Robin Miller's Mailbag for February 19, 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’m sure you’ve got a million and one emails about the changes R.P. has made to the 500. I think they’re great, I imagine you think they’re great, everyone thinks they’re great, so I won’t ask you about all of them. I want to focus on the purse, which I’ve heard you talk about many times as being pitifully small.

Now, $2 million is a lot of money. But do you think adding that much to the purse is going to make a meaningful impact? The way you’ve told it in the past, the base amount that the teams get for turning up isn’t even enough to cover them for the month of May. So, let’s just say that every penny of this $2 million goes towards boosting that base amount. The $2 million split between, let’s say, 36 teams gives a bit more than a $55k boost per team. Is that really meaningful? For comparison I have heard that the Daytona 500 purse is somewhere in the $21-23 million ballpark. I certainly hope that this is a first step to increasing the purse and not the final one, because to me there needs to be more investment there. Though to reiterate, I love what Penske is doing in his first year at the helm and I think the changes for the 500 are great.

Max Camposano, Bethlehem, PA

RM: The $2 million is simply being added to the Leader’s Circle pot – not the overall purse – so it basically affects 22 of the 33 starters. And while it’s not nearly enough, especially when Daytona is boasting $23.6 million, it’s a good start and I think R.P. will eventually find a title sponsor and get the purse closer to $20 million. If it paid $500,000 to start, that’s a lot more enticing and realistic in terms of trying to make a little money.

Q: What a perfect Valentine's present The Captain has given to all of us IndyCar fans! I knew he would make changes and am happy it was sooner than many thought. Increasing the purse for this year's 500 is a long-needed step, and I have no problem about the money being given to the full-time competitors. Don't you think this figure will continue to increase in the next few years? The other area that should be noted is modifying the last row of qualifying by allowing multiple attempts and increasing the session. I am glad to know that the entire session will be shown on NBC. It has been exciting, and more importantly, it will give drivers a better chance in making the show.

Deb Schaeffer

RM: I think if there is a corporation out there willing to put its name (and checkbook) on the Indianapolis 500 then The Captain will find them. Not sure how he feels about a title sponsor, but as I’ve constantly said, I don’t care if it’s the Menard’s Indy 500, if it gets the purse to where it belongs I’m all for it.

Q: R.P. was pure class last week, and I haven’t been this excited since Mansell came to town. Speaking of that, will Honda of Japan budge on Alonso? It’s not fair! He needs to be with Michael. Would R.P. intervene? Also, man where did Scotty Mac come from? I mean, I root against the Yankees (Team Penske) but, I’m in love with this kid! So much excitement!

Dan Kirby

RM: Japan isn’t budging, and R.P. said last week he is talking to Honda and Chevrolet about extending their contracts so the last thing he’s going to do is anything to alienate Honda. McLaughlin opened a lot of eyes at COTA but here’s what The Captain said when I asked about looking at a hard-top driver: “Robert Wickens and Dario came from the same kind of discipline and they were successful, so why not look at him?”

"Nah, that was a clear LBW." For the first time since Ryan Briscoe's departure, the Penske garage contains two people who understand cricket. Image by LePage/LAT

Q: I know you’re probably tired of hearing about Alonso by now, but I’ve been thinking: if Alonso suddenly proclaimed his interest in running a full season of IndyCar, would a ride materialize? Would he need to bring sponsors? What team would he most likely run with? I know it’s a silly hypothetical, but it’s a big “what if?” in my mind.

Josh Fromer, Tannersville, NY

RM: I think if he made the commitment early enough he might have several options, and IndyCar would likely help find him a home. But he’s said time and again that running full-time wasn’t on his agenda.

Q: Another question from the Cali Peanut Gallery. I got this is off the Brickyard.com website on the schedule for Sunday May 17. Do we have zero on-track activity between 11:15 a.m. and  4:30 p.m.? Or will the cars which are locked in to positions 10-30 a.m. be out practicing?

Rick K, San Diego, CA

RM: Here’s the latest info from Doug Boles: May 17: 10:15-10:45 a.m. is Last Row ShootOut practice; 10:45-11:15 a.m. is Fast Nine practice; 12:30-1:45 p.m. is Last Row Qualifying; 1:45-2:30 p.m. is Fast Nine qualifying; 3:30-6 p.m. is all Indy 500 starters practice.

