Robin Miller’s Mailbag for May 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 gotta admit that I thought your pre-season prediction about the IndyCar youth takeover was a little extreme, but four races in, it looks like you're a genius! Palou, Herta and O’Ward in the winners circle but no Team Penske? Will the trend continue? And what say you about the Texas weekend? I understand that IndyCar is desperate to keep some ovals on the schedule, but the high-banked 1.5-mile TMS has never been a good fit for these cars. I guess some people liked the crazy pack racing back in the IRL days, but I think it was just luck that we never had a Las Vegas-style disaster there. Since then, the racing has been mediocre at best and the crowds have steadily dwindled.

The past couple of years, that PJ1 compound has made it basically a one-groove track. Passes had better get completed before the turn or somebody's going to be sliding up to the wall. This place has become IndyCar's equivalent of the Talladega wild card. When I think about IndyCar ovals from the "good old days," it's tracks like Milwaukee, Phoenix and Pocono, but I'm well aware of the failed attempts to revive these venues over the past decade or so. Maybe it's time to accept that we have the Indy 500 and Gateway, and that's OK for now. If we stopped trying to force TMS to work, maybe COTA would have a fighting chance, especially when the new engine formula takes effect. It's always worth exploring new venues when it's the right fit and you have an aggressive promoter, as is the case with Gateway. But I think it's time to give up on TMS. What's your counterpoint?

Alan, St. Petersburg, FL

RM: Yes, I still think Harvey, Veekay and McLaughlin will join the first-timers and I still think Dixie is going to have to fight Colton and Pato to the very end for the title. As for Texas, its time has passed and the crowds are as embarrassing as the racing has been lately. Sure, there were a couple bold moves by Rahal, O’Ward and Dixon, but unless the track changes, why keep going?

Q: I was irate Saturday night. By Sunday I was just depressed, and by Sunday night I was ecstatic, mainly for Pato. Aided by race length and yellows, all IndyCar teams and drivers need to be roundly praised for putting on a good show in the last 100 laps on an otherwise shameless excuse for a racetrack. Texas Motor Speedway has continued to slap its fans in the face with this Trackbite garbage. You’ve known for at least a year that these cars cannot drive over Eddie’s NASCAR-approved track muck, and TMS/SMI did nothing except a futile attempt at removing it. Was there any thought to maybe just resealing the corners to get rid of it, and not produce a farce of a track?

As for IndyCar leadership, how on earth can you schedule two races in a weekend and offer no procedure for when qualifying gets canceled? Completely unfair to teams to have the Sunday race set by points. There was no track activity all morning/day on Sunday, and kudos to Alexander Rossi for saying what we were all annoyed with out loud. There’s nothing wrong with IndyCar’s package or the tires, yet thanks to Texas they were made to attempt psychotic squeeze passes because there’s an oil slick on the outside. Once again, thank you to IndyCar’s drivers for being selfless maniacs, and curses on Texas Motor Speedway for treating IndyCar like a tractor pull.

Greg in NJ

RM: NASCAR is Texas’s cash cow, and with the paltry IndyCar attendance I can’t imagine spending any more money than necessary. As for not having qualifying, that sucked too.

If nothing else, Texas produced some rare Mailbag unity. Jake Galstad/Motorsport Images

Q: Robin, after the IndyCar races at Texas this weekend I am seeing a lot of comments from fans on this track. I thought the races were good, but a lot of people seem to think that instead of racing on the oval, they should go down to COTA. I’m all for Indy cars being there and I agree Texas has its problems. However, the idea of moving to COTA instead of Texas Motor Speedway annoys me. If they are going to leave the Texas oval than move to another one, preferably in the Midwest. It seems like they always want to run on ovals in the southern part of the United States. I like the south, but there are not that many IndyCar fans there. Whenever Indy cars run on ovals in the South they almost never have a big turnout. Look at St. Louis, a Midwestern oval that draws people.

If IndyCar gets away from Texas, I would like to see it on Chicagoland Speedway. It’s very close to Indianapolis and a lot of people would go there. I realize it’s probably not going to happen. However moving from the oval in Texas to another road course would be a huge letdown. I know there was not a big crowd there, and I don’t understand it. IndyCars on ovals is the best racing that exists today. They are fast, sleek and exciting. That’s why people should watch a race – for excitement. That’s my opinion.

Matthew Sutton, Indianapolis, IN

RM: Well, COTA tried IndyCar in 2019 and didn’t get much of a turnout, so now they’re going with NASCAR and I imagine the place will be packed. Ovals are dead regardless of what part of the country we’re talking. Nobody cares because nobody goes. Yes, they’re IndyCar’s heritage, but I can easily see Indy and Gateway as the only two left standing. But there have been many exciting road and street course races during the past few years.

