Robin Miller's Mailbag for March 4, 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: Last year we Canucks bitched long and loud about Rogers shifting IndyCar to an all-soccer premium channel. Longtime fans had grown accustomed to decades of uninterrupted coverage, and only having to purchase the first tier of a sports package that most Canadians buy for hockey anyway. Hopefully some of those fans have written in to express that the recent news of an expanded IndyCar schedule is great to hear for loyal fans up north. Great job, IndyCar and Rogers! Between the races on NBC (which is basic cable) and the races on Sportsnet360, which is only one tier up, Canadian IndyCar fans can enjoy all races except Alabama, Long Beach and COTA. And since those three races are all in April, one can subscribe to Sportsnet World for a single month and get those three races for $20! I, for one, can live with that. Thanks!

Trevor Bohay, Kamloops, BC, Canada

RM: Stephen Starks of IndyCar deserves all the credit, because I drove him crazy sending him all the angry emails and he worked hard to get Canada something more affordable and appealing. I don’t profess to know all the ins and outs of cable TV in Canada but it sounds challenging, and I hope most fans will embrace this news like you, Trevor. Thanks.

Q: Well, I suppose this is good news. If you want all of the races, you still have to subscribe to the SportsNet World package for the whole season. I fail to see how this makes it any better. Thanks to IndyCar for trying. A big thumbs-down to SportsNet though.

Doug Mayer, Revelstoke, BC, Canada

RM: At the risk of sounding less than understanding, we all have to pay for cable television in some form nowadays, so if it’s something you enjoy, just make it one of your guilty pleasures. I pay a fortune to DirecTV just to get NBCSN, FOX Sports1 and four ESPN channels. I know you’ve been a big IndyCar supporter for years Doug, but is this new plan really that bad?

Q: As a rather vocal critic in your Mailbag of the IndyCar series and NBC sports group for the loss of adequate IndyCar TV coverage in Canada last year, I have to comment on the news that 10 of 17 races will be on basic Canadian cable this year. Added with the NBC network coverage scheduled for this year, only four races will not be covered on Canadian cable. Added to that, James Hinchcliffe will be on that TV coverage.

This is still not an ideal situation, those races in April means I will likely have to pick up Sports World at $25 for that month, and there is no IndyCar qualifying and no Indy Lights being broadcast here – not even on You Tube – but I am grateful that it appears this is being addressed. I can only hope things can get even better. So, thanks to everyone involved for this piece of good news. Bring on the season already, Go Dalton Go, and Go Anthony Serrevalle (Indy Lights). Has this news been well-received?

Paul Sturmey, Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada

RM: Totally agree, Paul. IndyCar has got to find a way to get practice and qualifying available to Canada but I think IndyCar’s Stephen Starks and Penske Entertainment will make it one of their 2021 priorities. And 80 percent of the responses from Canadian fans have been positive – they feel like IndyCar listened to them.

Canadian fury has cooled somewhat with this year's improved TV package. Image by LePage/LAT

Q: I completely agree with you about Fernando Alonso and celebrating his return and love for Indy. I didn't care one bit about him before he came to Indy, but I'm not sure if Indy fans realize what a big deal it was for him to skip F1's biggest, most prestigious race of the year to come to race at Indy. As soon as he did that, I took notice, and since he's been so vocal in his love and passion for the 500, he's quickly become one of my favorites. The same thing happened for Willy P. for me after he won Indy. I didn't really care for him much until he went bonkers after he won. If guys like Will or Fernando show me they love and cherish the race that I love and cherish, I'll be rooting for them on race day. Welcome back, Fred. I'll be cheering for you. Did other F1 champs have the same affection for IMS?

Randy, Milwaukee

RM: Brabham, Clark and Stewart seemed to embrace Indy, much like Emmo, Nigel and Alonso. But Rindt, Hill, Hulme looked at it more as a necessary evil to a good payday, and Piquet despised all the yellow lights but seemed to enjoy being Gary Bettenhausen’s teammate.

Q: I just finished your article about Fast Freddie at Indy. I think you may have missed one point. In my opinion, the best thing about Alonso failing to qualify last year (and why it was a potential positive) is because it shows just how tough and competitive IndyCar is. It shows that even someone of Fred’s stature can’t just show up and run fast. The worst-case scenario would have been Alonso winning in his first attempt. It would have made Indy look bush-league. Don’t you agree? The combined failure of Alonso and McLaren failure shows that IndyCar is on par with or above any other challenge in motorsports. Now that we have shown that, yes, please bring him in and draw fans from around the world. We need all of the promotion and new fans that we can get.

John in Visalia, CA

RM: Clark, Hill and Fittipaldi winning didn’t do anything but raise Indy’s profile around the world, and if Alonso had won in 2017 it would have simply showed his prowess on one of the best IndyCar teams. McLaren’s failure last year was more a case of being unprepared and arrogant than anything else, and proved that even someone of Fernando’s pedigree can’t shovel s$%# at 220 mph.

