Robin Miller's Mailbag for March 6, 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: Let me yet again praise Jay Frye and his team, not only for listening to the gripes about the Indy 500 format, but subsequently coming up with an idea most of us hadn't thought of. Many (including me) felt that Hinchcliffe was failed by the convoluted format last year, which had cars competing for Top 9 and field of 33 competing for track time. That was totally absurd. Enter Frye. I think this new format is terrific. It gives NBC and the attendees dramatic action from the get-go on Sunday afternoon. Plus, after they eliminated the Monday practice, having the full field go for a few hours afterwards is a great idea. As for the bumping itself, with this format, as long as everyone outside or on the bubble is given one legitimate shot at qualifying, I think that's fair. They also have Saturday, too.  Frankly, there's just not a lot to be done to a car these days like back in time, and most of them are trimmed way out to start with.

Greg, Belleville, NJ

RM: I agree that Jay made Saturday relevant and ramped up Sunday’s intensity. And having the two most dramatic emotions (joy and depression) wrapped around the Fast 9 is good television, and smart since NBC is devoting three hours that Sunday. There will still be two hours of practice on Monday, but that needs to go away because three hours on Sunday is plenty.

Tyler, Milwaukee, WI

RM: I think having five or six cars going for three spots on national television is just as compelling and good for Indy as giving them five attempts each over the course of six hours. And it won’t be any less dramatic just because it’s one attempt. Sure, it was always cool to see somebody go out, wave off, make some changes, go back out, wave off, come in for some more tweaks and then stick it in the show. But for the number of cars we have today, this is a good system. And NBC has allotted three hours to show the emotions of Indy, and I think that’s way better than a whole day on cable TV because sponsors need exposure.

Q: I love the new format of Indy 500 qualifying... except one part. The one attempt rule for Fast 9 and bumping is terrible. They had a chance to truly bring back drama but left this part out? Why is that?

PS:  I will be attending my 17th Indy 500 in a row this year since beginning in 2003, the day after I graduated college!

Brian, Ashville, OH

RM: Why don’t you think there will be drama with five or six cars going for three spots? In 1979, because of the pop-off valve controversy, there was an extra round of qualifying held the day before the race. Eleven drivers got one shot to beat the slowest speed in the lineup, but only Bill Vukovich and George Snider made the show, as Dana Carter just missed because his owner wouldn’t buy him a new set of tires and Bill Alsup crashed after going plenty fast enough on his first lap. Believe me, it was dramatic.

Q: With the new Indy qualifying procedures in place, and the Last Row Shootout limited to only one run per car, was there any thought given to what happens if a car/driver has an issue a la Rossi’s tire going down mid-qualifying run? Is it “too bad, so sad” for that team to have bad luck and maybe miss making the field? Or will they be granted another run on the basis of a mechanical failure? Seems like a potential controversy in the making.

Matt, Whitehall, PA

RM: If you take the green flag and blow an engine or cut a tire, that’s just bad racing luck and you are toast. Kinda like when Derek Daly had two good laps in the books (I think 1986) and then it started raining and never stopped.

Q: Leave it to IndyCar to screw up a sure thing. The allure of Bump Day has always been the combination of having the speed and racing the clock to make the show. Now you have a mildly intriguing session that will be completely overshadowed by the Fast 9. Not to mention that Saturday has been stripped of most of its meaning again. It's never going to be like the bump days of old, but the last hour of Saturday qualifying last year was the most thrilling TV of the entire month. With the expanded entry list, it seemed so obvious to market what happened last year and try to make bump day a big deal again - instead they neuter the whole process. What the heck are they thinking?

Kyle, Urbana, Ohio

RM: I disagree. Saturday now has a meaning because 10-30 are locked in, instead of the waste of time and money of qualifying so they can really qualify the next day. And whether you get five tries or one, a few drivers are still going to get bumped or not go quick enough. The last row will be just as compelling as the Fast 9, and both will be on national television.

