Robin Miller's Mailbag for August 5, 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.U. Health came out against running the Indy 500 with fans. I haven't missed a race since 2005. I've only missed two in the past 48 years. But when I got my letter from IMS about this year's plans, I indicated that I would not attend. At 25% capacity in an outdoor environment with all the precautions that are being implemented, I think that the risk of transmission at the event itself is minimal. However, I think the potential political fallout is huge. I really feel for Roger Penske and I thank God every day that he bought the Speedway and IndyCar before all this hit the fan. But I am really concerned with the long-term damage that this could do to our sport. What's going to happen if Indianapolis sees a spike in deaths two-four weeks after the race? Is it worth that risk?

Alan Hummel, St. Petersburg, FL

RM: I was the wrong person to ask before Tuesday’s announcement, because I bought into the theory you can sit outside with proper spacing and a mask and be protected. I understand both sides, but the enormity and wide-open spaces of IMS makes this a little different than an indoor concert or game.

Q: With virus cases rising, race postponements (Mid-Ohio), cancellations, health questions, political pressure, etc., it could be a possibility the Indy 500 gets cancelled both in August and October. If that were to happen, what to you think about the possibility of the 500 being run twice in 2021? Sounds far-fetched, but could it happen? Crazy things have already been the norm in 2020. Has this been brought up? I know all is being done to run it in 2020, but you never know.

Ken, Bloomington, IN

RM: Thankfully that question will never have to be answered.

Q: We are now down to the "put up or shut up" time. What is the car count (with drivers) for this years race? I recently read some one say there were only 30. Say it isn't so! Also, kudos to the IMS ticket office. To turn everything around on short notice was a remarkable feat. Extra credit to them for being so friendly on the phone, too. If you talk to RP, tell him to forget any criticisms he hears, he's doing a great job.

Dale, Chesterfield, VA

RM: Well you read the wrong story, because RACER’s had 31 confirmed with another four-five possibilities, so I imagine 34-35 tops. The IMS ticket office did a yeoman job in a short amount of time and treated customers with class, from everything I’ve heard.

Q: While it took longer than anyone expected, I was very interested to read about the Jimmie Johnson IndyCar test. While I'm not, as a general rule, a NASCAR fan (no malice toward the series, just don't follow it to any degree), I have no doubt that a star of Jimmie's stature can be nothing but good if he comes and races in IndyCar. As far as I know, he is a good guy, clean racer, well respected, and as a seven-time champ, probably has a substantial fan base. Would be nice to get some of those fan's eyes watching a few IndyCar races!

My question is this. Who foots the bill for such a test? Probably a day's track rental fee with emergency personnel, the team that supports such an effort, 120 laps of fuel, five sets of tires at what, $2500 a pop? I'm sure it adds up pretty quickly. Chip Ganassi is well known to be a savvy businessman, so I doubt if he does this out of the goodness of his heart. Does Jimmie come with a check for the opportunity? I know it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, just curious.

Danny T, Tell City, IN

RM: Let’s just call this a throwback. All Jimmie had to bring was his helmet, because Chip footed the bill and it was a memorable day for all involved. Good PR for both series, and gave Johnson a baseline to build on should he want to try IndyCar.

This view was months in the making. Chris Owens/IndyCar

Q: Greetings from the booming metropolis of Whiteland, Indiana. Home of Sarah Fisher’s Whiteland Raceway. They have put in some much needed, impressive upgrades on the facility so far; I hope they are able to make it a stable long-term success! However, that isn’t what my question is about. I know this has been discussed in past Mailbags, but I want your true opinion as to whether IMS will get rid of those big car grass strips and bring back the aprons? What is the true reason for the perceived lack of interest from the Speedway on this?

Now, I realize the racing is damn good with the current configuration, but I’m old enough to remember the past, when drivers risked it all and had enough room to pass on the outside of Turn 1 on the regular. For me, those are some of the more memorable moves I’ve witnessed in my 45+ years of attending Indy 500 events. What say you? BTW, if you see Sarah or her husband, thank them for me, on behalf of the town. That place was becoming an eyesore, and they have transformed it in no time. Thanks for all you do for the sport, and keep up the Tough Guy series!

