Robin Miller's Mailbag for January 20, 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 am sure you'll get hundreds of emails on Marco Andretti stepping back and only running the Indy 500 this year. My question is, did you hear any rumblings of this happening, or did it catch you off guard like it did me?

Chris Howe, Upper Sandusky, OH

RM: I think it caught everyone by surprise except maybe those closest to him. We’d heard that U.S. Concrete wasn’t coming back, but I don’t think anyone expected the bombshell that was dropped.

Q: You were just talking how Marco can have a ride pretty much as long as he wants with Michael owning the team. However I suspect sponsors have a lot to say in that matter. So what’s the real story behind Marco limiting his IndyCar activity?

Jim Fischer

RM: Marco owns 50 percent of that team so I imagine he and Michael were beating the bushes for sponsorship, and without the Leaders Circle, it’s a pretty daunting task to raise $4-5 million. Even with the Andretti name. But I’m guessing it was a budget-related decision.

Q: Marco. Whoa! Was this really a money issue? When the No. 98 car lost the Leaders Circle money for 2021, that created a million dollar hole assuming all the other 2020 sponsorship dollars came back for 2021. I haven't read that Andretti intends to fill the seat with someone else. Have we just lost a full-time entry?

Bill Carsey, North Olmsted, OH

RM: Not sure how much sponsorship was raised in 2020, but I’ve heard a lot of teams had to give some money back since there weren’t 17 races and I can’t imagine U.S. Concrete being mega-bucks anyway. But it appears Andretti Autosport will be a four-car effort in 2021.

Q: Now that Marco step aside from driving, what happens with his car? And do you think he’ll go drive with Jarett? He still has a teammate to find for IMSA.

Rene Murray, Quebec

RM: Bryan Herta says he’s still invested in Andretti Autosport and wants to continue, just not sure what that’s going to entail this coming season.

Q: Count me among those who were surprised by Marco Andretti’s decision to step back from full-time driver duties in IndyCar. Odd as it may sound, I can’t help but feel that this will actually better his odds at Indy -- now that he’s focusing more on driving for the fun of it and taking the pressure of trying to consistently put in good results week in and week out, I think he’ll be relaxed enough to find that mojo we all know he has. That said, I also can’t help but wonder how much missing out on a Leaders Circle award might have influenced things. Your thoughts?

Garrett from Reno

RM: No team can afford to lose the Leaders Circle, not in this economy, so that obviously put them behind the 8-ball, and securing sponsorship didn’t pan out. But Marco knows IMS as well as anyone, so I think he’ll be strong again this May.

There's still plenty of scope for some new chapters to be added to the Marco story, even if he's no longer a permanent fixture on the grid. Michael Levitt/Motorsport Images

Q: I am sure you will receive a lot of emails this week regarding Marco Andretti and his announcement to step back from full time IndyCar and concentrate just on the 500. I give him kudos for making a tough career decision. During Marco’s first 500 I was listening to the scanner and heard him ask his crew chief how many laps and was told he was on Lap 51, Marcos response was “**** me.” He almost pulled it off, and the last lap was a thriller. It’s been a tough 15 years for him. This may be more of a Donald Davidson question, but who was the last driver to drive in the Indy 500 as a one-off event and win the race?

David, Fort Wayne

RM: Not sure that wouldn’t be the reaction of any teenager in their first Indy 500 because of the length of the race, but the only one-off winner I can think of would be Jimmy Clark in 1965. Graham Hill in 1966, although he ran Mt. Fuji later that year. Obviously Montoya was an IRL one-off in 2000 but contested the CART season, and same for Castroneves in 2001. Dan Wheldon was a one-off in 2011 but, sadly, then raced at Las Vegas.

Q: I find it interesting that AJ IV never suffered the vilification Marco endured. But then there seems to be a lot of Andretti haters out there. Why do you think that is?

John Fulton

RM: Good question. It almost seemed like IV was told by A.J. to be a race driver, whereas Marco had been groomed at an early age by grandpa and his dad so maybe people expected more. I put a moratorium on, “What’s wrong with Marco?” letters last year in the Mailbag, and there is quite a bit of hate but I’m not sure why. It’s one thing to be a frustrated fan, but there is a big group that seems to revel in his failures.