Q: The new qualifying format for the 2019 Indy 500 is a big improvement! Really don’t see how anyone could disagree. A few questions, though. Will each car still be allowed three attempts on Saturday to make into the Top 30?  Why only allow one attempt in the Fast Nine and Last Row Shootouts on Sunday? There would be much more drama if those sessions were expanded from 60 minutes to 90 and each car was allowed two or three attempts as time permitted. With only one attempt, if a car accepts a time in the Last Row Shootout and gets bumped, the car cannot make another attempt to get back in the show? At least, I hope an attempt can be waived off if after three laps the speed is lacking, so the car can be adjusted for another attempt, but pity the cars with an early draw.

Mark Zac, Long Beach, CA

RM: Everyone is guaranteed one attempt on Saturday, and then teams can go back out as many times as time permits. The Last Row and Fast 9 are condensed into a window that worked for NBC and that’s good for exposure. No waves-offs for the Last Row, one shot only.

More bumping should mean more drama. Image by Levitt/LAT

Q: For me, the most fun part of bumping is the race against the clock: teams rushing back to the garage, making a quick tweak, and sending the car back out. There's the whole "Will they get another shot?" element. The new format completely eliminates this aspect. Why not allow multiple runs for the Last Row on Sunday?

Justin in Indy

RM: I understand part of Bump Day’s allure was all the banzai runs and car hopping and tweaking under the gun, but this year’s format will be dramatic with only one shot – make it or go home. And fitting all the storylines into NBC’s time frame is also a big consideration, as it should be.

Q: Just wanted to say thanks for many years on the beat of a series that has delivered plenty of masochism for all involved (from the boardrooms to the bleachers). Also, I’m looking forward to more of you, Marshall and Seabass on RACER’s YouTube channel, it’s definitely a must-watch. I was wondering if the IndyCar paddock is as excited about this year as I hope? Last year was such a wonderful season (Wickens’ crash aside); it was an utter feast with good-looking cars racing well with a field of very talented drivers. This year promises more of the same. Yeah, I could complain about not every track being perfect, but last year we got a great race everywhere, and another year of that is probably underappreciated by fans who’ve forgotten that racing isn’t normally this good. Do the teams and drivers realize how well they delivered last year, and are they excited about building on that this year?

Duncan, Ottawa

RM: Will Power said a few weeks ago this was the deepest field in the 14 years he’s been racing over here, and I think that his opinion is shared by fellow drivers. And most are quick to point out it’s the most competitive series around, so I think they understand what they’ve got.

Q: Who is Clauson-Marshall Racing? Any chance of a Jonathan Byrd entry? Or will the Clauson-Marshall team be sponsored by Byrd? Just wondering about this Foyt-affiliated entry.

Jim McGlynn

RM: Tim Clauson is the father of the late USAC champ Bryan who fields a top-shelf USAC midget/sprint team with Richard Marshall. Their IndyCar will be sponsored by the Indiana Donor Network and A.J. is leasing them equipment, but is not really affiliated in any other way at this point. There had been talk of Foyt’s team lending technical support, but nothing was said at last week’s press conference. David Byrd is again bringing USAC star Chris Windom to IMS for the Indy Lights race, and I know he’s working on having his own IndyCar team someday.

Q: Are team radio frequencies made public at race weekends? If so, where can they be found? Geeked for St. Pete!

Vincent Martinez, South Pasadena, CA

RM: The scanner frequency of all the cars are available on the spotter guide, which is usually published on IndyCar.com by Tuesday of race week.

Q: You have been telling readers all along that NBC was going to do a great job covering IndyCar, and the shift is obvious even before the season has begun. Will Power appeared on NBCSN's Motorsports Nation with AJ Allmendinger to talk about their qualifying techniques. It's a small piece, but to reach NASCAR fans, this is the kind of cross-promotion that IndyCar has needed for years, and it's a very good sign. Thanks for doing your part to keep up the coverage.

