Robin Miller's Mailbag for January 15, 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 the firm statement from Mr. Roger Penske that there will be no automatic qualifications for the Indy 500. I don't know if he ever reads the Mailbag, but I wanted to express my sincere gratitude that Bump Day is safe. I started flying out to Indy for qualifying weekend last year and I am elated that it looks like that will get to become an enduring tradition.

Victor, New Haven, CT

RM: Oh yes, R.P. reads it and I send him some of the longer letters from fans that don’t make it but are pertinent to the feedback he seeks. I think he believes that full-time entrants deserve some kind of a guarantee, but he’s not going to mess with it in his initial year of ownership.

Q: Since Roger Penske now owns IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, should he stop competing in the series? Do you think IndyCar will return to both former Penske tracks, Michigan and Fontana?

Bruce Beckwith, Claremont, CA

RM: Not at all. He will separate church and state and let Tim Cindric run the show. R.P.’s efforts will be towards improving the fan experience, landing a third engine manufacturer, finding more sponsors and growing the purses. He’ll still care about his racing team, but he knows he now represents everyone. Both those tracks would appear to be long shots.

Q: All of the Indy 500 ticket holders received a message from The Captain letting us know to expect to see changes when we come to the track. Any idea what they are, and is it to early to guess what may be on his list for the future?

Matt in Lansing

RM: Upgraded restrooms, paved parking and improved seating would be my guess, but he’s going to tell everyone his plans on Feb. 14.

Q: I am wondering if, with the purchase of the IndyCar series and IMS, R.P. plans to relocate his race shop from NC to Indy?

Andy

RM: I would doubt it. It’s perfect for his NASCAR teams, and Charlotte has plenty of non-stops for the IndyCar crew.

Q: Now that Roger Penske has cleared all legal channels, formally making him the owner of IndyCar, do you foresee any changes to the product as a whole? I do see one and that would be scheduling, since September is early to end a season when it could go to October with one or two more races on an oval or good road course that yells ‘proper season finale’.

Matt Marks

RM: As thorough as R.P. is about everything, I’m sure he’ll study the schedule, its pluses and minuses, and might look at extending the season if it made sense. But, obviously, don’t expect any major changes and/or additions until at least 2021.

Q: Recently saw a video about a tweet that Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press put out that says “Kyle (Busch) says he has approval to run Indy with a Chevy team. He doesn’t have a deal or anything, but can do it if something was put together.”

First of all, do you know anything about this? Beyond the tweet and the video I watched reacting to it, I have not found anything recent that claims Busch can/would run Indy. Personally, I would love it if both Busch brothers came to Indy and raced, maybe even for the same team (yes, I know it’s wishful thinking). But can you see anything like that coming together? And if so, what team do you think Kyle would run with?

Busch looks pretty stoked about driving the AIM Vasser Sullivan Lexus GT3 at the recent ROAR test at Daytona. Wonder what his expression would be like after running 230mph at the Speedway? Image by Levitt/LAT

I know that it is very early to be doing Indy 500 predictions, but this is one that not only is super-interesting to me, but also doesn’t make much sense to me. Can’t see how Toyota would let the face of its American racing division go race for Chevy (its competitor in NASCAR) or Honda (its competitor in literally everything). But what’s your take on that? Beyond Kyle, any chance we get Kyle Larson, Kurt Busch, or someone else from NASCAR to come do Indy?

Max Camposano, Menlo Park, CA

RM: I believe Jenna reported that it had to be a Chevy team so I already asked Tim Cindric, and he said Team Penske would not be running five cars at Indianapolis. If Kyle was to run, Ed Carpenter Racing would be the obvious choice considering how well they always run in May. Not sure how wild Toyota would be about GM, but no way they’d let their star in a Honda. And Kyle wants his best possible chance and that only leaves one option (ECR) in my mind. Larson – some day hopefully, but not in 2020.

Q: Reading Marshall’s story on piecing together the 2020 grid, I see that he mentions Hinchcliffe as a possibility for a DCR third car for Indy. I seem to recall that when James was ousted from AMSP as a full-time driver, that they did say he had an Indy-only seat. Can you confirm? I’d love to see what Kyle Busch can do at the wheel of an IndyCar, and if Alonso goes to Andretti, I’d expect Zak Brown to be savvy enough to recognize that the exposure alone is worth taking a chance on KyBu, notwithstanding his obvious talent.