Q: I think it is absolutely insane for IndyCar to allow the kind of blocking we saw at Texas this weekend. There was nothing marginal about what Jack Harvey did on Saturday. It wasn't even a fade. It was a blatant and dangerous block at 220mph. His comments afterward were nothing but dangerous bravado. On Sunday Rahal said that it had been resolved – apparently "resolved" means "allowed" as there was more of the same on Sunday from others. This is the way wheels get hooked, the way cars climb over each other, and the way cars get airborne. Once that happens, nothing good will follow.

Texas is dangerous enough between the speed and the fact that anyone trying to pass has to dive into the corner to avoid the sealer without allowing blocking on top of it. Modern drivers think substituting the word "defending" for "blocking" makes it OK. I think IndyCar was lucky to get away without a serious incident this weekend. This is not the kind of racing I want to see, and I do not want to see this at Indy. What say you, Mr. Miller?

G. Sichner, Concord, OH

RM: I’ve hated blocking since the Brazilians brought it into IndyCar in the 1980s. They claim it was one move but it sure looked like a squeeze play, and Jack certainly isn’t the only one who’s done it. But all of today’s drivers need to look at the replay of Kenny Brack’s crash at Texas in 2003 to see what kind of havoc happens when open wheels touch at 200 mph.

Q: Hope you're having a good 2021. I will start by listing some real positives so far this season: higher car count in Indy Lights, new sponsors (including two running ads for JJ), Jack Harvey punching above his weight for a great small team, and the news that 135,000 people will be at the 500. All right, now time for the complaint: I know Texas has a long history with IndyCar, but I'm not sure how it keeps going without serious changes. I've been there twice and love the facility, however the PJ1 compound has really ruined the track for IndyCar. It seemed like the racing was a little better this year, but it's a far cry from the old races. I heard there were more campers this year, but the stands seemed even emptier. What do you think the future holds for TMS?

Tate in Kansas

RM: I don’t know how long the current contract runs, but why would IndyCar want to keep racing there in its current configuration? Just to say it’s got three ovals?

Some aspects of the Texas show are up for debate, but there's no arguing against its contribution to the series in terms of pyrotechnics. Barry Cantrell/Motorsport Images

Q: If PJ1 is going to be a permanent fixture for Texas, IndyCar might as well look for another oval. It has absolutely ruined the racing there. So many times, cars had runs but had to back out because they didn't have the room in the turns because of that crap. O'Ward was putting on a show in the second race, but had it ruined because of PJ1. Eddie Gossage screwed up one of the best races of the year.

Bob Rundgren, Villa Park, IL

RM: Good luck finding another oval. Phoenix doesn’t want one. Somebody said Homestead might be interested again. Oh boy, 8,000 people? It’s a shame, but you can’t blame promoters for not wanting to sign up IndyCar on an oval, and you can’t blame IndyCar for trying to keep variety in the schedule.

Q: PJ1 has ruined the once-great racing at Texas Motor Speedway and I could care less if IndyCar ever runs there again unless it can be removed. Is there any way it could be removed just for IndyCar? Do the other ovals under consideration for future years also apply PJ1?

Kris Leach, Three Rivers, MI

RM: Hmmm, let’s see, NASCAR draws 20 times the crowd of IndyCar, so no. I don’t have any idea about other ovals or their plans.

Q: As much as many of us are thankful that Roger Penske is at the helm of our beloved sport, it appears to me that Zak Brown has some real vested interest in the success of IndyCar as well. Perhaps as a feeder series to McLaren's F1 effort, or a viable alternative to veteran F1 drivers looking for a competitive series. I love it. If a real conduit of talent existed between IndyCar and F1 it would raise the profile our sport – 1993 and 2017 as examples. Bringing Lando Norris to the 500 and having Pato in F1, and similar results in the future, could raise our sport's global profile tremendously. What can you share with us about Zak Brown's background and intentions?

John J. Sullivan

RM: Zak likes IndyCar, F1, being quoted, shaking things up and Pato O’Ward. He had a business called the Zak Attack here in Indy back in the ’90s and it was a driver’s school at IRP. Then he landed a couple of massive sponsors for NASCAR and F1, and Bernie took a liking to him. He kept networking and now he’s a player on both sides of the pond, and it’s great for IndyCar.

Q: For me, Herta to F1 doesn’t make a lot of sense. I don’t see where he’d fit in at any teams over there outside of a field-filler team, and even that isn’t likely. All of the big teams have drivers waiting in the wings, and I can’t imagine them taking a flier on Herta. This isn’t a question of his talent, it’s a matter of being in the pipeline. It would be better for him to stay in IndyCar and become a legend over here. It would be better for the series, too.

We’ve seen it before. I’m having flashbacks to the ’90s and early ’00s when some of our top stars left at their peak to get the shaft in F1 – notable exceptions being Jacques Villeneuve and Juan Pablo Montoya, who did well. There were some whispers about Newgarden a few years ago, and thankfully he stayed put. Obviously Herta is young enough to bounce back if he leaves and flops. Outside of more money for a year or two, there’s much more downside than up for Herta’s career.