Q: Last year, the fastest 33 qualifiers did not start the race, just as the prophet Chip Ganassi said was a possibility. Looks like same thing is very possible this year. So if you qualified in the top 30, you’re guaranteed a spot?

Pat Kelley

RM: That is correct, and the unfortunate reality of this system.

Q: Great to read about Roger’s updates for the Speedway! I can hardly to see what he and his team come up with after they have had more time! One thing that’s missing is, I’d really like to see a substantial fence dividing the front straight and pit road. We’ve been lucky so far that we haven’t had a car get launched in that area. The outcome would be devastating - people, fuel, etc. I’m sure that this is much easier said than done, but it would be great if we could do something before next year’s 500. Count me among the other Mailbaggers who are begging you to write your book!

Wally, Eden Prairie, MN

RM: That was one of my top 10 suggestions for The Captain and I think it’s something that will be addressed in the next year or so, but in the meantime just keep your fingers crossed. How about a book called “No Momma’s Boys,” and all it has is opinions and stories from A.J., Uncle Bobby, Johncock, Parnelli and Rutherford?

Q: I liked everything in Roger Penske’s changes to IMS except the added horsepower for qualifying for the Indy 500. Wouldn’t it make sense to qualify with the same engine horsepower as they race with? I know they have done it in the past years, but why? At this point, a new track record would mean nothing to me. What do you think?

Paul Fitzgerald, Indianapolis

RM: I don’t think anybody cares about top speeds or NTR, certainly not enough to make any difference in the attendance. But it does give IndyCar a lock on bragging rights and a chance to get a story in a newspaper or TV report that might not otherwise care.

Q: At the risk of starting a major s***storm here… but have you heard any discussion of whether IMS plans to invite the President to this year’s 500 following his appearance at Daytona? We know R.P. and Trump are tight. After all, Trump presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year. However, I’d hate to see his appearance at IMS in May likely distract from the transition between the Human-George family and R.P.’s stewardship. You’ve suggested before that it would be good to see R.P. and Tony George give the command to start engines together this year to honor the transition, but if Trump comes, he’s going to want to do it for nakedly political reasons, and that could create a conflict we really don’t need among IndyCar fans.

Mark G.

RM: I haven’t asked R.P. but I’m not sure he would piggyback on what NASCAR did. I hope he asks Parnelli and A.J. to give the command.

Q: You have spent many years at the Brickyard and my first memories of watching the Indy 500 is the condensed versions we had in the '60s on ABC's Wide World of Sports. The Granatelli Kiss after Mario won in '69 is the moment I remember like it was yesterday. I do remember starting to follow National Championship in 1972, the year Mark Donohue won the 500. At that time we knew him as Captain Nice and Roger Penske was The Commander. When did Penske get demoted? Now we just call him The Captain.

Tom Ruff, Orillia, On

RM: Geez I’ve known R.P. since 1969, and while I do remember Donohue being called Captain Nice, I’ve never heard Penske called anything but The Captain. I’ll have to ask him next time we talk and see where the nickname started or changed.

Captain or Commander? Image by Phipps/Sutton

From a more philosophical perspective, I love that the Month of May is now a microcosm of what IndyCar racing is... steeped in the great tradition of the Indy 500, but with the diversity of road racing. I know you're not a fan of "other" races at IMS, but it's that diversity of tracks (and drivers) that made me fall in love with Indy cars back in the '80s and '90s, and why I keep watching today. So Mr. Penske, please keep the GP on the schedule!

Douglas Cole, Portland, OR

RM: My logic is that R.P. is a bottom-line guy and if the road course race is a financial loser, then it stands a better chance of being removed than moved. But I don’t think it’s going anywhere as long as it’s on NBC.

Q: I think the attendance for the Indy GP could go up, if not stay the same, but have better attendance experience by moving to a later date. The reason I say this is because I have attended the last few Indy GPs, and the weather has been cold and terrible. Last year was rainy and absolutely horrible to watch if you were not a die-hard. I proposed to my girlfriend on the Bricks during the pre-race pit walk (courtesy of having Bronze Badges), and we were on cloud nine.

