Robin Miller's Mailbag for April 17, 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 must say it has been refreshing to have two IndyCar races in a row where the fastest driver simply dominated, and the team executed as well to take the victory. We IndyCar fans have become so spoiled (in a good way) with ever-changing race winners, alternate strategies, danger zone cautions, and plenty of passing. Sato and Rossi’s dominance of the last two races reminded me of a time when drivers would lap up to third place, and everyone still loved the racing.

Shawn From Miami/Detroit

RM: Rossi’s rout reminded me of Mario, Michael and Little Al in days gone by at Long Beach when one driver was untouchable. Four winners in four races is good stuff, but the LBGP has usually been pretty mundane in terms of great duels for the win. And, as you said, it didn’t make any difference if Mario lapped the field.

Q: Who has the most wins of Andretti Autosport’s 200? I tried to search but could not find the answer. My guess is, Scott Speed is top five, IMSA/Lights drivers are close behind.

Andy Skirvin

RM: Ryan Hunter-Reay leads the way in IndyCar with 15 and Tony Kanaan has 14, while Matt Brabham scored 13 in what was then Pro Mazda. (ED: And all in one season!). Scott Speed captured 14 rallycross wins, and Tanner Foust 13. Pato O’Ward has the most Lights win with nine, and Sage Karam also has nine in US F2000.

Q: Rossi was on a different planet on Sunday. They found the right setup, and he put on a clinic. My question is, with Long Beach being the biggest street race of the season, how come it was aired on NBCSN and not NBC? Seems like the perfect race to televise nationally.

Eric, London, OH

RM: NBC has had a longstanding relationship with the NHL and Stanley Cup playoffs take precedent, in addition to getting pretty good ratings. If Long Beach was willing to move its date then it could be on network, but after 45 years of never being rained on, no chance its coming off its mid-April slot.

Q: First off, your bonus segments at Barber (during commercial breaks) were absolutely great, so thanks for those, and hope to see more in the races to come! So now that the Alabama ratings are out, there's quite a bit of discussion that made me wonder – and perhaps you can share some insight on this – what exactly determines whether a race is on NBC or NBCSN? Some are more obvious (like anything at Indy or Detroit), but I would have thought it a good idea to have the first few races of the season on NBC for maximum exposure to get people's attention, with the beautiful season-opener at St. Pete, the spectacular setting of COTA, and especially the perennial classic Long Beach, leading into the month of May.

Yes, maybe the eight network races would be used up early in the season, leaving not much for later. But by then, those viewers who were captured and following can be more efficiently directed to NBCSN, rather than starting off there. Is there a particular logic behind it all, and shouldn't at least the season opener and the second-most recognizable race be on NBC?

Max, Florida

RM: Sports schedules and programming are made up way in advance, and NBC has established relationships with golf, hockey and horse racing, so all three figure prominently into March, April and May. I’m sure NBC would air the IndyCar season opener if there was an opportunity.

Q: I mentioned this before, but with NBC covering the Indy 500 now, what are the chances of CNBC going to Indy and exposing the sport to Wall Street and potentially more sponsors? Seems like a natural.

Chuck, Chelmsford, MA

RM: I don’t know about CNBC, but I’m told The Today Show will be at Indy on Thursday and Friday before the race – another example of NBC flexing its promotional muscle.

Q: There is no way that Rahal blocked Dixon in a manner that warranted a penalty. Are we going back to the reign of The Great Brian Barnhart (TGBB) in officiating? If you are going to call that a block, you better call a lot more blocking then. I would love to see you guys at NBC put together a compilation tape of passes and "blocks." Then you go back to last year at Long Beach and really have to wonder why Dixon didn't get a block on Bourdais when he put in over the lane.

Mark in Cincinnati

RM: I think our guys will have some kind of blocking video by our next telecast, or at least the next street race in Detroit, but I will say that the first 20 emails I got about this agreed with you. All drivers want is consistency, but I’ve seen a lot worse not called.