Q: So you and I are in agreement, right? Zak Brown likes to talk to the media and seems to crave being asked questions so he can give quotes or provide answers. How is it that we have someone who loves to chat with the media, and yet nobody has been able to pin him down on additional races for Alonso in 2020? The most appealing part of the Andretti/Alonso deal to me this year wasn’t the 500. It was the potential to see him run at Road America or Iowa. Confirmation that he is participating in either event would prompt me to buy tickets for them.

I know it is great for IndyCar that he’s in the 500, but I didn’t miss him last year. What I would love to see is Alonso get a taste for wheeling one of these cars around Road America for 200 miles without power steering. You’ve nailed the why. It’s his attitude. The sound bites he could provide the series would have real value. On the topic of value to the series, as an IMS ticket holder, it is worth mentioning they sent out a blast email after Alonso was confirmed.

Ryan in West Michigan

RM: I expect Alonso to run the Indy GP in May, and I sent Zak an email last Sunday asking him to confirm. He said nothing is finalized and it is still a work in progress, but I promise you that Fred will sell an extra 5,000 tickets because of the very reason you wrote – we want to see him in his element. And I do think he wants to run Road America as well as a short oval, but it’s probably all about sponsors and manpower.

Q: I agree with your statement that it would have been better for the 2019 running of the Indy 500 if Fernando Alonso had been in it. However, I think the overall story of Alonso facing failure is a better story. Imagine if he had had his successful rookie year, then went on to win the Indy 500 in his second attempt. While there would have been a lot of press and attention, it would have made winning the Indy 500 look easy.

The way the story is playing out now, his successful rookie year was followed by a year where it showed that the Indy 500 is not so easy to conquer, after all. It is not just another race where you show up, get in your car, go fast, and win. Even one of the best in history has struggled mightily. Now if he wins, it looks more like he has paid his dues and earned it; that the Indy 500 is a steeper mountain to climb than anyone thought. The Indy 500 will have truly eared Alonso's respect, and also, maybe, the world's. Agree?

Rob, Ringwood, NJ

RM: He made it look pretty easy in 2017 because of his quick adaption to speed, ovals and traffic – a direct result of his ability, and Andretti Autosport making him comfortable and giving him a good car. But last year had nothing to do with Alonso, it was all about McLaren’s shortcomings. And he respected Indy instantly.

Q: I was wandering the restaurants and bars of Barcelona the day Fernando led the Indy 500. All of them were tuned to the race. He's good for our sport.

Ed Lawrence

RM: Yes he is Ed, thanks for that report.

We need Alonso to come back to Indy so that we can get some new shots of him, because frankly, the well is starting to run dry. Pretty sure we haven't run this one yet. Image by IndyCar

Q: I couldn't agree more with your article about Fernando and his third attempt at the 500. He is an all-important addition to the field in regard to gaining an international audience. I could never understand some fans’ reluctance to embrace his efforts. In an era where people complain about vanilla drivers who always spout the company line, he's a refreshing throwback. Do they expect British reserve from a Spaniard? And he's one of the few F1 drivers who could take an uncompetitive car, and by force of will, make it a challenger. I remember David Hobbs once likened Fernando to a terrier; an apt comparison. If not for a strategic blunder by Ferrari, Alonso would be at least a three-time world champion. The fans here should cheer his old-school ambitions.

Steve C., Ithaca, NY

RM: To be fair, the ovation he received in 2017 after his car broke down was pretty impressive, and I think the majority of fans appreciated his presence. I heard a few media types chuckling when he missed the show last May, and it totally escapes why anyone wouldn’t want a world-class driver in the Indianapolis 500? Especially one that has shown a great affection for the whole month.

Q: While I agree that Alonso missing the 500 last year was bad for the series and the race from an international perspective, I feel that it is one of the best things that could have happened, both obviously for Kaiser and Juncos as underdogs, but also for Fred. I honestly believe that being bumped has only made him hungrier, and yet added to his respect and appreciation for the traditions that are a part of the 500. With him now knowing first-hand that even a driver with his merits is not immune to being unable to qualify for the biggest race in the world, we could possibly see an Alonso this year who is not only more prepared than ever, but who is also one of the most loose and relaxed drivers in the paddock, and that could put him in the optimum underdog position where could thrive. Is that accurate?

Alan Bandi, Sarver, PA

RM: I don’t think he had to miss the show to have great respect for Indy’s walls, speeds and mental toughness required, but he did admit not running made him extra motivated to return. And, yes, I would say he’s a bit of an underdog because Arrow McLaren SP has struggled the past couple years, but I think Craig Hampson will make him a contender before it’s all over.

Q: Congratulations to Janet Guthrie for her coming induction into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. Can someone remind me of exactly what she did, besides simply being female, to earn such an esteemed honor? Is the first male who qualified for the Indianapolis 500 in the HoF, too? What about Gary Bettenhausen? Is he to be inducted for simply being the first schmuck to qualify for the 500? Just wonderin'.

