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IndyCar
INDYCAR: Miller’s Mailbag, 10.20
With more than 500 e-mails in the days following Dan Wheldon's loss, Miller's Mailbag is filled with sorrow, anger and every manner of emotion.
Dan Wheldon, circa 1998. (LAT)
Hello open-wheel types and thanks for all your questions. I intend to answer your questions every week during the season, so just email me at . Don’t feel left out if I didn’t directly respond. I appreciate your interest and passion.
~Robin Miller
Q: The thing about Dan Wheldon was his connection with fans. He always seemed to be smiling, always seemed to have time, and always seemed to be trying to sell us stuff with a wink and a nod, as if allowing us to look behind the curtain. How could he do this? Easy, Dan was one of us, he was a fan of IndyCar. If we had the skill, guts, and opportunity we would do what Dan did. He was living the dream and he knew it. A Two time Indianapolis 500 Champion, one of the 33 greatest to compete at Indianapolis(!), an IndyCar Champion, a son, a husband, a father, and an IndyCar fan. He was an example of IndyCar's greatest asset, A driver who lives to compete, a driver who competes to win, and a driver who is a fan. This is the thing that sets IndyCar apart, Driver/Fan interaction. It can be said that we are just fans, not a part of the teams and we don't share the risk. All that may be true but we lost a lot on Sunday and the reason why we feel the way we do is not just because we lost a guy who drove a car. We lost one us, an IndyCar fan. There is an argument for more American Drivers in IndyCar. What we really need is more drivers like Dan Wheldon.
I didn't watch Wind tunnel until Monday night, Dave's question for last week was what thing, driver, track, car etc… would you bring back today, my immediate thought was, Dan Wheldon.
John in St. Louis
RM: No doubt he loved Indy as much as any American-born driver of the past 25 years and he always made the fans feel like he appreciated them.
Q: Working at a certain local racetrack, I was privileged to have my opinion of Dan Wheldon evolve. I used to think he was a pretty boy, loudmouth with good taste in shoes. But, I witnessed why everyone is so heartbroken now. I was helping clean up with a co-worker after the Carb Day autograph session. 40 minutes after it ended, I saw Dan making sure all the last few fans had a signature, a handshake or "hello". Then I saw him go around to every one of the staff nearby to thank them. I mentioned to my co-worker, "that's the kind of driver I could get behind, someone who is normal, recognizes how fortunate they are and shares it with everyone cheerfully." I never got to meet him but this past summer made me a Dan Wheldon fan for life. There's certainly been a lot of heavy feelings around here, I just hope Dan's shunt will not be in vain.
Alex, Speedway, IN
RM: At Kansas City one year a crowd lined the sidewalks outside the press room, waiting for the driver's meeting to end. When it did, they all held out hats, programs, etc. and asked the passing drivers to sign. Marco Andretti put his head down and made a beeline for the gate but was intercepted by Wheldon, who proceeded to lecture him on why it was important to interact with the fans.
Q: What can be said at a moment like this? People have said he died doing what he loved, that feels like a cheap and hollow thing to say. While he no doubt loved racing, to paraphrase Bobby Rahal, it's trite to say he died doing what he loved. I have only been following IndyCar since 2005, this is a first for me to see a driver I was fan of die so tragically. To know his kids will grow up without a father is truly heart breaking. Old-timers will say that this was all too common back in 60's. Which begs the question; are we fans of a blood sport? Are we no better than the Romans cheering in the coliseum? In the aftermath, people far smarter then I will figure out how this happened and god willing, what can be done to prevent this from happening again. The rest of us will be stuck with trying to grapple with the meaning of all this. I have found that to search for a deeper meaning, to search for an elusive answer to the question "why" in a time like this is futile. It's a question without an answer. There is no deeper meaning; we witnessed the very public end of a talented racer whose time was up far too soon. I for one will say my prayers for his family and remember the time I met him at Texas Motor Speedway. He was gracious, friendly and the least pretentious professional athlete I have ever met. I do find some solace, however small it is, in the belief that Jimmy Clark and Ayrton Senna were there on Sunday to welcome him home. Godspeed Dan Wheldon.
