Robin Miller's Mailbag for February 27, 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 burning up YouTube watching CART videos from the mid-to-late 90s, getting ready for the season debut. What I’m getting out of it, other than Danny Sullivan’s flat refusal to call Mauricio Gugelmin anything other than ‘Big Mo’, is that we had exactly what we crave today. Multiples of everything: OEMs, chassis, tires, parts, the works. We had tobacco, alcohol and petrochemicals on the sidepods. There were world-class drivers at the end of their careers, at their peak, and at the very beginning. Most importantly, we had high performance machines doing exactly what high performance machines should do. And it all got screwed up.

I’m not alone in believing that it is in IndyCar’s DNA to destroy itself. They don’t need any help getting in the way of their own success. So here we are: a new chassis and engine formula on the way, a solid TV/media distribution partner, a likely new OEM, a powerful new title sponsor and a black balance sheet. The series is again being seen as a desirable place for F1-tracked and experienced drivers to ply their trade on their way up and down, or to bide their time in-between stints. Value is being found by teams and sponsors, and more cars are finding their way onto the grid every year. We even seem to have the willing and capable lieutenant to the top executive that IndyCar has been craving (God bless Derrick Walker for efforts under duress) for years. There’s even the stated goal of trying to reach record pace in qualifying again. By many metrics the arrow seems to be pointing up. Forgive my apprehension, but from USAC to CART to IRL and Champ Car and now IndyCar, it is hard to hope for sustaining this success. What do you think is to keep this group from sabotaging itself? Is there anything different this time? Is hope impudent? Or has the egg timer already been turned over?

Dan W., Ft. Worth, TX

RM: USAC was governed by a 24-man committee of which half had no skin in the game, CART was controlled by car owners that cared more about stock prices than the overall good of the sport, IRL was a poorly-planned coup that fractured open-wheel racing, and Champ Car was too little, too late. The reason I have some faith right now is because Jay Frye is calling the shots and he’s a racer who listens, has common sense and works for the good of the overall group. IndyCar still needs a third engine manufacturer, a major upgrade in purses and a defibrillator for its ovals, but today there is a game plan and a leader – two things foreign to IndyCar for the past 50 years.

Q: I did a car count. We have 23 full-timers and three part-timers; 26 at St Pete. Indy 500… maybe 38, but looks more like 36? How is my math?

Ron, Toronto

RM: Marshall’s Indy 500 entry story shows a potential of 38 but more likely 36, so your addition is good. I think 24 starters at St. Pete (22 full-timers) with Pato hopefully putting something together through to Indy with Trevor Carlin after the opener.

Q: It’s crazy how many people I've seen post bad comments about Mike Trico hosting the Indianapolis 500. Trico has covered many big events. He's covered Olympics, the Triple Crown horse races, NBA Finals, golf, he hosted the Cup Series race at Homestead a couple seasons ago, and I think he's hosted/covered a Super Bowl for NBC. As you said, this is a big deal, and it seems like NBC is bringing almost all of its team out to Indianapolis, which is great. Any surprises?

Kevin, North Carolina

RM: I think Little E will be very visible in May, and that’s a good thing – just like Tirico being the host.

Q: I have noticed people complaining about Mike Tirico being host at the 500. They need to stop. He will do a wonderful job. He will be professional, well prepared. I can't wait for May!

Jeff Loveland

RM: Did you watch him make his NHL play-by-play debut the other night? He was excellent and got rave reviews from a lot of the hockey crowd.

Q: This whole deal (or un-deal as it were) with Pato O'Ward got me thinking about engine leases. My question is, what happens to non-used engines (if any) from previous IndyCar seasons? Do they get recycled for the next season, or are they passed along to second and third tier teams to use? Do you ever see a future where IndyCar will allow teams to build their own engines - within spec, of course - and chassis again? It seems to me that some teams with the right talent could build a season of engines for less than then the current $1.1m lease program, and it might allow for more one-offs at Indy or a new team to try and get its feet wet in the sport.

