Robin Miller's Mailbag for July 1, presented by Honda Racing / HPD

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. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of RACER or Honda/HPD.

Q: I have more questions than comments or answers. 1) What is the go or no-go drop dead date for August 23rd? 2) Realizing that many folks have their own individual concerns regarding the pandemic and their own comfort level with risk, will IMS offer any fan who is uncomfortable with attending a refund or credit for the 2021 race? 3) I purchased a Bronze Badge; however with concerns with virus spread, will I still be able to be able to enter the garage area daily, except on race day? 4) Has IMS analyzed the data on where their fans are coming from? Being that everything was mailed out, I would think this would be an easy task. Would be good to know if folks are coming from areas that are currently spiking.

Dale Chesterfield, VA

RM: There is none. R.P. is committed to August 23 because IMS provides the necessary room for social distancing. Yes, if you don’t feel comfortable you can apply your credit to 2021 tickets. The Bronze Badge decision has yet to be made. I’m sure IMS knows how many actual ticket holders they have and where they’re from, but this week they’re just trying to get a handle on which ones will be attending. And if several people came from Texas, Arizona or Florida, would that prevent you or anyone else from going?

Q: I’m as big Indy fan as the next guy. But putting 200,000 people on the Indy grounds in August is ridiculous. Far too soon. Thoughts?

Jim, Avon

RM: First off all, it’s not going to be 200,000 – likely a lot closer to 125,000 – and IMS is one of the few places that could accommodate that many people and still safety space them. If they wear masks (which IMS will provide) then the risks are reduced, so I don’t think it’s too soon.

Q: Indy will limit attendance to 50% and run in late August. Simple question. Is a gathering of 125,000 people in one place, in a nation with an abysmal record of battling COVID-19, sensible? (My answer: No! I won't be driving down from Canada this year for the race.)

Anthony Jenkins

RM: That’s why Roger Penske has given you the option of showing up or putting your money towards next year’s race without losing your seniority.

The Bronze Badge situation for this year's 500 is still TBA. Image by Scott LePage/Motorsport Images

Q: With all the talk about refunds or credit for ticket holders for the Indianapolis 500 who are unable or unwilling to attend, will there be any refunds or credit for holders of Bronze Badges who are either unable or leery of attending this year due to the COVID-19 situation? Being in the high risk category (65 plus underlying health conditions) and with the date change, we will not be attending this year. I think that some kind of credit should be given due to the changes made and the uncertainty of even running the race in August.

Also, on a different note, it would be nice to do a video of all the changes that have been done to the Speedway since Roger Penske took over. You could show the renovated restrooms, paved parking, improved concessions and all the other changes and improvements that have been made. It would be nice to see the changes, as we won't be attending this year. Stay safe and keep doing a great job.

Jerry, Pittsburgh, PA

RM: IMS President Doug Boles says the Bronze Badge situation will be addressed after the Brickyard weekend, and IMS will decide about usage and/or credits. I think IMS will be releasing a video of all the improvements today and we’ll run it on RACER.com.

Q: IMS seems to be doing right thing as far as COVID-19 measures. I always drive down from Michigan with Bronze Badge in hand for first week of practice. I'm wondering if I can defer my badge for next year – not sure if garages will be open for public. I don't want to be on grounds for a week with no access. I already have my badge. Not sure if wife will be happy with me attending this year. Looks like I will be doing NBC Gold this year.

Dave, Holland, MI (via Terre Haute)

RM: The decision on fans in Gasoline Alley hasn’t been made yet so that will obviously impact the badge situation, but from talking to Doug Boles it sounds like it could be a typical May in August with regards to Bronze Badges. Might be some race day restrictions.

Q: I just received a wonderful telephone call from a very nice woman (Linda Price) at IMS. The Speedway is issuing us a credit that will be good until 2023 for this year's 500. I can't thank you enough for pointing us in the right direction. Take care, and I will be following your column.

John and Dottie Sedlak, Venice, FL

RM: Linda and her staff worked all weekend and have quite a task to relocate people, grant refunds and print new tickets, but she’s a trooper. Glad IMS and R.P. gave you the option.

Q: Do you really think IMS will still allow fans to attend Carb Day? They’re taking extraordinary measures on welcoming and social-distancing 175,000 fans. Would they allow 50,000-70,000 fans in as general admission with no control? And wouldn’t be the same for general admission infield fans on race day? Will Carb Day likely wind up being a closed practice session?

