Robin Miller's Mailbag for December 5, presented by Honda Racing / HPD

Your questions for Robin should 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: I'm glad that you have returned to the Mailbag, and I hope you continue to get back to 100%. After the recent ride swap between Jimmie Johnson and Fernando Alonso, Jimmie said that he would be interested in possibly running some road course races in IndyCar, as well as trying other races as well in the next few years. Who would you love to see make crossovers to IndyCar? You can choose any series you want: NASCAR, IMSA, WEC NHRA, F1, World of Outlaws, Motocross, you name it.

Kevin from North Carolina

RM: Lewis Hamilton on a road course with the same equipment as everyone else. When Mansell came to CART as world champion we figured he’d mop up on the road courses, but he won five time on ovals and only once on a street circuit, so it would be interesting to see how Hamilton fares. Obviously love to see Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and Kevin Harvick on an oval in an IndyCar along with USAC’s Kody Swanson, Bobby Santos and WoO’s Donnie Schatz.

Q: After the Harding/Steinbrenner announcement, you indicated that one more fairly significant IndyCar item was in the works that would make racing fans happy, but that you couldn't reveal any details until finalized. My question is, is that item still brewing? Oh, any series sponsorship rumors? Is NBC helping them with their efforts?

Jim, Indy

RM: It’s still alive, but not kicking as hard as a couple months ago. It should be yea or nay in the next couple weeks. IndyCar is working on a title sponsor, but I don’t think NBC is involved.

Q: I would bet you have the story already about when Andretti makes the switch to Chevy, but thought I would pass this to you. My wife overheard a conversation at the Starbucks in the new development over at Crawfordsville and High School Road. Once the Rossi talk came up towards the end of what she heard, I wondered if they would be going to Chevy for 2019. It started with talk about calling Michael. Then announcing the signing, but not before the LA Auto Show so they don't upset Honda. She then caught "Chevy is not going to be pushing to announce it immediately" and them putting the McLaren logo in an email. There was a joke about the poor exec who stuffed the ‘Vette into the wall at Detroit before they started to talk about Rossi. She didn't email me anything after that point. This went down from noon to 1:00 today, Wednesday 28th. She follows IndyCar enough to have an idea what they were talking about, and figured I would find it interesting Hope you keep getting better.

Dave Santelik

RM: Well thanks Dave for the info, love stuff like this, but it’s not going to happen. Andretti is under contract to Honda for 2019 and no getting out of it, but Alonso and McLaren will run a Chevrolet. I think they’re renting Bryan Herta’s shop in Brownsburg, but not sure if there’s going to be any kind of Andretti connection.

Q: I’ve read that McLaren is going to Indy with Alonso in 2019. It was saying that they were running a Chevy-engined car, with assistance from Andretti Autosport. Is this confirmation that Andretti is switching to Chevy power, since I cannot see Honda wanting to share information if Andretti supports both manufacturers?

Frank Vessell, Phoenix, AZ

RM: As I wrote in the question above, Andretti may have asked Honda to be released from his contract for 2019 but it’s not going to happen, so I don’t know if Michael will have any connection with Zak Brown, Fernando and McLaren. Bob Fernley is running the team and I imagine there could be Andretti mechanics involved, but there was a perceived mutiny in the IndyCar paddock when it was suggested Michael might be running Chevys and a Honda. And I believe IndyCar even looked at implementing a rule forbidding it. But this much we know for sure: McLaren will be in a Chevy, not a Honda.

Q: Hey Robin, so glad to hear you are getting better, I need to see you in the paddock at Long Beach next year! Any word on the title sponsor search for IndyCar? Seems to be getting a little late here; lots of swag and signage to print up, I imagine. I have a son who lives in Indiana and keeps his ear to the railroad track – he says the word on the street is that there have been some pretty big swings and misses. What do you hear?

Bill, Vista, CA

RM: The only thing I’ve heard is that IndyCar was close a couple weeks ago and it was hoping to have something to announce before January 1, but that’s cooled off, so not sure.

Q: Great to hear and read you again Robin, and hope you’re getting better each day. Your reference to John Andretti was heartfelt and spot-on. Huge Andretti family fan all around, and John is one of the best guys in and out of a racing suit. I know he has a tough struggle. We’re pulling for him, Nancy and the family. Let’s have 2019 show cleaner bills of health for you, John, and Marshall’s wife!

Mike DeQuardo, Waukesha, WI

RM: I was talking to Mario a couple days ago about what a fighter his nephew is, and he agreed that John’s attitude and perseverance is second to none. I think he’s got a big surgery coming up, so please use your prayers for him and Marshall’s wife – I’m good for another six or seven years at least. But thanks for your kind words.

John Andretti has worked hard to raise awareness of colon cancer. Image by IndyCar

Q: I've been a reader of yours from your first days at The Star (and a caller on the results line before that!). You do not need to feel guilty - our prayers are and have been with you as well as John Andretti's. You both have given us so much, whether you know it or not, over the years. Look forward to many more years. For what it is worth, my wife has been cancer-free for 14 years. So much is possible now with all the research that has been done. It was through John's encouragement that I went through a check, and it was a good thing. Probably would have put it off had it not been for his campaign for us to #checkit4andretti.