Jake, Pasadena, California

RM: Honda’s Dan Layton explains his company’s engine program: “There really aren’t any non-used engines. Every component of every engine has a service life, and those parts are replaced when they have reached their mileage limit. Some parts are replaced with every rebuild, other have a longer service life (every second rebuild, etc). This applies to all components, including the block, cylinder heads, pistons, etc. When a parts service life is exhausted — or will be used up before the next rebuild — it is replaced. Once an engine is built (or rebuilt), it is given a serial number and placed into a pool of Honda IndyCar Series engines. This year, our pool includes just over 50 engines, which includes those we’ll need for one-offs at Indianapolis and other partial season entries, as well as anticipated replacement engines for those we may lose due to crashes or failure. The engines are then assigned by INDYCAR to an individual team and chassis. So there really are no leftove” engines available for “second and third tier teams.” Everyone gets that same engine, and to the best of our ability, the engines are all equal. At the end of the season, the engines are returned to us to be prepared for the following season.”

As for your question about teams building their own chassis and engines, no chance. Way too expensive.

Sage Karam, coming soon to a DRR car near you. Image by LePage/LAT

Q: How are things looking for Sage Karam and Dreyer & Reinbold to run more than just the Indy 500? Sage mentioned the possibility of running the road/street courses, but it’s getting close to the start of the season. What are your thoughts on this?

Austin, Nazareth, PA

RM: Haven’t heard anything, so I imagine Dennis is just concentrating on Indianapolis with Sage and hopefully J.R. Hildebrand.

Q: I don’t know if you ever read the comments under your Mailbag but a couple of them last week really pissed me off. A couple “experts” took you to task for celebrating Steinbrenner coming into IndyCar racing last fall and claim you over-hyped it and now they’ll never get excited again when you tout something. Do you ever respond to these people?

Ray M., Los Angeles

RM: No. The Mailbag is a great melting pot of opinions and there are a lot of passionate, knowledgeable people writing in every week, but if I start responding to everyone who disagrees or critiques what I say, it defeats the purpose of having a forum. As for the Steinbrenner/Harding story, the press conference was held in Yankee Stadium as one of the most famous families in American sports joined IndyCar. How is that not a huge story, or something to shout about? Especially when you tack on the two teenaged talents who were to be teammates. Sure, six months down the road it’s lost some luster with the financial hardships and Pato on the sidelines, but nobody was predicting doom and gloom back in October. We all assumed that finding funding for the Herta/Steinbrenner side would come much easier than for Mike Harding, but both have struggled. And only a few people know the real truth about how this team is structured and whether it’s a 50/50 deal or one owner has a greater commitment. But having Hank and George Michael Steinbrenner on the grid is big news, regardless of what the Monday morning quarterbacks say six months later.

Q: How much is the purse for the COTA race?

Jon L., Chicago, IL

RM: It’s the same as it is everywhere else except Indianapolis – roughly between $100,000 and $125,000, and it pays a mighty $30,000 to win – but if the winner captures the pole and has the fastest pit stops, it can be as much as $50,000. How pathetic is that in this day and age? A.J. Foyt finished second in the 1966 Hoosier 100 dirt race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and won almost $18,000.

Q: First of all, congratulations on being inducted into the Indiana Sportswriter’s Hall of Fame! Not bad for a guy that flunked out of Ball State! With NTT Data coming on board, is it possible they could sponsor an oval or two, like Michigan or Kentucky? I like the diversity of IndyCar, but we still need a few more ovals!

Brian Lancaster, West Lafayette

RM: Don’t see that happening, but I do think NTT is interested in an Asian race, and also possibly bringing back Motegi.

Q: With the 2019 season having five oval races this year, what are both your and the drivers’ thoughts on oval track racing? I would like to see more added, but I’m coming from a USAC background. Will Power used to hate them, now I would say he loves them. It would be interesting to understand the drivers’ perspectives on this. Add more, reduce, just right?

Josh S.

RM: There were six in 2018 (Phoenix, Indy, Texas, Iowa, Pocono, Gateway), and COTA replaced Phoenix this season. As for what the drivers prefer, I think they like any racy oval that can draw a decent crowd, so that pretty much restricts adding new ones. I still think Richmond would be good to bring back, but if IndyCar gets to 20 races by 2020, having five or six ovals is about right.

Q: I am from LA and have gone to the Long Beach Grand Prix since F1 was there. For as long as I can remember, it's been the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. When we lost Toyota as a supplier, then the celebrity race, and now as a sponsor of Long Beach, I was concerned, but I have to say Acura has really stepped up. I don't watch a lot of TV other than sports, but every time I have it on there is an Acura commercial and at the end, it always says “Proud Sponsor of The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach,” and it always sounds really good. Losing ABC, Verizon and Toyota was concerning but NBC, NTT Data and Acura are all turning out to be a huge benefit.

