Welcome to the RACER Mailbag. Questions for any of RACER’s writers might be despatched to mailbag@racer.com. We love listening to your feedback and opinions, however letters that embrace a query usually tend to be revealed. Questions acquired after 3pm ET every Monday might be saved for the next week.
Q: The racing at Iowa was higher than anticipated, and crowds had been far worse. Can we return subsequent yr for a Wednesday/Thursday evening double-header that follows the MLB All-Star recreation and is held underneath the lights with a community viewers?
Dan, Brownsburg, IN
MARSHALL PRUETT: Area of IndyCar Goals. I’m all-in on this. And let’s simply do a single day, single race and make it particular. If that doesn’t work, nothing will.
Q: Are engine replacements reported someplace followers can see? Could be attention-grabbing to see when groups selected or needed to exchange an engine.
Have you learnt if Will Energy needed to get a brand new engine for Iowa? I watched Chevy guys actually his engine within the storage after he was out of the Mid-Ohio race.
Craig
MP: Chevy and Honda provide IndyCar with lists of obtainable engines as they’re constructed/rebuilt and prepared for use, and IndyCar picks them at random and tells Chevy/Honda to ship that motor to the workforce in want. IndyCar then does a serial quantity affirmation to make sure what’s within the automotive matches what they mentioned to place within the automotive.
Energy obtained a recent engine for Iowa, sure.
Q: I imagine Scott McLaughlin has what it takes to be an IndyCar collection champion. Ought to it occur, it’d make him the champion of two completely different high tier collection. How many individuals – and who – have been capable of pull that off?
Shawn, MD
MP: Unusual to see so many unforced errors in his fifth season. He was my pre-season choose for the title. Of those that come instantly to thoughts in latest occasions, Simon Pagenaud gained the 2010 ALMS Prototype championship and the 2016 IndyCar title. Juan Pablo Montoya gained the 1999 CART IndyCar championship and the 2019 IMSA DPi championship as nicely. I am certain there are others.
Q: Simply heard in the direction of the tip of Saturday’s Iowa race that Chevy messaged all Chevy groups telling them to not use the assault mode setting anymore. I assume Chevy could have nothing to say about this. Do you assume they noticed some information that made them fear concerning the engine giving out?
Craig
MP: Right on Chevy having a constant coverage on not speaking about such issues. With out understanding what was or wasn’t messaged, sure, if a producer asks groups to not do one thing, there’s normally a cause for it.
Q: I simply watched Iowa Race 1. Just a few attention-grabbing storylines (Penske’s resurgence, O’Ward’s first win of 2025, Chevy operating up entrance), however the empty grandstands are a complete embarrassment.
The threatening climate was definitely an element, however how did they go from sellout crowds to this debacle so shortly? Was Hy-Vee gifting away tickets a number of years again? Did the ridiculous ticket costs with the concert events drive individuals away for good? Has the single-lane racing induced mass disinterest? I assume some mixture of these, however that is unacceptable humiliation.
There have to be an answer for this nice facility and terrific followers there. Perhaps one race, and on Saturday or Sunday evening (not late afternoon)? There are races at Knoxville this weekend, that may doubtless have higher attendance. Perhaps Penske Leisure may benefit from a title sponsor that may market the open-wheel weekend at each tracks? Clearly, they will go together with whoever gives cash to sponsor the race, however IndyCar clearly failed badly as a promoter right here. One thing labored nicely within the latest previous.
Tom Pate, Macomb, MI
MP: Ever seen the place a preferred band loses its recording cope with a significant label and returns on a smaller one — or they begin their very own label — they usually shed all the common curiosity followers and are left with simply the diehards? That’s what everybody simply noticed at Iowa Speedway after Hy-Vee left as co-promoter, sponsor, advertising and marketing drive, and bringer of massive musical acts.
With Penske Leisure as the only promoter, and minus the huge attain and sources Hy-Vee was keen to commit, there was all the time going to be a decline in attendance. Then issue within the brutally dangerous racing final yr when attendance was barely down — even with the enormous nation acts and no matter crossover class that befits Put up Malone — on not one, however two 275-lap events, and you’ve got the recipe that creates loads of empty stands final weekend.
Saturday’s race wasn’t a sustained thriller, but it surely obtained higher because it went on and the second lane was revealed to numerous drivers as one thing that may very well be used to cross. Sunday was higher — not just like the crazy-great Iowas of the previous — and confirmed some life for a lot of the contest.
If Sunday’s Iowa race may very well be barely improved upon, it’s nicely value going again, however the sparse crowd is what nothing however diehards seem like. I don’t know if one driver main 242 laps on Saturday with Newgarden and Palou main 194 of 275 on Sunday would leap out as superb to informal followers and get them to return — assuming they watched the races on FOX – and with these visuals of the occasion being unworthy of widespread attendance, that’s one other merchandise to think about.
I consider final yr’s doubleheader like a musical act as nicely, and it placed on two dangerous concert events. Except I used to be a complete devotee to the band and didn’t care if the concert events had been horrible, how would the typical individual react in the event that they heard the identical band was returning for 2 extra concert events? I believe most individuals would cross, which doubtless explains the abundance of shiny and empty aluminum seats.
If an IndyCar drives previous and no person is within the grandstand to listen to it, does it nonetheless make a sound? Joe Skibinski/IMS
Q: It’s no secret that IndyCar has little or no curiosity exterior of mainly 4 occasions: the five hundred, Street America, Lengthy Seashore and Mid-Ohio. The remainder of the races have little to no attendance. Persons are clamoring for extra ovals, however but no person reveals up. I’m all for doubling the Street America and Mid-Ohio rounds, the place individuals present up in droves, to maintain the schedule up within the mid-teens. How does the collection survive with out individuals within the stands?
Involved in Colorado
MP: Can’t agree with the primary assertion, however there’s no arguing the better level you make. I’ve run out of recent methods to say that IndyCar can’t proceed to race at locations the place individuals barely present up – not whereas it’s in a long-term rebuilding course of – but it surely additionally faces the difficulty of not having sufficient new tracks to go to that may remedy the low-attendance drawback. Which makes your thought one to think about, offered the Street Americas and Mid-Ohios are assured they may draw two huge crowds twice a yr.
Q: Simply completed watching Race 1 from Iowa. It was an entertaining race that confirmed the standard of racing the collection supplies. The gang, nonetheless, was past disappointing. Embarrassing, truly. Unsure what the reply is, however ovals apart from Indy simply don’t promote for the collection. Design a brand new automotive that may safely race on the present highway programs like Street Atlanta, Mosport, VIR, hopefully discover a number of extra road circuits, and depart the ovals to Indy.
Michael Veretta, Ilderton, Ontario, Canada
MP: Milwaukee had a powerful crowd on its return final yr. Nashville additionally did higher than anticipated after a extremely lengthy absence by IndyCar. Gateway (WWTR) has been good — with good being completely different from nice — regardless of some shrinkage from the early years of its return.
I didn’t develop up with quick ovals, however have come to like them virtually greater than highway and road programs, which is my pre-IndyCar background. I’d welcome all of the highway programs you point out, however I’d by no means need to shed the non-Indy ovals.
Q: What a humiliation, seeing all of the 1000’s of racing followers disguised as empty seats each days at Iowa. How are you going to have 350,000 individuals at Indy and 350 individuals at Iowa? Perhaps subsequent yr – if there’s a race – they need to give away all tickets at no cost and attempt to make up the misplaced income in parking and concessions. By the best way, each races had been nice and really thrilling.
Don, Grand Rapids
MP: Catch-22 right here. If IndyCar wants to take care of its oval selection and keep between 16-18 races, Iowa Speedway is a good location to think about. If IndyCar (Penske Leisure) must generate income, nicely, free tickets isn’t the best way to prop up a scarcity of demand until somebody believes it’s a advertising and marketing funding which may get Huge Firm X to spend a ton on turning into a Hy-Vee-level sponsor for 2027 and produce individuals again by way of immense promotions and sights past the racing.