Q: I was happy to see Alexander Rossi win at Long Beach, but I must say, the penalty on Graham was nothing but crap!  If that had been a Ganassi or Penske driver, nothing would have happened! It just goes to show in all sports, it’s who you are! Oh well, I’m looking forward to the month of May, and the grand prix, and my 39th Indianapolis 500!

Brian Lancaster, West Lafayette

RM: Interestingly, I had two drivers and a team manager voice that same theory about a half hour after the race, but I have to say that I don’t think Max or Arie play favorites.

There doesn't seem to be much support for race control's decision to penalize Rahal for blocking. Image by Abbott/LAT

Q: Lousy blocking call on Rahal. As Tracy and Bell said, he made his move to the right before Dixon attempted to go there. Maybe there isn't much difference between blocking and protecting, but this looked a whole lot more like protecting his line and setting up the next corner. Dixon still had an alternative on the left (and even some room on the right), and had Rahal moved a second time, then definitely blocking. Lousy call. But then, are they going to rule against Dixon and Ganassi?

Jim, Indy

RM: I guess my take is that it was the last lap and Rahal was doing what everyone else in that situation would have done, but he got penalized.

Q: BMW to IndyCar in 2021 is the hot rumor that is floating around. Andretti, thanks to its Formula E connection, is the lead team to be connected with BMW. Also connected will be McLaren. It gives Zak Brown the resources to sign Alonso to run IndyCar full-time, and it has a second car for Colton Herta (who drove for Rahal's IMSA BMW team at the endurance races). Plus, it's a manufacturer that Alonso hasn't pissed off, to my knowledge! BMW enters with a big splash and two big-name teams (and one big-name driver) to start its IndyCar program in style. What do you think?

Brad Stevens, Orlando, FL

RM: Well, we will give you full credit, Brad, if this becomes fact. It would be great to have a power like BMW, but not so sure Andretti would leave Honda at this juncture. Zak sounded like McLaren fielding two cars is possible, with or without Fernando, and having a young gun would be paramount. I do know he had a meeting with Pato over the weekend, so it sounds like he’s serious.

Q: I read Marshall’s article on the rookies with the view from their engineers. We have seen what Herta, O'Ward and Rosenqvist can do, and flashes from Ferrucci and Ericsson. What is your read on Santino and Marcus? Is Santino over-using his tires and Marcus making little mistakes that cost? Barber was fairly mistake free for Ericsson.

Dino, New Hanover, PA

RM: Ferrucci is a gasser and shows some flashes of big-time, while Ericsson seems to be enjoying his second career and is learning the nuances of red tires, pit stops, etc., but definitely looks racy.

Q: I was wondering what the status was on Juncos racing? Is Kaiser confirmed for the 500, and will they run any more races? Also, did JR Hildebrand get confirmed for the 500? Is Katherine Legge rumored to be in the running for any rides? How many more driver announcements do you foresee, and do you see them coming anytime soon? Finally, I’m curious, what is the best food you’ve ever gotten at a racetrack?

Ben Leraris

RM: Talked to Kaiser at Long Beach and he’s trying hard to put a deal together to run Indy for Juncos. J.R. said he’ll have a ride, and Oriol Servia should be confirmed any day now. Haven’t heard anything about Legge. Best food? Rusty’s barbeque at Alabama, brauts and fried potatoes at Road America, murder burgers at Eldora and King Taco at Long Beach.

Q: Watching IndyCar qualifying and saw you interview Zak Brown. Is it just me, or is it a big deal that Zak was in Long Beach and not in China?

Brad Heuer, Coeurdalene, Idaho

RM: He was racing a vintage sports car, but I think he was also doing some scouting and sleuthing for next month. And beyond.

Q: I took my six-year-old son to his first race this weekend at Long Beach. The crowd and venue were great. And my son did not care much that we literally did not see a single pass in the race. Despite being the most boring race I have ever seen, the experience was great, and I think my son may be hooked on racing.

