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IndyCar
INDYCAR: Miller’s Mailbag, 3.14
Always genuine, never lite: It's Miller time. Here's the latest Q&A from SPEED.com's IndyCar guru.
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: I am generally pleased and excited about Rubens Barrichello jumping into the IICS fray. He certainly will open the door to a new segment of fans around the world. Not all 1.5 million of his Twitter followers... but certainly a decent percentage. That is positive. The KV squad is sure to benefit. I think TK will be pushed that extra beat with the competition and benefit from the collaboration. As well, the entire field will have a legitimate contender to race with week in and week out. All good, right? I think so... although I have one minor concern. What happens in the event Rubens comes in and dominates the series? It's not an unreasonable thought to see him on the top of the podium in St. Pete. It's not unreasonable to see him win or contend, week after week. It's not even unreasonable to see him holding the championship trophy at the end of the season. The concern is this: the haters will come out in droves to reinforce the argument that Formula 1 drivers are far superior and that Rubens' potential success is proof. In one season, he can come in and dominate. Again, my feeling is Rubens is a great addition to IndyCar, I just hope the potential gray lining in this cloud doesn't become reality.
Alan Edmonds
RM: Let’s remember that Nigel Mansell was Rubens’ age when he conquered CART as a rookie and would have won Indy if he knew anything about restarts. But the defending F1 champion only won ONE road race in two years so I think that said something for the depth of competition and it was positive to have him take the title. Rubens admits he’s going to have to get use to cold tires and pit stops with 25 other cars and he’s not on the best team like Mansell was but I do think Barrichello will win a race or two.
Q: I was going to send an email with a bold prediction about how I think Barrichello is going to perform this season. I realized it would be pointless because I think everyone expects he will have a great competitive season. I then shared the article from SPEED.com about Barrichello’s confirmed ride with KV Racing on a car enthusiast website and the first two replies were as follows: ``Now I’m going to go to Long Beach this year.” And, ``I’ve never been a fan of Indy Car, but this gives me a reason to start watching.” In your article there was a comment from Rubens that ``he felt wanted here.” Yes he is wanted here as evidenced by the immediate feedback from racing fans. Good luck Rubens I hope you enjoy your time in America’s premier open wheel series.
Ryan in West Michigan
RM: Last week at Sebring he was right up front and genuinely geeked about being able to have a competition car again. And his presence will likely draw many new fans to IndyCar. As far as fitting in, I’ve never seen anybody adapt quicker to new surroundings and KV is over the moon to have such a classy addition.
Q: I am excited with the announcement that Rubens Barrichello will join IndyCar in 2012. Alongside F1's Iron Man, the grid also consists of champions Sebastien Bourdais, Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, lightening quick title threat Will Power & namesake American's Rahal & Andretti. I just feel like it is becoming the organization that once again is truly attracting the best drivers in the world. The DW12 in large part to great liveries seem to be growing on a lot of people. Once the aero kits are opened up in 2013 & liveries are customized to each kit these cars are really going to pop. Between the grid, new cars and new engines is the feeling amongst teams, drivers & media that IndyCar is in the best place it has been since the split with future growth inevitable?
Jordan, Binghamton, NY
RM: There’s no doubt that it’s the best lineup of drivers since back in the CART days and I think most people who follow the series would agree.
Q: In regards as to the comments last week on the effect that Michael's appearance on Celebrity Apprentice will have on interest in Indy Car racing; I don't think it will have much effect at all. After all, how much more exposure could IndyCar have had then Helio on Dancing with the Stars? I don't think there was more than a slight transient effect. Of course, any positive effect may have been a little offset by the IRS troubles that Castroneves had shortly after that, but I still don't believe that his appearance, and win, made many new IndyCar fans. If nothing else, his personality and enthusiasm overshadowed any positive image that Michael may project. Race fans are born, not made!
Tom Clem, Ivanhoe, NC
RM: You are probably right, if Helio’s star turn didn’t have any noticeable effect in the IndyCar TV ratings then Michael’s won’t either. I guess it’s just nice to have a little cross pollination.
Q: I just ordered my four tickets for Milwaukee, when the ticket representative gave me my total price of UNDER $100, I said she had made a mistake. She replied that it was the correct amount for 4 tickets, then she added: “Michael Andretti wants to make this affordable for families.” Alright Indy car fans it’s up to us now, a great race track, a Saturday show, very affordable tickets, let’s sell the place out. With all the fan friendly activities scheduled, there is no excuse not to go. If the race this year fails to sell tickets it’s nobody’s fault but the fans!!!!