Raceworder

RM: It’s a fair and interesting question. Yes, Janet faced a lot of obstacles and didn’t drive the best car when she qualified in 1977. And she did even better in 1978 when she qualified 16th, and 1979 when she started 14th. Qualifying was her forte but not racing, because I don’t recall her ever passing a car. She finished ninth in 1978 and was 10 laps behind winner Al Unser, but claimed to have “beaten” Rick Mears, Johnny Rutherford and Mario Andretti – who all either dropped out or had 20-minute pit stops to try and fix something. Compared to Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick, Katherine Legge and Simona de Silvestro, Guthrie was a driver while they were racers. So maybe erect a nice plaque or statue in the IMS museum to honor her achievement, but not the HOF.

Q: Scratching my head over Dale Earnhardt's induction into The Hall of Fame. Wouldn't you think if you are going to include NASCAR drivers you'd put the five-time Brickyard winner in first? I'm afraid this Hall of Fame will end up having the same amount of credibility as The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as in, not much.

John Fulton, Akron, Ohio

RM: Jeff Gordon was inducted last year but didn’t even show – he sent a video. The fact any NASCAR or F1 driver is in the IMS HOF is insulting to me because they’ve got their own museums, and the Indianapolis 500 is what made IMS – not stock cars or a few F1 races. I get that IMS wants to sell tables to Dale Junior for the banquet, but that was the strategy for Gordon but it didn’t work. NASCAR has a HOF in Charlotte so Foyt, Gurney, Parnelli and Andretti should be legit candidates – just like Gordon or Earnhardt, had they won the Indy 500 or any IndyCar races.

Q: After reading the recent news on the Indy prize money, I had an idea: IMS should create a Fan Prize. My proposal would be that an award be created and funded by donations made by folks who buy Indy 500 tickets beginning with the 2021 race. For example, on the renewal paperwork I receive each year, an optional line could be included where I could voluntarily contribute to such a fund and be added to the contributions of like-minded folks. Those ordering for the first time via online or by phone could be offered the same. I’ve been re-upping the same 15 tickets since the 1970s and would gleefully contribute.

In addition, corporate ticket buyers could do this as part of their support and PR. If 300,00 attendees give one dollar… What might be raised is obviously unknown, but I think it’s worth a shot. As to who gets the prize? Last place finisher? The first alternate to support a “long-shot” program? Regardless of who receives the award, fans can claim that they took an extra step to keep IndyCar moving forward. While I’d propose this be named the Tim Coffeen Award, I’m not totally sold on that, but you can ask him.

Jay Hill

RM: I like your idea, and maybe it’s divided among the Last Row starters or given to the biggest mover of the race, or the first alternate. Adding it to the ticket renewal also sounds doable, so I sent your suggestion to The Captain. Feeno is pretty bashful, but I think he’d approve.

Q: Doesn't the driver get 40 percent of the purse? At least, I remember it being that way until Arie in 1997, that was how Fred Treadway got him to drive. BTW, this is Mike Mehl, Leo's son. I actually ran the Chili Bowl in 2019, then had a stroke in March, missing my first Indy 500 in 39 years, and have been recovering for the last year. Will be back to Indy in May.

Mike Mehl

RM: Most drivers used to get 40 percent of their check, and some got 50 if they won or finished in the Top 5. But who knows nowadays? Many of the full-timers have seven-figure retainers, so the prize money is inconsequential to them. And since a third of the field only earned $200,000, it’s hard to say what an owner might give in terms of percentage. But if a driver brings a sponsor then he usually gets a cut right off the top, and that’s how he’s paid. Glad you’re feeling better, please tell your dad hello.

Arie in 1997, mentally calculating what 40% comes out to. Image by IMS

Q: This year looks like it’s shaping up to be a really talented and deep starting lineup for the 500. At this point, what is the car count shaping up to be? Are there any big announcements left in the rumor mill? The Indy GP looks like it’s going to have one of its biggest car counts ever, from what I’m seeing. I heard that Alonso is going to maybe be running a handful of other IndyCar races if everything works out right. Do you see this as something that will really happen? I really hope it does, because as excited as I am for the 500, I really would love to see how he stacks up on a road or street race. Can’t wait for the season to start!

Rick from PA

RM: We’re still waiting on the second car for Carlin, while Ricardo Juncos and David Byrd are expected to make announcements. Steve Trout or Will Mariotti could be in play, and I hope A.J. puts Bourdais in a car as well. I do think Alonso is going to run the Indy GP and a couple other IndyCar races after May.

Q: "Before, during and after, that race is just magic.” That was Alonso's quote about Indy. How come more F1 current drivers don't voice the Indy 500 as a bucket list item that they want to pursue?

C. Soey

RM: Well, there’s always a conflict with Monaco and not sure how many want any part of an oval at 220 mph. Be nice to see Max and Lewis come over, but probably not as long as they’re F1 full-timers.

