Robin Miller's Mailbag for December 11, presented by Honda Racing / HPD

Your questions for Robin should be sent to millersmailbag@racer.com. We cannot guarantee we’ll publish all your questions and answers, but Robin will reply to you. And if you have a question about the technology side of racing, Robin will pass these on to Marshall Pruett and he will also answer here.

Q: I just read Marshall Pruett's column in which he had one false statement and one true one. First, the false statement: "Without a powerful union to provide protection, drivers are left to choose between risking financial peril or accepting a token buyout that comes with a big piece of tape across their mouths."

I am not an attorney, but have reached agreements in enough contracts to know that you can put all the uncertainties about actually driving instead of just getting paid, gag orders, legal fees for the winning party, buyout figures in the contract. I am always aggravated about pro athletes who whimper about getting cut or traded to a less desirable city, when all they had to do was negotiate a no-cut or no-trade clause in return for a lower salary. Make the hard choices, then live with it. You don't need a union to help you read your contract. If you don't like the "token buyout" clause, don't sign the contract.

Now the (probably) true one. "It could be nothing more than a coincidence, but Hinchcliffe and Bourdais, the two who’ve pushed the hardest throughout the 2010s for the proper treatment of drivers and improvements in driver safety, are now on the outside looking in."

That was the first thing that came to my mind after Hinch got replaced. No employers want potential complaining or lawsuit-happy or union-organizer employees, and it looks like Hinch outed himself as such a potential employee. But note, McLaren SP seems to be honoring the letter of its contract. I imagine Dale Coyne's actions on Bourdais, as unpleasant as they may be for Seb, are also not in violation of his contract.

One other thing. When DCR was a backmarker team and an upcoming driver wanted out of his contract to race for big money with a front-running team, wasn't Dale always gracious about saying he would not stand in the way of the young man's opportunity to further his career?

Marwood Stout, Camarillo, CA

RM: Well, the nice thing about the Mailbag is that everyone gets to voice his or her opinion, but I will respectfully disagree with your premise that Marshall made a false statement. Race drivers don’t have a union or a player’s rep or a pension, and as we’ve seen through the years, they don’t have much leverage, either. It’s a hard-ass business that swings on sponsorships, and drivers, no matter how good their track record – like Bourdais – are disposable. If they get axed and play along without making any negative comments, like MP suggested, then maybe they’ll get some or all of their salary. I asked an Indy winner if drivers had buyouts in their contracts, and he laughed. “No such thing,” he replied.

It appears that Arrow McLaren SP is going to pay Hinch his full salary but is it contingent on him not driving for anyone else in 2020? Not sure. But he wasn’t replaced because he spoke up about drivers getting organized – he was replaced by a couple of young talents that likely cost less combined than The Mayor was making. The bottom line is that a driver doesn’t have many options when he gets a pink slip, even with a contract. You’re not going to sue the owner, you’re just going to play nice and hopefully get a settlement. But a race driver’s contract means nothing compared to a stick and ball athlete.

The debate rages on about Hinchcliffe an Bourdais' predicaments. Image by Levitt/LAT

Q: I just finished Marshall Pruett's article and several thoughts came to mind – first and foremost, what is a contract? I’m old enough to remember when a driver got fired out of his ride by an owner at the track the day of the race. Those days, if a guy didn't produce, he was gone. Period. Don't want to run Salem? Scared? Hell, Jimmy over there will, he ain't scared. Chris Economaki, legendary editor of National Speed Sport News, subscribed to the theory that race drivers always raced their best when they were young and hungry. No wives or children to worry about if he got mangled or "kilt" in a race. With very few exceptions, I feel he was right.

This leads to there we are now with drivers and contracts. As a car owner writing the checks, do you continue to pay a guy who last year was running top five and now can't get to the top 15, and you are spending the same amount of money? On top of this, his manager just talked you into a three-year contract for a guy you are now seeing as off his game, or too comfortable. Racing is about winning. Even though there are points for second place, if you want to survive as a paid race driver, you have to perform. The fact that you won the last race, the last championship, have five million followers on social media means nothing when you line up for the next race. How long a losing driver keeps his seat depends strictly on the guy writing the checks. Always has been in racing.

