Robin Miller's Mailbag for July 2 presented by Honda Racing/HPD

And if you have a question about the technology side of racing, remember that Marshall Pruett tackles them in his Tech Mailbags each week. Please send tech questions to PruettsTechMailbag@Racer.com.

Q: WOW, what a weekend, Saturday’s race was one of the most entertaining races, in a few years. The race had it all, rain, sun, timed race, strategy, underdogs, bonehead driving, inexcusable errors, breathtaking passes, inevitable Sato incident, inevitable Rahal incident, inevitable Marco incident. Charges by Kanaan, Sato, Rahal, and Montoya. A win for the little guy. I was on the edge of my seat for the last hour. Simply entertaining. 

And Sunday! Not as tension filled, but the racing and back and forth, just incredible. One thing though. Helio is a compulsive blocker; everyone knows that but Helio himself. How can he throw a lick of blame at Bourdais? I am not a fan of either, but Seabass held his line, Helio went inside/outside, runs into SB and blames Bourdais. And no one at NBCSN took Bourdais' side? Racing incident yes, but HCN was interviewed and vehement on his position, I would have liked P.T. to say, “you might want to watch the tape first, Helio.”
Michael, Avon, IN

RM: Well put, not sure there’s ever been a more entertaining weekend of IndyCar with such surprising podiums and fierce driving. The Little Guys of Coyne, Schmidt/Peterson, Herta winning and running up front can’t happen in Formula 1 or NASCAR. Had Helio played football he’d have been a “blocking back” and I didn’t talk to anybody who blamed Seabass after watching the replay.  

Q: I don’t have any complaints about the broadcast or IndyCar in general. I thought the Houston races were exciting; nothing like a tight little course to get everyone fired up. Lots of aggressive but mostly safe moves made for great racing. And for the foreign driver haters I guess you didn’t enjoy the Hawksworth-Montoya battle. If you didn’t like that there’s no pleasing you. And of course, shame on Bourdais for entering the corner on the normal racing line when racing Helio, what the hell was he thinking… I can’t wait for the next race.
Alex, Sacramento CA

RM: The Hawksworth-Montoya-Kimball battle was as good as it gets – three guys running as hard and as clean and as close as possible on a narrow, bumpy track. And thanks to NBCSN’s director we got to see it all. Rahal and Andretti charging to the front on both days (although they didn’t finish there) was also good stuff and Pagenaud’s pass of Helio for the lead was textbook.

Q: My son and I were watching Sunday and couldn't believe how hard everyone was fighting for position. In the last half and definitely the last third of the race P3-P10 were being contested as if they were the last lap on the most important race of the year. I mean these guys raced like it was the last race they'd ever compete in. And with great skill. Yes there were some NASCAR style bumping and banging – how is that avoidable on a short narrow course? But the setup, passing, strategy and "attacking" mode were some of the best I've seen this year, maybe ever. Nice job IndyCar.

After races like this I still say IndyCar is the best series no one knows about. The crowds didn't look big...respectable for the heat...hopefully many more watched on TV because, like I said, that was an awesome race.
Chris, Rochester, NY

RM: Of course it takes some lucky yellows, closed pits and different strategy to come from the back to the front on a street or road course but there was just the right amount of uncertainty and balls-out driving to make both races highly entertaining. Carlos Huertas and Hawksworth never flinched with Montoya on their tails and Aleshin made a strong comeback after damaging his front wing.  

Q: I wound up joining the broadcast of Race 1 in Houston on Saturday late and I’m sad I did. That was one HELL of a race! That was infinitely more exciting than the Saturday night NASCAR Cup race. The race was filled with drivers giving it their all and taking chances in poor conditions. It was wild, it was risky and there was plenty of passing and action. Different strategies and guys made hard runs to the front. Anyone who missed that race really missed out. I’m sure the fans at the track were not happy to get wet, but the result was an awesome race to watch. Plus…the big bonus…your interview with A.J. after Sato was knocked out. You do not get better TV than an interview with A.J. like that! I’m thinking of e-mailing NBCSN and asking them to put a permanent microphone on A.J. for every race.

