Robin Miller's Mailbag for May 27

Welcome to this week’s installment of Robin Miller’s Mailbag! Questions for Robin can be sent to millersmailbag@racer.com. Due to the high volume of questions received, we can’t always guarantee that your letter will be printed, but Robin will get to as many as he can. Published questions have been edited for clarity.

Q: I applaud IndyCar so much for all they are trying to do to get a decent number of races in this year. But I have to wonder if Portland and Laguna Seca are going to go away due to the political leadership of those states. Do you think IndyCar is looking at other venues and times to try to add more races? I get that Barber does not want to have anything after college football starts, but am still amazed they are not trying to get a race back there during the summer. That venue and location are so much the fit and profile to have a race event at this year, much like Road America.

Forrester Morgan, Myrtle Beach, SC

RM: The Oregon governor said no large gatherings until Oct. 1 so of course Green/Savoree are concerned about it, but who knows what guidelines will be place in California in late September? Roger Penske is trying to line up at least 12-14 races, but obviously he’s at the mercy of the pandemic. But unless IndyCar gives away the sanction fee or rents a track, I can’t see any new ones being added for 2020.

Q: I went ahead and purchased a Bronze Badge for this 500. So I will be there for the whole show if fans are allowed. As the schedule stands now, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before the race weekend, there is no track activity, so I'll have a lot of free time on my hands. I know you've covered this before, but what are the things I should try to see during that time? I know there are race shops in Brownsburg, which I would like to go to. Are any of them open for visits? Do I need to coordinate a visit beforehand? I understand if I have to have a mask and gloves on and social distance, no issue there. I'll make my annual pilgrimage through the IMS museum as well.

I received notification from Richmond Raceway that the June 27 event is canceled. Disappointing, as I had planned to take my five-year grandson to introduce him to the sport. Ordered everything I could so I could him as close to the cars and drivers as possible. He watched qualifying last year with me, and he just sat in front of the TV fixated on the cars, color, speed and noise. Obviously I'm disappointed, but I could see this coming for some time. The track has offered a 120% credit for future events in 2020 and 2021, or a full refund. I took the full refund, not knowing if IndyCar will be back in 2021, plus I'm not interested in NASCAR events. Do you think IndyCar will try to return to Richmond in 2021?

Dale Jones, Chesterfield, VA

RM: First off, Richmond has a two-year contract with IndyCar so hopefully everything is cool for 2021, and it was devastating for track president Dennis Bickmeier because he spent three years working on bringing open-wheel back to Virginia. As for what to do early in race week, I think teams have tours in the winter but probably not in season, because everyone (IndyCar and NHRA) are thrashing. But you might try Dallara on Main Street in Speedway.

This whole rescheduling thing would be a lot easier if those pesky tracks didn't need to cover their costs. Image by Phillip Abbott/Motorsport Images

Q: Hugely disappointed that the Richmond race was canceled, but it wasn't a surprise given our inept state government. You're much too polite to refer to (them) as being "most cautious." Since the IndyCar contract is only for two years, does this mean that 2021 will be a one and done race, or will they extend the second year to 2022? Is two years a typical contract? If so, it's no wonder we have difficulty rebuilding the fan base. Has any consideration ever been given to VIR? At this point I'd even welcome a temporary circuit. Stay well; I'm planning on meeting you face-to-face (with appropriate social distancing) next year.

Napalm Nick, Locust Grove, VA

RM: Most contracts are two to three years, but it’s impossible to predict what might happen at Richmond until we see the first race back. Never heard IndyCar talk about going to VIR, and I’m told a lot of money would have to be spent to make it a reality.

Q: Robin, why doesn't Roger Penske listen to the internet warriors and take their advice when it comes to how to run the series and IMS? Clearly they know more about adjusting a schedule in the middle of a global pandemic, all while balancing the needs of the tracks, promoters, TV network, fans and teams. I think Roger could learn a lot from those with massive online followings! I hope my sarcasm was sensed via this letter.