Jon Bingham, Whiteland, IN

RM: I mentioned bringing back the apron to The Captain and I think Danny Sullivan did as well, but he’s got bigger fish to fry right now. It could happen some day because that was another groove and Vuky, Rube and Mario made it exciting. And it saved a lot of guys from hitting the wall when they were fighting cars that didn’t want to turn.

Q: You have mentioned a bit recently that Penske wants to run Scott McLaughlin next year. Would this be for the whole season, or just Indy, or part-time, as was originally planned this year? Also, is there any chance that R.P. will get rid of the farcical double points system we have now? I also hate it with a passion -- even F1, which is obsessed with gimmicks, got rid of it after one year, which says it all. As it is now, Dixon only needs a decent result at Indy, and if the next couple of guys in points have a bad result/DNF, this season is pretty much already over because of this system. He'd only need to worry about only finishing the final race.

Nathan from Victoria, Australia

RM: R.P. wanted to run McLaughlin at a few road races with an eye on the future as a full-timer. As I’ve said recently, Will Power’s contract is up and we’re not sure if Simon Pagenaud has an option year or he’s set, but I imagine running four cars isn’t totally out of the question if it’s the only way to make it work. And as far as double points, I don’t know anyone who likes them, so maybe The Captain will address that in the off-season.

Q: Do you happen to know why the 500 starting time has been pushed to 2:30? It will be interesting to see how different the place feels with 25% fewer fans and probably not much pre-race ceremonies. That is part of the overall feel of the race. Although I am looking forward to less hassle, and I’m really there for the racing on my favorite track.

Kelly Loomis

P.S. I met you two years ago at Portland with my dad, Terry Dischinger.

RM: Here’s an answer from IMS president Doug Boles: “Start time was determined as we worked with NBC and the network window that was available. NBC is also looking for time ahead of the green flag to build the storylines. And, while pre-race will be different, it is still important.”

It was great talking to your dad, one of Purdue basketball’s all-time greats and a big IndyCar fan.

Q: Will there be any surprise entries for the 500? JPM or Seabass?

Dan, Lima, OH

RM: Doesn’t look likely, unless The Captain needs to add a car to make 33.

Q: Do you know or can you ask the Speedway what activities are being planned for Legends Day (Saturday of 500 weekend) this year given the pandemic? Specifically if the memorabilia show is taking place near the Pagoda? I always like wasting two hours of my time getting something from the show on race weekend.

Jerry, Michigan

RM: Unfortunately Legends Day has been cancelled, so no autograph session or memorabilia show. It saved Marshall and I $500 each, but I’ll miss it.

Q: In my many, many years of following IndyCar I have never seen a public political statement made by a driver, a team owner, an engineer or even a mechanic. Thus, I suspect the series has a policy against making them. You have the ear of Mr. Penske. If this is the case, tell him to please keep it in place! We’ve all seen a diminishment of the fan base of the MLB, the NFL and the NBA in recent days. I suspect a good reason for that is partly the rampant politics on display in those sports.

I hugely admire all the IndyCar folks for their talent and tenacity and the last thing I want is to find out that some of them are jerks when it comes to their politics. I don’t want and don’t need to know! Let them save their politics for their friends and family, just like all the rest of us. And that goes for Dan Anderson and the Road to Indy, too. Let’s please keep this sport apolitical!

Mark, San Marcos, TX

RM: Well back in 1970, Art Pollard and the Unser brothers did a commercial endorsing Richard Lugar for Mayor of Indianapolis, but that’s the only one I can recall. But R.P. doesn’t need me or you or anyone else to advise him on policies, politics and protocol – he’s got a pretty good grasp of everything.

Peter Revson would have been at risk of a stern talking-to if Mark from San Marcos had been in the F1 paddock in 1972. Motorsport Images

Q: Given what Jimmie Johnson said, the best thing that could happen to the Indy 500 is to have him, Fred, the Busch brothers, and Jeff Gordon running next year. You know Gordon deep down really wants to run the race, and it sure would bring in some fans and make the ratings go up. Come on sponsors and engine makers, lighten up; let the real racers race. A.J., Mario, Big Al, Uncle Bobby, the Vukys, etc. all were better because of all the different racing they did, so why not now?

