Robin Miller's Mailbag for January 23, 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: Last week was a stellar one for IndyCar with the NTT and Arrow announcements. Safe to say these are great developments and Mark Miles (whether lucky or good) has to be given a lot of credit considering few gave him much chance of success. I must tell you that I am confused by the NTT deal, however. I am struggling to understand the business plan around this sponsorship given what I have read. Do you believe there is something more to this that they have not announced? Some kind of tie-in with something else they are going to be doing in the USA that has yet to be announced? I not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, but the whole thing seems a bit curious…

Justin, Park City, UT

RM: Mark has done a lot of good things, but had nothing to do with the Arrow SPM deal, that’s all Sam Schmidt and his great relationship with Arrow. As for NTT, Jay Frye was the point man and NTT wants to have a bigger footprint in North America, so give it some time to roll out its plan. Of course they haven’t announced anything yet, it’s only been a few weeks and the racing season is still two months away.

Q: I was watching a Colorado Avalanche game and saw two full-length ads with Arrow and Hinch. They were also talking about Arrow’s increased involvement and interviewed Wickens and Ericsson. What does this say about how committed Arrow is now with racing and the state of IndyCar sponsorships?

Chris from Denver

RM: Like Marshall Pruett’s commentary stated, Arrow SPM now has the resources and commitment to challenge Andretti, Ganassi and Penske on a weekly basis instead of being hit and miss (although Wickens was right on pace most places before his accident). But I look at Arrow as a partner more than a sponsor, and IndyCar teams are still challenged to find big backers such as Arrow.

Q: It is worth noting that a year after their star driver was bumped and everyone acted like the end was nigh if sponsors didn't get exactly what they wanted at Indy, Arrow upped its sponsorship of SPM and became one of (if not the most) prominent sponsors in the paddock for 2019 and beyond. Bring on more bumping in 2019.

Justin Allen

RM: Arrow showed its colors last May when it didn’t try to buy Hinch’s way into the show, but don’t think all sponsors would be so supportive and understanding. Like I wrote last year, if we’ve got 40 cars this May then bumping means something again so I’m all for it. If we’ve only got 35 – start ‘em all because nobody can afford to lose their sponsor, and why is Indy better without one of its biggest names? And don’t give me that crap about tradition – it’s been gone a long time.

Q: I was watching the end of a live stream of a classic Las Vegas IRL race, I believe back in 1999, on the IndyCar Series FB page the other night. I was just over four years old then, so didn't remember it too much, but having been to a couple of IndyCar races in person, and seeing about all the races on TV now, it's crazy how different the IndyCar's sound today compared to 20 years ago (assuming a V8 engine was used back then).

Also, one thing I thought was cool was that I got to see Sam Schmidt, who was the winner of that Las Vegas race and what he could do in a race car before he had his accident. I think it's one of the most awesome things that he is a successful team owner today, and that he is helping to pave the way for paralyzed people to be able to drive a street car. Having met him a couple times in the paddock, he is definitely a wonderful man

Kevin, North Carolina

RM: Those early IRL engines were so loud it hurt your ears, but I think a certain type of header made them sound much better as time went on. Sam is inspirational on many levels and his spirit has always impressed everyone. And, against all odds, his story keeps getting better.

Q: Understand it's going to be a long, long recovery period for Robbie Wickens. Any updates on his progress as of late? Also, is Townsend Bell officially retired? Would he be open to Indy only if an opportunity with a sponsorship and a quality ride would come available?

Jim, Indy

RM: He posted a video on Facebook last week that showed him walking with the help of his therapist and a form of crutches, and if anybody can make it all the way back I’d bet on Robert. But he sounds determined to race again, and I think he will regardless of whether he can walk. Townsend is retired from Indy cars because he’s 43, got a great job at NBC, a lovely wife, two sons and wants to stay married. But he’s got a full-time sports car ride driving for Vasser and Sully and will be at Daytona this weekend.

