-
Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
IndyCar
INDYCAR: Miller’s Mailbag, 7.13
The Mailbag is overwhelmed this week with questions, answers and rants about Toronto.
Toronto winner Dario Franchitti is not the most popular man amongst Mailbag readers this week. (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: We have to have some good hate on the IndyCar circuit after the Toronto race! First off, the double-file restarts are making the Street and road course races so much more enjoyable and interesting. If I wanted to go to a parade, there's one every Saturday before the 500! Sure there's been some carnage, but the owners aren't going to need these chassis after this year so "have at it boys." Secondly, the drivers ripping the other drivers or flipping them the bird (or thumb Danica) makes for good TV and subsequently good TV highlights for Speed Center and the like. Do you think Tony Cotman and Little Al felt like the drivers weren't giving each other enough room, especially in Turn 3? It seems like a lot of it could've been avoided by giving each other a couple of inches. What do you expect TGBB and/or Cotman and Unser to say to the drivers before Edmonton, especially considering its the site of "the call"? I know it’s not in a drivers mentality to give his or her opponent room, but side-by-side racing is what the fans want to see and if this particular crop wants to be known as the "greatest drivers in the world," then they need to prove it to us and their competitors by beating their pursuer off the corner cleanly. Seems simple in concept! Can't wait for Edmonton.
Scott St. Clair, Erie, PA
RM: Amen. I've watched plenty of parades in the past 30 years on streets and at least we now have some overtaking mixed with exciting restarts and crashes. Were they all perfect? Of course not but only one Gilhooley in Turn 1 -- not bad for such a tight fit. Cotman said in my commentary today he thought all three accidents could have been avoided with a little give and take in Turn 3. This group needs to try to be the best in North America first.
Q: I'm about through with TCGR and their BS. Dario punts Will for the win and opens up a huge lead in the points. Those final restarts were pathetic, I don't agree with Michael Andretti's whining often, but he was spot-on when he said they TCGR were spreading out on the restarts to save fuel. Dixon whines about Rahal being hard to pass (it's still called racing right?). The whole bunch of them need some humility to cool their heels and I don't foresee it coming since it appears they can do whatever they want with impunity. For what it's worth, I don't think Dario should have been penalized for punting Will since nobody else was penalized that I'm aware of for doing what he did, if so, most of the field would have been driving through pit lane every other lap. That said, Dario's defense of his actions are pretty thin, after initially being contrite, he quickly reverted back to his babyish ways of blaming the other guy (who he punted out of the race). On the plus side, Will Power is my hero for calling Dario "Princess" on Twitter and calling Tags a "wanker" on live TV. THAT Dario, is how you whine, not after you've won a race, but after you have truly been wronged.
Joe, Bloomington, IN
RM: I'm still trying to figure out why Dixon was mad at Rahal but I understand why everybody was pissed off about those aborted restarts. Will is convinced Dario spun him on purpose but I'm not convinced of that. And I'm not a twitter advocate, I prefer drivers going right to the source of their anger.
Q: What was that on Sunday in Toronto? That is not racing....not only that but the double file restarts where a joke....Why can't RB see that driving around a parking lot is not racing.. If they feel the need to balance between ovals or road courses then just stick to tracks like Road America or Sonoma....Any chance they can bring back Nazareth Pa. back...because if RB or IZOD want to attract fans this was not it....Why wasn't anyone penalized for the double start fiasco??
Felice, Auburndale, NY
RM: In between yellows I thought there was some good racing and last couple restarts were weak but the first half dozen were OK. Bernard is trying to find venues that want Indy car races and ovals mostly have been financial losers the past 15 years. Polesitters and leaders have been jumping starts for a long time and will continue to do so until TGBB gets tough (and that ain't gonna happen). Nazareth no longer exists.
Q: What a fantastic race! So much carnage, bad blood and drama. I loved every second of it. There’s enough hate brewing to make thing interesting and meaningful for the rest of the season.