Matt, Dallas, TX
RM: Indy drivers became national heroes in the '60s because of the danger and excitement and the fact they were the modern day gladiators. Kids like me were in awe of Jim Hurtubise, Parnelli and A.J. and Don Branson. It was a deadly arena back then but thanks to so many innovations it's become so much safer and racers have long, healthy careers. More high school football players have died in the past couple years than the past 20 in Indy cars but it can still be lethal, as we saw Sunday.
Q: This past May, my family went to the Macy's at Indy for the Indy 500 driver signing to get a few autographs and see the drivers. When I got to Dan, he had his stack of hero cards out and ready. I picked up my signed card and commented that his card wasn't the usual 8x10 or 8.5x11 size, but a 5x7. He made a joke about getting the bigger cards if he qualified for Indy next week. Then I told him qualifying shouldn't be too hard for him and that he should show up the full-time teams and win the 500. He shook my hand and said, "I hope so and thanks for the support." He then went and signed my poster that I brought along for the other drivers to get signed. Little did I know that he would win the 500...or the tragedy this past weekend that claimed his life. I lost my favorite driver of all-time, Dale Earnhardt, at Daytona in 2001 and I didn't even cry as much then as I cried Sunday night and Monday morning for Dan and his family. He has left a huge void in IndyCar that will not be easily filled. And while it was just a minute or two that I got to meet him, I won't forget the time I spent with him.
Alex Westgerdes, Sidney, OH
RM: I think he made more instant Indy fans than anybody in recent history because I've heard the same story you told countless times.
Q: As for Dan Wheldon: King Richard the Lionheart himself would be proud of Danny. He lived his dream, spoiled us with thrilling racing, and was one of the nicest drivers I ever met. I remember back in 2003-2004 I was telling people at work that this Wheldon guy was gonna be special and win the 500. Let's not forget, only the best win Indy. And he had that special something that all the great Indy champions have; a combination of talent, driving style, passion and, well, that indefinable magic for Indy. Perhaps it’s not magic at all, just love. Way to go Dan, I'm gonna miss you.
Jonathan, Plainfield
RM: His Indy record is one of the best ever and he relished this year's win so much more because of all the circumstances.
Q: By now I'm sure your mailbox has been inundated to overflowing with thoughts and comments about Dan Wheldon. Please allow me to add mine. Dan was not only a great talent behind the wheel, but a truly warm and genuine individual. When my wife asked him for an autograph at The Glen he took the time to chat with her and make her feel like they were old friends. The galaxy that is auto racing has lost a shining star, Indy Car has lost a wonderful ambassador, and the world has lost a great man. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering his family is enduring right now, my heart goes out to them. I propose a new award/trophy be created, the Wheldon Cup, to be given to the driver who gets the most from the least during the season, much as Dan did at Indy this year. This trophy would commemorate the pluck, grit and determination that was Dan Wheldon. I think this award would be a fitting tribute to Dan's legacy as a two-time Indy 500 and former Indy Car champion.
Bob Hendrickson
RM: That was his charm, he always made fans feel like he cared and he understood that it was just as easy to spend a couple minutes being nice as it was to ride away on a scooter or hide in a motorhome.
Q: Dan’s death is such a terrible thing. I didn’t know him personally. He just had this way about him that made you want to root for him. Always thought he would win one more Indy. The other day I was thinking how sad it would be when he retired, but at the very least, he would be in the booth on race day. Whenever I think of his poor family, my eyes well up. Reading your article as well as Pruett’s and Pressdog’s have been comforting but it’s just so damned sad. He was just the guy I connected with when I got back into racing. It was shortly after my uncle passed. Just loved watching Wheldon. So sad.
Andrew from Palmyra, New Jersey
RM: He was almost as good in the analyst's chair as he was behind the wheel.
Q: You have always been the top ambassador to IndyCar racing for years. But I saw Dan Wheldon as your heir apparent. He loved IndyCar racing and the Indy 500. Dan always felt he NEEDED the IndyCar series but in reality the IndyCar Series NEEDED and will continue to need Dan Wheldon. My hope is that Dan will be shown in history as one of the greatest Indy 500 driver of all time. There is a deep hole in IndyCar racing today with Dan Wheldon's death. He is a jewel that will be hard to replace.
Tom Harleman, Oroville, CA
RM: Thanks but Danny Boy was much more handsome and charming, wore nicer shoes and reached a helluva lot more people than I could.
