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IndyCar
INDYCAR: Miller’s Mailbag, 2.16
Always genuine, never lite: It's Miller time. Here's the latest Q&A from SPEED.com's IndyCar guru.
Mailbag readers are hoping to see a return of packed grandstands and plenty of on-track action at Milwaukee this year. (Photo: 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: This could easily happen. Rubens will drive in 2012. Michael Schumacher will see his success. Michael wants the whole world to know that he is the best driver that ever lived, but can't do that right now in F-1. To drive in ICS where cars a more equal and win the INDY 500 would be a real enticement. He is one of the best drivers that ever lived. He does have the biggest ego of any driver too, and that's really saying something. He could sit home on his laurels forever, but he has to race, and he seethes to win. It is in his blood to compete. He could drive till he was 60 if it suits him. He is the fittest driver in the world and takes pride in it. His wife doesn't tell him what he can or can't do. Nobody does. If they were both in the ICS it makes for HUGE TV& live audiences and sponsorship worldwide. Michael at the INDY 500 alone would be mind boggling. It would make the Danica circus look like nothing. His ego would blossom. Everyone will remember his great F-1 Indy success. Let’s all watch how Rubens does. Don't think for a moment that Michael doesn't think about being an INDY 500 Champion. The multiple engine manufactures will also make it more of a possibility too. That is going to make for far greater worldwide interest and could encourage Michael to jump in too. Do I want it to happen? I don't care, even though I find him hugely obnoxious it would likely be good for the sport.
Hank Jump
RM: That’s an interesting scenario but not sure Schumey would be that excited. I asked him in Las Vegas (at the SKUSA go-kart championships) a couple years ago if he wanted to run Indy someday and he smiled and said: “I already have’’ so I’d say it’s a longshot at best.
Q: If Rubens Barrichello comes to Indy, do you think he'll like the autograph sessions, walking (or using a scooter) through the crowds to get to the pits from his trailer? (At least in Toronto drivers have to go in the crowds). In F1, drivers, team owners are never to be seen at the race track. In INDYCAR you can actually have a chat with most of them.
Sebastian, Richmond Hill, Ontario
RM: Absolutely. He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and is just as fan friendly as his pal Tony Kanaan.
Q: Why can't the "best drivers in the world" handle double file restarts? I understand it's not been done in the modern era, so it doesn't bother me from that perspective, but when they use a driving reason (excuse) for not doing it, that kinda gives me the red ass. Why did everyone but the INDYCAR brass see the trouble brewing with Lotus long ago? Why did INDYCAR chose to put their head in the sand till the last minute? Was it similar to the Colts dealing with Manning before the season, they just didn't want to believe it till it was too late? As a note, I love the mailbag, but I have taken to only reading the first two pages. Those last page rants just get on my nerves. Those people must listen to Warrant, Motley Crue, and Bell Biv Devoe all day, wearing Guess jeans and Reebok Pump sneakers (for readers too young for those references, those were all popular in the late 80's early 90's). Maybe they could decide to join all of us in the 21st century sometime soon.
DJ Odom, Anderson, IN
RM: Good question because, despite all their bitching, I thought they did a pretty good job last season and it definitely added excitement. I understand that Indianapolis is awfully narrow and it gets pretty hairy on the front straightaway but Texas and Fontana have a lot more room to maneuver. I think INDYCAR knew Lotus would be late to the party but maybe not this late. And some of the rants are actually positive.
Q: How to make oval races exciting for the paying fans at the track and the television audience. HEAT RACES!!! Nobody enjoys single car oval qualifying. It's boring. Instead, in a single day run two or three qualifying heats to determine the grid for evening main event. Make each qualifying heat short enough to complete on one tank of fuel, but require a green flag four tire change. Use the finishing positions to grid the main event under the lights. Pay reduced points for the heats. Shorten the main event slightly to make sure that the distance doesn't lend itself to "fuel runs." Won't fit in a TV time window? No problem. Lose the 30 minute pre-race show, shorten the main event slightly, and show the heats tape delayed, then the main event live within the 2 1/2 hour TV window. It would be an eventful day for the people at the track, drama and diversity for the TV audience, and an engineering challenge for the teams.
Tim Hubbel, Turlock, CA
RM: Obviously Tim’s letter was submitted before Beaux Barfield announced there would be heat races at Iowa instead of qualifying this June. If it goes good, look for it other places (except Indy where qualifying is actually dramatic) in 2013. But it damn sure should spice up a 2-day oval show.