Like it or not, drivers are commodities like potatoes and soy beans. Unlike those items, drivers have personalities, and whether we like potatoes or not, we do tend to like drivers. They are brave, skillful, do all kinds of stuff we can't even think about doing, but in the end, if they can't deliver the wins, they are gone, contract or not. This, of course, leads to all sorts of ramifications for the car owner, the driver, the racing series, that are definitely not all positive, especially in the challenging economies of current IndyCar racing. However, in the end, if your guy is running last, you are going to get a new guy. If your new guy starts running up front, maybe win a race, well, you will soon forget about that other guy.

Today in IndyCar we are fortunate we have owners who are committed and are willing to put their resources into a great racing series. That they choose to get a new hot shoe, I say God bless them. Sucks for those that lost their rides, but it's not a union job. Your take?

Jan Burden

RM: Nobody is suggesting car owners don’t have the right to upgrade or make changes, the rub here was how these two veterans were treated. Being blindsided sucks at any job, let alone one that puts your life at risk, and just getting a heads-up back in the summer that their rides might be in jeopardy would have been the kind of professional treatment they deserved. And maybe Coyne didn’t find out until a couple of months ago, but that doesn’t make it any easier for Seb to swallow.

We all knew Hinch was a lame duck, but he was assured by Sam (in print) that his drive was alive for 2020. And your comparisons to the old days doesn’t really fly here. Only a few drivers ever got salaries in the '60s, when there were open seats every weekend and running for 40 percent was a decent living. IndyCar is fortunate to have Michael Andretti, Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske, Bobby Rahal, Ed Carpenter, Dale Coyne, Mike Shank, Ricardo Juncos, Trevor Carlin and Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. fielding cars, and they are always looking for upcoming talents or sponsors, but not necessarily in that order. That’s the reality of today’s expensive game.

Q: After last week’s Mailbag discussion about driver contracts and sponsorships, I had some questions regarding contracts during the CART era. Using Newman/Haas as an example, approximately how much were Mario and Michael getting paid when they were teammates? Also, did the big teams back then need to solicit sponsors, or were major companies like Kmart and Texaco/Havoline calling the teams with offers? Finally, why and when did ride buying start to become the norm in IndyCar? I still can’t get my head around a winning driver with loads of talent needing to bring money to a team in order to get a ride – something I’m assuming Gurney, Foyt or Mario never had to do.

Rick Schneider, Charlotte

RM: I wrote a story in 1996 that estimated Michael and Al Unser Jr. were being paid $6-7 million in salary, and I’m sure Mario was close to that number before he retired. Ralph Hansen handled sponsorship for Newman/Haas, and I imagine he approached the sponsors and took Paul and Mario into the board meeting to close the deals. I remember once at Laguna Seca that Mario gave the CEO of Kmart an A-ticket ride in the two-seater and they had to sit him down in the pits afterward because he was so shaken. But then he got to his feet and went into the Newman/Haas motorcoach and re-signed for $90 million. Ride buying started in the '80s, but none of those heroes you mentioned had to find money to drive. A.J. and Dan did have to secure sponsorships for their teams down the road, but their names made it easier.

Q: Quite a bit of crazy news recently with driver releases, sponsor challenges, and the usual money shortages for several of the teams, and it raised a couple questions. First, with several teams looking to have shared rides this coming season, in the unlikely event that a shared seat were to finish top in the points, how would that work for the team and drivers for the overall championship? Second, during the past season there were a couple stories that mentioned potential new teams, or expansion of existing teams. Wondering if you could give some insight to the following, as have not seen or heard anything recently about their IndyCar programs: DragonSpeed Racing, Juncos Racing, Team Strange, Scuderia Corsa?

Rod, Fresno

RM: Drivers, teams and engine manufacturers all earn points at every race, so I guess if Conor Daly and Ed Carpenter combined for the most points in car No. 20 it would earn ECR the title, but individual points still determine the driver champion. As for those teams you mentioned, Dragon and Juncos are working on programs for 2020, but haven’t heard much from the other two.

Q: I was listening to the newest Off-Track with Hinch and Rossi, and AR teased a big announcement that he is running something major in February 2020. I was thinking Daytona 500. Have you heard any info on this?

Landon Coons, Crawfordsville, IN

RM: No, but as much as Rossi enjoys sampling other series it would be great if he got a ride for the Daytona 500.

