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IndyCar
INDYCAR: Miller’s Mailbag, 9.29
We've got a fever, and the only thing that'll satisfy it is More Mailbag. Here's the latest batch of Q&A items from the best IndyCar scribe on the planet.
Simona De Silvestro has been plenty impressive in her rookie IndyCar season, but the combination of a minuscule budget and a few expensive crashes led to an anxious couple of days at HVM Racing last 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: What's the scoop on HVM. Did Wiggins forget to pay rent? Did he know that this was coming and got his equipment out ahead of the landlord? Does Simona have a ride?
Why is there nothing in the press? On another note, I've signed up for the ticket info at Milwaukee and have yet to hear anything, got any news on what pricing for tickets and paddock passes will be?
Mike in GB
RM: Just a misunderstanding between Wiggins and the landlord and all was resolved by last Sunday morning. Simona's car is on its way to Homestead and I didn't write anything because Keith was in Europe and by the time he got back to me, there was no story. Nothing yet on Milwaukee but we'll keep you posted when we hear something.
Q: What is the story with Rafa Matos? There are a lot of Matos apologists out there, saying that he is just about to explode on the scene. I know Rafa won everything under the sun including an Atlantics championship, Indy Lights Championship, and won his first two races in lights at St. Pete a few years ago. But he has now had two full seasons in equipment that is at a minimum average to above average. In 32 races, he only has a pair of top 5’s and no podiums. He has fared a little better on the road courses than the ovals. I thought he might contend for wins on the road courses but that hasn’t been the case. Has he ever made the fast six? He is in a paid seat that several free agents want with better results in Indycars, is it time for the team to make a change or is the team the problem? So the million dollar question is does he have it to be a race winner or is he the next Jeff Simmons?
BSU Darren
RM: For whatever reason, Rafa seems wildly inconsistent and you have to think that having a teammate might really help stabilize him. He qualified third at Long Beach in 2009 but 10th has been his best this season. Finished fourth at Brazil and The Glen and certainly seems to have the right stuff to succeed but people are beginning to wonder.
Q: Just so you don't have to toot your own horn, you're just one race away from your pick (Will Power) to win the championship. I hope he can do it.
Kyle S.
RM: Thanks for bringing that up Kyle (your check is in the mail) and, whether he wins the title or not, Power's overall story has been the best one of 2010.
Q: I would like to express my discontent at the fact that IndyCar will not be returning to Watkins Glen in 2011. I'm sure there is more about the situation that is being said in public, but it seems to me that the only side of the argument to blame is IndyCar. How can they seriously expect a track to fork over an extra 1.5 million dollars to allow a series to come to Watkins Glen? On top of that, The Glen doesn't even make money on this race at all! They make all of their money on Nascar and a Wine Festival. I honestly don't blame ISC for what they did. Terrible business strategy IndyCar. You've now forced a rabid upstate New York fan base to settle for sports cars (which are fine by me), and, NASCAR. The northeast does now have three races, Baltimore, Toronto and Loudon. But I would NOT pay to see races at either of those facilities. None of them compare to the history that the Glen has. I can only hope that IndyCar opens their eyes for 2012 and allows one of the best road courses in the country the opportunity to host the best open-wheel series in the country. It's a damn shame!
Matthew C. Boyce, Watkins Glen, NY
RM: First off, I think all the drivers are sad The Glen is no longer on the schedule because, like Elkhart Lake, it's a traditional, scenic, bad ass road course where Indy cars can actually pass each other. If you love road racing, you love The Glen. I don't blame The Glen for not wanting to pay $1.5 million either but ISC has not exactly been a great partner the past few years. Randy Bernard was hired to try and stop the bleeding and, it appears, found an ally in Bruton Smith. In a perfect world, IndyCar could work out a deal to go back to Phoenix and Watkins Glen but that doesn't seem likely at the moment.
Q: How many years are left on the Indianapolis 500 TV contract with ABC, and can you see Jeff Belskus and Randy Bernard trying to move the coverage to NBC once the Comcast takeover is finalized?