Q: As a passionate fan of IndyCar, I felt a loss today as if a family member died. For years I have heard the talk about more Americans needed in the sport - well let me say I thought Dan Wheldon was more American than apple pie. Growing up in Indy, I have a love of the 500 which was really difficult to explain to people and the driver which over the years I know understood my love more than any other was Dan. His excitement and love was evident, real, and appreciated by me and countless others who held Indy in a special place. I never needed American drivers in our series, I simply wanted to root for someone who understood our love and passion towards this race and the series. He was the most vocal supporter of our series, our drivers, and of my beloved Indy 500 and he will be greatly missed. Dan "got" what the Indy 500 was about more than any driver in recent Indy history and his passion was appreciated by simple fans like me more than I can articulate. Blessings to his wife and two boys - I hope they know how much we loved Dan.
Mike Nicholas, Aurora, CO
RM: Remember the night on WIND TUNNEL when Gene "I Am Indy" Simmons was waxing about the good young Americans like Dan Wheldon? He got a kick out of that and you are correct, nobody loved or represented Indy any better.
Q: It is so sad that it is the untimely and gruesome death of Dan Wheldon that creates headlines in the UK, and that those Indy 500 wins slipped under the media radar at the time of their happening. If I take anything positive from Sunday's tragedy, it is that my country finally learned of the achievements and glittering career of a true hero, albeit after his tragic passing. R.I.P. Dan Wheldon, and condolences to his family, friends and to the INDYCAR community.
George O'Donnell, York, UK.
RM: Much like many of the large American newspapers and television programs, Dan only became a story in death but, judging by the volume of mail this week and tributes, he meant a lot of things to a lot of people.
Q: I'm not sure this is the proper forum, but I felt I had to write a few words about Dan Wheldon. I have been a diehard Indy fan from an early age and attend 5-6 races every year, always purchasing a pit and paddock pass. As a result, I spend 12-15 days a year around the drivers in their work environment, so you get a feel for their personalities. Dan Wheldon was one of the most gregarious, outgoing and generous people in the paddock. He always had time for a photo, an autograph or a quick conversation. And he was funny. I recall this description of his friend Tony Kanaan, "The lumpiness and bumpiness of his body. How can that possibly be attractive?" I've never been so sad as the result of race accident. He was truly one of the good ones and will be missed.
Brian Henris, Fort Mill, SC
RM: I think you described him quite accurately.
Q: I just wanted to share a story of Dan Wheldon in the two-seater racing against an F-15C at Langley AFB, VA. I was stationed there when this event took place. Dan was an incredible guy. He took the time to sign autographs and have his picture taken with us there on the flight line. I was an F-15C avionics technician at the time and a huge IndyCar fan(still am). I was hoping that he could beat the jet, but in the end the two Pratt & Whitney F-100 motors (22,000 lbs of thrust) were two much against the Honda V8. Racing has lost another special driver. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Mark “Stormy” Storms, Centerville, OH
RM: I remember him telling the story and I think he got to take a couple of rides with you boys later on that thrilled him forever.
Q: There is little I can write that you have not said much better already. I know you are not supposed to have a rooting interest but I could tell that your relationship with Dan had turned around remarkably this year. Your interactions with Dan on the grid walk and in the VERSUS booth made this year so much more enjoyable for IndyCar fans. I thought about, in order, Dan and his career-changing year OUT of the car, his wife, his boys,...and you. Robin-freaking Miller. I am so sorry that you lost your new friend, Robin. I don't know you and I certainly don't know Dan, but I do know that you had developed a special rapport with him and respect for him. You and he brought a new vitality and sense of accessibility to the series this year. You and he in the Versus booth created a quality that was far more interesting to me than much of the racing and the inevitable series intrigue. As Dan transitioned from the booth to the 2012 car testing, we fans transitioned from his relationship with you to reading and hearing his comments on the 2012 car. We were able to process that with a complete and total respect for Dan's every word. He single-handedly validated the 2012 season. He brought so much credibility to his craft and so much anticipation to the series simply by not having a fulltime ride this year.
Randy Cannon
RM: It's funny you say that because we were friendly for many years but then I said Dan was an endangered species during 2010 because he was such a good oval track racer but struggled (strangely) on the road courses and it would be tough to find a fulltime ride in 2011. He got mad and didn't talk to me for several months but we shook hands at St. Pete when Bryan Herta announced Dan would drive for him at Indy. The Grid Walk was his idea and it worked pretty well, I know he enjoyed as much as I did and so did the drivers. His work in the booth was so good and brought passion, humor and great observations all four races he worked. His second career on TV might have rivaled racing for success.