Q: Since INDYCAR is running turbo engines are the Indy Lights going to be turbocharged? What are the chances of getting standing starts on road course races?
Armed Guard
RM: No turbos yet for Lights and Barfield said Tuesday that standing starts would likely be implemented later in the season, another good idea. Standing starts in Champ Car in 2007 were exciting and much cleaner.
Q: Nothing against Luca Filippi but after hearing he is being considered by Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan I thought about the Leader’s Circle fund and the fact the teams had to present why they deserve the money. I think teams should be awarded if they hire a domestic driver. I think teams who hire an American driver should get first consideration for a Leader Circle spot. It keeps the ride-buyers out and hopefully creates some more household names.
Ray Hando
RM: That concept was suggested by a former Indy 500 driver a few years ago but I suppose the catch is that $1.2 million is a good foundation but not nearly enough to run the full schedule. Sarah Fisher is getting $300,000 for putting Lights’ champ Josef Newgarden in her Indy car and that helps but obviously not enough for a full season.
Q: You mentioned, "...the engine distribution system concerns me more than the car," in your last mailbag. It has concerned me as well. While Lotus being late to deliver is not a good thing, it's the fact that the deal INDYCAR cut with the manufacturers has them losing enough money per engine lease that they want to sign up as FEW cars as allowed. And they got to cherry pick who those few teams would be, that is the bigger problem. I read a report that one team, without a deal, offered MORE than the going rate and never got a call back. It just seems to me that any deal made that makes it better to sell LESS engines is not one that would promote growth. New engines, good! Putting turbos on them, good! Setting up a situation where the manufacturers don't want to lease them…Priceless ?
John in So Cal
RM: I understand GM and Honda wanting to select certain teams and that’s fine but somebody like Sarah Fisher or Ed Carpenter should not have to pay twice as much for a lease. Obviously, nobody expected 26-28 full-time teams with the new cars and the engine manufacturers have made big financial commitments. But if you’ve purchased a car then you damn sure better be assured of an engine and that falls on INDYCAR to police properly.
Q: I, for one, love the way the new Dallara looks and the great features that have been added, especially the safety side of things. And I love it even more now that I see how garbage the new F1 car looks. The new changes to the mirrors and other small tweaks helped speed at Sebring. The key make or break moment will be at the test at Texas. If the car is significantly faster in the test at Texas in comparison to the last test at Indy, will it the DW12 have gone through its final major road block (not including some balance issues and the Honda engine issues)?
Matthew Hickey Andover, Minnesota
RM: I would say next month’s test at Texas will go a long way in determining the future of that track and other superspeedways.
Q: Kudos to Michael Andretti for getting Milwaukee back on the schedule. The next time you see him please let him know that this fan and his son will absolutely be attending this race. Hopefully many more will join us and make this a great event. I was one of the few there last year and I thought it was a fantastic race.
Bill, Chicago, IL
RM: Milwaukee remains one of the best places for INDYCAR to race and Michael’s history there makes it a great story.
Q: With the official announcement of the return of Milwaukee, I'm thinking that I better see a race there. As I recall, there were a number of policies in force last year that many fans did not like; no pass-outs, coolers, et al. Do you know if these will be changed with the new promoter?
David, Waxhaw NC
RM: I can assure you that Andretti’s people are well aware of all the mistakes made last year and, hopefully, the prices and policies will be fan friendly.
Q: INDYCAR fans got what they wanted -- the opportunity to watch INDYCAR at Milwaukee in 2012. We often whine about decisions that aren't made, or that have been royally goofed up. Here is a shining example of a great decision for fans, made possible by a guy who loves the sport and has put his wallet where his mouth is. Now the ball is in the fan's court. Whether or not there is a race at Milwaukee in 2013 is totally up to us. It's not rocket science – if only 20% of the hard core VERSUS (now NBC Sports Network) fan walks through the gate, it will be a HUGE house. This is an easy one. Grab some chips and some cold ones, load up the car, and prepare to be at the (re)start of something great.
John Bledsoe
RM: You are spot on John. After all the bitching and moaning from supposed die-hard, mid-west oval-tracks fans, it’s time to put up or shut up. I hope the Saturday afternoon date doesn’t deter people but it was the best that could be done with such short notice. If it’s a success, I could see a return to the traditional week after Indy date and maybe everything done in one day.
