Robin Miller's Mailbag for November 13, 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.

It almost goes without saying that Roger Penske’s purchase of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NTT IndyCar series was one of the biggest stories not only in RACER.com’s history, but also for open-wheel racing and its followers. The reams of emails have been divided into comments and questions – just like last week with Hinch. I’m sorry if we didn’t use everyone’s, but as you can imagine there was quite a bit of duplication, so I tried to represent as many different opinions as possible. And the normal Mailbag resumes after the Penske questions. Thanks for everyone’s participation over these past two weeks. Robin.

My favorite saying during IndyCar races has always been A.B.P. – Anybody But Penske! I don’t hate Roger Penske, I was just tired of so many wins for his team. I was also tired of so-called racing fans loving the Penske team because it was easy to love the winner. I am an underdog lover, although I greatly appreciate Roger Penske and all he has done for the sport.

Yes, Penske deserves the wins, yes he is the best, yes he has the best team, yes to all of it.  And even though lately IndyCar has become much more of an even playing field with the current car and engine packages, Penske still beats everyone else. Well, imagine me falling off of my chair the other day when I read that Roger bought the Speedway! I was shocked and elated! Hip hip hurray! Now things will improve! The sport I have loved since 1967 may just finally take its rightful place among the stick and ball sports. And who better to do this that The Captain! My friend and I are ecstatic! So, anybody want to buy my “A B P “ T-shirts? Maybe I should change them to N.B.P. – Nobody But Penske!

Sean Raymond

It's always been said Wilbur Shaw and Anton Tony Hulman saved the Speedway. It may be said someday that Roger Penske saved IndyCar racing. I can't think of anyone better suited than The Captain (and his people). His phoning A. J. and Mario tells me most of what I need to know in a positive way!

Ron Carbaugh, Eaton, OH

Sounds like we all agree that the Speedway is in safe hands. Image by Levitt/LAT

There is no person better on earth that can continue the stewardship of the iconic IMS. Roger’s heart, knowledge of motor racing and impeccable business savvy will not only benefit IndyCar, but all of motorsports. All his businesses have been extremely community friendly and he has a huge heart for people.

Stephen Janny, Nazareth, PA

Thanks for your Penske purchase story. Coming from you, I can accept that this is the best news of the past 50 years in Indy. I believe Penske has always demonstrated due diligence, paid his dues, done his homework, busted his butt to get it right, or however we choose to phrase it: he is a winner, a dedicated hard worker, he builds people up, and sets and maintains exceptional standards. When dampers (shocks) were not adequately developed for superspeedways, he built up a group of over 20 crewmen dedicated to shock development and management.

When teams were foundering in gear-set and final drive ratio selections for Indy, he realized that many teams were trying to find out what ratios his research had led him to use for the upcoming Indy 500, so he ordered and paid for gear sets from Xtrac for 21 (!) different ratio sets and final drive numbers to mask his choice. What’s the point of dragging out that history again? It is validation of his approach, understanding, and commitment. He is not a “checkbook racer,” not a guy that just throws money at issues and problems. He is a problem solver. It’s time for a party.

Rick W., California

I was a CART safety team volunteer for years but I gave up my Indy 500 tix in 1996 (after 21 years) vowing to never come back until T.G. got his personal checkered flag and the Speedway was sold. I never again bought products from IRL sponsors. Economaki/ Speed Sport News; Indianapolis Star subscription for May only; RPM Tonight were all in my rear view mirror. I just consoled myself with my love of F1 since the bloodbath years of the 1960s to the present time. Stewart, Emmo and Hamilton kept me going from era-to-era, but still there was that huge void with no Indy racing sanity in sight. And then, last Monday my 60-year-passion for Indy racing was again restored!

Anyone writing to you with a note of caution or negative response of Roger buying the Speedway or IndyCar is frickin' crazy. This is the guy who will manage everything as a business, not a sport. There is no other way to approach motorsports to ensure its survival in our world today. In doing so, IndyCar has its only chance to survive. Thank you so very much for your devotion to AOWR/ Indy and best wishes for you personally and professionally as we enter a period of optimism we haven't had in nearly 25 years.

Patty Anderson, Omaha, NE

I for one will voice the opinion that I have zero concern about a conflict of interest for The Captain’s IndyCar team and his IMS venture. At some point we all realize our fragile human mortality and that it’s not about our personal achievements in life, but rather the legacy we leave behind. He has already maximized the legacy of his IndyCar team, and he already said he’s going to step down from the pit box. What reason would he have to load the deck in Team Penske’s favor? They clearly don’t need the help, and what more is there for him to achieve? No, his vision of legacy is clearly bigger than Team Penske. Rather, what bigger impact could The Captain have on the sport than saving IMS from itself and steering the ship to assure IndyCar’s legacy for generations to come. I have complete faith in The Captain; the ship is in the best hands possible.

Scott B., Gainesville, FL

I did not expect Roger Penske to buy both IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There is a part of me that wishes he had bought it 40 years ago when he, Pat Patrick, Dan Gurney, and Jim Hall could have bought the Speedway, or had bought it 25 years ago before the formation of the Indy Racing League. I can't say that it's too late to go back to the golden age of CART, but maybe it would be a good thing and have car owners like Michael Andretti, Bobby Rahal, Chip Ganassi, etc., to have a seat on the IMS board to make changes such as trying to make qualifying for the Indy 500 meaningful and add 20-22 race schedule to extend until November. Before the news of Penske buying both IndyCar and IMS I didn't the series was improving, and now after hearing the news, I believe that this will be the beginning of IndyCar returning back to the glory days of the past.

Alistair F.

I truly believe that Penske buying IMS and the series is the best thing that could happen. Will he run it more like a business? Sure. He has to. That said, a few things he has supported in the past do concern me since I am a die-hard traditionalist.  Those two items are guaranteed spots, and shortening the month of May. The excitement and drama last year was terrific. Maybe not what it once was, but a fantastic day nonetheless. Three of us always come over the Thursday before quals and stay through Monday practice. Being there for several days gives you a true feel for who is doing what, and how they got to where they will be on race day.  Not to mention breakfast for four days straight at Charlie Browns.