Q: After today’s announcement of NTT as the new entitlement sponsor of the IndyCar Series (good write-up on how that came to be, by the way), it got me thinking. Now that IndyCar has a Japanese engine manufacturer in Honda, a Japanese tire supplier in Firestone (owned by Bridgestone), a Japanese driver (and Indy 500 winner) in Takuma Sato, and a Japanese entitlement sponsor in NTT, isn’t it about time for the series to return to Japan? I, for one, would love to see a race at Suzuka. Maybe a double-header with Super Formula or Super GT? I’ve got to be honest, I’m surprised that the idea of a return to Japan hasn’t been kicked around much in the rumor mill over the past few years. What do you think?

Garrick Aube

RM: I think it’s been mentioned by NTT in their talks with IndyCar. Motegi’s oval still needs some work in Turn 3, but the last race on the road course was pretty good and as long as Sato is in the lineup the place would be packed. Can’t speak about Suzuka, but with Sato a doubleheader might work.

Does the Carlin/Charlie Kimball situation say something about racing-nomics? Image by Levitt/LAT

Q: It was interesting and heartening to read about Arrow and SPM taking things to the next level. Then I read the Kimball/Carlin story. The very last paragraph reads ‘With Kimball headed back to Carlin in a limited schedule, the team continues to work on filling the entry with a driver for the rounds where the Californian and his Novo Nordisk sponsorship will be absent.’

I’m aware teams struggle to find sponsors and funded drivers are not uncommon across the sport – not just in IndyCar. It’s been like this for ages, and won’t be changing anytime soon. It still struck me as disappointing that there doesn’t seem to be any real effort being made from the team to find funding for Charlie. Do the smaller teams like Carlin and others have marketing departments that look for team sponsors? Or do they just field calls from drivers with money? Charlie isn’t Josef Newgarden, but he’s solid. Am I expecting too much of a second-year team and the economics of a recovering but still not quite there IndyCar series?

Eric Z, Lancaster, NY

RM: I think every team has marketing people or sponsor seekers, but in Charlie’s case, he’s had a great run with Novo and they’ve kept him in IndyCar. He’s always been a good story and likeable as hell, and he’s certainly had his moments, but when Roger Penske or Chip Ganassi or Michael Andretti has trouble finding sponsors, let’s be realistic. Even with all the positive things going on in IndyCar, it’s very difficult to find sponsorship, and I’m sure Charlie is happy to have the opportunity to keep going even if it’s a partial schedule. Trevor Carlin has been successful everywhere and I don’t doubt it will happen in IndyCar, but it takes time and it’s not like he’s got the two best drivers in the paddock.

Q: It is great to start a new IndyCar season with a great deal of optimism – feels strange. I am pleased that with NTT as a title sponsor for the series and Arrow for SPM that the series is generally on an upswing. With the addition of Steinbrenner and McLaren to the ranks of owners, I think that there is a potential for new ideas and energy to move the series further forward. What do you think the odds are of Tony Stewart (or similar big name) joining the ranks of IndyCar owners? If not by himself, maybe in partnership with someone else?

With the addition of Colton Herta to the ranks, are there any other second or third generation drivers coming? It seems hard to believe that it has been over 10 years since an Unser raced in the Indy 500 – any in the pipeline? Also, I remember talk of the kids of Davy Hamilton and Buddy Lazier as well as the nephew of Scott Brayton looking to join the series down the road. How close are they? Finally, it would be great if NBC produced some documentaries about the great Indy drivers of the past. I think it would help to educate the younger fans about the history of the sport while reminding the older ones why they loved it in the first place.  Looking forward to the new season!

Arvind Mahadevan, Peoria, AZ

RM: Stew has a lot on his plate with NASCAR and his dirt tracks, so I would think he might field a car at Indy some day but not full-time. Davey Hamilton Jr. runs well in supermodifieds and also has a couple Indy Lights races under his belt and just landed a Silver Crown ride for 2019. Finn Lazier has been winning Barber, F2000 and Formula Ford races and is still a teenager. Hunter Brayton ran F2000 a couple years ago at the SCCA runoffs at IMS and some Pro Mazda races but I’ve lost track of him. NBC has lots of cool things planned for IndyCar in 2019 so stay tuned.