William in Los Angeles

RM: Did you see the promos for St. Pete during last weekend’s golf tourney on NBC? It’s the tip of the iceberg of what NBC is going to do for the Indianapolis 500 in the next two months, and I expect Dale Junior to make major contributions as well. I think NBC is the first true TV partner that IndyCar has ever had.

Q: Looking at the NBC Gold Package. Any chance it will include race day live streams of the in-car cameras? I think that would be a great addition to be able to watch the main broadcast on TV while having the option to switch between some in car cameras on a second device.

Mark Lauman, Atlanta, GA

RM: Not sure just yet what will be available on Gold, but hopefully we’ll know a lot more after this weekend.

Q: What IndyCar archive content will be available on NBC Sports Gold? Any classic races covered by other networks? Profiles of legends, similar to Sports Century? How much has NBC paid IndyCar for this three-year contract? Is it at least nine figures? Lastly, if Sam Flood will listen to you, please tell him to get Paul Page, Bobby Unser and Sam Posey involved in the Indy 500 broadcast. We could use a modern Delta Force intro from Paul, Sam providing "Posey's Perspective" that is dearly missed from the SPEED Channel days, and of course if Uncle Bobby is in good enough health to get to Indianapolis he'll talk any time (and all the time).

Steve, Redding, CA

RM: The Gold package programming is still being organized, but I would imagine old IndyCar races would be part of it, and I know NBC has a two-hour interview of A.J. at the IMS museum talking about each car he drove that could be plugged in, as well as other features. Not sure Sam and Bobby are healthy enough to travel, but maybe some kind of a cameo on tape could be worked out.

Q: For someone not already streaming TV, the cost of IndyCar Pass is a lot more than $49. The purchase of Roku Ultra was $92 including tax. Add  $42 including tax for the required HDMI cable to connect Roku to TV. So an extra trip back to Best Buy for cable. Total cost was $181 ,plus time and trip costs. Roku should better communicate you need a cable in addition to their unit. While true that Roku may be used for more than IndyCar, in my instance IndyCar will be its only use.

Mike Kellen

RM: I don’t pretend to know much about Hulu or Roku, but I do appreciate your patronage and passion and thanks for breaking down what Roku costs. All I know is that I paid $150 for five nights of streaming at the Chili Bowl, so even $181 seems reasonable.

IndyCar won't tolerate any Zanardi-style shenanigans at the Corkscrew. (And yes, we know this photo is from the wrong year). Image by LAT.

Q: As the new season is upon us, has anything been done to put a little bit of common sense into the rules for what constitutes a legal pass? If there is another Bourdais banzai pass at Long Beach, will it count? And what about Laguna Seca's Corkscrew, can we use "The Pass" as the benchmark for what is fair game?

Kyle Lantz

RM: Let’s ask IndyCar race director Kyle Novak: “Long Beach presents the most challenging Turn 1/Pit Out convergence zone on the entire schedule. This is mainly due to the fact that drivers leaving the pit lane must cross over the preferred racing line to make a proper entry to Turn 1. We are working with our partners at the GPLB to make some updates to the circuit in this area, which will hopefully eliminate the necessity of enforcing an out of bounds line at the entry to Turn 1. Please stay tuned.

“With regard to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Alex Zanardi’s pass on Bryan Herta, while legendary, would not be legal by current IndyCar rules and likely be far less controversial today because our competitors are accustomed to the enforcement of Rule 7.3.7 at several races on our schedule such as upcoming events at Circuit of The Americas and the Indianapolis Grand Prix. Rule 7.3.7 states in part: “A Car will not be permitted to advance its position due to an excursion off the racing surface...” The purpose of this rule is pretty straightforward, to discourage the use of shortcutting the circuit to gain a time or position advantage.”