Fred Cunningham, Simpsonville, SC

RM: Well there’s no Indy Lights race and no concert, so I don’t think the crowd will be anything like years past, but fans will be admitted to Carb Day, according to Doug Boles.

Q: So Miller, Penske comes to you and says ‘We want your opinion on how to run the Indy 500 this year.’ Knowing your answer will probably be wrong I’m sure he should do the opposite, but what have you got?

Ryan T.

RM: Why would you want my answer if it’s the wrong one? I would do exactly what The Captain is doing.

Q: If IMS does not immediately lift the Indy-area TV blackout rule for the 500 in August, that would be blatantly wrong and unfair. And really, it’s the only thing I would complain about with this process, given all that IMS has to juggle. So since it's IMS (and state guidelines) that is shutting out 50% of the spectators, they are hitting those fans with a double-whammy by not allowing them to at least watch the race on live TV. I'm sure NBC would prefer to lift the ban, too. And I think I read Boles saying they have no plans to change this (correct me if I'm wrong)? I still plan on attending the 500 with my son, even though many/most of our somewhat large Turn 3 group will not. They deserve to at least watch it live.

Brian in Indy

RM: IMS says its still selling tickets for August 23, so why would it announce the blackout is being lifted now instead of the very last minute? That’s what they did in 2016, so I think I’d wait and see what happens.

Q: Great article regarding the ‘whine club’. Let’s for the sake of argument just remove any concern or consideration for public health, mask wearing, politics, etc. So, why will The Captain likely not let everyone into the 500 in August, allow people to manage their own risk, and decide what to do on their own in true American fashion of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? The answer is pretty simple, and the same as why almost all other major sports will play in ‘bubbles’ only to a TV audience (existing plan), and that high-school/college sports are likely out completely for the 20-21 season (my humble prediction).

Nobody of sound mind will accept the liability that is sure to arise when somebody gets sick (or tragically, much worse…) after catching the virus and then want to blame (i.e., sue…) IMS, anyone or anything except their own choices/behaviors (or even just biologic probability). The Captain knows what he is doing. Let’s be thankful that he has the wisdom, judgment and savvy to execute a 500 in any form this year.

Scott B., Gainesville, FL

RM: Well you asked a question but you answered it yourself and all I have to add is that R.P. has been adamant Indy will have fans – regardless of what that number is – because they’ve always been the lifeblood of the event.

Q: I appreciate the ‘cancel the whine club membership’ article. After watching the Texas race I was left wondering why IndyCar should even have the season – just pack it up and plan for 2021. Seemed like there were several drivers who didn't want to be there, and were comfortable being on an extended vacation. Many fans didn't seem to appreciate the race; more than just the normal number complaining. Now people are upset because Roger Penske is trying to engage fans and create the best possible Indy 500 experience under the difficult and ever-changing conditions.

Now, I know racers and fans bitch a lot -- I am a weekly racer and we all have our excuses ready when we enter the track. Didn't have time to work on the car, tires are old, everyone else is cheating. But I don't remember the other national series asking for my input before they announced to the world that their fans are racists, which now makes the gear I have purchased over the years symbols of racism and hate. I see two different approaches going on here: the other series is taking the fans for granted with no care at all about how they are impacted, and IndyCar under Roger Penske's guidance is trying to include fans and make sure a great race is put on with the best possible fan experience. So here's the question... Which would people rather hear, "Hello, how can I help you?" or "Just give me your money!" Do you agree?

Mike, Northern California

RM: I think, based on his desire and follow-through to run Indy with fans and all the improvements he’s already made at IMS, that Roger Penske appreciates the fans first and foremost in his new role.

This part of Indy 500 race day will look pretty much the same in 2020. But the rest of it is anyone's guess. Image by Phillip Abbott/Motorsport Images

Q: Those quick to criticize The Captain should consider what this would look like if Hulman & Co. were still in command. I'm with you, Robin, I was sick of Penske dominance on the track years ago, but he is truly the one person I find fit to helm this huge ship. The guy you so aptly describe as being the smartest in the room, the one who hires all the best people, makes all the best moves at the most opportune moments (except full-filling Mears on his last stop in '82!) is the only one with the interest, love for the sport, and money to make it happen. I'm convinced Mr. Penske is going to put on the best 500 possible this year, and every year.

Bill Bailey

RM: I don’t buy that IMS would have been padlocked or IndyCar would have folded under these circumstances if Tony George was still the boss, because he spent a lot of money putting open-wheel racing back together and he loves IMS. And Mark Miles added some competent people on the board like Mitch Daniels, and had some good ideas during his reign. But I think everyone just has more confidence today because R.P. is the owner/leader/visionary going forward.