Q: What’s your opinion of Alonso signing up, again, with McLaren for Indy? I know he had little choice, with other, more attractive, options being closed, but does he still have a shot to win that he would have had at the Indy-expert teams of Andretti or Ed Carpenter? Or will he be fighting with one hand tied behind his back at Arrow McLaren SP?

Anthony Jenkins, near Toronto, Canada

RM: First off, glad he’s coming back, and this year he’s got Craig Hampson as his engineer, so I think he’ll be quite competitive – providing his pit stops are tidy.

Q: Like most of the time when a deal is announced, the real story has got to be a lot more interesting than what we get fed. It was announced earlier this year that Fernando and McLaren were done. It’s been nice, but we’re both movin’ on, each party said. Now, after having his pissed-off old engine supplier Honda still holding a grudge and denying Fernando’s deal with Andretti, he comes back, presumably hat in hand, to McLaren and everyone’s buddy buddy again. What’s up? Why didn’t a deal happen earlier? Why did they break up, and now, what makes this deal good enough for all to agree on it? Is it as simple as following the money?

Rick M., Toronto

RM: No matter what everyone has been saying lately, the Andretti/Alonso union didn’t happen because Honda of Japan wouldn’t let it. And Zak Brown and Fernando had no falling out, so it was a natural for him to join Arrow McLaren SP.

Q: Great story about Alonso, and I agree with everything you’ve said. One question that I have yet to see anyone ask is “Are there any technical partnerships between Penske and McLaren?” The reason I ask is Gil de Ferran is running McLaren’s IndyCar program, and their switch to Chevy makes you wonder.

Jim Doyle, Hoboken, NJ

RM: Not to my knowledge. RP’s only tech partners are Team Penske.

Q: Curious about this whole Penske/McLaughlin gig. Sounds more and more like Penske will be running him in more that just one or two races this year, and maybe full-time next year. Is RP going back to four full-time cars, or is someone there on the way out after this season?

Forrester Morgan

While speculation swirls around a possible IndyCar future, McLaughlin has been keeping himself busy by winning the Supercars round in Adelaide. Image by Klynsmith/LAT

Q: Thanks for the updates on Alonso’s 2020 run, Penske’s ever-unfolding upgrades, and winning payouts. What is generally known about oval driving simulators used by various teams as of this season? I haven’t seen a lot of open discussion of this, and I expect it will certainly impact what we see on track in May. I noticed Alonso mention simulator use in your article. Are there multiple IMS simulators now in use? Some drivers/teams with drastically greater access? As one late Southern California based Indy 500 driver commented after his first laps around The Speedway in 1971, “All four corners are different!” That was from a very talented road-racing driver.

Rick W., California

RM: Dallara and Honda have a simulator in Indianapolis, and Alonso said he was going to Charlotte get some simulator miles in Chevrolet’s simulator.

Q: Hopefully the weather will be good for the Open Test on April 30 at IMS. It will practically be May, and Alonso will be there so chances are there’ll be a decent crowd. Any chance Mr. Penske and Mr. Boles can be talked into opening one or two sections in the lower Stand E? I know you need volunteers, so maybe charge $5 to sit in that stand. Would be $5 well-spent.

Don Weidig

RM: I sent them your request so we’ll see, but I imagine it will be confined to the south infield bleachers and maybe Turn 2 spectator mound.

Q: Although I would prefer that he have a proper, full-season ride, I'm glad the Mayor of Hinchtown will be on NBC. How much input did you have on his addition to the telecast?

David, Waxhaw, NC

RM: Zero. When he learned he was out at Arrow McLaren SP, I sent him a text and suggested calling NBC, but he was way ahead of me because he already had. And they already know he’ll be gold (and NBC Gold) with a microphone in his hands, so I think his career path is set. I’ve offered to be Hinch’s driver, but he says I’m too old.

Q: The car count for St. Pete looks like 25, Indy GP at 28 maybe 29 and Indy at 32 already. Any update on Carlin and others? Nice to see Hinchcliffe get into the booth – as you have said many times, he is a natural. Will the Mayor restart the pit walk, and do you think he stops to chat with Zak Brown?

Ron, Toronto

RM: Your numbers look spot-on for the first two races, but I’ve already got Indy with 33, not counting Juncos and extra cars at Coyne or Foyt. I hope Hinch and I get to do a grid run, and I think he’ll say hello to Zak before he does Sam Schmidt.

Q: With the Citrone/Buhl Autosport an RLL entry, is 36 still the number of entries you are expecting?

D. Hinkle, Indianapolis

RM: I expect Coyne to again field a car for David Byrd and James Davison, Foyt is going to try to run Seabass and Juncos getting his deal squared away. So maybe one more late bloomer. I think at least 36, maybe 37.

Q: In my count, I think about all the cars are taken. Where's Juncos? In or out? How about a car count update? Think the Captain is going to run Scott McLaughlin in the 500?