~Robin Miller
Q: The thing about Dan Wheldon was his connection with fans. He always seemed to be smiling, always seemed to have time, and always seemed to be trying to sell us stuff with a wink and a nod, as if allowing us to look behind the curtain. How could he do this? Easy, Dan was one of us, he was a fan of IndyCar. If we had the skill, guts, and opportunity we would do what Dan did. He was living the dream and he knew it. A Two time Indianapolis 500 Champion, one of the 33 greatest to compete at Indianapolis(!), an IndyCar Champion, a son, a husband, a father, and an IndyCar fan. He was an example of IndyCar's greatest asset, A driver who lives to compete, a driver who competes to win, and a driver who is a fan. This is the thing that sets IndyCar apart, Driver/Fan interaction. It can be said that we are just fans, not a part of the teams and we don't share the risk. All that may be true but we lost a lot on Sunday and the reason why we feel the way we do is not just because we lost a guy who drove a car. We lost one us, an IndyCar fan. There is an argument for more American Drivers in IndyCar. What we really need is more drivers like Dan Wheldon.
I didn't watch Wind tunnel until Monday night, Dave's question for last week was what thing, driver, track, car etc… would you bring back today, my immediate thought was, Dan Wheldon.
John in St. Louis
RM: No doubt he loved Indy as much as any American-born driver of the past 25 years and he always made the fans feel like he appreciated them.
Q: Working at a certain local racetrack, I was privileged to have my opinion of Dan Wheldon evolve. I used to think he was a pretty boy, loudmouth with good taste in shoes. But, I witnessed why everyone is so heartbroken now. I was helping clean up with a co-worker after the Carb Day autograph session. 40 minutes after it ended, I saw Dan making sure all the last few fans had a signature, a handshake or "hello". Then I saw him go around to every one of the staff nearby to thank them. I mentioned to my co-worker, "that's the kind of driver I could get behind, someone who is normal, recognizes how fortunate they are and shares it with everyone cheerfully." I never got to meet him but this past summer made me a Dan Wheldon fan for life. There's certainly been a lot of heavy feelings around here, I just hope Dan's shunt will not be in vain.
Alex, Speedway, IN
RM: At Kansas City one year a crowd lined the sidewalks outside the press room, waiting for the driver's meeting to end. When it did, they all held out hats, programs, etc. and asked the passing drivers to sign. Marco Andretti put his head down and made a beeline for the gate but was intercepted by Wheldon, who proceeded to lecture him on why it was important to interact with the fans.
Q: What can be said at a moment like this? People have said he died doing what he loved, that feels like a cheap and hollow thing to say. While he no doubt loved racing, to paraphrase Bobby Rahal, it's trite to say he died doing what he loved. I have only been following IndyCar since 2005, this is a first for me to see a driver I was fan of die so tragically. To know his kids will grow up without a father is truly heart breaking. Old-timers will say that this was all too common back in 60's. Which begs the question; are we fans of a blood sport? Are we no better than the Romans cheering in the coliseum? In the aftermath, people far smarter then I will figure out how this happened and god willing, what can be done to prevent this from happening again. The rest of us will be stuck with trying to grapple with the meaning of all this. I have found that to search for a deeper meaning, to search for an elusive answer to the question "why" in a time like this is futile. It's a question without an answer. There is no deeper meaning; we witnessed the very public end of a talented racer whose time was up far too soon. I for one will say my prayers for his family and remember the time I met him at Texas Motor Speedway. He was gracious, friendly and the least pretentious professional athlete I have ever met. I do find some solace, however small it is, in the belief that Jimmy Clark and Ayrton Senna were there on Sunday to welcome him home. Godspeed Dan Wheldon.
Matt, Dallas, TX
RM: Indy drivers became national heroes in the '60s because of the danger and excitement and the fact they were the modern day gladiators. Kids like me were in awe of Jim Hurtubise, Parnelli and A.J. and Don Branson. It was a deadly arena back then but thanks to so many innovations it's become so much safer and racers have long, healthy careers. More high school football players have died in the past couple years than the past 20 in Indy cars but it can still be lethal, as we saw Sunday.