Q: I read with interest the news about Marco’s scale-back to the 500 only, and have to commend him for the courage to make the decision. As an owner of that car, it is the right thing to do to make way for what is hopefully an up and comer (as much as I like Hinch). Much has been written about Marco’s difficulty in fulfilling the Andretti legacy, but he had flashes of brilliance and some bright spots at the Indy 500 and elsewhere.

Above all, I cannot remember a time he was accused of being an unfair racer and he was always a class act under terribly intense scrutiny. He’ll be able to hold his head high, and hopefully without the pressure of racing in IndyCar with the expectations his name brings, he’ll be able to enjoy himself in other forms of motorsport. Lord knows Michael has teams in just about every discipline on four wheels.

Marco is certainly not the first to struggle with the high expectations attached to a famous surname. Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. comes to mind along with other Andrettis, Kyle Petty, Bruno Senna and Jacques Villeneuve (brother to Gilles). I’m missing lots of examples, I know, but maybe Marco will have a kid and in 20 years she will be the Max Verstappen to Marco’s Jos?  Good luck in the future Marco, thanks for being a class act.

Trevor Bohay, Kamloops, BC Canada

RM: I don’t know if the decision was totally driven by lack if a budget or Marco’s desire to scale back and try something else (or both), but the mail I’ve received has been in the same vein as yours – wishing him luck going forward.

Q: Well I guess your ban on Marco comments has to come to an end. I read a lot of the comments in the article on RACER, and while you cannot deny everything said about his performance, it seems to me this is a good move and people don't need to be mean. What would you do if you had the chance to drive an IndyCar; turn it down? I don't think so. What went on behind the scenes, we will probably never know. But if this was Marco speaking from his head and heart, then it was a good move by a guy who saw the writing on the wall and took one for the team. It sure does open up a great spot for someone – any idea who is in the running? If Romain Grosjean gets his ride and a top-notch person gets this ride, we can have a season that proves to be pretty interesting.

Tom in Waco

RM: From what I’ve read and heard, the No. 98 car will be Marco’s for Indy and maybe a few other races, but I’m not sure there are plans to try anyone else. Maybe if someone comes along with money they’ll get a shot, but it’s hard to say. Most of the emails I’ve received have been positive towards him.

Q: Hey Robin, Marco stepping back to try other motorsports is good thing. It continues a long tradition of Andrettis taking on different racing disciplines. It'll be sad not to see an Andretti in IndyCar full-time; was hoping Marco would one day regain his confidence. He was devastatingly fast in the Acura LMP2 with teammates for whom sports cars racing was their day job. Even the rain soaked Detroit GP 2019 show, you couldn’t be a chump as driver and have those Senna-like skills in the rain with slicks. He seems to have had more bad luck with race strategy then most of his teammates. Maybe few wins and a championship in something different will re-spark his fire for a return to IndyCar.

The real question is, who will be in No. 98, as Bryan Herta is adamant about having someone in car. Mario Andretti should be drafted in. He lost his two-seater gig and he can pick up few more accolades -- especially keeping Dixon at bay on the all time record win list. I kid, but it would be cool to see the legend take on today's stars. And he's probably one of most fit of his era left alive. Bet even Scott, Will, Alex, Colton, Simon, Sebastien, Taku and others would love to take on Mario one-on-one.

Kevin, Long Beach, CA

RM: We all love Mario but I think we need to cap the current drivers at age 50 (and Mario is closing in on 81). No idea who, if anyone, might get a shot in the No. 98 but it appears they’re going to have to bring money and Oliver Askew, Santino Ferrucci and Gabby Chavez don’t appear to have any.

Q: Romain Grosjean has a reputation of being an accident looking for a place to happen. Is he paying for the ride? Who covers the cost of his wrecks? Thanks for the article on the old Indy cars. Always interesting.

Dave Thurston

RM: Oh yeah he’s paying Dale Coyne and I imagine crash damage is either figured into the overall cost or handled by DC.

Q: I've heard some rumblings about Penske entering a fifth car for the 500 with a "big name." Have you heard anything of this? An IndyCar YouTuber suspects it may be for Kyle Busch. Have you heard anything? Hope your health is improving, you are a treasure to IndyCar fans.

Ryan, Dayton, OH

RM: Simona de Silvestro will be in a Penske-assisted car as part of the diversity program, so technically I guess that makes No. 5. But haven’t heard either Busch brother mentioned this year.