Trevor Bohay, Kamloops, BC

RM: I think Arrow McLaren SP originally hoped to run Fernando in its third car at Indianapolis, but I’m sure they would be open to Kyle Busch if he chose to try it this May. But I’m thinking his best fit would be with Ed Carpenter, given ECR’s prowess at IMS.

Q: Is Alonso going with Andretti for 2020?

Harry From Ohio

RM: That’s what my story said last week, and it sounds like Michael is just waiting on the official confirmation from Alonso.

Q: So who would have the biggest impact on this year's 500 if they were to show up: Kyle Busch or Alonso? What are the chances for each in your mind?

Lou Martin

RM: Kyle would be the bigger story in America, but Fred would still draw a lot of international interest. It’s 100 percent for Alonso and 50-50 for Busch.

Q: I thoroughly enjoy your coverage of IndyCar, and your commentary on all things racing. I continue to miss your past appearances on “Wind Tunnel” with the great Dave Despain. My question to you is about the two legends of racing: A.J. and Mario.

What, if any, is considered their defining head-to-head classic battle in IndyCar or any other series? YouTube is full of classic duels of generational greats like Petty v Pearson, Senna v Prost, and Earnhardt v everybody, but no Foyt v Andretti. I understand that races from the early days were not all filmed like they are today, but maybe there is one race that comes to mind. Robin, I know you can answer this!

In that terrific photo of all of the Indy greats joining you in receiving the “Robin Miller award,” I noticed that A.J. is holding your T-shirt upside down. A hidden message perhaps?

John Pawlicki, Chatham, NJ

RM: I don’t recall any definitive battle in Indy cars, stockers, midgets or sprints. They were dueling at Phoenix in 1968 when they crashed, and they had some good battles in dirt car races, although nothing that ever came down to the finish (except in 1966 when A.J. lost his brakes after leading every lap and Mario won). It’s hard to imagine, considering they raced together for 25 years but nothing stands out. A.J. used to call me “Poison Pen” and now its just “assh*le,” which I prefer, and how he addressed me last May in that cool photo shoot. He turns 85 on Thursday and I’m glad he’s still with us and as feisty as ever. He’s an American treasure.

Q: I wanted to comment on the folks who have complained about the aeroscreens. Yes they look different, but so what? If they save one life, it is worth having the difference. I can remember when the drivers sat straight up in their cars with the motor in front of them. And they didn't wear seatbelts, either. Then we had the rear-engine trauma that people were up in arms against, and so on. Times change, and we must change with them. All the people who complain will never sit or race an IndyCar, so it's easy to complain when they will never face the danger.

Mike Latino, Fontana, CA

RM: Good point, Mike. They don’t look very good coming at you, but they serve a valuable purpose and we’ll get use to them – just like we did rear-engine cars replacing roadsters. Racers are slow to change, but in this case I hope they all grudgingly admit it’s necessary.

Q: I know people have been emailing about the looks of the aeroscreen. I feel it's not the prettiest thing in the world. Let's face it, when the universal aero kit was introduced, that is one sexy-looking car. But I propose the following: a truce. No more complaining about the looks of the aeroscreen. We know it doesn't look the best from multiple angles. But if it keeps us from writing in to memorialize a life and career cut short, I'm all for it. So, a truce until the new car comes along in a couple of years or so.

John Balestrieri, Milwaukee

RM: I like it, and let’s include Michigan, Milwaukee and Cleveland with it.

So there's a truce on aeroscreens, Michigan, Milwaukee and Cleveland, and Daly and Karam have their deals for 2020 sorted out. At this rate, poor Marco will be the only perennial Mailbag topic left standing. Image by IndyCar

Q: Long-time 500 ticket-holder (1981), long time reader and occasional correspondent when you were at The Star. Two questions: 1) I have wondered for a long time why Pat Patrick seemed to have more animosity for USAC than any of the other prime movers (i.e., Gurney & Penske) involved in the formation of CART. His comments late in the broadcast of the 1988 500 when he was informed that Race Control was considering penalizing Emmo for passing under yellow (“Typical USAC sanctioning body”) were rather contemptuous, as though he expected them to penalize his team unfairly. What’s your perspective on this?