Dave Sutton

RM: Read Marshall’s story on Juncos. He’ll figure out something, but no way R.P. is running five cars.

Q: Carlos Munoz has such an accomplished record in the Indy 500s that he has driven. Is there any chance that he will get a ride in this year's 500?

Steve Sicklick, W. Hartford, CT

RM: Haven’t heard his name mentioned anywhere.

Q: I look forward to and read your Mailbag every week. First time writing. I just read the article about DragonSpeed getting their car fitted late for the aeroscreen. There was a picture in it and the screen looked like it was 2-3 inches shorter and below the halo than I’ve seen in other cars. Is this a new design? Keep up the good work, and hopefully I can meet you in Richmond.

Bob Akerman

RM: From Marshall: “Hi Bob. No, it’s not smaller.”

Q: As soon as I saw the news about engine-related grid penalties, I had to write to you. Among the many great decisions and good news coming from IndyCar lately, this shocks as an incredibly asinine measure that will serve absolutely no purpose other than to alienate fans. Engine-grid-penalties have been a major annoyance in F1, and there is absolutely no reason we need this in IndyCar. There is nothing worse than having to sit through a thrilling qualifying session to set the grid, only to hear "oh, but driver X who just made the Fast 6 will have to start further back because of an engine penalty...". Fan response has already been overwhelmingly negative. Extremely poor decision, and one that will hopefully be reconsidered ASAP, and scrapped altogether.

Max, Florida

RM: I agree. I hate seeing NASCAR and F1 grids shuffled because of engine changes,but I get that IndyCar is trying to control costs and not let the Big 3 just throw new horsepower at the field. But I don’t think it alienates fans as much as it confuses them.

Munoz was a natural at the Brickyard. Image by LAT

Q: With all of the concern about having a series regular driver/team not qualifying in the top 33 and missing the show at Indy, why not have a promoter's option? It could allow a series regular to still make the show by being added to the rear of the field, or if all the regulars make the show, they could set it up to allow the fans to vote a deserving favorite in. Always good to see you at the track. See you at St. Pete.

PJC

RM: I think in all those years with 50-55 cars trying to qualify there was an Indy mystique about the 33 fastest and earning your battle scars. Rodger Ward missing the show in 1965 was hard to imagine, just like Rahal in 1993, R.P. in 1995, Hinch in 2018 or Alonso last May. But there was a sanctity around Indy and no guarantees. Nowadays, I’d be all for a promoter’s option for the good of the show and sponsorships.

Q: I read with interest about a fellow fan wanting to incorporate the late Tom Carnegie and Jim Nabors into the morning race day festivities. No complaints about that. But it does bug me that one of the greatest voices associated with the Indy 500 seems to be always overlooked, and I'm talking about Sid Collins.

Before I started going to the 500 at age 18 (I'm 61 now and getting ready to attend my 44th-straight 500), I would turn on the radio and Sid was the man when it came to the 500 for me! His voice! And the people he reached in this country and around the world announcing the 500! And when one talks of the 500, what do we say? "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing"! Sid Collins! I don't even know if there is a plaque or anything to honor this great individual who brought the 500 to so many people. And no disrespect to Tom Carnegie, but I didn't get to know of him until I started attending the race. But I knew who Sid was! How about a little of Sid on race morning calling some of the past action from our beloved race. What do you think, Robin?

Rick Owens, Fort Wayne, IN

RM: I think a nice little montage of Tony, Sid, Tom and Jim played all over the track prior to the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” would be classy and well received by all us old-schoolers. The young fans would also get a quick education on four of Indy’s legends.

Q: I read your response to Kevin Eads' question in last week’s Mailbag, and you mentioned inclusion of Carnegie and Nabors, a great tribute to their contributions at the Speedway. What about suggesting to Penske and his team at IMS to name the 500's Pole Award in honor of Tom? Something along the lines of: "The Tom Carnegie Pole Award" presented by (insert Pole Day Sponsor). The trophy could be redesigned to have the famous quotes of Tom, and maybe have his face to resemble the 500 winner's trophy.

Kyle Lockrow, California, MD

RM: I like the idea, and I forwarded it to R.P. and his staff. And then let’s find a sponsor for it and pay $1 million for setting quickest time.

Q: I have been a loyal fan of Tony Stewart ever since I sat with him on the retaining wall at Disney for the first IRL race. Why the heck doesn’t he have an IndyCar team? He has the shop in Brownsburg, has the money and could even go into partnership with his hero A.J. Haas has F1, why I don’t know when he and Tony could have gotten into Indy for a fraction of the cost. When Tony has his Menards car hung on his bar wall, what gives? We all know his love for IMS, and didn’t open-wheel pave his way? It’s time he gives back, don’t you think?

Steve Lawson

RM: Oh, he’s given back in spades with the tracks, teams and series he owns, and fielding an IndyCar is probably on his list. Partnering with A.J. would be perfect, but I imagine he’s looked at the purse and decided it’s an expensive proposition without a big sponsor. Don’t give up, it will happen some day.