Is the No. 98 now in play for drivers looking for an IndyCar ride outside of the 500 this year? Barry Cantrell/Motorsport Images

Q: Are you saying a part-time Xfinity Series ride is more desirable than a full-time IndyCar ride for Santino? That both sucks and blows at the same time. God willin’ and the COVID don’t rise, I’ll see you in Portland.

David K.

RM: I have no idea how much a part-time Xfinity ride costs, but we always heard Santino’s father and sponsor gave Dale Coyne $2 million. But that was just a guess.

Q: Given the limited number of drivers in the series and the fact that they are all competitors, there must be some friction between some drivers and others who are best friends. Same may apply to team owners. Dare to give a little insight as to who gets along and who doesn’t?

Another question: Given that race payouts are rather pathetic and sponsorship can be hard to come by, do all the teams make money or should I ask, do any of the teams make money? Any idea of who does and who doesn’t?

Eric, P.E.I., Canada

RM: Doesn’t seem to be any outward animosity (like PT vs Bourdais back in the day) but I’m sure there is some disdain among certain drivers and owners. As for making money? Surely you jest. When Kmart/Texaco, Target and Marlboro were sponsors in CART’s heyday (and Honda and Toyota threw money around), Newman/Haas, Ganassi and Penske all made money, but those days are long gone.

Q: I loved your story of the '60s. My God, I felt like I was reliving each season. How ironic that Phil Hill loses his teammate at Monza and clinched, as did my American hero Mario and the loss of Ronnie Peterson -- weird. I’ve wondered for a while, how fractured is the TK and Michael Andretti relationship? We know Bryan Herta is still connected and Dan Wheldon was intending to return.

Skip Ranfone, Summerfield, FL

RM: I think TK was understandably pissed off after turning down Ganassi to stay with Andretti Green and then getting kicked to the curb, but if he holds a grudge he does a good job of disguising it.

Q: I know this will not happen anytime soon, but if IMS had to redesign the grandstands and seating on the outside of the main straightaway, how do you think they would do it? Has there ever been talk about that? So many of those seats have terrible line of sight to the track, and on the lower levels, as you look down the straight in either direction, the longer the look, the more the retaining fence is a wall. The views for the race have to be terrible, and if the Speedway were built today, I can’t imagine they would design those grandstands in the same way.

Steve Winbun, Westfield, IN

RM: I’ve not heard any talk of it, but I would imagine something of that magnitude would also include widening the front straightaway and that would be a major project. But let’s give The Captain a couple years to try and make a little money before we start tearing things up.

Q: I really feel like in a universe where USAC had held it together in the '70s, we'd be talking about the likes of Bell and Larson dueling like that around a lot of Indy circuits. Incredible talent. Not trying to name drop, but I met Lone Star JR at the Chili Bowl a few years ago and was then talking with him again at Indy, and he was insanely impressed with Bell’s talent. Shame he went up on the cushion before we could see him go to the end. I also walked away very impressed with Chase Elliott. I know he's a Cup champion, but to run that with little experience and do as well as he did impressed me.

I do wish IndyCar drivers would stop by (when things are all settled of course). Not because I think it would be a big boost for the sport, but because I feel this is a great event and would be amazing to see them around other greats of the sport. Finally, this is an insane proposal, but perhaps someone should consider building an asphalt short track in the greater Tulsa, Oklahoma Route 44 area? I say this because the entry list for the Chili Bowl and other racing series seemed choked full of Okies now. Would be cool to see, say a Nazareth clone with events from IndyCar, XFinity running there.

Gus in Tulsa

RM: Elliott did a good job and says he wants to come back. As for IndyCar guys, Conor Daly and Santino Ferrucci both ran the Chili Bowl in 2020, but IndyCar needs Dixon, Power, Newgarden, Rossi or Herta to make some headlines and draw some attention. If USAC hadn’t taken the dirt tracks out of the Championship division in 1971 then Larson, Bell, Rico, Sunshine, Windom and Justin Grant might all be IndyCar drivers today.

Q: I was glad to see that the promoters had some prominent signage about "IndyCar at St. Louis" during last week's Chili Bowl. I mainly wanted to make you aware of it if you hadn't happened to see it. Any idea what it would take to get IndyCar to do some direct advertising there? Do you think Marco would consider running the Chili Bowl now that he's not full-time?