Did you get a chance to talk with Rahal to get his take on his collision at the end with Tony? I have to commend Tony for holding back on his TV interview. He had a great run ruined by that contact.
John Balestrieri

RM: I’ve covered some of the most boring street parades imaginable in the past (Mario and Al Unser Jr. lapping the field at Long Beach) and there’s never a guarantee that somebody isn’t going to check out. But last weekend’s double-header offered as much good racing and drama as any racing series could hope for and even the biggest cynics admitted they watched it all. I think A.J. needs his own talk show on FOX. Obviously, Graham cost himself a shot at the podium and he apologized to T.K. for the mistake afterward.   

Q: What an interesting and disappointing race/ending but my god can IndyCar never, ever go back to this track again? Stupid chicanes, no flow, grandstands have horrible views, ITS PARKING LOT RACING and THIS IS GARBAGE! If this series doesn't go to Road America, Laguna, Watkins Glen, Portland, Richmond, etc. next year I will be pissed even as a long time IndyCar/sportscar fan. These cars’ suspensions are too tightly sprung to race at dumps like Houston.‬ Also, A.J. once again shows what this sport is about at its core, the passion in your interview shared the thoughts that most of us had. I’m fine with Andretti racing for his lap but after 10+ laps, come on, move out and wait for a wave around on an eventual yellow flag.‬‬‬
Robbie, Canada

RM: No argument that it’s not fan friendly and more Meadowlands than Las Vegas in terms of the track but it still provided some great racing and overtaking. The fate of Houston rests with Shell and Mike Lanigan and whether it can try and exist with a June date. Trust me, everyone wants to go back to the Glen and Road America but it takes two to tango and a TUDOR/IndyCar double-header should be a no-brainer at both those places.   ‬

Q: Great racing this weekend in Houston, both days. It was great TV. I do question Helio's "opinion" on the crash with Bourdais. From the TV it looks like he just shot back across the track without regard to who was around him. Seriously, does he expect someone trying to pass him to think, "Hmmm, Helio will probably come back to the proper racing line, I better give him room." Seems like the pressure of the championship is already getting to Helio. Of the top 3 in the championship, RHR drove the best race to close the gap. He was aggressive but not stupid. And kudos to Bourdais for still driving a great race with that front wing damage.
Lawrence H., Sanford, FL

RM: There was a theory floating around that Helio simply didn’t know Seabass was there. Really? The guy he’d just rubbed wheels with seconds before had vanished? Castroneves is driving at a high level again but I’m afraid what happened Sunday may be the reason he’s never won a championship and never will.   

Q: The racing was surprisingly exciting. I’m thrilled they ran in the rain and absolutely can’t believe they did a standing start in the wet. It is one thing to race on a dedicated road course in the wet but something altogether different on a street course with slippery concrete and even slipperier painted lines everywhere. 

I have to ask about Helio’s comments after his accident. How can he blame Bourdais for that? If I’m honest I think he deserves a further penalty for that. I understand he was focused ahead, but the cars behind you don’t just stop racing when you try to overtake someone. Just ask everyone in the field who tried to pass Union Jack.

After that incident I was wondering what kind of luck Power is going to have this season as it appears to be the opposite of every other title chase. Then Power must have slapped a wall somewhere and ruined his podium finish. The one other incident I’d like to ask about is Montoya… at the end of the race Sunday, he parked his car and he was clearly hanging on for dear life. Unfortunately I couldn’t watch the post race so I’m wondering what happened? Also congrats to Carlos and Union Jack for their performances this weekend. They’re not young Americans, but they’re young talent willing to absorb every haymaker the veterans could throw at them.
Ryan in West Michigan

RM: To see the drivers go 30 laps without a caution in those rainy conditions on Saturday reinforces the depth of competition in this field. And I know there were some brain fades on Sunday near the end but there was also some badass overtaking, defending and driving. I was as impressed with Union Jack’s performance as anybody’s all season. I think Montoya just used up his tires and P2P. Power’s suspension came apart and that’s what sent him into the wall and tumbling from third to 11th.

Q: Thought the racing from Houston was good, but I'm no fan of double-headers. I get the impression everyone – crew, drivers, fans, and announcers – is simply surviving the second race. Too much in one weekend. Put more destinations on the schedule. I live near Denver. With proper sponsorship, it's got to work. It worked before. Look at our record with all the major sports. 
Steve, Aurora, Colo.

RM: I’m a fan of double-headers but not having qualifying sessions each race morning because it’s insane for the mechanics and IndyCar gets nothing out of some of the best drama of the weekend. I’d be in favor of one race in Houston at night in the fall and I’d love to go back to Denver’s last layout with the big, wide, inviting turn.