Q: This past week, there was great news about sponsorships in IndyCar and its races. NTT for the series, Arrow is more prominent with SPM, Firestone is the title sponsor at Laguna Seca and REV at Road America. All good stuff. My question is this: have you heard anything for the Grand Prix of Long Beach? We try to go every year and that event is getting huge. I believe it is second only to Indy in crowd size. What baffles me is to why it may be proving difficult for them to get a big title sponsor. Honestly, I thought Toyota was foolish to let it go, even though it was the Southern California Toyota dealerships that was actually sponsoring the event. I thought for sure another car company or someone huge would jump on it.  What gives? Is it too late for 2019 anyway since it is less than three months out?

Gary Nelson, Flagstaff, AZ

RM: Expect an announcement in the next couple weeks, but I can tell you it's going to be well received by the racing community.

Q: If I told you a driver’s dad raced in F1 and IndyCar, his step-dad ran the Speedway, he won at every level including Pro Mazda, GP3, and Lights and, if I said he repeatedly jumped into rides – Long Beach, Toronto, Detroit (podium) – over-performed, drives smart and brings the car home every time, wouldn’t you say he deserved a legit, multi-year shot in the series? I call it the curious case of Conor Daly. He was absolutely equal to Alex and JoNew. Why won’t anyone give this guy a break? Instead we have Tony Kanaan (please go to sports cars), Marcus Ericsson (five years at the back in F1 – shown up by Leclerc), Matheus Leist (please) and Santino Ferrucci (double please). Unlike every other major sport, IndyCar cannot say with credibility that it showcases the best talent on the field. What do the owners have against Conor? (PS The big C is a bitch. Hang in there – we love you).

Lee Robie, Cincinnati, Oh

RM: I get criticized for tub-thumping for Conor and trying to keep his name out there, but you are spot-on – he does deserve a full-time ride because he’s a good racer. He’s never had a good full-time ride, per se, and whether it’s substituting on the fly at Coyne or Harding or SPM, he’s done a good job. Last May his car was full of old parts and he ran for Harding with five-year-old shocks but still qualified 13th and 14th at Toronto and Mid-Ohio. CD is pretty damn savvy about a chassis and helped the Harding boys learn some things. He was very much Newgarden’s equal in Lights and lower classes, and I wish he had the chance to prove it. He’s going to have the best car he’s ever sat in this May for the Indy 500, but needs a sugar daddy to save his career. I’m not sure the owners have anything against him, they simply don’t notice him -- which doesn’t surprise me.

Milwaukee letter klaxon! Image by Abbott/LAT

Q: You've said repeatedly that IndyCar won't be returning to Milwaukee, Cleveland, or Michigan anytime soon. Do you find that concerning, since the Midwest is where IndyCar's core fan base is, or is this not a big deal since the series is expanding into other markets?

Alan, Buffalo, NY

RM: There use to be the theory that CART had too many races in the Midwest, except Michigan, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Mid-Ohio were always packed and I don’t think IndyCar can have enough races in the Midwest because it’s the heart of the fan base (and why Gateway would be an ideal season finale). I’m saddened that we’ve never been back to Cleveland and we lost Milwaukee, but it takes promoters, sponsors and interest.

Q: Would you be able to confirm with IndyCar the TV broadcaster for Canada for the 2019 season? I know the poster is likely dead wrong in Track Forum about it likely being an Internet streaming site and no TV. Unfortunately, rumors tend to get believed and spread like a rash throughout the online community. SportsNet has been an incredible partner, broadcasting every race live no matter what. Prior to that we had TSN, who once put an IndyCar title decider on tape-delay so they could show pre-taped curling matches. They then stiffed us by cutting out 30 laps, not all of which were full-course yellow, in wee hours of the morning. I'm hoping SportsNet is back, because no other Canadian broadcaster has ever respected CART/CCWS and open-wheel racing like it has. Everyone else would rather broadcast the world back scratching championships live than an auto race.