Chris Toms

RM: Excellent, can’t start 'em young enough, so good for you, Chris. I’ve seen every LBGP but the first one, and last Sunday wasn’t even close to the most boring. At least there was some good racing from third through ninth. Long Beach isn’t conducive to great racing, but I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.

Q: As we all know, if you don't bring money to get an IndyCar ride, you probably ain't gonna get one. Can you name some drivers that could compete well in IndyCar, but don't have the funding to do so? Thanks for keeping IndyCar alive and well!

Ed Johnson, Elkhart, IN

RM: I would put Sage Karam at the top of the list, and I think if Ed Carpenter had the budget he’d hire him. Matt Brabham looked like a sure thing at Andretti before the funding fell through, but I’d give him a shot as well. And this Oliver Askew kid looks like the next Ladder regular that should have a ride.

Q: You talk about the odds and wagers from time to time in the Mailbag. Given Pato O’Ward’s performances in what Max Chilton makes look like inferior equipment, where do you think he drives in 2020?  I think Ganassi and Andretti are out. I could see O’Ward finding a fair amount of sponsorship to be attractive to Rahal or SPM. Is he back at Carlin for another season, or does Penske pick him up before it becomes too expensive to do so?

Ryan in West Michigan

RM: I’m hoping Trevor Carlin can find the funding to sign him up and upgrade his program, but Zak Brown seems interested as well. I think Penske is stalking Rossi right now.

Q: I just read the article on Aaron Telitz on RACER.com. I’m glad he’s getting some publicity. AIM Vasser Sullivan is to be commended for giving an opportunity to an extremely deserving American driver. You will hear from Aaron in the future, I’m sure!

Joe Weiss, Spooner, WI

RM: He’s a good racer, and it’s cool to see JV wants to help a young American like Jim Hayhoe did for him way back in 1992.

Clark was respected by those that shared the track with him in the U.S. (But not by everyone in our comments section, apparently). Image from Robin Miller collection

Q: Did the majority of the contemporaries of Foyt, Jones, and Gurney also have great respect for Jim Clark? This question comes up due someone commenting on the RACER website recently (in a comment section) that "...Clark was surprisingly weak in cars of equal pace..), implying, I guess, that Clark was only good when he had a superior car, and that he was not a real "racer." This sounds absolutely preposterous. Do you agree?

Ron N

RM: Not sure what that ”expert” based his comments on, but all you have to do is look at Riverside in 1967 when JC hopped in Rolla Vollstedt’s car and staged a great duel with Dan Gurney for first place, and he took it before breaking down. Don’t think any of Rolla’s cars had led a lap prior to that. And A.J., Parnelli and Ward had nothing but admiration for the wee Scot.

Q: I'm surprised that Indy Lights, if not the whole RTI series, did not run at Long Beach. Surely they should be due to the fact that LB is a major event on the calendar and more importantly a schooling ground for drivers looking to move up within the series. I presume it's financial but seems to be a shot in the foot.

Oliver Wells

RM: Not enough time in the day with IMSA and SST. Lights haven’t been at Long Beach in several years and, while it’s certainly the most prestigious venue on the schedule next to IMS, it’s an expensive trip so not sure it’s missed as much as we think. Plus, Jim Michaelian told RACER a few weeks ago that he prefers not to have Road to Indy at Long Beach because he wants maximum differentiation between the various categories on the weekend bill.

Q: I just read Erik Steinbrecher’s rant about not seeing any IndyCar promotions at Speedway gas stores. I was at the pump last week and an IndyCar ad came up on the video screen at the pump. I was pumped! (Pun mildly intended). So before Erik blows a head gasket, let him know all is not lost.

Greg Phelps, Director of Marketing, CAIRS Solutions

RM: Thanks for the update. It’s not like Speedway spent millions of dollars, and you figured the promotions would be subtle like you saw.

Q: Talk about big gap until the Month of May. We should definitely have another race before the Grand Prix of Indy. Man, season has me all excited and fired up, now we have to wait.

