Robin Miller's Mailbag for August 18, presented by Honda Racing / HPD

Quetions 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: This past weekend proved how NASCAR and IndyCar can benefit when they work together. So my proposal is, let's do it twice. I like the road course weekend like it is, and it should stay that way in August. In May though, the Indy 500 obviously should stand alone on Memorial Day weekend. The weekend before, however, is a tough ticket sell and isn't particularly ideal as there is very little going on, particularly on Sunday. As it sits, we have qualifying Saturday until 6:00 p.m. and then Sunday there's the 90-minute last row shootout and 60-minute Fast 9 shootout.

What I would like to see is, Friday evening, let's see a Truck race at IRP under the lights, Saturday have qualifying until 6:00 p.m., then an Xfinity race at 8:00 p.m. at IRP. Sunday, have the last row shootout from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the Fast 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., then at 3:00 p.m., have a Cup race on the oval – give the fans more bang for their buck and sell weekend passes to see all the action. In turn the following weekend, have the 500 move forward to 11:00 a.m. and the 600 back to 6:00 p.m. to allow more drivers to do the double. Just make it two incredible weekends of racing for all the fans and drivers, and allow lots of opportunity for them to try a lot of different things too! I wondered your thoughts on this idea. Could it work?

Ben from Toronto

RM: Of course anything could work with the right promotion, and I like the more bang for your buck concept.

Q: I read with bemused eyes your recent comments about Indy ‘needing’ Kyle Larson and I couldn't disagree more. IndyCar doesn't ‘need’ Larson. They'd like to have him, but need him? No, no, no. What IndyCar needs is somebody who believes in promotion and can figure out a way to translate what they see into the future to attract fans. Larson doing a one-off only benefits Larson. The 500 is doing just fine without him.

Now, here's something I'm really care about: How long will it be before Penske sells off the IndyCar series to NASCAR so they can use it as their "warm-up event" to their races? I mean, if this past weekend is any example, IndyCar was the perfect opening act for NASCAR -- they sure treated IndyCar that way on the broadcast... Hell, A.J. Allmendinger and the rest of NASCAR sure treated his win (as they always do at IMS) at Indy like he won the 500. So why not let them control the series for their own benefit? Anyway, good to read your commentary again. Keep it up. Stay well.

Jake, Nostalgialand, USA

RM: Of course we'll agree to disagree. Indy needs the best drivers in the world, and Larson would sell a ****-load of tickets. Your NASCAR question is intriguing because R.P. deals in bargains so I guess it's just a matter of staying connected with NASCAR and moving on or letting them have a captive market. I honestly don't know what R.P.'s long-term plans are, but I'm anxious to see them.

If Larson does do Indy someday, he'll have roughly nine out of 10 Mailbag readers cheering him on. Rusty Jarrett/Motorsport Images

Q: One of the most amazing aspects of the weekend at IMS was hearing how many NASCAR drivers who were able to see an IndyCar in person for the first time, and vice versa with the IndyCar guys. Truly a coming together organized by Roger Penske, and glad that you could take it in, in person. On that subject, I did read that many Cup drivers were lamenting losing the IMS oval race, as many Indy Lights drivers did. Do you feel these are permanent changes? Why do you think Roger has made the Indy 500 the track’s only oval race?

Greg from Belleville, NJ

RM: Not necessarily, but Sunday's crowd was larger than the last few Brickyards on the ovals and got a decent rating despite the length of running time, and NASCAR is very serious about being more than ovals. The Captain understands economics better than most of his competitors, so cutting back to one prestigious oval track race ramps up the energy and interest.

Q: Your column on the need for IndyCar to get Kyle Larson in the 500 next year was on target. This IndyCar series has missed so many good marketing opportunities over the years and this is one that should not be allowed to slip through the cracks. But I was surprised that in your extensive recounting of Larson’s biography, which went beyond his amazing skills with various cars on a variety of tracks, you did not mention his suspension from NASCAR for a remark that was in the least incredibly insensitive, and at worst vile and racist. By all accounts, he has done the right things to redeem himself and his reputation since then, but it remains on his, shall we say, permanent records and must be taken into account in any assessment of his career and its future prospects.

Michael Hill, Baltimore

RM: Kyle made a mistake, lost his ride and suffered a public beatdown but that's not him, and Willy T. Ribbs came to his defense after listing to the tape and talking to Larson. We forgive and forget, and he learned a valuable lesson.