I cannot imagine being at the race and the first time you see the cars all month is on the parade laps. We have enjoyed that weekend just as much race weekend. I would imagine a lot of people feel the same way. Why don't you suggest to Roger that he has a town hall meeting somewhere in Speedway in January once the deal closes? It would be good for him to hear just how passionate people are about the place, and how it is woven into fans' DNA just like racing is in his? Deep down he probably knows that, but some reinforcement might be a good thing. We need a solid marriage of sound business practice and the traditions that have made the Speedway what it is.

Don Weidig, Canton, OH

Penske plans to get input about the Speedway's future from right across the spectrum -- including fans. Image by Levitt/LAT

I attended 26 straight pre-split 500s and four since; my most recent was 2018 and I proclaimed it would be my last, due to a less-than-ideal fan experience and my aversion to enriching T.G. Within three hours of the Penske purchase announcement, I had bought tickets for the 2020 Indy 500.

Rick, Marengo, Ohio

I'm not going to be a naysayer or doomsday pontificator. Like him or hate him, the simple fact is Roger Penske does not go into a business with the idea of losing money. Roger would only buy a business if he saw value in it and could make money by owning and operating it. Roger and Co. may need to invest in a business they acquire, but they do that with a solid plan in place to get the financial return they need. IndyCar and IMS have needed some investments and a bigger budget to grow the series closer to what it was before the Split.

The Penske organization has the deep pockets necessary to plan and fund the improvements needed to grow the series. Getting NBC onboard was a huge step in the right direction. But you know there still is a long way to go. It is my expectation the Penske organization will make the necessary investments to grow the series and maintain the aura of the Indy 500 as the greatest spectacle in motorsports. I see an awful lot of potential upside to this deal.

John Balestrieri, Milwaukee

Last Monday morning, my various electronic 'I have something to say!' apps blew up over Penske's purchase of IMS, the IndyCar Series and relevant assets. Then the social media posts and threads started, speculating about good vs. bad, risk vs. reward, conflict of interest, etc. One popular subject of content was his age, and what would/will happen when The Captain eventually goes the way of all things? So I refer you to a passage penned by Rabindranath Tagore, 1913 Nobel Prize Winner in Literature: “The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life."

Roger Penske's entire life has been centered around racing. He knows how old he is and his mortality prospects. He also knows all about lawyers, trusts and binding business agreements that can make a decision made today remain in effect far into tomorrow. Roger Penske has bought the orchard to ensure trees are planted as long as he has breath to boost IndyCar, the Indianapolis 500 and Indianapolis Motor Speedway to heights he will never see, for decades. Good on him.

The Captain will assemble a more than qualified board and lay out short, mid- and long-term plans for America’s oldest racing series. For the rest of his life he will work to ensure that IndyCar racing and the Brickyard will grow and prosper. If the rumors are true, that Tony George approached Penske at the last race of the season to solicit this sale, I will refer you to one more quote, by Roman philosopher Seneca: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” No one is ever more prepared for whatever may come than Roger Penske. I think this is great.

Bill Tybur, Phoenix

R.P. is a smart and successful guy and he more than likely has the financial resources to make the purchase and run it all in the short-term, but long-term? I don’t have a lot of faith that he’ll own the Speedway long-term. This is because he has built, owned and sold at least four race tracks in the past, so his history shows he won’t own the Speedway in the future. When he sells it is anyone guess, but he will sell it at some point. When that day comes who buys it? He’ll keep IndyCar.

Warbird Willie

I have to give you a shout out for your interview with R.P. on RACER.com. Nobody has the access that you have, and you earned whatever they pay you for the year for that interview. And you made him laugh a couple times. I am over the moon with enthusiasm over the Indy deal, and can't wait to see the future unfold. Long live Indy and long live RP.

Erik Karlsson

Yes Robin, best news ever and heard him tell you he wants to improve for the fans. Well, my first thought to get me back is to quit trying to be F1 – except maybe the start! The races are horrible – single-file restarts and the rest create a follow the leader separated by football fields. And if he doesn’t correct this trend, you can bet IndyCar will go the way of Sprints and Midgets, because there is just no excitement for the younger generation, and us old-timers are running out!

Dan Catton

My perspective as one fan on some things Roger might consider include:

George Eckart, Winston-Salem, NC

Spec Miatas at the Brickyard? Sounds like George from Winston-Salem would have enjoyed a trip to the Runoffs in 2017. Image by IMS

I am sure that my email is one of thousands of emails you are getting about the announcement of The Captain taking over IMS, as well as IndyCar. Earlier today I was in Glendale, Arizona checking out the NASCAR Cup Series haulers where they are parked until their staging day at ISM Raceway for the playoff race. Where I was at, the Team Penske haulers was parked, and I noticed one of the hauler drivers inside the trailer doing some work. I won't say the hauler driver’s name, but I was chatting with him and brought up the news of Roger buying IMS, and IndyCar, and thought that it was going to be a good deal. The hauler driver replies back. "He's never done any of us wrong before." Which is just more evidence to believe that Penske is going to do everything to take care of everyone associated with IMS, as well as IndyCar.

Kevin, North Carolina

OK, I get it; if IMS and IndyCar were to be sold, who better than Roger Penske to buy them? Hell, let’s extend the benefit of the doubt and call him the reincarnation of Tony Hulman. And I agree it is fair to say he will indeed attempt to put firewalls in place to avoid conflicts of interest (although imagine being a race steward having to decide whether to penalize one of your boss’s drivers!). Accepting at face all the goodwill R.P. rightfully has earned, he is 82 years old. When he’s no longer around, the Speedway and the series will simply be two of many profit/loss line items on the ledger of a Detroit-based corporation and its board of directors. And yes, that makes me uneasy.