But even with that great highlight of the day, I still had a very tough time keeping her in the stands the whole race. With the rain and cold, the whole day was tough. A later race, I think, would be a much better spectator experience. I would also add that most IndyCar teams are based out of Indy, so this could be another "home" race for them. The crews would have some time with their families for another weekend. Might be a good "home" week later in the season? From talks of other spectators from previous years, the overall consensus has been, you have to love IndyCar to attend the Indy GP, because most casual fans will not submit themselves to the cold to watch it live.

Chris, Central Indiana

RM: Depending on whether R.P. wants to continue the policy of trying to end the season in mid-September, I’m not saying he might not consider moving it (especially if he found some great title sponsor) to try and make it the season-ending showcase, but I think it’s going to stay in May for the foreseeable future. The best thing about having it in May is it gives IMS three consecutive weekends on NBC.

Q: I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I am very excited to see what the fan experience will be at the 500 this year now that Roger Penske has taken over the Speedway. There is nobody better to be at the helm of this ship. All of the improvements that were announced sound great. The only thing that raises any concern with me is ticket prices. The Indy 500 is in the echelon with the Kentucky Derby and the Masters, and I would say comparisons to those events are warranted. But it is also affordable. I can understand a small increase in ticket prices to help fund the improvements, but I also fear that fans could be priced out of the market if the increase is too large. If the Indy 500 approaches the cost of the Derby, the grandstands will not be as full as they have been the past few years. I feel like IndyCar has been building momentum the past few years and would hate to see it be squashed by tickets that are too expensive.

Jeremy in Des Plaines, IL

RM: When I think about NBA, NFL and NHL ticket prices, the Indy 500 remains a pretty good bargain – especially for seats in the corners. IMS has been real greedy the past few years with ticket increases, concession prices and parking so hopefully R.P. will adjust things and try to keep things fan friendly compared to stick & ball.

Q: Guess I am still pinching myself that The Captain owns IMS. If I could tell him just two things, the very first one would be simply and sincerely, “Thank You.” As for a suggestion, I could think of a few for sure, but one that keeps putting itself in front is the museum. It should be so much better. Indy is the Racing Capital of the World. The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. There is some cool stuff in the museum, for sure. I tell people who have never been to go. A serious upgrade is needed to bring it in line with the legacy of the facility and the 500, do you agree? Regardless, I have absolute complete trust that good things are coming.

Aaron Carrico

RM: I don’t know if R.P. will tear down the IMS museum and build a new one or simply give the current one a facelift, but I know he’s going to do something and get all the hidden treasure in the basement out in front of the public. And I’m pretty sure he knows it’s not up the standards it should be, so stay tuned.

Q: Nice to see Roger's response to the customer experience at the Speedway. Some of the comments online were still a little ridiculous. So many still think R.P. can rub his magic lamp and call upon his magic genie and bring back the past. Bring back Michigan, bring back Milwaukee, blah, blah, blah. Some people will never be happy, I guess. BTW, all those people that bitched about the restrooms should go to Anderson Speedway for that experience.

John Fulton, Akron, Ohio

RM: I’m not really sure where you’re coming from, but while R.P. wants to keep Indy’s remaining traditions alive – he never said anything about rejoining the old days because he knows that’s not feasible. His main goals are to grow IndyCar, make IMS the showplace of the motorsports world and give the paying customers a great experience. Restrooms and all.

Q: With Mr. Penske's announcement regarding the immediate improvements at IMS, don't you wish as do I that Mr. Penske, you and I were 20 years younger to see what the future holds for IMS and IndyCar? I think it's a bright and exciting future and I hope we all are around to see it happen.

David M., Fort Wayne

RM: Of course I wish R.P. was 52 instead of 82 but trust me, he’s a dynamo like no other octogenarian I’ve ever seen and I think he’ll get plenty accomplished in his remaining years.

Q: Danica Patrick was in IndyCar for about six years then went to the NASCAR Cup Series for seven years, so what current NTT IndyCar Series drivers do you think will try racing in NASCAR?

Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY

RM: I know Newgarden and Rossi want to run Daytona some day, and I imagine Dixie would like to do it as well, but can’t see anyone leaving to go full-time.