I must emphasize that this is not a talent issue. It is an opportunity issue. Obviously it could work out for him if he made the switch. He could also get eaten by a shark while getting struck by lightning. Why is there this irrational push for IndyCar drivers to go to F1 when, as a general rule, it doesn’t really work out?

Eric Z, Lancaster, NY

RM: I don’t know that there is any big push to get IndyCar drivers into F1. Conor Daly, Colton and Josef all raced in Europe with some success, but nobody seemed interested in taking them all the way up the ladder. They’ve all found homes here, and unless Mercedes or Red Bull comes calling, no reason to leave IndyCar.

Q: Is IndyCar going back to ESPN? Ryan McGee is tweeting more IndyCar things since the series moved to NBC. A coincidence, or does he feel freer now than before? It would not be a bad move (except for you and PT). Mr. Penske should insist on Marty and McGee hosting the races.

Patrick R.

RM: First off, Ryan is one of the best writers in the country and he loves the Indy 500, and I’m so thankful ESPN sends him here every year. As for the next TV partner, it’s anyone’s guess. I’ve heard FOX and CBS might be sniffing around but can’t imagine ABC wanting IndyCar back now that it’s tied to F1 again. Considering the exposure, I think NBC is the best choice. And I’m not on the air anymore, it’s just a fact because of all the promos and network races.

Q: We are now on the fourth season of the universal aero kit. It produces great racing on the road and street courses, but this oval package leaves so much to be desired. I feel like the most thrilling racing we had was with the 2012 to 2017 iteration of the car. Something needs to be done for the ovals, because the "show" has been seriously lacking. That means the ratings are taking a hit, cheeks aren't in seats, races aren't retained, and that sucks.

CJ Shoemaker

RM: I don’t think the racing has any effect on the ratings; you can’t get much better than some of road racing we’ve had the past few years. Yes, it’s difficult to pass at Gateway and Texas, but Pagenaud and Rossi were a helluva show, and last year was shaping up as a good one before that last yellow. But when you only get a 2.2 rating for the Indy 500 it’s not the racing – it’s the lack of interest.

Q: Sebastien Bourdais is one of my favorite drivers, but he scares me when he turns into a spin on an oval. He did so during his bad crash at Indy several years ago, and Saturday night at Texas. All that happens when you do that is the car understeers into the wall. Jim Clark and Danny Sullivan did the opposite and turned with the spin causing the car to rotate in a tight circle and avoid the wall.

David Lessmann, Overland Park, KS

RM: OK, let me get this straight. You’re telling a four-time champion how to handle a spin? He got drilled in the gearbox in third gear on Saturday night and turned into the inside wall, where he then shot up the track. He had no reaction time, and I think the first impact broke the steering. I need a drink.

Should've read the Mailbag. Jake Galstad/Motorsport Images

Q: Robin, before the start of Sunday’s XPEL 375, I was watching to see once again if the tail of the field was way behind. A few were, as usual. Maybe less than Saturday. But it seems at every race the final 10 cars or so are lagging behind. It’s generally cars/teams who I would think would want to be as close to the start as possible. Is this due to drivers trying to get a jump? Not paying attention? Or should IndyCar be getting the field paced and in position in Turn 2, instead of letting the polesitter fly until Turn 4 and then stacked them up at the last second?

Kyle Patten

RM: Sometimes drivers lag back to get a good run, but a few of them thought the pace was too slow Sunday and that’s why there was an accordion affect. But it’s embarrassing nonetheless.

Q: I wondered why they didn’t use Saturday’s practice times to set the field for the race? Perhaps I was hoping that TK would get a pole, but as many laps as they all got to run, I thought it would not be a bad way to set the field. Any thoughts? Happy May! At least it seems a bit more normal than last year.

Mike Miller, Phoenix, AZ

RM: That would have been more fair, and it’s been done in the past. TK up front could have been a factor.

Q: I agree with Alexander Rossi: Why in the world, with the whole day available, was there no practice and qualifying before Sunday’s race? Saturday makes sense to start on points, but not Sunday. Shame on IndyCar officials. What’s your opinion?

Paul Fitzgerald, Indianapolis, IN

RM: I guess Texas didn’t want to spend money on bringing out security, ushers and concession people just to qualify for a 5 o’clock race. But you spent 90 minutes practicing, so just go by those times for the opener and then line them up how they finished for the second show.

Q: If I were a part-timer in the paddock, or even one of the non-super teams, I would surely be disappointed if not outraged by having the starting order for two races decided by accumulated points. A draw for order would have been more fair, and probably led to more exciting racing. This is just another “rich get richer” disappointment that puts the little guys way behind the power curve. There was one Texas race where drawing for position was done. Seems like this would have been a good time to do it again. Kanaan was a tiger in practice but never got a chance at a winning race.

Ed K.

RM: No argument here, Ed. That’s a NASCAR thing and I hate it.

