Robin Miller's Mailbag for October 12, presented by Honda Racing / HPD

Your questions for Robin should continue to be sent to millersmailbag@racer.com We cannot guarantee we’ll publish all your questions and answers, but Robin will reply to you. And if you have a question about the technology side of racing, Robin will pass these on to Marshall Pruett and he will also answer here.

Q: With Josef Newgarden now signed with Penske and the marketability that he brings to the table, what are the sponsorship prospects looking like for him? Will he have a steady sponsor race-to-race like Power and Verizon? Or will it be a rotating sponsor like the other three Penske cars were last year? This is the perfect driver to lure a big-name sponsor like PPG or Shell/Pennzoil back full-time.

Alan Bani, Butler, PA

RM: Not sure at this point, but if Roger Penske's group can't find a sponsor for somebody with JoNew's talent and personality, nobody can. So I imagine he'll have one by St. Pete.

Q: Hearing that Honda is on board with Ganassi really smells because the smaller Honda teams will get screwed like always. Chip can say that he is going to help all Honda teams, but I can guarantee you that won't happen. Like the old saying goes, the rich get richer, and this is why only a few teams dominate the IndyCar series. If I were one of the other Honda teams, I would switch to Chevrolet, and if I were in charge of Chevrolet I would bring them on board. Everyone bitched about Tony George and The Split, but this is exactly why Tony did it – to have better competition among all the teams! GO CHEVY!

Brian Lancaster, West Lafayette, IN

RM: Well, first off we're all fairly sure Chip is getting big money and engines to make the switch, but in terms of on-track treatment from Honda, Ganassi won't get anything that's not available to other Honda teams. True, Penske and Ganassi dominate, but it's because of their experience, budgets and talent, since everyone has a DW12 and the engines are pretty close. The old days of special engines or experimental parts for the chosen ones (wink wink) are long gone.

And everyone can't jump to Chevrolet – each manufacturer is committed to running at least 11 cars. But the racing has been damn good, and Josef Newgarden and Graham Rahal have both been factors the past two years on smaller teams, so the competition is also strong. Sure, Penske won 10 of 16 races and finished 1-2-3 in the championship, but A.J. Foyt won 10 of 13 races in 1964, and Team Penske captured 12 of 16 in 1994, so it's happened before and will happen again. But I like the fact that at least eight to 10 drivers have a shot at winning any race, and it's impossible to predict who it will be (except for Dixon at Mid-Ohio or Watkins Glen).

Q: How do Chip and Roger manage two or three (as the case may be) different manufacturers in different series? How happy can Chevrolet (NASCAR) be that Chip has now gone to Honda (IndyCar) and also runs Ford (IMSA)? Roger has a similar IndyCar/NASCAR manufacturer conflict. Do they have a staff person assigned to assure that they wear the right shirt at a given race? Wouldn't they be able to cut a better deal if they bundled all their manufacturers into one?

Rick Roellig, Lisle, IL

RM: By not having a loyal bone in their body? Naw, because they deliver winners, and that's the bottom line. After we heard The Captain might be teaming with Honda in sports cars, we laughed that he was the only one who could pull off three manufacturer in three different series. But Chip can do the same, since he runs a first-class program that keeps sponsors happy and manufacturers in Victory Lane. It's a funny business. Honda helped put Ganassi on the map, he dumped them for Toyota, then everybody had Honda and he won another title before bolting to Chevy, and now Honda has wooed him back.

Q: You make it sound like a foregone conclusion that KV is gone, or merging with Carlin. Is Conor Daly not in the running at Coyne after such a great year? And is it impossible he could end up in a second entry for Rahal, or even the fourth car at Andretti? I cannot see SPM going with Chevy, especially with Hinch having backing from Honda of Canada and Sam coming out in support of Honda and saying he wants continuity. I could see Foyt switching to Chevy, and if Carlin comes in it would be with Chevy. I would be really bummed if Conor does not get a ride, and still bummed if Sage stays on the sidelines. And I just assumed Pigot was back with ECR, but that's sounds like it's up in the air as well. When can we expect the next dominoes to fall?