Mike Kinzler, Joliet, Ill., 30-year Milwaukee fan
RM: That’s good news, I was happy to see how reasonable all the prices were and it shows me that Michael and his people are paying attention. When you’re trying to re-capture your audience you best be fan friendly (unlike last year).
Q: My serious questions concerns: (1) Indy engines. I think most fans and you agree the cars need 900 HP or so to make them harder to drive and more compelling to watch. Is the new engine able to morph into the beast we all want or will the owners/mfg have to buy/create a whole new engine at great expense? (2) Do you think all the bitchin-and-moaning will end in your column once the season begins and we get to see cars on the track? (3) When are they going to let you drive the pace car or throw the flags at Indy? Or did you piss off ALL the powers that are at Indy?
David Fahey
RM: The drivers want to see at least 800 HP on road and street courses and I guess 850 would be even better but I would imagine we’re at least a year or so away from even having that conversation with the manufacturers. Bitching is a way of life in auto racing, from the fans to the competitors. I don’t want to drive the pace car or wave the flag. I just want to see the traditional start return.
Q: I just saw pictures of the rear wheel guards for the super speedways (Indy & Fontana) on Indycar.com. The article mentioned that the current guards used in pre-season testing will be used on the road courses and street circuits in 2012. I understand that wheel-to-wheel contact is a serious issue on all tracks, but why must these guards be run on road courses & street circuits where the threat has been historically low against a serious interlocking? I feel like we are losing the basis and identity of our sport, not to mention the guards look hideous. The pure shape of an Indy car in the past has always been a huge draw to me as I suspect it has to other fans as well. Indy cars will always be dangerous to an extent and I sure that's why many drivers retire to closed wheel sports cars at the end of their careers. I wish IndyCar would consider dropping the guards for the road course/street circuits. If a driver is not skilled enough to not run over another driver on the road courses/street circuits than they probably should not be on the circuit in the first place. I was at Las Vegas and witnessed the carnage first hand, so I do recognize the risks on high speed ovals and applaud all attempts that IndyCar is making to protect the drivers. However, IndyCar is at the top of the open wheel world, and rear wheel guards seem to be an over-reach in my opinion on the road courses/street circuits.
Rich, New York, NY
RM: Your opinion is shared by many of the drivers, mechanics and fans and hopefully those bumpers can be removed (except for ovals) sometime because it is open wheel racing. I guess all the launches at Turn 1 at St. Pete and Tony Kanaan running over Helio at Baltimore last year would be the exceptions.
Q: I recently saw a TV commercial with Charlie Kimball (during prime time no less) and thought the production value was fantastic, better than most of the cheesy NASCAR commercials this year, not to mention the new car looks fantastic painted up with logos. It is really good to see IndyCar getting big time sponsors involved again and the publicity that goes along with it, starting to remind me of the CART days. Dare I say have we turned the corner, sponsorship seems to be coming back for IndyCar while leaving NASCAR (lot of obscure sponsors at Daytona this year), and F1 drivers looking this way again.
Nathaniel Matula
RM: Charlie’s whole program with Novo Nordisk is first class and he’s a great spokesman so I’m glad it’s getting some prime time play. But I don’t think we can say that IndyCar is back to those mid-90s CART days when everyone had big sponsors. IndyCar is making progress, for sure, but NASCAR is still plenty healthy.
Q: IndyCar needs to find a way to run at least 1 prime time Monday Night Racing network special. No stunts should be included that interfere with the racing itself, but find a way to race for a huge purse: "Race for a Million Bucks." Do it after the Super Bowl, but before March Madness begins. (Or do it at 3 pm on Super Bowl Sunday!) Find a spot like Walt Disney World Speedway, self-promote it (give the tickets away at Space Mountain if you have to and fill the house) and make it a GREAT TV show. After success running the Daytona 500 on a Monday night for the first time, I have a feeling NASCAR will be on top of this one. I think this would expose casual fans to a great racing product, and would pay for itself in promotional value. What are the barriers to pulling off something like this?
John Bledsoe
RM: I guess the only real barrier is getting ABC to clear a spot in prime time and, based on the annual numbers, that would be a hard sell. But I will say before the NFL strike was settled, ABC did ask Randy Bernard if he could come up with a race or two so maybe it’s not totally out of the question. I would think during summer reruns would be ideal.