Q: Great news about Milwaukee. It's also great that a team owner is doing something positive for the series. I've never been a fan of Michael Andretti (Mario yes; Michael no) but kudos to him for doing this and I hope he makes a bunch of money. When I became interested in motor racing again in the early 90's, it was the emergence of Scott Goodyear and Paul Tracy that made it happen. One of the first races I watched on TV at that time was Milwaukee. I had no idea that an oval could be that entertaining, as I'd always been a road racing fan. Let’s hope Michael shows how to make it happen and then we can get back to an open wheel series with an equal number of oval, road course and street circuits.
Doug Mayer
RM: The Milwaukee Mile has staged some of the best races ever and it used to have a packed house in June and August during USAC’s heydays. Michael always gave the fans their money’s worth threading his way through traffic and now he’s repaying them by trying to revive this hallowed ground.
Q: Great news! Now allow me to suggest that all the people who have been whining about the lack of ovals on the INDYCAR circuit do two things: 1) Quit whining and 2) buy a ticket. If they buy a ticket, they won't need to whine and if they don't then they have no right to whine. Not to mention the fact that they're unlikely to see a better race than the Milwaukee Mile anywhere. If we pack the grandstands, we will save the race. If not we get what we deserve.
Mike Grove, Copley, OH
RM: Well stated and you are right: the bottom line rules.
Q: Super happy to see Michael Andretti take over the Milwaukee event. It's a staple to the calendar and to see an old driver stand behind it makes me smile. This also brings up a good point. A lot of ex-drivers don't have anything to do and don't want to run a race team. How about they promote events? It would be great to see some old drivers standing behind the series that made them famous. They have money to invest and a smartly promoted event would certainly turn a profit. Yes it's a risk, but with the economy growing, now is the time to take risks. Or how about some drivers buy a track or two? It's worked out pretty well for Tony Stewart. And last I heard Nazareth was still looking for a new owner. Sure it needs some seats, but the track is still there and I'm sure tons of fans would flock to a reopening of the old place.
David Zipf
RM: Other than Mario and Parnelli, none of the old-timers made the kind of money that Stew rakes in and most of the old guard is too smart or too cheap to invest in a race track. I think the best we can hope for is seeing them as grand marshals.
~Robin Miller
Q: This could easily happen. Rubens will drive in 2012. Michael Schumacher will see his success. Michael wants the whole world to know that he is the best driver that ever lived, but can't do that right now in F-1. To drive in ICS where cars a more equal and win the INDY 500 would be a real enticement. He is one of the best drivers that ever lived. He does have the biggest ego of any driver too, and that's really saying something. He could sit home on his laurels forever, but he has to race, and he seethes to win. It is in his blood to compete. He could drive till he was 60 if it suits him. He is the fittest driver in the world and takes pride in it. His wife doesn't tell him what he can or can't do. Nobody does. If they were both in the ICS it makes for HUGE TV& live audiences and sponsorship worldwide. Michael at the INDY 500 alone would be mind boggling. It would make the Danica circus look like nothing. His ego would blossom. Everyone will remember his great F-1 Indy success. Let’s all watch how Rubens does. Don't think for a moment that Michael doesn't think about being an INDY 500 Champion. The multiple engine manufactures will also make it more of a possibility too. That is going to make for far greater worldwide interest and could encourage Michael to jump in too. Do I want it to happen? I don't care, even though I find him hugely obnoxious it would likely be good for the sport.
Hank Jump
RM: That’s an interesting scenario but not sure Schumey would be that excited. I asked him in Las Vegas (at the SKUSA go-kart championships) a couple years ago if he wanted to run Indy someday and he smiled and said: “I already have’’ so I’d say it’s a longshot at best.
Q: If Rubens Barrichello comes to Indy, do you think he'll like the autograph sessions, walking (or using a scooter) through the crowds to get to the pits from his trailer? (At least in Toronto drivers have to go in the crowds). In F1, drivers, team owners are never to be seen at the race track. In INDYCAR you can actually have a chat with most of them.
Sebastian, Richmond Hill, Ontario
RM: Absolutely. He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and is just as fan friendly as his pal Tony Kanaan.