JD, Toronto

RM: Not yet, I’m told it’s still being negotiated so I will post it as soon as IndyCar makes its decision, but I hear nothing but good things about SportsNet from my friends in Canada.

Q: Great to see that NBC is not only continuing it’s great coverage, but is going to expand on it. You guys are all great commentators on the show, too. I was wondering what kind of coverage we can expect in Canada, where there are a great many IndyCar fans? When NBC took over from ABC last year, I lost the opportunity to watch qualifying on YouTube. Once ABC was gone, I no longer got to see any qualifying. The practices were still on YouTube and Indycar.com. The SportsNet cable channel covered the races in Canada, and had the pre-race show too, but did not have qualifying. What can I expect for 2019, and will I get to see any qualifying this year? Will I still be able to see Indy Lights on YouTube? On a side note, even though we have disagreed sometimes in the past, I am so glad to see you back and up and about.

Paul Sturmey

RM: All USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 practice, qualifying and races will be live streamed on the series respective websites as well as the Road to Indy TV App. Indy Lights practice and qualifying sessions will also be live streamed on these platforms. Indy Lights races will be shown domestically as part of INDYCAR’s NBC Sports Gold package and will be live streamed internationally. As said previously, the Canadian TV deal is being negotiated, so stay tuned.

Q: Just finished reading last week’s Mailbag, and my heart dropped when you mentioned that the INDYCAR Pass on NBC Sports Gold will feature delayed races. This is horrible news, as I have gotten rid of my obsolete "cable TV subscription" years ago, and was hugely looking forward to spending a few bucks on finally getting an official internet stream to watch races live (as opposed to some sketchy unofficial ones I've been forced to rely on over the past few seasons... and I know quite a few other fans in the same situation). Can you please relay to the bosses at NBC that a delayed stream is basically worthless to any self-respecting sports/race fan in the instant internet age? If this is in fact true, I will definitely not be subscribing. Either stream the races live on NBC Sports Gold, or don't bother.

Max

RM: I’ve got to find out if NBCsports.com or the NBC Sports app by verified viewers (those with cable, satellite or telco subscriptions) is available in Canada, because as you stated the races will be delayed on NBC Sports Gold. But I understand your frustration.

Q: Two years ago I took the plunge and went to the Indy 500 for the first time. It was a once in a lifetime trip, but of course I went back last year. I'll definitely go to Indy again, it's just an amazing experience. However, this year I'm looking at taking in another IndyCar race. What are the pros and cons of Toronto, Mid-Ohio and Laguna Seca? Laguna jumps out at me as it's so iconic, but what would you recommend for a third Indy experience?

Adam, Maidenhead, UK

RM: Toronto is New York City without the crime and boasts great restaurants, friendly people and beautiful women. The race track has been decimated by construction and is not one of IndyCar’s best venues. Mid-Ohio is great because you can wander around and see most of the track and there’s something going on from dawn ‘til dusk. Laguna is legendary with its Corkscrew and elevation changes, and has some great vantage points too. Why don’t you come early to Mid-Ohio and take in the Iowa race the week before? You can drive and take your time between races.

And this year's guest of honor at Indy is... Image by LAT

Q: Hey Robin, hope you’re doing well. I am going to my second Indy 500 this year, and I can’t wait. I went with my mom in 2017, and now I’m going with my dad. One part that stood out to me was the Indy Museum, especially because of their special exhibit on A.J. when I was there. Any idea what the exhibit will be this year during the 500? I’m hoping it’s something with Mario to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his win. Also, what else do you recommend doing? We’ll be there for Carb Day, Legends Day, and the race.