Rossi at Bathurst. Philosophical question: If there's a race and Alexander Rossi isn't in it, did the race really happen? Image by Klynsmith/LAT

Q: I am pretty torn up about Bourdais not having a ride for the upcoming season. To a lesser extent, I think it would be nice to have Hinch part of the series as well. I am a little confused as to Bourdais’ status in sports cars – will that ride prohibit him from participating in IndyCar should an opportunity materialize? Is he working to put a ride together? It will be disappointing to not see him racing, and I will miss the entertainment he gave us. Any news on Hinch?

Alex H.

RM: Seb has a full-time IMSA ride and there are three conflicts with IndyCar but they’re all on ovals (Richmond/The Glen, Iowa/Lime Rock, Gateway/VIR), and unless he gets something full-time, it won’t be a problem. I know Larry Foyt has been talking to him about sharing the No. 14 car with Tony Kanaan and running all the road race/street courses, but not sure there’s any full-time opportunities available that don’t require bringing money. All quiet on the Hinch front, but I still think his best shot is driving Indy for Michael Andretti. I know Dale Coyne says he’s on the shortlist for the No.18 car, but that requires money and don’t think The Mayor has enough.

Q: Did you happen to see Martin Brundle’s grid walk before the final F1 race in Abu Dhabi? If so, did you see the quick interview he did with Fernando Alonso? Martin asked what he had up next, and with the rule changes in F1 for 2021, would it be possible for him to come back to F1. He said F1 in 2021 was a possibility, but of more interest to me was he said that up next was the Dakar Rally and then the Indy 500. He seemed pretty solid about that, which made me all kinds of happy. Have you heard any solid leads on who he’s coming back with, and if he is indeed coming back? He was wearing a McLaren shirt, but I know he’s out of contract at the end of the year with them, so could it be with Andretti or is he sticking with McLaren?

Jeff Barker, Boise, Idaho

RM: I wrote a story a month ago with Michael Andretti and he was adamant he wanted to run a car for Fernando at Indy next May if he could get Honda to sign off on it, but that’s a big if. More than likely it will be Arrow McLaren SP.

Q: It is well known you are a fan and supporter of Conor Daly. Can I ask what you see in him? He seems personable enough, is American and has a decent, but far from stellar, record in feeder series. But many could boast similar credentials. His record over spotty (except for a year at Foyt ) appearances in middling IndyCars is similarly unspectacular, particularly against other, younger drivers who have burst on the scene recently. What makes you single Daly out for your hopes and praise?

Anthony Jenkins, Ontario, Canada

RM: When he ran Indy Lights for SPM, Sam Schmidt rated him higher than Josef Newgarden, and Conor also won GP3 races and turned in enough fine runs as a rookie for Dale Coyne in 2016 (second at Detroit, led 22 laps at Mid-Ohio and ran strong at Road America before a mechanical problem) to earn a ride with A.J. Foyt in 2017. Despite the best season for that team in recent history, CD was cut loose ,so he’s spent the past two years as a super-sub. And what makes me think he belongs is watching him jump into unfamiliar cars with Carlin and SPM and instantly be competitive. When he had his only good ride last May with Andretti, he ran in the top five until the last pit stop. He’s got technical skills and savvy at speed ,and I think he’s going to help turn ECR’s road racing program around in 2020. If he ever gets two or three years with the same team and engineer, you will know why I’m sold on him.

Q: Really glad to see Conor get the rest of the 20 ride and running a third car for the 500. Would be neat if he could run the non-Indy oval races for Carlin, assuming Chilton will not run those, so he can run a full season. I am guessing since he is basically full-time with ECR that Ed would not allow that. It is a much different set of circumstances than last year when he ran for a few different teams. He is so good at Iowa and Gateway, and I am sure that would translate over to Richmond. Holding out hope he gets a shot at those shorter ovals somehow.

Don Weidig, Canton, OH

RM: I don’t see him wanting to jump around anymore. I think he wants to give ECR a breakthrough on road and street circuits and a good run at Indy. Then, if things are progressing, maybe he gets to a third car at Iowa or Gateway.

The ink's not even dry on Daly's ECR contract yet, but the Mailbag community is already trying to fill in his off weekends. Image by Levitt/LAT

Q: First off let me say that I have not read a rulebook since I retired from umpiring, but I did take it upon myself to read Rule 12, championship and points. I did not see anything specifically stated for ‘rookie’. I will assume that the first-year driver that scores the most points is the Rookie of the Year. If this is true, R.P. needs to look into the whole point system. There is just no way Felix Rosenqvist was the rookie of the year. He is a good driver, and will be better every year, and maybe if he had pulled out the win over Dixon then he had a shot. But with zero wins and one pole, it just can’t be! Maybe he had some lead laps thrown in there.

