Santa brings Wickens a Shiny, new Corvette

But not just any plain ‘Ol Corvette…

 

Was pleasantly surprised to read the news that thee Young Wicky’, ergo Robert Wickens has moved up to IMSA GTD competition next year. As Wickens joins DXDT Racing aboard one of its Corvette Z06 GT3 racecars.

 

And for those who don’t know, Robert Wickens was paralyzed from the waist down following a horrendous accident during the opening portion of the 2018 Pocono IndyCar race.

 

As Wickens will drive a specially prepared Corvette Z06 GT3.R adapted with Bosch hand controlled for braking and acceleration, similar to what He used at Brian Herta Autosport. (BHA) In their Hyundai Elantra N TCR enroute to the 2023 Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR (Touring Car) Championship, with co-driver Harry Gottsacker. Where Wickens has raced for BHA since His return to competition in  2022.

 

Wickens has already visited Pratt & Miller, who convert production Z06’s into Corvette racecars. And even checked out a 3D printed prototype steering wheel.

 

As Wickens, whose co-driver will be named later, will contest the five Sprint rounds of next year’s IMSA SportsCar championship. For which I cannot discern if there’s still a separate Sprint championship for GT Daytona (GTD) entries, albeit I think there’s still a Sprint cup trophy…

 

Seeing Robby’s, as His good friend thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown calls Him, make His IMSA GT Daytona debut at Long Beach next April. As Wickens is excited about it being twinned with IndyCar, even if there’s no runoffs and it’s a virtual concrete canyon racetrack.

 

Super excited that Wickens is moving up the Sports Car ranks. Stating that obviously He hopes to use this as a springboard to an eventual full season IMSA GTD campaign. And with the Bosch system being utilized for the GTP’s brake-by-wire systems. How cool would it be if Robert could one day find Himself piloting a top flight IMSA GTP Prototype?

 

Obviously there will be teething issues due to the complexity of the adaptive hand control “ring” steering wheel system. Not to mention that DXDT, a longtime GT World Challenge Americas team will be contesting its inaugural GTD season next year.

 

As the team’s owned by David Askew, and was founded in 2014. Reportedly Askew, who’s a businessman, is also a competitive Offshore Sailor along with racing car driver.

 

The team began at Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah racing in local National Auto sport Association (NASA) Club events. Before apparently turning professional in 2017.

 

The team has raced in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series, as well as the Intercontinental Challenge GT Cup. Along with being a longtime Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer in the GT World challenge series.

 

On the bright side, past IMSA GTD Champion Brian Sellers has just been brought in as the team’s newly hired Competition Director. With no word on whether or not Sellers will do any moonlighting driving in endurance events? But appears to be leaving the cockpit, since I believe the team’s Michelin Endurance Cup drivers have already been announced… 

GM announces Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s launch

Becoming formula One’s first new team in a decade…

 

Thru the Lost Wages’ Grand Prix weekend, I found myself marveling over how everyone had apparently been sent a memo by Liberty Media. As it was funny Ha-Ha! Hearing how far of a full 180-degrees U-turn Der Crying Wolff had made over the possible inclusion of an eleventh team on the Formula 1 grid. With toto almost infusing glee in His monoslavic Austrian “Terminator” accent about how GRRR-REAT! It would be having some brand like Cadillac on the F1 Grid…

 

And then Theodore, not Lenny! Kravitz commended Kroftie’, aka David Kroft on His big scoop of getting Mr. Zakery Brown to say that an announcement was imminent prior to the race. For which I cannot remember what session it was?

 

Although as Kroftie’ pointed out, Zak was one of the few who’d supported Michael Andretti’s initial attempt to join the grid. With Brown and then Alpine’s team principal being the only two willing to sign Mikey A’s Hall pass in His hastily bought Miami dolphins notebook…

 

Thus the announcement was made Monday, November 25th about how General Motors had been finally given the “Green light” to become Formula One’s eleventh team beginning in 2026. As this was purposely done to supposedly not overshadow the Las Vegas Grand Prix itself.

 

And I really don’t care how Y’all want to spin or frame it, but you cannot help but say that Michael Andretti was simply squeezed out!