CAM in LA

RM: Honda has always been a big supporter of IndyCar –, be it supplying all the engines, title sponsorships of races, fielding the two-seater or promoting on television, newspapers and magazines. It’s no surprise it went after Long Beach, nor is it a surprise to hear about the promotions for 2019.

Q: Great to have you back, looking forward to a fantastic IndyCar and F1 season.  Thank God ABC is gone from IndyCar! I am going to Portland for the first time. As I will have my wife with me I will probably have to spring for some grandstand tickets. What grandstand would you suggest? Also, is it worth the extra cost to get paddock and pit access?

Matt Kelly, Sierra Madre, CA

RM: The grandstands by Turns 7 & 9 are good, but I’m not so sure I wouldn’t buy a GA and a paddock pass and just walk around the outside of the track. If you buy a three-day grandstand ticket your paddock pass is included, and a Race Day paddock pass is $40. The paddock was packed last year because IndyCar had been gone for a long time, but fans get such great access at every track that it’s always popular. Have fun.

Q: Your Grid Run driver interviews are always a pre-race highlight for us fans, and it’s obvious that the drivers enjoy it as well. NBC should allot you more time so you can speak with more of the drivers (and perhaps even walk). You always ask the perfect questions, and your exit quips before moving to the next driver keep us laughing. A Robin Miller 2019 Indy 500 Grid Run is mandatory. I can’t wait to read your book and buy multiple copies as gifts. (Hey Miller Mailbag bloggers, what should Robin title his book?) Lastly, can you give us an update on Robert Wickens?

Mark, Altus, Oklahoma

RM: Let’s start with Robert. He posted a video last week that was truly inspiring – he stood up and hugged his fiancé. He spends four or five hours a day in rehab, and if anybody can come back from his paralyzing injury, I think it’s going to be him. Will he drive again? I wouldn’t bet against it. As for the Grid Run, thanks for your kind words but the real issue is that we only have 23 minutes on our pre-race show and it’s tough to find the four-five minutes needed to properly pull it off. My book may be titled: “How Not To Go Racing”, or “A.J. Smacked Me But We’re Still Pals.”

VeeKay? van Kalmthout? However you want to spell it, he's fast. Image by RTI

Q: There is a driver who I believe will be in Indy Lights this coming season who goes by Rinus Veekay. His real name is Rinus van Kalmthout. Why can’t we use his real name instead of a name that is a bit easier to say? Are we that lazy? I see that his last name is a v and a k but still, wouldn’t it be better to start using his real name?

Paul Fitzgerald, Indianapolis

RM: I defer to IndyCar’s Arni Sribhen for this answer. “Rinus, who won the Indy Pro 2000 title in 2018, has branded himself as Rinus VeeKay since coming to the U.S. to race in 2017. Why did he choose it? Probably because it was easier to say and write in US press. We had a similar situation when "Bia" Figuieredo, as she was known before she raced in the U.S., chose to be called Ana Beatriz when she raced in Indy Lights and NTT IndyCar Series.”

Q: Call it "NASCAR revisionist history": last week in Florida I had some time to kill and decided to take the track tour at Daytona International Speedway. We couldn't go onto the oval due to testing, but our tour guide (Lou) took us around the infield, over to Victory Lane and the paddock. Another guy on the tour asked about the possibility of IndyCar running at Daytona, and Lou said, "They tested a few years back, but they pulled so many Gs through Turn 2 that they were blacking out and crashing." I said he must have been confused with Champ Car at Texas, but he ignored me. As I recall, when the IRL tested the road course they didn't even use the full sports car road course and, therefore, didn't even go onto the banking until coming out of the Bus Stop chicane. Do you remember anything from that test?

Scott C, Bargersville, IN

RM: You are correct, it was the CART race at Texas that was cancelled in 2001 because of G Force. I covered the initial IndyCar test at Daytona for SPEED in September of 2006 and then the two-day spring training session in February of 2007. Indy cars used the 10-turn, 2.37-mile course that included the oval banking, and some drivers talked about how hard it was to keep the car straight on the high banks.