Q: Josef Newgarden fired everybody seemingly on his workforce aside from his household after 2023. Unsure who was in his ear (or if he was simply in his personal head), however except for a second 500 win, he looks like a depressing individual. Does he assume that alone was value it? He’s perceived as a cheater, a liar, and dangerous man – by me and plenty of others. It’s additionally clear to me that at the very least certainly one of his teammates seems like me. Is that this ‘makeover’ all Josef’s doing? In that case, like somebody who represents himself in court docket, he has a idiot for a shopper. If not, I’d submit he fired the fallacious individual/individuals.
Mike DeQuardo, Elkhart Lake
MP: Actually arduous to reply, Mike. Josef retains his inside circle small, however two issues stand out from the periphery: He’s obtained a crew on the No. 2 Chevy who’re as ride-or-die as I’ve come throughout. From his crew chief to the remainder of the mechanics to the engineers on the timing stand, that’s a tight-knit group proper there. I do know what it’s prefer to detest an disagreeable driver from my time as an IndyCar crew member, and I don’t see that on the two automotive.
He’s gone from being a wide-open individual, a pal to the paddock, with a lot of free time for individuals, to somebody who reveals up on a mission to concentrate on his work, simply with the members of his Penske tribe, and isn’t attempting to be the wide-open man of previous. And I respect that. He’s been looking to seek out one thing that’s been lacking for the reason that finish of 2019 when his final championship was gained, and that’s concerned some personnel modifications that haven’t all the time been dealt with the suitable approach, from what I’ve been instructed.
I’d love to fulfill the one who thinks they will inform Penske what to do, however sure, because the workforce’s most profitable driver since he arrived there in 2017, you’d assume that comes with a stage of affect that’s actual and important.
He’s additionally been in a rolling kick to the crotch for nearly two straight months beginning with Pole Day on Could 18. Even the second-place in Iowa Race 1 had a draw back after being the quickest all day, and it occurred once more in Race 2, however got here with a tenth-place outcome.
If he was profitable, I’d guess there wouldn’t be a lot to speak about. However since he isn’t, and has come tantalizingly shut and misplaced once more – twice in underneath 24 hours in Iowa – it’s a narrative that continues to construct in a unfavorable route. There can be one thing fallacious with him is he wasn’t feeling depressing since Could.
Newgarden’s public persona has modified over time, however the truth that these closest to him on the workforce facet are nonetheless all-in counts for lots. Joe Skibinski/IMS
Q: I’m very proud of FOX. However I’ve one grievance. Plainly FOX retains engine sounds cranked up, overlaying the announcers’ voices. It makes it very arduous to look at and hear.
I am certain that I’m alone. Please cross this alongside to your pals at FOX. FYI, after the Iowa race, I switched forwards and backwards between the IMSA and the NASCAR Cup Sequence races. Neither community over amplified the automotive sounds and that made a greater viewing expertise
Final weekend’s races show how nice ovals are for IndyCar. We’d like extra ovals, quick or lengthy, on the schedule. The disgrace is how empty the stands had been on each days
Mike, Cincinnati
MP: Message inbound, FOX. Are you able to hear me now?
Q: Do media personalities, corresponding to you, who’re assigned to interview Newgarden (or attempt to) when he does not win a race, robotically get an additional time without work? If not, they need to.
He is gone from certainly one of my favorites to my least.
Crimson
MP: ‘Media personalities’ is an attention-grabbing flip of phrase. ‘Dip**** who asks questions’ is extra correct.
Q: I empathize with the challenges that may emerge throughout a tricky season, very similar to these skilled by Josef Newgarden and the Penske workforce this yr. Nonetheless, Josef’s reactions seem considerably immature, particularly given his observe document of success, which might sometimes point out a extra composed response to setbacks.
In distinction, Scott Dixon exemplifies a extra resilient angle in related circumstances, not storming off. Whereas it is comprehensible to really feel disappointment and frustration, Josef’s inclination to withdraw and skip interviews, for my part, doesn’t solid him in a good gentle. This habits will not be remoted; it appears to be turning into a recurring theme. What do you assume?
Andrew Heid
MP: The wave of Josef questions proper after Iowa wasn’t on my radar.
Some individuals care about how they’re perceived. Josef appeared to fall into that class for the primary 10 years of his IndyCar profession, after which that appeared to turn out to be of much less significance and he leaned closely right into a DGAF strategy. He’s among the many most self-aware and clever drivers I do know, so he’d know his reactions of late can be acquired in a unfavorable method.
Mentioned one other approach, if he cared about public notion, I’m certain he’d keep and look forward to cameras and microphones to look when no matter issues go fallacious to make sure his ideas are shared and his view is known. And since he isn’t ready to be seen and heard most occasions, and since he’s extraordinarily deliberate in his actions, I’d take what you see for what it’s.
I’d additionally shut by saying that if this was new-guy-at-Penske Josef, I don’t assume he walks away a single time. That was additionally the before-Penske-owned-everything occasions when Roger was on a timing stand – not essentially Josef’s, however there on somebody’s Penske entry – in any respect the races and also you don’t pull that type of stuff with The Captain close by. With Cindric gone and with Roger now not on pit lane along with his workforce, I can see how this has turn out to be a factor.
Are you able to think about it turning into a factor at Ganassi, although? Or Arrow McLaren? Chip would apply ‘corrective habits’ immediately. You’d hear the shouting contained in the transporter from a mile away, and it could by no means occur once more. Similar with Zak or TK. However completely different groups and completely different cultures right here…
Q: What a distinction between Race 1 and Race 2 in Iowa. The best way the yellows fell in Race 1 had little impact on the result. Not the identical story in Race 2. Luck reared its ugly head within the type of yellow warning flags.
Groups have complained about cautions in IndyCar for a very long time. Extra informal followers of the collection turn out to be pissed off with how the races unfold. IndyCar by no means appears to have an appropriate resolution. With IndyCar on the cusp of actual rankings success, modifications have to be made. We now have reached an inflection level within the collection.
I’ve heard it mentioned, “it’s solely an issue when you’ve got an answer”. Effectively, I want to suggest an answer. Pitting underneath yellow wouldn’t be permitted. All vehicles should pit underneath inexperienced to make sure all pit stops happen underneath related circumstances.
If a automotive can’t doubtlessly full the period of a warning resulting from operating out of gasoline, then that automotive can pit for a ‘splash and go’ solely and rejoin the sector in the identical place it occupied in the beginning of that yellow. Nonetheless, to make sure that no workforce would try and do a ‘splash and go’ to get to the checkered flag with out stopping once more, that automotive can be required to pit inside two laps of the inexperienced flag and tackle a full load of gasoline whatever the remaining distance of the race… 275 laps or three laps, irrespective of.
Whereas I could also be lacking some extent or two, I imagine we should begin someplace and start developing with some affordable options. It’s critical for the way forward for IndyCar to all the time do every part potential to maximise ability and decrease luck.
St. Louis Spencer
MP: I get your level, however title a sport the place ability isn’t maximized and luck isn’t an affect within the consequence in each recreation or race? Closing the pits has been performed earlier than, and then you definately take away the dumpster divers who had poor qualifying runs from hitting pit lane early underneath warning, simply as Scott Dixon did at Mid-Ohio, and bringing enjoyable and attention-grabbing methods into play among the many majority who stick with the favored technique.
Typically the pitcher loses management of the ball and hits the batter who goes on to attain the profitable run who wouldn’t be on base if it wasn’t for the pitcher’s dangerous luck. Typically the receiver can’t grasp the ball and it will get tipped straight to the security who takes the interception to the home and scores the game-winning landing. Will we rewrite the principles to say a struck batter can’t rating due to the ill-timed oops? Interceptions can’t be returned to the tip zone if the receiver touched the ball? Simply questioning how far we go to strip premature or undesirable happenings from a recreation to make sure the result hasn’t been influenced by good or dangerous luck.
