Wednesday, July 29, 2026

MotorCup des Nations Grand finale

What’s that Bon Scott? It’s a long way to the Top if You wanna Rock ‘n Roll!

 

For those of you still reading this zany, Madcap No Fenders MotorCup Fairytale, “We Salute You!”

 

As I really hadn’t intended upon scirbblin’ this, or running so long, and cannot “See” doing this again! But I did enjoy learning of several drivers names I’d never heard of before. Their countries and where they’re located…

 

Hey, at least like FIFA, I didn’t go for 27 straight days in-a-row with this nonsense. Or subject Y’all to 39 days and 104 Gory Matches!

 

But think we all needed some distraction from that super fizzle, Fart Nashville weekend! Yuhs know where everyone just wanted to be done! And it was so Hot that they were selling bottled water for the reduced price of a single George Warshtinton’, Blimey!

 

Quarter Finals

The eight teams making the MotorCup Quarter Finals were: Australia vs. Denmark; Netherlands vs. Germany; New Zealand vs. Japan, and Mexico vs. Italy.

 

Denmark easily handled DJ willyP’s squad. With Will Power and Co. unable to slow down the two Christians. (Rasmussen & Lundgaard) Winning Two-Nil.

 

Circus Maximus and His Orange Army (Netherlands) crushed Germany Five-Nil, Ja Volt!

 

New Zealand and Japan saw Scott Dixon vs. Takuma Sato in a penalty kick shootout. With Japan prevailing 4-2 in PK’s.

 

And whilst Kimi Antonelli and Italy gave Mexico a run for it’s Peso. Mexico prevailed 3-2 with a second half stoppage time goal by Pato O’Ward…

 

Semi Finals

Our four semi-finalists saw Netherlands vs. Denmark and Japan vs. Mexico.

 

Circus Maximus and His Orange Marauders lined up against the two Christians at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium.

 

In the 33rd minute, overloading the right side, Nyck de Bries barely beat the offside flag. Then flicked a pass to Max Verstappen who promptly smashed the ball in the back of the net!

 

Two minutes into stoppage time, Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen booted a set piece to a wide open Christian Rasmussen who headed the ball into the lower left corner of the net. With the Halftime score being 1-1.

 

In the 57th minute, Christian Lundgaard blasted a free kick against the defender’s wall. Ricocheting past a perplexed Thierry Vermeulen, giving the Danes a 2-1 lead.

 

The Loon’, (Lundgaard) had been taunting Max the whole game and smugly said what about that Free kick Max!

 

Becoming increasingly annoyed, in the 69th minute during a Denmark substitution, Verstappen pulled Lundgaard’s pants down and said what do you think about that Smart arse!

 

Max was immediately shown a red card and the Dutch had to play a man down for the remainder of the match. While Lundgaard got the last laugh, scoring His second goal in the 86th minute and then bowing towards Netherlands bench! With Denmark winning 3-1.

 

Playing at sofi Stadium before a raucous crowd. Although Ryo Hirakawa did score off a sublime pass from K-Squared’ (Kamui Kobayashi) for a One-Nil lead.

 

Japan was simply outgunned by Mexico, specifically Pato O’Ward and Daniel Suarez, with the pair scoring a goal apiece. Before Rafael Villagomez scored Mexico’s third and final goal in the 84th minute, securing a 3-1 victory.

 

Third place

Unsuccessfully lobbying FIFA’s Gianni Van token to overturn Verstappen’s red card suspension, Coach Lammers had to revise His starting lineup.

 

Playing at Toronto’s BMO Field, Japan played a steady, consistent ring around the rosy game of keep-away, preventing Netherlands mounting an attack. Before Renger van der Zande got so incensed and tackled Takuma Sato in the Box.

 

Taku-san brushed Himself off and then serenely skipped a slow roller ground shot past Thierry Vermeulen with Japan winning One-Nil.

 

Finale

And then there were two! With our mythical MotorCup des Nations final being held at Mexico city’s Estadio Azteca.

 

The 80,000-plus sold out crowd erupted in uncontrollable pandemonium when El Tri’ marched down the field and Rafael Villagomez drilled a shot into the back of the net in the match’s fifth minute!

 

Mexico simply dominated the opening 20-plus minutes of the match, with several shots on goal. Including a monster save by Benjamin Pederson.

 

In the 28th minute, Christian Lundgaard took a Free kick from the 25-yard line and beautifully curled an arcing cannon blast over the outstretched fingers of Ian Aguilera.