CJ Shoemaker

RM: Yeah, four weeks between races isn’t good for any kind of momentum, but maybe that all changes in 2020.

Q: When Fernando Alonso first raced at Indy, he did a measured and thoughtful build-up to speed and learning curve. He tested the new (to him ) car at Texas last week, and seems to be in the same, go slowly, learn, gather data mode. This seems unusual – and very smart. Is there any other storied driver, in your experience, that has come in with such a measured approach?

Anthony Jenkins, Mono, Ontario

RM: Rick Mears instantly comes to mind. He always eased into speed, from Art Sugai’s Eagle to Team Penske, and it served him well. I think Clark, Stewart and Hill took the same approach, but I was only a fan back then.

Q: Any chance we may see Alonso running other races after Indy? Would love to see him someplace like Road America or Laguna. Even Gateway or Iowa.

Pete, Milwaukee, WI

RM: I imagine a lot is contingent on how May goes, but Fred at Road America would be sweet, and he said Iowa caught his fancy after watching it.

Q: Longtime reader, first time writer. I just returned from my first trip to Barber Motorsports Park for last weekend’s race (my 114th IndyCar race) and I was a blown away. Mr. Barber has certainly created the Augusta of racetracks. I knew I was in for something special as soon as we turned into the main entrance, and the museum was absolutely spectacular. I even managed to snag a hot lap in one of the pace cars. I was amazed even at pace car speed how quickly the turns came up. I can’t even imagine what it’s like at IndyCar race speeds. My only real complaint was the lack of access to food outside the fan zone. I had to ride the tram more than half-way around the track and back just to grab something to eat. Next year I’ll be sure to bring my own food. I thought I read something about a possible return to Watkins Glen next year. Any further details? Would that be a replacement for Pocono, which I assume will not be back after this year?

Jerry H.

RM: That’s the only complaint I’ve ever heard from fans about Barber, so I imagine they’ll rectify the situation. As for The Glen, I keep pushing for an IndyCar/IMSA double-header the weekend of the Six Hours, but I’ve learned there isn’t room because IMSA runs all its classes. I’d love to go back to The Glen, but don’t see it anytime soon.

Q: If you had to name three things that IndyCar needs to be doing to promote the series and improve TV ratings and attendance, what would they be? The product is great right now, yet the numbers don't reflect it. The 296,000 viewers for Barber is pretty bad when you consider there are many YouTubers out there who draw millions of viewers on a single video within a few days. Perhaps it's time for IndyCar to start thinking out of the box and stop leaving so much up the track promoters and networks.

What worked in the past may not be the answer today. The sky is the limit. Create some engineering scholarships, and do an annual campus tour with an actual IndyCar. Run a short Super Bowl ad, or a series of strategically targeted ads during other sporting events. Create more of an online presence in social media targeted at a younger demographic. Make IndyCar cool again. So what is your top three, sir?

Jeff A.

RM: There is no magic bullet or quick fix or formula to attract new fans. I imagine a dedicated marketing plan would help so you aren’t dependent on only the promoter, and a national TV ad featuring the drivers like NASCAR did a few years ago would help, and maybe some kind of weekly show. But IndyCar is a niche sport, plain and simple, and 500,000 on cable is a good audience. Just hope our network races pull in a million and hope Indy can be a 4.0.

The end of tobacco sponsorship had a massive impact on motorsport. Image by Levitt/LAT

Q: Noticed you had some questions about tobacco advertising in racing recently. When the law was passed that tobacco companies could no longer advertise in racing, do you believe this had a major impact on IndyCar or NASCAR?  Philip Morris was always a big supporter of IndyCar, and R.J. Reynolds was a big part of NASCARs growth. Do you believe both series were able to find big-money substitutes?

Ron, Buffalo, NY

RM: It was crippling for CART since Player’s, KOOL and Hollywood funded big teams, and Marlboro gave away thousands of tickets in addition to sponsoring Team Penske. IndyCar will never be able to replace tobacco money, and NASCAR doesn’t get anything close to what R.J. Reynolds provided as title sponsor.