And if we stop all pit stops that aren’t performed underneath inexperienced to safeguard towards likelihood and selection, can we additionally mandate what tire compounds groups can use and when as to stop luck and selection there? Perhaps we add two or three breaks in the course of the race– virtually at completely different phases – as nicely?
Dangerous issues occur. It’s a part of each single sporting occasion and it alters the rating or ending order in some capability. Unsure how taking decisions away and eradicating choices and creativity improves the video games.
Q: All three Andretti vehicles had a proper entrance tire failure on the Iowa Speedway. Does Firestone present the groups and the collection with most static camber suggestions and minimal beginning chilly inflation strain suggestions for every race? If the reply is sure, does the collection verify the camber settings in tech inspection, and does the collection monitor tire inflation strain by way of telemetry?
Dave, Ohio
MP: Suggestions, sure. ‘Suggestions’ being completely different from technical rules. Firestone is extraordinarily lively in monitoring pressures and going straight to groups when it sees one thing that’s out of bounds.
Firestone gives tips for what a tire would possibly like on any given weekend, however groups are free to do their very own factor. Joe Skibinski/IMS
Q: Nice races in Iowa. I’m questioning how Honda is ready to have such a gasoline benefit over Chevy? Is it only a extra environment friendly engine? Is there one thing particular that Chevy can attempt to match? Has it all the time been a bonus for Honda?
Rob, Tampa
MP: Chevy’s been often known as the mid-range and top-end king with this motor components and Honda’s been often known as the bottom-end and fuel-mileage king. The 2 have been impossibly shut in all these areas at occasions since 2012, traded these strengths and weaknesses, and snapped again as nicely. Relating to mileage, it has been a Honda yr.
Q: Two questions. First, how can it’s that McLaren does not have a reserve driver? They could not carry one in? They did it earlier than with Theo Pourchaire when Rossi broke his thumb in Toronto in 2024. Their sponsors can’t be joyful about having the No.6 parked. [ED: This letter arrived before Arrow McLaren put Linus Lundqvist on standby ahead of Toronto]. Secondly, it seems that Toronto could be on the chopping block and Watkins Glen could be within the combine for coming again? Assist me out right here as a result of I have never heard any chatter regionally about this.
Rob, Rochester, NY
MP: Most IndyCar groups wouldn’t have reserve drivers, in order that’s the norm. I’d assume the sponsors of a automotive can be sympathetic to the plight of a younger man who obtained harm and are with a workforce that has the sources to rent a driver on quick discover to signify them at a excessive stage. Not like that is the primary time a injured driver has been a query mark for the following race.
IndyCar president Doug Boles instructed us final week that he expects Toronto to return. Watkins has been a topic of hypothesis. After I was there a number of weeks in the past for the IMSA race, I didn’t hear IndyCar talked about among the many future plans. If it occurs, it could be superior. Being there in the course of the aero package period and seeing the max-downforce IndyCars fly by way of the corners at mind-bending velocity was like a non secular expertise.
Q: I assumed the double-header at Iowa Speedway was an awesome weekend for IndyCar. There was unbelievable racing, a lot of passing, technique, stiff competitors, and shock endings (Chevy lastly will get a win, Palou proves the Indy 500 was not a fluke).
The gang for each races was very gentle, in all probability 25% capability or much less. Given the small crowds this yr, is Iowa more likely to stay a double-header in 2026?
The yellow flag laps had been truly fairly useful at Iowa, as a result of the sweepers correctly used the time to wash the observe, opening the excessive lane for 10 or extra laps. How can NASCAR run at Texas, WWTR and Iowa side-by-side all day lengthy, however IndyCar, on the identical tracks in the identical circumstances, solely will get 10-15 clear laps earlier than the marbles construct up, making the high-lane treacherous? Clearly NASCAR tires shed rubber, so why aren’t they coping with the identical drawback?
This is what we all know: NASCAR has heavier vehicles, completely completely different aerodynamics, runs at slower speeds, with completely different hundreds, a unique tire producer with a unique tire compound, completely different tire sizes, and responds favorably to PJ-1 and repaved tracks. So which of these variations is the major issue that enables NASCAR to run the high-lane on these ovals, however IndyCar successfully can’t for greater than 10 laps?
Kevin P., Los Angeles, CA
MP: NASCAR: Sluggish in corners, quick on straights. Tires aren’t grinding away on straights. IndyCar: Quick in corners, quick on straights. Tires are grinding within the corners. Marbles.
Q: Lundgaard obtained lapped at the very least twice and completed sixth. VeeKay obtained lapped in all probability 4 occasions and completed eighth. Abel was a shifting chicane and obtained lapped who is aware of what number of occasions and completed fifteenth. None of these guys needed to earn any of these laps again, they only obtained handed them with the additional advantage of pitting a lap later than the leaders. Consequently, they end forward of vehicles that lapped them a number of occasions. What’s the reason for IndyCar’s wave-around rule the place lapped vehicles get their lap again after which additionally get to pit a lap after the leaders? At the very least NASCAR forces you to forgo your pit cease if you’d like the wave-around (moreover the fortunate canine).
Additionally, why doesn’t Firestone get any criticism for the tires this yr? Zero tire deg at Iowa, and we’ve seen fairly a number of races this yr the place one tire has been completely ineffective to the purpose we could as nicely have solely had one tire choice. I get the hybrid provides a problem, but it surely’s been greater than a yr since they’ve been applied, to not point out all of the testing that was performed previous to that.
Brent
MP: The reason is IndyCar permits every part you talked about and NASCAR doesn’t? Hate to be Captain Apparent right here (not likely), but it surely’s what IndyCar desires to do, so that they do it. It doesn’t base its guidelines on what one other collection does or doesn’t do.
Unsure how to answer the Firestone remark as a result of they’ve been closely criticized when it’s been warranted. I do know as a result of I’ve listened to the complaints and written these tales, or included these complaints in race studies. And written constructive issues when positives have been spoken. I assume different reporters do the identical.
Q: Congratulations to Miles Rowe on his historic victory at Iowa. IndyCar wants him to succeed, and hopefully he’ll get a journey subsequent yr.
In the meantime right here’s an thought that might hold oval racing together with Iowa: The IndyCar Sequence ought to provide low cost/journey packages to Indy 500 attendees at different IndyCar oval racing occasions. Some have proven a willingness to journey to different ovals based mostly on the placement within the Midwest like WWTR, Iowa and Milwaukee.
I believe it could actually enhance attendance on the different ovals by emailing a suggestion of cheaper tickets, and maybe a journey packages to the opposite ovals that IndyCar is at the moment selling. Years in the past NHRA did one thing related by providing reductions to their fan base and a cope with Motel 6.
If 10% of 500 attendees had been intrigued by the deal, all our different ovals would look full and we wouldn’t need to wring our arms about the way forward for the collection each time we go to a non-street/highway course. To me I believe this might assist Iowa and maybe add different ovals races like Michigan, Richmond, New Hampshire and Homestead.
Alistair, Springfield, MO
MP: Penske Journey, a brand new subsidiary of Penske Company. I fairly like that concept, Alistair.
And if you wish to make Penske Journey actually attention-grabbing… Donald Miralle/Getty Photographs
Q: I am certain you will get loads of questions on this challenge, however I needed to ask from a world perspective.
I really like watching an oval race, but it surely appears individuals aren’t turning up. My query is why, and the way can we enhance these numbers? Are ovals more durable to get to than the highway programs, or is it a scarcity of presence in video games a hindrance?
The opposite factor that strikes me is the shortage of motion on the schedule for ovals. I do know there aren’t many collection that race on ovals, however why not think about the US Professional Sequence (possibly carry again the Street to Indy) or some off-track motion? Loopy Carts have been successful within the BTCC on Saturday; possibly IndyCar ought to do this. Develop to incorporate extra fan zones and Q&A periods, amongst different issues.