David, Neenah, WI

RM: I know, what’s he ever done, right? I especially like the train of thought that IndyCar was asleep at the wheel and NASCAR won the race to be first back in action. Really? No, you have your first six races canceled or postponed and only get to run Texas in early June because The Captain knows how important it is to get started. He likely made Texas a great deal and now NBC is going to televise the race, so it could work out better than expected. And NASCAR has 36 races and owns most of its tracks, so its flexibility is obviously better in this pandemic.

Q: With NASCAR racing on a weeknight last week, will IndyCar follow suit and do weekday races, not counting races that are scheduled to Sunday and race on Monday because of weather?

Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY

RM: It’s been discussed, but nobody has pulled the trigger so it’s going to take one, brave oval track promoter and then get NBC’s blessing. Kevin Lee always suggested Wednesday or Thursday of the baseball All-Star game because there is no competition on TV and it should be a home run for ratings, but still requires a track to take a big chance.

Q: I know that NASCAR is an entity unto itself, but without concessions or gate revenue they somehow got tracks to invent new races out of the air. Is that at all a possibility for Indy?

Shawn, Maryland

RM: Not unless IndyCar rents the track (like Phoenix or Watkins Glen) or charges no sanction fee (like Texas, I imagine). As I said above, ISC owns most of NASCAR’s tracks and has a monstrous TV deal, so it can run a few times without fans and not get hurt. IndyCar promoters’ bottom line is contingent on paying customers.

Q: What a strange weekend this was. It marked the first time in 63 years (61 consecutive races) that my brother and I were not in the stands on Memorial Day weekend. I watched the NBC telecast of the 2019 rerun and I have to admit, I got all choked up thinking back on all the memories I’ve had within the Speedway grounds. I felt like someone had died in my family. The emotions were powerful. I can only hope that August will be better. If not, I can’t imagine the 500 taking place with no fans present (a la NASCAR). Let’s hope for the best in the future.

Joe Weiss, Spooner, WI

RM: Like I’ve been saying for the past couple weeks, Roger Penske is going to do everything possible to see that Indy is run in front of its loyal fans so I believe him, whether it’s August or October.

Q: Now that I have to change my vacation days again (be it for the betterment of Indy Car and my employer) my question is, when do you think Toronto will happen, if at all this season? Treat you to a brat if you get it right. Best wishes to you and to Mr. and Mrs. Pruett.

Rhonda Rideout, Elkhart Lake, WI

RM: I think Toronto will take Portland’s place on the schedule (Sept. 13) because of Oregon’s stance on reopening and the fact Green/Savoree have a great title sponsor in Honda Canada. And Mrs. Pruett is making great strides so Marshall says thanks for caring.

Q: A couple of questions about the Toronto event. First, an old favorite: using Mosport (CTMP) as an alternative. I know IndyCar has safety concerns; I wonder how serious Green/Savoree would look at options for using CTMP and how flexible IndyCar might be about working with them? I know at the exit of Turn 3, driver left there is a wall issue which could be modified with some creative use of the wall and fencing from the Toronto race site. Entrance to Turn 3 driver left might be a bit tight for their liking, and I guess exit of 10 driver left is a bit tight, but it can create some interesting finishes in every category that races at CTMP.

Are there other areas that are red flags for using the track? Ultimately it is the driver’s job to keep in on the pavement and these are some talented drivers, with the occasional brain cramp happening. Just curious, because I wonder how it ties to the fact that the contract for Toronto is up for renewal – at least for the workers groups, so I assume it is the same for the promoters – it should have been the third year of a three-year term this year. If there was interest in the past and given the current financial situation being created, as well as the dreaded social distancing, does it influence the potential for relocating, or worse, wrapping up the event for good?

Mike Canner, Toronto

RM: I don’t know that Green/Savoree have ever looked at Mosport, but I imagine it could become an option if Toronto ever goes away. Ron Fellows and his group did a great job of refurbishing the track and its surroundings but IndyCar always says it’s too fast (like Road Atlanta) with insufficient runoff areas, so more money would have to be spent. But when I hear about the crowds for IMSA and CASCAR, I know IndyCar would also be a good draw.