Q: Short and sweet. If IMS is going to reissue tickets for the August running of the 500, my only suggestion would be to take this opportunity to put Roger Penske on the ticket. Your thoughts?

Todd in Indianapolis

RM: The Captain isn’t going to stop the tradition of the race winner being on the ticket, especially to insert himself, and it’s also a nice promo for John Menard. But I wouldn’t have any problem with R.P. being on the program cover.

Q: Been a big fan of your for years and even a bigger fan of Roger Penske. Have you ever talked to him about writing his autobiography? It would be an awesome read.

Chuck Berghorst, Zeeland, MI

RM: There should be a book and it would be a helluva read, but I’ve never talked to R.P. about it.

Q: What is the possibility of A.J. entering four cars whenever the Indy 500 runs? Kanaan, Kimball and Kellett are already entered, but what about Bourdais?

Todd J. Burnworth, Fort Wayne, IN

RM: I asked Tex several weeks ago, and he wasn’t optimistic.

Q: With all of this year’s craziness, I seem to have missed the ‘who outside the regular guys will run the 500?’ rumors. Any news on Kyle? Jimmie? Fred? Any other outliers?

Shawn Lee

RM: I believe Alonso’s car was unveiled yesterday and Johnson is going to test an IndyCar for Ganassi next week but he’s not running at Indy. No Kyle Busch either, but maybe Kyle Larson?

Q: Just finished your ‘whining’ article. There was a tag on the Top Gun team with RC Enerson not racing until 2021 due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Arrow McLaren SP has iced its third car. Do you know of any other Indy-only or expanded team partnerships that have been shut down, and will there be 33 cars on the track when the green finally waves?

Troay Strong, Kansas City

RM: Arrow McLaren SP hasn’t iced its third car to my knowledge (see the answer above yours) and the last time I spoke with Jay Frye about the entry list he reckoned 34-36 looked likely. [ED: Arrow McLaren SP will run a third car at Indy for Alonso, but has shelved plans to field one for other guest drivers elsewhere in 2020]

Q: Any chance IndyCar does a rethink and tries to extend its season to capitalize on limited sports schedules? I can’t see any way college football happens this fall. I would think the network/prime time television opportunity would offset the lack of ticket buying crowd.

Suzy B.

RM: I can’t imagine it. It’s tough enough to put on a profitable IndyCar race when the promoter has six months to work with, but nobody is going to throw something together at the last minute. And promoters don’t make any money off NBC (except IMS) so that’s not an incentive.

Q: To branch off from a debate started by Brian Breen's question in the June 17th Mailbag concerning asterisks for Indy 500 winners during The Split – this is why I cannot relax and enjoy an Indy 500 until Helio Castroneves is safely out of contention. If old twinkle-toes gets to four wins and is celebrated alongside Foyt, Al Unser Sr. and Mears, I am going to lose my mind. Forget the fact that he was in the process of being passed for the lead in 2002 when the yellow came out late and secured him that win. I think an even bigger and bolder asterisk should be placed next to the victories from 2000 until somewhere on or before CART folded; especially those first few years when it was only Ganassi, Penske and Team Green entering. That’s like the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers entering the College World Series. With all the sarcasm you can muster, "Great victory guys, you really beat the snot out of 'em."

Will, San Diego, CA

RM: I don’t think Helio would get the same reverence as that trio, and he was actually passed by P.T. before the caution came on in 2002 only to have the protest thrown out. But he’s always been exceptionally good at IMS and damn near won it in 2014 and 2017, so he’s far from a fluke. But the competition wasn’t real deep in 2001 and 2002. And I imagine this will be his last hurrah in August.

People can – and will – debate the 2002 Indy 500 until the end of time, but Helio's overall body of work at the Speedway is beyond dispute. Image by F. Peirce Williams/Motorsport Images

Q: Our paths crossed years ago when I wrote to you about my continued disgust with the grass in the corners of the IMS speedway. My disgust grows with each year as I witness accidents caused by the grass. I had hoped with the new Penske regime he might see the light when even retired racer Danny Sullivan mentioned the same problems. As long as the grass remains in the corners, there will be nowhere to pass moving chicanes, like some drivers that will go unnamed, and also nowhere to pass through the corners! No-one did it like Mears and Andretti! The grass must go!