Now, since I am UK-based, I would have to take a position some huge cash to journey and watch an IndyCar race in individual. Nonetheless, I would get higher worth for my cash at Lengthy Seashore (because it doubles up IMSA) or a visit to Street America. So I am extra more likely to go to these than an oval. Look, I really like watching oval racing, and it makes IndyCar stand out, however until we modify this, it will not be lengthy earlier than we’re again to a late Champ Automobile collection with the Indy 500.
Additionally, whereas I’ve you, what do we have now to do to get the GTP class at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park? (And so as to add, good to see Crew Jota win with the Caddy).
Dan Mayhew
MP: Newton, Iowa, is 20-Half-hour from wherever, so it includes a drive. However that’s additionally true for Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio, Street America, Barber, WWTR to a lesser diploma, and Nashville. A few of these tracks are packed whereas others are empty, so it’s not the driving or proximity to main cities.
A few of these locations have IndyCar races hosted whereas it’s broiling sizzling, but when there’s bushes or prepared shade, of us present up. After I consider Iowa, it’s simply sizzling, with no shade, with no sense of neighborhood like a few of the others the place of us camp and fellowship and make their very own events over the weekend. It’s a sit-in-the-stands-and-watch-racing occasion now that the massive concert events are gone, and as soon as upon a time, that was greater than sufficient to draw an viewers.
Your thought of packing every day with different stuff is an efficient one, but it surely’s a reasonably sparse venue with restricted choices for individuals who prefer to have a much bigger hand in creating their very own expertise at a motor race. Lengthy Seashore is the last word instance of selection the place you possibly can sit within the stands, go down and see the vehicles, go contained in the conference heart and see and purchase extra cool stuff, eat at a variety of eating places, and by no means endure from boredom.
At a few of the others, you possibly can carry all of the enjoyable and selection in your automotive or truck, put up a tent, and camp with like-minded of us round you. At an Iowa, or a Nashville, or a WWTR, there’s nothing there to entertain you past the vehicles, and no tenting, and no shade. For many who need greater than the sit-in-the-stands expertise, which appears to be a rising section, it does current a priority for the collection.
Q: Is there any suggestion from IndyCar docs to drivers about what place to carry when they’ll crash? I am asking as a result of when Nolan Siegel spun he moved his head ahead so much. That appeared painful.
I do not know if different drivers do the identical. However would not it’s higher to maintain your head resting at the back of the cockpit?
William Mazeo
MP: Haven’t heard of a collection or its medical workers telling drivers place themselves in a crash, however sure, minimizing the gap between one’s helmet and the cushioning impact created by the pinnacle encompass would appear like the suitable transfer each time in an influence.
Q: Will all of the stakeholders within the Iowa races be capable to save its place on the IndyCar schedule? It seems like nobody is keen to compromise and followers find yourself being supplied a product that may be a poor worth. The dearth of 2025 attendance displays the poor worth being supplied to followers. What number of followers might be anticipated to pay a number of hundred {dollars} to attend 2026 race(s) given the next?
Each 2024 races had been horrible.
Drivers had been unanimously predicting boring racing after the 2025 take a look at.
Saturday’s race was boring.
Sunday’s race was fairly entertaining.
Races are utterly run in the course of the day in July (at a observe with lights that has beforehand held evening races).
Bleachers provide zero shade.
The homepage of the observe web site actually doesn’t point out the race.
Many tickets are dearer than seats on the Indy 500 for races that take half the time.
Followers should not allowed to herald meals.
Followers are solely allowed to herald two unopened water bottles.
Kyle
MP: I imagine the stakeholder is IndyCar, which placed on this yr’s occasion. If IndyCar desires to return, I’d assume Iowa Speedway will take its cash.
Q: I hear there are some issues with Iowa. Promotion, attendance, time of day and so on. I hope all of it will get labored out as a result of aside from one yr when it was a one-lane observe, the racing there’s actually good. Bravery and expertise on full show. Malukas and Palou battling and Newgarden’s in-car exhibiting a few of his killer laps come to thoughts, however there was tons extra. And that was simply Race 2.
There was additionally good motion in NXT when Myles Rowe made a race-winning exterior cross on the hotshoe rookie Hauger after working him a bit. Seeing as that is Rowe’s second yr and he has good assist, are there plans to maneuver him up? Additionally do we all know the place Hauger goes?
Chris, Colorado
MP: I do know of 1 workforce that continues to inform me they’re occupied with Hauger. However there aren’t many paying seats for 2026, and until there’s a giant monetary bundle to supply, the opposite seats aren’t an choice. I have to get an replace from Penske Leisure on Myles. There was the hope he’d be prepared for IndyCar subsequent yr, however one NXT win isn’t sufficient to say he’s really ready to leap into the collection. With one other win or two, which may change.
With a greater than 50% win fee in NXT this yr, Hauger’s undoubtedly doing his bit to get onto the IndyCar radar. Matt Fraver/IMS
Q: I used to be not capable of watch the IndyCar Iowa races reside, so I watched the quick highlights model on the IndyCar web site. I significantly thought I watched Race 1 twice – each had Josef Newgarden taken out of rivalry by ill-timed pit stops resulting from cautions… by the identical two drivers inflicting the cautions?
And what concerning the tire blow-ups? Was it the tire compounds, chassis settings, air strain?
John, Downers Grove
MP: That may be the identical two completely different drivers in Ericsson and Herta. It wasn’t the compounds as a result of each workforce had the identical compounds and solely the Andretti drivers skilled failures. One out of 27 vehicles in Race 1 and two out of 27 in Race 2.
No person would look to likelihood as being the trigger for all three vehicles from a single workforce being the one ones to have failures, so sure, chassis settings can be the pure place to look. If the three right-front tires had been over or underneath inflated, or overheating, the workforce ought to have seen it every time on telemetry.
Q: Through the second race, a remark was heard on the radio that “the Honda guys” are all blocking. Who mentioned that? I’ve seen a number of conspiracy theorists say that Andretti purposely sacrificed their vehicles for well timed yellow to make sure Honda the win. Was it definitely worth the hundred thousand {dollars} in injury? (chuckle)
Dino, New Hanover, PA
MP: Hundred grand? Let’s begin at a half-million and hold counting. Please use the mute or block or unfriend buttons with pleasure and take away the idiots out of your timelines.
Q: Do you imagine IndyCar’s in-caution procedures should be tweaked or overhauled? The primary Iowa race had two cautions that irked me (see beneath) and I’ve felt for years there are enchancment alternatives.
Warning 1: Herta’s spin in the beginning. The warning was eight laps, which felt too lengthy. Race Management was proud of the order by lap 5, there was no observe cleanup or sweeping wanted*, and nobody wanted to pit.
Warning 2: Siegel’s spin, which was ultimately red-flagged. It was because of the time wanted to make observe repairs. I requested if it was stunning when it did not occur at WWTR, which is related for me as I imagine when observe integrity is compromised there must be a pink flag.
Philosophically I do not like sweepers popping out throughout cautions since I really feel it is a partial observe/race reset as a substitute of race neutralization. I would admire your opinion on this, too.
Atilla Veyssal, West Allis, WI
MP: I’m superb with the oval procedures we noticed. Doesn’t imply my view is true, however I wasn’t irked. Individuals use towels to mop up sweat across the painted space at basketball video games after free throws are shot. It’s performed for security so gamers don’t return to the paint and slip and harm themselves, and in addition retains the paint open for play so it isn’t prevented because of the extreme and dangerous nature of the moisture on the bottom.
If the sport has been paused for an extended period that enables IndyCar to make use of its model of mopping up the paint so safer play and extra widespread use of the court docket is feasible, I’m all for it.