Q: Glad to see you back at the track and that you are doing well. Anyway, can you convince the powers that be to have a Month of May special for the IndyCar pass on NBC Gold? I have no need or complaint about the price for the full season for the pass since I get NBC Sports already, but the one thing I will miss is watching Indy 500 practice in May. It would be cool if they had a special price to get the pass for, let’s say, 15 bucks and you get to watch all the practices for the 500. Just my two cents.

Jon from Cleveland

RM: I can ask, but it’s pretty late for NBC to try and promote it, if they chose do it.

Q: I really enjoyed reading your article about Dick Jordan. I had the pleasure of working alongside DJ as an intern with USAC after my first year in college in 2013. It wasn't until after the fact that I had any idea of how significant he has been to USAC and the racing community. To me he was just someone who had the same infectious enthusiasm for racing as I did – except he only had about 50 years on me! I'll never forget after lunch one day, him taking me to visit his basement; a shrine to all things racing. The artifacts down there rivaled the IMS Museum, and it was humbling that he wanted to share that with me. Out of everyone in the office at USAC, DJ really took me under his wing and I will forever be appreciative of that. He is so deserving of this honor. Few single people have done as much for this sport as DJ has.

Michael Hart, a Hoosier now living in Nova Scotia

RM: Thanks Michel and you are spot-on – of all the unsung worker bees in racing, I think DJ is at the top. I think USAC took him for granted much of his career, but nobody worked harder to promote and educate that group. And his basement is a mini shrine to USAC through the years.

Q: Just wanted to say when it comes to racing opinions, you are second to none. You always tell it like it is! That being said, what did you think of the drive Takuma Sato displayed at Barber? I am a long-time Sato fan and the race was a dream come true. Can he contend all year? Trying to get my hands on a Sato hat to show my support. Keep doing what you do Robin you are the best.

P.S. Hope IndyCar returns to Richmond in 2020

Bill, Richmond, VA

RM: I think it showed age (42) is only a number, and Taku has smoothed out in the past few years and quit forcing things. His Indy victory was his finest moment, but Barber may have been the finest drive of his career. Richmond has a shot.

Q: What a great weekend for RLL Racing at Barber. Locking out the front row, then Sato taking the checkers in P1. Happy to see the team have success. Taku’s crew chief, Derek Davidson, was a heckuva a racer in his day. What can you tell us about Derek’s career as a driver?

Mike in Noblesville

RM: Derek is also the strategist for Sato and he was a damn good sprint car racer in the '90s, even after suffering a bad arm injury. But the great thing about him is that he’s so humble and never talks about himself. Graham didn’t find out he was a badass until DD had worked at RLL for a few years.

Q: Finally! Someone mentioned a racer (Bobby Santos) I’ve known about since his dad lugged his (and his sister’s) quarter midget around in the back of his pickup truck in Millis, Mass. If you had the $5 million, why those four drivers? And thanks Robin, you keep me coming back in a world that keeps getting less of my attention.

Sam Weiss, Pawleys Island, SC

RM: Why those four? Kody Swanson and Santos are as good a pavement racers as they make, so I’d love to see them at Indy with a proper chance, and Kyle Larson and Chris Bell? Just watch them race.

Q: So, my dad and I attend a few sprint car races each year. You could describe us as casual fans, I loved Thunder on ESPN and World of Outlaws on TNN as a kid, but hadn't really followed it for some time. The internet has made it possible to become a fan again. My question concerns the four-wide salute to fans at the start of races. I've read

many different theories on how it started on forums, but was wondering if you have any info?

Elliott Lindamood

RM: Best I can figure is it came from midget racing, but not sure if it was Triple A or USAC or maybe the east coast. Google didn’t help.