IndyCar-to-NASCAR moves have been rare over the past decade or so, but there's no shortage of drivers who'd like to give stock cars a try. Image by LAT

Q: I waited for the announcement regarding how Mr. Penske was going to improve on the 500 and the Speedway.  The announcement has come, and it all sounds like very good news.  The only thing I would like to see now that there will be more, better viewing screens around the Speedway is to put them to good use by broadcasting old footage of Jim Nabors singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” instead of anyone else singing it live prior to the race.

Brian S., Mason, Ohio

RM: Duly noted and it seems like a good idea, but I think IMS likes the idea of a live performer and Kelly Clarkson was damn good last year.

Q: Listening to TK covering the COTA test, he emphasized the problems Foyt had last year on road and street courses. He said that he chose the ovals for his part-time 2020 season as that was where the team had better engineering expertise. Then we see Eric Cowdin arrive at Coyne and Palou deliver a good test time first time out. When Eric Cowdin was announced as going to Coyne it was reported as a “ great hire,” so why the poor results last year at Foyt? TK also said the new engineers at Foyt, one from Meyer-Shank and the other from Andretti, are excellent. I’m confused.

Oliver Wells

RM: Eric and T.K. had a great run together for the better part of two decades, but sometimes a change is good and I’m glad he landed at Coyne and happy that Mike Colliver and Mike Pawlowski are with Foyt. I talked to A.J. a few days ago and he was impressed with Bourdais and the new engineers, so hopefully Kanaan’s last Indy 500 will be contested up front.

Q: What odds do you want to give on Will Power and Simon Pagenaud both being Penske IndyCar drivers in 2021? I can’t imagine replacing either one, but holy @$&(* Scott McLaughlin has that it factor. If you don’t watch Supercars I recommend it. They have an NBC Gold type package for $40 for international viewers that comes with all races and qualifying sessions. And 2020 should be another McLaughlin beat down on the field before who-knows-what in 2021. Honestly, he may not end up being the best IndyCar driver Roger has, but he is probably the most talented driver Roger has right now.

Ryan in West Michigan

RM: Likely pretty good since Power’s contract is good through 2021 and I believe Simon signed a two-year deal with an option after his Indy win last May. But R.P. is always looking down the road, and McLaughlin obviously has his eye.

Q: What is Ricardo Juncos doing this year? His IMSA and IndyCar programs unfortunately never got steady sponsorships. I was rooting for this team right from the very beginning. I hope they can return and be in full swing in the near future. Do you think the franchise plan will benefit these small teams?

Jon L., Chicago, IL

RM: You have to run the full season to get into Leader’s Circle and Ricardo is scrambling to get sponsorship to run Indy, so it couldn’t benefit him yet. But he’s exactly the kind of car owner that IndyCar needs to become full-time.

Q: I liked you comment last week  about getting used to things - "Like Paul Tracy in a jacket and tie." I was raised in Toronto like Paul ('The Thrill from West Hill'- a Toronto suburb ) but was never a fan during his racing days. Prodigiously fast sure, but a bit of a mouthy jerk, in my opinion. As a commentator, I find him smart, funny, and incisive, a real addition to broadcasts. Has he changed greatly since retirement, or is it me?

A Jenkins, not far from West Hill

RM: I always liked P.T. because he was a cocky SOB but he backed it up, and always said what was on his mind. I know he rubs people the wrong way, but he’s a good guy and gives NBC a good ride as well. But he might be getting nicer as he gets older.

Q: Sitting here watching the open test at COTA, and gotta say that Tony Kanaan has found his calling in the booth! I know he is still racing in 2020, but wow is he insightful and offers a real-time perspective to the broadcast – similar to what Tony Romo brought to the booth in the NFL last year. Ink a deal, quick! Is there a place for him at NBC?

Kenny in Southern Cal

RM: I wish there was, but P.T. and Townsend have good chemistry and NBC will snap up Hinch when he retires (if not before) so there just isn’t any place for T.K. right now. But he’s always been great on local television with Dave Furst and our ABC affiliate, and would be a nice addition to the IMS network when he’s done racing. I wish we could get a weekly show on NBCSN or a podcast or a YouTube show with T.K. and Hinch, because we could shoot it at IMS Productions. But Tony has always been comfortable in front of a camera.

