedly overweight, lacked Horsepower and suffered from Oil starvation, with Footwork failing to qualify for half of the races entered that season! Before the team dumped the Porsche V-12 in favour of customer Cosworth DFR V-8’s instead.

 

As Porsche has since solely focused upon Sports Car racing, although it’s planned attempt to return to F1 in 2026 as an engine supplier to Red Bull ultimately failed due to Stuttgart wanting a 50-50 partnership with Red Bull. Whilst Seester’ VW owned Audi has bought the Sauber F1 Team, which will become a Full werks’ Audi effort in 2026… 

LE Mans: Porsche’s prestigious Overall Winner’s list

Which reads like a veritable Who’s Who of Man and Machinery…

 

Funny how I first learned about Porsche celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary. Which I discerned when perusing last year’s 24 Heurs du Mans entry list.

 

Since in typical “Penske Perfect” fashion, or El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske’s “Attention to Detail”. The third Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsche 963 was competing with the No. 75 on it’s flanks. Being Roger’s nod to the company’s History…

 

Porsche’s Debutante 24 Huers du Mans Overall victory came in 1970, when the Porsche GH Salzburg entry of Richard Atwood and Hans Herrmann won aboard a Porsche 917KH “coupe”. In 1971, Der Helmut’, aka Dr. Helmut Marko and gijs van Lennep driving for Martini Racing won driving a 917K. Before the ACO effectively killed the 5.0-litre Sports Car class, which the likes of the 917 and Ferrari 512M competed with.

 

Yes, that’s the very same Dr. Helmut Marko, whose the “famous” Red bull Racing Formula 1 Consultant…

 

For 1976-77 Martini Racing scored back-to-back victories with the iconic Porsche 936 Spyder. Jacky Ickx teamed up with Gijs van Lennep aboard a 936/76 Spyder. With the Belgian repeating a year later in an updated 936/77 Spyder with Hurley Haywood and Jurgen Barth.

 

Then there’s the ’79 win with the Kremer Racing Porsche 935 K3 which I’ve scribbled ‘bout before here on No Fenders. As Klaus Ludwig shared the podium’s top step with those dubious Whittington Brothers don and Bill.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/04/retro-notorious-porsche-and-ferrari.html

 

As the ’79 race pitted two rival 935’s against each other fighting for the win. With the Hawaiian Tropic sponsored Dick Barber Racing entry including somebody named P. L. Newman on it’s driving roster, finishing runner-up…

 

Beginning with the ’81 24 Heurs du Mans, Porsche went on a tear, arguably during it’s Glory Years! With the Stuttgart Automobile manufacturer winning  then an unprecedented seven straight Le Mans victories

 

1981 saw Porsche Systems dust off it’s 936 Spyder. With two of Lecircuit de la Sarthe legends, i.e.; thee original Mr. Le Mans, aka six times winner Jacky Ickx and soon to be Five-times winner Derek Bell winning behind the keyboard of an updated 936/81 Spyder.

 

Beginning in ’82, the latest Panzerwagen from Weissach rolled out. As the new Porsche 956 would win four straight races.

 

1982 saw Ickx and Bell win again for Rothmans Porsche. Followed by Haywood, Al Holbert and Vern Schuppan’s win.

 

Joest Racing took over the podium’s top step the following two years. First in 1984 with Ludwig and Henri Pescarolo. Then Paolo Barilla, Ludwig and “John Winter” the following year.

 

1986 saw the arrival of Porsche’s greatest Le Man’s racer, the iconic 962. Seeing Rothmans Porsche go back-to-back between 1986-87   with bell, Holbert and Hans-Joachim Stuck at it’s controls. Before Tom Walkinshaw and His Eponomous Silk Cut Jaguar’s ended Porsche’s streak in ’88.

 

Porsched didn’t return to the winner’s circle until 1994, when Mauro Baldi, Yanick Dalmas and Hurley Haywood won aboard a Dauer 962 Le Mans-Porsche derived “Street Car!”

 

1996 saw the car that the late Al Holbert had been championing Porsche to build upon the 962’s demise win. Albeit it was the TWR Porsch WSP-95 “Spyder” with Davy Jones, Manuel Reuter and Alexander Wurz winning.

 

Then Joest Racing won again in ’97 with the same Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) racecar. Basically an old Jaguar XJR-14 Group C chassis with it’s roof cut off and intended to compete in IMSA’s new Exxon sponsored World Sports Car series. (WSC) Before being “outlawed” by rule changes.

 

As Reinhold Joest convinced Porsche to allow Him to race the chassis, and the rest was History. With Joest winning again for the second year in-a-row with ‘lil Stevie Johnson’, aka Stefan Johansson, Michele Alboreto and some Dude named tom Kristensen at it’s controls.

 

1998 saw Laurent Aiello, thee “Scottish Terrier”, aka Allan McNish and Stefane Ortelli win for Porsche AG behind the wheel of it’s Porsche 911 GT1-98

 

Meanwhile, Stuttgart had also taken over the WSC 95 project, renaming it the LMP1-98, which basically met with poor results and was cancelled for 2000.

 

Porsche returned to Sports Car racing with the debut of the Porsch RS Spyder at the 2005 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Laguna Seca event. As Roger Penske would successfully campaign the RS Stateside in the ALMS, with overall victory in the ’08 12 Hours of Sebring being it’s High-water mark.

 

The RSSpyder also raced at Le Mans, winning the LMP2 class between 2008-09, beforerule changes for 2011 rendered it obsolete.