Q: Are you able to clarify why Newgarden misplaced all these locations by pitting earlier than the yellow flags? I am a bit confused with the pit stops and yellow flags – or did he get lapped whereas within the pits?
Invoice, Elk Grove
MP: Lapped whereas within the pits. Tremendous quick lap of 18-19 seconds. Whole time out and in of pit lane is round 36 seconds. Pitting proper when it goes yellow there, specifically, is the kiss of aggressive loss of life if it’s late within the race. Not a lot if it’s earlier, which additionally occurred to him, however he raced his approach again to the lead, solely to have it occur once more.
Q: Has Rasmussen performed sufficient not too long ago to safe one other yr at ECR? He is handed Rossi within the standings over the previous couple of weeks.
Bob
MP: From the Indy 500 by way of Iowa, he has 4 high 10 finishes, together with a podium at WWTR and a sixth on the Speedway. Rossi has a single high 10 over that very same span. There are causes each drivers wouldn’t have higher finishes, as all the time, however in a chilly take a look at the numbers, sure, Rasmussen is a worthy driver to obtain a return invitation. Credit score Rossi for serving to him to be taught extra this yr than he did all of 2024 as a rookie.
And Rasmussen has additionally pissed off loads of veterans along with his unpredictable strikes on ovals, which he wants to wash up. Very last thing he wants is to be handled in a hostile method – the identical approach a rising variety of vets really feel about him as a hostile presence on observe – as a result of these robust oval finishes can simply flip into conferences with the wall if the vets develop uninterested in his egocentric strategy.
Rasmussen’s making himself identified. Chris Jones/IMS
Q: I’m a lifelong fan of Roger Penske, and was so excited when he purchased IMS and the IndyCar Sequence from the Hulmans. Now, I imagine, Roger should mirror on what’s greatest for the collection general, as despite the fact that the five hundred itself seems to be on stable floor, the collection will not be. The Iowa weekend, nearly as good because it was, was a humiliation attendance-wise, and a complete reflection on Penske’s advertising and marketing program – or the shortage thereof. Now I examine Toronto considering a change to System E!
I agree with Michael Andretti and Zak Brown that the collection has a lot potential however would require some substantial funding. Has the concept of creating the collection a separate public company inviting important exterior funding been mentioned?
I do not assume one may have a 500 in its present type with out a collection and I’d hate to see the day when the Indy 500 is a NASCAR race.
Denny Jones, Ft Scott, KS
MP: Haven’t heard of a separate public corp, however that appears like one thing to ask Zak about once I see him.
Q: I am at the moment listening to The Invoice Simmons podcast on a Monday morning within the depths of the July sports activities lull. The main section for this explicit episode is lauding how nice the F1 film is and the way it has Invoice and his guess itching to look at F1.
They had been mesmerized by the glitz, glamour, threat, and intercourse enchantment that F1 has to supply. They routinely referred to the film as “horny”. Invoice even known as it “The very best sports activities film of the twenty first century” and implored his listeners to go see the film in theaters.
That is unbelievable and well-earned mainstream sports activities reward that may doubtless attain thousands and thousands of listeners. There is a respectable likelihood {that a} portion of the viewers will even head to theaters and begin to tune into grand prix. Fairly a simple win for the game.
Juxtapose that with IndyCar this weekend racing in the midst of Iowa (not attempting to hate, but it surely is not precisely Miami) in entrance of empty bleachers and, doubtless, TVs. Nice racing, as all the time, but it surely’s turning into a little bit of a tree falling within the woods state of affairs.
That brings me to my final level which is that IndyCar wants a whole picture makeover.
IndyCar was feared. The races had been scary. Individuals went to and watched races as a result of they knew they had been watching guys threat loss of life to win. The groups and drivers pushed velocity limits and made particular moments as a result of the drivers had been mainly seen as superheroes. This is not to argue towards present security requirements, however I believe loads of the fun is gone from IndyCar. It is a sport that hardly tries to alter itself. Take a look at what occurred this weekend with out Hy-Vee bringing in some big-name nation music stars. In the meantime, F1 has individuals spending their life financial savings to purchase Paddock Membership tickets.
The worst half about all of this isn’t that folks do not need to watch IndyCar. I am not solely certain they even know what IndyCar is. There’s simply merely no visibility on the game.
I hope the brand new automotive works out. I hope being on FOX attracts new viewers. I am simply not seeing the imaginative and prescient.
I really like IndyCar, but it surely’s not going to be round for for much longer if some fairly drastic modifications aren’t made quickly.
Paul, New York
MP: That’s nice to listen to on Simmons. He gave zero farts about racing at ESPN and once more when he began Grantland and now The Ringer. Like to see the change from complete disinterest, due to the film.
Agree within the picture makeover. FOX is IndyCar’s new promotional arm, or at the very least that’s what it seems to be like, they usually’ve been going arduous at promoting the collection on its channels as quick and attention-grabbing and funky, and doing so with some drive and quirk and testosterone. It matches the sports activities viewers they’ve cultivated and know. However is that quick/cool/and so on. strategy the suitable one for the place youthful and newer followers are immediately?
The collection tells me it’s seeing enormous progress in 18-34 viewers, so the reply seems to be a sure. However what’s the imaginative and prescient? We proceed to attend and hope to listen to such issues.
Q: I am sufficiently old to recollect when it was widespread for a half dozen engines to go up in smoke throughout a typical IndyCar race, however in immediately’s spec world it is extraordinarily uncommon to see an engine failure. Taking a look at Will Energy’s two failures in three races, it is tempting accountable it on the present dysfunction at Crew Penske, however I do not assume the groups can actually do a lot of something with tuning the powerplants nowadays. Is that an correct assumption and what have you ever heard about the reason for these two engine failures?
Alan, Orlando, FL
MP: No phrase on the trigger (which may occur one out of 100 occasions), and Chevy’s IndyCar engine boss mentioned it was on them, not the workforce, within the quote offered to us by Chevy.
Not a lot Penske – or Energy – may have performed concerning the No.12’s latest kerblammos. (That is the technical time period). Travis Hinkle/IMS
Q: Loving the IndyCar season to this point.As you rightly say, what Alex Palou is doing in a race automotive proper now may be very particular. What comes shut? The one related type of dominance that I can recall was just for the second half of the season, and that was Zanardi the yr that Vasser gained the championship at Ganassi. I am certain there are others, however I certain cannot recall a season like this one.
One other remark was concerning the formation in the beginning for Mid-Ohio. Good begin! Is IndyCar engaged on getting higher two-by-two on the inexperienced, or is it extra a operate of the tracks they’re at?
Andy R., Detroit
MP: Good name on the second half of 1996. Zanardi made it clear that whereas he wasn’t capable of overtake Jimmy within the standings, he’d be returning and unleashing a beating on CART in ‘97. Dixon operating the desk in 2020, profitable the opener and main the championship from begin to end. Pagenaud in 2016 was simply on a unique planet within the highest-downforce-ever season with 5 wins and a 127-point championship victory over Energy.
The Indy Racing League doesn’t get as a lot respect or love as CART/Champ Automobile, and there have been some years the place it deserved to be panned, however that doesn’t apply to what Sam Hornish and Panther Racing achieved in 2001 after they had been on a unique wave and ran away with the title. Dan Wheldon’s six win and 80-point championship in 2005 additionally stands out.
I’d say the loooong runway to achieve the starter’s stand at Mid-Ohio is the magic ingredient right here
Q: In answering Invoice Baily in final week’s Mailbag, and after consulting his tequila bottle final evening, Huge Possum does keep in mind that there have been rear-engine dash vehicles that reared their ugly heads within the early 70s. Tom Senva drove one to a number of wins, in addition to George Snyder. USAC fortunately banned them to protect the custom and badassness of dash automotive racing (along with preserving automotive counts and never forcing automotive house owners to spend cash to go rear-engine).