Q: Was great seeing A.J. Allmendinger give you a shout-out right after he got out of his car on Sunday. Agree with your article on Larson. When I first saw him during Speedweeks in Daytona eight-10 years ago, he was running several different series and kicking ass. Too bad NASCAR is where the money is. Wonder how he would pedal an F1 car?

Jim Wilson

RM: A.J.'s gesture was so classy, and it just floored me. If it's got four wheels, Larson can master it.

Q: How about McLaren for Larson? He could do Indy and get an F1 look?

Dave Thurston

RM: Possible, but not really sure F1 has much appeal for him. If I'm the USGP I'd damn sure make has a run and at least get him a test day, but contracts, different engine manufactures, etc. make things difficult.

Q: Your take on Kyle Larson is freakin' spot on. While Jeff Gordon may call him Mario Andretti-like, I think more of him as this generation’s A.J. Foyt. Get in anything and win. It would be a tremendous shot in the arm to get him into the 500, and as soon as possible. With The Captain running the show, he can make that happen. Keep whispering in Roger's ear...

And finally, this morning we watched the stream of the Bob Jenkins memorial. It was very well done, and Paul Page's eulogy was particularly moving. I only met Bob once, but he was the kind of guy where even a brief meeting would be remembered for a lifetime. I certainly will always carry that with me. Godspeed, Bob...

Jim Mulcare, Westbury, NY

RM: R.P. can make anything happen if he chooses, so I imagine Larson's chances are contingent on whether Team Penske runs three or four cars next May, and how much Chevrolet wants to make it happen.

Q: Congratulations on your induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame. It is good to see all of your years of great racing journalism being recognized. I attended the races at IMS this past weekend and the on-track action was pretty good overall… until the end of the Cup race, anyway. From that aspect it was a success, but did the attendance make the event a success? From what I saw, it did not look all that successful. But then it can be difficult to judge from Penthouse B what the rest of the track and infield looked like. Have you heard anything with regard to how the event performed? I ask because my wife and I really enjoyed the event and plan on going as long as it is scheduled.

Brian, Joliet, Illinois

RM: If NBC gives IMS $15 million, yes, was a success but obviously the crowds are nothing like they were 10 years before.

Who knows whether we'll ever be able to show you a photo of Larson winning Indy. But we can show you a photo of Larson with two Indy winners (and Jamie McMurray). Richard Dole/Motorsport Images

Q: Great article on Larson. I know there is a lot of public kumbaya between IndyCar and NASCAR, but is there a chance that NASCAR could influence Hendrick, or maybe Hendrick be a team guy and not let him do it? Or would it be good publicity for NASCAR as well? Maybe it’s Tony George hangover, but I have always felt that anything good for Indy isn’t always in NASCAR’s interest.

JEG

RM: I don't know Rick Hendrick, but I'd have trouble believing he'd stifle anyone's career, especially with the way Larson has been operating the past two years. If there really that much difference between Eldora and Indy? I think. Precision and speed are paramount to succeeding, and KL is oozing both. Not sure NASCAR is gung-ho for Larson to shine, but it helps their profile.

Q: Yes! It would be wins all around to get Kyle Larson in the Indy 500. IndyCar missed an opportunity not getting Jeff Gordon in, but maybe he didn’t want to or couldn’t. But Kyle is prime time.

Mark M.

RM: Oh, Jeff wanted to run Indy cars, but none of the owners would give him the time of day when he went to Cleveland in the late '90s. So step-dad John Bickford took him south to make racing history.

Q: Why did Joseph Newgarden not get a penalty when he pushed Sato off the track on the last lap? Was it even reviewed?

Paul, Indianapolis 

RM: "Hi Paul. Thanks for watching on Saturday. The Stewards review all incidents during a race, including the interaction between the 30 and 2.  While the 2 made contact with the 30 at T1, the 30 was defensive on the front straight, moving offline to force the 2 to the inside while the pass was in progress.  This fits squarely within IndyCar's 'needle of responsibility' framework, meaning that when responsibility to an incident does not shift overwhelmingly to one competitor, or when both competitors contribute equally to the outcome, the Stewards see no need to intervene." – Kyle Novak, NTT IndyCar Series race director.

Q: What a weekend! Clearly the IndyCar was upstaged by all the drama Sunday, though it was a great victory for Will Power. Two things: What can IndyCar do to make its product equally compelling? A Sunday 250? 100-lap shootout on the oval, with NASCAR on Saturday? Also, what are your thoughts on the new "VIP" victory podium? It is horrible and it takes all the fun away from the crowd. There are no sightlines for 99% of those of us who stay for the end. Thank goodness that Helio and A.J. know better and celebrate with the fans first! Very popular wins, for sure. Also, what is the story behind the 134 vintage cars from the museum that had to be moved downtown so R.P. could use the space? There were no NASCAR cars on display at the museum and I heard (on good authority) that a few of them got lost in the shuffle.

