Robin Miller's Mailbag for October 25, presented by Honda Racing / HPD
<em style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) url('Welcome to the Robin Miller Mailbag as presented by Honda Racing / HPD. You can follow the Santa Clarita, California-based company at: hpd.honda.com and on social media at @HondaRacing_HPD and https://www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD.
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: Watching NBCSN interview Juan Pablo Montoya in the paddock and in the background was Mark Miles! Hmmm... On a busman's holiday, or sussing things out for an future round of IndyCar at the track? Bobby Epstein, one of the owners, has said he'd be interested in holding an IndyCar race, but "stars would have to align" to pull it off. He indicated the timing of when they could hold the race – it wouldn't be in the summer, that's for sure. It wouldn't be in the fall – too close to the USGP. So that leaves sometime in the spring as to the only workable time for them to hold the race. But he said IndyCar's schedule is pretty booked in the spring already, so that's why the stars would have to align. We know how Eddie Gossage feels about a race being held at COTA. Texas holds its race in June. Would it be possible to schedule both races in Texas in June then? One at Texas on a0 high-speed oval, then the other at COTA – a world-class road course!
Tony Mezzacca, Madison, NJ
RM: Can't see anyone going for two Texas races in the same month, and it seems like a sports car/IndyCar doubleheader in the spring would have the best chance of success. But seems like a long shot to run COTA anytime.
Q: Lots of varied opinions on the compatibility of IndyCar and Circuit of The Americas. The landscape has changed somewhat down in Austin. COTA has lost two major events (IMSA WeatherTech series and World Endurance Championship) so maybe that creates an opening for IndyCar. As far as the circuit itself, rather than running the full grand prix course, why not try the shorter circuit (used by V8 Supercars during their short stay) and christen the short circuit the "Indy Circuit of The Americas," sort of like they did with the shorter track at Brands Hatch back in the long ago USAC days? It's still referred to as the Indy Circuit to this day. BTW, 50th anniversary of Formula Ford in the U.S. coming up in 2019; shall we start looking for a ride for your road racing comeback?
Greg Rickes
RM: Never been to COTA so can't give an opinion on which course would be best, but I'll bet ya either one would be 10 times the show with IndyCar than what F1 put on last Sunday. What a bore. And what a great crowd to watch such a bore. I don't get it. No FF for me, but keep an eye out for the old Granatelli McNamara.
Q: Call it the desperate Houstonian in me, but my dreams for 2018 are the following: Conor Daly back in the No. 4 full-time, Montoya in the No. 41 for the Month of May, and somehow getting a race back (preferably in April, because I like my dreams like my shirts: XXL) in NRG park to see them fly past our beloved (abandoned) Astrodome. Shell has to have at least a little money sitting around to bring it back, and they could even bring Helio around for a doubleheader with an endurance support race and a one-off IndyCar appearance. How delusional am I?
Glenn Jackoviak
RM: It doesn't sound good for CD and AJ, and I would be very surprised if JPM drives for anyone in May. I talked to The Captain a few days ago and that statement he made about letting Montoya make his own decision was B.S. If Houston could run around the airport circuit that was drawn up a few years back I'd be all for it, but Shell has the golf tourney and we don't need any more races around stadiums. They suck.
Q: I had a brief conversation with Matt Brabham at Pocono, where I was asking him why guys who are unable to get a ride in IndyCar don't go back to Lights for another season, and he explained that its just too expensive. He told me a full quality program in Lights is in the range of $1,000,000 a season (kinda makes the graduation prize worthless, don't you think?) so I can understand why some drivers don't do it, but that brings me to my question of why don't we see some IndyCar drivers cross over and run Lights races when they share weekends with IndyCar like what we see with NASCAR?
I know the cars aren't the same, but seat time is seat time and it can't hurt, especially for the drivers who are struggling (looking at you, Marco). And let's be real, how hard would it be for Andretti Autosport to field another Lights car for Marco, or for Ganassi to field one for Kanaan or Kimble? Seems like it's a wasted chance at some track time, and some confidence building. I know the detractors will always say that Lights is there to groom the next generation, but in a spec series, what could honestly be better training than racing against the drivers who you'd race against if you made it to the big time? Not like Lights has any fans or spectators to lose, either.