2) In the run-up to the 1996 split, I recall reading a short piece in Sports Illustrated that indicated that early in 1996 Penske had reached an informal agreement with Tony George to expand the field for the 500 to 42 cars, making “25/8” into “25/17” and allowing all of the full-time CART teams a chance to participate. The story indicated that rumors of the agreement leaked out before R.P. had a chance to present it to the CART owners, and that Chip Ganassi was the most upset at the concept (primarily that R.P. had no right to negotiate with T.G. on behalf of the other owners). Ever heard of that one? I’ve looked through SI’s “Vault” for the story and can’t find it, but I’m certain that I read it. No criticism intended of any of the principals on my part if any of it were true; if I were in Ganassi’s position I’d probably have felt the same way. Hope your health is good and that you’ll be writing your stories for a long while.

Mike Matisko, Newburgh, IN

RM: I don’t think Pat had any more disdain for the way USAC operated than Dan or R.P. It was Gurney’s White Paper that exposed USAC for the clown act it was, and Patrick and Penske then helped fund CART’s early days. But after the 1979 pop-off valve fiasco and federal court hearing where six CART teams were banned from Indy, you can’t blame Patrick, Penske, Gurney, Jim Hall, Bob Fletcher or Jerry O’Connell for carrying a grudge against USAC. Never heard of the 42 proposal, and it might be like the “story” that CART teams planned to boycott Indy – it never happened.

Q: With more and more talk about a new engine manufacturer with Penske taking over IndyCar and the switch to hybrid engines, which manufacturer do you see as the best fit to enter the series? Personally, I see Toyota as a no-brainer as they are big on hybrid technology, and it gives them a chance to compete with Honda.

Sam Smith

RM: I think Ford or Toyota might be the best options, given R.P.’s history with them.

Q: You may have previously answered this question so forgive my gnat-like memory. What traditions around the Indy 500 do you believe are sacrosanct? Change is inevitable and you appear to accept most and promote some. However, what is your line in the sand? What tradition(s) should not be messed with?

David M., Fort Wayne

RM: Eleven rows of three and the flying start are the only traditions that haven’t been totally trampled over the past 30 years, so let’s leave them alone.

With declining attendance each year, I worry about the GP of Indy – a great and fun event in my opinion. What is the “natural level” of attendance for the event in your opinion?

Eric Franklin

RM: No doubt all those yellow laps helped Pagenaud, because it seemed like he was close on fuel and Rossi was running full rich. As for the road course race at IMS, I think 25,000-30,000 would be in the ballpark – you know, about the same crowd as the Brickyard 400 gets.

Q: I know all thoughts of international races outside of North America have been put on hold, but I never understood the insistence on trying to get Surfers to move from October to early season. Why not go to Adelaide, the first race of the Supercars season, which in 2020 will be held in late Feb? This street circuit used to host F1, held the “Race of 1000 Years” ALMS race, and the local government would probably be willing to kick in some funds to make it happen. But, I digress. It ain’t my money, and it’s probably never going to happen. See you in St. Pete.

Stitch Turner, Gainesville, FL

RM: There is a promoter named Ron Dixon who wants to meet with The Captain to discuss bringing IndyCar back to Australia, but I have no idea as to where or when. I do know R.P. is more concerned with shoring up North American events than expanding outside the country, so we’ll see if anything develops.

The modern Adelaide layout is a bit shorter than when the track hosted F1 cars, but it's still a city that embraces racing. Image by Klynsmith/LAT

Q: It has often been lamented that IndyCar lacks American stars to bring people into the fold. I realized this was a wrong assumption by you and many of us fans. Our American stars have been here, as long as I can remember. They’ve been writing columns, posting pictures, bringing an experienced voice to on-track activities. Their names are Miller, Pruett, Till and Varsha.

All of you have brought us more connected to the sport we love. Bob Varsha and Brian Till have been the gold standard in the booth and trackside. All of you have experienced health problems either directly or, in the case of Marshall, his wife. That in itself can be sometimes harder to deal with. I want to remind all of you that you have made huge contributions to our enjoyment of IndyCar and IMSA.