Colton Herta will always be the 2019 Rookie of the Year to me, and millions of others. He racked up two wins and three poles. Heck, 22 veterans did not even do that! How is it possible he did not win the ROY? I understand that points add up, but someone will have to look into the whole point system then. I don't want some lucky driver to pull it out at the last minute (with) double points. I want the best driver from the whole year to win. Please tell me what I am missing – but be gentle!

Patrick, New Braunfels, Texas

RM: Felix had a good year (two podiums, four other top fives, 71 laps led and eighth in the points) and used his consistency to edge Colton, who had a spectacular season, for ROY. But I don’t think little Hertamania would want to trade his two victories for the ROY. To your point, a win for a rookie might merit more points if IndyCar were to change the system, but I don’t think it’s worth a remake. And they’re both going to win races in 2020. But you are spot-on about double points – totally unnecessary.

Q: You are known to be a “tells it like is” guy. So what are Roger Penske's flaws? I have read much praise for Mr. Penske over the years and only magnified with the recent purchase of IMS, however not a word of criticism. Are folks involved in racing fearful of saying anything critical of Mr. Penske due to his wealth and power? Do not misunderstand this question; I have admiration for how Mr. Penske has and does run his businesses and racing teams. But no man is without flaws, and I am curious as to what are his shortcomings?

David M.

RM: Now that’s a damn good, and tough, question, because The Captain is the smartest, most competitive and well-organized person I’ve ever met in the 50 years I’ve covered IndyCar and 70 years I’ve been alive. Danny Sullivan’s great line, “when the music stops Roger always has a seat” is a compliment to his attention to detail and progressive thinking.

The only possible flaw I can recall is that when he was funding CART (along with Pat Patrick) he brought in his lawyer (John Frasco) to run things and the conflict of interest raised its head a couple times over rules, but nothing sinister ever emerged. He protested once about another competitor’s car being legal, but that win was upheld by a special panel. A few people questioned whether he could continue to own his IndyCar team and the series but still be fair, and that’s so far away from being a concern because he’s too polished and professional. As Bobby Rahal said shortly after Penske’s takeover was announced: “Any concerns I had about the future of IndyCar or the Indianapolis 500 were eliminated instantly when I heard Roger was taking over.”

Q: Your article on Joe Blow history may have been my favorite of 2019. This same story could be told many times over in the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s at IMS. If people want a deep dive into this type of story, read “A Month At The Brickyard” by Sonny Kleinfield. The book is about the 1976 Indy 500 chronicling car owner Tassi Vatis, chief mechanic Bill Finley, Bill’s cast of characters and driver Johnny Parsons Jr. It is great book about a little team that finished 12th. Not all of these little teams found their way into the 500 field, but they lived one of my dreams of lapping IMS in an IndyCar. I can only hope that Mike Shank, Trevor Carlin, Ricardo Juncos, and Road to Indy teams who join the top division in the next decade find success at IMS. IndyCar’s long-term future comes from their comment to the series.

James A. DaPuzzo III

RM: Thanks Jimmy, I always feel like IndyCar fans root for the little guy or the team like Finley’s with small budgets and big hearts. I was lucky enough to be around the Vatis/Finley operation from 1972-77 as a stooge, fuel vent man, board man and chief pain-in-the-ass for Bill Finley, but those are great memories of a time that will never exist again in Gasoline Alley.

Q: If a team has two drivers but one brings in a considerable amount of more money/sponsors, do the two still get different amounts of engineers/off season practice/equipment/etc, or does it all go into one pool and shared equally?

Joel, Anna, TX

RM: No, teammates are treated equally and share information because it’s the smartest way to gain an advantage.

Q: Any chance that IndyCar comes back to Vegas? I know going back to LVMS might be too emotionally painful after losing Dan Wheldon, but didn't Champ Car have plans in place for a downtown Las Vegas street race at one time? Perhaps that could be resurrected. Thoughts?

Martin M., Henderson, NV

RM: The Champ Car street race layout was the best I’ve ever seen, but it cost the promoter a fortune and nobody showed up because they held the race on Easter Sunday, so I would say no chance it ever returns.