Q: As a life-long Hoosier and Indy resident, I’ve always wished for Smoke to come back to open-wheel racing (IndyCar) as driver or owner. As he’s still in ownership with Gene Haas in NASCAR, and Gene’s F1 team is mediocre at best, do you think Gene would ever pull the plug on the F1 program and move to IndyCar? The reason I ask is, Tony and Gene could be co-owners in NASCAR and IndyCar. Also, Indy is looking at adding another engine manufacturer and Ford is their suppler in NASCAR, so maybe that’s a natural fit.

Jeremy Davis, New Palestine, IN

RM: Just not sure Haas has any interest in IndyCar or the Indy 500. Obviously he could do both on his F1 budget, but he seems pretty content being in F1. I do think Ford is on Roger Penske’s radar, and Stewart and Foyt would be a nice team since the Blue Oval loves them both.

Q: I am 37 and have been reading your articles since I was old enough to read. And I once called into Miller and Barber when I was 12 (I think) and won free Pacers tickets! So, a longtime fan! Will you please let me know when you decide to stop publishing letters from angry Democrats about the prospect of Trump coming to Indy 500? You have turned your mailbag into the DNC Convention. And while the crowd at IMS might not be as "red" as the crowd at "DIS", it's fairly darn red.

Exton C.

RM: Consider this the final letter, pro or con, about Trump coming to the Indy 500. I should have never run any of them because this is a racing feature, not politics. So thanks for your prodding.

Q: You mentioned last week that Tom Sneva and Paul Tracy would be low on Roger Penske' list of favourite drivers who had raced for him. Why? They both were relentless, fast and winners. I can see that they were, perhaps, not 'Penske Perfect’ spokespersons. Was he not able to make them fit the mold?

Big Joe Mufferaw, Ottawa, Ontario

RM: Tom was a helluva racer whom the fans and media loved, but he could be a little, shall we say, difficult to work with, because he was always changing the car and that didn’t always sit well with the mechanics. He was a tad stubborn (Gordon Johncock once said if 10 people got on an elevator, nine would hit the up button and Sneva would want to go down). He was fired after clinching his second-straight USAC national title for The Captain, but they never saw eye-to-eye about certain things. P.T. was a bit of a loose cannon for Team Penske and probably crashed a little bit too much to offset his monstrous talent, but he lasted longer than the odds-makers predicted.

Fan favorite? Sure. Penske Perfect? Maybe not. Image by LAT.

Q: Erik Steinbrecher's question in the 2/26 Mailbag about Michael Andretti and Roger Penske got me thinking. Did Michael ever have an offer to drive for R.P.? Love the column and keep up the great work. Your tribute to John Andretti was just perfect – an excellent tribute to his life and legacy that will live on. #checkit4andretti

Andrew Schmitt

RM: Thanks Andrew, John was an amazing person. I texted Michael about being offered a ride with The Captain. He response: “A couple of times.” But I don’t think R.P. was willing to pay like Newman/Haas, and I wrote a story back in 1997 that his retainer was $6-7 million a year.

Q: We both know A.J. Foyt has the bit between his teeth when it comes to this year for his team. However my question isn’t about that. I was touched by his press release over John Andretti passing. I didn’t know he was his Godfather. I think it speaks how close that A.J. is towards the Andretti family and how much respect he has towards them. True?

Phil Schmitz

RM: Absolutely. There was a celebration of life for John and a buffet the night of his funeral, and it was at the Foyt Wine Vault in Speedway and A.J. paid for everything. He also called Mario last week on his 80th birthday. Just remember this: for all the fire and brimstone that comes out of Super Tex when somebody brings up Mario, they have great respect for each other and a real friendship. A.J. will get mad at me for saying that, but it’s true.

Q: I hope Mr. Penske realizes how important ovals are to us fans. I know they’re hard to sell, but they’re IndyCar's heritage. Hopefully he and his team have a long-term strategy to have more ovals, especially superspeedways. IndyCars at 230mph on an oval is the most thrilling show I can think of. Growing up, we heard about the speed, and saw the numbers and that, along with the roar and the fearless drivers, is what hooked us.

I must argue with you about the lap record at Indy, however. I do feel it would draw a lot of attention, because that is what I hear from other fans, former fans, and potential fans all the time. Why don't they break the record, why don't they have a lot of horsepower anymore? We love big horsepower (happy we're getting more soon) and big speeds, and that's what IndyCar should always be. A couple years back there was a discussion about trap speeds. Townsend Bell went 243 on his pole run while F1 was hitting 230s somewhere. I thought big deal. Didn't the '94 Penskes go 255 mph at Indy into Turn 1? Anyway, let's post a huge number, break the lap record, and get some nice press so I can stick it to F1 fans.