Robert Cucchiaro, Baltimore, MD
RM: My pal Nigel Roebuck wrote a column recently saying it would be cool to see today's F1 drivers compete against each other in F2 because of the equality of equipment, and how the good drivers could come to the fore. And he's right. But IndyCar is already a spec series that has plenty of good racing and allows a good driver with a good engineer to win races and be competitive. There is zero upside to going back and running a Lights race, and the Mazda Road to Indy is supposed to entice the youngsters and next generation of IndyCar racers – not run them off because they have to try and beat IndyCar regulars. From Matt's perspective, sure it could help keep him somewhat sharp, but there appears to be very little crossover with the new cars.
Q: I have to wonder if Verizon's current CEO has ever set foot at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or seen an IndyCar race live? If he had, that individual would see the mistake they were making in leaving after 2018. Right now a ton of exciting things are happening for the sport, including the introduction of sexier bodykits for the cars that have fan interest at a high, and will attract new people to the sport. The ratings for some races are also higher than before, and if IndyCar lands the right broadcast partner, that will get the sponsor's name out there better than it is now. IndyCar is going places with or without Verizon's involvement, but they should reconsider.
the article on RACER
gives the impression that the new CEO doesn't know or have interest in auto racing, much less IndyCar, and that would have to be part of the problem. Have you heard any rumblings yet about which companies are actually attracted to IndyCar and may want to be title sponsor? Are there any organizations that you think Mark Miles and company are targeting, or should be?Geoff Roberts, Unionville, Canada
RACER's latest story with Miles
about potential replacements.
Leonard Hermens
RM: Verizon does restrict some content for its own customers, but not that much. At present, the only restrictions limited to Verizon customers are the live video feeds and telemetry on race day. Everything else, including the leaderboard, is open to all. And it does appear Verizon has delivered quite a few features and options over the past five years, so I'm not sure if IndyCar can find a better partner in that world.
Q: With Ganassi going from four to two cars next year, 2018 would seem to be the perfect time to put Kyle Larson in a third Ganassi car for the 500. Thoughts?
Ken E., Geneva, Illinois
RM: I believe I've suggested that 33 times in the past several months, and the Chipster actually sounded kinda supportive last summer so we'll keep our fingers crossed.
Q: This is probably a stupid question, but when IndyCar drivers drive for other owners in other series, like Rahal for Penske's sports cars or Bourdais for Ganassi's, are they contractually obligated to not discuss IndyCar setups? Clearly you can't stop drivers from talking to each other, but I just wondered if there is some type of non-disclosure agreement in this situation.
Carl Fever, Chenoa, IL
RM: Not to my knowledge, and when you're racing sports cars together I don't think IndyCar setups are the topic of conversation very often. Besides, if one drives a Honda and one drives a Chevy, what would they say?
Q: Sounds like a few new owners are interested in joining the IndyCar Series, but finances and sponsorships make it tough to do so. You mentioned Carlin and Harding possibly fielding one car for next year. New potential owners should pool their resources to get one team started, then split into separate teams down the road if the results are favorable. This seems like it would be less risky, and more enticing for potential sponsors also. I'm wondering why this hasn't happened more often?
Mark Suska, Lexington, OH
RM: Trevor Carlin operates his own Mazda Road to Indy ladder system. Ditto for Ricardo Juncos, and Mike Harding is full bore with his shop and future plans, so I don't see any possibility of them pooling their resources. I can see Mike Shank teaming up with Andretti for May because that makes perfect sense, but the three guys I mentioned above are building for the future and have their own identity and game plan, so I can't imagine trying to throw a couple teams together when there is so much diversity in-house. It usually only works when an owner can lease a car to a bigger team for Indy, or farm out his car in some sort of short-term partnership.
video interview with AJ and TK
, Mr. Foyt gave you that "don't you mention that S.O.B. to me'' look. Also a while back, I mentioned AJ to Mario while being interviewed by Bob V. And got the "who?" and same cold hard stare. Did they run each other into the wall at Trenton or something? What's up?Jonathan Frank, Houston
RM: It's an old act, but I know for a fact they respect each other and they had a great breakfast together a few years ago at Daytona that patched a lot of things up. AJ won't sign a photo if Mario already signed it and he's always acting like he doesn't like "The Guinea," but he called him on his birthday and knows they are forever linked in history.