Cool as the event was, Champ Car proved that you don't need to go into a casino to lose a fortune in Vegas. Image by Feistman/LAT

Q: I subscribed last year to the NBC Sports IndyCar Gold Pass and will do so again in 2020. Having every moment of on track activity including every practice, every qualifying session and every race at my fingertips all year long, including now in the offseason, is awesome. I am wondering why I can't watch the Fast 9 and Back Row Shootout from Indy on Gold? It is literally the only on-track activity of the entire season not available. I am having a hell of a time getting an answer on that, and I would like it added because it was some of the most dramatic moments of the entire season. Since you are one of the stars of the Gold package, I thought you might be able to find out why it isn't there and get it added. Thanks for your help!

Jamie Roe

RM: I’ve sent your question to NBC and IndyCar so hopefully we’ll get a response soon. But I imagine since both of those events are on NBC, that is why it’s not on Gold. Thanks for being a fan.

Q: I just read that NASCAR has signed four major sponsors. This eliminates four potential sponsors for IndyCar. I'm concerned.

John F.

RM: Not really. Busch and Xfinity have been titles sponsors, Coke has had a driver-driven ad campaign for more than a decade, and GEICO has been a team sponsor for many years. Other than GEICO, an Indy 500-only sponsor once, none of those companies were IndyCar bait.

Q: What happened to Helio? Where is he now?

Barry Cutler

RM: He’s a full-time sports car driver for Roger Penske and waiting to get the call for the fourth car at Indianapolis next May.

Q: What is Derrick Walker doing these days, and does starting up a team crossed his mind once again? How are the races' TV ratings calculated – is it an electronic-driven system where the data is provided by telecommunication companies, or is it the old school way of calling homes-survey style as Nielsen conducted years ago?

John Mylenek, Howell, MI

RM: DW lives between Indianapolis and Bonita Springs, Fla. and spends most of his time trying to borrow money from me and making me take him to lunch. When he’s not bugging me he still runs the Porsche parts supply for IMSA, and would love to help an IndyCar team in May. Nielsen ratings still rule as far as TV numbers go, which always make you wonder why since they could put a chip in everyone’s television and know exactly what you’re watching and for how long.

Q: Robin, expanding on this discussion of Indy 500 traditions from the past few Mailbags, what truly should be the traditions? As an example, it all started with as many cars as wanted to enter, with the pole position determined by whoever submitted their paperwork entry first. It was that way for what, the first 20 to 30 years? I wonder if everyone was up in arms when IMS began limiting the number of starting positions to 33? You have suggested letting everyone start if only 34 or 35 cars are entered – as a practical matter, how many of the current generation of IndyCars could you fit on pit lane for the 500 given the entry/exit angles for the pit boxes?

David, Greensboro, NC

RM: Indy started with 40 cars in 1911, dropped to 21 in 1916 and fluctuated between the low 20s and 40 until 1934, when 33 became the official number. I don’t know if people bitched, but the only traditions we’ve maintained is 11 rows of three, “Back Home Again in Indiana,” the balloons and “Start your engines.” I’m sure you could get 45 cars in the pits if needed, but it’s too cold to walk out and measure right now.

Q: Whatever happened to Randy Bernard who use to run this organization (PBR) very successfully? Geez, these cowpokes have been spending big money in Las Vegas for 35 years and we could not be happier. But, as you may guess, we do get the ‘sweet smells’ of the country as a by-product. Racing question: I saw the movie 'Ford vs. Ferrari' and thought it was great. But, Ford-powered Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald had their horrible crash and death at IMS and the conflagration was enormous. Do you think Ford will never return to IMS or IndyCar for fear of having those pictures and videos shown worldwide and be some of the worst possible promotion Ford could generate (unwittingly), most likely via the ABC cameras and video tapes?

Tom Fitzgerald, Las Vegas, NV

RM: Randy Bernard is now Garth Brooks’ business manager/confidant/basketball opponent/dinner companion and having a great time. I think he remains on the board of the PBR and stays in touch with Ty Murray and the boys. As for Ford, it won Indy in 1965 with Jimmy Clark the year after that crash and competed on and off until Edsel Ford II said no more IndyCar a few years ago. But we’re hoping Mr. Penske can change his mind.