Pretty sure whoever writes in about Cleveland is just trolling us at this point, so this time we're not even going to show you a picture of the track. Image by Grady/LAT

Q: Do you think there was too much damage done to return to NOLA? The weather sucked, but I thought it was a cool track. Better yet, what about Cleveland? My first race was Mario’s win in '88. Miss my best sunburn of the year, too. Last question. The big ovals like California and Michigan, or even Kentucky and Chicago… are those days just gone?

Stephen Hicks

RM: Not sure why IndyCar would want to go back there. Nobody cared, and the track is impossible to find. Chicago or Kentucky could get another chance, but not the other three.

Q: Seeing that an Acura-liveried Honda car was at the Long Beach GP, I wonder if GM would consider doing the same and rebranding some of the Chevy cars as Cadillac or Buick? It would give the impression of more manufacturers partaking in the series. The reality is that fans wouldn’t care much to see a rebranded Chevy as something else. Red Bull Racing runs Honda-powered cars in F1 with both Honda and Aston Martin advertising on the livery and no one seems to mind it. I assume that each GM brand operates as an individual business unit with individual advertising budgets, but ultimately, I think both GM and IndyCar would benefit from this. As a long-time motorsports fan, I would not mind it at all. IndyCar has a great product with great racing at each event. Just ask Marcus if he did this much overtaking in F1 or had a fair chance to a win each race?

Ernesto J Ortiz, South Florida

RM: I can’t speak for GM, but it has different way of approaching things than Honda, and powering Team Penske seems like all it needs in terms of exposure.

Q: If the purpose of push-to-pass is to create more passing opportunities, then isn't it counterproductive for teams to see when other teams are using it to try and overtake them? TV reported that they were telling Rahal when Hunter-Reay was on the button so he could defend. That just seems to defeat the purpose.

Chris, Florida

RM: Good question. A few years ago teams weren’t able to see when each other’s PTP was engaged, so I have no idea why it’s available now.

Q: After reading the comments about Dale Jr. being in the booth for the Indy 500, I just have to say I think he will be great. I think his enthusiasm will bring back to the booth something that has been missing since Jackie Stewart left. I have been a fan of both Indy/Champ Car and NASCAR for well over 50 years, and IndyCar fans just need to give him a chance. There is not going to be any boogity, boogity, boogity nonsense with him. I think he understands history, tradition, success and hurt, and what it means to a driver to win the Indianapolis 500. Imagine his first time in the booth at Indy and Marco comes to the finish line first. Any chance he gets to take a few laps in an IndyCar on the track or even in the back of the two-seater?

Howard M.

RM: He’s been excellent on NBC’s NASCAR coverage, and I expect the same here because he’s a great guy with passion for racing that appreciates Indy’s heritage. But he won’t be in the booth, he’s with Mike Tirico and Danica. I would have him drive the pace car if Mario doesn’t, and I think Penske may have offered him a few laps in an IndyCar but not sure where that stands.

Q: First, NBC Gold it's definitely worth its weight in gold. Only drawback is there isn't any content between the race weekends. Since there seems to be a call to bring back Wind Tunnel, how about some thought to add a mini-Wind Tunnel-type feature between the races, focused on IndyCar, to help fill in the gap? I'm sure those of us who subscribe would be interested, even if it cost a few dollars more to add a bit more content.

Regarding racing in Japan, I'm not sure I buy what Miles has said about not finding a suitable date. Looking at this year's schedule, we have a four-week gap between Long Beach and the Indy GP. And a couple of three week gaps later in the season.

In previous years Barber was after Long Beach, but if it stays where it is, who is going to fill that four-week void? As I recall, Motegi was run in April before, so climate shouldn't be an issue. I get that it's expensive and you need backing, but there seem to be holes in the schedule to accommodate. Is his thought to put something back-to-back together? If you can't get Australia going, where else would you go in Asia? And Australia isn't exactly close to Japan either, so logistics of flying from the US or Japan would be pretty close to the same.

