Robin Miller's Mailbag for July 3, 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: If you exclude the first race of 2013 in Formula 1, just three teams have all the wins in the past six and a half seasons. Your article about Andretti toying with the idea of moving to Chevy again got me thinking about the Honda teams you seem to have dismissed. I did some digging, and I went back only as far as 2015 as the landscape in IndyCar has not changed much since then.

There are two winning drivers that switched teams, and one of those teams folded (Newgarden to Penske and Bourdais from KVSH to Coyne). From 2015-2019, eight different teams have won at least races.  Andretti has 14 (I’m lumping Herta in there), Ganassi eight, RLL seven and SPM three. From 2017-2019, Penske has all the Chevy wins (34 dating back to 2015). In 2015 and ’16, ECR and KVSH each had three. Newgarden leads all drivers with 13 wins. Power is second with 11 and Pagenaud and Dixon tied for third with nine.

The surprise on the list is probably Rossi with six.  It wasn’t until 2018 that he won his first IndyCar race on speed. I’m not taking away from his Indy 500 win, but it took him two full seasons before he turned into the title-challenging force he now is. What did I learn from this exercise? If Andretti really does switch to Chevy, then Ganassi doesn’t win as much as you would think based on Dixon’s title results, but the other Honda teams are no slouches. If Andretti does make the switch we will find out if Penske is just that much better than everyone else, or if Chevy has been giving them the edge.

Given the lackluster performances by the other Chevy teams, I’m leaning towards Penske being that good. Which is all the more reason for the sake of IndyCar that they find a way to keep Rossi with Andretti. And for the sake of parity in the manufacturers’ title fight, Honda better keep Andretti in the fold. It might not hurt Chevy to lure SPM or RLL away from Honda, though. What say you?

Ryan in West Michigan

RM: I’ve said forever that General Motors would be satisfied if Team Penske was their only client in IndyCar, and I’ve said for the past several weeks that we need Rossi, RHR and Andretti to stay together with Honda to keep the balance of power. The last time Honda lost two big stars was when Pagenaud and Newgarden went with The Captain, so if Michael would go with Chevrolet it really stacks the deck. But Chevy certainly wouldn’t need RLL or SPM if it gets Andretti.

Alexander Rossi, in an Andretti Autosport IndyCar, with a Honda engine in the back. And it sounds like that's how most readers would like things to stay. Image by LAT

Q: In the past the storyline always seemed to be that IndyCar/Champ Car, need more Americans. It progressed to we need them fighting and winning the championships. Now that we have Americans fighting for the championship and winning, what do you think the next American progression will be? (Stop NASCAR from taking them?) Herta is very impressive, and extremely aggressive. Do you think that it would be good if he was reigned in a little, or do you think this type of aggression could lead to a championship in years to come?

Paul Hirsch, Erie, PA

RM: I can’t think of anybody that NASCAR has snatched from the Road to Indy series, and Colton, Zach Veach and Spencer Pigot have all graduated – to be followed soon by Oliver Askew (and Aaron Telitz if he had a backer). Reigned in from being fast everywhere and making daring passes? I would hope not. You can’t teach what that kid’s got, and he’s going to be on top for a long time.

Q: I'd like to throw another log on the fire regarding the one-man IndyCar silly season. It seems some people are overlooking the current state of unrest at Red Bull in F1. With Verstappen possibly jumping ship during the off-season and Gasly's underperformance, any rumors of Rossi getting at least a test with Red Bull or Toro Rosso? Seems possible given the Honda connection. Does he still even have his Super License?

Mike, South Dakota

RM: Why would you think Red Bull is interested in Rossi, or why he would want to leave his current lot in life? I have no idea if he’s still got a Super License but I don’t think F1 holds any interest for him right now, and vice-versa. Like I said last week, if it’s Mercedes or Ferrari, of course he would likely be interested. But that’s not going to happen, and Verstappen won last Sunday so hold his defection.

Q: Alexander Rossi has cemented his place in IndyCar, regardless of which team he drives for next year. I don't see him attempting a return to F1, but what about a part-time gig in the World Endurance Championship? It's hard for me to believe that top-tier LMP1/LMP2 team managers haven't watched his dominant races at Long Beach and Road America. A trophy from the 1000 Kilometers of Spa or the 24 Hours of Le Mans would look very cool next to the Borg Warner Trophy....

Jonathan and Cleide Morris, Ventura, CA

RM: Depending on who he’s driving for in 2020 I’m sure sports cars are high on his list, but IMSA might be more feasible than the WEC simply because of the schedules.

Q: First, let me gloat: back when Haas F1 was looking for drivers, I suggested in a RACER chat to consider Rossi. I was savagely rebuked by the thumb-clicking know-it-alls, who favor a hurtful tweet over thoughtful conversation. Take that, Techno Trolls.

David Schneider

RM: Gloat on David, I imagine Alex would love to show F1 he had the skill set to succeed, but I don’t think Haas would be the answer, even though your suggestion was certainly valid.