Don, Minneapolis
RM: Agreed, too bad there isn't a race this weekend. I'm afraid the off week will bring back peace, love and understanding.
Q: Sunday's crash fest sucked, but at least you get your "hate" Robin. I hate Dario; he took out Will, I hate I hate Tag; he punted Will, I hate Helio for bringing out the caution that screwed Will, I hate Chip because he acted like a stinking politician! Let's start with Dario, he knew Will had the line and stuck his nose where it didn't belong, enough said! Tag drove right into a guy driving for the championship and for what.... one stinking position that doesn't make a hill of beans to his race! And Helio, here is a guy I have been supporting since he grabbed a pole for Carl Hogan in a non-sponsored car back in 1999. The one thing Will didn't need a was a yellow and his stinking teammate screws him again by driving like an idiot...ahh, memories of Edmonton 2010. And then we have Chip's quotes of the day..."I wasn't in the car, I don't know what was going on", "what penalty?", "what woman?" (OK, I made that one up)...And when it was so stinkin' obvious on why Rahal kept messing up the restarts to get yellows and extend his chances to help Chip get a 1-2-3 finish ...Chip says "not uh, that's not what happened" OK, not an exact quote but a paraphrase that's pretty damn close and Chip says this crap with a straight face; now I can finally say that I agreed with Michael Andretti when he griped about the same thing! Ouch!
By the way, I don't really like Chip and his drivers but I support Target for their involvement in racing and The St. Jude Hospital. And that is the only positive thing I can say about today and every race day. Thanks to all the sponsors that put up with crappy race weekends.
TJ Spitzmiller, Rio Rancho, NM
RM: Chip is pretty hate-able sometimes, it's part of his charm.
Q: Helluva race, and a lot of WTF moments. Double file restarts were a joke. Randy can't keep promising these if they don't happen and what the hell is wrong with the announcers not even commenting on the lack of them? And why would the announcers tell us that there is a drive thru penalty for Dario and then have Al come on and say "never thought about it." It's obvious someone is lying and that makes for bad coverage and pissed off fans. While there were some pretty good moments of racing it seems these drivers didn't make themselves look good with a "last man standing" race. Great to see the drivers get pissed and call each other out and not just give the same humdrum BS. You OK from all that running during the Grid Walk?
Jake
RM: I was in Turn 1 most of the race and the first few restarts were close and clean before the last few went to hell. As for the penalty, none was called (bad information given to VERSUS crew) or even considered, according to Cotman and Unser. Of course we enjoy conflict, that's what racing usually brings. The Grid Run is fun, but I may need oxygen soon.
Q: I have just turned off the TV coverage of the Toronto race after hearing about the non-penalty for Franchitti spearing Power. The ridiculous non-officiating in this series has made it a joke. I have been attending Indycar races since USAC ran the show, then CART, then IRL. I have waited patiently for the product to regain the stature it used to have. It is my opinion that it will not succeed in doing that as long as TGBB has anything to do with the series. Open note to Mr. Bernard: I thank you for your efforts, but I quit.
Mike, Overland Park, KS
RM: The only thing drivers, mechanics and teams want from TGBB is consistency on calls but that's as likely as Danica coming back to drive for Andretti.
Q: What a freakin’ joke; I’m a charter member of the “Anybody But Penske Club" but Power got hosed by Franchitti, Ganassi and IndyCar. Tell Little Al to get his butt out of the hospitality trailer and watch the race…Briscoe should have been penalized in the Kanaan incident to set the correct tone and perhaps the avoid the Saturday night modifieds’ spectacle that followed. And why wasn’t Rahal sent to the back on his flagrant second restart stunt?
David Spear
RM: I don't think we can blame Ganassi for hosing Power and if Briscoe didn't get penalized, it was kinda tough to flag anybody else. None of the drivers are scared of jumping starts because nobody is ever penalized.