Just squint a bit and try to pretend that those are IndyCars. Image by Logan Whitton/Motorsport Images

Q: I’m really missing IndyCar races. We had planned to attend St. Pete, Barber and Richmond, all of which have now been canceled or rescheduled. I’m still hoping to attend the Indy 500 and Mid-Ohio, and we are thinking about making the drive to Road America for what may be a doubleheader. We have never been there, and I need someplace nice to stay since I’m taking my wife. Any recommendations on where to stay and what tickets to purchase?

Jerry Hair

RM: Try Sheboygan first, but you’ll likely end up in Manitowoc unless you want to spend big money and stay at the Ostoff in Elkhart Lake. Buy a general admission ticket and try to rent a golf cart and enjoy the best road course in North America.

Q: Do you think spectators will be allowed at the 500? If the August date falls through, do you think the October date will be used so fans could attend then? Will Bronze Badge holders get any special consideration? The Indiana governor talks about being back to normal by July 4th, but is that even a possibility for IMS? Thanks for any thoughts on the matter.

Mike C., Indiana

RM: I can’t answer any of your questions and neither can anyone else at the end of May, but I can tell you that Roger Penske wants to have fans whenever Indy finally runs. And if October is the only option, then I think he’d move it again.

Q: I was wondering your pick for the championship would be if the schedule stays as it is now? Which drivers do you predict have an advantage with the doubleheaders at Road America, Iowa, Laguna, and the two races at the Indy road course?

Andy, Queens, New York

RM: I can’t remember who I picked in our NBC pool, but I like hungry drivers and Rossi has been real close the past couple years, so I’ll go with him. I don’t think any one driver has an advantage on those tracks, but Chevy seemed a bit stouter last year so we’ll see if that transfers to 2020.

Q: After reviewing RACER’s recent story about Larry Foyt's plans, does this mean that Kanaan has given up on his starting streak? Are there options with other teams to keep his streak alive?

Bill in CA

RM: Tony knew his streak was likely going to end at St. Pete, but because of the pandemic now it’s going to be the IMS road course. He always knew he was running only ovals for A.J. in 2020 and I think he’s planning to return to IMS in 2021, but there are no options to run road courses this season to my knowledge.

Q: I know you've always been a vocal critic of ABC's coverage of the Indy 500. But what was their absolute worst year of covering the race? In 1992 they missed the closest finish ever. In 2005 you said in an interview the coverage was so bad you wanted Paul Page back. Also... and this is probably asking you to pick from some dirt... what year had the best broadcasting team in your opinion? Also, give some comments about the play-by-play from Jim Lampley, Paul Page, and Todd Harris. Dave Despain said that Harris would almost hyperventilate when Danica when around the track.

Ron, Portland, OR

RM: The year Rusty Wallace kept calling it the Daytona 500 was certainly a low point, and Todd, bless his heart, got thrown into the deep end with no life jacket. After being involved with NBC for 10 years, I was probably too hard on Page because television can be tougher than I imagined, but it wasn’t his fault that ABC showed Dina Mears instead of Rick trying to dive under Gordy on the last lap in 1982. I always liked Jim McKay and Jackie Stewart, and thought Bob Jenkins and Tom Sneva were a good pairing as well. I think our NBC trio has good chemistry, and Leigh is really good at staying on top of the race while P.T. and T. Bell know what they’re talking about and have no qualms about giving an opinion.

Q: Was wondering if you noticed the very subtle dig that Mike Joy made while showing the upcoming NASCAR schedule during the Sunday Darlington broadcast? While showing the schedule and noting the Memorial Day race in Charlotte, he noted “…and we will be racing Memorial Day,” implying that neither Indy nor F1 will be running on their traditional day, but NASCAR will be. And 6.8 million watched a very dull Darlington race on Sunday.