 

Yet whilst Lundgaard was still busy celebrating His goal, Mexico expertly marched down field, with Salvador de Alba passing to Daniel Suarez, who back-flicked to Pato O’ward who rocketed a shot into the goal’s upper corner. Seeing El Tri’ resume the lead 2-1 just 61 seconds later, Ole!

 

In the 44th minute, Suarez scored off an assist by Ricardo Escotto, with the raucous Elstadio erupting into delirium over Mexico’s 3-1 lead at Halftime.

 

The 66th minute saw O’Ward score His second goal of the match on a magnificent give and go with Villagomez. Giving El Tri’ a presumably unbeatable 4-1 lead, before Coach Fernandez substituted His star players with their counterparts on the bench and Mexico won 4-1 to the delight of the partisan crowd!

 

As Bugs bunny would say, That’s all folks!

 

Ironically, I chose my two finalists and eventual winner prior to learning about this year’s dramatic team changes at Arrow McLaren… 

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Final MotorCup Knockout Matches

It’s a long road to Nowhere, Y’all!

 

If you’re still reading his Madcap No Fenders Fairytale, Bravo! As let’s find out how our final two knockout rounds end.

 

France

Starting lineup

LWG: Isack Hadjar, (F1) STK: Pierre Gasly, (F1) RWG: Romain Grosjean, (ICS) LMF: Esteban Ocon, (F1) CMF: Fabio Quartararo, (MGP) RMF: Jean-Eric Vergne, (FE) LFB: Sebastien Bourdais, (WEC) WBK: Julian Andlauer, (IMSA) CBK: Kevin Estre, (IMSA) RFB: Tristan Vautier, (IMSA) GLK: Theo Pourchaire. (WEC)

 

Coach: Alain Prost

Captain: Sebastien Bourdais

 

Chatter

“Thee Professor”, aka Coach Prost sought somebody the whole team would respect as Captain. Thus He chose le Hamburgular’, aka Sealmeister B’, nee SeaBass’ for the role. Especially with all of the young lions and Star-struck F1 Pilotes fighting for the Captain’s armband!

 

Italy

Starting lineup

LWG: Andrea Kimi Antonelli, (F1) STK: Marco Bezzecchi, (MGP) RWG: Matteo Nannini, (NXT) LMF: Antonio Fuoco, (WEC) CMF: Antonio Giovinazzi, (WEC) RMF: Lorenzo Patrese, (GTWC) LFB: Enzo Trulli, (ELMS) WBK: Matteo De Palo, (F3) CBK: Mirko Bortolotti, (DTM)RFB: Nicola Lacorte, (F3) GLK: Davide Rigon. (IMSA)

 

Coach: Ivan Capelli

Captain: Antonio Giovinazzi

 

Chatter

Coach Capelli knew His opposing team’s coach from His old playing days, and countered with a squad brimming full of youth, enthusiasm and speed.

 

Match report

Held at Mexico’s Azteca Stadium, both teams soon became winded from the high altitude.

 

Sebastien Bourdais threw the ball into Fabio Quartararo who led an attack downfield. Passing to Pierre Gasly just above the 18- yard line. Gasly slotted a nifty back kick to a streaking Isack Hadjar who ran around Nicola Lacorte and booted a shot past Davide Riggins for France to go ahead One-Nil.

 

In the 56th minute, Matteo Nannini scored against a winded Bourdais off of a set piece to tie the score 1-1.

 

In the 59th minute, Antonio fuoco found a wide open Kimi Antonelli who blasted a shot past “Teddy Porkchop”, Err Theo Pourchaire for His sixth Motorcup goal, keeping Him in the race for the Golden boo trophy.

 

In the 79th minute, Coach Capelli subbed on Fabio di Giannantonio (MGP) and Brando Badoer (F3) for Antonelli and Nannini , to give His team “fresh” legs.

 

Utilizing Phil Jackson’s famed “triangle Offense”, Marco Bezzecchi and Brandon Badoer overloaded the left side, before Bezzecchi passed to Fabio di Giannantonio. Who streaked past a worn-out Tristan Turbo’ Vautier and scored Italy’s third goal, being the match’s final score.

 

Denmark

Starting lineup

LWG: Frederik Vesti, (IMSA) STK: Christian Rasmussen, (ICS) RWG: Christian Lundgaard, (ICS) LMF: Kevin Magnussen, (SC) CMF: Marco Sorensen, (SC) RMF: Noah Stormdsted, (F3)LFB: Michael Christensen,(SC) WBK: Malthe Jakobsen, (SC) CBK: Nikkel Jensen, (IMSA) RFB: David Heinemeier Hansson, (IMSA) GLK: Benjamin Pederson. (IMSA)

 

Coach: Tom Kristensen

Captain: Kevin Magnussen

 

Chatter

Coach K’ didn’t want the two Christian’s Heads getting too swelled by choosing either as Captain, so He settled for a universally popular choice. And if either of the Christian’s had a problem with that, they could suck His Balls, Hya!