Q: Is there any backroom talk or consideration of IndyCar going back to more of an open cockpit and using a version of the halo? Being an old school fan, the open cockpit is part of the allure of Indy racing.

Tim Layne, Randolph, Maine

RM: Well, considering the aeroscreen probably saved Ryan Hunter Reay’s life at Barber and certainly cushioned Conor’s flip at Texas, I would say why change anything? And, no, there is no talk of it.

Q: Thanks for all you do, and we all wish you the best of health in 2021 and beyond. I just listened to the Indy Star IndyCar podcast featuring Jack Harvey. Nathan Brown asked Harvey about how he and MSR are focusing on the 500 vs other races. Harvey’s answer startled me. He said he’d “choose to win the 500 if he could pick one” (duh) but it was just another race and the season isn’t just the 500, etc. Harvey’s delivery of the quote was also lackluster, at best.

This statement makes me wonder... in the current field, who actually grew up caring about IndyCar? I’d assume Daly has had a keen focus on the 500 and would consider it a significant achievement. I believe others such as Power, Pagenaud, Dixon, Helio, TK, etc., have learned to appreciate the 500, but did they really care until IndyCar was their last option? If I remember correctly, Rossi said that until he showed up to the Speedway he never even watched an Indy 500.

It increasingly appears that each wave of young guns are here because their checks cash and they get to continue driving a car fast. Is Pato an exception to this? Maybe McLaughlin? Hell, our star Colton jumped to Europe at the first chance. Reigning champion Sato didn’t have interest until he lost his F1 ride and was looking to extend his career in the next-best thing. After Harvey’s quote and doing some thinking, I find myself believing that these guys don’t really care about IndyCar and our beloved Indy 500. Please tell me I’m wrong, because I have never felt more disconnected from the series or its drivers, and I’m only 30 and grew up on the IRL! Robin, help!

Grumpy from the Milwaukee Mile

RM: You kinda answered your own question. Those guys didn’t grow up watching Indy or hoping to race here as long as there might be a path to F1. Here’s the best example I can give you: Dario wanted nothing to do with the Indy 500, and neither did Helio after his first test. But after they won the first time it registered what a big deal it was, and Franchitti became an IMS student of history. He bonded with Parnelli, Uncle Bobby and Mears, and Indianapolis became his Mecca. When Harvey wins the Indy GP in a few days, he’ll start to get more stoked about May.

Q: Is there any chance in the future that IMS would include practice and qualifications with an Indy 500 ticket? I know other venues have included practice, qualifications and an Indy lights race or truck race etc.

Andy, Carmel, IN

RM: I don’t know. Not until things back to normal, for sure.

Q: More than pleased with the attendance at St. Pete. The feedback about Nashville seems promising as well (showcasing the closest thing we have to a movie star in Newgarden.) But my enthusiasm is dampened a bit when we see the TV numbers. I have a theory that street races are our path back to relevancy. Running a street race provides at minimum, three continuous days of advertising to approximately a million of a select city’s inhabitants. That’s critical for sponsorship dollars. Carving out the road courses, the question I continue to ask: Is running at five successful street race venues that lucrative for IndyCar? Roger is a technocrat, he saw the books, he understands what works. Wanted to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Don, Ponte Vedra, FL

RM: I’m fairly certain the sanction fee for Nashville, Long Beach, St. Pete and Detroit dwarfs Texas (just like attendance), but because of title sponsors and decent crowds those places (plus Road America and Mid-Ohio) would seem to be solvent in normal times and borderline these past two years.

And there he is. Mr. Lackluster Quote Delivery himself. Barry Cantrell/Motorsport Images

Q: I really wish Jimmie Johnson would do ovals outside of Indy. I’m tired of hearing the JJ haters after only the first couple of races this year. Ovals have always suited him best, and it’s my guess that he could realize top 10 status quickly in said arena. I know Texas lap speeds are just a handful of mphs below Indy, so I assume that keeps him away. One blown tire at those speeds is all it takes for the big "dirt nap." I believe he made family promises not to take this risk, but the racer in him has to feel a void by not showing the IndyCar guys what a "good ’ol boy" can do. Is his contract with Ganassi just for this season? I hope he's not one and done. Looking forward to shaking his hand at the Music City GP in a few months. Being from the same So Cal town, I have followed him since his off-road racing days in the ’80s. I never expected he would turn NASCAR upside down. He’s just frickin badass!

Reid Johnson

RM: You made it sound like he’s running the Indy 500, which unfortunately as of today, he’s not, but I think we all know he would be competitive with Ganassi equipment and Dario’s tutoring. He’s got a two-year deal with Chip.

Q: I’m listening to Jimmie Johnson on The Jim Rome Show right now, and what an incredible interview. Jimmie completely broke down all that he is experiencing in IndyCar so far. All the excitement that is involved! IndyCar fans, we are so lucky to have him as an ambassador for our sport. I hope after this interview we get a few more interested fans.