Do you think that R.P. and the IndyCar hierarchy are kicking themselves for not getting their act together quicker and getting a race on? Now that NASCAR is back up and running, and the MMA is active, more and more sports are making plans. MLB should be up and going in some capacity within the next weeks as will the NHL. IndyCar is losing its chance to be seen by more than the traditional IndyCar fans, don’t you think?

Doug Palmer

RM: No Doug, I think Roger Penske got IndyCar back on track as soon as humanly possible. What was he supposed to do? His first six races were scrubbed or postponed because of the pandemic, and now Richmond and Toronto have joined that group. Did you want him to run at The Speedrome? Look at all the obstacles and different rules for different states and the fact that IndyCar tracks depend on fans to make their bottom line. Believe me, it took some creative bookkeeping to get Eddie Gossage to run Texas with no fans because IndyCar has no TV revenue. NASCAR has the advantage of owning most of its tracks plus getting a big TV retainer, so that’s why it was able to reload the quickest. I understand that people want their favorite sports back ASAP, but R.P. has spent the past few weeks juggling the schedule, adding doubleheaders and trying to come up with 12-14 races in the face of a moving target.

Was Laguna Seca the last time we'll see T.K. on a road course? Image by Jake Galstad/Motorsport Images

Q: Recently, we were pouring concrete on the west side of Indy, near the track. I commented to my nephew that it was way too quiet for the month of May. After the concrete was in the ground, I was finishing things up with the truck driver and I said the same thing to him, that it was too quiet for May. He told me I didn't know the half of it. He started telling us about how he was normally the team manager for John Force, and that John had laid off 85 guys until their planned return in August. We were blown away that this guy was now driving a concrete truck while he waited for the racing world to start back up.

That night, I looked at the invoice for the concrete and saw his name. I Googled him, and sure enough, there he was on the Force website. Have you heard any similar stories to this about how some of the guys on teams are surviving? I was kind of surprised by it all.

Jim Randall

RM: The only stories I’ve heard is that some teams have asked their mechanics to take a cut in pay, but I haven’t heard any massive layoffs like Force’s group.

Q: With three doubleheaders now in play and IndyCar limiting the number of personnel allowed at the track per car, how much of an effect will this have on teams that might have to flip a car from Race 1 to Race 2 due to irreparable damage? I would suspect that the multi-car teams would continue as they have in the past and combine resources to make that happen in the event of a major accident, but how will this limit the single-car teams? I guess the first question would be, how long does it take a team in the past to change cars at the former capacity, and now what would be the critical path and project time frame with less personnel?

Jamie Doellinger, Wrightsville, PA

RM: I think just about everyone has a backup car, and the only thing that makes it a bit of a fire drill is that there’s no [new] engine allowed. I think last May somebody made the swap in under three hours.

Q: Here’s wishing you happiness and health on the worst Memorial Day I can remember. I laughed at my screen when I saw Ferrari is evaluating an IndyCar program. Ferrari has always enjoyed great influence in Formula 1. The reverence of FIA management over the years has also been high for the participation of Ferrari in Formula 1. They’ve been able to pull the necessary strings they’ve needed over the years to enjoy great success on the track. They will not have that in IndyCar. There would be great excitement and plenty of stakeholders would take notice, but I do not believe that there is anyone in Maranello who would be able to walk into a boardroom in Indiana or Michigan and exert powerful influence on Mr. Penske.

An organization that large would expect to be able to come in and write the rulebook with a group as small potatoes (call it what it is) as IndyCar. I just don’t see that happening. But Zak Brown really explained years ago why Ferrari really won’t do it. In F1 McLaren enjoys the luxury of deciding whether to buy or build a chassis, which parts to fabricate and, of course, who to partner with for engines. Without such liberties, its best option in IndyCar was to partner with an existing team.

Ferrari exercises that flexibility in F1 by building its own engines, chassis and all the components it can. I can’t find one solid reason why Ferrari would acquiesce to IndyCar’s stiff regulations simply to keep its budgeted resources engaged. It’s too easy for it to join IMSA, WEC or many other racing platforms worldwide that will allow it to spend its money the way it wants to. The value simply isn’t great enough for the headaches it would endure. Just my two cents on how Ferrari will spend its $30 million. Agree?