Mark from PA

RM: That’s all Chris Blair, the GM at Gateway who promotes IndyCar all year. I’ve told IndyCar for years they need a booth with drivers, hats and schedules to pass out at the Chili Bowl, but it’s never happened. Marco was interested in hot-lapping a midget a few years ago before the BC39 at IMS, so I would think he’s still game.

Q: I am well aware of Keith Kunz and Clausen-Marshall as powerhouses in midget racing but it seems in the last couple of years there is a new kid on the block -- Chad Boat, or CB Industries. When did Chad hang up the helmet and turn to totally focusing on providing rides for drivers like Chris Windom -- 2020 USAC champ in a CB Industries midget?

Scott in Michigan

RM: Not sure Chad has officially quit driving, but a couple of years ago he made the transition to car owner and it’s worked out nicely. He’s a great kid from a great family and a racer to the bone.

Q: Can you tell me about the history of the "lollipop" used in pit stops? It's used in both series I watch, IndyCar and IMSA, and has been since I started watching, about four years ago. Thank you for considering my question, and the interesting column every week.

Christine Bussman

RM: No really sure who invented it or what year, but I do remember waving the pit board at Bentley Warren at Trenton in the early '70s to show him where his pit was located, so I would guess somewhere in the mid-'70s the lollipop became popular.

It'll take more sleuthing to pin down the inventor of the lollipop, but Stefan Johansson had a strong incentive not to blast through this one at Hockenheim in 1987 – it's being held by Ron Dennis. Schlegelmilch/Motorsport Images

Q: Like so many others, I enjoy your insight and shared stories. I have a quick tire question for you. Are there ever occasions when a team might run a combination of reds and blacks?

Bill Freitag

RM: Thanks for reading and participating, Bill. No, Firestone doesn’t allow blacks and reds to be mixed.

Q: In retrospect, now that IndyCar has been dumped by Richmond and Iowa, do you think it would or could rethink its position with regards to running a future race at Pocono, assuming Pocono would now take it back?

F. Morgan

RM: I imagine anything is possible, but it was pretty much a mutual divorce until NASCAR dropped one of Pocono’s weekends and then suddenly it wanted IndyCar to stay. At least that’s what I heard, but I think it’s very iffy that the Tricky Triangle ever returns to the IndyCar schedule.

Q: I first attended Indy in 1959 and a passionate love affair began that continues today. Your article on the '60s absolutely overwhelmed me with memories -- many of them good, but sadly tempered by the horrible fatality statistics. I remember walking home from school with tears running down my face after one of my teachers told me Tony Bettenhausen had been killed. Likewise, sitting under the stands by myself after witnessing the Sachs/MacDonald accident and questioning whether or not I wanted to continue this love affair (at the ripe age of 15). Thank God IndyCar is so much safer today.

On the happy side, you reminded me of so many good memories, that I think I will dig out my old Floyd Clymer yearbooks from the '60s and bring up a few more smiles. Thanks for a wonderful series and everything else you do to keep us informed.

Dave Seaton

P.S. At one time back in the '60s I read that the Hoosier Hundred was the second-richest race in the world, with only Indy beating it. Can you confirm or shoot it down?

RM: Always fun to look back. As for the Hoosier Hundred, it was No. 2 on the pay scale behind the Indy 500 and had some added money from ABC’s Wide World of Sports in addition to sellout crowds. In 1967, Mario made $11,000 for 30th at Indy after winning the pole, and made the same amount for capturing the Hoosier Hundred.

At Indy, both Mario and Al Unser tried it in practice and preferred their Eagles. I always thought that it was very odd a car that was on the pole in its debut would be parked after one race. The only other time I know of that happening was with the Brabham fan car in F1. I have a book on Parnelli’s cars and it shows the VPJ-3 in show car guise with the radiators moved back to just behind the driver. In fact, in looks a lot like the F1-based car the Parnelli team raced later. Can you add anything as to why a car that made such an impression on its debut was mothballed soon after?

Steven Meckna, Long Beach, CA

RM: Mike Lashmet worked for VPJ and now runs Vintage Indy Car Registry, so here’s his take: “I just sold this car for Rufus & Dilamarter. So this would be the VPJ3 penned by famed former Lotus designer Maurice Philippe, who found his way to Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing in 1972. The VPJ3 was the first completely new car designed and constructed around USAC’s major rule changes to Indy car racing after the ill-fated 1973 500. No fuel allowed on right side of car, narrow wings etc., and yes, your reader is correct, as it somewhat resembled a narrowed 7200 series AAR Eagle. Philippe did take liberty with the Eagle’s suspension design and overall bodywork theme.