Q: Add me to the thousands of IndyCar fans who would be absolutely appalled to see Alexander Rossi snapped up by Penske. Perhaps had it been Pagenaud returning to SPM or something like that, but this would be just terrible. Why is Michael so interested in bailing back over to Chevrolet? Just to work McLaren back into the fold?

Greg, Belleville, NJ

RM: I imagine money or McLaren could be considerations, but the only person that can truly answer that is Michael and he’s not going to tell us anything right now. And if he did go to Chevrolet, he’d certainly try to keep Rossi. But, again, that might depend on how much money The Captain offers and what kind of perks (sports cars, stock cars, Supercars) and whether Andretti could match it.

Q: I have a few things to get your thoughts on. First and foremost, Conor Daly. I have to believe he is in the frame for either an Andretti seat full-time, or the second HSR car next season if funding allows it. He’s been with the team since Indy and has been on social media doing appearances with Rossi and Herta. He’s deserving for sure, and he’s by far a fan favorite. Any inside word on what things are looking like for him? And if Rossi goes to Penske, which I personally don’t really think will happen, I’m wondering if Helio goes to Andretti either for the full season, or Indy only. Wouldn’t that ruffle some feathers in the paddock?

Ben, Noblesville, IN

RM: If Michael lost Rossi to Penske then I believe Daly would be on his shortlist, and the Air Force might be inclined to help since they really like the Andretti operation. And Michael likes Conor, who’s done a fine job this season. As for HSR, let’s just wait and see how things work out for its one-car star with sponsorship. No chance Castroneves drives an IndyCar for anyone but The Captain.

Q: What is wrong with Spencer Pigot? He showed promise some a year ago, but so far this year he hasn’t shown much. I can’t imagine ECR keeping him long, with sponsorship for the team being as difficult as it is. Any word on sponsors for ECR? Thanks again for your time and effort. I hope to get to shake your hand someday, or at least buy your lunch one day at the Mug and Bun and hear more stories of the old days!

David Simmons

RM: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Pigot that a break or two wouldn’t fix. He’s qualified third at Indy, sixth at Barber, sixth at Texas and eighth at Road America but he’s been hampered by pit lane penalties (Barber & Indy) or caught up/taken out by someone else’s mistake (COTA, Long Beach, Detroit) and the car just sucked at Texas in the race. Three of his best tracks are still ahead (second at Iowa in 2018, sixth at Gateway and fourth at Portland) so he just needs a good result. But he’s driving just fine.

Q: What's your opinion on Pato temporarily leaving IndyCar? I personally think that it’s IndyCar’s loss and global auto racing’s gain.

Juan Renteria

RM: I hate it. Pato is such a great talent and personality, but I imagine if Red Bell gets his Super License straightened out it’s his best shot to advance, since nobody in IndyCar has anything for him right now.

O'Ward is IndyCar's loss and the broader racing world's gain. Image by Andre/LAT

Q: What’s the reaction in the paddock and from IndyCar regarding Pato having to go to Europe and Japan to keep racing? As a fan, I’m crushed that we’re losing (at least for now) such an outstanding talent, honed in North America in Indy Lights and IMSA. I was impressed with his detailed, technical answers in his interview with Chris Medland. I would think Pato has the potential to really pull in significant audience from Mexico and beyond. Mark Miles should be parked in Carlos Slim’s office making the case.

Lee Robie, Cincinnati, Ohio

RM: Not sure because it just happened, and I haven’t talked to anyone except hearing from the fans and, like you, they are saddened we may be losing O’Ward forever. But it’s all about opportunity.

Q: I could not help but notice a lackluster performance of Pato in Austria in his F2 debut. I know; new cars, new tires, new track. But it does bring up a couple of points to ponder. Jordan King, his teammate, did substantially better and although he has been in that car longer, it makes me wonder why Jordan did not get all the accolades that Pato has received in his rookie year in IndyCar. Has Pato really shown that much more promise this year than Mr. King did last year? Second, do you think a weekend like Pato had helps or hinders his career? He obviously had a difficult task ahead of him, but it seems to me in the world of racing that excuses are soon forgotten and results are all that matter. Is a driver better off not driving at all than putting himself in a position of driving under difficult circumstances and placing poorly?

Justin, Park City, UT

RM: Oh my god, are you kidding? He qualified seventh, eighth and ninth for Carlin and that is hardly a top team at the moment and he races like a veteran (Sonoma a year ago) and just has that “it” factor. King did a nice job on occasion for ECR but Pato is 21 and the sky is the limit. Nobody expected him to jump into a strange car on a new track with tires he’d never run and do much. And by the end of the weekend Red Bull had released another driver from its Junior program and given Pato his seat in Japan, so it must have seen something it liked.

Q: I just finished reading the June, 26th Mailbag and couldn’t agree more about Road America being a fabulous place. I went twice, ’99 and ’00, and was super-impressed. I’d be remiss if I didn’t stand up for Watkins Glen also being a fabulous place that offers everything Road America does, and more. It has the quaint village with restaurants and bars, with the added bonus of being the true home of American road racing. Drive into the village and you’re immediately plunged into racing history. Whether it’s the various shops with racing-themed items for sale, or the two murals painted on the sides of buildings on the northern part of the village, it’s everywhere.