Again, amazing weekend! A hit for the fans!

Mark Reid

RM: I guess I don't equate crashing cars with a compelling story, and IndyCar has had some of its best races ever in the past decade. The victory podium does nothing for anyone I know, but let the fans get as close as possible.

Q: Willy P did not appear too happy on Saturday when Hinch made it difficult to pass him, and indicated later one solution is to give lapped drivers their lap back under caution flag. Do you think "lucky dog" will someday enter into the lexicon of IndyCar?

Dave Morgason, Plainfield, IN

RM: I'm not a religious person but I pray every day we never have to deal with the lucky dog.

Q: First Newgarden complains about Hinch going too slow in qualifying, then Power can't pass him during the race and he wants IndyCar to make him pull over and let him by, even if he is on the same lap and trying not to go a lap down. Then he says IndyCar should change the rules to make all slower cars move over. Just give them their lap back at the yellow. I have a better idea. Why don't you just shut up and drive!

Joe Mullins

RM: Fair point Joe, fans don't want to hear bitching and moaning about aggressive driving.

Q: If there was a most popular driver vote right now who do you feel would win? I think Grosjean would run away with it. I really thought people would hate on him when he came over, and I’m happy to see they see what fans of his have always known. He is really fast but has been stuck in bad cars and he tries to drive them at 110%, and when you do that you are prone to mistakes. I really hope next year he gets a good ride because that team is holding him back (pit crew is terrible and losing him spots every race. At Road America he would pit in the top five, come back out in 10th, get it back and the same would happen again. I see him making a run for the championship next year.

Rick Haugh

RM: I don't know about most popular, but it's been a long time since a rookie made such an impact with the fans and I think Grosjean is in the top five. I think IndyCar fans gravitated to Grosjean because he instantly embraced the series and showed speed right out of the box.

Grosjean's so popular that even other drivers want selfies with him. Barry Cantrell/Motorsport Images

Q: It seems only fitting to ask about this in the IndyCar Mailbag because everyone shared the track this weekend. What is your take on the curb that caused the mayhem? Did IMS green-light the fix or did NASCAR? Who makes that call, and what’s your take on it? I give you permission to use an entire page on this one.

Ryan in West Michigan

P.S. Keep fighting. I pray you are as comfortable as you can be as you deal with the cancer.

RM: Doug Boles claims they were shocked by the track's deterioration so that's my only source of reference. Tony Cotman is collecting photos, but he thinks the stock cars just beat the hell out off it.

Q: First off, congratulations on being inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame last week and it was great to see you at the Brickyard in good spirits. Hopefully I will see you this weekend at Gateway. Question after NASCAR’s disastrous event at the Brickyard: One has to wonder what future of the series has at the venue. It started out really well back in 1994 when Jeff Gordon won, but it seems like after the 2008 tire fiasco thing have gone downhill, with less people attending the event. Do you see NASCAR going back to the ovals at the Brickyard or making major modifications at the road course?

Alistair, Springfield, MO

RM: I think NASCAR realizes the IMS road course is much better show than the oval in the Brickyard's heyday, so I don't see anything changing.

Q: I can't express how much I enjoyed all the reverence you were shown last weekend. Truly, truly deserved. Your work through all these years will stand the test of time. So fortunate we have you.

Charles D Stetson, Earleville

RM: I can't either, because it was equal parts mind-numbing, unexpected, beyond flattering and the best day of my life. Thanks for your note.

Q: With all due respect to Will Power, the last thing IndyCar racing needs is some variation of NASCAR's Lucky Dog for lapped cars. If you watched all of the races at Indy this weekend, the difference between the "pure" racing in IndyCar and the gimmick-filled NASCAR races was starkly obvious. I consider myself a racing fan, but stopped closely following NASCAR years ago. I just can't get past all of the artificial crap they've loaded into their show. I purposely used the word "show," not "races."

From your past writing, I know that you and I disagree on the late-race red flags the IndyCar uses in an attempt to ensure a green flag finish. That is one step away from NASCAR's overtime and does not belong in auto racing. Once you start implementing things like the lucky dog, where do you stop? Let's leave well enough alone.