David Spear

We all know how great it is that Roger is now in control of IndyCar. We know how good he has been over the years; that even when it’s harder and harder to find big-name sponsors, he can find them and make it work. I feel that Roger will be able to pull in some big names and get some more title sponsors for races. The biggest thing is to get a new OEM. He has such pull that if he calls up someone like Toyota they will listen to him, unlike the old people running the series before him. This is the most exciting news in years!

Rick from PA

Penske has the vision, acumen, and connections to be phenomenal in resurrecting the glory of open wheel racing in North America. My fear is history is repeating itself and we are on our way to CART 2.0. All the former CART folks are already involved in IndyCar, the latest car chassis, smack of CART 1.5, but now Penske calling the shots are we headed back to the CART days? May not be a bad thing since the fields were deep with talent and  sponsors. Could be a bad thing in that still not able to get the casual fan to understand the difference between IndyCar and F1.

Troay Strong, Kansas City, MO

There is zero downside to Penske buying IMS and IndyCar, he has the capital to invest in growing it. I just wish it would have happened 20 years ago.

Matt, Dallas, TX

I think you have Roger’s ear better than I do, so we have a suggestion from our group for you to pass on to Roger: Have the public address system also transmitted thru Bluetooth or wireless so we can hear thru headsets or earphones. The noise has always blocked out the public address speakers -- just a suggestion.

Bill Cantwell

And now, onto the regular Mailbag...

Q: For many years I have harbored ill will towards Tony George for what he did to open-wheel racing. I thought what he did with the IRL was born out of arrogance and the folly of youth. In light of the recent sale of the Speedway to Penske, my opinion of the man and his actions have somewhat changed. From what I have read, it appears that T.G. is the one who saved the Speedway from falling into some faceless corporate hands. While the IRL was a disaster for the sport, it seems that Mr. George was motivated by more than just ego. He was doing what he thought was right for the Speedway and the sport. He got it wrong in 1996, but he certainly saved the day in 2019. He should be commended for that. I hope you agree.

Justin, Park City, UT

RM: As tough as I was on T.G. during the Split, I never questioned his passion or loyalty to IMS. And I think reaching out to R.P. reinforced his desire to make sure it remained with someone that cared just as much. He absolutely deserves a big thank you.

Q: Great news about Roger Penske buying IMS and IndyCar from the Hulman-George family. Huge kudos to the Hulman-George family for everything they've done for IMS/IndyCar, and especially Tony George, who I don't think gets enough credit for the SAFER barrier safety innovation. I think it gets lost in all the damage he caused by the Split. Now that Penske is in charge, do you see Ford Motor Company possibly returning to IndyCar?

It sounds like perfect timing. Ford has hybrid Mustangs and F-150s in the pipeline as well as this Mach E Mustang-inspired SUV. It's a shame that a company with such a rich open-wheel history isn't at the 500 or involved in open-wheel racing. What caused this rift? And if a third manufacturer joined the series, do you think Penske would open up the chance for something else to be the pace car? I realize this is largely a marketing and money-making exercise for the Speedway, but a Ford GT or Acura NSX would look great pacing the 11 rows of three.

Scott St. Clair, Erie, PA

RM: Well, since he runs a Ford in NASCAR, a Honda in IMSA and a Chevy in IndyCar, The Captain is one of the few car owners that can mix and match and stay on good terms with everyone. I have no idea which manufacturer he might approach, but I’ll bet we have a third engine within six months. Back in 2014 Edsel Ford II said there was “no value” in IndyCar and that’s why Ford wouldn’t be a player. But maybe R.P. changes his mind. Let’s worry about the pace car after IndyCar gets another manufacturer.

Is the time ripe for Ford's return? Image by Boyd/LAT

Q: So, great news. R.P. is, like most Presidential candidates, no spring chicken. I wish him a long life, but what would be the stewardship plans for the future within his family or a corporate partner? Here’s to a bright future!

Alex Eisenberg, Port Chester, NY

RM: I would imagine Greg Penske takes the point and Tim Cindric runs the racing operation, but I’m pretty sure R.P. is going to live to be 100, just like A.J.

Q: With Roger Penske's acquisition of the IndyCar Series, do you think there is a need to insulate the rulemaking and stewarding processes from the appearance of conflict of interest? If so, what might that look like? From everything I have ever read about him, Roger Penske is man of integrity. There may not be much concern about actual meddling, but the series will suffer if there is even an appearance that the "fix is in" for the racing team that just happens to be owned by the same person who owns the series. Reverse the players in the 1981 Indy 500, and imagine that controversy playing out in today's social media environment with one of the principals the owner of the decision-maker.

Bob Lawless

RM: Not at all. The Captain is too smart and polished to do anything that compromises competition at IMS or IndyCar. Yes he loves the unfair advantage, but I don’t think anyone in IndyCar is too concerned about that carrying over into the rulebook.

Q: Congrats to Roger Penske for his purchase of IMS and IndyCar. His to-do list must be a mile long. In your opinion, where does getting a third engine supplier on board fall? We all know that Mark Miles and Jay Frye have been beating the bushes to get a third supplier on board, but will Penske have better luck getting this done? If a third supplier can be found, it would certainly take the pressure off of Honda and Chevy and allow the car count to grow. Penske is also going to need to attract new teams and sponsors to the series. Do you think having him in charge will help draw new interest in IndyCar? There are too many good drivers looking for too few seats. The Hinch situation really brought this to a head. Changes won't happen overnight, but I hope we start seeing results soon.

Ed Davis, Plain City, OH

RM: I think R.P. will systematically seek a third engine manufacturer, work on ways to bolster the purses, try to improve the economics and upgrade IMS for the fans. But give the guy at least a year to put his plans and people in motion.