Odd that over the last month we've suddenly started getting 'where's Randy?' letters. Maybe Garth Brooks is trolling us with burner accounts. Image by LAT

Q: I keep reading about the demise of traditional engines and the rise of electronic cars. I keep reading about hybrid being "yesterday's power unit." Why do we need manufacturers? Why not have a spec series and spec dampers and use, say, a 2018 Cosworth 6.5l V12 with 1,100hp at 11,000rpm? Then allow the teams to buy these engines and develop them themselves? I know this is old school, but will any "climate control" fans be watching e-racing in 2030? I believe we may as well have a racing series that car-racing fans will actually watch.

Peter McGinty

RM: Today’s teams could build their own engines, but we’d be down to about six cars because of the expense. The engine lease program from Honda and Chevy have made it affordable and ultra-competitive so that’s why we need manufacturers.

Q: With the recent announcement that Monterey County has selected a group, headed by a former hotel and spa manager, to run Laguna Seca… I not sure how well a person without any racing or motorsports experience can successfully run a race facility. My fear that Laguna Seca is set on prime real estate, and that the plan in the long run is to see Laguna Seca turned into a hotel/resort. Does the IndyCar contract extend beyond this three-year agreement with the new management group?

Frank, Phoenix, AZ

RM: Not yet. There are two years remaining and then both parties will decide if continuing is beneficial.

Q: While you have your opinion about who should give the start engine command at next years Indy 500, I have an idea. On the TV screens and P.A. system, replay a recorded video and sound from the past races of Anton "Tony" Hulman Jr. giving the command. What a wonderful tribute that would be to the Hulman family. What's your thought on that? Love your column and reporting.

Mark A Steber, Lehighton, PA

RM: I like that suggestion, and have a Jim Nabors’ recording precede it.

Q: Tell me about the Formula E drivers. Are they just interested in F1? I think Jean-Eric Verne is really talented. Would he try Indy? Or is he just looking for an F1 seat? I only pay attention to it because “my man” (Michael Andretti) owns a team.

Dan Kirby

RM: There are a few ex-F1 drivers in Formula E and I imagine they would consider IndyCar if they weren’t making such a good living in Formula E.

Q: You say that you don’t care if they rebrand the Indy 500 as something like the Miller Lite 500 as long as they sell the rights for a bunch of money and put it all into the race purse. I won’t fight you on that one. As R.P. said, they are going to have to break some glass. My question is, for the city of Indianapolis, what is the value of the Indy 500 name (or the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, or whatever)?  If the difference between the Miller Lite 500 and the Indy 500 presented by Miller Lite is $2 million – $2.5 million (just a guess), would it be worth it to the city to pony up the difference? We may have the Colts now, and lots of NCAA championships, Pacers, etc. But the Indy 500 still has to be the most notable, identifying factor around the world for Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. What would happen if the name of the race changed and that branding for the city went away?

Kirby, Indianapolis

RM: That branding will never go away regardless of whether a title sponsor is found. It’s always going to be Indy or the Indy 500 or Indianapolis, and just adding someone else’s name isn’t going to change that. The Menards Indy 500 will get plenty of publicity and branding, but it will still be called Indy first.

Q: Longtime reader; keep up the good work. The column about Joe Blow and the comments section got me to thinking: why not a stock block option? An idea beloved by Dan Gurney (a recommendation) and Tony George (not so much). I assume someone makes an aluminum block that would work, so weight wouldn’t be a factor. NASCAR gets 850 reliable HP from six liters. Again, not a factor. All the major manufacturers sell V8s (except Honda). Could be a factor. Cheaper and readily available, at least theoretically. Your thoughts?

[No name supplied]

RM: The engine participation is driven by manufacturers so if Honda and Chevy suddenly decide they want to go stock block, then we might hear a different sound in May. But there isn’t enough money and interest to change today’s engine formula.

Q: I have never been to the IMS Museum, so I don't have any knowledge of the issues with it. What do you think needs to be done to remake the IMS Museum? Do you envision something like a modern art museum, or something else? Does it require a completely new building or a facelift?

Eric, South Florida

RM: A multiple-floor facility with windows and good lightning and atmosphere! And changing displays and videos and something that resembles the 21st century. Go to the museum at Barber Motorsports Park and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Q: I've enjoyed your work since my family started following Champ Car in 1983 (including getting the Indy Star delivered to Chicago in May for many years.). Your reference to Buzz Calkins' 500 win being the greatest missed commercial opportunity reminded me of what I believe was the No. 1 missed commercial opportunity: a legitimate 400,000 mid '80s Indy 500 spectators endlessly debating whether Miller Lite "tastes great" or is "less filling." How Miller missed this one, I still can't understand. It might be time for a throwback campaign.