Q: With the season about the start this Sunday, I’m still debating the Gold Pass. And realizing I only have a few days left for the discount, I have a question about it. I don’t often get to watch qualifying, and I stream practice at work whenever I can, and every day of practice leading to the 500 is streaming on my computer at work. With the new Indy 500 qualifying format, how much coverage will be on Gold rather than NBC/NBCSN?

Chris, Michigan

RM: On Saturday, the first five hours will be carried on Gold with the final hour on NBCSN. All of Sunday’s action will be on NBC until the three-hour practice period, which will then go back to NBCSN.

Q: As you obviously know, it’s a matter of days before the IndyCar season starts, yet one of their big markets in terms of fan base doesn’t even know where to watch the races. ESPN Latin America didn’t seem to care about the series even when it had some big Latin names driving, so my guess would be they don’t have the TV rights anymore. Has anything been mentioned about TV rights for Latin America? How can the people at IndyCar brag about being an “international series” when they can’t even be shown to the world properly?

Emmanuel from Mexico

RM: I’m told IndyCar will announce the rest of its international TV affiliates later this week, and I know Latin America has a deal.

Q: Any word on IndyCar’s international TV coverage? I remember reading that they are taking it away from ESPN International, but since then it has been rather quiet. In particular, any word on how the series will be broadcast in Australia? Any further updates in regards to a return to Surfers Paradise? The event will have to be intertwined with the Supercars, which could be a major sticking point. Haven't heard anything from this side of the Pacific in a while, anything being said on your side? Do you have any favorite on and off track memories from Surfers Paradise?

Josh, Brisbane, Australia

RM: Don’t believe Australia has anything yet for TV, and Surfers supposedly told IndyCar it was too expensive so negotiations are ongoing. Best Surfer’s memory was always the pace lap when the girls in the high-rise apartments in Turn 1 flashed the field.

Q: Just when I thought things couldn’t get better for IndyCar, I just read about the new international TV deal for the series! The upswing of IndyCar is truly unreal in a time when most series are losing sponsors and viewers. I cannot wait for the season to begin and can’t wait for Portland Labor Day weekend.

Brad Heuer, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

RM: If IndyCar gets something decent with Canada and Australia then it will be a complete TV package, but we need to remember that IndyCar can’t make a country or city subscribe. And some countries are a very tough nut right now.

Q: Obligatory "long-time reader, first time mailer," "glad you’re back in good health", "when are you writing a book", "IndyCar needs to go back to MIS" opening. OK, now that we got that out of the way, I thought I'd kick an idea for a new kind of Wind Tunnel show your way. Obviously this is all probably a pipe dream, but we all miss that show and Dave and his cantankerous guest host.

Now that NBC has become the go-to place for motorsports, with properties like IndyCar, IMSA, NASCAR, Motocross, and even Monster Jam, wouldn't it be great for NBCSN to have a show similar to Wind Tunnel that previewed/reviewed the weekly action from the series that NBC now hosts? Obviously we'd want you as the host and then maybe have a different driver/owner/crew member from one of the series be a guest host each week (schedules permitting, of course). Not only would it be a great way for us fans to get caught up on the news and events, but it would also be a great way for NBC to promote all their racing series and maybe get some people to tune in for their events. Seems like a win-win for everyone. Probably won't happen, but hopefully NBC has something similar in the works. Make it happen Robin! I'll hang up and listen to your response.

Brandon W., Noblesville, IN

RM: I love your opening, made me laugh out loud, and I appreciate your suggestion. NBC has the nightly NASCAR America show and IndyCar may figure into that more once the season gets going, but no plans for a WT-type show. I’d settle for just an IndyCar show, but there are a few things being kicked around for the NBC Gold Pass so maybe we can figure something out in the next couple months. How about a Wind Tunnel-type podcast with Dave Despain? I need to pitch that to him.