Q: I’m having trouble unpacking Mark Miles’s description of what was purchased: "IMS, IndyCar, IMS Productions, the museum and the Coke lot, but not the building. And it’s the museum building, but not the collection or operation of the museum.” Assuming the building in the first sentence is the Coca Cola Bottling building, does this mean Penske Entertainment owns the museum building but someone else will own the collection and run the museum? If so, who? Also, outside of his young spectator years, has RP ever seen the inside of a grandstand restroom? (A plea for mercy in Stand E.)

Tom Hinshaw, Santa Barbara, CA

RM: Penske owns the IMS Museum but none of the cars, and Tony George still runs it. R.P. owns the Coke lot, but not the old Coke building on its south side.

Q: I am so happy about the purchase. But is everyone in the paddock? My geekdom took over and I did a search of Twitter and it appears all owners are very happy, but Dale Coyne’s Twitter was quiet. I know he is a smaller-budget guy that has battled the big teams, so is it possible he is not thrilled? Or am I reading too much into it? I am sure some teams are not as much on board as others, but is there a chance that an owner may not approve? Also, I have to think that Penske has to have more credibility with OEMs and tracks. How big will that part be? Love the Mailbag! Continued good health, and I hope the Old Scout is making some money and getting bad backdoor cover beats!

John Guedel

RM: Dale is a very bright guy so I can’t imagine that he doesn’t see all the upsides of having The Captain calling the shots now. Not being on Twitter would be smart in my mind.

Q: I'm happy that Roger will own IMS and IndyCar Series. Finally we fans have been waiting for the series take the next step since the 2008 merger. Finally we have the chance for IndyCar to get back what it lost. Since Roger owns the collective history, do you think Roger will bring the Champ Car or CART moniker back? Maybe Porsche will take another look at the series now.

Kevin, Long Beach, CA

RM: No, I think IndyCar is the least confusing and most identifiable title we can have. I think a lot of manufacturers might have more than a passing interest after RP’s takeover.

Q: Now that The Captain has taken the helm of the whole series, and, given his well-earned reputation for taking the long view, do you think it possible that he would choose to help certain drivers compete to bring more butts in the seats and eyes on the screens? For example, would he pony up a $2 to $3 million to help get Hinch a seat for the season, or maybe less just for the 500? I just saw that Simona de Silvestro is leaving Supercars and signing with the Porsche Formula E program. She would be free for the 500 given their schedule. What are the possibilities that the Captain would call his friends at Porsche and work a deal to get her a seat for the 500 and maybe throw some money into the deal? She would bring a lot of interest. I still think she has unfinished business in IndyCar!

Rob Roten, Spring Hill, TN

RM: I have no idea but he’s got bigger fish to fry, so if anything like that happened I imagine he would lean on Jay Frye to make it happen. Would he put Fernando Alonso in his fourth car at Indianapolis? Now that is something he might make a call about.

Cool as it would be to see de Silvestro back in one of these cars, making it happen probably isn't on Roger Penske's top 10 list. It might be number 11, though. Image by Ellmann/LAT

Q: I'm currently listening to the press conference on the sale of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IMS Productions, and the NTT Indycar Series to Roger Penske, and I'm very much looking forward to reading all the comments and your replies to this historic moment in IndyCar history. And in general, I'm very excited about the future of IndyCar going forward. But, for the love of God, would somebody please, please, please tell Roger Penske it isn't called the IRL anymore! Holy hell, I never realized how much that name made me twitch until today.

Douglas Cole, Beaverton, OR

RM: I’ve sent The Captain an email about that very subject, and warned him the next time there will be a fine.

Q: During the press conference today Roger Penske made reference to his top 10. I assume he was talking about changes or ideas he has for IMS and IndyCar moving forward. What do you think his top 10 is going to or should include? What would your top 10 be?

Ben, West Michigan

RM: I imagine a better economic blueprint, bettering the fan experience, adding sponsors and improving the IMS museum. I’ll be writing a column about my top 10 next week.

Q: We were leaving Austin after a great Formula 1 weekend and got the amazing news about The Captain buying IMS and IndyCar -- a really huge story, which immediately raised a question or two.

In May you spoke about the traditionalists wanting the fastest 33 in the Indy 500. Penske and you and others advocated 20-some guaranteed spots to protect IndyCar regular stakeholders. Will Penske be the rulemaker who decides these rules and standards? He will obviously be looking out for the overall health of the sport and not just his team, so that will be refreshing. Maybe the NASCAR/IndyCar doubleheader will get facilitated quicker also. Regarding Hinchcliffe and Zak Brown's reversal comments, can we assume he will be guaranteed a ride at Indy (with them, or someone else)? That would be good for the sport and his fans. Hopefully he lands with Rahal and keeps a Honda behind him. Looks like Alonso will be far down the pecking order with the young kids and Hinch on the payroll.

Craig Bailey, Palm Bay, FL

RM: I’m sure Roger would consult with Mark Miles and Jay Frye about any and all rule changes for May, if any are made, along with the team owners. Not sure the doubleheader has any future at IMS, and don’t assume anything with Hinch and AMSP.

Q: I awoke Monday and had just begun to read the morning paper when my phone suddenly went crazy with texts like, “Have you heard the news at the Speedway?” In St. Louis, not even the NBC affiliate carried the story on the evening news. I wasn’t surprised at that, having moved here from Indiana in 1976. So thanks to my Hoosier friends for giving me a heads-up! And thank you for your insightful article on Monday’s announcement of the impending Penske purchase of IMS and IndyCar. RP doesn’t often fail, and when he does, he’s not afraid to make major adjustments. I see only positives in this major news. So… tying the Hulman-George/Penske/Arrow McLaren SP stories together, do you think McLaren and RP will work a deal to get a second chassis constructor in IndyCar? Keep on writing!

Jim Bryan (Ball State alum and Indy/Robin Miller fan since the late '60s), St. Louis, MO

RM: I don’t think a second chassis is nearly as vital as a third engine manufacturer, and I’m not sure there’s anyone interested in building IndyCars to compete with Dallara’s prices.