Q: This past May, my family went to the Macy's at Indy for the Indy 500 driver signing to get a few autographs and see the drivers. When I got to Dan, he had his stack of hero cards out and ready. I picked up my signed card and commented that his card wasn't the usual 8x10 or 8.5x11 size, but a 5x7. He made a joke about getting the bigger cards if he qualified for Indy next week. Then I told him qualifying shouldn't be too hard for him and that he should show up the full-time teams and win the 500. He shook my hand and said, "I hope so and thanks for the support." He then went and signed my poster that I brought along for the other drivers to get signed. Little did I know that he would win the 500...or the tragedy this past weekend that claimed his life. I lost my favorite driver of all-time, Dale Earnhardt, at Daytona in 2001 and I didn't even cry as much then as I cried Sunday night and Monday morning for Dan and his family. He has left a huge void in IndyCar that will not be easily filled. And while it was just a minute or two that I got to meet him, I won't forget the time I spent with him.
Alex Westgerdes, Sidney, OH
RM: I think he made more instant Indy fans than anybody in recent history because I've heard the same story you told countless times.
Q: As for Dan Wheldon: King Richard the Lionheart himself would be proud of Danny. He lived his dream, spoiled us with thrilling racing, and was one of the nicest drivers I ever met. I remember back in 2003-2004 I was telling people at work that this Wheldon guy was gonna be special and win the 500. Let's not forget, only the best win Indy. And he had that special something that all the great Indy champions have; a combination of talent, driving style, passion and, well, that indefinable magic for Indy. Perhaps it’s not magic at all, just love. Way to go Dan, I'm gonna miss you.
Jonathan, Plainfield
RM: His Indy record is one of the best ever and he relished this year's win so much more because of all the circumstances.
Q: By now I'm sure your mailbox has been inundated to overflowing with thoughts and comments about Dan Wheldon. Please allow me to add mine. Dan was not only a great talent behind the wheel, but a truly warm and genuine individual. When my wife asked him for an autograph at The Glen he took the time to chat with her and make her feel like they were old friends. The galaxy that is auto racing has lost a shining star, Indy Car has lost a wonderful ambassador, and the world has lost a great man. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering his family is enduring right now, my heart goes out to them. I propose a new award/trophy be created, the Wheldon Cup, to be given to the driver who gets the most from the least during the season, much as Dan did at Indy this year. This trophy would commemorate the pluck, grit and determination that was Dan Wheldon. I think this award would be a fitting tribute to Dan's legacy as a two-time Indy 500 and former Indy Car champion.
Bob Hendrickson
RM: That was his charm, he always made fans feel like he cared and he understood that it was just as easy to spend a couple minutes being nice as it was to ride away on a scooter or hide in a motorhome.
Q: Dan’s death is such a terrible thing. I didn’t know him personally. He just had this way about him that made you want to root for him. Always thought he would win one more Indy. The other day I was thinking how sad it would be when he retired, but at the very least, he would be in the booth on race day. Whenever I think of his poor family, my eyes well up. Reading your article as well as Pruett’s and Pressdog’s have been comforting but it’s just so damned sad. He was just the guy I connected with when I got back into racing. It was shortly after my uncle passed. Just loved watching Wheldon. So sad.
Andrew from Palmyra, New Jersey
RM: He was almost as good in the analyst's chair as he was behind the wheel.
Q: You have always been the top ambassador to IndyCar racing for years. But I saw Dan Wheldon as your heir apparent. He loved IndyCar racing and the Indy 500. Dan always felt he NEEDED the IndyCar series but in reality the IndyCar Series NEEDED and will continue to need Dan Wheldon. My hope is that Dan will be shown in history as one of the greatest Indy 500 driver of all time. There is a deep hole in IndyCar racing today with Dan Wheldon's death. He is a jewel that will be hard to replace.
Tom Harleman, Oroville, CA
RM: Thanks but Danny Boy was much more handsome and charming, wore nicer shoes and reached a helluva lot more people than I could.