 

Belgium

Starting lineup

LWG: Laurens Vanthoor, (IMSA) STK: Dries Vanthoor, (SC) RWG: Maxine Martin, (IMSA) LMF: Frederic Ververisch, (IMSA) CMF: Alessio Picariello, (IMSA) RMF: Kobe Pauwels, (WEC) LFB: Thierry Neuville, (WRC) WBK: Stoffel Vandoorne, (WEC) CBK: Jan Heylen, (IMSA) RFB: Tom Van Rompuy, (WEC) GLK: Martij Wydaeghe. (WRC)

 

Coach: Thierry Boutsen

Captain: Jan Heylen

 

Chatter

Coach Boutsen, remember Him Y’all? Decided to counter the Danes’ threat by employing the Vanthoor brothers up front…

 

Match report

Playing by the Bay at Levis Stadium, Belgium was simply outmatched by Denmark’s front line. Specifically the two Christan’s, albeit Frederik Vesti was no slouch either.

 

As Keven Bacon’ Magnussen relentlessly passed to Christian Rasmussen and Christian Lundgaard, each scoring a goal apiece. Before Vesti put the cherry on top, giving Denmark a Three-Nil victory.

 

Positions Key

LWG: Lef Winger, STK: Striker, RWG: Right Winger, LMF: Left Midfielder, CMF: Center Midfielder, RMF: Right Midfielder, LFB: Left Fullback, CBK: Center Back, RFB: Right Fullback, GLK: Goalkeeper.

 

For a list of all Racing Series abbreviations, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

MotorCup syllabus 

Friday, July 24, 2026

MotorCup Knockout play keeps rolling Along

As how many licks does it take, Oh Never Mind!

 

Yeah, that Beatles song The long and winding road comes to mind! But hang-on Folks, we’re almost done with this Madcap No fenders Fairytale…

 

Canada

Starting lineup

LWG: Lance Stroll, (F1) STK: Roman De Angelis, (SC) RWG: Zacharie Robischon, (SC) LMF: Phil Fayer, (IMSA) CMF: James Hinchcliffe, (IMSA) RMF: Parker Thompson, (SC) LFB: Tobias Lutke, (IMSA) WBK: Misha Goikhberg, (IMSA) CBK: John Farano, (IMSA) RFB: Chris Cumming, (IMSA) GLK: Zachary Vanier,. (IMSA)

 

Coach: Robert Wickens

Captain: James Hinchcliffe

 

Chatter

Thee Young Wicky’s Staff included Ron Fellows as Goalkeepers Coach. As Ronnie was known for getting the puck into the back of the net!

 

Whilst Fashion Mogul Lawrence Stroll agreed to outfit Team Canada in Tommy Hilfiger Kit as long as His son Lance got adequate playing time…

 

New Zealand

Starting lineup

LWG: Scott McLaughlin, (ICS) STK: Scott Dixon, (ICS) RWG: Liam Lawson, (F1) LMF: Marcus Armstrong, (ICS) CMF: Shane van Gisbergen, (NCR) RMF: Nick Cassidy, (FE/IMSA) LFB: Mitch Evans, (FE) WBK: Brendan Hartley, (WEC)CBK: Earl Bamber, (SC) RFB: Hunter McElrea, (IMSA) GLK: Jaxon Evans. (IMSA)

 

Coach: Chris Amon

Captain: Scott Dixon

 

Chatter

Would you have expected anyone else as Captain? Even if Scotty thee Iceman 2.0’ Dixon had informed Coach Amon He was leaving the team after turney’s end…

 

Match report

Although Canadians are well known for their politeness. Nonetheless, being a sold out match at BC Stadium in Vancouver, they’d brought their Hockey sticks and were making a rapturous noise pounding them on the stadium’s aisles before kickoff…

 

In the 13th minute, Thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’ (Hinchcliffe) passed to Roman De Angelis at the top of the Box. Roman then skirted past Brendan Hartley, passed to Zacharie Robischon, who booted a left foot shot past Jaxon Evans. As Bedlam erupted Up North Eh!

 

Then in the 99th minute, due to excessive stoppage time, ScottyMac’ (McLaughlin) headed the ball past astonished Misha Goikhberg off a booming kick from Earl Bamber, sending the match into extra time.