Q: Is there is a reason why Honda hasn't had a pace car for the Indy 500? One would think they would at least be interested in doing it.

D., Oregon

RM: Chevrolet has supplied the pace car for all but two years (2000 and 2001, when Oldsmobile paced the field) since 1998, and the Bow Tie’s current contract goes through 2020. I imagine Honda would love to be the Pace Car, but not sure General Motors will ever give it up.

Q: I assume you watched the Daytona 500, which was as much wreckin’ as racin’. With the parity in engines and aero bodies between manufacturers, I wonder when NASCAR will consider an extra 50bhp push-to-pass button, or a moveable rear spoiler, to create separation between cars, and more strategy options? Watching the cars crash was inevitable considering how densely packed they were. While push-to-pass and moveable spoilers may be gimmicks, they have proven their worth in IndyCar and F1.

David, Pittsburgh

RM: NASCAR is trying to do it with aero right now, but with all the gimmicks it has tried in the past it would seem like push-to-pass would be in the wheelhouse.

Q: Hypothetical question. The split of '96 never happened, and the IRL was never created with CART continuing as it has been. What do you think the state of the sport would look like now (cars, viewership, attendance, venues, etc)?

TT from Fishers, IN

RM: Impossible to say. But contrary to the IRL propaganda machine, CART was never more flush than between 1993-1995 in terms of attendance, cars, manufacturers and sponsors. Admittedly, CART’s success came in spite of the owners and their self-serving ways, but they had Bernie’s attention, and Bill France Jr’s as well. That’s why he was so bullish on Tony George starting his own series and dividing open-wheel – he knew NASCAR would be the winner. Had everyone continued to compete at Indy, I imagine the manufacturers in CART might still be invested. The Split definitely hurt the month of May and attendance at places like Milwaukee and Phoenix, in addition to fracturing the TV audience.

Tagliani's Indy 500 career is likely behind him. Image by LePage/LAT

Q: Any chance for Tags? If only to have the fabulously gorgeous Bronte Tagliani walking in Gasoline Alley! Thank God for the Bronze Badge!

Phil, Homecroft

RM: No, sadly, I’m afraid Tags is a permanent CASCAR stock car driver, and we won’t get to see the lovely Bronte unless they come to Indy as spectators.

Q: I wonder if you have heard who, if anyone, is going to be broadcasting IndyCar in Canada this year? So far it doesn't look like Sportsnet are picking it up again, and we can't get NBCSN or its Sports Gold. It would really be a drag if we can't get the races up here. Actually it seems there is no international coverage. It is like they are so thrilled they got NBC doing all the races that they forgot about the rest of the world.

Brad, Toronto, Canada

RM: Mark Miles says they’re still working on it, and I know, the clock is ticking and we need an answer.

Q: Canadian fan saying to everyone down south, please stop complaining about $50 for IndyCar on NBC Gold. Thanks to the CRTC, a government body that controls what we can and can’t watch, we have to pay $15 a month just to see the races (no qualifying) on Sportsnet World. That’s on top of a forced basic cable plan, plus an additional sports package of TSN/Sportsnet that’s a required buy in order to be eligible to purchase the aforementioned Sportsnet World specialty channel. So even with our 35% exchange rate, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. Congratulations on your Hall of Fame nomination, and I’m looking forward to seeing a healthy Robin Miller running up and down the grid again in 2019.

David, Maple Ridge, BC

RM: That’s been my feeling, because $50 for a whole season seems more than reasonable. NBC offers the PGA Tour for $65, SuperCross is $55, track & field is $75, and rugby is $70, as is Snow Pass. I wish Canadian fans had the option.

Q: Longtime reader, first time writer. I am just 22 years old but I am a lifelong motorsports fan and avid follower of all things racing. I am also a TV news producer and a recent graduate from the Journalism School at the University of Missouri. So I do have some knowledge when it comes to things like paywalls and such. And anyone complaining about $50 to stream well-produced IndyCar coverage is out of their damn mind.