Max Camposano, San Jose, CA

RM: Yes, Mario is being honored this May, so you’ve got to the Museum, take a ride around the track in the tour bus, visit Sarah Fisher’s go-kart track on Main Street and then hit Dallara down the street. Check out Bob Lorton’s Gearheads by IRP in Clermont and Marie Hall’s Three Sisters and Truck in Speedway. Eat breakfast at Charlie Browns, lunch at the Workingman’s Friend and dinner at Dawson’s. And catch the memorabilia show at IMS on Saturday.

Q: You published a letter in last week's Mailbag from Andy in St. Marys, OH about parking for the Detroit GP at Belle Isle - I hope that you'll pass along this info, or just forward this email to him. Parking for the Belle Isle race is very simple - It probably sounds more difficult than it is. There are several huge parking lots around the Renaissance Center (GM's headquarters), and the shuttles run all day from there. The Renaissance Center ("RenCen" to us locals) is right on East Jefferson Avenue, accessible from several freeways. There are several parking lots behind the building (along the river), and a couple of parking decks.

The shuttles going to Belle Isle pick up in front of the Renaissance Center, and the returning shuttles drop off behind the Renaissance Center. Park in the big lot, walk to the front of the building, and catch the next shuttle ­­– it's that simple. The shuttle stop on Belle Isle is right by the spectator entrance, and there are always volunteers there to help with any questions that guests may have. It is very convenient, and avoids parking hassles. The actual racing can be hit and miss, but the event itself is outstanding. And getting there early to see IMSA is always advised. I hope that they come up here and enjoy the race – Belle Isle is beautiful!

Tom Pate, Macomb, MI

RM: Thanks very much, Tom, for this information.

Q: In last week’s Mailbag you stated that Montreal could be back in the mix for 2021. While I know Canada is home to loads of IndyCar fans and could probably support another race, I would rather see a return to Cleveland or Watkins Glen. While I understand the difficulty of organizing and financing a race on a temporary circuit like Burke Lakefront Airport, I have a hard time understanding why a return to upstate N.Y. seems so remote. Watkins Glen is arguably, along with Road America, the top road course in the U.S., and is a natural fit for the top open-wheel series in the country. IndyCar needs to be racing at the best venues available. I know the last two races were poorly attended, but they were also poorly promoted. What is keeping Jay Frye, Mark Miles, Michael Printup and, if it takes IMSA's involvement, Scott Atherton in getting together and making this happen again?

Jim, Bunker Hill, IN

RM: No doubt The Glen is a road racing treasure and needs to be on the schedule, but the only way I see it ever happening is for IndyCar and IMSA to share the weekend of the six-hour sports car race. IndyCar could race on Saturday and IMSA runs Sunday. I know NBC would approve since it covers both series, and would already have cameras, people and production equipment at the track. And I’ve talked to Michael Printup and he’s all for it – just got to convince Jim France and Scott Atherton. Other than Sebring and Road Atlanta, IMSA’s best crowds are Long Beach and Detroit when they’re part of the twin bill with IndyCar. A doubleheader would give The Glen a chance to get a decent turnout.

Q: I'm thinking of doing the drive down from Canada to see the race at Barber Motorsports Park. It looks like my kind of place – old school with fans on grass banks. Is there good parking and efficient entry/exit at the track, or a is a shuttle from downtown Birmingham the wiser move? I'm not a 'bike' guy. Will the museum still be of interest?

Anthony Jenkins

RM: I think you can buy a parking pass and walk right across the access road to the spectator mounds outside the first few turns, but call the track and ask. It’s a great layout, and you can roam and also get a paddock pass, and the people couldn’t be friendlier. You have to spend a few hours in the museum – it’s world-class.

Q: Agustin Canapino, one of Juncos's IMSA drivers, was posing with Ricardo in one of his IndyCars today. I know that it was just a fun photo considering his caption says "Dreaming doesn't cost anything" but is there any chance that Ricardo actually runs Canapino in a few IndyCar races this year? He's apparently a 12-time champion in the Argentinian touring car series, so I assume he'd be able to pass IndyCar's licensing requirements. Also, do you know if Rene Binder will be returning this year? Obviously he was subpar (to put it nicely) in 2018 and he tore up a few of Ricardo's cars, but I assume his family's timber money could forgive all those sins. Same question goes to Alfonso Celis Jr, who doesn't seem to have anything lined up for 2019.

