Q: Many racing fans agree that the USAC has some of the best racing going in the USA. Why is it that they cannot get their races broadcast on TV? What is the problem? Every other type of racing seems to be on TV? Another question I have, with all the different races that are now held at the Speedway, why don’t they add a Silver Crown race? I realize a few mods might have to be added to the cars so they remain stuck to the track at high speeds, but they ran at Pocono all right back in 1981. I bet a race of this type could upstage the 500 itself in more than one aspect.

Herm Flowers

RM: It costs money and nobody seems too keen to spend it on USAC but I would love to see Indiana Sprint Week back on SPEED like it was a few years ago. The Chili Bowl was on CBS recently but that was two months delayed. Silver Crown cars should NEVER be on anything more than a mile.

Q: I’ve always thought that the INDYCAR field looks more like the American melting pot than NASCAR. So many interesting personalities compared to the scripted monotone of Cup drivers. I know our drivers are very appreciative of the opportunities here that weren’t available in Europe, South America or Asia. Dan Wheldon went out of his way to pay tribute his sponsor, the National Guard. Could the lack of Americans be made up for by the foreign drivers becoming a little more vocal in their appreciation of the US? Can you give me examples of drivers who already get that?

Paul, Carmel, CA

RM: I think JR Hildebrand has been a good ambassador for National Guard and Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball are good with their sponsors. Ditto for Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco and Ed Carpenter. I think all drivers understand the importance of taking care of their sponsors with the media and fans.

Q: I was pleased last year to see that KV was going to use Lotus engines in the new formula. I liked the throwback paint jobs and all of the history that Colin Chapman had with Indy. I even hoped that with a Turbo V-6 in the open wheel cars there could be development on an Evora engine. So it came as a shock to see Kevin Kalkhoven dropping the Lotus brand so early. Then we all watched as Lotus diddled away the entire pre-season. Yeah Simona got to tool around Sebring but where were the engines for the heavy hitters in the Lotus camp? Seabass, did you ever get up to speed? Nope. Now we have all witnessed to our dismay, the utter lack of performance and commitment from a storied Marque. As I think back, Lotus had weak engines in the past. At that time they subbed out to a little engine tuning company in the UK. Hello Cosworth. Is there any (please God) way, that Kalkhoven can open up the doors of his Cosworth factory to rescue Lotus Racing from an ignominious death?

Terry Sawyer, MI

RM: No chance. Lotus and KV weren’t exactly buddy/buddy at the end of last season and there must have been a reason. If Cosworth returns, I’m sure it would be with somebody like Ford.

Q: This is just an observation (the questions follow), but it seems to me the Group Lotus and their perpetual engine problems - lack of HP, production, etc. - haven't affected their (Lotus) engine development program in F1 and that Indy Car is just their ugly step sister. So, bearing this in mind, how do those teams who aligned themselves with Lotus deal with the fallout [of Lotus not making enough motors for teams, etc.]? The teams already behind the proverbial 8-Ball, and switching engine suppliers at this point in the season (even though they have no choice) would seem to put them even farther behind. And once you find a new supplier it's likely you'll be down on their list of support in development of your teams program, etc. So what do they do? Final question, how long will it be before Indy Car decides that allowing teams (within a strict budget and guidelines) to build engines for themselves or even construct full cars for themselves, is a good idea for using Indy Car racing as a proving ground? I mean, if I were an engineer and found a way to cheaply (relative term) to build a better mousetrap - or race car as it were - wouldn't that draw interest to the sport, especially if I ran well and won races?

Jake James, Studio City, CA

RM: Well don’t forget that was the Renault team so it didn’t start from scratch like the INDYCAR effort. I can tell you that Tag and Servia might be behind but they will be thrilled to be away from Lotus. Nobody in the INDYCAR paddock can afford to build cars and engines unless it’s Roger Penske and I think it’s too steep for even The Captain.

Q: So with Lotus dropping BHA, and DDR does that actually mean they will invest more in HVM and Dragon? Did Herta and Reinbold jump off a cliff or do they have firm plans for engines? Simona cannot seem to catch a break I hope Lotus is serious and puts some resources behind their remaining cars will someone please give her a quality seat! On an unrelated note IMS sent me my own garage pass form this year, they have always sent them to my parents but after two years of getting one through my Dad they sent one to my house I cannot be prouder. I am finally a person to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. See you in May.

Nick, Brownsburg

RM: You would assume that losing two teams would help strengthen Lotus but Herta and Reinbold left happily even without a new engine deal signed. Congrats on your pass, next thing on your list should be a suite.