Keep the runoff lanes if you like, the grass, originally installed for the addition of the worst NASCAR race on the circuit! NASCAR duck boats have no place at the IMS. Each year I watch a near-accident or accidents caused by drivers having to put a tire in the grass to avoid getting squeezed in the corners and short chutes that leads to spinning and a hard impact to the wall or collecting other drivers, Sorry, T.K. It will take a death of a driver to get rid of them, which almost happened to Scott Dixon in 2017!

Gregory Lupo

RM: Bring back the apron and take away the grass would be my suggestions, because grass does nothing but tip over speeding cars when they dig in. Let’s give R.P. a little time to improve the track, because he’s already made big changes inside it.

Q: Once we finally reach 2021, how about this: P.T. and Townsend in the booth (of course); let Helio and T.K. run loose everywhere else. Hit the infield, the stands, pits, who cares? But both duos can play any practice joke n the book. Works for me.

Allen Smith

RM: It’s possible, but James Hinchcliffe is going to be a major player at NBC for a long time so not sure there is room for many more drivers. T.K. and Helio would be entertaining as hell, so maybe get them a monthly show?

Q: Do you have any information if McLaren's latest issues with money and their legal action in the UK to use assets to obtain cash to keep operations going will impact the IndyCar effort? I would hate for O'Ward to have gone through all the issues he had last year to only end up in the same boat this year. Throw some COVID in there and the poor guy has to be wondering what he has to do to get a worry-free ride.

John Balestrieri, Milwaukee

RM: McLaren reportedly borrowed $150 million from the National Bank of Bahrain to stay solvent for 2020, so I imagine that includes the IndyCar project as well.

Q: At the age of nine (1957) I discovered Indy cars and was immediately taken with the laydown roadsters. I discovered Formula 1 in 1961, the year that Phil Hill took his title. I got to meet him many years later. And speaking of Toledo, I watched Gordon Johncock run Toledo Speedway in a supermodified many times before he got to the big time. But here’s the thing: I am a Black motorsports fan. Over the years I’ve seen just about every significant professional series run somewhere in the U.S. and I even met you at WGI over an IndyCar weekend. To me, every discipline has its fascination, and in that respect I am an omnivore.

However, something that the vast majority of your audience has never experienced is that over the years I went to Toledo Speedway, nearly always my father or my mother or my brother and later my son and I were the only Black people in the crowd of several thousand. However, I need to take you to task a bit. In general, motorsports has never done much to attract Black potential fans. Many like to fall back on the thought that if there were competitive Black drivers, it would make all the difference in the world. To me, while it would be helpful, that is not the end all/be all.

Many years ago I put a question to your colleague, Dave Despain, on Wind Tunnel. This was when James Stewart was an absolute terror at motocross events. Knowing that Despain was a big motorcycle fan, I asked if there had been a noticeable increase in Black patronage at the races. He said not that he was aware of, I asked if had any thoughts about why that is, and he said that he didn’t know.

What this suggests to me is that putting a good driver/rider out there with appropriate backing is not enough. Further, it would seem to be a short-sighted business practice to dismiss a potentially significant demographic. It isn’t like Black people don’t buy cars, tires, batteries, anti-freeze, oils, lubricants, etc. but that doesn’t come into play in their motorsports marketing plans. There is an old saying: “If you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got.” That seems to be where we are in attracting Black fans. I appreciate that NASCAR is trying, but the others, not so much. Hopefully Lewis Hamilton’s initiative to bring more minorities into STEM programs and into motorsports will be helpful,l and that the concept will spread over here. I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I do know that you have to prime the pump.

Don Hopings, Cathedral City, CA

RM: I love the fact you saw Gordy at Toledo, because he was a badass on the high banks too, and you’re obviously hopelessly hooked on speed, which is great. But I’m not sure there’s any easy solution or program to growing the Black fan base other than to have a superstar like Lewis Hamilton. And I may be wrong but I don’t see a lot of Black fans at F1 races, so success is no guarantee. Bill Lester, Tommy Thompson and Benny Scott tried, but were either too old or too under-financed, while George Mack did a good job on ovals despite having no experience but his backers ran into some problems, as I recall. As I’ve said, Willy T. had the talent, personality and clout (Bill Cosby) to give Black fans a reason to watch, but CART dropped the ball. I guess the bottom line is that until a top-notch team with a big-time sponsor gets behind a Bubba Wallace, it’s never going to make any difference. Finishing 20th every race doesn’t excite anyone. Yet NASCAR is way ahead of IndyCar in the diversity game right now, so it’s possible it could develop a marquee name, and the climate has never been more accepting than it is right now.