Dan W., Ft. Worth, TX

RM: Yes I do, because of the reasons you stated and the fact it really makes no sense. Ferrari in Newton, Iowa? Really? Sports cars do make more sense, and Le Mans for sure, just because of the international exposure.

Q: What’s your perspective on female racers – old days, pre PC, like Janet Guthrie. Any good stories? While an old curmudgeon, I always told my daughter she can do anything a guy can do. My wife is pretty independent that way as well, and after watching some old racing stuff together, started digging into Ms. Guthrie. Certainly was a different time – but women were expected in the Snake Pit but not on the track? (I was always a Herk fan – was my hometown hero and a friend of my parents before he left Tonawanda).

Bob Miller

RM: I always thought Desire Wilson was hands-down the best of the 1970s and '80s (she won an Aurora series F1 race against some good competition) but she never got comfortable or with the right team in CART or Indianapolis.

Desire Wilson (pictured on pole for the 1980 Aurora AFX Formula 1 Series race at Brands Hatch) was quick even though things never quite clicked for her at Indy. Motorsport Images archive

Q: Who would you rank as the top IndyCar development drivers since you have been covering Indy cars?

Scott Thompson

RM: A.J., Mario, Uncle Bobby and Mark Donohue would be at the top, because they thrived in the era where you had a new car almost every year and they had to test and develop it. I think Dick Simon was very sharp about an IndyCar chassis, and ditto for Gary Bettenhausen, Tom Sneva and Rick Mears. Alex Zanardi was one of the savviest of the past 25 years, but Scott Dixon, Alexander Rossi, Colton Herta and Simon Pagenaud seem to be dialed in better than most.

Q: Traditionally, teams built a "speedway car" with tighter-fitting body panels and tweaked to reduce drag. Usually they are only for Indy and then used it at Texas, MIS/Fontana/Pocono. Have the schedule changes making Texas happen before Indy changed teams plans on "speedway" cars? The article on Coyne suggests that the car from St. Pete is being converted for Texas. Are the teams still holding back on the cars they plan on running at Indy?

Dave in Indy

RM: “Hi Dave. For teams with enough money and multiple cars, a dedicated Indy 500/Pocono superspeedway chassis has indeed been prepared and set aside from the rest while its other cars are pressed into service across road, street, and remaining oval circuits. Texas has been an outlier; it's a big oval, but isn't a superspeedway in the sense that it lacks the super-long straights where aerodynamic perfection with body fitment pays off. Plus, about half of the Texas races end in big kerblammos, so most teams don't bother with special body fits since the odds tell us a lot of bodywork will be thrown into the dumpster on the way out of DFW.” – Marshall Pruett.

Q: I’m not familiar with Swede Savage. I do remember the name. Can you tell us more about him? His daughter is selling a cool t-shirt and I want one!

Dan, Lima, OH

RM: He was Dan Gurney’s protege who started on motorcycles and quickly adapted to Trans-Am and then Indy cars. He won Phoenix in only his fourth start in 1970 and then suffered a bad head injury in the Questor Grand Prix in 1971 but was scooped up by Pat Patrick and Andy Granatelli for 1973. He died a month after his ghastly accident at Indy in ’73 when he received a tainted blood transfusion, according to Dr. Steve Olvey’s book Rapid Response.

Q: It’s easy to find out that Mario in 1969 was the last Indy 500 winner to wear an open-face helmet, but who was the last participant that wore one and what year? Bonus points for the last driver (whether or not qualified) that wore one.

Robert B., Bronxville, NY

RM: That’s easy. Herk. Jim Hurtubise never wore a full-face helmet and made the show at Indy in 1974, but kept wearing it all the way to the late '70s when he finally quit.