Jim in LA

RM: We’ve been saying, he’s IndyCar’s best PR man and it shows his clout that Rome would have him on, because racing is not real popular with talk shows.

Q: Why do ovals still have grass? Seems like an unnecessary hazard to me. Why not tarmac the infield and paint it green?

Jordan, Warwickshire, UK

RM: No clue. After Greg Moore they should have been banned forever.

Q: There were comments about the apron at IMS talking about crash angles and all the other jazz about why crashes were so bad with the apron. You said something about the crash injuries being bad due to drivers sitting so far forward. When did the chassis make a significant change to move the drivers back towards the middle?

Eric R, London, OH

RM: They began moving the driver back in the late ’80s, as I recall.

Q: Reading Marshall Pruett’s article series about the debacle at Texas in 2001 got me thinking about Rahal and Heizler’s tenures as CEO of CART. I remember there was a lot of excitement at the time when Andrew Craig got pushed out. How did you rate Craig’s handling of the series? Do you feel that the pop-off valve fiasco, Texas and the engine rules row that caused Honda to leave could have been avoided if Craig had remained in place?

Peter Williams, Surrey, UK

RM: Andrew did a good job in several areas, CART just needed a spokesperson that had the respect/recognition of the American media to announce new races, sponsors, etc. I told the owners to hire Mario, but I think Craig thought he was going to replace him and that was never the idea. I got excited when Rahal took over because he had skin in the game, passion and lots of knowledge. (OK, Texas was a bad idea). But he was off to Jaguar F1 before he could really make a difference, and Joe Heitzler (God rest his soul) was simply lost. Yes, I think Craig could have held Honda in the game.

Q: First-time questioner, long-time reader, back to the Star days. Actually, I sat with you and Tom Sneva one night at the 16th Street Speedway and we had a great evening of midget racing. When did they invoke the pit road speed limit, and what was the last year that there were board men along the pit wall trench?

Skip Peterson, Dayton, Ohio

RM: Is this like a Twilight Zone episode? For the fourth and last time of the past month, pit speed limits were mandated in 1991 and board men vanished in the early ’90s. Did Sneva buy you a beer that night?

Q: I loved your discussion of Kyle Larson and Steve Kinser; both versatile beasts. But what about Ol’ Rube? He won 47 straight AAA midget features between June 6, 1947 and August 14, 1950. Then he got drafted. When he got back to racing in 1956, and ran everything sprints, sports cars, stock cars, champ cars (roadsters and rear engine), on both ovals and road courses. And he was a winner in just about everything he tried. He won at least one race in the years 1956 – 1970. That is a seriously great record, and one could make an argument that Ruby was one of the most versatile and downright best drivers ever.

I know he never won the 500 or a championship, except in the midgets. Maybe that is because he hopped around so much into different series and cars. From reading John Lingle’s book, I think he had to make a living. Where you think he ranks?

Andy, Las Vegas

RM: Rube was one of the best in anything, and a vastly underrated road racer that just never caught many breaks. But he seldom complained, just kept gassing it. He ranks among the best of his generation.

Q: In response to Mr. Anderson's question regarding Kyle Larson and looking for a driver that had a similar season: I'd argue that the only driver in the history of the sport to match, or even maybe out-do his 2020 success, would be another Northern California phenomenon: Johnny Key. In 1952, he won an astounding 54 races, both on dirt and asphalt, including eight within seven days. That's gotta be the closest comparison to what Kyle accomplished last year, and just goes to show how rare of a talent the kid is.

Michael in Brownsburg

RM: Good information, thanks for sharing Michael.

The height of late-’90s open-wheel power-brokering. Motorsport Images

Q: With Jennifer Jo Cobb not approved to make her NASCAR Cup debut at Talladega, has there been anybody that IndyCar did not approve to race at Indianapolis?

Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY

RM: Oh my God yes, lots of good guys like Eddie Sachs, Dick Gaines, Danny Ongais and I think Gary B. was told to go get more experience before returning to the Speedway.

Q: I ran across a video on YouTube the other night titled The Silent Screamer. It was a 15-minute documentary about Andy Granatelli’s turbine car. I am guessing it was produced by STP in 1968 or so. In the film, the narrator stated, “in wind tunnel tests, several body shapes were studied to achieve the best aerodynamics with special attention to ground effects – the compression of airflow between the car and the surface of the track beneath it. A new shape called ellipse variant was arrived at.” Later, there is footage of none other than Colin Chapman staring at the turbine car with absolute laser focus. It got me thinking. Colin Chapman, ground effect, the Lotus 78 and 79. Hmmm.

Chapman is widely regarded as the father of ground effect, but do I have my history wrong? When I think of ground effect in IndyCar, I think of Johnny Rutherford’s Yellow Submarine. The resemblance between the Lotus 79 and The Yellow Submarine was unmistakable – one was painted black and the other yellow. I assumed (at the time) that the technology of ground effect was brought to IndyCar from F1 (I know Dan Gurney introduced some advanced aerodynamic concepts with the Pepsi Challenger at about the same time).