Remember the fact that it could not be arduous to place starters on sprints aidgets however push truck begins are a part of the present and the custom – and present it’s – a really passionate fan base, wholesome and rising a part of motorsports. The four-wide salute to the followers on the parade lap is what you prevent lunch cash for!
And sure, Mark Donahue drove a rear-engine pavement midget to victory at Lime Rock again within the day.
Huge Possum may be very dissatisfied that FOX doesn’t present the Nationwide Anthem previous to races, however joyful that Bobby Rahal did give the command to start out engines at Mid-Ohio within the respectful method of Tony Hulman – no screaming like some WWF wrestling announcer. Huge Possum nonetheless prefers ‘gents’ quite than ‘drivers’ when no females are within the discipline. Except it has been decided that Santino will not be a gentleman. However he’s Huge Possum’s favourite driver – reminds huge Possum barely of Marlon Brando. Huge Possum doesn’t have a query as a result of he is aware of most issues.
Huge Possum
MP: Is that this the suitable time to say Huge Possum (and Little Possum) gave me a possum shirt in Could on the Indy 500? I hung it up within the workplace and my spouse walked in, checked out me like I’d misplaced my thoughts, and requested why I purchased a possum shirt. I then obtained to clarify the existence of Huge Possum and Little Possum, their connection to the Mailbag, and so on., and he or she shook her head and left after saying she was involved about me…
Q: You already know Sebastien Bourdais in addition to anybody. What made him select to race within the WEC over IMSA? Was he not thought of for a Cadillac journey right here within the U.S., or did he simply need to transfer again to Europe along with his household?
Gary, Anza, CA
MP: With WTR taking on this system, it already had pairs of lead drivers for each vehicles, there was a hope that Ganassi may need a substitute program, and the opposite workforce, AXR, wanted a solution whereas he was retaining the door open for CGR. GM needed him to stay a pacesetter throughout the program, so it grew to become WEC with the brand new JOTA Cadillac marketing campaign and a secondary season of LMP2 in IMSA.
Q: What is the greatest impediment to IndyCar increasing its schedule? Clearly cash, however is it TV cash, discovering sufficient sponsors, added prices, worthwhile occasions, and so on? I’d like to see the collection add a number of dates within the spring. That is such a useless interval.
Jim, Milwaukee
MP: Venues. If we ignore all the opposite features, there simply aren’t sufficient tracks which can be pining to carry an IndyCar race in the meanwhile. There are lots that might, after all. It’s not a case of there being a scarcity of potential tracks. It’s a scarcity of tracks that need IndyCar, will pay for IndyCar, and, critically, have the suitable native fan base to ship a robust crowd.
It’s simple to provide you with tracks so as to add, however they lack a number of of the issues which can be must-haves. Thermal is the right instance. Excited proprietor. Able to spend. Fascinating facility. No crowd. They may return, and have the county greenlight a capability of 20,000, and it simply gained’t matter. Not as a result of IndyCar isn’t superior or doesn’t deserve it, however as a result of there’s no demand for IndyCar in that space.
That’s why we see Mexico Metropolis being thought of as a observe rental the place IndyCar would take the monetary threat. That’s what Iowa has turn out to be with out Hy-Vee as the massive spender; it’s IndyCar renting and selling and hoping it could actually make it work with out the massive concert events and large promotional spend introduced forth by its former sponsor/occasion companion.
That’s additionally why the superb curiosity and dedication from the oldsters behind the upcoming Grand Prix of Arlington is the purpose for IndyCar to develop with different new venues. Arlington is what curiosity in IndyCar seems to be like. Simply want much more of it.
Q: Any intel on what three-pedal automotive Alex Palou is pedaling on this FOX ‘That is Alex Palou…’ promo? I appear to recall Townsend throwing a little bit of shade at Palou’s heel/toe work throughout a broadcast not too way back. Screenshot for proof:
West Coast Mike
MP: No clue. Appears like a GT automotive of some kind, which makes me assume it’s generic footage.
Q: For practically 50 years, American open-wheel racing has wrestled with stability the gravity of the Indianapolis 500 with the broader pursuit of a season-long championship.
CART got here the closest to resolving this pressure — constructing a compelling narrative across the whole championship path post-Indy — till the fracture of 1996.
Since reunification, nonetheless, the trendy IndyCar Sequence has struggled to outline its philosophical objective past the five hundred. To followers and sponsors alike, that ‘why’ stays elusive. Final Sunday’s 750,000-viewer quantity for Mid-Ohio solely underscores the difficulty.
We’re all conscious that IndyCar’s biggest advertising and marketing failure since 1995 has been a failure to reply one elementary query: What’s the level?
Effectively, I believe I’ve discovered it.
The aim of IndyCar – past even the Indianapolis 500 – is to crown the Nationwide Driving Champion.
This isn’t some hole title. It’s a lineage that predates the five hundred itself. Solely IndyCar – or quite, Champ Automobile – has the suitable to put declare to this legacy: a 120-year custom that stretches again to the Gilded Age.
An IndyCar Champion doesn’t simply win a trophy. They turn out to be a part of a narrative constructed by the likes of the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and Fishers. Titans who constructed not simply American motorsport, however America itself.
That is the story that must be instructed.
Because of this individuals ought to care.
That is what makes IndyCar particular.
We don’t simply crown a race winner. We crown probably the most full driver on the planet. The Nationwide Champion. A title that carries the load of historical past, endurance, versatility, and legacy.
Let the Indy 500 stay what it’s: our excessive vacation, our crown jewel.
To the newer followers of racing – these introduced in by the Netflix-era growth of System 1 – a lot of IndyCar’s inner historical past is a thriller. The cut up, the reunification, the politics… it’s a tangled legacy that’s arduous to clarify.
However what would possibly resonate with these followers isn’t only one race on a Sunday afternoon in Indiana-it’s the concept that IndyCar is the continuation of the Nationwide Championship, a lineage that dates again to 1905, older than F1 itself.
Whereas oval racing – particularly 500 miles of it – might be an acquired style, the broader narrative of crowning not solely the Nationwide Champion but in addition probably the most well-rounded, adaptable driver on the earth could also be what captures the creativeness of the trendy, international motorsport fan. There’s status in that, legacy in that – and maybe, lastly, a solution to why IndyCar issues.
Jah, ATL
MP: Typically it’s enjoyable to make up an issue after which remedy it.
Q: There is no such thing as a doubt that apart from St. Pete and the five hundred, IndyCar’s TV rankings have been principally underwhelming. it seems FOX is definitely attempting to advertise and develop the collection, however what’s missing to raise the collection? What do you assume can, and may, be performed otherwise? Additionally, do we have now any thought what the viewership numbers are for observe, qualifying, NXT races or IndyCar race replays?
I’m simply in search of a silver lining and questioning if possibly individuals who can’t watch the race watch the replay or different content material? Additionally, to maintain a constructive theme, at the very least race attendance seems to be fairly robust this yr. I’m scripting this earlier than Iowa, and as I purchased my tickets, I can see that Iowa might be an exception to my final remark.
Brian Joliet, Illinois
MP: We’re a little bit over midway by way of the primary season on FOX. Everybody hoped it could be million-plus numbers at each race however that hasn’t been the case, as you famous. My principal takeaway is we’re seeing the true place the place IndyCar lives when it comes to nationwide consciousness and curiosity.
That’s what the shift to FOX has performed – offered a clear slate to gauge what number of current followers would observe the collection over to its new dwelling and to see what number of new followers would emerge from the location on FOX.
The dream was to have the all-network deal on FOX ship a giant uptick in common community viewers – someway, by buying and selling NBC for FOX, a giant new wave of followers would seem on the onset – however once you return and take a look at what numbers IndyCar put up on huge NBC final yr, FOX is down in 4 of the seven community vs community comparisons main into Iowa.