Jonathan

RM: Well remember that R.P. once owned three ovals (MIS, Nazareth and Fontana) and of course they’re a big part of his heritage and success. I think if a promoter shows interest, he would certainly entertain going to an oval, but it’s a tough sell nowadays. As for Indy speeds, they’re still going way too fast through the corners and I’d rather see 260 mph down the straightaway and then a big lift with a little braking. But I truly don’t think a new track record is going to have any affect on the attendance. And right now IndyCar’s hook is the racing.

Q: Now that Mr. Penske owns IMS, IndyCar and the NTT Data IndyCar Series and knows how to negotiate, is there a chance to bring back some ovals such as Michigan, Kentucky and Chicagoland?

Brian Lancaster, West Lafayette, IN

RM: Only if it makes financial sense for both parties, and I would think the best shot would be a NASCAR/IndyCar doubleheader at one of them.

Q: With Penske's IndyCar ownership, do you think anything will change with Pocono? Apparently Pocono didn't want to lose the IndyCar race once they lost the second NASCAR race. And attendance was slowly improving. Penske has Pennsylvania roots. Any chance Pocono may be added again? We need more ovals.

Jim, Indy

RM: Not heard anything mentioned about Pocono, but again, if it fit the schedule and both sides were willing to try for at least three years, maybe it’s got a chance. But I don’t think Pocono cared about keeping IndyCar until it lost one of its NASCAR weekends, and it was never promoted properly so not sure it would be a good match.

It's better than getting another letter about Michigan, I guess. Image by Abbott/LAT

Q: I know that everyone who reads this Mailbag always talks about how to grow IndyCar and bring it back to its glory days. The sport needs to attract new fans and not keep trying to win back the old ones who left. The talk always centers around the numbers: the cars, manufacturers, engines, purse, etc. All these are true, but can only happen when there is money in the series. I think what is often left out in that discussion is the passion and humanity. Without the passionate interest of many – especially younger – fans, IndyCar will never have the money to do the things that we all agree need to happen.

F1 (irrespective of its racing quality) does a much better job of promoting itself in this regard. I have been watching the second season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix. It is a great show that takes viewers behind the scenes so that fans can get to know the drivers, teams, sport, etc. With the launch of the new IndyCar add campaign of "A Different Breed" (which is a perfect name for an IndyCar-based series like Drive to Survive on Netflix), I think the time has come to focus on the people in IndyCar. Also, F1 had the documentaries Senna and 1 which are both great. I know that Rapid Response, which is IndyCar's answer to F1’s safety documentary, has been produced, but I do not know which service to watch on (it should be on NBC Sports or NBC Sports Gold). We need a documentary about Dan Wheldon and/or Justin Wilson.

In addition, an easy-to-play video game (for Xbox or PlayStation) would immerse the younger generation into the world. Hopefully, IMS Productions and Penske Entertainment can work to produce content that brings in the casual fan, because that is the only way to get the opportunity to develop future hardcore fans. Thoughts?

Arvind Mahadevan, Peoria, AZ

RM: I think R.P. might look at IMS Productions as the vehicle to drive any kind of documentaries, and also a place to create content for NBC Gold and YouTube. Not sure that creates new fans as much as it does placates the ones we have now, but it would be welcomed. And if you could get it on Netflix, that might be the key to a younger audience.

Q: Just a quick reminder of drivers that can crash going 70 mph in an IndyCar – Can you say Coooogan, Cooooogan, Cooooogan. Ruined my Mario party that year. Of course, we were listening on the radio – 50 people huddle around an old Panasonic radio. Then the race was shown on ABC in the evenig. Good times. I'm sure some people can remember that. Especially an old war horse like you. See ya at RA.

Jeff Kennedy, Naperville, IL

RM: Good call Jeff, but I still think it was a half shaft instead of driver error, and IndyCar doesn’t make a habit of crashing at 70 mph on a straight stretch of pavement. Sure it happened in 1966 and 197,3 but they were hauling ass by then.

Q: I am from Hong Kong and I am planning to visit the Indy 500 this coming May for the first time! (Hope the coronavirus thing won’t change my plan…) I imagine the Speedway will be filled up with tourists, but I guess Asian visitors are still quite rare there. I hope I can find some companions to go with me, but unfortunately IndyCar is not very popular or even known in this part of the world, so I think I’ll be all alone. What do you suggest for a single foreign visitor to spend the weekend at the Speedway, and which type of ticket you suggest to buy?

I have been following the sport since I was a child and I really think that IndyCar racing is among the best racing series in the world. However, whenever I bring up the topics about Indy with my car/ racing communities, they don’t really bother and they think IndyCar only equals to oval racing, which they have no appetite for at all. Moreover, I guess the time difference between the USA and Asian countries does not help, as not even I would get up at 4am on Monday to watch a race. I still wish to promote this race to my friends and Hong Kong as a whole, so I’ve decided to do some vlogs and write some tourism articles about my visit. I wonder how accessible are the drivers/ team members/ legends are over the weekend, and I wonder if there is any chance that I can actually talk or even interview with some of them? I really want to show how great this experience is and make this as a traveling option for motorsport/car enthusiasts in this part of the world.