Phil, West Lafayette, IN
RM: ABC's contract expires following the 2011 race and I know Randy has talked with FOX and NBC. The key to NBC is Comcast, which as you pointed out is in the process of buying 51 percent of NBC, and has discussed changing VERSUS to NBC Sports. We all know the current TV contract (eight more years on VERSUS) is a slow, painful death but getting out of it appears impossible.
Q: I see that there will be no Indy cars racing at ISC tracks in 2011. I am disappointed. I am a seat holder at Kansas Speedway since it opened and have always enjoyed the show the IRL/Indycar series puts on there. Do you think Indycar will kiss and make up with the France family for 2012 or beyond?
Thom Taylor, Dale, WI.
RM: As I stated in an earlier answer, that doesn't seem likely in the near future but the poor attendance at KC, Chicago and Homestead helped dictate their demise. The good news is that you can go back to Milwaukee next year.
Q: One great way to get more fan recognition with Indy drivers would be to assign drivers the same number year after year. As it stands now, if a driver moves to a different team he/she gets a different number. The number can constantly change from year to year. For motorcycle racing, the AMA assigns a number to a racer, and that number stays with the racer year after year. In Indy Car, the number stays with the team. I can remember the motorcycle racer numbers from years ago. Why? Because the number was always associated with the racer. Do you think most folks know Danica Patrick’s number? How about Will Power, our current points leader? And anyone know Dario Franchitti’s number, our points challenger? Keeping the number attached to the racer assists in racer recognition. It in provides the casual fan an easier way to find their favorite racer year after year. The only exception to this rule is to award the #1 plate to the series champion.
Tim Shaughnessy, Knoxville, TN
RM: Your logic is spot on but the real problem is that very few drivers are ever in the same car from year to year so that kinda defeats the purpose. Hell, I go to all the races and I can't remember who is in which car some weekends. I believe Conquest and Dreyer & Reinbold will have each had five different drivers during this season so until the paddock can stabilize (a huge if), the ride buyers and swappers will rule and we'll stay confused.
Q: What will happen to the cars the teams are running now, when the new car comes out? I have always wanted to run the salt flats, and think a old Indy car would be just the thing. All the aero is already done. How much do you think a old car less engine, transmission, and electronics would cost?
Randy Easton, Westfield, IN
RM: Interesting idea (I was thinking more boat anchor than Bonneville) but there's going to be so many of them I would think you could get one for $25,000.
Q: It seems like you talk to Randy Bernard a little bit, can you do us a favor and show him the ending to the 2000 CART race at Michigan and tell him that this is what the series needs on ovals? Yeah it was "dangerous" I guess, but you also didn’t have pay drivers filling up half the field, I was at that race and honestly thought my heart was gonna give out, I had to sit down after the finish, and I was only 18! The speed and sound of the watered down cars now a days don't even compare anymore, nor the adrenaline rush you would get. I guess you can call it "diet" Indy at the moment. Well sir, I want my bad for your health, clog your arteries full of adrenaline, real open wheel racing back!
Jeff Dexter
RM: That duel between Montoya and Michael was much more entertaining than one of these 1.5-mile pack races today because they actually took turns passing each other at 230 mph! IndyCar races today at Texas and Chicago are also scary, but in a different way. Maybe the twin turbos in 2012 can restore some of the 2000 juice.
Q: I am saddened by the upcoming end of the season, but I have an idea for my off season fix. I heard that Randy and his staff reads your open wheel mail bag. If that is true, pay attention Randy. In the off season every couple of weeks IndyCar needs to post a race on-line (entire past not just the last 200 races, and include CART). Here is the fun part-let the fans choose the race. To have some sense of order let IndyCar pick about 10 races and have the fans vote from those 10 races., but have a way to allow the fans make suggestions for which race to put on the list. As an added bonus, IndyCar should randomly pick a fan that voted for that race and send them some merchandise, nothing major just a shirt, hat, etc. However, it would be cool if they can get something from the winner of the race. I vote for the 1997 Cleveland Grand Prix-it was my first race, other than the Indy 500. Alex Zanardi drove an incredible race that day. Almost forgot my shirt size is XXL.