Q: So The Captain may have more collaboration with IMSA. In their prototype class (IndyCar with a full body) they have Cadillac (GM), Acura (Honda), Mazda and Onroak (Nissan?) [ED: It was indeed Nissan, but you probably won't see those cars on the grid in in 2020]. Le Mans also has Toyota, Porsche, Ford and who else? [ED (hello again): Toyota shares the WEC LMP1 class with Rebellion and Ginetta, which use Gibson and AER engines respectively. Porsche runs in GTE Pro; Ford shuttered its factory GT program this year]. Can’t IndyCar adopt an engine formula for 2022 that would allow all these to compete with engines they already supply to IMSA-type cars? BTW – great reporting on the news of the century, especially the call from A.J.

Bill Krill

RM: Any and every engine is fair game with R.P., but let’s give him a few months to get the lay of the land and see who might be interested. But IndyCar already has its engine specs for 2022.

Q: Now that Tony George no longer owns IMS, do you think he will do what he should have before The Split and put the money into creating a powerhouse team? Maybe team up with A.J. Foyt or Ed Carpenter?

Jason Cange, Wendell, NC

RM: TG is co-owner of ECR today, and I’m not sure he’s got the kind of money to invest that you are suggesting.

As the now-retro Fuzzy's signage suggests, George's ties to ECR predate the IMS sale. Image by Levitt/LAT

Q: OK Miller, they kept this one from you, which isn't easy. But who's to say The Captain stops here? Rumor around here in Daytona is that NASCAR is for sale (more like a well-known fact). So what stops The Captain from buying that too, controlling racing and most of the tracks in North America, and reviving the general health of all motorsports in the U.S.? (I wouldn't say money stops him either, with Penske revenues reported at $32 billion.) I don't think it's that far fetched with the goings-on this week.

Ethan Donahue

RM: Indianapolis is dear to R.P.’s heart and he jumped at the chance to buy it, but I don’t think he’s got the same emotional ties to NASCAR. His plate is plenty full now, he doesn’t need anything else in terms of race tracks or series.

Q: Couldn't be happier that Roger has purchased the IMS and associated companies. He's the only person that not only has business sense but true passion for the IMS/500. Now that Miles et al are out, do you think the fear of racing in the fall will be dealt with in an adult manner? After all, Jay is a media mogul of sorts. Saturday night races, etc., would increase value to the fans, for sure. Another thing that would add value would be standing starts (including Indy if spots are guaranteed – that would be something to watch!) and double-file restarts. Fans love it, and if betting is involved, think of the bets available! With 2022 and new engines coming, engineer the gearboxes to accommodate it now. Would be awesome. Thoughts on these change-ups?

Chip, Earleville, MD

RM: First of all, Mark Miles isn’t out. R.P. told him he’ll remain the CEO of the new company, Penske Entertainment. As for the schedule, I think The Captain understands the uphill battle on Saturdays and Sundays in football season, so I’m not sure there would be any of the old days when CART raced into November. And standing starts aren’t on anyone’s radar right now.

Q: Roger Penske owns Indy Car and IMS. I pinched myself when I saw it. Then I said, I wonder if Miller and Pruett knew about it, and it seems to have somewhat caught you two off-guard. So I’m going to toss one out to you for you to break exclusively on RACER. Not only is it the name of a business partner greater than any other name anyone could come up with, but there’s a business case for it. Only a name like Roger Penske could set up a deal with Amazon.

You’re a degenerate football gambler so I’m certain you’ve seen the AWS advertisements. Wouldn’t it benefit NBC and IndyCar to partner with someone in the business of data and analytics to quantify how awesome that pass was, how close to the edge that qualifying lap was, and so on? Here’s the other piece. Amazon is capable of delivering the product to an international audience. They’re also likely capable of creating a proprietary app and some online/app based in-car camera feeds and telemetry. How many more business reasons need to be listed to make this a great idea for both parties? If you find out, let me know I’ll come up with some more.

Ryan in West Michigan

RM: First off, I think you wrote this before I wrote my “Breaking News” column, and the shocker for me was that it was Roger. Never thought he’d be interested at his age. As for Amazon, I believe Mark Miles talked to them once about streaming IndyCar races, but now with R.P. at his side maybe he can revisit that pitch and possibly discuss a sponsorship.

Q: Did CART just win the open-wheel war? Hear me out. Rewind to early 2000s, CART sends Penske to the IRL as a "mole" and to send back information, paving the way for a fake merger in 2008 where the Champ Car teams come on board and work at taking down Tony George from the inside whilst also being able to race at Indy once again.

First T.G. is pushed aside, then IRL becomes IndyCar, and Penske, one of CARTs main men, then spends the next decade dominating the former IRL before, when the time is right, buying not only the series but the hallowed home track of the man who caused the Split! Somewhere Gerry Forsythe is loving this, is he not?

I joke about this all of course, but to me Penske seems like the best man ever positioned to return the series to its CART glory days. What do you think we'll see from The Captain in his first few years at the helm?

Jason McVeigh, Northern Ireland

RM: R.P. went to Indy on his own, and that was the beginning of the end of CART. And T.G. was removed from power by his family, nobody else, after he reunified open-wheel in 2008. Not sure what Gerry thinks, but I intend to call him and see if this gets him back in IndyCar racing. I think The Captain will improve IMS and IndyCar visually and economically.

Q: I laughed out loud when I read your quotes from Foyt and Penske! Can you imagine the laughs they got (along with Mark Miles, Tony George and others) since you didn’t get the story? And yet, you somehow got big NASCAR stories first? Ain’t that life for you? Penske’s purchase is the best possible news. I’m in total agreement with what you have written. Thank you for another great season of coverage.

Mark M.

RM: Oh yeah they enjoyed it immensely. Here’s a little story. I called Mark Miles on Saturday (Nov. 2) and left him a message to call me back but I didn’t say it was urgent or what it was in regards to, so trying to be coy cost me. If I’d said: “call about the sale of the track,” he said he would have and I believe him, because he’s always been honest with me.