~Robin Miller
Q: I am generally pleased and excited about Rubens Barrichello jumping into the IICS fray. He certainly will open the door to a new segment of fans around the world. Not all 1.5 million of his Twitter followers... but certainly a decent percentage. That is positive. The KV squad is sure to benefit. I think TK will be pushed that extra beat with the competition and benefit from the collaboration. As well, the entire field will have a legitimate contender to race with week in and week out. All good, right? I think so... although I have one minor concern. What happens in the event Rubens comes in and dominates the series? It's not an unreasonable thought to see him on the top of the podium in St. Pete. It's not unreasonable to see him win or contend, week after week. It's not even unreasonable to see him holding the championship trophy at the end of the season. The concern is this: the haters will come out in droves to reinforce the argument that Formula 1 drivers are far superior and that Rubens' potential success is proof. In one season, he can come in and dominate. Again, my feeling is Rubens is a great addition to IndyCar, I just hope the potential gray lining in this cloud doesn't become reality.
Alan Edmonds
RM: Let’s remember that Nigel Mansell was Rubens’ age when he conquered CART as a rookie and would have won Indy if he knew anything about restarts. But the defending F1 champion only won ONE road race in two years so I think that said something for the depth of competition and it was positive to have him take the title. Rubens admits he’s going to have to get use to cold tires and pit stops with 25 other cars and he’s not on the best team like Mansell was but I do think Barrichello will win a race or two.
Q: I was going to send an email with a bold prediction about how I think Barrichello is going to perform this season. I realized it would be pointless because I think everyone expects he will have a great competitive season. I then shared the article from SPEED.com about Barrichello’s confirmed ride with KV Racing on a car enthusiast website and the first two replies were as follows: ``Now I’m going to go to Long Beach this year.” And, ``I’ve never been a fan of Indy Car, but this gives me a reason to start watching.” In your article there was a comment from Rubens that ``he felt wanted here.” Yes he is wanted here as evidenced by the immediate feedback from racing fans. Good luck Rubens I hope you enjoy your time in America’s premier open wheel series.
Ryan in West Michigan
RM: Last week at Sebring he was right up front and genuinely geeked about being able to have a competition car again. And his presence will likely draw many new fans to IndyCar. As far as fitting in, I’ve never seen anybody adapt quicker to new surroundings and KV is over the moon to have such a classy addition.
Q: I am excited with the announcement that Rubens Barrichello will join IndyCar in 2012. Alongside F1's Iron Man, the grid also consists of champions Sebastien Bourdais, Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, lightening quick title threat Will Power & namesake American's Rahal & Andretti. I just feel like it is becoming the organization that once again is truly attracting the best drivers in the world. The DW12 in large part to great liveries seem to be growing on a lot of people. Once the aero kits are opened up in 2013 & liveries are customized to each kit these cars are really going to pop. Between the grid, new cars and new engines is the feeling amongst teams, drivers & media that IndyCar is in the best place it has been since the split with future growth inevitable?
Jordan, Binghamton, NY
RM: There’s no doubt that it’s the best lineup of drivers since back in the CART days and I think most people who follow the series would agree.
Q: In regards as to the comments last week on the effect that Michael's appearance on Celebrity Apprentice will have on interest in Indy Car racing; I don't think it will have much effect at all. After all, how much more exposure could IndyCar have had then Helio on Dancing with the Stars? I don't think there was more than a slight transient effect. Of course, any positive effect may have been a little offset by the IRS troubles that Castroneves had shortly after that, but I still don't believe that his appearance, and win, made many new IndyCar fans. If nothing else, his personality and enthusiasm overshadowed any positive image that Michael may project. Race fans are born, not made!
Tom Clem, Ivanhoe, NC
RM: You are probably right, if Helio’s star turn didn’t have any noticeable effect in the IndyCar TV ratings then Michael’s won’t either. I guess it’s just nice to have a little cross pollination.
Q: I just ordered my four tickets for Milwaukee, when the ticket representative gave me my total price of UNDER $100, I said she had made a mistake. She replied that it was the correct amount for 4 tickets, then she added: “Michael Andretti wants to make this affordable for families.” Alright Indy car fans it’s up to us now, a great race track, a Saturday show, very affordable tickets, let’s sell the place out. With all the fan friendly activities scheduled, there is no excuse not to go. If the race this year fails to sell tickets it’s nobody’s fault but the fans!!!!