Part of Main Street itself is the old front straightaway of the original old course, and there’s a line with flags marking the start/finish line as you drive through town. The International Motor Racing Research Center is at the public library just off the main drag and definitely worth checking out. Do a self-guided tour of the old course after you visit the Research Center, too. I went to The Glen last weekend for the Sahlen’s Six Hour with the hope that someone, someday will put IndyCar on this weekend. I’m aware IMSA has their whole show there and the weekend is pretty full, but a Thursday through Sunday show is doable. I think having the Six Hour start at 4:00pm on Saturday night and race into the dark would be just brilliant. IndyCar on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. after a few support races in the morning.

I, depressingly, know the answer to this question but I’m going to ask anyway because I’m a masochist. Is there any movement or talks on this subject?

Eric Z, Lancaster, NY

RM: Good timing, Eric. Jay Frye went to The Glen last week and discussed the possibility of IndyCar returning some day since both parties want it to happen. It’s just a question of finding the right date and/or title sponsor.

Q: I was at Watkins Glen this weekend for the Six Hour race (as I am every year), and there was a caution during the Michelin Pilot race so I took my earplugs out and listened to the two guys next to me. Fan 1: "You hear about Josef Newgarden?" Fan 2: "No, what?" Fan 1: "He's first overall." (referring to the points standings) Fan 2: "Oh wow, who would've thought?" These were two guys who were dressed head-to-toe in sports car gear, they both had the IMSA app on their phones, and they even knew who many of the drivers in the support series were, but they clearly didn't follow open-wheel racing at all.

At that point I realized that not every person who attends IMSA races is like me (an IndyCar fan who also enjoys other forms of motorsports). There are genuine, dedicated sports car fans that don't follow any other series. In contrast, when I attended the Detroit GP for the first time this year, almost all of the fans seemed to be IndyCar fans that just happened to also see an IMSA race. There's been a lot of talk recently about a NASCAR-IndyCar double-header. I know a lot of NASCAR fans, and I don't think any of them would be interested in what IndyCar is offering. What we need is an IMSA-IndyCar twin bill with IMSA as the headliner at a marque IMSA event. I don't see why they couldn't fit an IndyCar race into the Six-Hour weekend at The Glen, and from what I've seen, it has a good chance of growing the fan base.

Tom, Newark, NY

RM: I think there’s quite a bit of crossover among IMSA and IndyCar fans, and sharing the card at The Glen makes perfect sense if you want to grow the crowd and please your TV partner. Let IndyCar run on Saturday afternoon, keep the six-hour race in its marquee spot on Sunday, and let NBC televise both of them.

IndyCar at Watkins Glen. Ah, good times. Image by LAT

Q: I just read your article about getting IndyCar back to Watkins Glen. I think part of the problem with the Labor Day date is that it may be too late in the summer. By that I mean people have already taken the family vacation and the kids are getting ready to head back to school. In some cases they may already be in school.

As for IMSA not drawing for the six-hour event, unless you're a hardcore sports car fan a six-hour race is too long. IMSA is a niche sport. Most people don't know many of the drivers, and don't understand the different classes. I do like the idea of a double-header with IndyCar and IMSA, but unless you're camping, leaving the track and returning the next day might not appeal to the masses. I do hope something can be worked out. Watkins Glen needs to be on the schedule. What are the odds?

John Fulton, Akron, Ohio

RM: Labor Day worked at Portland last year, and in the old days at Ontario when it drew 175,000. The key for The Glen would be a package of IndyCar and IMSA and late June or early July is perfect. But I imagine it’s 50/50 at best.

Q: Thanks for your brief article regarding IndyCar returning to the Glen. I travel to races four or five races a year, a combination of sports car and IndyCar. There are plenty of races and venues from which I can choose my events. Lately, sports cars have been winning out for me. If IndyCar does add more joint events with either IMSA or SRO, these weekends will definitely be frontrunners for my travel plans. Especially if The Glen or Road America holds such an event.

Also, regarding IndyCar potentially returning to Richmond, if the series does come back I'll take another shot and attend.  But I have some doubts. I went to the 2003 race and unless you were Scott Dixon, it was an awful show. Very little passing, and the caution laps are run so quickly at the 0.75-mile track.  A car pitting to do any type of service during a caution could easily go two laps down and be out of contention. I would love to see IndyCar have a go at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham. It's a quirky mile-long old school oval that could provide some great action. Any chance?

Rich G, Fairfax, VA

RM: The first three Richmond races were damn good as I recall, with two grooves, but then the tire changed and it was single file and boring. The crowds were good, so if IndyCar could go back and draw 25,000, that would be a success. As for Rockingham, Randy Bernard explored the possibility in 2011 but there wasn’t any money back then, so I’m not sure there is any interest.