Q: Since you apparently have Randy Bernard's ear on all things Indy... Can you get him to replace Brian Brainfart as the alleged Pres of Race Operations with someone else, like Fred Flintstone (oh, wait, that might not be much of a change). I think that most of the "incidents" at Toronto were caused by drivers not giving each other racing room; but some were clearly drivers plowing into others and nothing was done to them. My beef with Brian really stems back to Edmonton, where he dictated which lane overtaking drivers could use (thus Helio's penalty) instead of just penalizing multiple blocking moves (which makes much more sense in terms of RACING). While you're at it, we need standing starts at road/street circuits, since the drivers can't line-up properly for the flying start (let's not even get into the double-file restarts during the race).
Tom, Beacon, NY
RM: I spent the first six months of Randy Bernard's tenure expounding on TGBB's shortcomings and I've run out of adjectives. Cotman used standing starts in Champ Car in 2007 and they were clean and exciting.
Q: I am a 34-year-old IndyCar fan who has been to more than 50 races in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, of course Indianapolis, California, Virginia, Kentucky and Florida. And after today's race at Toronto, I am DONE. Until TGBB is fired and Al Unser Jr. is removed, I am finished. Randy, you can have my Kentucky ticket and Baltimore ticket back. I no longer want them. You have made many great strides as leader of this organization, but in racing competition dealing with TGBB you have failed us fans. I took my 5 and 6 year old sons to Indy for the first time this year and they have watched every race since but can no longer encourage a racing series that promotes driver bitc*&ing and whining and terrible race calling by officials. Randy, you have lost three young fans and thousands of dollars. Congratulations.
Aaron, Cincinnati
RM: Bitching and whining is part of all racing series but don't deprive your kids of Indy cars. Be patient, please.
Q: I thought an awesome race but curious if you thought the crowds compared to the past? Looked great on TV and I think they got their money's worth. I found it funny watching Power after the race and have thought since last year he might be a bit odd. I can't imagine he is a guy with a lot of friends among other racers and not because he has kicked many of their asses. He just seems wired a little different and wanted to know what you thought of him personally. Also I think he pinched Dario on that corner if anything but 50/50 is about fair - A RACING THING! I thought Simona drove a nice race and Danica needs to go as her whining bothers the s**t out of me. Finally those restarts were a joke as they should have thrown a yellow each time and penalized the leaders for taking off early - what in the hell are they thinking?
Mike Nicholas, Aurora, CO
RM: Better crowd this year than last, although nothing approaching the good old days (a couple of big grandstands on the main straightaway are no longer standing) but it was better promoted this time and it seems to be coming back. Will is good people and he lives to drive a race car. Danica had two good reasons to complain on Sunday. If I knew what TGBB was thinking, I'd be confused. Oh wait, I am.
Q: Sunday’s crash fest in Toronto has me wondering why F1 drivers seem to be able to go two-wide in tight corners without crashing every week (even if it is just on the first lap) but Indycar drivers can’t seem to leave room for one another. Any thoughts?
Jeff in Springfield, OH
RM: Not much side-by-side stuff at Monaco so my response is that tiny, tight street courses breed accidents in 225 mph race cars. And F1 has a first-lap accident of some kind in almost every race.
Q: Where in the hell was Brian Barnhart during Sunday's race at Toronto? Why no penalties? I think was the worst was Marco Andretti's when he took out Oriol Servia and Justin Wilson but there were certainly more. We know he is incompetent but to call nothing was beyond even that. Please Randy Bernard, remove this guy. Robin, your opinion?
Paul Fitzgerald
RM: He was in Race Control all day but obviously in a benevolent mood. If Marco didn't get penalized after rooting Servia and Wilson and improving his finish in the process, not sure what avoidable contact could be. My opinion of TGBB? You're joking, right?