Mike Kinzler, Joliet, Ill., 30-year Milwaukee fan
RM: That’s good news, I was happy to see how reasonable all the prices were and it shows me that Michael and his people are paying attention. When you’re trying to re-capture your audience you best be fan friendly (unlike last year).
Q: My serious questions concerns: (1) Indy engines. I think most fans and you agree the cars need 900 HP or so to make them harder to drive and more compelling to watch. Is the new engine able to morph into the beast we all want or will the owners/mfg have to buy/create a whole new engine at great expense? (2) Do you think all the bitchin-and-moaning will end in your column once the season begins and we get to see cars on the track? (3) When are they going to let you drive the pace car or throw the flags at Indy? Or did you piss off ALL the powers that are at Indy?
David Fahey
RM: The drivers want to see at least 800 HP on road and street courses and I guess 850 would be even better but I would imagine we’re at least a year or so away from even having that conversation with the manufacturers. Bitching is a way of life in auto racing, from the fans to the competitors. I don’t want to drive the pace car or wave the flag. I just want to see the traditional start return.
Q: I just saw pictures of the rear wheel guards for the super speedways (Indy & Fontana) on Indycar.com. The article mentioned that the current guards used in pre-season testing will be used on the road courses and street circuits in 2012. I understand that wheel-to-wheel contact is a serious issue on all tracks, but why must these guards be run on road courses & street circuits where the threat has been historically low against a serious interlocking? I feel like we are losing the basis and identity of our sport, not to mention the guards look hideous. The pure shape of an Indy car in the past has always been a huge draw to me as I suspect it has to other fans as well. Indy cars will always be dangerous to an extent and I sure that's why many drivers retire to closed wheel sports cars at the end of their careers. I wish IndyCar would consider dropping the guards for the road course/street circuits. If a driver is not skilled enough to not run over another driver on the road courses/street circuits than they probably should not be on the circuit in the first place. I was at Las Vegas and witnessed the carnage first hand, so I do recognize the risks on high speed ovals and applaud all attempts that IndyCar is making to protect the drivers. However, IndyCar is at the top of the open wheel world, and rear wheel guards seem to be an over-reach in my opinion on the road courses/street circuits.
Rich, New York, NY
RM: Your opinion is shared by many of the drivers, mechanics and fans and hopefully those bumpers can be removed (except for ovals) sometime because it is open wheel racing. I guess all the launches at Turn 1 at St. Pete and Tony Kanaan running over Helio at Baltimore last year would be the exceptions.
Q: I recently saw a TV commercial with Charlie Kimball (during prime time no less) and thought the production value was fantastic, better than most of the cheesy NASCAR commercials this year, not to mention the new car looks fantastic painted up with logos. It is really good to see IndyCar getting big time sponsors involved again and the publicity that goes along with it, starting to remind me of the CART days. Dare I say have we turned the corner, sponsorship seems to be coming back for IndyCar while leaving NASCAR (lot of obscure sponsors at Daytona this year), and F1 drivers looking this way again.
Nathaniel Matula
RM: Charlie’s whole program with Novo Nordisk is first class and he’s a great spokesman so I’m glad it’s getting some prime time play. But I don’t think we can say that IndyCar is back to those mid-90s CART days when everyone had big sponsors. IndyCar is making progress, for sure, but NASCAR is still plenty healthy.
Q: IndyCar needs to find a way to run at least 1 prime time Monday Night Racing network special. No stunts should be included that interfere with the racing itself, but find a way to race for a huge purse: "Race for a Million Bucks." Do it after the Super Bowl, but before March Madness begins. (Or do it at 3 pm on Super Bowl Sunday!) Find a spot like Walt Disney World Speedway, self-promote it (give the tickets away at Space Mountain if you have to and fill the house) and make it a GREAT TV show. After success running the Daytona 500 on a Monday night for the first time, I have a feeling NASCAR will be on top of this one. I think this would expose casual fans to a great racing product, and would pay for itself in promotional value. What are the barriers to pulling off something like this?
John Bledsoe
RM: I guess the only real barrier is getting ABC to clear a spot in prime time and, based on the annual numbers, that would be a hard sell. But I will say before the NFL strike was settled, ABC did ask Randy Bernard if he could come up with a race or two so maybe it’s not totally out of the question. I would think during summer reruns would be ideal.
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