"Taking no chances in ’74, the VPJ team also ordered new Eagles for Leonard, Unser and Andretti, however two VPJ3 tubs were built and one car completed. Mario tested extensively with it in primer at Ontario during the late winter of 1974 and in Viceroy livery at a March IMS Firestone test. The VPJ team, however, started off the season at the California 500 with Joe Leonard and Al Unser in new Eagles, and Mario in a modified VPJ2. Sadly, Leonard destroyed one of the new Eagles in a career-ending crash. Weeks later, the team opted for the Eagles yet again for Mario and Al at Phoenix. However, with the VPJ3 showing promise it was entered at Trenton for Andretti with Al remaining in the trusted Eagle. Much to everyone’s surprise, Mario put the new No. 5 Viceroy VPJ3 on pole, finishing ninth.

"Rolling into Indianapolis the team brought a full-on assault with a mix of three different turbo Offy-powered chassis designs in the form of the Eagles, the new VPJ3 and a year-old VPJ2. Both Mario and Al practiced in the VPJ3 but opted to qualify their AAR-built Eagles. Jan Opperman was provided his rookie year ride by Vel and Parnelli and qualified the year-old VPJ2. The new VPJ3 sat unused for the race. But for the June Milwaukee race, Mario was back in the promising new VPJ3, finishing 17th.

The only thing more fun than a full-page question and answer is a full-page question and answer about a car that we don't have a photo of. So instead, let's enjoy this shot of Nigel Mansell on a horse. Motorsport Images

"An interesting side note to the car’s development for the Rex Mays race was the use of the ‘can of ham’ externally-mounted oil tank off of Mario’s Viceroy dirt car! Jim Dilamarter states, ‘We were looking for better oil pick-up, and pinched for time and running behind, opted to try employing the dirt car’s tank mounted in front of the left rear.' Sadly, this was to be the last race the VPJ3 ever ran, with the team sticking to its new Eagles. However testing and development continued on the car with many major mods, including moving the radiators to the rear and all-new bodywork. The car, now in blue and white American Racing Wheels colors, was considered for use in 1975 but the team stayed with the Eagles and had also began testing an all new VPJ6 design.

In looking at the VPJ3 in its highly-modified final configuration, one can easily see where Philippe was headed with the look of the VPJ4 F1 car and the latter successful VPJ6 Indy car. Fortunately, both VPJ3 cars – unbuilt VPJ3 No. 102 and Mario’s pole-winning No. 101 – survive. Presently, the never-raced chassis No. 102 car is in the hands of a collector as a roller featuring its original unadulterated narrow Eagle design including Mario’s Viceroy bodywork, while the No. 101, in its highly modified appearance, resides presently at Rick Duman’s Turn 4 Restoration shop undergoing a complete redo. One can expect to see the VPJ3 in American Racing Wheels livery on the track with Mike Lashmett’s Vintage Indy group in the near future.”

Q: I just finished reading another wonderful Mailbag. You commented on Jigger Sirois in one of your answers. I know ‘what if’ questions can be silly, but here’s mine anyway: Had Jigger finished his qualification run and was indeed on the pole, do you think there would have been an issue with the other drivers regarding the safety at the beginning of the race? Jigger was 9mph slower than the rest of the field and would have been a moving chicane going into Turn 1. Or would it be, as A.J. would say, “one of them racin’ deals” – but he being on the middle of Row 1 would have raced to the front and laughed at the massive pile-up behind him. Thanks for any consideration for my question.

Janis from Tampa

RM: Not at all. Jigger was a good racer, won several midget races and sat on the front row at DuQuoin in a dirt car, so he was plenty respected. There was always a pretty big disparity from the pole to 33rd spot back then, but most of the starting field was used to running hard and close together, and Jigger was also a smart racer that wasn’t going to jeopardize anyone else.

Q: My wife and I just finished reading Dorie Sweikert's book. We were impressed with the quality of her work considering it was the only book she ever wrote. The book gives the perspective of racing from the wife's point of view. The period was the mid 1950s, which was probably the most dangerous era in racing. Dorie lived in constant fear of her husband being killed (which of course happened ) She was very brave and supported her husband while raising a family. We would highly recommend this book. It reads like a very good non-fiction novel. Enjoy the Mailbag every week.