Q: I think it’s great that Jimmie Johnson has an interest in IndyCar. I know he’s expressed an interest in road courses and street races. Do you know if he would also consider Indy? I’m thinking with the new aeroscreen it might make it more attractive to some drivers that previously considered it a bit too risky. I know the aeroscreen was originally designed for protection from debris, but is the top hoop strong enough to give significant protection in a roll over or ride along the top of the wall? Since Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick are good friends, I was thinking maybe Roger would urge Rick to run a car for Jimmie. Your thoughts?

I always enjoy all the information you provide. Keep doing what you do, and I hope all is well for you.

Mike Renner

RM: I think he’s made it clear he’d like to road race an IndyCar, but I’m pretty sure his wife put the kibosh on ovals. I imagine R.P. would help him get the best possible situation and a test day or two would be in order. Have no idea about your aeroscreen question, and hope we don’t we don’t have to find out.

"Why do you keep asking if you can borrow my helmet?" Image by Abbott/LAT

Q: I would like to comment about COTA. I boycotted because it was built for F1 and did not attend until last year's IndyCar Classic. The track and its facilities are fantastic and every IndyCar fan should add it to their bucket list. I agree that the late starting times made for TV will hurt attendance at many tracks, but in the case of COTA it could help. There are many open wheel fans in DFW and Houston that could drive to the track and back on the same day. I suggest they do this in the near future, because I'm worried about COTA. An F1 race in Miami is sure to reduce attendance, and the locals appear to have no interest in racing. I could say it serves them right for trusting F1, but thanks to you and Marshall I no longer hold my grudge. I believe COTA's survival would be good for racing. What is your opinion?

Charlie Merz, Dallas

RM: It’s a first-class facility and it made for a damn good show last year in IndyCar’s debut, so I hope it stays on the schedule. And I’m not convinced that F1 is going to race at Miami, but not sure it would affect COTA’s crowd anyway.

Q: Is The Captain and his team reaching out to F1 about hosting a race in April due to the Chinese GP and possibly the Vietnam GP being cancelled?

Martin Moriguchi, Henderson, NV

RM: I wouldn’t think so. First off, it’s way too late to promote it and the logistics would be a nightmare, and why would IMS take a chance of losing a fortune? Unless the sanction fee was waived and F1 paid IMS a nice stipend to run them, it makes zero sense. Indy is trying to sell tickets to its own road race

Q: With the recent postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix, resulting in a four-week gap between races, why not try to get some F1 drivers into the LBGP? Can you imagine the buzz if Max Verstappen was to drive a Honda with Red Bull or Jumbo sponsorship? Even if one of the McLaren F1 drivers showed up for a third AMSP car, it would be, in my humble opinion, a win-win for both series.

Bary B.

RM: I suppose if Honda gave it’s blessing that maybe Max could try it, but he would want (and deserve) some testing and of course there’s that contract thing. But he would definitely sell some tickets. Just not sure who would pay for it. And Lando Norris and Colton Herta are pals, so that would be cool to see them on the same track, but just seems like way too many obstacles for anything like this to happen.

Q: I have refrained from commenting on the aeroscreens. Why? Because I seem to remember back in the late '60s or early '70s Bruce Walkup came to Indy with a roll cage. And as a guy your age, (I’m just a few months behind you), I saw too many of my heroes die before their time. Some were friends of the family. So I wanted Indy cars to all get the “Bruce Walkup look”, even back then. Didn’t happen. But after watching Spring Training at COTA, I have to say I like the look a lot. What I can’t figure out is why it took 50 years to protect the drivers. Without drivers you’ve got no racing. (Is it just coincidence that Jimmy Johnson was at COTA?) And I’ll tell you what; If you want to see ugly cars, look at any modern F1 car. Those monstrosities make me go cross-eyed!