Q: This past week, I happened to read a story about A.J. and how much he missed being at Indy in May. The story mentioned that he had spent the last month or so on a bulldozer clearing some land. It seems every time I turn around, I see or read a story about him spending weeks on his dozer clearing his land. So, does he own half of Texas now, or does he just keep clearing the same land over and over again?

Jim Randall in Indy

RM: I call him every other week and he’s always outside on his “bulldozier” but at last count he had three ranches because he just sold one (for a nice profit I might add) but he’s always looking to buy if he thinks it’s a bargain. And 'ol Super Tex is a damn good businessman.

Q: Years ago I remember hearing that Rick Mears forgot to strap his helmet on before the Indy 500 one year and he had to steer with one hand and hold his helmet down with his other hand until his first pit stop. Can you shed more light on that? Also, what other "unusual" things have happened in racing over the years? Didn't Sarah Fisher have a taxi service broadcasting on her frequency one year at Indy? Has anyone ever forget to strap in, or something like that?

IndyCarFan

RM: I think it was Rick’s rookie year (1978) that he didn’t have his helmet strapped on, and drove one-handed until that first pit stop. Drivers have had their seats belts come loose – some pitted immediately, and others just waited until their next pit stop. I’m pretty sure Gary B. and Bubby Jones had their belts come loose in a sprint car, but they were leading at the time and not about to stop. There have been all kinds of instances of frequency snafus in IndyCar, but I don’t remember them.

Q: I’m in Milwaukee today and took a drive out to the Mile. Looks race-ready and all the stands are still there. All we need now is a promoter and sponsor!

Rick K, SD, CA

RM: Well, Bob Sargent promoted an ARCA race there last summer, but don’t see it returning on the 2020 schedule.

Only thing missing is the cars. Image by Richard Krahenbuhl

Q: Being an avid IndyCar fan, I often ponder about who could have been the first five-time winner. While I believe there will be a five-timer someday, that may be a long time from now unless Helio can somehow garner a fourth and then get a guaranteed “one-off” ride for Indy the following year and win again. Not happening, I feel.

Perhaps A.J. Foyt? What year do you think was his best chance at No. 5? Obviously he won four, so any time before 1977 would have been actually his fourth, then making 1977 his fifth. I always look at 1974 as one of his chances to have won. He was strong that day and was back and forth (leading or in second) against Johnny Rutherford all day. I believe he dropped out with an oil pressure or fitting problem that day. He led 70 laps, if I recall.

Another year that got away was 1975. He ran out of fuel twice during the race, which cost him valuable time. I believe he finished third after being on the pole. Last but not least was that rain-shortened 1976 race. He was up front all day until he broke his sway bar. During the rain delay his team replaced his sway bar, and according to A.J. he could have given J.R. fits the last half of that race, and maybe even won. I say 1976 was A.J. Foyt’s best chance to win, would you agree?

Greg (biggest state of Maryland IndyCar fan)

RM: I guess 1975 and 1976 were two that got away, but I don’t think he was going to beat J.R. and the McLaren in 1974. But A.J. would admit his victories in 1961, 1967 and 1977 were all at the misfortune of Sachs, Parnelli and Johncock so sometimes it evens out. His last hurrah was in 1982 when he led the first 22 laps (32 altogether), and it was the last time Super Tex would be out in front as his beloved Speedway.

Q: I am writing about early '60s Indianapolis and am not clear about how the pit board men got the messages that the crew chiefs wanted them to relay via chalkboard. Did the chief have his own chalkboard to show to the trackside board man? They didn't run back and forth across the pit lane, to get the message, did they?

F. Gilberg

RM: Yep, somebody on the crew wrote information on a pit board and then showed to the pit board man.

Q: I remember seeing a roadster at Indy in the late '50s or very early '60s with bars over the cockpit. We were sitting high in grandstand E on likely the last day of qualifications, and I clearly recall the car moving slowly through the first turn.

The car was purple or maroon and the bars were black. Can't recall who was driving. Any recollection?

Mike M.

RM: It was 1963 and started out being Junior Johnson’s ride, but he left to be replaced by Colby Scroggins. It didn’t make the show. And Dave Scoggan thinks it may have been the last Kurtis roadster.