Q: You're a legendary betting man. Considering Janet Guthrie made the IMS Hall of Fame this year not for competitive reasons but because she is the first female to race the 500, and considering America's current chaotic societal climate, what are the odds the IMSHF inducts Willy T. Ribbs next year, not for his own lackadaisical Indy car competition record, but because he is the first Black driver to race the Indy 500, and these crazy times seem perfectly ripe for such an optic? Could you also ask Willy T. himself about that? I'd love to hear his take on it, too.

Raceworder

RM: It would seem to make sense since Willy T. was a pioneer just like Janet, and here’s what he had to say: “I could only say ‘thank you’ if it happened, because it’s the one HOF you want to be in as a racer. I went to Indy because it was the biggest race on the planet, and making the show in the final minutes remains one of my greatest thrills.”

The 'Willy T. Ribbs for the IMS Hall of Fame' campaign starts here. Image by IMS

Q: Because of safety issues at Pocono for IndyCar and, to a lesser extent, NASCAR, would putting in a bus-stop chicane before Turn 2 at Pocono have any beneficial effects? I appreciate your time and expertise.

Glenn Harris, Greenbelt, MD

RM: I don’t think so. NASCAR is fine at the Tricky Triangle, and Pocono isn’t going to tear up the track in the hopes that IndyCar returns some day.

Q: Since approximately one-third of the entire population of the USA live within a 300-mile radius of Pocono, do you think that Penske will have any interest into trying to revive that historic Indy track? I've been to F1, Indy, and even NASCAR races around the USA/Europe and I've never seen such a disorganized mess as I saw at Pocono during the past few years that IndyCar ran there.

I know the last year IndyCar raced, Pocono knew it was the end and didn't really care, as they had two people working the ticket booth on Saturday morning with many disgruntled fans stuck outside the track while the cars were out practicing! I place some of the blame on IndyCar itself, like I do for their not knowing about the asphalt additive at Texas that ruined the high groove and race. That's what made Texas! I know R.P. is 83, but I'm sure he has some smart people in his group that can manage to sell 50k tickets! That track was made for IndyCar!

Michael Dominic, Hershey, PA

RM: I would never say never with R.P. since he’s got history there (Mark Donohue won the inaugural Pocono 500 in 1971), but it didn’t appear to most of the IndyCar paddock that Pocono had much interest in promoting the races. Mario even called them out. So I’m not sure there’s enough interest on either side to ever explore getting back together.

Q: All right, Robin, let’s have it. From the last 30 years what are your favorite engines and chassis? What about your favorite E/C/T combination? And if The Beast is at the top of your list, please share your runner-up. That’d just be cheating…

Dan W., Ft. Worth, TX

RM: The last 30 isn’t anything to celebrate. How about the last 70? And nobody cares about tires. Let’s go with Herk’s Novi in 1963, Gurney’s 1967 and 1981 Eagles, Chapman’s Lotus-Fords in 1963-65, George Salih’s laydown roadsters in 1957-58, Old Calhoun in 1963 and those cool MG Liquid Suspension cars of Joe Huffaker in the mid-'60s. I loved the sound of the Offy, the 255 Ford, the turbo Cosworth and Roger Rager’s stock-block Chevy.

Q: I noticed in an answer a few weeks ago you mentioned that no networks are lining up to try poach the series and provide coverage. Am I missing something? The racing is good and there are plenty of potential winners each race. Could it be a lasting side effect from The Split all those years ago?

Nathan from Vic, Australia

RM: The Split certainly crippled open-wheel for a number of years, but the bottom line is that not many people are drawn to IndyCar like they were in the 1960s, '70s, '80s and early '90s and its TV numbers are pretty ordinary, despite the fact NBC has done a great job of promoting the series the past two years.

Q: About your statement from the June 24 Mailbag: "there seems to be about one million people that watch NBC races and about 400-600,000 that watch NBCSN on a regular basis." When I do the math you state, I ask why is IndyCar not on over-the-air NBC every time? I don’t have cable so I wait until the next day to watch online. Not a huge deal, but I grew up with USAC/CART/IndyCar and toured MIS in kindergarten when it was being built. Still though, even as a life-long fan, it’s not enough to get me to buy cable or satellite or Sling or whatever to watch it on NBCSN.

Randall, Winters, CA

RM: Having eight races scheduled on NBC this season was above and beyond considering the ratings and the most ever on network, so it’s not going to get any better. But you cannot expect NBC to show IndyCar races in prime time when only one million tune in.