~Robin Miller
Q: We have to have some good hate on the IndyCar circuit after the Toronto race! First off, the double-file restarts are making the Street and road course races so much more enjoyable and interesting. If I wanted to go to a parade, there's one every Saturday before the 500! Sure there's been some carnage, but the owners aren't going to need these chassis after this year so "have at it boys." Secondly, the drivers ripping the other drivers or flipping them the bird (or thumb Danica) makes for good TV and subsequently good TV highlights for Speed Center and the like. Do you think Tony Cotman and Little Al felt like the drivers weren't giving each other enough room, especially in Turn 3? It seems like a lot of it could've been avoided by giving each other a couple of inches. What do you expect TGBB and/or Cotman and Unser to say to the drivers before Edmonton, especially considering its the site of "the call"? I know it’s not in a drivers mentality to give his or her opponent room, but side-by-side racing is what the fans want to see and if this particular crop wants to be known as the "greatest drivers in the world," then they need to prove it to us and their competitors by beating their pursuer off the corner cleanly. Seems simple in concept! Can't wait for Edmonton.
Scott St. Clair, Erie, PA
RM: Amen. I've watched plenty of parades in the past 30 years on streets and at least we now have some overtaking mixed with exciting restarts and crashes. Were they all perfect? Of course not but only one Gilhooley in Turn 1 -- not bad for such a tight fit. Cotman said in my commentary today he thought all three accidents could have been avoided with a little give and take in Turn 3. This group needs to try to be the best in North America first.
Q: I'm about through with TCGR and their BS. Dario punts Will for the win and opens up a huge lead in the points. Those final restarts were pathetic, I don't agree with Michael Andretti's whining often, but he was spot-on when he said they TCGR were spreading out on the restarts to save fuel. Dixon whines about Rahal being hard to pass (it's still called racing right?). The whole bunch of them need some humility to cool their heels and I don't foresee it coming since it appears they can do whatever they want with impunity. For what it's worth, I don't think Dario should have been penalized for punting Will since nobody else was penalized that I'm aware of for doing what he did, if so, most of the field would have been driving through pit lane every other lap. That said, Dario's defense of his actions are pretty thin, after initially being contrite, he quickly reverted back to his babyish ways of blaming the other guy (who he punted out of the race). On the plus side, Will Power is my hero for calling Dario "Princess" on Twitter and calling Tags a "wanker" on live TV. THAT Dario, is how you whine, not after you've won a race, but after you have truly been wronged.
Joe, Bloomington, IN
RM: I'm still trying to figure out why Dixon was mad at Rahal but I understand why everybody was pissed off about those aborted restarts. Will is convinced Dario spun him on purpose but I'm not convinced of that. And I'm not a twitter advocate, I prefer drivers going right to the source of their anger.
Q: What was that on Sunday in Toronto? That is not racing....not only that but the double file restarts where a joke....Why can't RB see that driving around a parking lot is not racing.. If they feel the need to balance between ovals or road courses then just stick to tracks like Road America or Sonoma....Any chance they can bring back Nazareth Pa. back...because if RB or IZOD want to attract fans this was not it....Why wasn't anyone penalized for the double start fiasco??
Felice, Auburndale, NY
RM: In between yellows I thought there was some good racing and last couple restarts were weak but the first half dozen were OK. Bernard is trying to find venues that want Indy car races and ovals mostly have been financial losers the past 15 years. Polesitters and leaders have been jumping starts for a long time and will continue to do so until TGBB gets tough (and that ain't gonna happen). Nazareth no longer exists.
Q: What a fantastic race! So much carnage, bad blood and drama. I loved every second of it. There’s enough hate brewing to make thing interesting and meaningful for the rest of the season.
Don, Minneapolis
RM: Agreed, too bad there isn't a race this weekend. I'm afraid the off week will bring back peace, love and understanding.