Bill Carsey, North Olmsted, OH

RM: I don't think we have to worry about that ever happening, and I'm hearing the drivers are moving to get rid of push-to-pass, which would please me greatly. People don't watch NASCAR for racing, it's just pre-packaged Barnum & Bailey.

Q: The racing card at Nashville was intriguing to me. It seems to me both Trans Am and SRO America pay to rent tracks. They must, because they draw very few people to their standalone events, but are a welcome addition to a bigger weekend of racing. There must be some compelling business reason to host them. If my guess about their business model is accurate, why not have that same show package at Watkins Glen? Obviously a sponsor would still be needed, but maybe the price wouldn’t be as large because of help from the sports car series. Also, I’m aware I might be banned for asking about Watkins Glen too many times….

Eric Z, Lancaster, NY

RM: They have to do a deal with the track, but I'm sure they get a break because they add to the show. You're only banned if you ask about MIS or Kentucky returning in this millennium.

Q: Years ago, when Bryan Herta wrote the Racer To Racer column in RACER magazine, he had a conversation with Paul Tracy about how many days of testing they had in the '90s. The lack of restrictions obviously served them and all of their competitors well. Also, a couple years back, Gil de Ferran mentioned that on-track testing was one of the most cost-effective ways to gain data and improve your team. With all of that in mind, what would it really cost teams if the on-track testing was opened up a little bit? Everyone is going to spend to what their budget will allow. If it’s more cost-effective to load up the team and go on the road rather than run tons of simulations, why not allow teams to choose what’s best for them?

Moonshine Dave, Nashville

RM: In the days of unlimited budgets, nobody cared about the price until it was obvious a couple of teams were gaining a major advantage. Today, teams are limited to seven total test days (including an all-skate at IMS) and it's right around $50,000 per team unless a couple teams rent Sebring and split the cost.

Q: Thanks to Marshall Pruett for the silly season updates. Like musical chairs, it is good to be in a seat when the music stops! My question is a sort of silly season type question regarding the 2022 season schedule. Have you heard anything about it? Any new potential venues, or sadly, some that may be leaving? Any date when IndyCar will make a formal announcement?

Dale, Richmond, VI

RM: I think Iowa has a good shot at returning, but I’m concerned about Portland's future and what's going to happen in Canada. I imagine the schedule will be out in a few weeks, but IndyCar remains optimistic that Toronto can bounce back.

Q: With the news Bobby Rahal is trying to revive Iowa, is there any other events that could be revived? Specifically COTA -- it's permanent and requires a lot less to make happen. And it’s a great potentially market for the series. As far as other street races go, is there anything else in the pipeline? I know they're tough from a logistics standpoint and require a ton of effort and don't always give the best race, but it's a good way to grow the sport.

A city like Denver would make all the sense. Young, growing, active community… reviving that race would be a solid idea. I've been saying for a decade now a that road race at Indy on Labor Day weekend would be a smash. We’re basically there now; any chance they punt it two weeks and make it the official close to summer?

Joe Jurek, Chicago

RM: Iowa is all I've heard, and COTA couldn’t get out of its IndyCar contract fast enough.

Q: Who's up for a trip back into the cornfields? A: Everyone. Barry Cantrell/Motorsport Images

Q: I've been reading you for years, even when you worked at that paper. Just want to wish you the best. Heck, you've been kicked around on Indy dirt tracks and in the press, so I know you're as tough as AJ's ol' boot. You've given us plenty of joy and common sense. I'm glad someone can tell A.J. and Roger where the sun rises. I've been an Indy fan forever – went to my first 500 in '85 and I've been to races since I was five years old at Taft Stadium in OKC. Thanks for posting my e-mails. You've done more for racing and Indy than most of the competitors and "suits."

John Langston, Edmond, OK

RM: Thanks John, I'm honored to be on the receiving end of an A.J. ass-kicking or diatribe because I know he'll always be my pal.

Q: Hopefully Australia opens its borders soon so I can get to another IndyCar race. Been too long between drinks! You'll be pleased to know that Scott McLaughlin's presence in the series has not only given us the best TV coverage we've see in a while, but also raised the profile of IndyCar racing among Supercars fans who'd never seen IndyCar racing before. I have even had a few people at work come up to me and ask questions about the 500 and whatever else, knowing that I'm a long-time fan. Great to see more of my countrymen taking an interest in the series. Long may it continue!

Andrew K.

RM: Wait until he wins his first race, and it's coming. Splendid personality who fans gravitate towards instantly.