Chapman introduced side skirts, but after watching the documentary, clearly he wasn’t the first to think of the concept of ground effect. Jim Hall’s vacuum-sweeper Can-Am car doesn’t count in my opinion, as it generated ground effect via an external fan. My question to you, was the turbine var the inspiration for the Lotus 78/79 and all others that followed?

Jonathan and Cleide Morris, Ventura, CA

RM: Ken Wallis is credited with designing the ’67 turbine for Andy G. and you raise a good point, since that car had amazing traction/suction through the corners to give it an advantage. Chapman was partners with Granatelli in 1968 and always paid attention, so I imagine that car could have had the wheels turning, although it took almost a decade to develop a ground effect car.

Q: It’s been a week since Joey Logano’s flip at Talladega and I imagine it must have been real scary for him. Forgive me if this question has been asked before, but looking back on your own racing career, was there a particular crash that you were involved that scared you the most?

Brandon Karsten

RM: Worst crash I ever had nearly peeled my head off at Sante Fe Park in 1975, but thankfully it knocked me out so I don’t remember a thing. I do recall trying to run wide open into Turn 3 at Little Springfield and realizing it was a bad idea before I flipped. But the worst scare I ever had was riding in Texas with Bentley Warren in a rental car. He was a madman.

Q: Went down to NJ Motorsports Park for the Road to Indy series with the MX-5 Cup last fall and we all had a blast. (Don't worry I'm not asking why Indycar won't race there). It made me acutely more aware of the series and I've been following closer since. Now, I understand asking Mr. Penske to throw more money at IndyCar at this point is a little unreasonable, but for the sake of the lower tiers and to show support, I would expect him to have a presence, even in name only, with minimal involvement with one of the existing teams perhaps. I happen to know a truck leasing company he might be able to get as sponsor without much of a sales pitch, for example.

I just don't think it's a good look that the series owner has almost zero presence at the lower level, especially when Andretti seems all-in. Any idea of other teams getting more involved? Add Penske, Ganassi, and McLaren and it could drum up some general interest IMO.

Ryan Gouldey, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

RM: Well since RP doesn’t field any cars in the ladder system I can’t see him spending money on MX-5 unless he scored a big sponsor or factory deal.

Q: In response to Gerry Harrison’s letter in the April 28 Mailbag, I think his problem is a result of the clunky arrangement of replays on Peacock and some disappearing acts. At least on Roku, events shown live on Peacock (practice and qualifying) have their own "boxes" for replays. On Sunday and Monday mornings, those were all still there. As of Wednesday morning, they had disappeared – not sure when that happened. The race replays are in the "Season 26" box and that may be what Gerry was looking at. Only the Barber race was there through Sunday night. St. Pete had shown up by 8:30 a.m. PT Monday. I had asked about race replays and was told they are posted 24 hours after the race, though St. Pete had shown a little earlier than that.

Last year, NBC Sports Gold posted race replays within a couple of hours after the race, and you could go back and watch them all season long. Last week, the Barber replay came with a note that you could only watch it for 10 days. That isn’t there now, so I am not sure how long that will be up. As best I can determine based on only two races experience, the differences from last year are that the practice and qualifying replays don’t hang around as long, and the race replays show up later (and may or may not be up on the site for only 10 days). It’s early in the season and things may be evolving.

Tom Hinshaw

RM: Thanks Tom, we only had 13 letters bitching about Peacock this week so hopefully your advice/tips can help solve some problems.

REMEMBERING UNCLE BOBBY

The death of three-time Indy 500 winner and full-time raconteur Bobby Unser prompted an outpouring of letters from readers wanting to describe recollections and offer their condolences to Unser's family and friends. Robin has shared his own thoughts on Uncle Bobby many times over the years, most poignantly with the pair of pieces that ran on RACER.com this week in response to his passing. Links to both are below, and we've set the rest of the Mailbag aside for Bobby's many fans to trade their own memories of one of the Speedway's fastest, bravest drivers, and greatest characters. Over to you.

Unser's three Indy winners lined up outside the IMS Museum with the Borg Warner Trophy, 2011. Walt Kuhn/Motorsport Images

First off, condolences to all of Bobby Unser's family and friends. I only knew him from television, but he really seemed that he enjoyed what he was doing.

I have a bit of a Bobby Unser story. In 1999 at the Vancouver Molson Indy, they started the race under yellow as the rain was coming down quite hard. If memory serves me correctly, they ran quite a few laps under yellow till the rain let up.

The broadcaster at the time in Canada was, I believe, the CBC. They had Brian Williams in the booth with Bobby, and a fellow by the name of Tom Harrington in the pits. I'm pretty sure Harrington was just the local guy, told to put on a firesuit, get down to the pits and report. Not a racing journalist.