Joey

RM: I have no idea who Ricardo has lined up except RACER reported recently that Kyle Kaiser is lined up for Indianapolis, so that’s good because he did a nice job last May.

Mazda in IndyCar? Nice idea; not going to happen. Image by Dole/LAT

Q: Firstly, please tell us something about new manufacturers. Is there something in the air? In my opinion, this is the best place for Mazda. They don't want to explore the hybrid or electric market, just upgrade petrol engine (like IndyCar’s next-gen power unit). IndyCar may be good platform to promote the SkyActive-X concept. I think all depends on success in the WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, but I hope they can afford to keep both programs. Joest in IndyCar? That sounds good!

Second is the situation in Europe. We are really missing IndyCar in Europe. I think you underestimate our market because of Formula 1, but remember that everyone around the world knows that this series is crap as a product. I am dreaming about an oval race in Europe like Lausitz or Venray. IndyCar should be some kind of oval racing ambassador (NASCAR is too much connected with home soil). If IndyCar announces an event on my continent, I will be first with tickets in hands. Regarding the new body that will distribute TV rights, I hope that IndyCar can prepare a discount to encourage new countries. By the way, we’ve have live coverage from NASCAR for a few years, and from my knowledge they have more viewers that DTM. To the end, I would like to share with you my brilliant idea. I know that you are big USAC fan, so what about bringing back dirt track to IndyCar?

Jakub Dradrach, Wroclaw, Poland

RM: I haven’t heard anything lately about a third manufacturer, but it’s not going to be Mazda. It pulled out of the Road to Indy program after maintaining it and growing it, and it’s not in any position to spend millions of dollars on IndyCar. I attended IndyCar races at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Rockingham and Germany and they were all well-attended, but not sure there’s enough interest to ever bring IndyCar back. Let me rephrase that: not enough money. Dirt and IndyCars? You got a better chance of me assembling an engine. But appreciate your interest. How about we get Robert Kubica an Indy 500 ride?

Q: My name is Brennan, and I am currently a senior moving onward to greener pastures after high school. Being a fan of motorsports, and a dedicated driver and mechanic in go karting, I have decided to go to school at UNOH, using my mechanical skills to IndyCar in the near future. I hope this helps that gentleman about my age in his decision making to having a successful IndyCar career. Now my question for you Mr. Miller is, with the current climate of racing drivers becoming younger and younger, and indirectly, richer and richer, should a kid like me, who comes from the middle tax bracket, have a dream of driving an IndyCar to Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? I have a great community of friends and family that believed in myself before I ever did, and, from a constructive point of view, have a decent hand at driving a go-kart around a track. I struggled with this for many years but have found an answer, but would like to know yours.

Brennan M. of West Elkton, Ohio

RM: Let me give you a quick example of what you’re up against. Dillion Welch is a damn good racer who turned in some impressive drives in USAC midgets and his father, Vince, is a longtime announcer/pit reporter for ABC and FOX in IndyCar and NASCAR. Nobody has more connections and Dillion had plenty of potential, but they both realized what an uphill battle it was just finding money for running USAC. So Dillion decided to follow his father’s footsteps and has gone from local announcing to MRN to now working for FOX (NASCAR) and NBC (he will work in the pits the second half of the IndyCar season). Unless you have family ties or a rich daddy or find somebody who believes in you with lots of cash, making a career out of IndyCar racing is damn-near impossible. You have a much better shot at making it as a mechanic, because IndyCar teams desperately need good, young mechanics. So that’s my suggestion – pursue the mechanic side.