Tom in Waco

RM: I can assure you that Jeff Gordon will not be competing in the Indianapolis 500. The old days didn’t have binding contracts like today, and drivers could drive anything, anytime, anywhere.

Q: What are the chances we see Jimmy Johnson in an IndyCar next year?

Kevin Ferguson

RM: How about 80-20 he gets to run a couple road courses.

Q: With Road to Indy heading to NJ Motorsports Park, what about the big cars? Any chance they can race there? I live in NY and have never been there. We need an East Coast IndyCar race. If not there or The Glen, is there anyplace that would work?

Bill Peer

RM: IndyCar checked it out a few years ago but hasn’t been back, and it’s highly unlikely – too much work to make it work for IndyCar. The Glen would be everyone’s choice if a proper date and title sponsor could be secured.

Q: Is there any chance that IndyCar will ever run at Road Atlanta? The track length is comparable to IMS road course; many of us diehard fans would love to see more natural road courses on the schedule.

Eric Normington, Brookston, IN

RM: Not without some major modifications, and you can’t blame RA because they have a great turnout for Petite Le Mans so why spend the money? Maybe if IndyCar paid half, but it’s a helluva layout.

Q: I'm glad Roger Penske bought IndyCar, but I'm starting to have some concerns with the series even going forward when COVID-19 starts to die down in 2021. Now, it would be great if Ferrari or another OEM comes to IndyCar, but if the series is set to lose another race in the schedule in COTA, they can't seem to get a race in the Northeastern part of the U.S. like Watkins Glen, New Hampshire and New Jersey Motorsports Park to replace it. It doesn't seem that IndyCar can add a second race in Canada or in Mexico, or at least expand to 20 races. If he would have bought the IMS back in 1979 I really believe that IndyCar/IMS would be the envy of Bill France in NASCAR and Bernie Ecclestone, who once was the head of F1. Does Roger have time to turn around IndyCar? I hope he does, but it's looking kind of cloudy going forward.

Alistair, Springfield, MO

RM: Good lord man, what do you expect in eight months? He’s figured out how to get a respectable number of races, and spent a fortune, and every day there’s another obstacle. He’ll grow the schedule if it’s beneficial, but he’s not going to add on races just for numbers. He’s evidently got Ferrari’s ear while trying to save the Indy 500, so I’d say let’s give him a couple years.

Q: I know Roger Penske is focused on the near-term in refreshing and prepping IMS for the 2020 races, as he should be, but have you heard of any long-term plans or interests? At various times we've heard about new or refurbished suites, trackside condos or a new hotel/conference center.

Scott Cooper, Bargersville, IN

RM: He’s on the record of exploring F1 and sports cars, and there’s a thought he might want to build a new museum across the street. And you know there will be continuous upgrades for the paying customers but he’s kinda busy right now with that Indy thing and trying to get a season in, so all that other stuff is on the back burner.

Q: Your Q&A about Lee Bentham being Ed Carpenter’s spotter triggered a question. Spotters – are they typically full-time team members in that they have other roles outside of spotting for the driver, or are they part-time and only work race weekends and possibly large preseason practice on ovals etc?  Also, are most of them ex-drivers? (I know of a few big names like Rick Mears and Pancho Carter.) Anyway what’s the story about these relatively invisible roles that are crucial for ovals?

Chris, Colorado Springs, CO

RM: As the cockpits became more and more closed for safety reasons, the driver’s vision was greatly reduced other than his side mirrors so spotters became imperative at places like Texas. And they’re helpful at Indy as well with all the traffic, and guys like Helio and Ferrucci gave big props to Mears and Carter for their coaching, not just their spotting, at speed.

Q: Sprint Week is wrapping up and I’m curious to know your thoughts on something. Out of all the current USAC drivers, who are five guys who you think should get a shot at the 500? Sprints or midgets, and Larson doesn’t count! Also any insight on Kody Swanson’s Road to Indy test and what may be coming down the line?