He doesn't look like he feels safer. Image via Robin Miller Collection

Q: From the original World of Outlaws statement, I believe that they said Kyle Larson and his team were still in good standing, as the incident did not occur during a WoO event. I don’t remember a training requirement, so my question is, did something change? Over the years I have been fortunate to visit the Petersen, the Unser Family Racing Museum, the IMS Museum, the Nethercutt Collection and the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum where all of Jim Hall’s Chaparrals are housed. All are excellent, but in very different ways. One I would like to visit at some point is the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. Do you have a favorite museum, or one that you would like to visit?

Don Hopings, Cathedral City, CA

RM: I was told Kyle had to take a diversity course by WoO and did. I want to see Speedy Bill’s museum in stinkin’ Lincoln (Nebraska) and the Unsers’, but my favorites are Barber Motorsports Park, Don Smith’s in Terre Haute and Honda’s in Motegi, Japan. I’ve enjoyed the last few years of IMS paying tribute to Foyt, Penske, Mario and the Unsers, but it needs a facelift.

Q: I enjoyed the Paul Newman stories in the May 20th Mailbag. They got me to thinking: besides Patrick Dempsey, is there anyone out there who might become the new Paul Newman? That is, someone who has fame from TV/movies/music but is also a talented race car driver?

David W.

RM: Not that I’m aware of since Jason Priestly gave Indy Lights a try.

Q: I would take my dad and his neighbor to Milwaukee IndyCar race weekend every year. We’d get there on Thursday, camp there, pit passes, went to Vic’s for breakfast, etc… My dad and neighbor were big Mario fans, and he was nearing end of his driving career. We were at the Newman/Haas pit during practice, Mario was sitting on his car facing pit box, and I had my trusty 35mm camera with me. My crew asked a guy standing right in front of Mario if he could move so we could get “the” picture of Mario. He was very happy to do so, and told us to get up there and in closer. Those two never lived down the grief their wives gave them for asking the guy in khakis and floppy hat to move out of the way for a picture – Paul Newman.

Doug Postel, Des Moines, Iowa

RM: That’s classic, and PLN never minded having fans take his photo, he just didn’t believe in signing autographs.

Q: I was reading your Mailbag and saw the name Don Whittington, which brought back some laughs. When I moved to Indy in 1982, Don and Bill were staying at the same apartment complex that I was renting. They seemed like nice guys when I talked to them about racing.

I heard a story that the first time Don was in a Pat Patrick car at the Speedway, that he jumped on accelerator coming out of the pits for the first time and crashed into the first turn wall. The old guy that told me the story said it was one of the funniest things he had ever seen at the speedway. Have you ever heard this story?

Scott Thompson

RM: Yep. It was a March test, and I think he destroyed that March chassis.

Q: Thanks for the mention of our hometown boy Racin Gardner last week. Buellton, California is a very small freeway town along the central coast of California, and to have had the opportunity to see a local boy in the 500 was a real treat. I know the IRL/CART split meant looking under logs for anyone to pilot the cars that year, but still he is one of only a handful of people to have made the show. Both Racin and his dad, Slick Gardner, were speed racers on the dry lakes. I think Racin was the youngest to break the 500mph barrier at 16 years old. The Gardners ran a car called the Green Monster, sponsored by Pea Soup Andersen's, a local restaurant. The car is still on display in the Mendenhal Dry Lakes Museum here in Buellton.

Racin's Wiki info leans toward mechanical issues accounting for his poor showing in Indy car, but I know your judgment as to driver ability comes from years of observation in the sport, so I won't contest your vote for his inclusion on the Rushmore of Incompetence for IndyCar drivers. Racin's IndyCar career may have been short, but any racing fan would trade their first born for a shot like Racin got in 1996.

Mike Adriansen, Buellton, CA

RM: Probably wasn’t fair to lump him into that category because I don’t think he had the best chance/car, but his name always got a reaction. Thanks for his history lesson.