Q: God bless A.J. Foyt for his frankness in telling it like it was in Race 1 last weekend. If Marco had not blocked Sato for so long, who knows how well Sato would have finished. I was surprised that Marco wasn’t called in sooner. He wouldn’t have been able to stay in front in the other series.

And before you say that he didn’t want to go a lap down, I don’t consider being lapped by the leader as “racing for a position.” And since it helped his teammate, it made Marco’s maneuvers even more egregious. The fine was a joke since I could pay it easily and probation doesn’t really mean much, either. On the other hand, ¡Viva Colombia! What a fantastic weekend for the three Colombians! And what vindication for JPM; he raced his heart out (and his cars) this weekend. I am always thrilled when a rookie wins his first race.

RM: Sato probably has an eight-second lead by the time he hits the pits and doesn’t lose first place to Hinch and isn’t caught up with Aleshin. That and the fact he thought it took IndyCar too long to react is what teed off Super Tex the most. 

Q: There's no denying that both races at Houston this weekend were stellar. Plenty of on-track action and a few nice storylines (Huertas earning his first win, Graham taking out TK, etc). What kind of shocked me though was the amount of exposed aluminum in the grandstands. Huge parts of the bleachers on the front straight were left completely empty for both races, and many of the other bleachers were only half full at best. I know that the weather wasn't all that cooperative but that cannot be the only reason fans didn't attend. I get the distinct feeling that this race may go the way of Baltimore, Edmonton, Sao Paulo, and so many other street events.

What I want to know is: 1) Is the city of Houston is subsidizing this event? 2) Do you think this event is going to last on the calendar? Why or why not?
Sheen, Hollywood, CA

RM: I heard ticket sales were way down and the promoters were pleasantly surprised by the turnout but there was no denying all the empty seats. No, the city doesn’t subsidize the races. It’s Shell’s baby and Mike Lanigan’s. If Shell wants to return as the title sponsor, I think it stays but it needs to be at night if it stays in June.

Q: Greetings again from the Texas Swampland (Houston). "Shell and Pennzoil did a nice job of promoting the double-header but the rain and heat/humidity took a toll on the gate and promoter Mike Lanigan really needs to move the date." Well said. About the current dates, our biggest floods always happen in June, this year the monsoon started in the last week of May and looks to have ended this last weekend.

Second, if it isn't raining, it’s a full on steam bath. Come June, air conditioning is a #1 priority; nobody looks forward to hanging at a parking lot for 3-6 hours in the afternoon sun for even one day let alone two. I told my wife IndyCar was racing at the Astrodome/ Reliant/ NRG Stadium. Her total response was a simple West Texas one word: "Pathetic." We went to Dallas instead.

If Lanigan wants to win in Houston, he needs to drop NRG, hook up with the City of Houston, and run the Allen Parkway - Memorial Drive - City Hall Loop. It is by far the best street course in North America. Y'all think of a blend of the Glen, Circuit of The Americas and Monaco. Fast, wide, hilly (yes, we do have them), big city skyline and canyons, hard hard braking, massive acceleration, and any number of passing zones.
Steve Archer

RM: Thanks for the info Steve, I’ll send your suggestion to Lanigan. CART had nice crowds downtown so that might be the best move.

Q: While I found the Houston races a bit less than satisfactory, the same cannot be said for Paul Tracy! I gained more insight on IndyCar racing in one broadcast with Paul than in the last five years listening to Goodyear and Cheever. He keeps me from pressing fast forward.
Justin Klug, Park City, UT

RM: PT’s explanations of broken backs, brakes and what’s going on behind the wheel has been as refreshing as it has educational.  

Q: Got to say that the broadcast team of Diffey, Matchett and Paul Tracy was excellent. I think that was the first time that I didn't fast forward through all the caution laps because they actually had some interesting things to talk about. The announcing team does make a difference – that's why I'd rather watch an F1 practice than a race on ABC.

As far as the races went, they were very entertaining and exciting, but I think some of these overly optimistic moves deserve more of a penalty. I wouldn't want to see it ever get like F1 where every little contact is investigated, but when a driver a lap down takes out a driver in second place who has a legitimate chance at the win, that driver needs something like a 10-place grid penalty at the next road or street course race. And as for the BS move by team Andretti…$2,500? Really? I think they're missing a couple of zeros on that fine.
Dave Bostrom

RM: Got a lot of favorable comments on last weekend’s telecast and the booth combination. It sounds like they’re having a good time because they are. I don’t want to see too much officiating and, drive-thru penalties aside, sometimes the real punishment is ending up on the wrecker.     