Alan, Columbus Ohio

RM: Not sure what fate awaits KVSH, but the rumor has been building that Kevin Kalkhoven is tired of spending his own money to keep the team going and wants out. I asked him at Sonoma and he said he was moving to Florida, but didn't give any indications of quitting. However, it's a natural that if Trevor Carlin wants to go IndyCar racing, he could likely buy KVSH's equipment on the cheap since there's no big line of car owners on the horizon. Or they could merge for a year or two.

Not sure where Conor stands but he certainly deserves a seat, and I didn't mean to omit R.C. Enerson from my Silly Season video, I was just focusing on the kids who have paid their dues and earned the right to stay in IndyCar (Karam, Pigot and Daly). Enerson was damn impressive in his first three races and I expect him to stay with Coyne, so that means A.J. needs to hire Daly or Karam – or both. If Spencer has Samsung sponsorship, he'll have a ride somewhere. As for the engine situation, it's plausible Honda could power 13 cars instead of 11, but that still leaves either A.J. or Sam on the outside because we think Coyne, RLL and Andretti are already signed for 2017. I would think Montoya is the next big domino.

Blake, Flower Mound, TX

RM: Jeremy had a little disagreement with management back when he was working for Penske's sports car effort and was eventually terminated, so it's safe to say he didn't ask to go with Newgarden, nor was he asked. But it's a shame, because he and JoNew had great chemistry and success. Good hire for Andretti, because Milless is a sharp guy with a wicked sense of humor.

Q: OK, Robin, very early prognostication. How will newbie Newgarden rank among Penske's very potent line-up in the 2017 championship?

Anthony Jenkins

RM: You saw that it took Simon Pagenaud a year to get integrated into Team Penske, and that was despite him bringing his engineer (Ben Bretzman) along – something Josef won't have the luxury of in 2017. But I expect him to win a couple races and contend for the title right out of the box.

Q: I saw that the IndyCar Awards Ceremony was shown on YouTube. I thought the Bryan Clauson part was heartfelt and sincere. Very classy to give his fianceé a chance to say a few words and really shows how the IndyCar paddock us very much a family or fraternity. I know this is all speculation but what do you think JoNew was making at Ed Carpenter, and what is he going to be making now with Penske? There's going to be a lot of pressure on him to perform but with those teammates, he should do just fine.

RM: Very classy of IndyCar to celebrate BC's life, and his fiancée Lauren and family have been very strong and also very appreciative of all the kind words, tributes and organ donors that poured in after that tragic night in Belleville. Not sure what Josef was making with ECR, but I don't think he'll make a whole lot more with Penske right away (that's not how The Captain works). But I also don't think Newgarden is driven by money, and he'll handle the pressure just fine.

 

Q: ECR fan since Ed came on board. I'd hoped JoNew would follow RHR's lead and deny The Captain. Nothing against Roger but, Josef could have made ECR stronger. ECR made a "respectable offer." What do you think the monetary difference would be? Do you think Sarah had any input to his decision?

Dave Zilai

RM: After constantly calling for Penske to hire him, I changed my mind in the middle of the summer and wanted him to stay to try and keep some semblance of a power balance in IndyCar (along with Graham). This is all speculation, but I heard Josef wanted $1 million a year – which Ed was going to match and Ganassi refused – but R.P. isn't paying that much. So I'd guess $750,000 because, historically, The Captain doesn't lavish new drivers with big bucks – they have to be earned over time. No, Sarah is busy running her go-kart track in Speedway.

Q: Sorry to hear of the passing of Brock Yates. He was one hell of a writer and I have three of his books, Cannonball, Umbrella Mike, and Against Death and Times – all great and interesting reads. It is too bad you didn't get to make a run with him. Also sorry to see Munoz getting the shaft. Do you think he still might get a ride? I'll bet he would drive for free.

Don Betsworth, Torrance, CA

RM: Brock was an American original with a quick wit, sharp mind and sharper pen when it needed to be. He's the main reason I bought Car & Driver, and I'll always be thankful I got to be in one of the real "Cannonballs" and got to write a chapter in his book. Don't fret for Munoz, I think he's about to get hired.

Q: We all often talk about purse money, Leader's Circle money and TV ratings. I know the theory that if we were on network TV for all races then the ratings would go up, allowing teams to find legit sponsors. In reality though, if the team owners actually had a vote, which would they choose? More of the same mix of network/cable TV and get paid Leader's Circle money, or all on network TV and no Leader's Circle money, and effectively no prize money?