Q: I was at the ARCA race at Chicagoland this past Thursday, and besides only have 20 cars start (about 14 actually racing), and the weather not cooperating, it was a good time and there was a decent race up front. If I had to estimate the attendance I'd say it was maybe 1,000... total. The thing I noticed was how many different fans were wearing IndyCar gear. There was the new Marco Andretti jersey, a RLL team shirt, a really sweet Mario Andretti throwback shirt, and probably eight or so people wearing IMS or Indy 500 hats. The weather certainly didn't cooperate with the Cup race on Sunday, but it definitely wasn't a sellout crowd and seemed down from years past. How about Chicagoland for a Saturday night IndyCar race and a Sunday Cup race? Besides for having the all-important Chicago market, the track is really racy with the progressive banking and continuous curving backstretch. Bonus question: is Chicagoland still an approved track for testing/rookie oval testing?

Tall-Bill in Lockport

RM: I know it’s one of the tracks Jay Frye has mentioned as a possibility, and I imagine Chicagoland would be interested judging by recent attendance. The IRL staged some good races there and had nice crowds the first few years, so a NASCAR/IndyCar doubleheader might bring them back. Chicago is approved as a test track.

Q: Robin, First off, great to talk to you at Road America the other week. After we were done it dawned on me that I completely forgot to tell you about the "reopening" of the Milwaukee Mile on Father's Day. Bob Sargent and his Track Enterprises group put on a great show with the ARCA Midwest tour Late Model series as the headliner. An estimated 8,200 fans came out in absolutely miserable conditions (50 degrees with a stiff breeze off of cold Lake Michigan with morning rain).

With that said, in your opinion, do you think there is any chance IndyCar could return to the Milwaukee Mile? Do you think that Track Enterprises would/could be up to the challenge of promoting such an event? Do you think Detroit could be moved to allow Milwaukee back in its traditional "week after Indy" date? I will tell you, the buzz around the grounds on Fathers’ Day while watching the vintage Indy cars make laps was people hoping for IndyCar to return.

Brian Schmitt

RM: Bob Sargent has been a godsend to USAC and it didn’t surprise me he tried Milwaukee, and I heard good things about the turnout on a bad weather weekend. Detroit won’t be moving any time soon, but if IndyCar ever tries the Milwaukee Mile again I can’t think of a better promoter.

It's been a while since somebody wrote a letter about Milwaukee. We were starting to get worried. Image by Abbott/LAT

Q: My daughter, now 21, and despite my best efforts is just not an auto racing fan. On the other hand, her boyfriend, through hanging around with me and recently attending the race at R.A., has become a huge IndyCar fan. My question to you is, if they would break up, should I keep him instead of my daughter?

Craig C.

RM: Man, that’s a tough question. I think I would adopt him but keep visiting rights to your daughter and give her six months to come to her senses.

Q: While watching the race at Road America, and seeing the amount of rubber debris left on the track, I started wondering about next year’s aeroscreen. The helmet tearoffs allow a driver to clean his visor in the event it becomes covered with rubber, oil, dirt, etc. There is no way for the driver to clean the aeroscreen, no wiper/blower, and unless it has some super coating on it, seems to present more of a hazard than it allegedly prevents. Also, in the event of fire, it forces the rescuer to stick their face and arms into a burning hole to extricate the driver, again presenting more of a hazard than currently exists. Now this is all devil’s advocate stuff, but what is the opinion of the drivers? I'm enjoying the regular hint of Richmond being added to next year’s schedule. Any idea what time of year they are looking at? Have they ever thought of running a double heat race, similar to the Twin 200 format at Ontario?

Napalm Nick, Locust Grove, VA

RM: IndyCar has tested numerous options to keep the screen clean, and there will be a way to replicate the tear-offs. I haven’t asked the drivers yet. I imagine if Richmond is added it would be in August. I think Jay Frye is open to discussing any format that would be different, exciting and draw more people.

Q: Do you think IndyCar will ever make the halo a part of the chassis in the near future? It's overdue. In all of the years that you've been covering auto racing, who was the most interesting person that you've interviewed? Who was the person that you had the most fun interviewing? Who were the person or persons that you would have liked to have interviewed, but never got the opportunity?

Jeff Gray

RM: No the new aeroscreen will debut in 2020 – no need for a halo. A.J., Mario and Uncle Bobby are the three most entertaining and fascinating, and I would have liked to interview Eddie Sachs, Bill Vukovich and Bobby Marshman.

Q: I've been to every Pocono 500 since the IndyCars returned. The attendance appeared to increase each year. Why are people saying this might be the last year?

Wayne Smitreski, Allentown, PA

RM: Probably because of the Richmond situation since it’s assumed that it would replace Pocono if it returns, but that’s not necessarily set in stone. They might both exist on the IndyCar schedule in 2020. The crowd did seem better last year, and one thing is for certain, the folks who do show up are die-hard IndyCar fans that know their stuff.