My near-term 'old fart' status was secured during my recent visit to the IMS Museum when I was able to inform the helpful docent about Chris Kneifel's car which was on display without any identifying info. When I asked him about the car, he went looking for an answer in a tattered media guide. He was grateful when I was able to tell him a bit about the Primus. I was really delighted to see all the museum's great cars, including the gorgeous Fosters Porsche March 90P, Smokey Yunick's Jose Johnson special, and even Jimmy Murphy's Indy/Le Mans winner. We need people to tell the amazing racing stories, and I hope that you, Marshall, Adam Carolla, and the Dinner with Racers guys can keep bringing these great tales of human achievement to us for years to come.

Shaun Fagan

RM: Can you imagine the front straightaway yelling “Tastes Great” and the Snake Pit responding “Less Filling?” Great idea. The museum needs an upgrade and R.P. will deliver one and then we can see all the treasure that’s been hidden in the basement. Thanks for reading and watching, we’ll all keep the old days relevant if possible.

Q: Longtime reader, first time writer. Not so much a question, but I thought that track promoter Jim Naylor and his entire team at Ventura Raceway deserve a huge round of applause for getting the track back to raceable conditions in order to host this prestigious event. The rains in Southern California wreaked havoc on the track, postponing the event by a day and then a passing storm during the event created another challenge, yet Jim Naylor and his crew rose to the occasion. Hats off to Kyle Larson for the win, but an enormous thank you to those at Ventura Raceway for doing what you do best: making sure we, the fans, get a great night of entertainment.

Matt Payette, Westlake Village, CA

RM: Thanks Matt, always good to hear a good story like this one and the race was its usual kick-ass self.

Q: I have been following racing with varying levels of interest for 50 years and have recently followed or more closely because of RACER.com. Could somebody please tell me what in the blankety blank blank all of these sports car classes are? Between LMP2, Daytona Prototypes, Trans Ams, Hypercars, ADHD cars or whatever, I am lost. I would follow them more if I could keep the blinking classes straight. As an aside, that is part of the problem with all auto racing at all levels. Too many classes of cars with too few cars in each class.

Brian Ferguson

RM: I know what you’re saying Brian, so here’s the easy way to get instant recall. IMSA: That’s where Montoya, Castroneves and now Bourdais will be driving in 2020. WEC: That’s Le Mans. Trans Am: I know Chris Dyson of RACER fame was in contention for the 2019 championship, and the cars are similar to what Parnelli, Gurney and Donahue raced. World Challenge: small sedans that put on some fierce racing. [ED: You're likely not the only one who is confused about the various sports car classes, so we'll look into creating a permanent primer to put on the site ahead of the Rolex 24].

This is a DPi. (Driven by Helio Castroneves, if that helps the author of the earlier letter.) Image by Galstad.

Q: When are the stories from your article “Special Moments in Joe Blow History” going to be published as a chapter in the “Special Indy 500 Memories” book by Robin Miller? Included could be the good, bad, and ugly – like deaths at the speedway. Good could include Rex Mays stopping his car for an injured driver at the Milwaukee Mile in 1948. Other selfless gestures for the good of racing could be recognized. There may be too many Indy stories and footnotes in Robin’s head for one volume. That’s why he better get started now.

Bob Hunt, Lodi, WI

RM: If I don’t get it written in the next couple years all the people who know who Rex Mays was will be dead, so that’s a lot of pressure.

Q: Hello Mr. Robin Miller! Are you married or have any little Millers? I never met you but I read your articles and all the **** you stir. Have a Merry Christmas and a great Healthy New Year!!

Barney, Reno, Nevada

RM: Never been married Barney, but still friends with my three serious girlfriends (who immediately got married and had a family after we broke up so there’s a message there) and no children, no dogs, no cats and no worries.

Q: The wife and I watched Paul Newman in the 1969 movie "Winning" over the Thanksgiving weekend. I spotted AJ, Mario, JR, Mel Kenyon, Dan Gurney, etc. in the footage from Indy. Was there a handsome, young Robin Miller somewhere in the film?

Jonathan and Cleide Morris, Ventura, CA

RM: No, but he tried to become an extra one day in the bleachers and was turned away.