My question is simple. Can all of you get well and know that your fans are invested in your health and happiness? Another question. With the loss of French Fry, has Marshall considered doing a Burger and Canadian Bacon show with the Mayor?

Brian Bristo, London, Canada

RM: Well that is very kind of you, and I would say that all four of us know we’re lucky to have jobs we love – covering the sport we love. I talked to Brian yesterday and he’s recovering nicely from his bout, and will be calling six Weather Tech races for NBC and some other IMSA shows for NBCSN and remain as chief steward for SRO World Challenge. Been emailing with Bob and he’s remaining positive in his fight and is very appreciative of all the goodwill he’s received in the GoFundMe page (thanks to Marshall who got it started). Marshall’s wife is doing therapy every day, and being an ex-Marine is helpful because she’s a fighter. I take chemo pills daily and I’m very lucky because I don’t have any bad side affects. Cancer sucks, as the shirt says, but Brian and I know we’re fortunate because it can be so much worse. And I think if Seb runs for A.J. that Marshall will be able to keep the French Fry show going in 2020. But I’m sure the Mayor will get consideration.

Q: Who do you think will be the next driver to race in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 in the same year?

Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY

RM: Kyle Busch or Kyle Larson.

Q: I'm hoping to take my son to the Toronto race this year as a high school graduation present. I've never been there, so I was wondering if there are any hotels along the track layout? I thought it would be cool to stay right on the route. Also, do you recommend anything for that weekend? Are there any shouldn't-miss activities or things to do?

Brian, Mt. Juliet, TN

RM: There is a new, gorgeous place inside the track called Hotel X, but that’s the only place to stay by the circuit itself. And I think it’s kinda pricey, but you wouldn’t need to rent a car. Toronto is just a great city, with so many places to eat, and the people are super-friendly, but there’s nothing like the old street parties of the CART days to my knowledge.

Q: Hi Robin, big fan! I would love to take my dad to the 500 this year but we have never been before. I have been to IMS once before (2005 F1 USGP, yes the tire scandal). Do you have any tips for a first-timer? Where would be the best place to sit? I was thinking either the short chute between Turns 1 and 2, or maybe the middle of Turn 4. Thanks!

Rob, Saugus, CA

RM: You are spot-on. Sit as high as possible in any of the four corners. Best and most affordable seats in the house. But if two Vista deck tickets are available anywhere, grab them.

Q: I'm driving down from Canada to the race at Barber in Alabama this April. Where would be the best spot to spectate from at the track? Do they get such a big crowd that once I get a spot, I should stay put, or is it possible – even preferable – to walk around? Indeed, can the whole perimeter be walked during the race? Are there support races beforehand? And how is the access before and after the race? (Though I suspect you hang around long after to meet with teams and rivers and file a report and never have to battle the exit traffic.)

Anthony Jenkins

RM: The general admission/paddock pass would be my suggestion. Roam the paddock every day and then sit on the sloping hills outside the first few turns. It is possible to walk around a great portion of the track, and there are trams to help move people along. The museum is a can’t-miss so plan on spending a few hours there. And go to Rusty’s BBQ in nearby Leeds for dinner. Not sure about the traffic, but it’s one of the best-organized and most friendly venues that IndyCar has ever visited.

Q: Do you know of any charities for pit crew members or mechanics that have fallen on hard times or need medical assistance? Also, I know I speak for everyone when I say we hope your time in the pits is a brief one, and you are back on track and up to speed soon.

Josh from Maine (close to Bentley’s Saloon)

RM: The USAC Benevolent Fund has always helped drivers and mechanics in hard times, and of course, IndyCar has insurance for its members if one would be injured in a pit stop. Please tell Bentley hello, and to buy you a beer. I feel fine, thank you.

Q: It looks as if Fred will be spending some time in the U.S. this summer. Maybe you could plant a seed at the Chili Bowl that he needs to experience a midget/sprint car race.

Jim, CO

RM: I think David Byrd would make it happen if Fred wanted to try it, but I’m thinking maybe a sprint car school first to whet his appetite. Knowing Alonso’s passion for trying different things, I imagine a midget or sprinter would be appealing.