Q: Robin, I’m a long-time Indy fan, going back into the mid-‘60s. I have been to the Indy 500 22 times in the last 32 years, am a little bit old-school and I don’t deal with Facebook. I would like you to answer why Simon Pagenaud was allowed to zigzag going down the straightaways and basically block Rossi from passing him to win Indy? I remember Marco Andretti in the 2006 Indy 500, how he could’ve moved over to block but he wouldn’t do it. He even made the comment after the race that it would have been blocking. Is blocking ruled differently today? Thanks from one true IndyCar fan to another.

Lou DeAngelis

RM: What Simon did isn’t blocking, he was just weaving to break the draft and make sure Rossi didn’t get a run on him or make it more difficult. It worked sometimes, and sometimes it didn’t matter. It’s been a tactic for many Mays now, and the drivers accept it as part of the show. But they both passed each other cleanly for the lead near the end.

Q: Love the Q&A each week. First, there are only so many OEMs out there and it seems to me that IndyCar is probably running out of ones to talk to. Going back three months, how sure were you that there was going to be an announcement at Indy concerning a third OEM? Second, what do you hear about NAPA returning with Rossi?

Chris F., Charleston, SC

RM: Marshall Pruett sat on the story that Porsche was going to join IndyCar because it was agreed on but nothing signed before it went south at Long Beach. And IndyCar wanted to hold a press conference in May to announce it. Andretti is awaiting NAPA’s decision.

Q: I’m kind of getting the feeling there will not be a third engine manufacturer any time soon. It seems like it’s been months since anything has even been mentioned, and one starts to think what interest there was, is gone. Have you heard any information you can share?

Brian, Plainfield, IL

RM: All quiet, and there may not be a lot of candidates since Formula E and IMSA have pretty much cornered the market. But Jay Frye keeps all the possible manufacturers up to speed on IndyCar’s plans, and checks with them on a regular basis so if one is out there he’ll likely find it.

Q: So here’s an idea. It might be totally crazy, but… run on the Gateway oval on Friday night, then have a Sunday race on the road course. Two races on one weekend, with enough time between races for the crews to reconfigure the cars from oval set up to road course set-up. Practice and oval qualifying during the day on Friday. Saturday for the chassis changes, and support races. Then qualifying Sunday morning and race in the afternoon. The road course race could be a 75-lap sprint race. Two IndyCar races for the price of one! Am I crazy?

Doug Mayer

RM: No, it’s a cool concept that was once discussed for Cleveland, and I know Francois and Chris at Gateway would be gung-ho for it along with sponsor John Bommarito. Just not sure the road course there would be that racy, whereas if they can get a Cup race, then hosting an IndyCar/NASCAR twin bill would be right down their alley. But it’s that kind of thinking that most ovals need to pump some life into their show.

Any body language expert worth their salt will tell you that Power's trying to say he wants two races at Gateway. Image by LAT

Q: Thanks for all you do to make IndyCar clearer and more understandable to someone like me, who watched as a kid in the '70s but then lost track of it for a long while. I picked it back up about three years ago and my daughter and I absolutely love it. My question: I see many fans saying that “oval tracks are dying.” We have attended both races at Gateway – just a few miles from our town in Illinois – and attendance has supposedly even been better than they had hoped. We attended our first Indianapolis 500 this year, and from everything we saw and heard, it seemed attendance there was as good as it’s been in a long time. So, based on our admittedly limited and anecdotal evidence, oval racing seems to be doing well for IndyCar. What makes folks say the opposite so often?

Van Plexico, Smithton, IL

RM: Gateway is an anomaly, because it’s an oval that’s come along in the last decade that actually draws a good crowd. Texas and Iowa used to have packed houses but have dropped off drastically (although Iowa going back to Saturday night should help), and Pocono never regained its '70s and '80s interest. Ovals are a tough sell for NASCAR and IndyCar right now, and that’s why a double-header experiment makes sense.

Q: I know people have written in and complained about the number of commercials during the NBC IndyCar broadcast. Apparently, no one has bothered to do a little math. So here is some quick math that might help explain things a bit. Quick note, I am not in television, so my numbers are all stuff I pulled out of an orifice that shall not be named

First, it costs money to broadcast a race. From salaries and travel expenses for the on-air people as well as the crew behind the scenes (cameras, techs, set-up staff, etc) to renting the mobile satellite uplink trucks, the portable broadcast center and equipment, etc., it's not cheap to do an IndyCar broadcast. So let's say it costs $350,000 to broadcast and IndyCar race (remember, number I made up). Say, NBC wants a 15% profit so that means advertising needs to bring in $402,500. Now, the cost of running a 30s TV ad is based on the number of people watching the broadcast, ie: the size of the viewing audience. The facts are the viewership has not been good for years beyond the Indy 500. So lets say a 30s spot brings in $20,000 (again, I have no idea what it really costs). You need 20.13 minutes of advertising to bring in the $402,500. Assuming ad breaks at 1.5 minutes long, you need 13.4 breaks per two-hour race or you need a 1.5 minute ad break every 7.44 minutes of broadcast time (race 7.44 minutes, 1.5 min ads, race 7.44 min, etc). It's basic math.