Q: As a passionate fan of IndyCar, I felt a loss today as if a family member died. For years I have heard the talk about more Americans needed in the sport - well let me say I thought Dan Wheldon was more American than apple pie. Growing up in Indy, I have a love of the 500 which was really difficult to explain to people and the driver which over the years I know understood my love more than any other was Dan. His excitement and love was evident, real, and appreciated by me and countless others who held Indy in a special place. I never needed American drivers in our series, I simply wanted to root for someone who understood our love and passion towards this race and the series. He was the most vocal supporter of our series, our drivers, and of my beloved Indy 500 and he will be greatly missed. Dan "got" what the Indy 500 was about more than any driver in recent Indy history and his passion was appreciated by simple fans like me more than I can articulate. Blessings to his wife and two boys - I hope they know how much we loved Dan.
Mike Nicholas, Aurora, CO
RM: Remember the night on WIND TUNNEL when Gene "I Am Indy" Simmons was waxing about the good young Americans like Dan Wheldon? He got a kick out of that and you are correct, nobody loved or represented Indy any better.
Q: It is so sad that it is the untimely and gruesome death of Dan Wheldon that creates headlines in the UK, and that those Indy 500 wins slipped under the media radar at the time of their happening. If I take anything positive from Sunday's tragedy, it is that my country finally learned of the achievements and glittering career of a true hero, albeit after his tragic passing. R.I.P. Dan Wheldon, and condolences to his family, friends and to the INDYCAR community.
George O'Donnell, York, UK.
RM: Much like many of the large American newspapers and television programs, Dan only became a story in death but, judging by the volume of mail this week and tributes, he meant a lot of things to a lot of people.
Q: I'm not sure this is the proper forum, but I felt I had to write a few words about Dan Wheldon. I have been a diehard Indy fan from an early age and attend 5-6 races every year, always purchasing a pit and paddock pass. As a result, I spend 12-15 days a year around the drivers in their work environment, so you get a feel for their personalities. Dan Wheldon was one of the most gregarious, outgoing and generous people in the paddock. He always had time for a photo, an autograph or a quick conversation. And he was funny. I recall this description of his friend Tony Kanaan, "The lumpiness and bumpiness of his body. How can that possibly be attractive?" I've never been so sad as the result of race accident. He was truly one of the good ones and will be missed.
Brian Henris, Fort Mill, SC
RM: I think you described him quite accurately.
Q: I just wanted to share a story of Dan Wheldon in the two-seater racing against an F-15C at Langley AFB, VA. I was stationed there when this event took place. Dan was an incredible guy. He took the time to sign autographs and have his picture taken with us there on the flight line. I was an F-15C avionics technician at the time and a huge IndyCar fan(still am). I was hoping that he could beat the jet, but in the end the two Pratt & Whitney F-100 motors (22,000 lbs of thrust) were two much against the Honda V8. Racing has lost another special driver. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Mark “Stormy” Storms, Centerville, OH
RM: I remember him telling the story and I think he got to take a couple of rides with you boys later on that thrilled him forever.
Q: There is little I can write that you have not said much better already. I know you are not supposed to have a rooting interest but I could tell that your relationship with Dan had turned around remarkably this year. Your interactions with Dan on the grid walk and in the VERSUS booth made this year so much more enjoyable for IndyCar fans. I thought about, in order, Dan and his career-changing year OUT of the car, his wife, his boys,...and you. Robin-freaking Miller. I am so sorry that you lost your new friend, Robin. I don't know you and I certainly don't know Dan, but I do know that you had developed a special rapport with him and respect for him. You and he brought a new vitality and sense of accessibility to the series this year. You and he in the Versus booth created a quality that was far more interesting to me than much of the racing and the inevitable series intrigue. As Dan transitioned from the booth to the 2012 car testing, we fans transitioned from his relationship with you to reading and hearing his comments on the 2012 car. We were able to process that with a complete and total respect for Dan's every word. He single-handedly validated the 2012 season. He brought so much credibility to his craft and so much anticipation to the series simply by not having a fulltime ride this year.
Randy Cannon
RM: It's funny you say that because we were friendly for many years but then I said Dan was an endangered species during 2010 because he was such a good oval track racer but struggled (strangely) on the road courses and it would be tough to find a fulltime ride in 2011. He got mad and didn't talk to me for several months but we shook hands at St. Pete when Bryan Herta announced Dan would drive for him at Indy. The Grid Walk was his idea and it worked pretty well, I know he enjoyed as much as I did and so did the drivers. His work in the booth was so good and brought passion, humor and great observations all four races he worked. His second career on TV might have rivaled racing for success.
INDYCAR BRAZIL
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