During the yellow Bobby was railing on and on how these were the best drivers in the world, they knew where the puddles were and there was no reason not to go green. He said it several times. A few guys spun out, and Gil de Ferran was one of them. Harrington interviewed Gil and asked him why they didn't go green sooner -- best drivers, know where the puddles were, etc. All the basics of Bobby's rant. I'll never forget de Ferran looked at him like he had two heads, paused, and replied, "If you don't mind me saying so, that is a stupid question." It was TV gold! I can't help but wonder if Harrington, hearing Bobby rant on and on, decided to ask the question, or was he instructed to? I also can't help but wonder if Bobby put that hook out there and caught a big one.

Doug

Hey Robin, just read your tributes to Bobby Unser and wanted to let you know what a nice job you did on it. He was certainly one of the greats of auto racing, and all the tributes that have been pouring in across the country are certainly proof of that. It is sad that the great drivers of the 1960s era are now leaving us, and what an impact they have left on the history of the Indianapolis 500 and all who have followed the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Mike Edwards

I was saddened to hear the news of Bobby Unser's passing. He was one of my all-time favorite drivers. Not only was he one heck of a race car driver, he was the most colorful of color commentators. At long last, Sam Posey can make a point without being contradicted.

Tom Knisely, Blaine, MN

Standing outside of Mo's (sad that it's gone) I asked you if "is that Bobby or Al?" and you called Bobby over, who proceed to chat with my wife and I for several minutes, truly humored by my telling him how much I enjoyed his broadcasts (which I did). I still think he's the best former racer turned broadcaster in terms of ability to relate the driving experience to the viewer. My wife, who enjoys the 500 but doesn't necessarily follow all the other races, is still blown away by that evening when we got to chat with Bobby, JR, Rick Mears, Kenny Brack and you. She still can't get over that we were rubbing elbows with the winners of 11 of those Borg Warner Trophies and the leading IndyCar writer in the biz!

Dave Leyden

I just checked the website and saw your wonderful tributes to Bobby. My condolences to you on the loss of your dear friend. I have so enjoyed all the stories you've shared over the years. Just the thought of Bobby makes me smile. He was a treasure.

Deb Schaeffer

We don’t have the words. First, words to describe our sense of loss at losing Bobby this week. Secondly, words to thank you for your articles on RACER describing Bobby’s career, his accomplishments, and what he meant to you and to the racing brotherhood. Thank you, Robin.

Chuck Lynch, Greenville, SC

I first met Bobby Unser in 1972 at Raceway Park in Albuquerque. They were having a money race ($2,000 was a big deal in ’72) so we went up from Las Cruces. Bobby came by the pits while were getting ready for the main after smoking them in the heat race and introduced himself. After that, I'd see him three or four times a year at the same place.

In November 1974 I saw him in Phoenix at my first Indy car race. It was practice and qualifying, and he came out of the trailer with Dan Gurney and saw me: "What are you doing here, Boyce?" Told him I wanted to see his world for a change. The crew was doing some major changes to the car, so Bobby introduced me to Dan, then took me down pit road and introduced me to every driver there. For an 18-year-old, that was a big deal! He even got me on the fire crew for the race, standing in Turn 2 infield with an extinguisher for the race. Great weekend with a great man! I will miss him even though we lost touch a long time ago.

Boyce Williams, Salisbury, NC

Uncle Bobby was one of my heroes (still is), and I know the same is true for you. I also know he was among your dearest friends. I'm so sorry for your loss, Robin.

IndySteve in Brownsburg

Unser sizes up the BRM P126 while Pedro Rodriguez looks on. Monza 1968. Motorsport Images

No question for you today, just condolences. I always loved the way you fondly wrote about Uncle Bobby, as I’m sure the Unsers did. So sorry for your loss, the Unser's loss, and ours, too.

Jim W., McHenry, IL

Robin, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of three-time 500 champion Bobby Unser. Another hero of my youth gone. While a great racer and champion, he was also certainly a character. I met him several times at the HoF dinner, holding court in the lobby and entertaining his many fans. He was great storyteller, and I don't think that there was a topic or driver that he didn't have something to say about. I will always remember seeing him on the discussion panels after the dinner and he would be in typical Uncle Bobby form, no holds barred, and the audience just ate it up. It always seemed, though, that Johnny Rutherford would be seated next to him and the looks on JR's face as Bobby did his shtick were priceless. I asked JR one time if they deliberately sat him next to Bobby for his reactions or to elbow him and get him to move along... JR said with a laugh, "I think it's a little of both!" Godspeed Uncle Bobby, you will be dearly missed

Jim Mulcare, Westbury, NY

Robin, It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Bobby Unser. I was at the Indy Pro-Am races with Ana Beatriz in 2017, but I spent a short time with Bobby. I asked a man that was with Bobby if he would take my picture with Bobby. He said "Oh, great, I get to take a picture of two really old guys!’ Bobby responded by saying "You should feel damn lucky getting to take a picture of two really famous old guys!" Of course, only one of us was famous. I still have that photo on my garage wall. RIP Bobby.