Now, getting a larger viewing audience means you can charge more for each ad spot. So if you can increase that to $25,000 per 30s spot, now you only need an ad break every 9.68 minutes. Grow the viewership so you can charge $30,000 per 30s spot and now you only need 1.5 minutes of ads every 11.91 minutes. Getting the much better NBC broadcast costs money. That is covered by ad revenue. I applaud NBC for the coverage they are doing, and I appreciate the number of times they run ads as a split screen so I can still see the action. Good people cost money, as not everyone works for cheeseburgers and beer like Robin Miller does.

Second: I thought of this as I ate my home smoked beef brisket sandwich on Sunday watching the RA race. Which team(s) provide their crew with the best food, and do you get to partake?

John Balestrieri

RM: Thanks for your commercial mathematics (I have no clue what an ad costs on NBC or NBCSN or how many breaks are necessary to appease all the sponsors), but I put a moratorium on all the bitchers because there is nothing I can do about it and it’s also part of the landscape and always will be. As for hospitality, Andretti, Ganassi, Honda, RLL, Carlin, SPM and Penske take care of their teams, sponsors, guests and even the unwashed media. All of them have good chefs that prepare great meals, but I usually end up buying hot dogs or hamburgers because that’s my diet, and Honda is kind enough to provide Pepsi (thanks Pete).

Q: Not sure what race the writer (and the negative nellies on social media) were watching, but the NBC coverage at Road America was excellent, as it always is. I didn’t think the commercial breaks were excessive; certainly not “every other lap” as some put on Facebook. I recall only two “full” commercial breaks, the others being all side-by-side or non-stop (whatever NBC calls it).

For being on the big network, the coverage was excellent and the racing was spectacular. A constant battle for the lead does not a good race make. There was plenty of action throughout the field. There are so many ways to watch a race these days, so even during a full break, have open the free IndyCar app which shows lap times, track position and race info. I would like to put forth the theory that people who bitch about commercials on TV have never or would never actually venture to an IndyCar race. If you really want to watch the racing without a commercial, go to the track, pay for a ticket, and watch the damn thing in person (not to mention you will see USF2000, IndyPro 2000 and Indy Lights and meet those great kids).

I understand Road America is not logistically possible for everyone, but take your trade-off… watch with commercials or go watch it live and help the promoters and track owners. I have never been to RA, but don’t live that far. I’m going next year based on the rave reviews I’ve seen from this year’s event. Lastly, I enjoyed Dillon Welch, not sure why anyone was knocking on him. Great to see NBC bringing some fresh faces in. He knew his racing and did a damn fine job. God forbid bringing someone new and young to the broadcast do something like attract new and younger viewers. That might help the series grow a new fan base and we wouldn’t want that now, would we ;)

Chris, Oak Forest, IL

RM: That’s an interesting concept Chris -- attend a race and never see a commercial. My pals are some of the biggest critics on the planet and they’ve never said squat about commercials, so I appreciate your take. And viewers got to see a lot of the really good racing because our producer, Terry Lingner, always finds the battles. Young Welch is a good open-wheel racer who does a fine job and will only get better.

Q: The Road America track store sells merchandise featuring the track's length of 4.048 miles. Yet the TV broadcast and RACER's article states that the length is 4.014 miles. Which one is right and if it is the second, when did it change?

David, Waxhaw, NC

RM: The official length according to Road America and the IndyCar media guide is 4.048 miles.

Q: People are always asking why IndyCar isn't more popular despite its great racing. I think IndyCar and all the other racing series suffer from the same problem -- even though the racing is good, the cars aren't that exciting to watch. At Road America, the thing that got the biggest rise out of the announcers was Colton Herta's four-wheel drift through Turn 1. I've been going to races since 1957, and that's the sort of action we used to see all of the time. Even though the races didn't use to be as close as they are now, we really didn't mind because the cars were exciting to watch by themselves. Make IndyCars run rock hard tires and you'll have a whole pack of cars acting like Herta's.

Charles G.

RM: I think a combination of noise from big horsepower and cars stepping out both contribute to getting people’s attention, but I must say the past couple years you can see drivers sliding the Dallara around on road and street circuits. Having the tires go off helps make “drifting” through the corners a reality.

IndyCars no longer drift like they used to, but you'll still see some busy hands in the cockpit at road and street courses. Image by Abbott/LAT

Q: I just read the article on Push-to-Pass on by Joey Barnes and I think the biggest problem is that everybody knows who is on the button and how much they have left. Why do they make that information available to the teams? If we can get the on-board data display panels working, you can display when the driver is on it so at least the fans would know. I like the idea of having to be within one second of the car in front (like F1 DRS) to prevent drivers from using it on in/out laps. Part of me says get rid of it completely. What do you think?

Jim Doyle, Hoboken, NJ

RM: I hate it that teams can see each other’s P2P and are able to radio their driver so they can neutralize it. I like the idea of just getting rid of it because it’s ineffective so much of the time.