Q: I am not and never have been a big Marco Andretti fan, but he got screwed in Houston Race 1. How can Race Control tell a driver who is on the lead lap that he has to let the leader pass and put him a lap down? If he was already a lap down, then yes he should've let the leader pass, but if you're at the tail end of the lead lap and can stay in front of the leader, you should be allowed to do so. Race Control says Marco was holding up Sato on purpose so Hinch could catch him. And maybe he was, who knows? But if you start telling drivers on the lead lap they must let other drivers also on the lead lap pass, that's manufactured racing in my opinion. I don't know if that was a hard and fast rule or a judgment call by Race Control, but whatever the case, they need to rethink that one.
Blake, Flower Mound, TX

RM: IndyCar heard some radio talk that indicated Marco was helping Hinch’s cause and Sato’s four-second advantage was down to 0.7sec in the matter of five laps. Trust me, nobody would have bitched any louder than Michael if positions had been reversed, and someone had been trying to back Marco into the guy behind.

Q: Why in the world was Marco Andretti given the blue flag to let Sato by, then the black flag for not letting him by? Marco was a lead-lap car just out of the pits fighting to stay on the lead lap. He didn’t race Sato dirty or block him. So what if it slowed Sato down and ate away at his lead? Getting through traffic is part of the game. If Sato was that much better, then he should have tried to pass him. If he was a lap or more down, that’s one thing, but Marco or any lead lap car should be able to race to stay on the lead lap without TGBB 2.0 getting involved. More over-officiating and PC racing.
Mark in Cincinnati

RM: Speaking to ESPN.com, IndyCar competition president Derrick Walker denied published reports that the series had created a new rule on the spot to assess the penalty on Andretti. "The rules are there in the rulebook," Walker said. "Basically, because it was interfering with the race leaders; we initially asked him to move out of the way. It was different, but it certainly wasn't a new rule. We need to clarify that. What's new is that the last car on the lead lap needs to move out of the way. It's really an oval track rule, to give a guy a chance to stay on the lead lap. We give him every chance and don't ask him to move out of the way because it's easier to overtake on an oval.

"On a road course, it's the first time this has come up that I know of, and we called it that way because we felt that Marco caused Sato to go from a four-second lead to a half-second lead in a matter of a few laps. We showed him the blue flag, and what happened after that is where we felt he was wrong because he ignored the Race Control direction. The fact that he disregarded it, we couldn't ignore that."

Q: What’s the deal with Helio? He only left one side for Bourdais to be on (driver's right) going into the corner where they had contact. Helio squeezed Bourdais by coming back over to his right. He needs to grow up and quit blaming others.

Do you feel the penalty to Marco and the team was sufficient? He basically caused the other driver to lose almost five seconds. A $2,500 penalty and probation hardly seems an appropriate penalty for causing such a large time loss to Sato. As he was on probation prior to Sunday’s Part II, do his numerous driving actions warrant additional penalties?
Peter in Phoenix

RM: Come on, race drivers never grow up until they quit. None of the drivers I talked to blamed Bourdais and Marco’s penalty was justified. He didn’t get one for putting Justin Wilson in the tires on Sunday so I’d say he can’t complain.   

Q: I completely disagree with blue flag being given to Marco in that situation. Race Control apparently had no issues with any blocking moves and from the TV broadcast I saw nothing but clean, fast lines from Marco. Yes, Sato was getting backed up, but if Marco wasn't blocking and Sato wasn't fast enough to get by him, then Marco should have been allowed to fight to stay on the lead lap.‬ How does Race Control add personnel and improve their technology and yet still seem to be making such horrible calls (or non-calls) this year?‬‬‬
Nick, Noblesville, IN

RM: If you read some of the answers above I think it might answer your question but, basically, Marco ran the same pace as Sato for a couple laps and they maintained a 4-second gap on Hinchcliffe. Then, Andretti started slowing down until Hinch was right behind Sato. I don’t think it was a terrible call at all and I guarantee you that if Mario or Michael had been in Sato’s situation, they’d have been screaming bloody murder like most drivers.‬