Jamie A. Carr, Lebanon, Ohio
RM: You could be on to something. Fans are always sending me clips from YouTube on old USAC and CART races and anything to keep the open wheel fan's attention during the winter is a good idea. And I also like awarding merchandise. If Randy Bernard is traveling and doesn't see this week's mailbag, I'll forward your suggestion to him right now.
~Robin Miller
Q: What's the scoop on HVM. Did Wiggins forget to pay rent? Did he know that this was coming and got his equipment out ahead of the landlord? Does Simona have a ride?
Why is there nothing in the press? On another note, I've signed up for the ticket info at Milwaukee and have yet to hear anything, got any news on what pricing for tickets and paddock passes will be?
Mike in GB
RM: Just a misunderstanding between Wiggins and the landlord and all was resolved by last Sunday morning. Simona's car is on its way to Homestead and I didn't write anything because Keith was in Europe and by the time he got back to me, there was no story. Nothing yet on Milwaukee but we'll keep you posted when we hear something.
Q: What is the story with Rafa Matos? There are a lot of Matos apologists out there, saying that he is just about to explode on the scene. I know Rafa won everything under the sun including an Atlantics championship, Indy Lights Championship, and won his first two races in lights at St. Pete a few years ago. But he has now had two full seasons in equipment that is at a minimum average to above average. In 32 races, he only has a pair of top 5’s and no podiums. He has fared a little better on the road courses than the ovals. I thought he might contend for wins on the road courses but that hasn’t been the case. Has he ever made the fast six? He is in a paid seat that several free agents want with better results in Indycars, is it time for the team to make a change or is the team the problem? So the million dollar question is does he have it to be a race winner or is he the next Jeff Simmons?
BSU Darren
RM: For whatever reason, Rafa seems wildly inconsistent and you have to think that having a teammate might really help stabilize him. He qualified third at Long Beach in 2009 but 10th has been his best this season. Finished fourth at Brazil and The Glen and certainly seems to have the right stuff to succeed but people are beginning to wonder.
Q: Just so you don't have to toot your own horn, you're just one race away from your pick (Will Power) to win the championship. I hope he can do it.
Kyle S.
RM: Thanks for bringing that up Kyle (your check is in the mail) and, whether he wins the title or not, Power's overall story has been the best one of 2010.
Q: I would like to express my discontent at the fact that IndyCar will not be returning to Watkins Glen in 2011. I'm sure there is more about the situation that is being said in public, but it seems to me that the only side of the argument to blame is IndyCar. How can they seriously expect a track to fork over an extra 1.5 million dollars to allow a series to come to Watkins Glen? On top of that, The Glen doesn't even make money on this race at all! They make all of their money on Nascar and a Wine Festival. I honestly don't blame ISC for what they did. Terrible business strategy IndyCar. You've now forced a rabid upstate New York fan base to settle for sports cars (which are fine by me), and, NASCAR. The northeast does now have three races, Baltimore, Toronto and Loudon. But I would NOT pay to see races at either of those facilities. None of them compare to the history that the Glen has. I can only hope that IndyCar opens their eyes for 2012 and allows one of the best road courses in the country the opportunity to host the best open-wheel series in the country. It's a damn shame!
Matthew C. Boyce, Watkins Glen, NY
RM: First off, I think all the drivers are sad The Glen is no longer on the schedule because, like Elkhart Lake, it's a traditional, scenic, bad ass road course where Indy cars can actually pass each other. If you love road racing, you love The Glen. I don't blame The Glen for not wanting to pay $1.5 million either but ISC has not exactly been a great partner the past few years. Randy Bernard was hired to try and stop the bleeding and, it appears, found an ally in Bruton Smith. In a perfect world, IndyCar could work out a deal to go back to Phoenix and Watkins Glen but that doesn't seem likely at the moment.
Q: How many years are left on the Indianapolis 500 TV contract with ABC, and can you see Jeff Belskus and Randy Bernard trying to move the coverage to NBC once the Comcast takeover is finalized?
Phil, West Lafayette, IN
RM: ABC's contract expires following the 2011 race and I know Randy has talked with FOX and NBC. The key to NBC is Comcast, which as you pointed out is in the process of buying 51 percent of NBC, and has discussed changing VERSUS to NBC Sports. We all know the current TV contract (eight more years on VERSUS) is a slow, painful death but getting out of it appears impossible.