Jon Wright

RM: Good to hear. I think John raised awareness and sent a lot of men to get tested and not wait too long. He beat himself up pretty good for putting it off, but he’s done so much good for other people. When ex-Pacer great George McGinnis’ wife contracted cancer, I asked John if he minded calling George to tell him what to expect and answer any questions. Not only did John and his wife Nancy call them, they became friends and talked constantly, giving encouragement and information. John is a very special person.

Q: Curious to know why three Penskes and only one SPM car are involved in the Sebring test. Why not both SPMs? Why no other teams?

Vincent Martinez, South Pasadena, CA

RM: Teams are allowed to select their own test days, and Penske and SPM simply saved one until the end of the season.

Q: Have a couple trivial things to ask. Just booked flights to Austin for COTA in March. Hotels at airport close enough? Where are best seats for the race? Quick shout-out for last year’s race trips – St Pete was awesome. First turn seats rock. People are friendly, layout is awesome, and the seafood is always good! Great finish on the track, too. Bus trip to Gateway is a great trip! For $149, park at IMS and let the bus do the work. Race tix, paddock passes included. Friendly staff on the bus! Gateway staff were wonderful upon arrival. Awesome facility! Gotta say the Rumble Before the Roar party was pretty cool, too!

Jim Hoffman, Seymour, IN

RM: Great to hear about Gateway but no surprise. I’ve never been to COTA so I deferred to Mr. Pruett, and here are his recommendations: “There are plenty of great hotel options near the airport – it's where I usually stay due to the friendlier rates. If you're keen on the full Austin experience, including the pricier hotels, downtown is the place to be. As for seating, it depends on your viewing preference. If you like to buckle in for the day and stay in that seat, COTA could be a bit boring. The stands atop Turn 1 (driver's right) offer great views and it's where you'll see some overtaking. The Turn 12 and Turn 15 stands will also give you some good looks at the action. But my overwhelming suggestion is to treat the event like walking tour of COTA's awesomeness. Bring a folding chair, a backpack with the rest of your goodies, and maybe an umbrella (for sun or rain), and choose different corners to view from the walking path and hillside spots. There's too much to see that a simple grandstand seat cannot offer.”

Q: Do we know if IndyCar will be testing at COTA before the race date in March? If so, will it be open to the public?

Bill Jurasz

RM: The Circuit of The Americas will serve as the site for a two-day preseason test on Feb. 12-13, the only official gathering of IndyCar’s full-season entries before the season gets underway at St. Petersburg in March. Usually one day is open to the public but I’d call COTA and confirm.

Q: I have a question about IMS and IndyCar replacing Sunoco with Speedway as the fuel supplier. Was it just a matter of the contract being up and Speedway offering a better deal, or was more involved?

Peter, Gainesville, Va

RM: Yes the contract was up and Speedway made a better offer, which includes promoting IndyCar and IMS in all their stores year-round.

Q: IndyCar has been making great strides in its climb back to what it used to be. I have written to you several times regarding my eldest son’s interest in IndyCar, and Alexander Rossi. Since the season finale we have watched Born Racer, Yellow Yellow Yellow, the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Indy 500s on YouTube and many other races and YouTube clips in an effort to feed this kid’s interest in IndyCar. He doesn't need much help, as he chose to be Alexander Rossi for Halloween this year. He loves IndyCar racing. I took him to the Northeast Grand Prix this year, and have attempted to watch F1 races, but nothing has his focus like IndyCar and Rossi do. He now reads chassis specs and engine info on the Mini Rok class of karting, and is begging me to get him one. Keep whatever mojo you got IndyCar, because it’s working on me and my kid. I think I need to take this kid to Indy next year.

Jason

RM: I see more and more young people wearing Rossi swag at races, and it’s great to hear your son is hooked on him because that’s what IndyCar needs – that kind of passion and hero worship from the ‘60s and ‘70s. I’ve watched him a lot this past season and I think Alex is pretty good with kids, so that vibe resonates.

Q: Any concern about the Chevy corporate troubles, and what they will cut in racing?

Jeff Loveland

RM: No – here’s RACER’s story from last week.

Even without a full-time ride, J.R. Hildebrand has no problem keeping busy. Image by LePage/LAT

Q: It is now off-season. We hear little about the prospects of drivers such as Conor Daly, Oriol Servia and J.R. Hildebrand. They all might pop up in 'Indy only' rides, but what do they live on when they’re doing only one race a year?

Anthony Jenkins, Canada

RM: Servia has a restaurant in L.A., while Conor is busy trying to put an IndyCar deal together and get ready for the Chili Bowl. JR gets paid to drive at Indy so that’s good, he’s doing some consulting work, doing some lecturing at Stanford University and he’s a contributing editor at Road & Track. Oh yeah, and he’s working right now on his ride for May. But unlike the old days when 40 percent of your Indy 500 winnings could keep a driver going all year, today’s paltry purse doesn’t even pay expenses.