Q: Sunday's crash fest sucked, but at least you get your "hate" Robin. I hate Dario; he took out Will, I hate I hate Tag; he punted Will, I hate Helio for bringing out the caution that screwed Will, I hate Chip because he acted like a stinking politician! Let's start with Dario, he knew Will had the line and stuck his nose where it didn't belong, enough said! Tag drove right into a guy driving for the championship and for what.... one stinking position that doesn't make a hill of beans to his race! And Helio, here is a guy I have been supporting since he grabbed a pole for Carl Hogan in a non-sponsored car back in 1999. The one thing Will didn't need a was a yellow and his stinking teammate screws him again by driving like an idiot...ahh, memories of Edmonton 2010. And then we have Chip's quotes of the day..."I wasn't in the car, I don't know what was going on", "what penalty?", "what woman?" (OK, I made that one up)...And when it was so stinkin' obvious on why Rahal kept messing up the restarts to get yellows and extend his chances to help Chip get a 1-2-3 finish ...Chip says "not uh, that's not what happened" OK, not an exact quote but a paraphrase that's pretty damn close and Chip says this crap with a straight face; now I can finally say that I agreed with Michael Andretti when he griped about the same thing! Ouch!
By the way, I don't really like Chip and his drivers but I support Target for their involvement in racing and The St. Jude Hospital. And that is the only positive thing I can say about today and every race day. Thanks to all the sponsors that put up with crappy race weekends.
TJ Spitzmiller, Rio Rancho, NM
RM: Chip is pretty hate-able sometimes, it's part of his charm.
Q: Helluva race, and a lot of WTF moments. Double file restarts were a joke. Randy can't keep promising these if they don't happen and what the hell is wrong with the announcers not even commenting on the lack of them? And why would the announcers tell us that there is a drive thru penalty for Dario and then have Al come on and say "never thought about it." It's obvious someone is lying and that makes for bad coverage and pissed off fans. While there were some pretty good moments of racing it seems these drivers didn't make themselves look good with a "last man standing" race. Great to see the drivers get pissed and call each other out and not just give the same humdrum BS. You OK from all that running during the Grid Walk?
Jake
RM: I was in Turn 1 most of the race and the first few restarts were close and clean before the last few went to hell. As for the penalty, none was called (bad information given to VERSUS crew) or even considered, according to Cotman and Unser. Of course we enjoy conflict, that's what racing usually brings. The Grid Run is fun, but I may need oxygen soon.
Q: I have just turned off the TV coverage of the Toronto race after hearing about the non-penalty for Franchitti spearing Power. The ridiculous non-officiating in this series has made it a joke. I have been attending Indycar races since USAC ran the show, then CART, then IRL. I have waited patiently for the product to regain the stature it used to have. It is my opinion that it will not succeed in doing that as long as TGBB has anything to do with the series. Open note to Mr. Bernard: I thank you for your efforts, but I quit.
Mike, Overland Park, KS
RM: The only thing drivers, mechanics and teams want from TGBB is consistency on calls but that's as likely as Danica coming back to drive for Andretti.
Q: What a freakin’ joke; I’m a charter member of the “Anybody But Penske Club" but Power got hosed by Franchitti, Ganassi and IndyCar. Tell Little Al to get his butt out of the hospitality trailer and watch the race…Briscoe should have been penalized in the Kanaan incident to set the correct tone and perhaps the avoid the Saturday night modifieds’ spectacle that followed. And why wasn’t Rahal sent to the back on his flagrant second restart stunt?
David Spear
RM: I don't think we can blame Ganassi for hosing Power and if Briscoe didn't get penalized, it was kinda tough to flag anybody else. None of the drivers are scared of jumping starts because nobody is ever penalized.
Q: Since you apparently have Randy Bernard's ear on all things Indy... Can you get him to replace Brian Brainfart as the alleged Pres of Race Operations with someone else, like Fred Flintstone (oh, wait, that might not be much of a change). I think that most of the "incidents" at Toronto were caused by drivers not giving each other racing room; but some were clearly drivers plowing into others and nothing was done to them. My beef with Brian really stems back to Edmonton, where he dictated which lane overtaking drivers could use (thus Helio's penalty) instead of just penalizing multiple blocking moves (which makes much more sense in terms of RACING). While you're at it, we need standing starts at road/street circuits, since the drivers can't line-up properly for the flying start (let's not even get into the double-file restarts during the race).