Q: I’ve been thinking about IndyCar’s Push-to-Pass and the data being available to all the teams during the race and how the driver ahead is coached when the car behind it “pushing the button.” For this aspect of the racing to be truly effective, in my opinion, would be to keep this information hidden from the other teams. Yeah, having how much left for all to see, okay, but other than that it seems to just allow excessive coaching from the pit box. Thoughts?

Lawrence H., Sanford, FL

RM: Absolutely agree and a few years ago teams couldn’t see each other’s data – only the fans watching television could and that was perfect.

Q: My nomination for the Robin Miller Award for 2020 would be Donald Davidson. What a treasure of Indy 500 info he is. Also, I'm still waiting for that book! You should also convince RACER to let you to do a weekly column or story about the old USAC dirt track days and Indy in the '50s and '60s, or perhaps start a new website devoted to that subject. I think you would be surprised at the response once it gets going... love your winter videos on that subject.

Steve, Sacramento, CA

RM: Great suggestion Steve, double D is part of Indy lore. I think now that RACER has purchased Vintage Motorsports we may have a chance to do more ‘where are they now’ and old race stories. Thanks for watching.

Q: Since Texas, the LEDs have displayed the car numbers only. What’s up? It’s a neat feature but it seems that they’ve had a lot of trouble with it for most of the past two seasons.

Dan E., St. Louis, MO

RM: The creator has not been able to solve the technical glitches.

Q: I've seen the term "business-to-business" but have never understood what it means, how it works, etc.  Your reference to "client entertainment" in the Mailbag from last week gave me a clue.  However, it would seem to me that paying several million a year to entertain clients at a few races, that is, at venues not wildly popular along the lines of the Super Bowl or World Series or World Cup, is not a very big-bang-for-buck ratio with the exception of the Indy 500. Therefore, there is obviously more to B-to-B than just client entertainment. And given that some of these sponsors have been around for years and that they are in business to maximize profits from every possible corner of their respective organizations, the corporate accountants must be convinced that the ROI makes sponsorship well worth the cost. Please elaborate on what B-to-B means and/or how it's done and/or any examples of which you are aware.

Ronald Ness

RM: It can be a relationship with somebody like Penske and a company he does a lot of business with and, in return, it sponsors his car – like maybe Shell. Or it can be as simple as treating your clients and employees to a weekend or a day at the track like ABC Supply or Arrow.

Q: Just to carry on with the recent thread of topics in the Mailbag, the NASCAR/IndyCar double-header idea. It has already happened, and has done for a few years now. Granted, the NASCAR names are not Busch or Harvick or Logano, but they are Alex Tagliani and Andrew Ranger and JP Dumoulin, and the races are on a street course, not an oval, but the Toronto Indy has featured the Canadian Pinty’s NASCAR races as a headliner on Saturdays for years. It has enjoyed tremendous turnout for both races, and in my main grandstand at least, it is equally well attended by both NASCAR and IndyCar fans on both days.

Paul Sturmey, Ontario, Canada

RM: USAC did it back in the '60s and '70s with stock cars and Indy cars, but the only way it’s ever going to catch the public’s attention and get a media blitz is with NASCAR and IndyCar sharing the track.

Q: I just read in the Mailbag that Will Power is now an American citizen. Does that mean he will be considered an American driver in the series and show the U.S. flag instead of the Australian flag? I don’t really care either way, just curious.

Craig Mashburn

RM: I imagine he’s a dual citizen, so he’s still Australian, but now he has U.S. citizenship as well.

Q: Why did Rene Binder not sign on for more races with Juncos this year? He’s been doing the IMSA endurance races with Juncos, but we’ve heard nothing about him returning to IndyCar. It’s not exactly a loss to the series to not have a driver of his caliber circling around in the back, but it is a loss to not have a Juncos car on the grid for a few more races. Did he realize that he was uncompetitive and give up? Did his family cut off some of his funds? Did he fail to pass IndyCar’s new licensing requirements?

Joey

RM: I have no idea. I don’t know Binder but, to your point, IndyCar needs Ricardo Juncos because he’s a racer to the core and all in for the Road to Indy. I know he’d love to find the funds to develop Kyle Kaiser’s career but maybe Rinus Veekay (who won a Lights race at Road America and is second in the points) can find sponsorship as he advances.

This might very well be the first Rene Binder photo ever to appear in the Mailbag. Image by IndyCar

Rafa 'Two Flags' Matos. Image by Marv Gray

Q: I just wanted to add that former IndyCar driver and current Trans Am 2 champion Rafa Matos recently became a very proud American citizen. Please feel free to use the picture I took of Rafa with both the U.S. and Brazilian flags by his name on the Camaro.

Marv Gray

RM: Thanks. Always liked Rafa and he was a good shoe, but just needed more backing to stay in IndyCar.

Q: Do you think we will see the track record fall at Indy anytime in the near future (next five-10 years) or is IndyCar content will capping the speeds at 230-232 mph?

Kevin, Dayton, OH

RM: When the horsepower reaches 900 I think it’s certainly possible, depending on the downforce levels, but I really don’t think it’s a big deal like it was in the '60s-'70s-'80s-'90s when we cared about “new track records” and qualifying was packed.