Q: Why can't the "best drivers in the world" handle double file restarts? I understand it's not been done in the modern era, so it doesn't bother me from that perspective, but when they use a driving reason (excuse) for not doing it, that kinda gives me the red ass. Why did everyone but the INDYCAR brass see the trouble brewing with Lotus long ago? Why did INDYCAR chose to put their head in the sand till the last minute? Was it similar to the Colts dealing with Manning before the season, they just didn't want to believe it till it was too late? As a note, I love the mailbag, but I have taken to only reading the first two pages. Those last page rants just get on my nerves. Those people must listen to Warrant, Motley Crue, and Bell Biv Devoe all day, wearing Guess jeans and Reebok Pump sneakers (for readers too young for those references, those were all popular in the late 80's early 90's). Maybe they could decide to join all of us in the 21st century sometime soon.
DJ Odom, Anderson, IN
RM: Good question because, despite all their bitching, I thought they did a pretty good job last season and it definitely added excitement. I understand that Indianapolis is awfully narrow and it gets pretty hairy on the front straightaway but Texas and Fontana have a lot more room to maneuver. I think INDYCAR knew Lotus would be late to the party but maybe not this late. And some of the rants are actually positive.
Q: How to make oval races exciting for the paying fans at the track and the television audience. HEAT RACES!!! Nobody enjoys single car oval qualifying. It's boring. Instead, in a single day run two or three qualifying heats to determine the grid for evening main event. Make each qualifying heat short enough to complete on one tank of fuel, but require a green flag four tire change. Use the finishing positions to grid the main event under the lights. Pay reduced points for the heats. Shorten the main event slightly to make sure that the distance doesn't lend itself to "fuel runs." Won't fit in a TV time window? No problem. Lose the 30 minute pre-race show, shorten the main event slightly, and show the heats tape delayed, then the main event live within the 2 1/2 hour TV window. It would be an eventful day for the people at the track, drama and diversity for the TV audience, and an engineering challenge for the teams.
Tim Hubbel, Turlock, CA
RM: Obviously Tim’s letter was submitted before Beaux Barfield announced there would be heat races at Iowa instead of qualifying this June. If it goes good, look for it other places (except Indy where qualifying is actually dramatic) in 2013. But it damn sure should spice up a 2-day oval show.
Q: Since INDYCAR is running turbo engines are the Indy Lights going to be turbocharged? What are the chances of getting standing starts on road course races?
Armed Guard
RM: No turbos yet for Lights and Barfield said Tuesday that standing starts would likely be implemented later in the season, another good idea. Standing starts in Champ Car in 2007 were exciting and much cleaner.
Q: Nothing against Luca Filippi but after hearing he is being considered by Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan I thought about the Leader’s Circle fund and the fact the teams had to present why they deserve the money. I think teams should be awarded if they hire a domestic driver. I think teams who hire an American driver should get first consideration for a Leader Circle spot. It keeps the ride-buyers out and hopefully creates some more household names.
Ray Hando
RM: That concept was suggested by a former Indy 500 driver a few years ago but I suppose the catch is that $1.2 million is a good foundation but not nearly enough to run the full schedule. Sarah Fisher is getting $300,000 for putting Lights’ champ Josef Newgarden in her Indy car and that helps but obviously not enough for a full season.
Q: You mentioned, "...the engine distribution system concerns me more than the car," in your last mailbag. It has concerned me as well. While Lotus being late to deliver is not a good thing, it's the fact that the deal INDYCAR cut with the manufacturers has them losing enough money per engine lease that they want to sign up as FEW cars as allowed. And they got to cherry pick who those few teams would be, that is the bigger problem. I read a report that one team, without a deal, offered MORE than the going rate and never got a call back. It just seems to me that any deal made that makes it better to sell LESS engines is not one that would promote growth. New engines, good! Putting turbos on them, good! Setting up a situation where the manufacturers don't want to lease them…Priceless ?
John in So Cal
RM: I understand GM and Honda wanting to select certain teams and that’s fine but somebody like Sarah Fisher or Ed Carpenter should not have to pay twice as much for a lease. Obviously, nobody expected 26-28 full-time teams with the new cars and the engine manufacturers have made big financial commitments. But if you’ve purchased a car then you damn sure better be assured of an engine and that falls on INDYCAR to police properly.