Don Holmquist

Knowing you and Bobby Unser were good friends, I want to extend my condolences to you on his recent passing. Mr. Unser is at peace now, however it’s his family and friends that suffer the passing .You had an opportunity to be his friend for many years, and that is something to be thankful of. Again, my condolences to you.

David Machmut

Sad day here in Albuquerque, but glad to read your stories on Bobby Unser's life. Also glad that the story is receiving much coverage in town. The Unser Museum in town is a wonderful visit for anyone who appreciates auto racing history and the complete Unser racing family story. I had the good fortune of sitting in Turn 1 for my first Indy 500 in 1981 at the age of eight. While I am not a big autograph guy, his autograph that my father got for my brothers and I has been framed and on my wall for my entire lifetime. I only briefly met him a couple of times, but when I'd tell him my first 500 was 1981, he immediately relayed his appreciation for race fans (like me) who knew his own background and the Unser racing story.

Even though Albuquerque is home to Unser Boulevard and the Unser Family Racing Museum, he expressed to me that the locals here couldn't always comprehend the enormity of winning the Indy 500. I agree, but I think he can rest assured that Albuquerque is on the radar of millions of racing fans around the world because of his and the family legacy. I hope you are invited to his funeral or memorial, and can come to town. While the best storyteller of them all won't be there to spin a few tales from the track, I'm guessing he will be listening and laughing, though, maybe, a little upset he won't be able to get the last word in. We're relying on you and others, now, to keep the Uncle Bobby stories coming.

Jim Schermerhorn

Hey Robin, I know you and Bobby were close. When I heard of the sad news today, the first thing I thought was you talking about the turkey story on Dinner with Racers.

Phil Schmit

So sorry for your loss of your buddy Uncle Bobby. Just reading your RACER story and others around the internet. He was a winning driver, and quite a character in the broadcast booth! Think Paul Page just sort of laid back low when he and Sam got going! Sad to say, we're all aging, all our heroes growing up are getting up there, and I shudder to think of the days ahead of us yet. (Though AJ looked pretty good at the Texas race and Mario looks like he'll be able to drive until he's over 100!).

Tony Mezzacca

Only way I have to reach you. Just a quick thank you for the article on Uncle Bobby. I'm sure you could have written a large book on all things Bobby Unser, but it was a very nice tribute given the short notice. I couldn't help but read parts of the article but hearing Bobby's voice say the words. The world and the racing community was definitely better for Bobby Unser having been a part of it.

John Balestrieri

Great articles on Uncle Bobby. Needed to read that on this sad day. Thank you! I remember traveling by car from Indianapolis to California the summer of 1968 with my family, and we passed Bobby's No. 3 car as it was being transported on a trailer on the highway in New Mexico. Always enjoyed him with Paul "Mr. 1070 Whirlybird" Page on the ABC broadcasts.

Fred Heavilon

I was barely alive when I last saw Bobby Unser win the 1981 Indy 500 race, which unfortunately ended up being a hollow victory because Mario Andretti protested and was briefly declared the winner. Anyway, my fondest memory was watching him on the booth with Sam Posey and Jim Lamplie, near tears when he saw his brother Al win the 1987 Indy 500, or when his nephew Al Jr. win the closes finish at Indy in 1992. RIP Bobby Unser 1934-2021

Alistair Fannell, Springfield, Missouri

Just heard about Uncle Bobby. Sad news. Short story for you: My dad was in the advertising biz. At the time he was with DP Brother, who did all of the Oldsmobile stuff. He was the head of the team that took the Olds Toronado to Pikes Peak where Uncle Bobby took it up the mountain. This was in 1966, I think. One day the phone rang at home, and I answered. The voice on the phone asked me if my daddy was there. Yes, he is, who's calling? You tell him that Bobby Unser is calling! I always thought that was pretty cool!

Bruce Davison

So sorry for racing’s and your personal loss. For all of his many, many accomplishments and Unser moments, my favorite Uncle Bobby memory will always be your "cooking a turkey" tale...

David Spear

It’s Monday night and I hope I’m not too late to make this week’s Mailbag. I was going to write a few sentences about this weekend’s doubleheader at Texas and ask a question. But instead, I want to write a few words to thank you, Robin, for the tributes you write every time we lose another hall of fame driver. I am old enough to have seen many of these drivers race in person. They are, and always will be, my heroes. Today’s tributes to Bobby Unser reminds us of what made he and so many others not just famous, but beloved by race fans everywhere. They had incredible talent in a race car, and personalities like no one we had ever met. Whether in a live interview or in passing, we fans hope you will continue writing and telling us of the lives and careers of these great drivers.

Rick Schneider, Charlotte