Q: I've read your column for a long time and always look forward to it each week, so thrilled that you are doing better. I want to give a big thanks to Marshall Pruett. His answers to the dad who wrote in about the kid interested in the race engineering side of things helped out my son. He's been interested in engineering for years and took advantage of a STEM program at his high school. He also loves racing, especially IndyCar. He'd been checking out various programs and applied to a couple schools for Mechanical Engineering when he saw that dad's letter. It got him excited about IUPUI's program and he applied over his winter break. Long story short, he just got his letter of acceptance last night from IUPUI welcoming him to the university and their Motorsports Engineering Program. He'd had to write an essay for the program on why he wanted to do it, and his big interest is increasing safety, which is what he discussed in his essay. The time you and Marshall spend interviewing the drivers and talking about the technical aspects of racing and history of the sport has truly given him a passion for it that showed in the essay. So thank you to you both from this proud mom of a future Jaguar.

Tinnekke Bebout

RM: Well that’s great news about your son, but Marshall gets all the credit. He’s an old mechanic/engineer and knows the ropes of that side of pit wall and he actually understands bump steer, ride height, rake and shock rebound. Young engineers and mechanics have a much better chance of a future in IndyCar than trying to drive, so good luck to your boy.

Q: I always enjoy your Mailbag and your work on TV. Unlike some of the stodgier reporters, you are always loose, informative and entertaining. Plus, you always manage to give ol' A.J. some zingers and manage to survive! You mentioned your support for Donald Davidson to be honorary starter for the Indianapolis 500. I fully agree. I have also started a petition on Change.org to have him give the command to start engines on race day, an honor he so richly deserves. Plus, he won't have to scale the ladder to the starter's stand! Any thoughts? Stay in good health. We need you around for a while, if for nothing else, to keep ol' A.J. honest!

Jim Mulcare, Westbury, NY

RM: A fan made the suggestion to have Donald as the honorary starter and I suggested a statue in the IMS museum, but driving the pace car might even be better. Not sure he’d wanted to do either, however, because DD is a rather private person, but it would be well deserved. Thanks for your kinds words, my crusade is to keep A.J. honest.

Michael at the Brickyard: often bitten, never shy. Image by LAT

Q: Who is the most snake bit driver that hasn’t won the Indy 500? Michael Andretti, Scott Goodyear or Robert Guerrero?

JR from Northlake not Southport

RM: It’s either Michael (who led 431 laps) or Lloyd Ruby (led most laps before breaking in 1966 and leading in 1969 and pulled out early and ripped open fuel tank) or maybe Ted Horn (never finished worse than fourth from 1936-48) was unlucky.

Q: Does IndyCar have an overall goal for its schedule? Maybe 21 races. three on and one off for the season. I know ovals are IndyCar’s history, but is IndyCar looking to better establish the ones on the schedule before it tries to add more again later? Any changes to the Indy GP or qualifying? I want to see the Indy GP under the lights on a Wednesday night or Friday night. After setting the field of 33, has IndyCar looked at having some type of exhibition of speed for the teams to tune the cars outside the rulebook for one day with a huge title sponsor giving a million dollar Fastest Driver at Indy Award? Any fresh ideas from IndyCar for fan appreciation? Maybe have the IndyCars lined up in the downtown streets for driver autograph and Q&A session (same for NASCAR), or even bringing some IndyCar show cars to local Hot Rod car shows? Are there any race promoters trying to make ticket deals with other tracks? Buy a COTA ticket and get a free TMS ticket and reverse the deal the next year?

Derick, Columbus, IN

RM: I think Jay Frye would like 20 solid races so we’re still a ways off that number, but maybe if Richmond, Australia and Montreal returned it could get IndyCar closer to that number. I think we’re going to lose a couple tracks in the next year or two, so IndyCar will need some replacements with a future. No changes for qualifying and no chance of a Wednesday night road course race. I suppose a fan day on Monument Circle could be a possibility, but then IMS couldn’t charge you so it’s unlikely. No ticket deals to my knowledge, but it ain’t never gonna happen in Texas.