As for the rant, I think you can expand the title of your book to read "Bitch, Bitch, Bitch: A Day in the Life of the Insufferable IndyCar Fan." It's clear that NBC is bringing its A+ team to this year's 500, yet the commentary is that Tirico doesn't know racing, what's he doing there...Dale Jr is a NASCAR shill and NBC is doing what ABC did (ala Rusty Wallace)... Danica doesn't belong because I don't like her, etc. OK, let's bring back Cheever and Goodyear as studio hosts for their expertise! No thanks, I would prefer to stay awake.

I'm hoping the complainers will realize that Mike Tirico is an excellent studio host and much better than that windbag Costas was. Just watch the Derby in a couple weeks. Dale Jr. will bring a level of enthusiasm to the broadcast. Like her or not, Danica is still a very recognizable figure and brings the IndyCar credibility too. Then of course, the weekly rants we all get to read about ‘pits need to be open under yellow, NBC Gold is gouging us, why can't we bring back Michigan and Milwaukee’, etc. Geez...

Ron S., Chicago

RM: We’re working on some weekly stuff for Gold. NTT would like to have one or maybe two races in Japan or the Fast East, so stayed tuned. Australia remains a possibility. Can’t disagree with any of your NBC assessments; Tirico is terrific be it golf, horse racing, or hockey, and you’ll think he’s covered 20 Indy 500s when he’s done. Junior is going to be a big plus, and DP will no doubt have some opinions to stir things up, plus she was pretty damn good at Indy.

Q: I always thought Dick Simon would become a big-time car owner after he retired from racing. What is he up to these days?

Bill, Nashville, TN

RM: Well, as you probably remember, he was a car owner for most of his IndyCar career and I think he would have been an awesome marketing director for IndyCar because that man knew how to sell and close the deal. I believe Richard is still selling boats in Southern California.

Q: First the civilian Corvette pace car driver in Detroit [that was a hard hit!], and now the sweeper tractor driver at Barber. I say that both have "spilled blood" as part of official on-track action related to an IndyCar race. The drivers need to come up with some sort of little trophy that can be presented first when the series returns to Detroit this year, and next year when they return to Barber. Both these incidents were shared extensively over social media and ended up attracting attention to the series. Both triggered activation of the Holmatro/AMR safety team. Not doubt they share tremendous embarrassment, so I think it would be a good idea to make light of this and give them some sort of ceremonial remembrance. What say?

Paul, Carmel, CA

RM: Actually it’s a cruel but yet funny idea, and if they both played along it would be perfect. But I know the GM exec was mortified and likely wants to forget it happened, and he’s a big IndyCar proponent so I say let’s not do it. See, I’m getting old and soft.

The first step in pulling off an IndyCar/ARCA double-header at Pocono in 2020 would be making sure Pocono's still on the schedule. Image by Abbott/LAT

Q: With NASCAR doing a double-header at Pocono next year and ARCA always having two race weekends at Pocono, what are the chances IndyCar welcomes ARCA to run the same weekend for Pocono to add a support series for the weekend? Would be great to make that a same day Sunday race. Practice and qualifying Saturday, then run ARCA at 11:00 a.m., IndyCar at 2:00 p.m. start on Sunday. That equals two full days of track action.

Andy, St Marys, Ohio

RM: Lots of questions – will IndyCar still be at Pocono, and would ARCA be interested? But I like the double-header format.

Q: I am so glad I waited to write until this morning. I so appreciate your piece just published about the LBGP vs. the possible Angels' new stadium. What a damn stupid idea, and an insult to boot! I never have lived in Long Beach, but I went to college there and remember attending a concert at the Arena. We didn't drive yet, so our folks had to drop us off and pick us up. Try finding a pay phone in a safe place to call and wait for a ride home… it wasn't easy. Now look at downtown Long Beach! I agree with you that the Grand Prix helped to put and keep Lone Beach on the map as a go-to location.

I thought this weekend's turnout was excellent. The stands were filled on Sunday for the IndyCar race. Friday's autograph session had good attendance too.  There were people everywhere (and buying food, souvenirs, etc.). I would hate to see not only my local race disappear, but it would also ruin downtown. I hope this threat does not come to fruition.