Q: With all the fuss and anger about the W Series, it seems pretty easy to gloss over the fact that two of the drivers are young sprint car and midget champions in Courtney Crone and Toni Breidinger. Would you think that this is yet another case in which IndyCar is missing out on good, home-grown, grass-roots open-wheel talent (that is now going to be displayed and under a microscope on the European stage), or has the short-track-to-Indy ship has officially sailed?

Michael in Brownsburg

RM: If nobody in IndyCar was interested in Kyle Larson or Christopher Bell or Kody Swanson, then they have no clue about these two young ladies. And, yes, that ship has sailed until they have a few million dollars, and then they can play. Don’t forget, IndyCar didn’t try to keep Danica or Simona, and they both had talent and followings.

Q: IndyCar needs more races, and a season going into fall. Not deep into fall, but around mid-to-late October. It needs a race in Mexico, Australia and a second in Canada. I know it’s probably not possible, but one in Detroit would suffice if schedule became too crowded. Back to The Glen, for sure. Indy road course on Labor Day weekend. Make schedule geographically less travel/less expensive. The guy saying other sports’ seasons are too long…he’s 100% right. Any chance of Texas Motor Speedway and C.O.T.A. having a duel ticket? One ticket, two tear-offs, and a somewhat reduced price compared to an individual ticket. Upper midwest is the hotbed for Indy racing. Here in Texas could be second. We’re ripe for that. You, John and Wickie get well. All we fans love you guys.

Ft. Worth Dan

RM: I think Mexico City and Australia could be in play by 2020, and hopefully Richmond as well, but not sure we’ll ever run past mid-September. The Glen might work sharing the card with IMSA, but I don’t ever see IMS road course as a stand-alone as the season finale. Nobody cares. And I like your Texas two-step idea, but don’t think it would ever fly with Eddie Gossage. And, yes, there was a time when Texas drew the second and third largest crowds for the IRL. Thanks for the kind words.

Q: I am going to be in Indianapolis from qualifying to the race. I am going to the “Week of Indy” USAC races and the Little 500. I was looking, but could not find, races to see during the qualifying weekend. Do you have any recommendations? Will they have a midget race at IMS during that weekend?

Jonathan Meckley

RM: USAC schedules should be released tomorrow at PRI, but no midget race at IMS in May to my knowledge. Just check USACracing.com on Friday and the schedules should be up.

Q: The information you shared regarding Conor receiving a two-ride deal from the Byrds was welcome. I am happy he realized that he needs the experience of racing this month in Illinois to help build his dirt skills in preparation for the relentless racing at the Chili Bowl. I do wish Conor well, and am grateful for the Byrd's support of this young man.

Deb Schaeffer

RM: I think it’s great, and Conor will make new fans regardless of how he does, because he’s stepping outside his environment. I think Rossi would be perfect on the dirt – he loved Baja, and seems to be up for any challenge. That’s what we need. And Byrd is a godsend for USACers with an eye on Indianapolis.

Q: James Hinchcliff and Jordan Taylor replace Conan O’Brian and Andy Richter. James hosts and Jordan fills Andy’s role. That’s easy. But which car do Andy and Conan pretend to drive before putting their stunt doubles Ben Collins and Tommy Kendall in the driver’s seats?

Ryan in West Michigan

RM: I would get Ken Hamilton’s homemade Indy car from 1980.

Q: The somewhat politically correct Robin Miller has occasionally waxed poetic on the role that dirt tracks have played in the inception and growth of IndyCar. It is (strongly) suggested that IMS Productions fire up their media trucks, send them to the Chili Bowl, and persuade A.J. Foyt, Sarah Fisher, Robin Miller etc to join in with some historical color commentary. Robin periodically mentions how local dirt tracks contributed to the growth of IndyCar. It would be nice if Conor Daly could also be featured there, along with the also/sometimes politically incorrect A.J. (now, that's “color”!). Maybe also include the growth and loss of Bryan Clauson, in the process?

Conor has been working his butt off to support IndyCar, and it appears that his family relationship to the IMS and IndyCar (step-father Doug Boles) may be causing him to not be covered as well as some other upcoming IndyCar drivers/racers? I see where there's Chili Bowl Coverage on MAVTV. Who knows, you (we?) might even get NBC to support the coverage on one of their channels (with the IndyCar color commentary that I am proposing). That would be good for bringing in a few more new IndyCar Fans. What say you?

Constructively submitted,

Bill in CA

RM: Love to do some announcing with Super Tex, but MAVTV already has a good cast if announcers that covers Chili Bowl every year – my goal is to try and get NBC to do the IMS midget race live next year. Conor is a good ambassador, and I think he gets good media (it’s tough when you only have four races), and he’s busting his butt to put together a deal for 2019. The dirt tracks and racers of the ‘50s and ‘60s were the road to Indy, but those days are long gone.