Q: Great season so far. I'd like to switch gears back to Indy. It was great the way the month of May was all focused on Mario's win 50 years ago. I think the Speedway should do something similar each year with other greats. Obviously A.J., then Mears, the Unsers, Lone Star J.R. and so on. It just adds another storyline to the month.  What do you think?

Craig Stewart, Paoli, IN

RM: There was a wonderful display of A.J.’s cars at the IMS museum in 2017 and the Unsers were featured in 2018 – ditto for Penske in 2016. But I definitely think the three four-timers along with J.R. and Uncle Bobby should be feted in similar style to Mario.

Q: Since we have an off week with the IndyCar Series, I thought I would ask your opinion about a racetrack. Looking back to the construction of Auto Club/California Speedway, do you think if Roger Penske had a crystal ball, he would have designed and built a kick-ass road course instead of the big oval? I understand that the design of the oval was built for the CART/Champ Car-era race cars, however those days are long gone and looks like the oval is dying a quick death. If there was an amazing road course, we would have an IndyCar race (including Long Beach), a NASCAR race, probably a six-hour endurance race, and maybe even an F1 race, not to mention all the year round club events. All these races would be festivals with 100,000 plus attending each one.

Denny Z., Huntsville

RM: It’s easy to say that now because road racing has undergone a renaissance in the past 20 years, and ovals were going great in the '90s for CART and NASCAR when Fontana was built. I do recall R.P. saying he wishes he could have purchased the old Ontario Motor Speedway before it was torn down because it would have saved him millions. The irony is that Fontana is about four miles from the site of OMS.

Q: My father-in-law gave me a two-seater ride for Christmas this year. I was just at IMS taking the ride this past weekend. All I can say is it was by far the scariest thing I've ever done in my life! I have no idea how the drivers do that for 3+ hours on a full track at 45+ mph faster, and I really, really have no idea how the drivers did that in decades past at similar speeds and G-forces with much less safety built into the car.

Charlie Kimball happened to be there and hopped in one of the cars to give a ride to a guy who had won a charity auction. My wife flagged him for a photo and he was extremely nice to my 5-year-old son. Great guy – he made a new fan Saturday. Kudos to everyone involved with the IndyCar Experience - they run a great operation.

Relatedly, is the two-seater more of a novelty for people who can pay the freight and sponsors, or have guys like Mark Miles, Jay Frye, and others who have the power and position to make decisions and spread the brand taken that ride as well?

Clint, Chicago

RM: Glad you got to experience Indy, and I wish all mechanics and engineers could ride in the two-seater at a road course to feel the acceleration, braking, etc. and relate to what their driver is telling them. The two-seater is usually purchased and I believe you can also drive it but that costs more, but obviously it’s used for celebrities and IndyCar sponsors as well. Charlie is one of the best.

Most IndyCar drivers are happy to make time for fans, and that definitely includes Charlie Kimball. Image by LePage/LAT

Q: Robin, if half the drivers had a quarter of your personality, racing would be twice as popular. As a 40-year racing fan, here are a few of my thoughts. Despite all the whining, we are so lucky to have so much TV coverage. IndyCar has never had so many good and great drivers and unpredictable races. Juan Pablo Montoya was as good as anyone I ever saw. Michael Andretti was an oval magician, and an even better owner – thanks.

Despite all his success, Gil de Ferran is still the most underrated. Greg Moore should never have been allowed to race with that large wrist cast, and only one day after his injury. Josef Newgarden does everything right but looks like the guy Stallone fought in "Rocky 4" – and with the same personality. I have great respect for Danica Patrick but her win in Japan was fixed and by none other than Roger Penske (a great man). Rossi will not leave Andretti. Mario is still pissed off at Danny Sullivan’s spin and win. If Marco was only as good as Dale Jr., it would have been huge for IndyCar.

Paul Tracy was robbed at Indy, but was due bad karma for his career-long “aggressive “ driving. But sure could use his personality in today’s overly restrained drivers. The Indy 500 is the most exciting event in sports.  I don’t get all the NASCAR hostility. Those guys race their hearts out in a very strenuous and competitive environment. Stage racing is interesting and doesn’t seem to affect the finish. NASCAR races are too long, so maybe just watch final stage. Best driver ever has to be David Pearson, but Kyle Busch does things that look like an optical illusion. How can you not love Ryan Newman?

F1? Great drivers, great cars, but technological processions. Most boring race series. F1’s biggest race at Monaco is the worst, with virtually no passing even possible. The Daytona 500 is mostly a fluky crapashoot. But the Indy 500 rewards only the best. Could go on and on because I just love racing.

Jonathan Smith

RM: Wow, you covered so much ground I didn’t realize you didn’t ask a question. But there are lots of great personalities in IndyCar, including Newgarden, and the field is very deep but not sure the talent rivals some of the '60s and '70s line-ups. If The Captain fixed Japan for Danica then it simply confirms the fact he’s the smartest man in motorsports. OK, next time please send in a question.