Q: I was one of the guys who criticized the appearance of the aeroscreen. Not the device, but the attaching paneling upon which graphics were affixed. I am all for the aeroscreen. If not for a few degrees of rotation, Scott Dixon would no longer be with us in his massive crash and roll into the guardrail at the 500. The aeroscreen would certainly have mitigated the ensuing contact. After seeing the cars in action, I think the cars look really cool. Not the head-on view necessarily, but from the side, where most of the exposure is, the things look like fighter jets. And, I am very glad we are racing and my predictions of no competition this year were wrong. Here's hoping the 500 gets all the folks in to see this fabulous event. Can't wait to see the Captain's first year as the Captain of the 500.

Jan Burden

RM: You didn’t ask a question, but you were contrite about the aeroscreen and racing in 2020, so thanks for confessing.

Q: What teams did Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt drive for when they won the Daytona 500?

Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY

RM: Mario drove for Holman-Moody in 1967, and Super Tex ran for the Wood Brothers in 1972.

Whatever Foyt was discussing with Glen Wood, it worked -- he won five of the 12 NASCAR races he started for the Wood Brothers, including the 1972 Daytona 500. Image by NASCAR

Q: I've been reading 'Let 'Em All Go!' by Chris Economaki (with Dave Argabright). A most entertaining book about Chris' life in racing down through the ages. He shares many great anecdotes about his experiences covering both IndyCar and NASCAR. This got me to wondering if you had any interesting personal interactions with Chris?

Bob Kehoe, Eloy, AZ

RM: I gave him my stories from The Indianapolis Star for 25 years and it was always an honor to get a shout-out in his Editor’s Notebook, but we ended up not being friends after he told people I was on cocaine and that Roger Penske had paid $250,000 to cover my gambling debts. Not only have I never smoked, drank or done drugs, I certainly wouldn’t have asked The Captain for money. Yet Chris never bothered to call and ask me about them – he just told people. I confronted him at Phoenix, and we never spoke again. But that doesn’t diminish his impact on motorsports for six decades, and he was truly an icon.

Q: You raise the name of Jim Murray with one of your answers last week. Weren't Sports Editor Bob Collins and Jim Murray very good friends back when both were in their prime? Got any stories to tell about the two of them gathering-together re IMS and May 500 events?

Tom Fitzgerald, CPA

RM: Murray was in Collins’ office at The Star one afternoon and I was the only person in the sports department – clipping the horse racing wires. I knew that was the famous LA Times columnist in there, and I was thrilled when Bob motioned me into his office because I figured it was introduction time. Instead, he handed me a $5 bill and told me to “go get some scotch” for he and JM.

Q: Why are there no beer sponsors in IndyCar?

Steve Mattico

RM: Good question, I have no idea. Budweiser was a staple in IndyCar for years, Tecate was with Adrian Fernandez forever, Rahal and Penske had Miller and Coors had cars as well.

Q: Eldora or Knoxville?

Chad R. Larson, Phoenix, AZ

RM: Eldora at night in the '70s, and Knoxville just about anytime.

Q: Not wishing to beat the preventable dead horse. This stated, given your knowledge of the politics of racing in general, NASCAR in particular. Give us your take, please, on his (Larson) being reinstated by NASCAR and your time line.

Dave Travis, Ocala, FL

RM: Our NASCAR editor Kelly Crandall was kind enough to ask NASCAR if there had been any movement in Larson asking for reinstatement, and they told her no. So I imagine if Tony Stewart were to sign him, he could be back in 2021 –  if he wants to be. He might be having too much fun in midgets and sprinters.

Q: Please make sure someone at RACER.com gets a pink slip. Who replaced your smiling photo with a craggy, grouchy-faced drawing? It looks like the artist attempted a drunken homage to Paul Cezanne. Did you green-light that change? You are a charming and likable person, and your photo should reflect that. So please put a smiley-face photo back on. If you want to get your missing tooth replaced, I’ve promised you several times I would do your dental implant treatment for free. If you turn that down, you can always Photoshop a tooth into the old picture and you’re good to go.

Marwood Stout, DDS, Camarillo, CA

RM: You are Preston Lerner’s pal (he’s one of the best writers in the country) and I appreciate your kind words and offer for a new tooth, but I am not a likeable person and I have a face for radio. I love that drawing and gave it the thumbs-up. And, truth be told, the Mailbag population likes the drawing a helluva lot better.