 

The part I don’t understand, having now read it twice from two different sources. The latter being Nathan Browne of the Indianapolis Star. Was that Greg Maffei, the departing CEO of Liberty Media had vowed that as long as He was in charge, He’d never let Michael Andretti onto the F1 Grid!

 

CoInky-dense that Maffei is leaving Liberty Media when His contract expires at year’s end? Then becoming a consultant during the transition to a new CEO…

 

While rumours were apparently rampant prior to the Las Vegas Grand Prix that Formula 1 CEO Stefano Dominicali would be leaving to become MotoGP’s new CEO, since Liberty Media is finalizing its 86% purchase agreement of MotoGP. And Dominicali has been another starch opponent to the Andretti Global Cadillac F1 deal.

 

As what’s that ‘Ol Judas Priest song about Some Heads are gonna roll…

 

Yet magically, after Mikey A’ decided to leave His namesake’s empire for more “Family-time”. With Dan Towriss becoming the new public face of Andretti Global. And Michael Andretti effectively being squeezed out of His own operation, Tuh duh!

 

TWG Global, the controlling “vehicle” of Andretti Global’s IndyCar franchise, Err charter organization. Wayne Taylor Racing’s IMSA GTP Cadillac team and Spire Motorsports Chevrolet NASCAR team, along with General Motors have now been granted admission onto the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season.

 

Along with Mario Andretti being named a Director of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which hopes to secure customer Ferrari Power Units for 2026-2027, before GM begins producing its own PU’s.

 

Whilst it seems counterproductive to speculate upon who its two drivers will be. Other than obviously Colton Herta’s got to be a shoe-in, provided He’s got the necessary points to acquire the mandatory FIA Super license.

 

Couldn’t find out what TWG stands for? Other than TWG Global is supposedly the investment vehicle for “silent” partner Mark Walter and Guggenheim Partners financial investments. Making me guess that perhaps it stands for Towriss Walter Guggenheim?

 

Mark Walter is part owner of the World Champion LA Dodgers and the Chelsea Football Club amongst other business ventures.

 

While Dan Towriss is not only the CEO of Gainbridge, but the Head of TWG Global, as its motorsports boss. With General Motors being quite happy to work with Towriss and Company. Just not Michael Andretti…

 

Therefore, no matter how Poppa’ Mario has tried spinning it to Nathan Browne. About His son Michael taking one for the team Rah-Rah-Rah! After a tumultuous three year attempt of becoming an F1 team owner. It seems really sad that Mikey’ got screwed, Err squeezed out only two months before this finally happened, and something just smells really fishy to Mwah! Even if He was handsomely rewarded financially.

 

But the Fat Cats get richer, since Towriss and Walter and whomever have successfully bought into Formula 1 prior to the new, upcoming 2026 Concorde Agreement. Which All of the existing ten teams have been screaming for the Dissolution Fee of $200 million to be increased to $600 million! Saving them nearly a cool half billion dollars admission fee! Although I can only wonder if TWG Global and GM would have paid this anyways?

Update

On December 10th, Ferrari confirmed that it had agreed in principle to supply GM/Cadillac with customer Ferrari Power Units in a multi-year agreement beginning in 2026 with Andretti Formula Racing LLC. Contingent upon Cadillac being confirmed by Liberty Media to compete in formula 1…

A Foreign World Bubbles to the Surface

Where ‘Ol Flatliners’ become Cashiers…

 

Once again, its another late to thee party entry here upon No Fenders. But Y’all try Back-timing everything you wish to scribble about. Not to mention keep pushing back in order to post other riveting No Fenders stories…

 

As sometime just over a month ago now Me Thinks, I was in the grocery checkout line with my favourite cashier Dave. Nope, No Dave’s Not Here Jokes today Folks, Hya!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtDAK7Umk7A

 

As Dave scanned my groceries and I asked Him how He was. He said He was great and had spent the weekend watching NASCAR and NHRA races. As I had no idea that Dave was a racing fan…

 

This launched Him down multiple Wabbit’ Holes, telling me All about John Force Racing’s current exploits. Musing how All “The Kid”, Austin Prock needed to do was show up at Pomona to win His first NHRA championship! Saying how Robert Height had a medical issue causing Him to leave the cockpit. And John force had to go ‘n Blow Up His racecar and crash into a barrier…

 

As if was fun hearing Dave effuse over how good Austin Prock is. Learning afterwards how amazing Prock was during His rookie season! Having won eight races, three runner-up finishes and a record 15 top qualifier awards. Surpassing His Boss John Force’s record enroute to His first Floppers’, NHRA top Fuel Funny Car championship.