So Miles would have returned Robin's call if he'd known what it was about. But would he have spilled the beans? Image by Levitt/LAT

Q: You tried to confirm the rumors and everyone was on DEFCON-4, so no callbacks. Did your best. As you are usually the one to ferret out these things, I was surprised that you didn't have the lead on this, but yet, you're the guy who always gets these, so I can see that the principals specifically embargoed you. I'd take that as a compliment. I hope R.P. makes you The Commissioner. And I love your take on all this, and you're right, it's as good of news as we all could've hoped. R.P. is the right guy to have as owner. I'm sort of surprised he didn't do it sooner. Is this his retirement job or what? I have been questioning the (bad) idea of The Man Who Owns Everything having a competing team, but I think it can be fair. I hope it is.

Bill Bailey

RM: It took me until Thursday (Oct. 31) to really take the rumor seriously, but I’d heard NASCAR and Liberty Media, and didn’t hear R.P.’s name until Saturday. But like I told Miles, to not break this story was less painful because it’s such good news for IndyCar racing. I want R.P. to put me in charge of setting the lines at every race and making prop bets for Indianapolis. But retirement? That’s a word The Captain doesn’t recognize. He’ll simply sleep less and work harder.

Q: Every time one of the France family made a sideways glance to the north, rumors started flying about IMS being sold. How in the world were they able to keep this quiet for this long?

Scott C, Bargersville, IN

RM: Same way they kept the Mercedes engine quiet in 1994. The Captain demands loyalty and what’s best for the team, so even though about a dozen people knew, nobody said anything until that little leak on Thursday.

Q: As a native of and long-time resident of Indianapolis, I was excited to hear that Roger Penske will be the new owner of IMS and IndyCar. I think it will be great for the series to have a true racer behind the decision-making. As for the IMS track itself, do you think there's any chance Mr. Penske would consider bringing back the apron? It would provide two racing lines in the turns for IndyCars, and provide more room for the NASCAR boys and maybe make the Brickyard race a bit more entertaining. Thanks for your passion for IndyCar! Also, any chance IndyCar comes to Kentucky in the near future?

David Patterson, Versailles, KY

RM: Danny Sullivan is already lobbying for it and the person at IMS that deemed it responsible for injuries is long gone, so I don’t see why R.P. wouldn’t bring it back. No idea about future tracks, way too early.

Q: Do you think R.P. will have lights put up around the Speedway? He mentioned a 24-hour race, but it would be really cool to have the season-ending IndyCar race there at night on the oval. Your thoughts?

Joe, Indy

RM: I asked him on our video and he quoted $20 or $25 million to install lights, so I don’t see how IMS ever recoups that investment with a night race for NASCAR or IndyCar.

Q: So, when Roger wins the Indy 500 again, will he be awarding the Borg-Warner Trophy to himself?

Chuck, Chelmsford, MA

RM: Good question. I imagine he’ll delegate Tim Cindric. Or maybe his wife Kathy, she deserves it.

Q: The most popular question amongst IMS attendees seems to be about the 70-year-old restrooms allocated to those of us buying "cheap seat" tickets. Do you know if Roger got to see them on Tuesday's tour, and can you give us the pooper scoop?

Rick, Marengo, OH

RM: I didn’t ask about the restrooms but he’s very observant and he’s already said he’ll listen to the fans, so I imagine an upgrade is forthcoming.

Q: Generally, these letters all seem to be prefaced by blowing smoke up your behind. I've always enjoyed your writing. There ya go, got that out of the way. 

I had a thought regarding Penske believing that regulars should be guaranteed a starting spot in the 500. Why not leave the current bump system, but reserve a promoter's option for a 34th starter? It would need to be someone in the top ‘X’ of current/past season points and only be available to one person. They'd start last. If the regular wasn't in the top X, no promoter's option. It certainly adds a talking point if it happens. They need those smaller Indy-only teams because a good 500 payday could help convert them to a full-time team. I would think fields of two-car teams would be more stable over the long run than a few five-car teams.

Rich Chesavage, North Tustin, CA

RM: That’s a good idea and a backup in case a Hinch or some full-timer misses the show. Everyone is all agog that tradition is trampled if you guarantee spots and that would have been true when we had 50 cars going for 33 places, but today’s economics override that in my mind. If people hadn’t noticed, it’s tough finding and keeping a sponsor today, so common sense needs to be applied. And the pathetic purse doesn’t enable any little team to step up to full-time, because without the Leader’s Circle you barely earn enough to cover your tire bill for May. Was it exciting that Pippa Mann made the show and Fernando Alonso didn’t? I suppose, but the race garners a lot more publicity with a two-time world champion in it, and your suggestion might have saved Hinch in 2018. There was nothing more dramatic than Bump Day prior to The Split, but 35 cars going for 33 spots, who cares? Let 'em all run for $200,000.

Q: Penske now owns IndyCar and IMS, so technically due to the Speedway acquiring many trademarks and historic records etc during the merger of '08, Roger Penske now once again owns CART. What are the odds that Roger, being a former resident of Shaker Heights OH, magically brings back the Cleveland Grand Prix?

Paul in Ellenton

RM: If Mike Lanigan finds a $500,000 title sponsor, gets the mayor’s support and isn’t charged a ridiculous sanction fee, then maybe he approaches R.P. about a return to Burke Lakefront Airport. But that’s a real longshot.

Q: An article on the Miami Grand Prix venue selection triggered my thoughts on the Indy road course. Would The Captain bring IMSA or F1 to the Indy road course? My personal opinion is that it’s an ugly duckling of a road venue. How about you start the rumor that he and John Doonan are planning a joint IndyCar/IMSA weekend at Burke Lakefront. Ten times better than the electric train set that has become F1, in any venue.