Jim Patton, Lindale, TX

RM: I’m probably the wrong guy to expound on the plaudits of the aeroscreen. I eat lunch every Friday with Lee Kunzman, Merle Bettenhausen and Pancho Carter and they were all maimed in open-wheel racing but never complained, and pretty much understood that was a risk of their profession. As callous as it sounds, danger was always the hook for midgets, sprints and Indy cars and it made people watch – not to see anyone lose their life or be injured – but because these guys were the modern-day gladiators. Today’s drivers are plenty brave, but the safety is 10-fold from the '60s and '70s, and while I’m glad for all the improvements and the aeroscreen, I’m also glad I grew up back in the glory days.

Q: I have decided the aeroscreen looks badass in the best possible way that a safety advocate like Justin Wilson would have wanted. If I am ever talking to other fans about the screen, my opinion will be, "That thing looks badass, I like it!"

Earl McKenzie, Canada

RM: That’s a great way to look at it, and we all wish JWill were here to admire it.

Acceptance of the aeroscreen seems to be growing. Image by Abbott/LAT

Q: You had a reader who stated that he never got a fan survey from IndyCar or IMS. As a fan who has gone to Toronto for decades, I can say that we get one every year about Toronto, from the promoters, Green-Savoree. I tell them that IndyCar hates Canada and that we should drop IndyCar for Formula E. We could easily get a manufacturer to sponsor it, and our government would likely support it with loads of cash, too. The fans would triple in size once they realize Formula E is now a world championship event. We wouldn’t even have to change the date, it is so close to the New York doubleheader. I will be watching Mexico this weekend, on my TV, which I can’t do with most of IndyCar. And I hope Zak Brown is never allowed past our borders ever again.

I was just frustrated that I could not see the spring training from COTA without an “only for USA” app. It seems the more interested I am in this series, the more it pushes me away. In the meantime, I saw a Formula E special, practice, and qualifying from Mexico on YouTube. The race, I saw on the Discovery Velocity channel, which I pay $4 a month for. It was a good race, and the one in Santiago last month was a great race.

If there is a question here, it is what can IndyCar do to keep Canadians interested? James is gone except possibly for a couple of events, Parker Thompson, De Angelis, Zachary Robichon, Scott Hargrove have abandoned IndyCar and the Road to Indy. They are going to IMSA now. Heck, we have two Canadians in Formula 1 this year. And please do not go on about Dalton Kellett – six years of Indy Lights and only one win to show for it. I have paid $200 bucks for my ticket in Toronto, and it is going to be nothing special unless James is in it. Remember when IndyCar left me and the other fans out in the thunderstorm a few years ago (remember when we had two races in one day)? I felt then I was being hosed, and I am feeling that way now. I don’t see any effort from IndyCar to appeal to us in Canada, do you?

Paul Sturmey, Carleton Place, Ontario

RM: Thanks for your impassioned plea Paul, and I wish I could tell you that NBC Gold will be available ASAP in Canada and that Hinch had a full-time ride and there were plans to go to Mosport or Montreal, but right now I don’t know what IndyCar is doing to keep Canadians interested. But I do think Roger Penske is aware of the disconnect, and he will do something about it within the next year.

Q: I got to meet Uncle Bobby at the Chili Bowl the last month. I really cannot stress enough how much of a nice, genuine man he is and how he really is a national treasure to the racing community. Normally I'm a guy that loves collecting autographs from drivers, but he is the only guy where a small chat is worth far more.

Anyways, I wanted to tell you a comment he made to me. He was impressed with the shirt I had (screen-printed shirt of the Foyt "Coyote" inspired car ran in the event) and he made an excellent point about how diverse the collection of shirts were! He said the Chili Bowl was the lone place that really does that anymore, and I tend to agree. Has IndyCar ever looked into exploring a sort of short track/dirt track shirt design for some of its drivers/cars? I know they have deals with several manufacturers, but I think it would really be very cool in the tradition of their roots.

Gus in Tulsa

RM: I think if IndyCar drivers still came from USAC then it would behoove IMS and IndyCar to make throwback shirts, but other than Ed Carpenter, there wouldn’t be any other drivers with short track heritage. Hell I just want IndyCar to get a booth at the Chili Bowl and send a couple drivers and pass out hats – that would be a good start. But are you sure it was Bobby Unser? Nice guy? Did he try to borrow money? OK, just kidding, Uncle Bobby is a national treasure, just like our pal in Houston, and 10 minutes spent with either one would be memorable for any fan.