This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

A lot has happened since the Freaks went on holiday.

A couple days ago the Williams Formula 1 team said it’s coming to New York City for its 2024 preseason announcements. A nod to growing F1 interest in the U.S. AND, perhaps, the presence of Ken Block’s daughter Lia who will be a part of the Williams driver development program starting this year.

Corvette Mustang Gt3s

We talked last year about manufacturers putting more interest in selling GT3 cars to private teams for race series competition. The drumbeat is getting heavier.

The Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang GT3 cars will do battle this year where GT3 cars are featured. They’ll make their worldwide competition debut at the Rolex 24 starting January 27th in Daytona.

And we lost legends while we were away. Former driver and NHRA team owner Don Schumacher and drivers Gil de Ferran and Cale Yarbrough sadly are gone.

And on a happier note: Happy 39th birthday to seven-time F1 champion Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton who is celebrating today.

Happy New Year one and all.

Peace.