Andy Brumbaugh

RM: Good question, but it's kind of a Catch-22. Almost all the owners (except two) seem to depend heavily on Leader's Circle payments (four payments a year, I believe) to keep going, but that system also closes the door on any potential new owners. They wouldn't be eligible for LC, so why would they spend millions to run for those embarrassing purses? My vote would be go back to $1 million purses and try to lure some new blood into the series.

Q: Is this extended IndyCar off-season stupid or what? Race six months, lie dormant the other half year and hope to revive casual fan interest thereafter? Is this scenario considered a success?

Sweet Pea Honeyman, Canada

RM: The Boston Consulting Group believes so, and Mark Miles seems to think IndyCar is better off stopping in September. My contention is that as long as IndyCar is on cable for the majority of its schedule, it makes no difference when the races run because your limited audience is going to find you and watch you. Now, if NBC ever gets a half-dozen races to go with NBCSN, maybe not competing with the NFL and college football makes more sense. But six months off is way too long for a series that gets lost except in May.

Q: Just wondering if you've heard whether or not the race in Portland in 2018 is gaining any traction?

Brad Heuer, Coeurdalene, Idaho

RM: The two gentlemen working on it seem to think it's making good progress, and I think we'll know for sure by early 2017.

Q: We know how it was tough to try to run in Brasilia, and the tremendous frustration that the Brazilian fans had after the cancellation of the race. But last Sunday we had elections for mayor in Sao Paulo, and the winner said he plans to privatize the Interlagos road course. Adding to the fact that the Liberty group now has control of F1 (there is a rumor that Bernie Ecclestone has prevented IndyCar from racing at Interlagos for a long time), it may add new races to the racetrack, including IndyCar. What is your opinion on this matter? Thank you for your attention, and the excellent coverage of IndyCar racing.

John, Paraná State, Brazil

RM: As long as T.K. and Helio have rides, it could work for the promoter and IndyCar. But the government would probably have to get behind it because it's such an expensive proposition, as we learned at the last race in Brazil – that drew well and lost millions of dollars. But thanks for the information and following IndyCar.

 

Q: Hinch is doing pretty well on Monday nights. I know it's just a silly dancing show, but about 13 million people watch it every week. By my rough calculations, that's a few more than watch a typical IndyCar race. Is IndyCar going to ignore this promotional opportunity like they did when Helio was on the show? They should put some drivers in the audience and have the host point 'em out (ABC has the Indy 500, so there should be some value to the network if he were to do so). Helio should be there for sure; even better with his new teammate along. Get Alexander Rossi there as the Indy 500 winner, Marco Andretti because his name is Andretti. This could be a great way for a larger swath of the public to see some of the drivers that Hinch competes with, if even for a few seconds.

Gary S, Palatine, IL

RM: Not sure a face in the crowd or a quick wave translates into new fans, but the fact the clip I saw showed footage of his Indy accident and rehab and he spends a couple minutes explaining his mindset is the best free ad IndyCar could ever hope to have. Hinch's personality shines through, and because of the massive audience, it could translate into some new IndyCar fans. It would just be nice to see the hosts say Hinch is on ABC next May.

Q: Now that the IndyCar season is over (and way too soon but what the hey...) I have a couple of loosely open-wheel-related questions for you, Oh Wise One, Knower of All Things Open Wheel, Bastion of ...

How silly is it that in the Formula E series, the driver has to switch cars midway through the race due to battery depletion? It's the most absurd thing I've ever seen in motor racing. I like the concept of an all-electric series even though the roar of the engine is but a whir or whine, but watching a driver pit, pull into his garage, furiously climb out of his car, hop into another one pointing in the opposite direction and continue his race is bizarre. It's like that old Chinese fire drill thing we used to do in high school when we first got a drivers license.

I'd like to see the series succeed, but wouldn't it be cool if they could figure out a way to change the battery and send the car on its way? On another note – and one that has little to do with open-wheel or racing – what is the deal with driverless cars? This seems to be all the rage on the news. Why would anyone want to hop in a car with no driver? That's where the fun is: driving ... duh. It's often that I enjoy hopping in my WRX, putting my foot on the clutch, giving it some gas and going for a nice spirited drive. The key word here is drive. Why would I have the car do it for me? If I'm gonna ride I'll have Mrs. P drive or take a bus.