Q: I'm going to be the voice of dissent about Watkins Glen. It wasn't on the schedule for what us slightly younger fans might call the two best decades (the 1980s and 1990s), and while I acknowledge it's a good fast track, I'll take Portland (and the wild finishes it seemed to consistently yield) any day of the week. To me, the Glen is like Sonoma — a great track to drive, but a terrible track to race.
Steve Levin, Sunnyvale, CA
RM: This year's race at The Glen between Rossi and Dixon was about as good as it gets on a fast road course, and I think the sheer speed is entertaining in itself. Portland has also had some good shows in the past, but there was more passing at The Glen in 10 laps the last couple years than Sonoma has had in a decade.
Q: I feel sorry for all of the Milwaukee, Fontana, Michigan, etc questions you have had to answer over the past few years. Now though, I have a question about a track I do not think you have ever been asked about. Do you think Lime Rock Park could realistically hold an IndyCar race? In my mind Lime Rock Park is the road course version of absurdness to PIR's short oval absurdness. Modern IndyCars, in my opinion, have no place on the banks of PIR, and surely they don't belong on a little sports car track in Connecticut. However, reduced downforce starting next year, and hopefully never leaving, would give the cars the best chance of being able to pass. And it's not like passing is what all race fans want to see – PIR, for example, brings in thousands of fans without featuring double-digit on track passes. So what do you think? Can it be done?
Stephen, Florida
RM: Nope. Lime Rock is too small and tight, and doesn't have the runoff space required for an IndyCar. At least, that's always been the knock. But it is a quaint little road course that stages some great sedan and sports car racing, and it was P.L. Newman's favorite.
Q: Apparently the contract is up with Sonoma. What are the chances that IndyCar could return to Laguna Seca, replacing Sonoma on the schedule?
Aaron Gumbinger, Walnut Creek, CA
RM: Sonoma's contract is up after 2018, but trading it for Laguna Seca isn't really a gain. It's too tight and the crowds kept getting smaller in the Champ Car days and, yes it's gorgeous and we love the Corkscrew, but it's not a good track for an IndyCar race. Other than Alex Zanardi's pass, I can't recall any memorable shows in the CART era. Now if it got a new, long straightaway with a passing zone and was widened all the way around, let's talk. But can't see that happening.
Q: A little post-season idea to throw at you. What do you think about adding the Charlotte Roval to the IndyCar schedule? A late season warm weather stadium road course might be interesting.
Andrew, Brighton, MI
RM: Never thought a roval anywhere was appealing enough to road racing fans because it's too far away in many places. The great thing about Mid-Ohio, Road America, Barber and even Sonoma is getting close to the action or being able to walk around and get different views.
Q: I have been reading all about the welcome return to PIR to our schedule for 2018. I recall some great racing there, and I also remember the pathetic change they made to the track with the addition of the "Festival Curve." One corner seemed to eliminate too many cars and generally kill the flow. What do you think the chances are that they could ditch it and engineer a proper first turn to accommodate our hot rods, much like the first turn at Road America? It used to be a nice sweeper back in the day. Also, do you think there is any chance we could ever run at Road Atlanta or Miller in Utah?
Howie from race-starved New England!
RM: As I recall, the original first turn and subsequent runoff area were deemed too fast and dangerous so the chicane was added. It does make the start extra tricky, and Champ Car used a standing start, which worked quite well in 2007. But Graham Rahal said there are some modifications on the backside that should make things more interesting, so hopefully Portland's return can be a racy one. Road Atlanta is one of the best circuits in North America but has always been labeled too fast for IndyCars, and I've never heard anyone mention Utah.