Tom, Beacon, NY
RM: I spent the first six months of Randy Bernard's tenure expounding on TGBB's shortcomings and I've run out of adjectives. Cotman used standing starts in Champ Car in 2007 and they were clean and exciting.
Q: I am a 34-year-old IndyCar fan who has been to more than 50 races in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, of course Indianapolis, California, Virginia, Kentucky and Florida. And after today's race at Toronto, I am DONE. Until TGBB is fired and Al Unser Jr. is removed, I am finished. Randy, you can have my Kentucky ticket and Baltimore ticket back. I no longer want them. You have made many great strides as leader of this organization, but in racing competition dealing with TGBB you have failed us fans. I took my 5 and 6 year old sons to Indy for the first time this year and they have watched every race since but can no longer encourage a racing series that promotes driver bitc*&ing and whining and terrible race calling by officials. Randy, you have lost three young fans and thousands of dollars. Congratulations.
Aaron, Cincinnati
RM: Bitching and whining is part of all racing series but don't deprive your kids of Indy cars. Be patient, please.
Q: I thought an awesome race but curious if you thought the crowds compared to the past? Looked great on TV and I think they got their money's worth. I found it funny watching Power after the race and have thought since last year he might be a bit odd. I can't imagine he is a guy with a lot of friends among other racers and not because he has kicked many of their asses. He just seems wired a little different and wanted to know what you thought of him personally. Also I think he pinched Dario on that corner if anything but 50/50 is about fair - A RACING THING! I thought Simona drove a nice race and Danica needs to go as her whining bothers the s**t out of me. Finally those restarts were a joke as they should have thrown a yellow each time and penalized the leaders for taking off early - what in the hell are they thinking?
Mike Nicholas, Aurora, CO
RM: Better crowd this year than last, although nothing approaching the good old days (a couple of big grandstands on the main straightaway are no longer standing) but it was better promoted this time and it seems to be coming back. Will is good people and he lives to drive a race car. Danica had two good reasons to complain on Sunday. If I knew what TGBB was thinking, I'd be confused. Oh wait, I am.
Q: Sunday’s crash fest in Toronto has me wondering why F1 drivers seem to be able to go two-wide in tight corners without crashing every week (even if it is just on the first lap) but Indycar drivers can’t seem to leave room for one another. Any thoughts?
Jeff in Springfield, OH
RM: Not much side-by-side stuff at Monaco so my response is that tiny, tight street courses breed accidents in 225 mph race cars. And F1 has a first-lap accident of some kind in almost every race.
Q: Where in the hell was Brian Barnhart during Sunday's race at Toronto? Why no penalties? I think was the worst was Marco Andretti's when he took out Oriol Servia and Justin Wilson but there were certainly more. We know he is incompetent but to call nothing was beyond even that. Please Randy Bernard, remove this guy. Robin, your opinion?
Paul Fitzgerald
RM: He was in Race Control all day but obviously in a benevolent mood. If Marco didn't get penalized after rooting Servia and Wilson and improving his finish in the process, not sure what avoidable contact could be. My opinion of TGBB? You're joking, right?
2013 INDY 500 Practice
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTO-RACING
-
MILLER: My Annual Indy 500 Quiz
It’s time for Robin Miller's annual Indy 500 quiz. -
INDYCAR: Miller's Mailbag, 5.23
It's time for SPEED.com's weekly IndyCar Q&A with Robin Miller's… -
INDYCAR: HIPPINO.com To Sponsor Kanaan At Detroit
Just a few weeks after announcing the KV Racing-SH Racing entry of… -
PHOTOS: Indy 500 Practice & Qualifying 2013
Enjoy a huge collection of photos from practice and qualifying while… -
LE MANS: BoP Adjustments For GTE Announced
GTE-Pro Aston Martins handed extra weight, larger restrictor for… -
LE MANS: Jim France Named LM24 Starter
GRAND-AM founder and NASCAR Vice Chairman to wave tri-colour flag… -
INDYCAR: 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh To Pace The Indy 500
Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, will drive the… - More News