 

Porsche returned to Circuit de la Sarthe with it’s most impressive “Piece of Kit” as the Bloody Brits would say in 2014. When it’s “Spaceship” LMP1 919 Hybrid made it’s debut.

 

The Porsche Team then won the first of it’s three successive Le Mans W’s in 2015!

 

That year saw Earl Bamber, Nico Hulkenberg and Nick Tandy winning, netting Porsche a record extending 17th Overall victory.

 

2016,which has to be one of my favourite wins! Saw Romain dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb victorious again. Snatching what was to be Toyota’s maiden Le Mans triumph disintegrate upon the race’s final lap! Followed a year later by Earl Bamber, Timo Bernard and Brendon Hartley taking the lead of the race back in the final hour…

 

Porsche then promptly withdrew once again from Sports Car  racing. And wouldn’t return to the FIA World Endurance championship (WEC) until the new Hypercar era dawned in 2023. With Porsche Penske Motorsports running two full season Porsche 963 Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) prototypes in both IMSA’s new Hybrid GTP category and the “Weckity-WEC”. Plus the aforementioned third No. 75 “Wildcard” Le Mans entry, for Circuit de la Sarthe’s Centenary running… 

RETRO: Some of Porsche’s Three Quarter’s Century of Motorsports Accomplishments

Whilst another German legend is currently Asleep at the Wheel…

 

Naturally being a One Man Band, your Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso simply cannot poond’ out fast enough everythingy’ that occurs in Der Wurld de Motorsprten, Ja-Ja!

 

And although we’ve turned the calendar to March, having just witnessed the conclusion of another 12 Hours of Sebring. Which perhaps I was able to listen to part of during my Heart surgery recovery. Which Y’all are probably getting tired of hearing about, Eh?

 

Thus obviously, I’m still playin’ Ketsup as always here upon Ye mystical Isle ‘O Nofendersville!

 

As I simply didn’t have the time, energy or space to pontificate about some significant events in 2023. Although having waxed-on about it being McLaren’s 60th Anniversary. I failed to note that Porsche’s legendous’ 911 turned 60, along with Lamborghini! Not to overlook that America’s “Sports Car” Corvette turned 70, Crikeys!

 

And whilst I did manage to scribble another short, HaHaHa! No Fenders Three part story about Honda celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary Justin-time last December. I’ve failed to give Porsche credit for also celebrating the same 75th Anniversary last year. For which ironically, both Honda and Porsche; two-thirds the “Axis of Evil” celebrated a year after Ferrari did so.

 

Yet like Ferrari (1939) and Honda, (1937) who both were founded prior to their noted Anniversary’s. Porsche also does likewise, with a most convoluted History.

 

As Dr. Ferdinand Porsche founded the company in 1931, along with Adolf Rosenberger and Anton Piech

 

The company’s first assignment was from the German Government to develop a “People’s Car”, better known as the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, Ja Volt! Before arguably the company’s first automobile, simply known as the Type 64 was manufactured in 1939. Albeit borrowing heavily from the Volkswagen Beetle, for which only three examples were built.

 

Ferdinand designed Tanks during World War II, although losing out upon the contracts to produce His Tiger I concept, before being Imprisoned for twenty months following the War’s end in 1945.

 

Thus during this time, Ferdinand’s son Ferry took over running of Porsche, along with having designed what Porscheaphiles’ denote as the company’s first production vehicle, the legendous’ 356.

 

As the first 356 was road certified in Austria on June 8, 1948. Promptly being entered in a race, where it won it’s class. And hence, Porsche’s 75th Anniversary comes full circle. Even though the 356 was produced by Ferry and sister Louise’s Austrian Porshce Konstruktion GesnbH concern between 1948-50.

 

As the Austrian company would later become known as Porsche Salzburg, which entered the 917 that won Porsche’s first overall 24 Heurs du Mans victory. Subsequently becoming the largest distributor of Porsche Automobiles and ultimately becoming today’s Porsche Holdings…

 

Whilst we All know that Porsche is synonymous with Sports Car racing, for which I’ll tackle in a separate No Fenders yarn shortly. But first, a very brief look at it’s largely overlooked Single Seaters Open Wheel Racing History instead…

 

Arse-sumedly when Y’all hear the words Porsche and formula 1, Yuhs think of those F1 World Championship McLaren TAG-Porsche entries, Righto?

 

Yet it was actually the Porsche 718 model that first competed in Euripean Formula 2 that initially involved Porsche in Single Seater racing. Although reportedly Dr. Ferdinand Porsche had designed Formula 1 machinery for Mercedes and Auto Union during the 1920’s & 1930’s.

 

And although the 718 saw limited success as a Single Seater. It’s RS60 variant greatest successes were winning the 1960 12Hours of Sebring and the Targa Florio.

 

Yet with the FIA mandating maximum engine capacity of 1,500cc for Formula 1 in 1961, the 718 F2 model was instantly eligible for the f1 World championship.

 

Yet Porsche’s 718 F2 model was outdated and outclassed. And thus Stuttgart designed the brand new 804 model for F1 in 1962, featuring a Flat-8 cylinder engine. Which Dan Gurney won His and Porsche’s maiden Formula 1 victory aboard during the ’62 French Grand Prix.

 

Before Porsche withdrew from Formula 1 at season’s end due to it’s high costs and lack of road car relevance. Not returning to thee Pinnicle ‘O Motorsports for another two-plus decades as an engine supplier…