Being on FOX hasn’t been the automated every-race elevate that was desired, however there are some encouraging numbers that seem when there’s no main competitors from different sports activities and racing collection which can be extra well-liked.
I believe that’s the reply, which is difficult to make occur for each race. If FOX can work with IndyCar to maneuver races round to locations the place it gained’t make life for the ticket-buying viewers a ache by shifting begin occasions too early or late, and might keep away from going towards NASCAR/F1/NBA/MLB/PGA/NCAA occasions, it has an awesome likelihood of hitting that million-plus mark regularly.
IndyCar does stable numbers when it isn’t the second or third sporting choice. And it isn’t robust sufficient, but, to win these head-to-head viewers battles with different collection and sports activities. However which may change in a number of years if the FOX relationship continues to development in the suitable route.
Q: What engine is utilized by the IndyCar two-seater?
David, Waxhaw, NC
MP: One has a Ilmor/Honda V8 I imagine, and the opposite appears like some type of Buick turbo.
Q: Marshall, to reply the query… USAC banned rear (mid) engine Dash Automobiles after the 1973 season, which noticed them dominate on the paved ovals. om Sneva, who may need not even pushed a front-engined automotive till he obtained to the Midwest, was one of many huge winners. USAC Dash Automobile house owners had been involved concerning the obsoleting of their gear, or of needing a dust automotive and a pavement automotive.
To the opposite half, Mark Donohue drove a rear (mid) engine midget at Lime Rock in 1963. Not a Dash Automobile (they’re completely different!) and never USAC. The assembly featured a midget race sanctioned by ARDC, a very long time Northeastern midget affiliation, a System Libre race and a mixed characteristic race. Mario Andretti gained the midget race, whereas Donohue gained the mixed characteristic race within the transformed Cooper System Junior automotive fitted with an Offenhauser engine.
Jim Thurman, Mojave Desert, CA
MP: Thanks, Jim.
Q: Any likelihood we see a Richmond oval race anytime quickly?
Earlier than I get the canned “certain, if you’re keen to put-up the sanctioning charge/advertise” reply, Richmond is completely different.
The race was all set for 2020 or 2021; then COVID hit. Can not the identical events, blueprint, and so on. be used? With such a robust need for each extra ovals and an Japanese/Mid-Atlantic race, it looks like getting all that recreated can be a high precedence and comparatively simple. With COVID shutdowns within the rearview mirror, why isn’t that race getting recreated?
Ron, Baltimore
MP: No. An settlement between Jay Frye and the observe president was struck. COVID occurred. The observe president modified. The brand new president wasn’t . No race.
What if we ship the brand new president some candies? Streeter Lecka/Getty Photographs
Q: I learn your story about IndyCar not desirous to do a gimmicky ‘playoff’ [yay], however the thought of an All-Star/Problem race was introduced up. Additionally, loads of different collection’ codecs had been mentioned.
One instance I believe can be distinctive can be to do a relay race. Three-car relay groups, house owners with much less gang up. Run a three-segment race. On the finish of the section, automotive one pits proper behind a prepared automotive two, which takes off as quickly as automotive one hits their marks. Similar between segments two and three. First automotive to the checkers wins the massive verify for his or her group. [Lots of details needed, but you get the picture.]
I am certain different readers are going to ship you a bit of concepts this week, and the advertising and marketing/prize features are in all probability extra necessary than the format. So right here is my query: How a lot would a very distinctive thought assist improve curiosity in IndyCar from potential followers, and possibly how essential is it that the format be a novel one for that objective?
Not Abel Or Sullivan, Louisville, KY
MP: I really like this. It strikes me as one thing a promoter would want to do – a Scott Borchetta kind with a watch for the distinctive – and fewer like one thing IndyCar would conceive. Or an Eric Shanks at FOX Sports activities. Aside from the Indy 500 qualifying process, immediately’s IndyCar will not be a fan of extremely complicated procedures and this concept is one that may make its eyes roll into the again of their heads.
Q: First, let me begin by saying that Santino Ferrucci’s fiery ‘satan could care’ persona is nice for IndyCar. We’d like extra drivers who communicate candidly and voice their displeasure when different drivers impede them on observe and inform individuals precisely what they assume.
Whereas Ferrucci has tons of expertise and is knocking on the door for a win, he lacks emotional maturity. He appears to assume that operating rivals off the observe is regular and might be justified.
The incident the place he intentionally pushed Conor Daly off-track is way from an remoted incident. He has pulled this crap beforehand with Romain Grosjean and his former F2 teammate Arjun Maini. Santino was benched for 2 races by his F2 workforce, Trident Motorsports, ultimately main them to launch him from his contract.
Whereas Santino needed to give again three positions at Mid-Ohio, I believe extra ought to have been performed by race management, from yanking championship factors to suspending Ferrucci for a race to get throughout the lesson he must find out about not utilizing a automotive that may attain 185mph on road and highway programs or in extra of 230mph on ovals as a weapon.
Paul Tracy, who’s infamous for giving drivers the chrome horn, was not too long ago suspended by SRX for the rest of its 2023 season for his on-track conduct and inflicting a significant wreck.
Through the 1998 CART season, Tracy induced 10 on-track accidents, had a pitlane altercation with workforce proprietor, Barry Inexperienced, and was suspended from the primary race of the 1999 season for intentionally rear-ending Michael Andretti for blocking him at Surfer’s Paradise.
Whereas Tracy exhibited related habits to Ferrucci’s race, the CART collection took higher motion than IndyCar does now. Why is not IndyCar doing the identical factor CART did with Ferrucci and any driver who reveals such a conduct? Santino and his fellow rivals for that matter want to know that it’s not the wild, wild west on the market.
David Colquitt
MP: Very completely different occasions. We haven’t had a fair-but-rules-with-an-iron-fist kind for the reason that days of CART with Wally Dallenbach Sr after which his CART/Champ Automobile protégé and successor Chris Kneifel. Beaux Barfield tried to be that man however didn’t wield the facility and autonomy to control like Wally or Knife.
A tradition of leaving such issues as much as the drivers to police amongst themselves has been allowed to go on for too lengthy. It’s simply not going to work as a result of there isn’t a united entrance among the many drivers, neither is there a group-appointed dad to council those that get out of pocket or an enforcer to go and produce them again in step with concern or intimidation.
Leaving it as much as the drivers is like leaving the selection of dinner as much as your children. You envision plates loaded with grilled hen and inexperienced greens and glasses of purified water, however what you get are plates with foot-tall chocolate truffles, appetizers of Gummi Bears and Flamin’ Sizzling Cheetos, and gallon jugs of Mug n Bun root beer to scrub it down.
That’s what the Dallenbachs and Kneifels knew, which is why they dealt with the collection with a the constant and expectation-setting fashion of policing. Perhaps it can return in no matter the brand new impartial governing board turns into.
Q: I used to be not too long ago watching an IndyCar information YouTube video and one thing caught my consideration. There might be a twenty eighth automotive entered at a race this season (my guess, RLL throwing in Sowery or Vips, if he nonetheless works with them).
Nonetheless, this obtained me pondering. What if IndyCar had a type of MotoGP-esque concessions system for struggling groups? I’m certain that RLL, Coyne, PREMA, and so on. would readily welcome the possibility to enter a 3rd/fourth automotive at a given race observe so as to acquire extra information and consider potential new drivers (learn: drivers who can afford one or two IndyCar races however can’t afford a complete season).
This, after all, must be restricted to a sure variety of races and never embrace tracks that may’t match greater than the common 27, like Toronto and Mid-Ohio. You would possibly even add an additional incentive for placing in an NXT driver. Is that this one thing IndyCar administration have evaluated? Too costly?
Taylor, KY
MP: Every thing you’re pondering of is precisely what the constitution system has killed. The groups you point out wouldn’t get a lot from a knowledge standpoint, however you’re spot on with the necessity for analysis entries and money-making entries.