Q: Who do you believe or would like to see give the "Gentlemen Start Your Engines" command for the 2020 Indianapolis 500?

Doug S

RM: Tony George and his three sisters.

Q: Following up on last week's Mailbag question on Tom Sneva, I wanted to share with your readers that Tom will be the honored guest Midwest Racing Preservation Association annual Motorsports & Memories Banquet on February 1, 2020 at the Doubletree Hotel in Arlington Heights, IL, a Chicago suburb. Event organizer Linda Daro is well-connected in the racing community so it would not be unusual for another one or two Indianapolis 500 winners to attend the banquet as well. Further details and ticket information at www.mirpa.org in the events section.

Mike Jablo, Vernon Hills, IL

RM: The Gas Man is a good public speaker and tells a lot of funny stories (some are even true), so hopefully you’ll have a good turnout. And if he’s doing it for free, then Linda is the luckiest woman on the planet.

Q: Anyone who has watched YouTube videos of the motorcycle racing of the Isle of Man TT knows what I’m talking about. It’s extraordinary control that they have, not to mention the appendages they must have. The power to weight ratio has to be close or better than an IndyCar. With the skill they show, I wonder why some don’t make their way to four-wheel racing? I know there have been a few in the past – Joe Leonard, for example.

Wally, Eden Prairie, MN

RM: Paul Goldsmith, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees and Pelican Joe all made the transition to four wheels, and I imagine one of those TT crazies would entertain the thought of the Indy 500, but all it takes is a lot of money and somebody to put it together. But without a doubt, that’s the wildest thing you will ever watch, and those guys are the bravest.

It didn't really matter how many wheels something had if you were John Surtees. Image by Phipps/LAT

Q: I remember years ago during the month of May, one of the TV channels would run 30-minute black and white broadcasts of previous Mays at the Speedway, including practice highlights, qualifications and the race itself within one half hour. I may be mistaken, but I think Firestone sponsored them. Also, could be wrong, but some if not all were titled "33 Men". (Politically incorrect, and obviously inaccurate today.) Being a huge Indy fan, I loved watching those. It was like watching Donald Davidson, but with real footage and in more detail. Some went back as far as the late '40s, I believe. Do you recall these? Who owns them now, and where do you think they might reside? Probably not a big market for these, but would love to see maybe each decade that exists put on a DVD. I'd buy.

Jim, Indy

RM: Here’s my suggestion since you live in Indianapolis. Go out to the Clarion Waterfront Hotel this Friday night from 5-8 p.m. or Saturday from 9 am-4 pm and visit Marie Hall’s Racing Collectibles Show. There may be an exhibit for a man named Doak Ewing (Rare Sports Films) and he carries many of those old documentaries like 33 Men. There also will be a table for First Turn Productions (Brad Edwards and John Darlington) and they have all the old Indy 500 films, so look them up as well.

Q: I've been spending the last few weeks really enjoying my old Indy Review books from the late 1990s. I know that the politics around the split messed the sport up pretty good, but man, there is so much that I like about that era! As great as road racing is, the IRL's 100% oval format really captured my imagination (almost every series road races, but who else does ovals like IndyCar?). And even though the back of the field could be pretty weak for some of those races, I love how the IRL gave real talents like Buddy Lazier, Scott Sharp, Greg Ray, and Eddie Cheever a chance at the top when they probably wouldn't have been able to secure a top ride in CART because of money, luck, and connections.

It was also a thrill to see teams like Panther and Kelley, and to a lesser extent Hemelgarn, Menard and Foyt fight as their series dominance began to slip in the 2000s when the IRL began the transition to big teams and fewer ovals. I know that we'll never see an era like that ever again, but as we begin this Penske era of IndyCar racing, it makes me excited to see what this next generation looks like!

Nate D.

RM: The best thing about the IRL was that Tony Stewart, Steve Kinser and Jack Hewitt all got to run the Indy 500, and a little guy like Jim Guthrie shocked the big teams and won a race. But I always kid A.J. that he could have hired Stewart instead of Marco Greco the year before, and he just frowns at me. But the damage The Split did to open-wheel negated any good story from the IRL in my mind.