Q: I, for one, love the way the new Dallara looks and the great features that have been added, especially the safety side of things. And I love it even more now that I see how garbage the new F1 car looks. The new changes to the mirrors and other small tweaks helped speed at Sebring. The key make or break moment will be at the test at Texas. If the car is significantly faster in the test at Texas in comparison to the last test at Indy, will it the DW12 have gone through its final major road block (not including some balance issues and the Honda engine issues)?
Matthew Hickey Andover, Minnesota
RM: I would say next month’s test at Texas will go a long way in determining the future of that track and other superspeedways.
Q: Kudos to Michael Andretti for getting Milwaukee back on the schedule. The next time you see him please let him know that this fan and his son will absolutely be attending this race. Hopefully many more will join us and make this a great event. I was one of the few there last year and I thought it was a fantastic race.
Bill, Chicago, IL
RM: Milwaukee remains one of the best places for INDYCAR to race and Michael’s history there makes it a great story.
Q: With the official announcement of the return of Milwaukee, I'm thinking that I better see a race there. As I recall, there were a number of policies in force last year that many fans did not like; no pass-outs, coolers, et al. Do you know if these will be changed with the new promoter?
David, Waxhaw NC
RM: I can assure you that Andretti’s people are well aware of all the mistakes made last year and, hopefully, the prices and policies will be fan friendly.
Q: INDYCAR fans got what they wanted -- the opportunity to watch INDYCAR at Milwaukee in 2012. We often whine about decisions that aren't made, or that have been royally goofed up. Here is a shining example of a great decision for fans, made possible by a guy who loves the sport and has put his wallet where his mouth is. Now the ball is in the fan's court. Whether or not there is a race at Milwaukee in 2013 is totally up to us. It's not rocket science – if only 20% of the hard core VERSUS (now NBC Sports Network) fan walks through the gate, it will be a HUGE house. This is an easy one. Grab some chips and some cold ones, load up the car, and prepare to be at the (re)start of something great.
John Bledsoe
RM: You are spot on John. After all the bitching and moaning from supposed die-hard, mid-west oval-tracks fans, it’s time to put up or shut up. I hope the Saturday afternoon date doesn’t deter people but it was the best that could be done with such short notice. If it’s a success, I could see a return to the traditional week after Indy date and maybe everything done in one day.
Q: Great news about Milwaukee. It's also great that a team owner is doing something positive for the series. I've never been a fan of Michael Andretti (Mario yes; Michael no) but kudos to him for doing this and I hope he makes a bunch of money. When I became interested in motor racing again in the early 90's, it was the emergence of Scott Goodyear and Paul Tracy that made it happen. One of the first races I watched on TV at that time was Milwaukee. I had no idea that an oval could be that entertaining, as I'd always been a road racing fan. Let’s hope Michael shows how to make it happen and then we can get back to an open wheel series with an equal number of oval, road course and street circuits.
Doug Mayer
RM: The Milwaukee Mile has staged some of the best races ever and it used to have a packed house in June and August during USAC’s heydays. Michael always gave the fans their money’s worth threading his way through traffic and now he’s repaying them by trying to revive this hallowed ground.
Q: Great news! Now allow me to suggest that all the people who have been whining about the lack of ovals on the INDYCAR circuit do two things: 1) Quit whining and 2) buy a ticket. If they buy a ticket, they won't need to whine and if they don't then they have no right to whine. Not to mention the fact that they're unlikely to see a better race than the Milwaukee Mile anywhere. If we pack the grandstands, we will save the race. If not we get what we deserve.
Mike Grove, Copley, OH
RM: Well stated and you are right: the bottom line rules.
Q: Super happy to see Michael Andretti take over the Milwaukee event. It's a staple to the calendar and to see an old driver stand behind it makes me smile. This also brings up a good point. A lot of ex-drivers don't have anything to do and don't want to run a race team. How about they promote events? It would be great to see some old drivers standing behind the series that made them famous. They have money to invest and a smartly promoted event would certainly turn a profit. Yes it's a risk, but with the economy growing, now is the time to take risks. Or how about some drivers buy a track or two? It's worked out pretty well for Tony Stewart. And last I heard Nazareth was still looking for a new owner. Sure it needs some seats, but the track is still there and I'm sure tons of fans would flock to a reopening of the old place.
David Zipf
RM: Other than Mario and Parnelli, none of the old-timers made the kind of money that Stew rakes in and most of the old guard is too smart or too cheap to invest in a race track. I think the best we can hope for is seeing them as grand marshals.
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