 

After two scoreless extra time periods, with the match knotted at 1-1, a silence fell upon BC Stadium with penalty kicks looming.

 

The visitors went first, with The Gis’, aka Shane van Gisbergen scoring, before Canada’s Parker Thomson scored. Tied at 3-3, Marcus Armstrong cooly scored before Lance Stroll stepped up for His shot. As Lance promptly kicked His shot into the hands of Jaxon Evans. Tipping the score 4-3 in New Zealand’s favour.

 

Then Dixon stepped up and calmly put His PK’ into the upper righthand corner, giving New Zealand the win much to the Home crowd’s dismay!

 

Republic of Ireland

Starting lineup

LWG: Alex Dunne, (F2) STK: James Rowe Jr, (NXT) RWG: Fionn McLaughlin, (F3) LMF: Josh McElrean, (WRC) CMF: Charlie Eastwood, (SC) RMF: Patrick Dempsey, (WEC) LFB: Eoin Treacy, (WRC) WBK: Jon Armstrong, (WRC) CBK: Shane Byrne, (WRC) RFB: Aaron Johnston, (WRC) GLK: Tommy Byrne.

 

Coach: Derek Daly

Captain: Charlie Eastwood

 

Chatter

Coach Daly tried getting old racing crony David Kennedy involved, but He was too busy tending His garden patch at Mondello Park. But Kennedy suggested former mate Tommy Byrne, who lived Stateside as the perfect net “Minder”. As the 10 man squad was desperate for a Goalie!

 

Netherlands

Starting lineup

LWG: Nyck de Bries, (WEC/FE) STK: Max Verstappen, (F1) RWG: Rinus veeKay, (ICS) LMF: Laurens van Hoepen, (F2) CMF: Robin Frijns, (SC) RMF: Niels Koolen, (NXT) LFB: Job van Uitert, (IMSA) WBK: Nicky Catsburg, (SC) CBK: Renger van der Zande, (SC) RFB: Tijmen van der Helm, (IMSA) GLK: Thierry Vermeulen. (DTM)

 

Coach: Jan Lammers

Captain: Max Verstappen

 

Chatter

Would anyone else other than Circus Maximus dare being Captain?

 

Match report

Although a feisty lot, Ireland’s Boyz’ were simply outmanned by the “firepower” of Max Verstappen’s Orange Army! Especially with it’s back line all being World Rally championship racers…

 

Playing in the Mercedes Dome in New Orleans, Circus Maximus and Co. crushed Ireland 6-1. Their only blemish being to let Alex Dunne score a goal at match’s end when the Dutch had pulled their Starters to rest for Quarter finals play…

 

Positions Key

LWG: Lef Winger, STK: Striker, RWG: Right Winger, LMF: Left Midfielder, CMF: Center Midfielder, RMF: Right Midfielder, LFB: Left Fullback, CBK: Center Back, RFB: Right Fullback, GLK: Goalkeeper.

 

For a list of all Racing Series abbreviations, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

MotorCup syllabus 

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

More MotorCup des Nations Knockout play

As the Heat at Miami Gardens gets turned up…

 

Now we’re getting to der fleisch de sausage, err meat of the sandwich, Hya!

 

England

Starting lineup

LWG: George Russell, (F1) STK: Lewis Hamilton, (F1) RWG: Arvid Lindblad, (F1) LMF: Oliver Bearman, (F1) CMF: Louis Foster, (ICS) RMF: Cian Shields, (F2) RFB: Lando Norris, (F1) WBK: Mike Conway, (WEC) CBK: James Calado, (WEC) RFB: Jake Dennis, (FE) GLK: Freddie slater. (F3)

 

Coach: Jenson Button

Captain: Lewis Hamilton

 

Chatter

Who better to handle a bunch of Prima Donas, Err Formula 1 drivers all fighting to be the star player? As Bloody Jense’ knows a thing or two about the Pinnacle ‘O Motorsports!

 

Germany

Starting lineup

LWG: Mick Schumacher, (ICS) STK: Laurin Heinrich, (IMSA) RWG: Oliver Goethe, (F2) LMF: Maximilian Gunther, (FE) CMF: Nico Hulkenberg, (F1)RMF:  Pascal Wehrlein, (FE) LFB: Rene Rast, (SC) WBK: Marco Whittman, (SC) CBK: Mike Rockenfeller, (IMSA) RFB: Marvin Kirchhofer, (IMSA) GLK: Mario Farnbacher. (IMSA)

 

Coach: Nico Rosberg

Captain: Nico Hulkenberg

 

Chatter

Coach Nico is certainly adept to speaking His mind and knowing what He wants, and is well suited to lead this squad of veterans. But will they look up to Him and His coaching tactics?