Too many people expect good journalism/sports production for free in today's age. You want quality, you have to pay. And yes, I know cable can be expensive, but there are other options. You can get Sling TV for $25 a month and just NBCSN, and then cancel that service in the months IndyCar is not running. But I also doubt people that have cable just have it and just watch NBCSN and IndyCar, they get more out of that, so spare me that argument. It is plain and simple, $50 for basically unlimited access all season is one heck of a deal, and people should be happy to have such a deal. So my question is, do you see a future where IndyCar will be 100% behind a paywall and all of the content would cost say, $250-300 a season (other than the Indy 500)? Because that is clearly where sports on TV is going, in my opinion.

Evan from Columbia, MO

RM: No Evan, I think IndyCar is a niche sport and NBC is going to grow some new fans, but it would be suicidal to charge for races in the foreseeable future. I know that’s ESPN’s plan with Formula 1 and it’s a risk in North America, but obviously F1 thinks it’s worth it. The NBC Gold package is good for the diehards, but I look at it more of a service than a cash cow, so I think that’s a good platform for the next few years. IndyCar needs to be realistic about its audience moving forward, because it’s not that big. And thanks for the tip on Sling TV.

Q: Robin, love your column and your work on NBC, but after years of reading your columns I've come to the conclusion that 80% of your readers just like to whine. I guess writing this puts me in the group. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you at Indy this year, which will be my 51st.

Jim U.

RM: Racing has always bred bitching (competitors and fans alike), so it’s just part of the scenery and I’m kinda numb to it after all these years. Thanks for reading.

Q: Some fans want a return of tobacco advertising, and you can put me in the camp of being against it. Not that it will return, but you could count me out as a fan after how many lives have been destroyed by the lying sleaze that is the tobacco industry. What is the loudest Indy 500 that you can remember?

Jake Murray

RM: Don’t think there’s any chance of tobacco coming back. Loudest Indy 500 was 1982 when Mears was running down Johncock – you could hear the crowd roaring over Jim McKay and Sam Posey on the replay. Second loudest probably when Danica took the lead in 2005.

Q: I just got done listening to your interview on Dinner With Racers (for the third time, I think) and having done so, I must ask if you're ever going to write your book? Now, I'm aware that probably every few weeks someone asks you if you're ever going to write this book. If it annoys you, I'm sorry, but I'm going to do it anyway. Maybe if we keep at it, it'll happen. Seriously. You're a genuine national racing treasure and there is always room on my bookshelf for another racing volume, especially one as completely terrific as yours would likely be. Do every racing fan everywhere a favor and expound without delay. Or delay a while, but do it, for heaven's sake. The world is waiting, and none of us are getting any younger, myself included.

James Reyome, Lyles, TN

RM: You readers have made me consider it, so I may start pecking out a few chapters next winter because I’ve got some old notebooks, but most of my stories are in my head and that’s dangerous as I approach 70. But thanks for your kind words of support.

Q: Nice to see you at least leaning toward doing a book. I love your features on the old racers, and a book would be a way of preserving some racing history. None us are getting younger and would really enjoy learning about your experiences, as well as gaining insights into the sport and it's players. Robin, you're the only real link we have to the past with an insiders’ perspective. I really enjoyed John Potts's book and have a signed copy. A signed Robin Miller book would look great next to it.

John Fulton, Akron, Ohio

RM: I think telling stories about Lee Kunzman, A.J., Bubby Jones, Mario, Bill Finley, Gary B., Opp, Uncle Bobby, Rube and Herk would be good motivation, because they were all badasses with careers we’ll never see again. And I suppose the chapter on my racing days would be good for anyone feeling depressed because it’s got some funny stuff.

This was probably where reader Brad hit the 'depression' stage. Image by Kinrade/LAT

Q: Hope you are feeling/doing much better. Due to toxic shock off-season jitters for IndyCar and after not watching for 15-20 years, I watched almost all of the Daytona 500. Stage racing was new to me, and my own stages were as follows: Denial – I can’t believe I’m about to watch this race. Anger – I can’t believe I’m still watching this race. Bargaining – should I keep watching the race or clean the toilets? Depression – another wreck. Acceptance – this sucks, good night.

Brad, Bloomington, IN

RM: I’ll tell something more depressing if you’re an IndyCar fan: that race drew nine million viewers (5.3 rating). Yeah, I know it was the worst rating ever, but NASCAR remains the big dog in motorsports.