Deb Schaeffer

RM: Obviously baseball is big business, and what they could offer Long Beach seven months a year would be substantial. But right now it’s just talk, and Jim Michaelian is going to try and get some details in the coming weeks.

Q: I was very happy to hear the announcement that Jarett Andretti will be competing in the Freedom 100. Hopefully it's the medicine that John needs, I know he's going through a tough time. I remember you mentioned that Jarett's fellow short-tracker Chris Windom would be making another attempt at the Freedom 100. But I have yet to hear an official announcement. Did that deal fall through? Also, as a big fan of domestic car brands, is there any chance that Ford  (despite their previous insistence otherwise) or Dodge could be competing against Chevrolet and Honda once the new engine formula hits the track in 2021? Thanks for all the great IndyCar and USAC coverage you provide on RACER, and continued good health,

Gregg Rauscher, Port Colborne, Ontario

RM: Yes, very cool, the seventh Andretti to compete at Indianapolis. Windom’s announcement was made Tuesday, and he’s driving for Brian Belardi and David Byrd next month. Ford said years ago it has no interest in IndyCar, and I doubt if anything has changed.

Q: Regarding the letter from Jeremy in Indianapolis: my wife and I have attended every F1 weekend at COTA since it opened. We are long-time F1 fans, it’s a beautiful facility and Austin is great area to visit in the fall. (The year of the monsoon rains excepted!) But we opted to stay home this year after looking at the increasing cost/decreasing value equation (check their actual on-track activity schedule for an F1 weekend) though the concerts the last few years have been a nice addition. We talked about hitting the inaugural IndyCar race at COTA but the timing just didn’t work, but that is definitely on the calendar for next year.

I think that there are probably other F1 fans looking for racing that would enjoy Austin for IndyCar, and Jeremy’s suggestion of an open-wheel “package” deal could benefit the COTA gate for both IndyCar and F1. I bet that Jeremy is onto something: maybe COTA’s marketing folks should be surveying their ticket holders for interest in doing both weekends.

Royal Richardson

RM: Some kind of discount ticket for an F1 fan could be useful, but I just wonder how far people come to go to COTA, and could they afford two trips?

Q: In regards to the track limits not being enforced at COTA, I'm all for it. The last thing I need to see is more officials impacting the racing. There's not much worse than spending six hours watching a WEC race only to find out the next day that a third of the podium finishers were disqualified for another minor infraction. If they paved it, let them race it. Don't want them to race on it? Jackhammer it and fill it with gravel or cover it with bumps unsettling enough to cause a naturally enforcing time loss.

As for the complaints about the cost of the NBC Gold package, try this out for size. Become a member of the IndyCar Nation Fan Club at the Champion level for $34.95, which is sometimes discounted like it was during the month of May last year. ICN members got $10 off the Gold Package, plus merchandise and race ticket discounts. If you go to a race in person, you get the perks of the fan club like garage tours, press conference access and/or victory circle photos with the race winner! Who knows, that access might lead to Robin Miller himself handing you a podium cap during the winning driver's never ending photo shoot. (Thanks Robin!)

After all, if you're hardcore enough to watch practice (we're talkin' about practice), you are hardcore enough to benefit from the IndyCar Nation. Combine the membership discount I got last year, the savings on merchandise, the 20% off Iowa race ticket and this year's Gold Package discount, I'm sure I saved enough to cover the cost of this year's NBC Gold Package. I'm really enjoying the current state of IndyCar, especially with this awesome looking bodywork and its aero changes and the great roster of diverse drivers we have now, which has made live races appointment viewing like it was during the Target/Zanardi CART era rather than taping the races and watching them later on like I had been doing in recent times.

Jeff Barak, Minneapolis, MN

RM: I dismiss all those who moaned about track limits – it was a fantastic road race for crissakes. Thanks for the tips about the Indy Nation Fan Club and benefits, good to spread the word if we can save fans some money.