Q: Could you explain why in Race 2, when Marco had done some brilliant driving up to second, he ended up unintentionally nerfing JWil into the tire barriers (yet the NBCSN announcing crew was all over him for that (including Mr. Chrome Horn himself!) and the officials put it immediately under review. When Penske golden boy Power does this, and we sure have had plenty of examples this season to cite, it’s just chalked up to "aggressive" driving! Props to both Carlos Huertas/Dale Coyne Racing and Simon Pagenaud/Mikhail Aleshin/Schmidt-Peterson Racing for being the little teams that could and did! Now, onto Pocono. Go Marco, go!
Tony Mezzacca, Madison, NJ

RM: Power dodged a bullet at Long Beach when he speared Pagenaud but got penalized at Detroit and, trust me, Beaux Barfield doesn’t play favorites and neither does Race Control’s panel. I imagine the NBCSN boys were astounded that Andretti KO’d Wilson knowing he was on probation.

Q: It was the first time I missed the Houston races in years and I am sure the weather was quite the experience but I did watch the race...and watched it again and again (and qualifying)...and my question is this: What really happened to Will Power? Was it simply a setup issue as he explained, or were there other issues? His team had qualifying and a second race the next day and both a disappointment. Seems like Will is trying to make the Championship more interesting. What say you?‬‬‬
Pete in Austin

RM: I think he just had a rare off weekend where he did miss the setup by miles. He admitted he screwed up and didn’t learn his lesson after Detroit, yet he was about to pull off a Houdini (18th to third) before the suspension failed on the last lap Sunday.    

Q: This restart procedure with the "acceleration zone" has got to go. There were fewer incidents with double-file restarts. And I feel the pits should always be open unless the incident is on pit lane. I believe both of these rules are to keep the guys bunched up to create drama. The pit lane thing also leads to dumb luck on strategy. Am I right? Is that why IndyCar does it? I'm 41 and been watching since I was a kid. I just wish IndyCar would realize the on-track product is awesome and they don't need more dumb rules to create drama. It just leads to unnecessary contact and penalties. ‬You're the only voice of reason for this series. Thanks for the mailbag every week!‬‬‬‬
Chuck in Carmel‬‬‬‬‬

RM: You are preaching to the choir about double-file restarts. The drivers did a damn good job with them and the fans LOVED them so they should have NEVER been removed. And I wish the pits were always open like the old days and there was no speed limit, but I’m in the minority and don’t get to vote. It almost makes where you qualify irrelevant but it does make things hard to predict and spices things up so, in that respect, it’s less pure but more entertaining.

Q: Don’t the drivers realize that when they make comments that the officials are making up the rules as they go, it harms the image of the series? They can think it to themselves, but when they say it to an interviewer and it gets printed, that’s a bad thing in my mind. Drivers (I won’t name them here, but we all know who) said it last year about Beaux Barfield and in previous years about Brian Barnhart, and now the same comments are flying about Derrick Walker. They can’t all be bad as officiators. Race officiating can never be absolutely black and white; it’s impossible. About people’s reaction to A.J.’s language, haven’t we become a bunch of “gol-darned” wimps?
Cyndy Riordan

RM: When a driver gets taken out or feels like he got wronged, it’s natural to vent (especially in the heat of battle) and other sports have a cooling-off period before the media descends on them. Criticizing officials is as old as A.J. so that doesn’t bother me and, sometimes, it’s good copy for an otherwise mundane day at the track. But I don’t know anybody that was offended by Foyt’s explanation (smile).

Q: I like the new restarts, but they should be double file. Eddie Cheever won't shut up, always talking how the restarts should be the leader running away two turns away from the start finish line. They could be called the Penske/Ganassi-style restart because their drivers are the worst at jumping the restarts and never getting called on it.‬‬‬‬
‬Craig Stewart, Paoli, IN‬‬‬‬‬

RM: I agree but the races were so good over the weekend that the restarts weren’t a factor. I do recall Race Control waving off one restart because they thought Hinch got too big a jump and that’s what needs to happen.‬

Q: The racing was great this weekend. It was great to see JP mixing it up like a madman in the second race. I enjoyed the Foyt interview. It would be great to see more interviews like that. How about Newgarden and Hinch? They both have very interesting personalities. Even an interview with some of the owners. Give the newer fans a little history about these guys.