 

Although Prock lost to teammate Jack Beckman in the Pomona finals, the pair of John force Racing (JFR) drivers finished 1-2 in the championship.

 

Dave then mentioned how He’d grown up at Lions Drag Strip, a venue I’d never heard of before. Which after some perfunctory research on Al gore’s All knowing wonderous machine, where I didn’t even trip the start light, How-How-How…

 

I discovered that Lions Drag Strip was in the Wilmington, a Los Angeles suburb nearby Long Beach, California.

 

The track was operational between 1955 to 1972. Yet had opened under a 30-day notice clause that could be enforced at any time. And with the area’s population increasing, residents complained about the noise and the notice was given in November of 1972. As the Los Angeles Harbour Authority tore down the dragstrip, which then sat vacant for a further ten years before being turned into today’s Mega-Container facility for overseas shipping.

 

As I’m familiar with this nationwide phenomenon. Since this is what many new residents living nearby Pacific Raceways, albeit better known to Mwah as Seattle International Raceways in Kent, Washington complain about. As I witnessed this first hand back in the 1990’s, even though the track opened in 1960 when there was nothing surrounding it!

 

Reportedly Lions Drag Strip hosted numerous American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) events, and Dave told me that He raced Competition Eliminator in 1971, Say What? As I’m still trying to figure out how old Dave is?

 

Having just learned that Competition eliminator is made up of multiple classes, which anybody can compete in their personal vehicle. And is basically Head-to-Head knockout competition with handicapped sliding scale timing to create close competition. As a Honda four cylinder Hatchback would be given a healthy start-line (time) advantage vs. a Dodge Hemi V-8 Charger.

 

Dave also said He’d raced briefly at Pomona, which arguably is the Mack Daddy ‘O Drag Strips in California. Which when I told Dave that the Irwindale Speedway and Event Center was closing this December. Dave said that Pomona, which is called the In ‘n Out Pomona Drag Strip will be the only Drag racing facility in the area.

 

Showing off my prowess in the world of Drag Racing. I was thinking for sure there was somebody else named Austin who worked as John force’s crew chief forever, after hearing the name Austin Prock. And that Prock name sounded familiar to Mwah for reasons unknown…

 

Having just re-learned it was Austin coil’s, whose ironically being inducted into this year’s motorsports Hall of Fame. Along with several more luminary figures. With Scott Dixon, Jimmie Johnson, Paul Newman and John Surtees just to name some of this year’s class honouree’s.

 

https://johnforceracing.com/blog/force-honors-austin-coils-induction-into-motorsports-hall-of-fame-of-america/

 

And then perhaps some of you are way ahead of me? When learning that Jimmy Krock, Austin’s father initially worked a fourteen year stint as a Crew Chief at John force Racing. And won the 2013 Funny Car title with John force! Before returning to JFR in 2017. Winning two more Funny Car titles with Robert Height, before winning this year’s title as His son’s Crew Chief. With His son Thomas Prock, who’s an engineer also working on the Prock Camaro Funny car, making it a family affair! After Austin Prock replaced Robert Height this year after His medical issue, as previously mentioned… 

Alpine Swaps Drivers

But they weren’t trading Barbs like two Others were!

 

Following the finish of the Qatar Grand Prix, Alpine F1 severed its contract with Esteban Ocon, making way for the Frenchman to participate in the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test session with His new team, Haas. For which Ocon posted on His Instagram account that He hadn’t wanted it to end this way…

 

Yet lost in all of the hubbub surrounding Bosom buddies Max and George. Arse-sumedly is graduate Alpine F1 Academy driver, and current reserve driver Jack Doohan making His Formula 1 race debut at this weekend’s season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

 

The 21yr old Aussie’ Doohan has scored a total of six wins and five poles during His two seasons in Formula 2 between 2022-23. Including winning from pole on Yas Isle in His final F2 race outing.