Gary Huguenard, Fremont, IN

RM: I think most wives harbored the same fears every time their husband went out of the front door to the racetrack because it was a deadly era. I didn’t know Dorie, but her book is definitely an emotional ride.

Q: It was very interesting reading your article about racing in the '60s. I can't believe how many guys died driving in those years. In the pictures it always cracks me up about that little chicken !@#$ roll bar behind the driver's heads -- did those even do anything? Is that how most of them died, or was there something else? Appreciate all your input in the Mailbag over all these years, can't wait to see you in Nashville!

CAM in LA

RM: I think when the roll hoops were raised higher than the driver’s head it certainly helped in certain rollovers, but in a violent accident like to many of them were, it did little to protect.

Q: There is a film called Open Wheel Tribute by Dick Wallen. The film captures what it was like for these larger-than-life dirt track danger racers. In a word, it is superb! Please take the time to tell us of Mr. Wallen, the lesser-known racers, the tracks and their machines.

Phil, Central Indiana

RM: Parnelli brought Dick back to the Midwest in the early '60s and he proceeded to film everything on dirt and pavement for the next 30 years, and Hollywood used his footage countless times in movies. He put out several books about the brave men of the '50s, '60s and '70s before selling his collection. Go to Coastal181.com and check out Wallen’s racing classics.

Q: How much do you think a tier 2 or 3 team would charge for a sponsorship sticker on a helmet or a small area on the front of a racing suit for the 500?

Phillip W.

RM: Depends on how much sponsorship they do or don’t have, I would imagine. But I would guess $10,000 might get you a decent display.

Would Graham Rahal even notice if you sneaked up and popped a sticker on his helmet while he wasn't looking? (The answer is yes he definitely would, and please don't try it). Barry Cantrell/Motorsport Images

Q: You mentioned in last week's Mailbag that you participated in the Cannonball Run race. Could you tell us a little more about this experience? What kind of car were you driving? Who were your co-drivers? Anything funny or unusual along the way? Was it anything like the 1981 movie Cannonball Run?

Bob Gray Woodland Hills, CA

RM: There were two, true Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dashes – one in 1971 won by Dan Gurney and race originator Brock Yates -- and the one I raced in in 1972. I drove a brand-new Vega (for a pal's mother-in-law) with a part-time stock car driver from LA who was also a makeup artist in Hollywood, and we finished fifth in 37 hours (after getting lost in Ohio when I was taking a nap). We got six tickets but never went to jail (except Wes my co-driver had to serve three weekends because we failed to show up for our court appearances). After ’72 the race became a rally and lost all its charm, but I was lucky enough to participate with all those crazy fools in 1972. The Cannonball Run sucked and it would have been fine had they just stuck to the facts and characters in the race.

Q: Do faithful Mailbag readers need to put together a team to sit with you on October 23rd to protect you from self-harm as driverless cars race around your beloved Speedway? Or are you good with that?

Scott Heavin

RM: I may start drinking that week, so keep firearms away from me.

Q: Just finished the Mailbag where the young man in downtown Indy had to look up who Graham Rahal was. This is fresh off news by the Speedway of the autonomous race this fall. Loved how in that article the Speedway bragged about years of innovation while its marquee race is now part of a "spec series." Think of the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes and the Warriors and Steph Curry -- teams who innovate and play more successfully than other teams draw eyeballs to their sport. Think Penske’s pushrod in '94 for a racing example. Spec series in the short-term may bring costs down, but in the long haul may cost money because of lack of those eyeballs. I don't agree with driverless cars, but innovation has proven to bring interest to our sport in the past, so why couldn't it in the future?

A.J., Indianapolis

RM: I hope the day that driverless cars start the Indianapolis 500 that my ashes are in a coffee can to be sprinkled over the Action Track in Terre Haute.

Q: I was reading about the IndyCar autonomous car program and noticed a preliminary competition date of May 27, then the finale is in October. Did the Autobots take the Indy Lights Freedom 100 spot? Given your love for sim racing, what are your thoughts on the autonomous program?

Troay Strong, Kansas City

RM: It would appear that is the case, and my thoughts cannot be printed here at this time.