Q: I am glad NBC Sports is covering the Indy lights but I would have to say that this is the most disappointing field I have seen. The only highlight was Nick Andries in Herta’s car. Is Bryan Clauson going to run any Indy Lights race this year? I am also disappointed that I am unable to see the Star Mazda and USF2000, is there any future to seeing those races on the very least online? Also when is Indy Lights getting a new car? Can we assume a Mazda engine powered?

Paul Hirsch

RM: I’ve only heard of one of the Lights drivers (Saavedra) and I think there is only one or two Americans this year. Clauson is running the Indy 500. Can’t assume anything about the future of Lights.

Q: You wrote in mailbag that it is very difficult to see the driver's "working" the wheel from a spectating area. One tip I have for you is for Iowa speedway. The fan walk behind the pits extends well down into the first turn - almost to the tunnel. If you walk all the way down to then end you will have a pretty clear view into car as it is above you on the banking and not too far away. It is mid corner so you can really see the driver working and you are surprisingly close to the track. It is perhaps the best place at the track to watch a race and only requires a general admission ticket plus the fan walk access.

Mark Silverberg, Farmington Hills, Mich.

RM: That’s awesome, thanks for the tip. But this year you can see the cars sliding around so that’s an improvement.

Q: In your last mailbag you mentioned in one of your answers to Truth Serum that you'd like to see all mirrors vanish. Trying to wrap my head around that one but I can't see a benefit from it only bad crashes, maybe I'm missing something?

Jake

RM: I was just poking fun at today’s racing with spotters, mirrors, etc. because in the old days a racer knew exactly who was around him. But I understand today’s drivers have very little visibility with the new seats and they need some help.

Q: What are the odds of getting Paul Tracy in the announcer's booth? Experienced, fun to listen to, and no mouth filter. Sounds exactly like what the booth could use on NBC. Better yet get him in ABC's booth. Get Scott Goodyear out and PT in! I bet PT and Eddie Cheever would make an interesting duo...I'm watching Battle of the Supercars and while the show is kind of dumb, PT is pretty much the only reason for watching it. Actually if you, PT, and Townsend Bell all headed up to the booth, you guys could give the FOX NASCAR guys a run for their money...

Dave Zipf

RM: I’d vote for PT on the ABC telecast and Goodyear was his first driver instructor so maybe they would have some chemistry. It certainly couldn’t be any worse than it is.

Q: Does INDYCAR have a death wish? Leaving all the past remarks, wrong engine formula, wrong chassis, too much owner input, bad TV coverage... alone...let's look at just the current messes. The problem at Lotus was obvious from the get-go, and INDYCAR kept putting out PR about everything will be fine, just give some time. The rule book on the engines now has been thrown in the dumpster. The series has spent untold number of postings about how, "Since we imposed the rule...we MUST continue to enforce it". Oops...except we won't at Indy. The series has no idea of what reality is...."You can't spend $10.00 in product costs when it can't be sold for $1.00". Let's be honest...the series should have a race car that costs..... roped, soaped and doped.....for less than $750,000....not $3,500,000 as estimated by AJ Foyt. Now add to that.... in order to stay in business teams have added what drivers? According to the best estimates the drivers added might bring 10-12 new American fans.....MAYBE!! Now it is beginning to become apparent that Indy will have to pray that 33 actual cars will be available for the race. Oh, they'll have 34-35 entries...but at best there will be 29-30 cars that are somewhat competitive. In talking to several "old time racers", they are beginning to say, "Maybe IMS needs to cut the IRL loose, and put up a "junk formula" for Indy as a standalone race". Purse??? $25 million of which $10 million to win which has been mentioned before and that might just bring back some reality. The Speedway just doesn't fit the road/street scenario well...so why kill both...when the "500" can not only survive, but prosper alone, and let the reincarnation of CART (The "T" part of that stands for teams, and owners should NEVER have control of any series)... go on their merry unsustainable way on their own? INDY Fans want racing, and 90% couldn't care less if the engine was 2.2 liters or 400 cubic inches, and if cars are made of carbon fiber or card board...they'd like to see different looks and different sounds and drivers who can drive...not just be brave. 250-260 MPH on the straights and then have to actually slow down to successfully negotiate the four corners, would be great. Indy racing as we all loved it.... is dying..... Long live the NEW KING!!

Ted Wolfram

RM: I guess Ted didn’t like the first four races of 2012. Hey, no doubt there’s still a lot of work to be done and INDYCAR is far from fixed. But it’s certainly ahead of where it was a few years ago and seems to be gaining some traction.

The opinions reflected herein are solely those of the above commentator and are not necessarily those of SPEED.com, FOX, NewsCorp, or SPEED.

Robin Miller brings 40 years of experience to his role as SPEED.com's senior open-wheel reporter, and serves as a frequent contributor to SPEED Center and Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.