 

Match report

In the 27th minute, Germany made a run resulting in a set piece. Maximilian Gunther booted the ball to a streaking Mick Schumacher who towered over Scatback’ Lando Norris. Who although a nifty dribbler was left winging over how was He supposed to stop Mick from scoring on Him in the Air?

 

As Coach Button immediately substituted Oliver Rowlan (FE) for Norris to shore up England’s back line.

 

In the 55th minute, Nico Hulkenberg fowled Sir Lewis inside the Box. With Captain Hamilton serenely slotting home the PK’ to tie the score at 1-1.

 

Coach Nico substituted Andre Lotterer, (WEC) for Kirchhofer, and Benjamin Goethe, (WEC) for Wehrlein.

 

In the 79th minute, the Goethe brothers methodically worked downfield with Oliver passing to Laurn Heinrich who curled a zinger past Freddie Slater, with Germany going onto win 2-1.

 

Japan

Starting lineup

LWG: Kamui Kobayashi, (WEC) STK: Takuma Sato, (ICS) RWG: Ryo Hirakawa, (WEC) LMF: Ai Ogura, (MGP) CMF: Ritomo Miyata, (F2) RMF: Taito Kato, (F3) LFB: Kanato Le, (F3) WBK: Hiyu Yamakoshi, (F3) CBK: Kakunoshin Ohta, (IMSA) RFB: Takamoto Katsuta, (WRC) GLK: Ayumu Iwasa. (SF)

 

Coach: Aguri Suzuki

Captain: Takuma Sato

 

Chatter

Their coach Aguri-san was well respected, and commanded respect from His players. Who He molded into a cohesive squad to take on their rivals…

 

Spain

Starting lineup

LWG: Marc Marquez, (MGP) STK: Fernando Alonso, (F1) RWG: Carlos Sainz Jr, (F1) LMF: Mari Boya, (F2) CMF: Alex Palou, (ICS) RMF: Pepe Marti, (FE) LFB: Alex Riberas, (SC) WBK: Miguel Molina, (IMSA) CBK: Antonio Garcia, (IMSA) RFB: Albert Costa, (IMSA) GLK: Daniel Juncadella. (WEC)

 

Coach: Carlos Sainz

Captain: Fernando Alonso

 

Chatter

El Matador, aka Coach Sainz had His hands full trying to get His front line to play together. Since all three were towering figures known for winning, His son was often overlooked by the others…

 

Match report

Frederico Suave (Alonso) was heard during the coin toss boasting to Taku-san He’d won two F1 World Championships vs. His two Indianapolis 500 victories. Yet Sato politely said you know me. “No Attack, No Chance!”

 

Both sides had their chances, with thee Pinball Wizard (Marquez) missing wide right, and Ryo Hirakawa clanking to top of the bar. Yet Marquez and Alonso wrestled for control of the ball, before Marquez twisted His ankle in the 48th minute.

 

Marquez was replaced by thee Martinator’, aka Jorge Martin. (MGP) And as Martin, Alonso and the Smooth Operator (Sainz Jr) called for the ball. Japan seized upon a counter-attack with K-Squared’ (Kobayashi) drilling a shot into the back of the net off an assist from Sato.

 

As Spain lost One-Nil while Sato thanked All the boyz’ for playing so well together…

 

Positions Key

LWG: Lef Winger, STK: Striker, RWG: Right Winger, LMF: Left Midfielder, CMF: Center Midfielder, RMF: Right Midfielder, LFB: Left Fullback, CBK: Center Back, RFB: Right Fullback, GLK: Goalkeeper.

 

For a list of all Racing Series abbreviations, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

MotorCup syllabus 

Monday, July 20, 2026

MotorCup des Nations Knockout Play begins

As we’re down to the Sweet 16 of this elabourate charade…

 

It just felt “natural” to begin with United States vs. Australia, Mates!

 

Australia

Starting lineup

LWG: Lochi Hughes, (NXT) STK: Will Power, (ICS) RWG: Oscar Piastri, (F1)  LMF: Jack Beeton, (NXT) CMF: Jack Doohan, (ELMS) RMF: Nicolas Stati, (NXT)  LFB: Chad Moster, (SPC) WBK: Tom Sargent, (IMSA) CBK: Jack Miller, (MGP) RFB: Brock Feeney, (SPC) GLK: Kenny Habul. (IMSA)

 

Coach: Mark Webber

Captain: Will Power

 

Chatter

Parliament tried to get Oz’ legend Alan Jones to be their coach, but He deferred to Mark Handlebarz’ Webber instead. While are Y’all surprised over anyone else from Down Under being their Captain?