 

What interests me most is Racer’s Chris Medland noting that this perhaps is a tryout towards seeing if Doohan will indeed be racing for the Alpine F1 Team next year in earnest?

 

Even though He’s been announced as Pierre Gasly’s teammate for next season. Apparently there’s still the possibility of Franco Colapinto replacing Doohan?

 

Although Colapinto’s stock has taken a hit due to His abundance of crashes lately. Which ironically is why Williams jettisoned Logan Sargeant…

 

As this race outing allows Jack Doohan time to prepare for His Formula 1 career before racing Down Under at Melbourne for the start of next year’s F1 season, where you’d Arse-sume He’ll be under much media scrutiny – being His home race.

 

And yes, Jack is the son of five-times (MotoGP) GP500 World Champion Mick Doohan.

 

So keep an eye out for car number seven, since I’m pretty sure the Aussie’ will be overlooked this weekend. With the media focusing upon that “Yapping little Terrier” instead, Hya! 

Grosjean Speaks Out

As wasn’t it ‘Ol Jack Nicholson who said “You Can’t Handle the Truth!”

 

Although we’re getting into the Sugar-plumbs, Fairytales ‘n Wishful Hopes of Santa Claus portion of thoust year. And not wanting to ruin anyone’s appitite during thee Turkey Lurkey Festimus’, by reading anything negative here upon No Fenders. Since myannual membership card for les Meiserables is coming up for renewal…

 

Hence, I’ve delayed scribblin’ my two pesos worth upon Romain Grosjean’s recent remarks regarding the plight of IndyCar and trying to secure His seat at Juncos Hollinger Racing for another season…

 

As Grosjean rightly pointed out that Indy Cars marketing is Horrendous! And that the new-fangled Wink-wink’ Hybrid systems are making costs unbearable for IndyCar teams All comes across as a very forthright and correct assessment of the current state of IndyCar!

 

Full Disclosure, I’ve always thought that Romain’s a Hothead, for which His past antics seem to warrant. And never truly being a fan of Him. Although I did totally enjoy His renaissance as “The Phoenix” during His rookie IndyCar campaign with the Minnowesqe Dale Coyne Racing concern. And was hoping that Grosjean would “Break His Duck” in Indy Cars whilst driving for Andretti Autosport, but I digress…

 

Living in Smalltown USA, “Somebody Give Me a Cheeseburger!” In what I affectionately call Bumfiddle’ Florence on the Oregon coast. Naturally I Don’t expect IndyCar to spend any Coin’, Err budget upon promoting the series here, and have zero clue if they do anything in Portland prior to the yearly IndyCar race held there?

 

Since the last time I can recall an IndyCar driver making a token appearance in Warshington’, was when nearly two decades ago the late Justin Big Unit’ Wilson came to the 2006 Seattle Roadster Show as a RuSport Champ Car World Series (CCWS) driver.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2008/07/2006-seattle-roadster-show.html

 

And I suppose I “Get It”, why the Pacific Northwest is perpetually overlooked regarding IndyCar marketing. But wasn’t it just a few seasons ago that Mikey A’ was bellyaching over Penske Entertainment reducing the Leader Circle prize fund payout by $300,000 per entry to increase IndyCar’s Marketing Department, El Correctomundo?

For which I have zero clue if this has resulted in anything positive? Since Grosjean’s comment would make me think the opposite. Especially since I don’t consider 100 Dazes to Indy to be anything more then another nauseating Infomercial’ for the Indianapolis 500, which seems to be All the series cares about!

 

While David Land’s 18mins video title Grosjean Rips IndyCar! Rightly points out how the series basically doesn’t have anything earthshaking to promote about IndyCar to move the needle or get Fans excited!

 

Meanwhile, I can only wonder what the “New & Improved” Administration, whose spokesman gushed about just Drill Baby, Drill! Will presumably turn back the “clocks” upon renewable energy. And how their pushing for sticking with gas guzzling SUV’s flies in the face of the automotive industry’s current push towards “Electrification”. And how this U-turn effects Honda’s decision to remain in IndyCar?

 

As we All know, almost whenever you buy something new and more technological, its price is more expensive or even steep. Until the new technology has time to become more robust and mainstream, then prices typically fall or become achievable.