Ben, Noblesville, IN

RM: Love to see Tyler Courtney, Justin Grant, Brady Bacon, Rico Abreu and Swanson get at least a test, and Chris Windom made it into Lights thanks to David Byrd but it looks like that project may be over. Swanson ran decent in the ARCA race at Iowa and I know Butch Meyers was trying to help him get going in the Road to Indy, but that was a while ago. I’d also want to take a serious look at Kaylee Bryson -- she’s a rookie in USAC midgets and currently 11th in the standings, and I watched her muscle past three or four big names at Lawrenceburg a couple weeks ago. But it’s all about money and these kids are trying to make a living as best they can in USAC, so I think they all know IndyCar is a pipe dream.

Having a job that's a cross between sports psychologist and air traffic controller sounds stressful, but the IndyCar spotters' stand looked pretty relaxed ahead of last year's Pocono race. Michael Levitt/Motorsport Images

Q: I didn’t know A.J. had won so many races in ’64 until years later. I didn't really pay attention to the Indy 500 until probably 1970 or so, when I used to listen to available USAC races on the radio. I did know the champion had the No. 1 on their car in ’67 when Mario came to Indy with it. My model A.J. cars always had No. 1, so I just figured that was his number. The difference with A.J. winning 12 of 14 races and the Penske team winning so many races is glaring. I just think there needs to be a level field in budgets now. I doubt if A.J. had a bigger budget than any other major team back in 1964.

Tim B.

RM: I’m going to make this our last communication on this subject, because this is three or four weeks in a row, and I don’t think I’m getting through to you.

The Big Dog always wins over the course of time, be it IndyCar, NASCAR or F1 and even in USAC, although the driver can certainly make a difference. You aren’t going to get the rules any more even than they are right now in IndyCar, but it doesn’t matter because the most experienced and best-funded teams are going to dominate. Penske and Ganassi, with Andretti suddenly lagging behind. Sure there can be upsets, like Carlos Huertas at Houston or Jim Guthrie at Phoenix, and cool stories like Conor Daly winning the pole at Iowa for a one-car team, but in the long run the winners and champions are coming from Team Penske, Chip Ganassi, Mercedes, Ferrari, Joe Gibbs or Tony Stewart Racing. Everyone had an Offy in 1964, and A.J.’s secret weapon was his talent, brains and George Bignotti. Watch the old Langhorne videos, he was the man. But please, no more complaining about level playing fields – 20 cars within a second of each other at a four-mile road course is hard to fathom, let alone match anywhere else.

Q: I have a pretty simple question. I'm a third-generation fan but don't know much about A.J. and Mario outside of the numbers and some stories from the old man (and his dad). What made the two of them so good? Thanks for doing this every week, and I want you to know that you've inspired me to go to the Workingman's Friend next time I'm in town visiting family (or Allison and Cummins for work).

Will in Virginia (but with deep Hoosier roots)

RM: Foyt was strong (mentally and physically) and could manhandle rough dirt tracks and never slow down while his competition fell out of the seat. He was also smooth and clean and fast, and as smart about a chassis or engine as any good chief mechanic. He went from 130mph to 225mph in 35 years, so I’d say he was also pretty damn adaptable. Mario didn’t look strong enough to turn the wheel when he first showed up in USAC, but he possessed a natural talent and desire that was unparalleled. He was a little rougher than A.J. but smoothed out quite nicely, and was as comfortable on a mile dirt track as he was at Spa in an F1 car. They both hated second place, and that was part of their success. AP named them co-drivers of the 20th century, and that seems just about right.

Q: In your 7/29 Mailbag you fielded a question about purses at IMS and showed that photo of Emerson Fittipaldi when he became the first winner who was paid $1 million. I met him at the Monterey Historics in 2007 and he signed that photo in one of my books. However, the following conversation was interesting. He asked, “Do you know the story behind the photo?” I said, “Other than you were the first winner to get paid $1 million, no, I don’t.” He said, “The bank (Terre Haute Savings? I can’t remember) brought the money in an armored truck with several guards. But, they didn’t think $1 million looked like enough money as it was going to be spread around the car, so they actually brought $1.4 million or $1.5 million.” You know, you just can’t make this stuff up!

Don Hopings, Cathedral City, CA

RM: The story I heard was that it was $3 million in the photo, but regardless, what a cool story and what a great photo.