Finally, would love to read about your opinion about the series’ promotion outside the USA, especially in Asia. As I said, there’s basically no-one here who knows about the sport but this could be a potential market. Are international races in Asia still on the cards, or it is just a fantasy?

Damon, Hong Kong

RM: I would go to Brickyard.com and buy a seat in one of the four Vistas as high as you can find. Then send an email to the credentials office at the Speedway, tell them your writing plan and apply for a credential. The drivers are very obliging to the media so you’ll have no trouble. Takuma Sato has lots of fans – not sure how many of them come to Indy, but you’ll make friends. Not sure about a race in Asia in the foreseeable future, although NTT mentioned it would like one in the Far East so maybe there’s a chance. Good luck.

Q: Have you ever had the opportunity to drive a fast production car for a hot lap at IMS when no one was looking? If so how fast did you get it?

Doug Skinner, Bloomington, IN

RM: In 1987, the first and only time I got a pace car, I believe it was a Trans Am and I think Tom Sneva and I drove it around IMS one night at about 130 mph after our poker game in the Turn 2 suites. He’d crashed twice in Turn 1 during May, so I suggested we wear helmets. When I returned the car in September it had over 5,000 miles because I took it to Milwaukee, Cleveland, Pocono, Toronto and Michigan. The 500 Festival Committee wasn’t too pleased, and I pleaded stupidity to no avail. I never got to drive another one. But damn that thing ran good on the open highway.

Q: Are there any IndyCar Series race tracks that you don't like at all?

Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY

RM: The Medlands (that’s what A.J. called it), also known as the Meadowlands, had to be the most Mickey Mouse course of its day until Champ Car ran the streets of Miami in 2002. And the 2001 oval in Cicero, Ill. was just a paperclip where passing was impossible. Those are the three that come to mind.

Q: With the season starting just around the corner, is there any conversation within IndyCar regarding rescheduling or postponing race events for safety with growing concerns of coronavirus?

Tony Piergallini, Titusville, FL

RM: Nope. Roger Penske said his staff is monitoring the situation, and that’s about all anyone can do right now.

Q: The comments in last week's Mailbag about updating the museum caught my attention. I'm sure you've seen the Barber Motorcycle Museum. It's not just the motorcycles, but the jaw-dropping creative design of the building and displays which make it a total experience. Unfortunately IMS is just walking around a couple of rooms looking at a small handful cars of the cars the Speedway Museum Foundation owns. I'd like to see RP & co. bring in some creative minds and create something that leaves race fans saying, "Wow!"

Steven Terrell

RM: Trust me, The Captain will make the IMS museum a showplace within the next couple years and you won’t recognize it. But it definitely needs either a major facelift, or simply a new building.

Oriol knows where the party's at. Image by Levitt/LAT

Q: I am a long-time IndyCar fan and have a story (probably best not for public consumption) that I just now feel comfortable sharing. I will start by saying I grew up going to the Budweiser GI Joe’s 200 with my Dad and brother. Last year in Portland I brought some family friends to the race. They had never attended an IndyCar race before and were completely blown away...

The story begins at about 7:00pm after the race was over. We ventured into downtown Portland and ended up at a bar. While sitting at the bar, I pointed out to my friends that Oriol Servia was sitting at the opposite end of the bar. I explained to them who Servia was, and didn’t think much else. At that point I got up to go to the bathroom and when I came back Oriol was talking to my friend and his wife. Apparently, my friend had walked over and told him I was a big IndyCar fan. Initially I was upset because I don’t like to bother people who are trying to enjoy themselves, however Oriol could not have been nicer. I told him how happy I was IndyCar was back in Portland, asked him about his Indy 500 prospects for 2020…really fun, genuine conversation.

As he was leaving, he came up to us and said he was heading to a party honoring Greg Moore and gave us wristbands to attend. Needless to say, about an hour later we went to the party and it was who’s who of IndyCar. Drivers (Dario, Max P, Max C, Jack Harvey, Arie L, Seabass, Oriol, Jimmy V, several others I am forgetting) pit crew members, IndyCar executives and members of Greg Moore’s family. It turned into a proper party, and I ended up singing “Sweet Caroline” on the karaoke machine and am pretty sure it was a hit…things get a little blurry.

Having read a little bit about Greg Moore and the fun he liked to have outside of the race car, I imagine this night would have made him extremely happy. The next morning, we all drove back to Seattle not believing what had taken place the night before. It could not have been a better trip. I am taking six people down to long beach this year. We will be partying in the Bubba Gump Shrimp Club in Turn 1!

Chris from Seattle

RM: Well, you didn’t ask a question but you talked about one of our favorite people in IndyCar, and you’re bringing six people to Long Beach so you get a free pass to tell your story. It doesn’t surprise me because Servia is one of the finest people you’ll ever meet, and I hope he can find something for Indy. And you would have liked Greg Moore. Everyone did.