I do think they need to mix things up with these double-headers. Just a different type of start doesn't do much for me. This might be crazy but why not something like the finish order of race 1 determines the start for race 2? Oh and I think "push to pass" is stupid!!!
Chris Z , Ft. Lauderdale FL

RM: Glad you enjoyed A.J. and we’ve got some good features planned for the upcoming races. I like starting Race 2 where you finished Race 1 (or inverting the lineup and paying passing points) but P2P helps make it a better show, it truly does.

Q: I wish IndyCar would get off their collective butts, and start running the races like the professionals they should be. I am tired of hearing whining about standing starts, single-file starts, double-file restarts. Here is my opinion. Standing starts on road courses and street circuits. Rolling starts on ovals. Double-file restarts all the time.

Single-file restarts are not fair to the rest of the field. The leader jumps the start by two cars lengths or more, and then gone. On double file restarts, no jumping the start. No passing until the green flag is displayed. If you jump a start, back to the end of the field. Standing starts, just do them; quit changing your mind like at Houston. If you do not like these starts, then go find somewhere else to go racing. Quit being a bunch of whining and complaining crybabies. If you do not like it, go somewhere else. Yes I repeated that statement. As for IndyCar, quit treating the drivers like a bunch of kids, even when they act like it. These are professional drivers, and are getting paid/and or are paying big money to race.
Roger Mumbower

RM: I think all street races should be standing starts and double-file restarts need to be brought back (except at Indy where the draft is so good you don’t need them). Any driver jumping the start is sent to the back, absolutely. And IndyCar didn’t change its mind about standing starts: it was always the plan to do one as a standing start, the other as a rolling start.

Q: I read this every week, but only sent one note to you before. But last Saturday I happened to watch the Nationwide tin-tops at Road America.  I watched for two reasons:  1. It is a road course and 2. It is Road America for God’s sake. I was impressed with their restart process and wish IndyCar did the same. The cars would line up double wide coming to the start/finish line. They only were allowed to race when the starter waved the green flag. That seemed logical to me that the starter is in control of the restart and not the lead car. And BTW, they were all lined up pretty nice and neat. The Indy drivers don’t think they can handle restarts like that?  Or am I missing something?
Dwight, Omaha

RM: That’s the maddening part. IndyCar drivers did a damn good job with double-file restarts, they were exciting and the fans loved them. But the drivers convinced IndyCar to drop them.

Q: Your mid-season report card was spot on. Especially disconcerting is the Grade F for Chip Ganassi Racing. What is going on there? Should things remain the same as the rest of the season unfolds, I predict Chip will make a change. Obviously Dixie isn't going anywhere, and while I am a Kanaan fan, he has been relatively invisible in the Target car. Dario Franchitti won his third race in that Target car, yet from what I have seen so far, I am uncertain #10 can/will reach victory this year.‬‬‬‬‬
Benton, Denver CO

RM: It’s the great mystery of 2014 as TK has led but one lap and his average starting spot is 11th. Chris Simmons is a good engineer but right now the team is struggling and the podium that got knocked out of TK’s hands on Saturday would have been timely. But Pocono, Iowa and Fontana remain and he’s still as good as anybody on ovals.

Q: I tweeted Justin Wilson while he was testing at Pocono regarding this year’s aero package for Pocono. Justin tweeted back and said the package is the same as last year. If so, I have to say I am very disappointed since the racing was not all that great last year. Very little side-by-side action and passing, which is why I figured major changes would be coming after the inaugural race.

How come the series cannot make tweaks to get the action more like Indy? Can you confirm the aero package is indeed the same as last year? We will be there again this year camping all weekend with our continent of 20-plus loyal fans and we are hoping for a great race!
Eric Jordan, Dunmore, Pa.

RM: Justin doesn’t lie so I believe him and IndyCar tried to reduce downforce at Texas to make things better but there’s no magic bullet. What this Sunday really needs to ensure a good show would be about 10 more cars. Twenty one is the smallest 500-mile field ever (1991 Michigan 500) and hopefully the boys can keep it exciting for the extra 100 miles. Competing with this year’s Indy 500 will be tough but Pocono is always challenging and should be a good show.

Q: Do you think the IndyCar series would consider eliminating off-weeks next season, or at least limiting them to only one consecutive weekend off? With the past few weeks off I think the series has lost some buzz that it carried over from Indy and Detroit (not so much Texas). Racing needs to be more frequent to bombard the public with races week in and week out throughout the shortened season. I understand the teams do need a break to get sorted out but the current layovers seem excessive. I'm hopeful the series can resolve this issue as well as not scheduling Houston and Fontana when it's scorching outside.
Kevin Howard

RM: The ideal schedule would be every other weekend but that’s not going to happen as long as IndyCar has the mentality to end its season by Labor Day. The season needs to go from February to late October so places like Houston and Fontana have a chance.