 

Everyone seems to be overlooking the fact of how impressive the new IndyCar hybrid Energy Recovery System (ERS) due to the packaging constraints placed upon it! Being a very unique piece ‘O kit. And that IndyCar, Chevrolet and Honda specifically chose to implement a “Soft” debut rollout and limiting it to 50bhp in order to reduce the inherent teething issues that only race weekends would produce…

 

Yeah, I understand that nobody cares about the actual technology this 100lb contraption bolted to the rear end of the 13yr old Dallara DW12 chassis entails. Hey, that means that the DW12’s now a teenager, Righto? Yet I don’t tend to read too much negative publicity about Formula 1 and its de riggour Hybrid powertrains. Or the fact that they’ll become even more electrically intensified in 2026…

 

As why are we afraid of the future? And are you content to pay $6.00 or more on the West Coast per gallon of gasoline in the future? And notice I haven’t even brought up any environmental aspects of Fossil Fuels! For fear of being Cornfuzed’ as an Oregonian “Granola loving, Tree Hugger!” But Trees are Good, Vern!

 

Thus I now hope that Romain Grosjean does return to the cockpit of one of the fast shrinking available IndyCar seats remaining. Even though at age 38, He’s got to be one of the elder drivers on the circuit. And part of me always wants young, new, fresh talent to emerge in Indy Cars, i.e. Linus Lundqvist, Toby sowery and Hunter McElrea.

 

Yet the series also needs drivers like Grosjean who aren’t afraid to speak the  truth and not pull any punches!

 

Whilst I’m Arse-suming Grosjean’s busy right now looking for the perfect 100% recycled Christmas Card to send to His Bosom Budy thee Great Santini! Ergo Santino Ferrucci, Ho-Ho-Ho! 

Making it to Indy NXT is a Hard Slog’

As sing it Bon Scott. It’s a long way to the Top if you wanna Rock ‘n roll!

 

Thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’, I learned about aspiring IndyCar driver Jace Denmark earlier this year, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona. Having previously scribbled about Him on No Fenders in the following tome.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/05/an-aspiring-racer-named-jace.html

 

Thus, I’ve been loosely following Jace’s USF Pro 2000 season exploits. After learning how tantalizingly close He came to winning the 2022 U.S. F2000 National Championship vs. Pabst Racing teammate Myles Rowe, who finished runner-up by a scant six points While Michael d’Orlando driving for Cape Motorsports “Zoom Zoomed” past the two Sparring teammates enroute to the title.

 

Myles Rowe won the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship, scoring five wins and four Poles enroute to the title in His rookie season. Seeing Rowe graduate to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports and His backers Force Indy.

 

Fellow rookie Michael d’Orlando finished fourth overall, with six total podiums, including four wins whilst amassing seven Poles! Also made the leap to Indy NXT for 2024, albeit with less than expected results. As d’Orlando was plagued with funding issues and only ran a partial season for Andretti Cape Indy NXT.

 

Jace Denmark  who finished third overall in the year’s prior U.S. F2000 National championship, 18 points behind Rowe. Finished seventh in His maiden USF Pro 2000 Championship season. With three podiums; a pair of thirds and a second place finish.

 

For 2024, Denmark was second for much of the season before slipping to third overall, ten points behind eventual runner-up Nikita Johnson. As Denmark scored a frustrating five second place finishes, plus a trio of third place finishes, for a total of eight podiums.

 

Meanwhile, another aspiring IndyCar driver from South of The Border named Ricardo Escotto finished 13th overall in the 2023 USF Pro 2000 championship with one top ten finish, a win at Indianapolis Moto speedway’s road course’s first round. Then followed up His sophomore USF Pro 2000 season finishing ninth overall, with just two third place finishes to His credit.

 

As Y’all may be wondering why I drug Escotto’s name into the mix? Well, that’s because Andretti Cape Indy NXT has announced the Mexican driver as the Piloto’ of its No. 3 entry for 2025. Presumably with one more seat to fill for next year…

 

The annual Chris Griffis Memorial test held on October 18th saw a total of 22 drivers participating in the Indy NXT test session. With Indy NXT being the final rung on the ladder before IndyCar’s.