Q: As always, I find myself shaking my head wondering how people find the crash fest that is the Daytona 500 (or 505 or 510 or 515) is racing. Demolition derbies at the local county fair are far cheaper to buy a ticket to, and even participate in. What skill is necessary to lean on a guy, bump/push him out of the way, and purposely side draft him loose? If NASCAR would park a guy the next race for blatantly causing a wreck, perhaps the drivers and owners would think twice.

Likewise, why would an owner be happy with large dollars lost to wrecks in an ever-difficult sponsor market? IndyCar is real racing, and everything NASCAR is not. No contrived finishes. Yes, a race might finish under yellow, that is racing. Yes, you can’t run into each other without serious and usually day-ending consequences, that is racing. No built-in intermissions with stage racing – you race to the checkers, as that is all that counts in points. Trying to turn racing into a stick and ball type playoff is ludicrous. I find myself so desperate for racing this time of year I will watch just about anything, including that event in Daytona where the only true winner was duct tape, Goodyear, and aluminum dealers. I hope IndyCar can find a few events to kick off the year a little earlier to give options, and perhaps NASCAR a run for fans.

Doug Elmore

RM: Let me just say that most of NASCAR’s real drivers don’t enjoy Daytona because it doesn’t have much to do with ability. That’s why I like watching Darlington or Watkins Glen or Sonoma, and those are NASCAR’s best shows in my opinion. The only thing the owners could have liked was the fact nine million people turned in for the five hour enduro. Daytona has a captive audience and IndyCar would be wise to try and find an early date with not a lot of competition, but that’s easier said than done.

Q: As I sit here getting ready to watch the start of the second race of the NASCAR season, there is something driving me crazy as a fan of many racing series: your jealousy of NASCAR and F1. In your last Mailbag you managed to once again show no respect for other series. It’s a shame, and I hate to tell you but it does nothing to help your beloved IndyCar. You come off as petty and sad. Do everyone a favor and let it go. You don’t have to embrace them, but just keep it to yourself.

Here are some reasons why. You lamented the finish of the Daytona 500; well at least they were finishing a race. What was IndyCar doing? Oh yeah, nothing. How long until their first race? Well, about six months or so since the last. You lamented Darrell Waltrip and his catchphrase. Well, while not a fan of his myself, I respect what he did as a driver, owner, media personality etc. He is well-liked and well thought of in many circles. Let’s look at one of the voices of IndyCar: P.T. Love when he calls a race and as a driver, but honestly, he is probably just as well-known for some not so positive things. I mean, if I were a series, I would rather one of my on-air personalities to be known for an annoying catchphrase instead of the diatribes he has on social media.

You are part of the NBC family and have been for a while; well with all of IndyCar races on NBC now, you might be better served to accept NASCAR for what it is – the breadwinner of its motorsports division. Oh, and since I am sure you will mention it at least once, I will too. NBC Gold. I'll make you a bet. Kyle Petty has a little series on NBC motorsports channel on YouTube. I'll bet it has more unique views than NBC Gold. You claim that people should be "invested" and that paying for that means something. I guess that's why you always say that if IndyCar were on network TV (you know the free kind) they would have more fans. Hmm… you might need to explain how those two things work, because a viewer who has plenty of other choices, I am confused. Like I said, I am a fan of many series. Not asking you to be, but it’s time to let it go.

David, North Carolina

RM: First of all, I will admit I am jealous of NASCAR, because when nine million people stick around for five hours to watch Demolition Derby, it’s both impressive and confusing because that wasn’t racing. I’ve said for a couple years the best thing for IndyCar is having a NASCAR lead-in because it always helps our ratings, and NASCAR is still the big dog by a wide margin in American motorsports. I like Cup at Watkins Glen, Sonoma and Darlington because talent surfaces, and even that Roval at Charlotte was decent. And I watch because of Kyle Larson and Chris Bell. I get on DW because he never criticizes anything, no matter how bad it gets, and that’s why I love Kyle Petty. He’s the most honest analyst in NASCAR, and never afraid to tell the truth. His show and Dale Junior’s podcast are both entertaining, but let’s give the Gold Pass a little time to be digested. And our eight races on NBC will draw more viewers, it’s just a fact that network always does. But constantly pointing out that IndyCar is the best racing doesn’t mean I hate NASCAR or F1, it’s just a fact and the reality is that it’s a well-kept secret compared to Cup. But I think NBC is going to be the best thing to happen to IndyCar since remote control was invented.