Q: Been reading a lot about Mario's 50th anniverssary tribute at Indy this year. Being a longtime fan of IndyCar and huge fan of Mario and Emmo, I've been fortunate to have met many drivers over the many years. I always only ask to shake their hand and say how much I admire them, and never ask for an autograph. Meeting my heroes is plenty enough for me. Emmo – I have met him many times; such a gracious gentleman and always an enjoyable chat. He even gave me a Marlboro Penske team shirt once and signed it.

But my most special memory would be meeting Mario in August, 1991 at the Denver Grand Prix where I was a volunteer. He was at a Denver Kmart doing autograph signings as Kmart was his Haas' primary team sponsor. I asked him for a handshake and if he would mind signing pics I took of his victory lap at the '69 Indy 500 and at my first F1 race 1978 at Zandvoort, the year he won F1 championship. He started asking me questions (!) and finally he said come around the card table and sit on the extra chair while he signed for the remaining folks in line. Just an amazingly authentic human being; sincere appreciation of his fans and gratitude for their respect. My memory of those few minutes will always be special.

That's Mario in a nutshell; best driver of his generation and a genuine good person. I do have a question too: I can't find any info if Liberty/ Sky Sports is giving the '2019 F1 coverage to ESPN again. Will ESPN have coverage, or how about NBC getting it? Surely the ratings with this special era of F1 is worth something to NBC?

Patty Anderson, Omaha, NE

RM: No finer person than Mario, and I’ve often said I’ve never seen him refuse a fan’s request for an autograph or picture. ESPN was given F1 and the eventual plan is to have paid streaming, but I imagine it’s still going to be free this season.

Q: Did IndyCar miss the boat again and shun having a presence at the Chili Bowl Nationals this year? The interest, exposure and coverage seemed to be at an all-time high, and with great racing, TV coverage, and the exciting last lap finish, it couldn't have been better! I know that IndyCar has had a very busy, productive and exciting off-season, but would it be that hard to send a booth and a couple of drivers to make appearances? I know you've been banging this drum for a while too, but dammit, why do they think there are no new fans to find at this event?

Ric in Austin, TX

RM: I think so, because it’s a week to cultivate new fans and introduce drivers to open-wheel fans that don’t watch the races or even know who these guys are. I do think Jay Frye will do something in 2020, and it’s the cheapest and best exposure IndyCar could get, in my opinion. Conor Daly competed for the first time, and his father went and was impressed with the crowd and atmosphere.

Q: You should do a book or set of books as people have asked in previous weeks. You mentioned a way to have the characters tell their own stories, which sounds cool. You also said you’re not thrilled getting stories from people in their 80’s as they may die off before you can reach them or they may not live to see their stories published. Don’t let this deter you. There are so many stories out there. Not just race drivers, crews, and owners. Sponsors and their employees, racetrack operators and staff, plus goofballs like yourself make a powerful history of the sport. Maybe the IMS Museum could help fund the project so you could fly around the country and get more of these stories?”

Bob Hunt

RM: Appreciate your enthusiasm Bob, but if I did a book I imagine it would be a combination of personal memories with quotes and stories spliced in and all my heroes over 80 (Parnelli, A.J., Uncle Bobby, Johncock and J.R.) are still plenty sharp and we talk all the time, so I’m not really sure why I said that.

Q: Wow Robin, I just read a question from one of your readers, John Lee. He said you should write a book – that would be awesome. As for you, you said you would not have the strength. Do you have years of notes and recordings of your journalistic endevours? Could you get someone to help you write a book? I would help but I do not know how to spell endevour.......You have lots of fans you know.

Barney Colborn

RM: I have a few notebooks but mostly is stored in my head (dangerous) and my medicine must have being acting up because it doesn’t take any strength to write. I appreciate you and all the folks who have volunteered to help but if I ever wrote a racing book I’d have to do it by myself because I’m difficult to work with. It’s ‘endeavor’ but I cheated and went to Google. Thanks Barney.