 

United States

Starting lineup

LWG: Max Garcia, (NXT) STK: Kyle Kirkwood, (ICS) RWG: David Malukas, (ICS) LMF: Josh Pierson, (NXT) CMF: Colton Herta, (F2) RMF: Nikita Johnson, (NXT) LFB: Santino Ferrucci, (ICS) WBK: Myles Roe, (NXT) CBK: Graham Rahal, (ICS)  RFB: Jordan Missig, (NXT) GLK: Sting Ray Robb. (ICS)

 

Coach: Mike Hull

Captain: Graham Rahal

 

Chatter

Being in charge of facilities and making everything “Penske Perfect”. Roger didn’t want to go thru another round of Conflict of Interest ridicule, so deferred to His Good Buddy Cheep’ to be their coach. Yet Ganassi was  too busy sorting out the No. 9 seat and elected Mike Hull instead!

 

IndyCar Stars Josef Newgarden and Alexander Rossi were on the bench due to both wearing walking boots and being injured. While nobody wanted to play Goalkeeper, so the Hapless Sting Ray Robb got the job…

 

Match report

In the 26th minute, the Kid with the Crazy Hair’s head-band fell off and His hair got in the way. With Oscar Piastri streaking past Santino Ferrucci and drilling a shot into the upper corner past Sting Ray Robb!

 

Coach Hill substituted Nolan Siegel for Ferruci in the second half, before Nolan tripped on His cleat’s, allowing Piastri to rocket a bicycle kick past Sting Ray!

 

Then in the 81st minute, Graham Rahal tackled will Power inside the Box, resulting in a penalty kick. Which DJ WillyP’ muscled past Robb with a low roller! Giving Australia a Three-Nil win, along with Kenny Habul keeping a clean sheet.

 

Brazil

Starting lineup

LWG: Enzo Fittipaldi, (NXT) STK: Gabriel Bortoleto, (F1) RWG: Caio Collet, (ICS) LMF: Emerson Fittipaldi Jr, (F2) CMF: Felipe Drugovich, (FE) RMF: Rafael Canara, (F2 LFB: Eduardo Barrichello, (SC) WBK: Pietro Fittipaldi, (IMSA) CBK: Felipe Nasr, (IMSA) RFB: Fernando Barrichello, (F3) GLK: Augusto Farfus. (WEC)

 

Coach: Rubens Barrichello

Captain: Felipe Nasr

 

Chatter

Coach Rubino’s lineup was half completed just with the Fittipaldi Boyz’ and His two sons on the pitch, trying to keep them all happy with their starting positions.

 

Mexico

Starting lineup

LWG: Rafael Villagomez, (F2) STK: Pato O’Ward, (ICS) RWG: Daniel Suarez, (NCR) LMF: Noel Leon, (F2) CMF: Salvador de Alba, (NXT) RMF: Ricardo Escotto, (NXT/F3) LFB: Jose Garfias, (F3) WBK: Sabastian Alvarez, (SC) CBK: Sergio Perez, (F1) RFB: Alejandro Bobadilla, (FRA) GLK: Ian Aguilera. (ELMS)

 

Coach: Adrian Fernandez

Captain: Sergio Perez

 

Chatter

Coach Fernandez had His hands full trying to keep His star players happy, along with an unproven Goalkeeper…. While was Perez being Captain a surprise?

 

Match report

Mexico went ahead during the 36th minute on a Set piece. With Noel Leon ‘s corner kick booming towards a streaking Pato O’Ward who headed the ball into the back of the net, making it One-Nil, Ole!

Although the Fittipaldi nephews squabbled over who should get to play where. It was Enzo Fittipaldi clanking a shot off the bar in the 46th minute.

 

In the 69th minute, Daniel Suarez slotted a zinger past Augusto Farfus, off of an assist by Salvador de alba to give Mexico a Two-Nil victory.

 

Positions Key

LWG: Lef Winger, STK: Striker, RWG: Right Winger, LMF: Left Midfielder, CMF: Center Midfielder, RMF: Right Midfielder, LFB: Left Fullback, CBK: Center Back, RFB: Right Fullback, GLK: Goalkeeper.

 

For a list of all Racing Series abbreviations, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

MotorCup syllabus 

Saturday, July 18, 2026

MotorCup des Nations Final Group Play Wrap-up

As Thars simply too many Nations to cover in one story!