Who else is in Robin's current top 10? Image by IndyCar

Q: Assuming Will Power, Simon Pagenaud and Josef Newgarden for Penske; Ryan Hunter-Reay and Alexander Rossi for Andretti; Scott Dixon for Ganassi, all “contract drivers,” who are the next six most talented drivers today, regardless of contract or ride buying?

Lynn, VA

RM: Seabass, Rahal, Hinch, Rosenqvist, O’Ward and Herta. T.K. and Ed on ovals. And I still think Marco has plenty of talent, it just needs to manifest itself before he turns gray.

Q: Everybody is optimistic about IndyCar and says it's on an upswing. But, what are the most pressing concerns with it that need to be fixed? This can be the racing itself, or the business side.

Dan, Atlanta, GA

RM: Get major upgrades in the purses so it’s not such a financial loser to own an IndyCar, and try to maintain three or four solid oval-track races. Finish the season at a racy place that draws a good crowd.

Q: I was watching the PBA tour on Sunday and noticed Norm Duke won $25,000 for first place. I remember in the last Mailbag that you said an IndyCar race normally pays out $30,000 for first. Seems to me that something is off here. Can't wait for St. Pete this week.

Eric Rife, London, OH

RM: And Norm’s biggest risk was a blister. Yes something is way off and needs to be fixed, because IndyCar competitors made more money in the ‘70s and ‘80s than they do today.

Q: Just read the RACER.com article about the Long Beach GP possibly being displaced by a ball stadium. That would be a shame, as the series lost a great venue in Vancouver when what was once a seedy part of town near the bus station became gentrified with resultant development. The Indy Go Home banners were unfurled on the condo balconies around the track, and the cancellation of the event to prepare for the winter Olympics were the final nail in the coffin. Many will point out that street races are a poor substitute for a purpose-built road course, with narrow concrete chutes, little passing, no run-off, poor access, poor parking and sparse on-track facilities, and little opportunity to see the action from anywhere but a grandstand. But dang, nothing beats the atmosphere of a street race! I hope this venerable race persists.

Trevor Bohay

RM: I would say ‘no chance’ considering the tight confines of downtown, but the only concern I have is that Long Beach evidently approached the Angels. To lose Long Beach would be devastating.

Q: If IndyCar is going to test at Sebring in winter, then work to create a Sebring season-opening race. A twin 200 with a Saturday and Sunday double-header. A Florida sponsor should be possible, and the practice, qualifying, and pair of relatively short races should prove beneficial to the teams. You’d still have a gap to St. Pete, but this could possibly be a doable event. Race fans unite and support racing. You want to grow the sport, then take some new folks to an actual race and get some other folks to watch a race with you on TV.

Morris Wynn, Mt Pleasant, SC

RM: Champ Car looked at running Sebring in front of the 12 Hours, but decided the big track was way too rough for an open-wheel car. And the small course wouldn’t be much of a race, so don’t think it will ever happen.

Q: There was a question in the Mailbag from last week regarding Sage Karam. I have not seen or heard much about him in many months. Based upon Mailbag questions and answers from the past, my sense is that you think of him as a competent/talented driver. However, Sage has now been around for many years and has not had what might be considered a "glowing" or "complete" career, for lack of better terms. My sense is that he has struggled to maintain rides when he gets them, and he now has trouble even getting a one-off Indy 500 ride (yes, that's difficult period, but Sage has demonstrated skill there).

He had a ride with Gentilozzi in the IMSA Lexus for one season and was apparently let go. The reason may have been his ungracious maneuver to dump Katherine Legge at VIR, I believe it was, in 2017 by brake-checking her for which he subsequently blamed her – any info on that? I read an article several months back in which Ryan Eversley was describing the assets necessary for a driver to get and keep rides at the professional level today. While he didn't mention a name, he pointed out an example of a particular driver that while being perhaps a couple tenths faster than Ryan, that driver was prowling the paddock at that time looking for any ride due to what was considered his poor attitude and interpersonal skills. Karam was the guy that came to my mind due to his absence from the 2018 Lexus team.