Brian Bristo, London Ontario

RM: I don’t think you can rule anything out as a possibility with The Captain until he’s had time to digest the players, the contracts and the interest. But with Doonan in charge, I think a doubleheader at The Glen suddenly has a fighting chance.

Wow, there really is no story that you guys can't somehow tie back to Cleveland, is there? Image by LAT

Q: Hey Miller, I loved your interview with RP. Good lord I wish he wasn't so old, like all of us. So much vision and clarity. Do you see anyone on the horizon with his passion and love for the sport?

JJ, Oologah, OK

RM: I think A.J. has it, along with Chip and Michael but not sure there’s anyone with R.P.’s international dealings, business acumen, passion, history and resources.

Q: Roger Penske has indicated he wants to have a IndyCar/NASCAR doubleheader at the Speedway. The way I envision the race is to hold it on the Indy GP weekend and run both series at the same time on the road course. The Indy cars would lead the field to the green followed by the stockers. After a few laps the Indy gang would catch the tail end of the NASCAR field and have to start working their way through the throng. Should be exciting.

Tim

RM: He did? I must have missed that one. I know he’s had some positive things to say about an IndyCar/NASCAR doubleheader, but I never heard anything about IMS. Keep in mind that NBC has been bullish on this idea from the start so it needs to be during their NASCAR window from July to November. But there’s not a big enough liability package to cover stock cars and IndyCars on the same track at the same time. Maybe in iRacing, but not real life.

Q: I understand that Penske, Andretti and Ganassi are the glue holding IndyCar racing together. However, when I see that Andretti will have five cars on the grid, plus maybe Hinch at Indy, and Penske/Ganassi also have multi-car teams, I wonder about the possibility of team racing interfering with what used to be 33 animals fighting over the hamburger. Your thoughts?

Ed, Bozeman, Montana

RM: One of the great things about R.P. throughout his history is that he always lets his drivers decide the outcome on the track. No team orders. No pulling over. And this year at Mid-Ohio you watched Dixon and Rosenqvist go at it for the win, and I’ve never seen Andretti try to manage a finish. My thoughts are, no worries.

Q: Could we now see an expansion of ECR, with Tony’s involvements there?

Joe from Ingalls

RM: Tony has always been involved with Ed’s team, and they might be looking at three cars if the right sponsors can be obtained.

Q: So much talk about Hinch being a backmarker like Marco, but what seems to have been lost is his attraction to fans and IndyCar in general. He makes folks want to watch these races, not just because of his talent but because of his personality as well. These folks at Arrow McLaren SP have shown their true colors and have done nothing to promote the sport of IndyCar racing.

Stan Frame, BC

RM: I’ve not heard that comparison, and Hinch has won six times since Marco’s last win, but racing has always been a cruel sport in many ways. Drivers are often the last to find out they’re gone. I think AMSP wishes it had handled Hinch much classier, because he is a fan favorite and someone that earned everyone’s respect with his comeback in 2016.

Q: I watched the videos posted by Pato and Arrow on Twitter from COTA and Sebring, and Hinch seems not to be there. So is he part of the team at all? Is he a “show car”?

Vincent Martinez, South Pasadena, CA

RM: That could be the perfect definition if he’s required to show up at races and sign autographs in AMSP hospitality. But I still haven’t talked to him so I’m not sure what his responsibilities will be in 2020.

Q: Hinchcliff seems to be a really nice and classy guy. But he is a Junqueira, post-championship Vasser, Servia-tier driver. He is consistent, but not a champion, or champion contender.

Geoff B.

RM: That’s not an unfair comparison, nor is it a bad thing since those guys were all good racers – just like Hinch.

Q: Do you think McLaren has learned anything from its failure to qualify at the Indy 500? I'm asking because as good as they are, Askew is a rookie and O'Ward has only had a few races under his belt. They're trying to start a team with two drivers who are incredibly green. It seems Schmidt and Peterson are along for the ride and only there because they needed a technical alliance and setup info from people already established in the series. What's to say they themselves don't get cut loose somewhere down the line too? Is the team setting itself up for failure and poor performance, or does it really have something here for the rest of the competition straight out of the bag?

Geoff Roberts, Unionville, Ontario, Canada

RM: Remember that McLaren is now part of SPM and it’s their people who are running the cars, and neither has been real impressive the past couple of Mays. Having said that, if those two kids get comfortable with the right engineers, they’ll be fast and fine. And if the results aren’t there in a couple years then I’m sure changes will be made, but that’s just racing.

Q: We were betrayed by Arrow, Schmidt and Peterson and disgusted by Hinch's treatment from AMSP. They fired the most-liked driver in IndyCar in favor of boring rookies who are too full of themselves. Some say Hinch didn't win enough. When a driver wins, it's not only the result of their skills, but because they have the best teams. In NASCAR, it's obvious there are many talented drivers who cannot win because their teams don't have the resources, personnel, and money to compete with the largest teams. About 40 cars are on track, but only 12 have a chance of winning. Rarely does an underdog win. Ross Chastain never won a race until he got a chance to drive a Ganassi car.

SPM did not have good teams. They had bad pit stops, slow cars, and poor management decisions. SPM consistently let Hinch down. Then they made a money deal with the McDevil. AMSP deserves the flood of bad PR. Not only is Hinch the most popular driver and a class act, but the perfect representative for IndyCar. He has twice as many Twitter followers as Newgarden. He's articulate, funny, athletic, a skilled driver, passionate about racing and even well liked by fans of other drivers. He made IndyCar dance again, and brought new viewers to IndyCar. Without those kinds of drivers, fans will drift or run away.