 

Yes, I promise this is the last of the riveting MotorCup Group play, Honest Folks!

 

Poland

Robert Kubica, (WEC) roman Bilinski, (F2) Tymek Kucharczyk, (NXT) Jakub Smiechowski, (SC) Maciej Gladysz. (F3)

 

Poland was the third strongest Group E Contendah’. After rising Indy NXT Star Tymek Kucharczyk scored three goals against Scotland. Poland was soundly drubbed by the Republic of Ireland, failing to advance.

 

Portugal

Antonio Felix da costa, (FE/SC) Filipe Albuquerque, (IMSA) Manuel Espirito, (IMSA) Miguel Oliveira, (WSBK)

 

Although Portugal did defeat conference rival South Africa fairly easily. They were thoroughly routed by Spain 8-2 in Knockout play!

 

Palestine

Yasser Shahin, (WEC) Sam Shahin. (SC)

 

Learned of Yasser’s involvement in Sports Cars when perusing this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans lineups. Although racing under an Australian license, Yasser and His brother have dual Nationality’s of Australia and Palestine.

 

Faced with the prospect of sitting on Australia’s bench or not getting any playing time at all. Yasser and Sam, who apparently made a name for Himself in the Porsche Carrera Cup and Michelin  Sprint Challenge Down Under’, Mates!

 

The two brothers opted to emulate The Speed Sisters and play for Palestine instead. Although The Speed sisters Documentary aired Wayback’ in 2015. And pretty sure there Ain’t any racing going on in Palestine now. Hell! Who knows if they’re even still alive?

 

Meet the World’s first All Female racing-cars driving team from Occupied Palestine

 

The duo subsequently lost out to Türkiye in Group N play.

 

Turkey

Toprak Razgatlioglu, (MGP) Ayhancan Guven, (SC) Salih Yoluc. (IMSA)

 

Only learned of Bad Arse multi-World superbike champion Razgatlioglu Who’s contesting His rookie MotoGP campaign. And Yoluc, who raced for Team turkey this year at Circuit de la Sarthe.

 

Yet after defeating Palestine, they were knocked out of tournament play by eventual Group J winner’s Qatar.

 

Qatar

Nasser Al-Attiyah (WRR) Abdulla Al-Khalaifi, (ELMS) Ibrahim Al-Abdulghani, (GTWC) Ghanim Al-Maadheed,.(GTWC)

 

55-year old Nasser Al-Attiyah is Qatar’s most famous racing driver. Having won the prestigious DAKAR Rally six times overall in the “Cars” category, including this year’s rally. Whilst Abdulla Al-Khalaifi made His debut in this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans for Team Qatar by Iron Lynx.

 

Having twice as many players vs. rival Group J’s United Arab Emirates, Qatar won it’s first MotorCup match before eventually being knocked out by Circus Maximus’s Orange Army!

 

United Arab Emirates

Keanu Al Azhari, (E3) Adam Al Azhari. (UAE4)

 

Otay, I’ll admit this one’s a stretch, as I wasn’t expecting to find anyone here, since Ed Jones has long since departed IndyCar. Just discovered the Al Azhar brothers being “coached” by Pops’ Karim, a multi-times Karting champion.

 

Also just learned that older brother Keanu became an Alpine Academy member in 2025.

 

Whilst Mohammed Ben Sulayen was heard telling FIFA Boss Gianni Van token He was the most important person in Dubai…

 

South Africa

Sheldon van der Linde, (SC) Kelvin van der Linde, (DTM) Brad Binder, (MGP) Darryn Binder. (MASS)

 

With the Binder brothers bickering over who should get the ball most. The Van der Linde Bros’ whinging over having to play defense. And Portugal’s Miguel Oliveira knowing the Binder’s tendencies from His MotoGP days. They were easy pickings for Portugal, who stopped them advancing out of Group N.

 

Thailand

Alex Albon, (F1) Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak, (F2) Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi, (F3) Carl Bennett. (IMSA)

 

Thailand may have the stairway to F1 covered, and routed Indonesia in early Group play. But New Zealand’s Scotty the “Iceman 2.0” Dixon and Co. were simply too strong for Albon and His Mates!

 

South Korea

Jack Aitken, (SC) Michael Shin. (F3)

 

Yeah, well aware that Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken races under a United Kingdom license. But racer’s want to race. And being relegated to riding England’s bench, Jack decided to honour His Mum’ by playing for South Korea instead.

 

Although Jack and the totally unheard of Michael Shin got onto the pitch, they were totally outgunned by Japan in Group K play…

 

For a list of all Racing Series abbreviations, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

MotorCup syllabus 

Friday, July 17, 2026

MotorCup des Nations Final Group Rounds

As in for a Penny, in for a Pound, Eh?