Q: I see that there will be no Indy cars racing at ISC tracks in 2011. I am disappointed. I am a seat holder at Kansas Speedway since it opened and have always enjoyed the show the IRL/Indycar series puts on there. Do you think Indycar will kiss and make up with the France family for 2012 or beyond?
Thom Taylor, Dale, WI.
RM: As I stated in an earlier answer, that doesn't seem likely in the near future but the poor attendance at KC, Chicago and Homestead helped dictate their demise. The good news is that you can go back to Milwaukee next year.
Q: One great way to get more fan recognition with Indy drivers would be to assign drivers the same number year after year. As it stands now, if a driver moves to a different team he/she gets a different number. The number can constantly change from year to year. For motorcycle racing, the AMA assigns a number to a racer, and that number stays with the racer year after year. In Indy Car, the number stays with the team. I can remember the motorcycle racer numbers from years ago. Why? Because the number was always associated with the racer. Do you think most folks know Danica Patrick’s number? How about Will Power, our current points leader? And anyone know Dario Franchitti’s number, our points challenger? Keeping the number attached to the racer assists in racer recognition. It in provides the casual fan an easier way to find their favorite racer year after year. The only exception to this rule is to award the #1 plate to the series champion.
Tim Shaughnessy, Knoxville, TN
RM: Your logic is spot on but the real problem is that very few drivers are ever in the same car from year to year so that kinda defeats the purpose. Hell, I go to all the races and I can't remember who is in which car some weekends. I believe Conquest and Dreyer & Reinbold will have each had five different drivers during this season so until the paddock can stabilize (a huge if), the ride buyers and swappers will rule and we'll stay confused.
Q: What will happen to the cars the teams are running now, when the new car comes out? I have always wanted to run the salt flats, and think a old Indy car would be just the thing. All the aero is already done. How much do you think a old car less engine, transmission, and electronics would cost?
Randy Easton, Westfield, IN
RM: Interesting idea (I was thinking more boat anchor than Bonneville) but there's going to be so many of them I would think you could get one for $25,000.
Q: It seems like you talk to Randy Bernard a little bit, can you do us a favor and show him the ending to the 2000 CART race at Michigan and tell him that this is what the series needs on ovals? Yeah it was "dangerous" I guess, but you also didn’t have pay drivers filling up half the field, I was at that race and honestly thought my heart was gonna give out, I had to sit down after the finish, and I was only 18! The speed and sound of the watered down cars now a days don't even compare anymore, nor the adrenaline rush you would get. I guess you can call it "diet" Indy at the moment. Well sir, I want my bad for your health, clog your arteries full of adrenaline, real open wheel racing back!
Jeff Dexter
RM: That duel between Montoya and Michael was much more entertaining than one of these 1.5-mile pack races today because they actually took turns passing each other at 230 mph! IndyCar races today at Texas and Chicago are also scary, but in a different way. Maybe the twin turbos in 2012 can restore some of the 2000 juice.
Q: I am saddened by the upcoming end of the season, but I have an idea for my off season fix. I heard that Randy and his staff reads your open wheel mail bag. If that is true, pay attention Randy. In the off season every couple of weeks IndyCar needs to post a race on-line (entire past not just the last 200 races, and include CART). Here is the fun part-let the fans choose the race. To have some sense of order let IndyCar pick about 10 races and have the fans vote from those 10 races., but have a way to allow the fans make suggestions for which race to put on the list. As an added bonus, IndyCar should randomly pick a fan that voted for that race and send them some merchandise, nothing major just a shirt, hat, etc. However, it would be cool if they can get something from the winner of the race. I vote for the 1997 Cleveland Grand Prix-it was my first race, other than the Indy 500. Alex Zanardi drove an incredible race that day. Almost forgot my shirt size is XXL.
Jamie A. Carr, Lebanon, Ohio
RM: You could be on to something. Fans are always sending me clips from YouTube on old USAC and CART races and anything to keep the open wheel fan's attention during the winter is a good idea. And I also like awarding merchandise. If Randy Bernard is traveling and doesn't see this week's mailbag, I'll forward your suggestion to him right now.
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