This is no longer the era in which a driver can tell the media or anyone else to, well, "go fly a kite" except for very rare exceptions like Tony Stewart (and he might not get away with it if his career was beginning today). Why can't Karam secure a ride? Is it all about funding? How is he thought of by owners, drivers, crew chiefs, etc. of which you are aware?

Ron N

RM: That’s a great question, and I wish I knew the answer. Sage won at every level and it looked like Michael Andretti was preparing to bring him up to IndyCar when they had some kind of falling out. Karam’s Indy 500 debut in 2014 was nothing short of spectacular (charged from the back to the front three times and finished ninth), and we all thought he’d found a home with Chip Ganassi in 2015 but it only lasted one season. Dario Franchitti thinks very highly of this kid, and he’s got that cocky moxie that’s prevalent in good racers. And I don’t think his run-in with Legge has any bearing on his employment in IndyCar. I think if Dennis Reinbold had the budget he’d run Sage full-time, so right now it’s a matter of funding. Not sure what the paddock’s overall impression is, but Sage can race and he’s yet to have a two- or three-year shot to get a fair assessment.

Ryan Hunter-Reay had a pretty good seat in Detroit last year. Image by IndyCar

Q: So I’ve gone ahead and purchased some tickets for the Detroit IndyCar double-header weekend. Got to say I am massively looking forward to going to my first U.S. open wheel championship race since CART went to Rockingham, UK in 2002. What part of the circuit do you recommend I go and watch from, and any other recommendations to things to do in both at and away from the track? Also; what are your views on Ben Hanley’s chances this season?

Jamie, Reading, UK

RM: I haven’t walked around Belle Isle in a long time, but Grandstands 1 & 2 let you see the first sweeping corners as well as the pits, but the best action takes place in Turn 3 – just not sure about seats for the latter. Downtown Detroit has lots of great restaurants and a few casinos. Don’t know anything about Mr. Hanley, but a 34-year-old rookie from sports cars joining a start-up IndyCar team will be tough sledding.

Q: I grew up in the Indianapolis area back in the '60s, where my initial memory of the Speedway was listening (with my grandfather) to Sid Collins call Roger Ward's 1962 race victory. One of my unfulfilled bucket list items has been to spend the month of May working as a gofer with one of the teams at IMS. While I vaguely recall a column from long ago in the newspaper where you mentioned that Mr. Foyt in his own unique way once told you he didn't need any "free" help, I was wondering what approach you would recommend in an attempt to get this item completed?

Don, Cisco, IL

RM: I would come to Indy and go to the shops of Ganassi, Andretti, SPM, Foyt, Rahal, Carpenter, Harding and Clauson-Marshall and offer your services. It would be easier at a race track, but I figure there’s nothing close until the Indy GP. The last two I mentioned might be your best bet because they don’t have big teams and would welcome free help. You could also write letters, but not sure they’d get opened or answered.

Q: Bob Pockrass from FOX said Kyle Busch had a deal to run in the Indy 500, but Joe Gibbs nixed the plan. Any idea what team that was with and what year? Also he said that Kyle’s contract should allow him to run the 500 as soon as next year. What are your thoughts on this, and what team do you see being a good fit?

James, Columbus, Ohio

RM: I heard that rumor but never knew which team, and I guess it was 2016. I asked Kyle back in 2011 about running Indy, and he was all for it but said Joe wouldn’t consider it until he won a championship. I see he just re-upped with Gibbs last week so maybe he’s got the green light, and I’d love to see him run here. But he’s a Toyota guy so not sure a Honda team would be in play.