Q; Please tell me there are things in the works to get Watkins Glen back on the calendar? We aren't really going to let that fall to the wayside again are we? I mean, we have a handful of legendary tracks in this country. Indy, Road America, Watkins Glen, Laguna Seca, Sebring, and Long Beach are the ones that come to mind, and I don't think its coincidence that most of those tracks appear on the IndyCar calendar. Instead, during the summer prime time months, we go to Iowa, Detroit, Toronto, and Mid-Ohio, none of which hold a candle to the races held at Watkins Glen.
We could have a real humdinger of a calendar if we gave Watkins Glen one of those spots, which Michael Printup apparently thinks he can make work. Imagine a stretch where we start the summer with Indy and then hit Road America, Watkins Glen, Pocono, and Texas all in one go. Two years now we've had two good races at a world-renowned track that bailed IndyCar out two years ago. Why are we not bending over backwards to make this track work?
Zach, Wisconsin
RM: First off, everyone is sad about losing The Glen because it's a road racing treasure and a place IndyCar belongs. But it's nobody's fault, per se, why it wasn't rescued – it's all about business and finding a date both sides could make work. Printup and IndyCar both liked the idea of a sports car/IndyCar doubleheader, but evidently that opinion was not shared by the third party. For better or worse, The Glen has become a NASCAR track, so a IndyCar race has to be squeezed in between the two Cup races and IndyCar's schedule was mostly set for 2018 so there was no immediate solution. Labor Day was a loser to try and draw and the response was dismal after the last-minute save in 2016 that was somewhat encouraging. So it's much easier for both sides to fight for a date if the bottom line is promising.
Q: Hey Robin, as Wink Hartman has pulled out of his support in helping fund an IndyCar team a few years ago, and now seeing that he is running for governor of Kansas, can you provide some insight into the man himself and his reasonings for helping keep the doors open for Sarah Fisher for a few years? Although I mean this as more of a joke, what better way to advertise your campaign than on an IndyCar? Also, what is becoming of the employees that are out of a job at Ganassi? Will most find a position elsewhere in Indycar, or in a different series?
John Binhack
RM: All I know is that Wink took a liking to Sarah, Josef and IndyCar racing and built a shop in Speedway for CFH Racing, but then had to back off when the oil business went south. I didn't know he was running for governor, but I didn't really know him that well so I can't give you any insight. A lot of ex-Ganassi mechanics have already found other jobs.
Q: While Alonso's announcement of an extension at McLaren didn't set off any fireworks, perhaps a few sparklers were quietly ignited. I was surprised to see Alonso comment that it's a long-term deal and that running the Indy 500 in 2019 or 2020 could happen. For him to run Indy in 2019, one would have to assume he would not be challenging for the F1 championship, as the Monaco GP and Indy date conflict will likely always exist. Is this comment a subtle hint that he's considering IndyCar with McLaren seriously for possibly as soon as 2019? I'm assuming at this point, any McLaren forays into IndyCar would not involve Honda? You've said many times that Zak Brown is serious about returning McLaren to IndyCar. McLaren seem to rate their young driver Lando Norris very highly. Might McLaren see IndyCar as a possible driver development series for their young talent? IndyCar is one of the higher points paying series (eclipsed only by F2) when it comes to gaining FIA Superlicense points.
Daniel Davis, Boston
RM: RACER's Chris Medland just broke the story that Alonso will be at the Rolex 24 in January, and Fernando's been impressed lately with some of the changes McLaren has made on the car, so maybe a Renault engine will keep him in F1 for five more years. I think Zak will be back at the Brickyard before Fernando, but no clue on a timetable. Just keep reading RACER.com.
Q: Is there any chance of a third IndyCar engine manufacturer anytime soon? (What happened to the Lotus/Judd engine?)
Simon, Oxfordshire, England
RM: Not to my knowledge, but I know Jay Frye is always networking. The Lotus/Judd engine is being sold as a boat anchor, last I heard.
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