Bill Phypers, Brewster, NY

RM: To be honest I have zero interest in watching racecars that don't make noise. I know there are some good drivers and teams and it's on television and has some big money behind it, but Formula Ecckkk is only watchable because Dario does the color commentary. Driverless cars? I understand that will be part of NASCAR's new Chase format next year.

Q: Tony Adamowicz passed away earlier this week. Just wondered if you knew him or had any stories?

M. Strebbin, Los Angeles

RM: I did have the pleasure of knowing Tony A to Z, and there was no finer person. He was a damn fine road racer who also competed in the inaugural Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. But he was victimized in one of the worst flim-flams ever at the Indianapolis 500. As a rookie in 1970 and teammate to Johnny Rutherford, he raised his hand (as per protocol back then) to begin his qualifying run on Pole Day but saw the yellow light still on as he roared into Turn 1 so he backed off. Then USAC, which hadn't seen him raise his hand, realized he had started his run so the green light came back on as he coasted through the short chute. He got back in the throttle and completed his first lap at 160.8 before reeling off the next three at 165.8, 166.4 and 166.3 to give him an average of 164.820mph. Afterwards, USAC claimed it was a "racing situation" and since nobody filed a protest, Adamowicz wasn't given another shot to re-qualify. He got bumped on the third day of time trials and never came back.

 

Q: What's the latest anyone has heard from Gerry Forsythe? Is he still fuming over reunification, or is there any chance he might consider a return to IndyCar? He cited "lack of sponsorship" as the reason for not returning after Long Beach in 2008, but seeing as how he's still the CEO of Indeck, I don't think anyone legitimately believes that. He and Tony George had a pretty well-known feud going, but with TG no longer in a position of real power, could it be the right time for Forsythe Racing to return? On that note, Derrick Walker had hinted a few months ago about being interested in either restarting Walker Racing or joining an existing team as co-owner. Any word on his progress?

Grayson, Broken Arrow, OK

RM: I talked to Gerry a couple years ago and asked if he was ever coming back, and he left no doubt he was done. But it's not sponsorship – he's got plenty of money and spent his own to field cars in Champ Car after Player's left – it's the fact he never accepted the merger. Derrick is still looking to help an IndyCar team but may be selling his shop, so his days as a car owner are likely over.

Q: With the retiring of the Daytona Prototype, why do you think IndyCar wasn't able to lure any team owners over? Especially since Honda and Chevy were the popular Prototype cars. Is the expense between those two that different?

Paul Hirsch, Erie, PA

RM: You would hope so, but recall that Mike Shank bought a car and couldn't get an engine so that was a black eye for IndyCar. Marshall Pruett informs us that $4.5 million bankrolls a single-car Prototype team. Throw in a Leader's Circle contract, you have $5.5m and you're on the grid for a full season of IndyCar.

Q: In your last Mailbag, the question about a race in Mexico City made me think about who the possible star Mexican driver could be. Esteban Gutierrez, possibly? I love his tenacity and think his personality would fit in great with the young guns of IndyCar. He has shown he can be competitive (I know he hasn't scored any points this year, but think he has five top-12 finishes) and seems to work well with his American team. Any chance you see him following Sato, Chilton and Rossi to the American series if an F1 seat doesn't pan out for him next year?

Brent Furbee, Boring, OR

RM: It would take either Gutierrez or Sergio Perez to draw enough people to make an IndyCar race work, and it's doubtful (if they're still employed in Formula 1) they would be allowed to do a one-off IndyCar race unless Carlos Slim gives Gene Haas a little stipend. But I haven't heard of either one having IndyCar intentions.

Q: What do you think about the news of Curt Cavin joining IndyCar? Do you think it will help?

John, Dousman, WI

RM: I think it will likely hurt IndyCar from the fact that Cavin covered everything about IndyCar and IMS for the Indianapolis Star and I would imagine his job may not be replaced and Gannett will simply use Brant James of USA Today. Not that James isn't a good writer or doesn't care about IndyCar, but having someone in Indianapolis to be at every press conference, every unveiling, accessible to all the shops at a moment's notice and writing a weekly column is hard to replace. Hopefully USA will lean on Jeff Olson to help shore up the coverage. But we all applaud Cavin for getting out of Gannett.