Big personalities are crucial. What brings the average fan to a sport is a personal connection, e.g. your high school or college teams, your parents teams, or a personality you like. I watched NASCAR for several years before ever seeing IndyCar. I was attracted to the Earnhardts and then to the Hendrick drivers. They kept me watching. I began to watch IndyCar occasionally because I was intrigued by Danica Patrick. After she left, I saw Hinch on TV in driver introductions wearing a GoDaddy fire suit and Danica wig. That did it! Our family immediately liked Hinch and we began to follow IndyCar each week. Nothing IndyCar did influenced us to be fans, only Danica and Hinch made that connection. If Hinch doesn't find a ride, well... don't let the screen door hit you on your way out of our lives.

Lin, Santa Clara, CA

RM: Let me start out by correcting your assessment of Pato and Oliver. They’re not boring and they’re not too full of themselves. O’Ward reminds me of Montoya, and sure he’s cocky, but he’s always damn quick and has shown it, while Askew is a kid that drove his way to the top without any big bucks behind him or a famous family. He’s articulate and a pleasure to be around.

As for Hinch, we worked together at SPEED and he’s the best driver I’ve ever seen in front of a camera, and will be the best color analyst ever when he quits racing. He’s great with the fans because he remembers how good Greg Moore was with him as a kid waiting for an autograph, and he always reciprocates. He’s also a winning driver that overcame near fatal injuries and conquered Indy qualifying a year later.

As for Arrow SPM pre-McLaren, they had some fast cars for Robert Wickens and he was elevating the team quickly before he got hurt. I think he was good and bad for Hinch because he pushed James and the whole Arrow SPM team, but when things went south this year then James seem to fall out of favor. I heard halfway through the summer the team didn’t want him anymore before McLaren signed up so it was no surprise to most of us, and I just wish Hinch had been told in July to start looking around. But he’ll land on his feet.

O'Ward can potentially defuse a lot of tension simply by spending the whole 2020 St. Pete weekend wearing a fake beard and talking about the Maple Leafs. Image by Webb/LAT

Q: With the onslaught of both positive and negative news coming from IndyCar -- Penske purchasing both IMS and IndyCar and James Hinchcliffe being out of a ride respectively -- what are the chances that the former can turn that frown upside down for the latter? Namely, Hinchcliffe is the face of Honda Canada and an ambassador for the sport and series in general. Plus he’s willing to go nude to promote the team and series, despite Arrow’s marketing team being a little short-sighted regarding the prominent placement of their brand in the ESPN Magazine spread.

Can or will Penske Entertainment step up for James and help him find a way to a full-time ride? I think that 2020 will be a big year for Penske Entertainment to prove what its investment will bring to the series, and it would really be incumbent upon them to have every known face (or butt) on the grid. Especially one as prominent as The Mayor. What are your thoughts?

Keith From Canada

RM: I rather doubt if R.P. can do that unless its out of his own pocket, since IndyCar quit buying rides a couple Mays ago. He might be able to help Hinch get in something for Toronto but there just aren’t any Honda rides open that don’t require big bucks (like RLL). I’m just hoping he can put something together for Indy with Honda’s help.

Q: Hey Robin, a random thought came into my head that I am loving more and more. With Hinch pretty much being eliminated from a full-time ride this late in the game, what about seeing him take on some NASCAR? Xfinity races at Mid-Ohio and Road America where IndyCar is king? Seems to me that adding a high-profile IndyCar name would only boost attendance for the Xfinity weekends there. On the Truck series side, Canada is a no-brainer to put him in a Truck.

And then there are the two Truck series/IndyCar double-header weekends at Texas and Gateway where it sure would make sense to have him in a Truck if IndyCar was not an option. Am I crazy here? It’s a shame that he won’t be full time in IndyCar, but still seems to me there are chances to see him in a race car plenty in 2020. Let’s just make sure to keep him out of a Chevy!

Cade F.

RM: I guess it would be up to Hinch and the promoters to work something out if he was inclined to try tin-tops, but his ally (Honda) doesn’t participate so it might be tough.

Q: You can add one more name to the chassis-challenged group of Gordy, Rube and Big Al. I've read that Eddie Sachs was said to be almost mechanically inept when it came to race cars, but his pure talent behind the wheel got it done for him. You really miss those kind of guys.

Jim Mulcare, Westbury, NY

RM: A.J. told me once that he really respected Sachs as a racer but that he didn’t know much about a chassis. Bobby Unser said if Johncock knew just a little bit about how to set up a car he’d have won 20 more races. But in those days a guy could drive through a car that wasn’t perfect – be it dirt or pavement.

A lack of chassis smarts didn't stop Eddie Sachs from winning the 1958 Hoosier Hundred. Image via Robin Miller Collection

Q: So does Watkins Glen have a better chance of coming back now with an IndyCar/ IMSA weekend, or even SCCA? They need to be at the Glen

Tony, N.Y.

RM: I think yes with John Doonan calling the shots for IMSA.

Q: Wondering if you could provide your top 10 moniker references from your illustrious career, e.g.: SPAM?

D. Sharp

RM: Well I didn’t think of SPAM (that was a reader) and McLaren politely asked me to stop using it, which I did. But I really don’t have anything memorable to tell you.

Q: I wanted to get your honest thoughts on the aeroscreen? The more I see of them, the less the look bothers me. I have the mindset that safety is what's most important, and if the drivers are behind it, I as a fan should be too, because they are the ones who put their butts on the line. I also believe that if the series follows through on getting the engines back over 900hp, a majority of fans will focus on that positive rather than negative feelings about the aeroscreen, and accept that things evolve.

Brian, Plainfield, Illinois

RM: It’s a shock at first, just like the Cooper in 1961 or the Lotus in 1963, but I’m sure we’ll all get use to it in time. One the cars get circulating we probably won’t even notice it.

Q: Just saw that Zach Veach is making a cameo appearance in Elixir of Love – an opera at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts on November 15, 16 and 17. Sounds like they wanted Mario but he couldn't do it, so they got the closest they could with an Andretti driver. Just wondering if you had heard about it and if you can elaborate on it.

Ken, Bloomington, IN

RM: No, but bless his heart, I hope Zach sings and dances better than he plays golf. But you can’t question his bravery.