If Crew X is pretty sure it isn’t going to earn a $1 million Leaders Circle contract, hell sure, I’d like to see them have the power to enter an additional automotive with a paying driver/sponsor and attempt to decrease that loss with out concern of that entry failing to make the 27-car minimize.
What if a workforce desires to get a take a look at a brand new/younger driver in a racing atmosphere? That is the primary season in reminiscence the place it isn’t potential with out that threat of failing to qualify. If Juncos Hollinger desires to place NXT championship chief Dennis Hauger in a automotive at Portland to see if he could be the man to rent subsequent yr, it ought to contain dangers.
There is no such thing as a draft system. There is no such thing as a formal construction stopping a workforce from desirous to pattern a participant in a giant league atmosphere earlier than they go professional. However there are new strictures in place with the constitution system that conspire towards enterprise growth and driver growth that I don’t imagine are wholesome. Not when the offseason testing limitations are so extreme that you just would possibly get two or three days complete with the individual in a non-racing atmosphere and base your selections on really feel and hope.
Perhaps IndyCar simply wants to copy the Chris Griffis Memorial USF Championships/Indy NXT take a look at that will get run over a number of days within the offseason – a mix, successfully – the place groups routinely run a number of drivers by way of their vehicles. I’d quite see some seem in 28th and 29th vehicles at choose closing races, and each choices are potential to create if Penske Leisure desires to take action.
Do not inform Marshall we mentioned this, however an IndyCar model of the Chris Griffis Memorial Take a look at is definitely a extremely cool thought. IMS Photograph
Q: So is it too early to be speaking about F1 or IndyCar’s ‘foolish season’? It at the moment seems to be fairly gradual rumor-wise.
Dave from JC
MP: Been a nothing burger this yr, however I’ve been including notes to a primary replace that might be out ASAP.
CHRIS MEDLAND: F1 was all the time set for a quieter one this yr anyway with so many groups having confirmed their line-ups for 2026 already. That’s due to the brand new rules coming subsequent yr, resulting in some groups wanting continuity on the driving facet so there’s no new integration wanted they usually’re working with identified portions. Other than the beneath, solely Alpine has a present emptiness.
However I don’t assume we are able to name it quiet once you’ve obtained the Max Verstappen state of affairs that has been rumbling on for the previous month or so, and George Russell nonetheless ready on a brand new contract, too.
Each Mercedes drivers are ready on new offers (or affirmation of an extension, in Kimi Antonelli’s case) and it’s Russell and Mercedes that I really feel actually maintain the important thing to crazy season, so on that entrance it’s already began. If he stays, count on little important motion elsewhere. If Verstappen is signed, then that opens up the potential for different groups shifting for Russell, and Crimson Bull possibly needing a complete new line-up.
On high of that we’ve obtained Cadillac to consider, with loads of concentrate on who may get these seats. Whereas the brand new American workforce initially felt it was out of the cycle for driver contracts and will choose from a particular group with out an excessive amount of time strain, within the occasion of a Verstappen change it may see larger motion out there that may doubtlessly make extra drivers accessible, however take others out of the equation.
Q: I’m curious what the attain of Apple is when it comes to subscriber depend in comparison with ESPN/ABC. I’m a die-hard racing fan and I would possibly subscribe to Apple if it will get the F1 TV rights, however I additionally won’t. In a market that F1 has made a excessive precedence for rising its viewers, Apple looks like an odd selection. I think about each Netflix and Amazon have significantly extra attain?
Ryan
CM: A report from The Info again in March positioned the variety of Apple TV+ subscribers at round 45 million, whereas Entrance Workplace Sports activities had the ESPN+ streaming service at 25 million subscribers in the beginning of this yr, on high of the roughly 70 million who’ve entry to ESPN by way of pay TV.
In line with Statista, Apple TV+ has an 8% market share on the subject of streaming video on demand (SVOD) platforms, and ranks seventh general, whereas you’re proper that Amazon (22%) and Netflix (21%) are the highest two. However that’s precisely why Apple will need it – as a result of it desires to shut that hole.
The streaming platforms are turning to sports activities because of the dedicated fanbases that may subscribe to have the ability to watch, and all three have some type of reside sports activities providing already. What F1 has to weigh up is the stability between the very best variety of potential viewers over the interval of the contract, and the arduous money worth of that contract for its revenues.
Q: I’ve not heard this talked about apart from a little bit murmur. When is Crimson Bull going to start out constructing a automotive that somebody moreover Max can drive shortly? Or publicly admit they’re extra the issue than Max’s perceived brilliance? Perhaps with Horner gone this may change? I’m not suggesting Max isn’t unbelievable, clearly he’s, however the automotive appears to be designed round his fashion sufficient that he can deal with it. Each different driver that will get in that automotive sucks? Actually? Crimson Bull is a damaged wrist away from being the eighth and even ninth quickest automotive resulting from their design flaw. Return during the last 30 years of varied groups dominating and we’ll discover it’s solely Crimson Bull that has had this challenge to such a level.
Eric Z, Lancaster, NY
CM: I’m unsure if that may ever occur to be sincere, Eric! However you’re proper that it’s clearly a automotive drawback, due to the variety of drivers who’ve failed to achieve wherever close to Verstappen’s heights, regardless of proving in different equipment that they’re high quality drivers. The larger the pattern set – assume Gasly, Albon, Perez, Lawson and Tsunoda – the extra conviction you possibly can have that the automotive and atmosphere want addressing.
If something, I really feel prefer it accentuates Verstappen’s talents much more. I’d like to see him within the Racing Bull for a weekend to exhibit if it’s simply that the Crimson Bull is so difficult to drive that solely he can do it, or if he’s simply extracting much more out of any F1 automotive than most others can.
If it’s the previous, he wouldn’t take the Racing Bulls automotive that a lot additional than it at the moment will get. If it’s the latter, he’d nonetheless be within the combine on the entrance in that, too (and maybe be much more aggressive than within the Crimson Bull given the truth that each Racing Bulls drivers repeatedly outperform the second Crimson Bull driver, whoever they’re).
However Crimson Bull doesn’t design the automotive round Max’s fashion – no workforce immediately does that. All of them construct the quickest potential automotive they will, and attempt to make it as drivable as potential, but it surely’s solely as fast as the driving force can drive it. Verstappen finds methods of extracting efficiency regardless of the automotive’s challenges, however that was one of many causes he was getting pissed off final yr – as a result of Crimson Bull was giving him a tricky automotive to drive after which he felt his performances had been virtually being taken without any consideration.
THE FINAL WORD
From Robin Miller’s Mailbag, 17 July, 2019
Q: The MLB performed its Mid-Summer season Basic final evening, which suggests tonight is baseball free! How superior would it not be to have a Wednesday or Thursday evening race for IndyCar with nothing else within the nation operating towards it? Image a sooner or later present at Richmond or Kentucky or wherever with some afternoon practices, a dinnertime qualifying and seven:00pm inexperienced flag. The networks have solely to deal with the World Sequence of Poker and a few Legislation and Order reruns.
Somebody must put this deal collectively and supply the loyal followers a midweek race. Should you can’t cajole any of the bigwigs to repeat Tony Stewart and run a Wednesday race, then simply remind them New Hampshire’s Fall NASCAR race was misplaced to Las Vegas and now there’s room for a race. It could be a pleasant weekend of racing now that there’s a flat observe in Loudon. And for what it’s value, I miss watching you and Despain reside on Wind Tunnel.
Richard from Dudley Massachusetts
ROBIN MILLER: NBC’s Kevin Lee urged this a number of years in the past and I really like the concept, however getting a promoter to race in mid-week can be a problem. Nonetheless, if you happen to obtained a sufficiently big title sponsor to assist with the underside line and IndyCar waived the sanction charge, it would work. It definitely would have a captive TV viewers. Thanks, I miss working with Dave and W.T. – greatest motorsports present ever.