Q: How much of a BA is Robbie Wickens? Watching his recovery and his hijinks with Hinch via Twitter have been fantastic. Second, where was it written that IndyCar fans have to hate NASCAR? Good lord, the outright spite that most fans have for the tin-roofers borders on F1 levels of arrogance. I'm a fan of any type of loud noise go-fast action, and I can't claim allegiance to one series over another. Claiming that NASCAR's "best drivers in the world" couldn't manage racing at Daytona? Sorry that the best racers America has to offer are chasing the money and going south. And to imply that the drivers aren't qualified because they have the "big one" implies they forgot what happened last time we had pack racing at Vegas. But everyone will fawn over Junior at Indy. OK, rant over. Question for you: why do different series choose different layouts at the same track? I feel like IndyCar would put on a better show if they ran the NASCAR layout at Sonoma and (fingers crossed) at a return to Watkins Glen. Otherwise, bring back more ovals!

Desmond, Oak Lawn, IL

RM: Robert is amazing, and stood up last week to hug his fiancée after riding a stationary bike. I think IndyCar fans get mad when they hear FOX call it the “great American race” or the “greatest race of the year” or they get jealous when they read nine million people watched Demolition Derby. But I think most IndyCar fans respect the ability of Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson and some of the other front-runners. IndyCar always opted for the shorter last turn at Sonoma because of the speeds and lack of runoff. But IndyCar ran the big course at The Glen, as it should. Gotta find ovals that can support an IndyCar race, and that’s not easy.

Q: I was a die-hard NASCAR fan growing up. I was also a die-hard open-wheel fan growing up. If you stand back and look at each objectively, I see diverging trends. IndyCar realized they were going in the wrong direction and changed the aero package to produce better racing. It still needs work for the super speedways, but overall has been successful. NASCAR has too many tracks over one mile in length, and they doubled down on the their high-downforce aero package. It's just my opinion, but if you have to increase cost by adding even more gimmicks to your aero package, then your original aero spec is way, way off. NASCAR needs to go back to the drawing board. Get their nose way off the ground, go back to smaller tracks, and let the cars be hard to drive. The best teams and talent will reign.

John Balestrieri, Milwaukee

RM: No doubt there are way too many mile-and-a-half tracks in NASCAR, and its legacy was made on short tracks like Bristol or places like Darlington. I think they need more road courses because it’s their best shows.

Q: I'm very excited for the new season, hoping to make a few races other than just the 500 this year now that I'm retired. Gateway, and Mid-Ohio are at the top of the list. Is it possible to park in an SUV for the weekend at Mid-Ohio for a reasonable price? Have sleeping bag, will travel! Finally, I want to add my vote to all of those trying to get you to write a book about your experiences over the years. I don't read that much anymore, but that would be a surefire advance order for me. I just spent a week in the hospital myself due to gallstones. I wish you continued good health, and am looking forward to the coming season. Should be a great May!

Tim B.

RM: A reserved motorhome space is $375, any other motorhome spot is $275 and it’s $210 to pitch a tent for all three days. All come with two GA tickets.

Road America is a good place to get an IndyCar road course fix. Image by LePage/LAT.

Q: I am looking to go to one IndyCar road course race this year. Can you suggest one, or maybe a couple to choose from, along with best viewpoints?

James Overmeyer, Islip, NY

RM: Road America, Barber or Mid-Ohio are all good because you can walk around and see most of the track. But rent a golf cart at RA and MO because there’s a lot of ground to cover. And Barber has fabulous spectator seating on the hillsides. You can’t go wrong with any of those three.

Q: Finished listening to Terry Trammell’s segment on “Dinner with Racers” this last weekend. Funniest part to me was his story about fixing up his now-wife (well before they started dating) after she had an accident and then dropping her off at her hotel. She was drugged up and he was afraid that he'd run into you in the process (stumbling out of a bar I think he said) and you'd write a story about it. Had you heard that story before? Dr. Trammell sounds like a great guy, though. Hope when you write your book you include stories about some of the people like him who are behind the scenes.

Sean Walsh, Arlington, VA

RM: Never heard that one, but I don’t drink so Terry was safe. He’s the best.