 

Of the 22 drivers participating, Myles Rowe, whose joined Abel Motorsports for His sophomore Indy NXT campaign was quickest. As Rowe finished P11 in His rookie Indy NXT campaign for HMD Motorsports with Force Indy.

 

Second quickest was rookie Dennis Hauger. As the Norwegian, who won the 2021 Formula 3 championship, along with winning five races in Formula 2 will drive for Andretti Global next year.

 

As could Hauger become the heir apparent to The Viking’, aka Anders Krohn?

 

Aussie’ Lochie Hughes, this year’s USF Pro 2000 champion, also driving for Andretti Global was third quickest. Moving up to Indy NXT next year courtesy of His USF Pro 2000 title prize fund.

 

Fourth fastest was Callum Hedge, testing with Abel Motorsports. As the Kiwi who just celebrated His 21st birthday raced for HMD Motorsports this year, finishing fourth overall in His rookie Indy NXT season. And previously won the overlooked (Formula Regional)  FR Americas title in 2023.

 

Rounding out the top five was rookie Kiwi’ Liam Sceats behind the keyboard of one of HMD Motorsports six car armada, or is it nine? As ironically Sceats finished fifth overall in this year’s USF Pro 2000 Championship. Winning His maiden race at the second of the Indianapolis Motor speedway’s road course triple header in May.

 

Meanwhile, Jace Denmark tested for Andretti Cape Indy NXT once again. Having tested with them last October. With Jace finishing P14 overall. Being only the second time He’s tested an Indy NXT racecar. And possibly takes solace from outqualifying Christian Brooks. (P16)

 

As Brooks was Denmark’s Pabst teammate this season, along with also driving for HMD Motorsports in Indy NXT. Taking over the vacated seat of IndyCar bound Nolan siegel.

 

Escotto finished a respectable ninth overall. Yet the Mexican driver contested five races for Juncos Hollinger Racing this season. Making His Indy NXT debut on the “Mean” Streets of Detroit, and now is set for His first full season Indy NXT campaign.

 

As the burning $64k question is can Jace Denmark land one of the coveted, remaining Indy NXT seat next year? As Denmark recently left Pabst Racing after a successful four seasons stint with Auggie Pabst’s championship winning team… 

F1: Alonso officially Starts His 400th Grand Prix

Frederico Suave’s name atop the IMS Scoring pylon.  (The Tomaso Collection)

 

“It’s a New, Endurance Record!”

 

Its strange how Formula 1 celebrates any and all milestones. Since initially I was slightly Cornfuzed over All of the hubbub commemorating Frederico Suave, aka Fred Alonso’s 400th Grand Prix weekend at Mexico City.

 

Especially since I’d already noted to Thyself that Alonso’s 400th Grand Prix Start, which is the more significant number to Mwah wouldn’t occur until December 1st at the Qatar Grand Prix.

 

Nonetheless, the number 400 be it Grands Prix weekends or Starts is absolutely mind blowing! Although I’d argue that this truly staggering statistic has been significantly watered down by the fact that Liberty Media has pushed the number of Grands Prix per season to an insane 24! And is seeking to nudge it to 25, WTF!

 

Conversely, I find it somewhat surprising that I still vividly remember Fernando Alonso’s Minardi PS01 chassis. Running a somewhat long in the tooth European badged Ford VJ Zetec R 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10 lump’. For which its funny reading how the engine rated at 735bhp @16,000RPM’s was considered “obsolete!” Or definitely not cutting edge…

 

Having seen this tidy, mustashioed Minardi racecar in person at Indianapolis during His rookie Formula 1 campaign for the Minnowesqe back markers during the 2001 Formula 1 season. Along with another Ice Cream eating Finnish F1 rookie named Kimi Raikkonen.

 

Its funny reading how Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto weren’t even born yet! Or that Oscar Piastri was born the year Alonso began in formula 1. Or that Lando Noris and Guanyu Zhou were only two years old. And the list goes on and on…

 

Won’t try recapping Fernando’s entire Formula 1 career, or racing career in general, since it would take way too many pages. Since I still cannot scribble a short story here upon No Fenders. Nor do I know how much content my loyal readers want?