 

Yeah, we’re finally into our final Group matches, before we can start knocking off my mythical Sweet 16 Contendahs’…

 

Sweden

Starting lineup

LFW: Rasmus Lindh, (IMSA) RFW: Dino Deganovic, (F2) LMF: Alexander West, (WEC CMF:  Felix Rosenqvist, (ICS) RMF: Oliver Solberg, (WRC LFB: Joel Eriksson, (FE) CBK: Marcus Ericsson, (ICS) RFB: Henrik Hedman, (IMSA) GLK: Stefan Johansson.

 

Coach: Kenny Brack

Captain: Felix Rosenqvist

 

Chatter

Coach Brack hopes to use the news that Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) was leaving the squad after this year’s MotorCup tournament as motivation to win. While Marcus Ericsson also doesn’t know if He’ll return for another go or not?

 

Being one man down to Switzerland. Original Goalkeeper Bjorn Wirdheim suddenly contracted Chicken Pox and couldn’t travel to Seattle.

 

Yet fortunately ‘lil Stevie Johnson, aka Stefan Johansson was in the Emerald City selling some of His custom watches to Nordstroms and agreed to help out His ‘Ol IndyCar Sparin’ pardner Brack…

 

Switzerland

Starting lineup

LFW: Louis Deletraz, (IMSA) RFW: Gregorre Saucy, (IMSA)

LMF: Thomas Flohr, (WEC) CMF: Sebastien Buemi, (WEC/FE) RMF: Ricardo Feller, (IMSA)

LFB: Edoardo Mortara, (FE) CBK: Nico Muller, (FE) RFB: Mathias Beche, (IMSA) GLK: Philip Ellis. (IMSA)

 

Coach: Pedar Solberg

Captain: Sebastien Buemi

 

Chatter

Looking for a coach for their shorthanded team, Oliver convinced His Pops’ to help them out.

 

Match report

The Rainbow Cup game was held at Seattle’s Loomin’ large Field, with Brown & Haley’s Confectionary Ambassador, and beloved Emerald City Seahawks Marshan Lynch as the ceremonial coin tosser. Lync was heard telling the Captains this Ain’t football! As we wore pads and a helmet during my playing days! Before rowdy Seattle Fans showered the field with Skittles…

 

Sweden’s Dino Deganovic passed to Rasmus Lindh and the game started. Lindh tapped back to Felix-the-Cat’ and the trio trotted down field before Dino drilled a shot into the right upper corner over Switzerland’s Phillip Ellis.

 

Halftime saw the game One-Nil in Sweden’s favour, before Louie Deletraz equalized the score with a shot curling past Stefan Johansson. Then late in the match, an exhausted Marcus Ericsson elbowed Gregorre Saucy outside the 18 yard line, resulting in a free kick. Which Deletraz stepped-up and rifled a arching kick past Sweden’s wall and a flat-footed Johansson for the game winner.

 

Although Switzerland prevailed over Sweden, they were promptly defeated by Germany in Knockout elimination.

 

Argentina

Franco Colapinto, (F1) Nico Varrone, (F2) Alessandro de Tullio, (NXT) Mattia Colnaghi, (F3) Jose Maria Lopez, (WEC)

 

Argentina was knocked out of Group B, losing to Brazil. Alessandro de Tullio with His seven goals led the Golden Boot trophy prior to their elimination.

 

Finland

Valtteri Bottas, (F1) Tuukka Taponen, (F3) Esapekka Lappi, (WRC) Enni Malkonen, (WRC) Sami Pajari, (WRC) Marko Salminen, (WRC)

 

Even though their players are used to racing on tarmac, their core group of Ralliers’ were used to the cold climes of Home. And along with their Captain Valtteri Bottas being long in-the-tooth. They were simply overwhelmed by Denmark in Group G play, being eliminated.

 

Norway

Dennis Hauger, (ICS) Dennis Olsen, (IMSA)

 

The “tiny” nation of Norway didn’t even make it onto the pitch! As they could only muster two drivers and were thoroughly shellacked in a “Friendly” tune-up with Finland!

 

Positions Key

LFW: Lef Forward, RFW: Right Forward, LMF: Left Midfielder, CMF: Center Midfielder, RMF: Right Midfielder, LFB: Left Fullback, CBK: Center Back, RFB: Right Fullback, GLK: Goalkeeper.

 

For a list of all Racing Series abbreviations, please visit the following No Fenders link below.

 

MotorCup syllabus