Q: I am attending Road America in June for the first time. I have checked on a few motels there, but not much luck in Elkhart Lake proper, except one that wants a 4-night minimum booking. Do you have any suggestions?

Jim Cossaart, Vermont (51 years in Stand J)

RM: Try Fond du Lac (20 minute drive from track) first and then Sheboygan (40 minute drive) because both have plenty of hotels.

Q: I hope that you will listen to the calls of your fans and give more consideration to writing a book. The truth is, any story that you don't have written down will be lost forever. As a history teacher I can tell you it is the first hand accounts and small stories that give us a more complete perspective of what has gone on in what you correctly describe as a niche sport (but then...it always has been and that's why your readers are so passionate). So I am asking you to give genuine consideration to writing a book. Additionally, I am curious about something. At one point in the early 80s a lot of Formula 1 and sports car constructors tried making one-off or bespoke chassis for CART. I am thinking of the Argo, Theodore, Ligier, Lotus, etc. If any of those projects had a proper development budget, which do you think could have been a viable option to the March and Lola?

P. Worth Thompson

RM: I think if Morris Nunn would’ve had a couple more years of oval-track experience (and a bigger budget), his Theodore would have been the best because Mo was so sharp and really caught on to ovals. Obviously he was quite clever at road racing. The Lotus might have been intriguing but it never turned a wheel in competition, and the Ligier was a dog.

Q: Last year I visited your fair city and, thanks to your recommendations, I had very interesting meals at both the Mug and Bun and Workingman’s Friend. In return I would like to offer up a couple of recommendations for some interesting places in St. Petersburg. First, just a couple of blocks west of the track on Central Avenue is Mastry’s Bar and Grill, a somewhat unpretentious joint with decent pub grub but a truly interesting past. In the 20th century this joint was a favorite of NY Yankee ballplayers like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. About a mile south of the race track is the Chattaway Drive-in. Opened as a gas station /country store in the 1920s  by the 1940s it had become a drive-n restaurant. Now it is a really funky outdoor (but shady) burger joint featuring the justifiably famous “Chattaburger.” It is hard to miss as it is the only Flamingo Pink and green building located at the corner of 4th street and 22nd Avenue south.

For folks who are staying on St. Pete Beach, or don’t mind a 15-minute drive, there are a couple of local favorites to check out on the Gulf side of town. Ted Peters Seafood is a laid back 1940s-era outdoor restaurant located on Pasadena Blvd in South Pasadena featuring fresh seafood cooked to traditional local recipes. At the very southern end of St. Pete Beach is the old beach town of Pass-a-grille. Once inhabited by shrimpers, smugglers and surfers, it is now an interesting mix of artists, fishermen and retirees. There are several restaurants ranging between fancy and funky. A great place for breakfast and lunch is the Seahorse located on the water at 7th Ave and Gulf Blvd. Their “Baby Ray” sandwiches are great!

Schosh

RM: Thanks for your dining tips, been to Chattaburger and it was great.

Q: Thanks for all you do for the sport. I really enjoy your writing and NBC commentary. Wanted to get your take on something I've been working on in spare moments. From time to time, fans write the Mailbag to request seating or "what to do around town" advice when attending races. Given that my wife and I try to attend one race a year, I started skimming back issues of the Mailbag and compiling your/Marshall's/reader's advice into a single document.

This information is less useful if only I see it, so I thought it might be nice to open it up to other fans. I could finish mining old issues, organize it and even put together a form to allow folks to suggest additions and updates. Would something like this run afoul of RACER policies (plagiarism)? If so, I'll cease work on it. If not, and you think it valuable to your readers, I'll continue and let you know when I have a solid document to share and a link for updates.

Ryan Kaisoglus

RM: No, RACER loves a public service, and I appreciate you going to the trouble of logging in all these past suggestions. Thanks very much.