Q: I hate seeing stock cars at Road America. When is IndyCar returning to the greatest road course in the U.S.?
Jorge, Columbia, MD

RM: No plans at the moment, sadly. Not even talking.

Q: Love the Mailbag... I write as I'm buying tickets for the Iowa Speedway race – my young sons and I will be going. Spectacular facility. Speaking of ovals, IndyCar fans are complaining (and rightfully so) about the lack of ovals on the schedule. Here's a crazy idea. With the popularity of street courses, why not design a "street oval?" Long straights, tight corners with plenty of run-off and four city streets. That's all you'd need. Think about it - street ovals in Chicago, Denver, L.A., etc. and the only infrastructure improvements you'd need would be re-paving. And there's no need to hit 200mph, 140-150 down the straights into tight corners would be enough. Best of both worlds? It might be silly enough to work.
Patrick, West Des Moines, IA

RM: It’s not crazy and it could be cool like the old Caesar's Palace layout or Brazil but finding the right city and getting the logistics cleared would be the challenge. But it’s worth exploring.  

Q: In response to the Mailbag from May 25: There are two tracks in Nashville. One at the fairgrounds and the Nashville Super Speedway. The Super Speedway is closed and looking at Google, it looks like almost all the grandstands have been taken away. My wish for ovals would be Phoenix, Gateway, Richmond, New Hampshire, Homestead, then Michigan. That would give a good assortment of track lengths shapes and banking and would make the diversity of IndyCar the best in the world.
Joe Mullins, Lexington

RM: Thanks for the update, Joe. Phoenix and MIS might have a shot some day but I wouldn’t hold my breath. IndyCar does have the best diversity right now; it just needs to try and preserve the ovals it has.

Q: I thought I would weigh in on the TMS-after-Indy debate. Now you know that as an open-wheeler & USAC fan and open-wheel lifer and traditionalist, I am resistant to changes. I guess it is “grumpy kind of old man" syndrome. That being said.. I surprisingly enjoyed the month of May. There I said it. I hated the idea at first and voiced my opinion soundly here in the mailbag. I admit it...I was wrong. It worked in a way that I did not see coming. I spent some time with some kids at Indy and at the TMS race. I bought a group of kids some tickets from a ball club that I sponsor and about 10 families went to the TMS race on me. The Indy fan zone, the entertainment carnival-style presentation at both tracks were a big hit with the kids. The mixture of road racing and oval racing in the same couple of weeks at Indy was very popular with the kids.

The questions that were asked about the racing and the drivers demonstrated that the kids thought the show was very cool and seemed to satisfy their extreme sports cravings. I did not get to take them to the dirt track but it would have been great to let them see the short track open-wheel fast cats as well. But I am saying this only to tell you that Indy seems to be heading in the right direction with the casual fan and families. Something that you and I are not. We are ridiculous lifers that can be annoyed and disgruntled about engine noise changes and lack of horsepower! We love this sport and have worked and contributed in different levels to this sport. I feel better about the changes in May and the direction of the series more now than in a very long time.

New blood is being cultivated and it is great to see. The racing is fantastic and the driver skill level and the car is the best it has been in 16 years.

But I am going to say something that I thought I would never say...it’s time to move the TMS race or replace it with COTA. I have missed one race in the entire history of TMS IndyCar racing. But the series needs to move to that fantastic facility BAD while the casual fan is showing up in record numbers for any kind of racing at that track. It would also be the only race where F1 and IndyCar race at the same place. It is a perfect place to build a fan base of new fans that are showing an interest in open-wheel racing.

IndyCar will blow the doors off of F1 racing when we bring the carnival to Austin. I would also like to keep TMS on the schedule out of loyalty to Gossage and because the Houston race conditions are hard to watch a race in although the crowds are good. I want to be loyal to Gossage because he has always stood by IndyCar but what is better for IndyCar long term...honestly is COTA. Your thoughts?
Doc (Stephen Taylor)

RM: I agree 1000 percent. Ovals are on life support in IndyCar and the TMS crowd just keeps dwindling. Hate to lose Dallas but Austin would be perfect for IndyCar in many ways.