 

But I do tend to recall that Alonso took a year “off” following that Minardi campaign as Renault’s test driver; being the former Benetton F1 Team. And then in 2003, although I don’t recall the venue anymore, Alonso had a massive shunt, totally destroying His Renault racecar in shades of that horrific looking crash Martin Donnelly endured!

 

Alonso quickly became the scourge of Formula 1 for Mwah, since He ended Herr Schumacher’s F1 reign by having the audacity to become World champion back-to-back in 2005-06. And quickly became known by the moniker anointed by Blogmeister Miguel, Ferdi the Putz!

 

Although I knew the die had been casted that day when Michael Schumacher was powerless to get around Alonso at San Marino, with Alonso winning ahead of the German on Home soil…

 

Next Alonso, whom I’ve been calling Frederico Suave for years now, spent an acrimonious year at McLaren with Bosom Buddy Lewis Hamilton. For which I think we All know haw that went, Ci!

 

Alonso slinked back to Renault, who were on the decline for 2008-09, before moving to la Scuderia. Driving for Ferrari between 2010-14. With one of my favourite memories being Alonso unable to get around the lowly F1 rookie Vitaly VO5’ Petrov, ironically driving for Renault. And Alonso wildly gesticulating at Petrov was No. 1 after losing the 2010 F1 World championship to ‘lil Syd’ viddle, aka Sebastian Vettel!

 

Then there was the ill-fated move to McLaren Honda for 2015. Where Alonso famously complained about the Honda PU being worse than a GP2 engine! Even though Honda and its Red Bull Power Train derivative Power Units (PU) have been Uber successful since 2021!

 

Fernando then moved back to le Reggie for His Formula 1 return in 2021, albeit the team had now been rebranded as Alpine. With Alonso on a two year contract, being “ousted’ when the team thought it had successfully elevated Oscar Piastri to a race seat…

 

Fernando moved to Aston Martin for 2023, where He’s currently under contract until 2026, when He’ll become 45 years old!

 

As Alonso’s last Formula 1 Pole was secured at the 2012 German Grand Prix. With His latest win coming at His Home Spanish Grand Prix in 2013, both driving for Ferrari. With the Smarmy Spaniard currently ranked seventh overall with 32 career wins and 22 career Poles to date.

 

As I’ve gone “Hot ‘n Cold” over Alonso during His amazing racing career, mostly cold…

 

Although I thought it was great when Mclaren’s Zakery’ Brown and Alonso decided to skip the 2017 Monaco GP in favour of a “One-off” Indianapolis 500 entry with Andretti Autosport. As the Fernando mania was great for IndyCar! And Alonso was very impressive, before His Honda lump’ went Kuhblamoe with 21-laps remaining!

 

Yet it was even sweeter when What’s His Name, Err Kyle Kiser had the audacity to Bump Alonso from the field for the 2019 Indy 500 in the Minnowesqe Juncos Racing entry!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/05/indy-500-dragonslayers.html

 

As Alonso’s reputation for Mwah was forever tarnished during Renault’s Crash Gate, when teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed in order to trigger a Safety car deployment! Allowing Alonso to ultimately win the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

 

While I’ll admit I had to look it up to see if I remembered correctly that He was also involved in Espionage Gate? Better known as Stepney Gate,when in 2007, McLaren was fined a record $100 million for Nigel Stepney trying to bring Ferrari Intellectual Property to Woking. Whilst Renault got off with a knuckle wrap for its IP improprieties…

 

Alonso’s also had a knack of wearing out His welcome, with His three year McLaren contract mutually ended after one season. Or leaving Ferrari early, along with also departing McLaren early a second time, after His interest waned at the underperforming F1 outfit.

 

Alonso has also spent time in Sports Cars, both in IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC) Having won the 2019 Rolex 24 driving for Wayne Taylor Racing. Along with the 24 Heurs du Mans back-to-back with Toyota between 2018-19. And winning the 2018-19 WEC Le Mans Prototypes (LMP) title with co-drivers Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima.

 

As Alonso claimed the mantle for most Grands Prix starts when overtaking Kimi Raikkonen in 2022. For which the Finn had surplanted Rubens Barrichello, the first driver to make more than 300 Starts. While Alonso could conceivably become the first to a staggering 450! But Aston Martin would have to extend His contract even further…

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/10/f1-alonso-moves-into-p1.html