Welcome to the racer’s mail bag. Any questions from the racer author are: mailbag@racer.com. We love listening to your feedback and opinions, however letters containing questions are prone to be printed. Any questions acquired each Monday after 3pm might be saved the next week.
Ed’s observe: Chris Medland has been taking just a few days off this week, however I saved my F1 questions for him to reply subsequent week.
Q: When did your follow session change into a “free” follow session? FP1, FP2. and so on? Why do not I see free follow periods in my occasion calendar?
We have reached a giant milestone in case you missed it. After some of the latest articles, the feedback part went all the way in which to the fourth remark earlier than it grew to become unfavourable. This beats an previous file of three feedback earlier than it will get unfavourable. It is an incredible factor that “followers” can complain about all the pieces.
DA, Chicago
Marshall Pruett: February 29, 1999. Love your self extra and do not learn feedback.
Q: With Malukas leaving Foyt, is there nonetheless a technical alliance between Foyt and Pensuke nonetheless in place? Whether it is nonetheless in place, will James Schnabel nonetheless be in Voith and he’ll return to his 14 automobiles? Possibly the engineering shuffle is not good and there is a season up to now. We hope that 14 automobiles could have high engineers. Possibly it is Armbrester, however 2025 means that Santino advantages from Schnabel greater than 2025’s Armbrester in 2024.
I’ve a relatively unfavourable view of Voith in 2026, primarily based on the dearth of technical relationships in place. This can be a recipe for Foyt to return to the again of the grid. With the combination, Daly rejoining the workforce and including all of the rumours that include it among the many drivers, I hardly ever get excited. I hope my creativeness is doing tips on me.
Oliver Wells
MP: I requested Workforce Pensuke’s President Jonathan Diwgid concerning the continued technical alliance final month, however he refused to offer a solution. That does not imply the reply is not any, but when so, there isn’t any cause to obscure the information.
Schnabel and Ferrucci have been magic in 2024, and Schnabel had the identical impact on Marcus in 2025. We hope that considered one of Pensuke’s veteran race engineers might be promoted to a better function, promoted from the timing stands, and Schnabel will step into that stand as a race engineer. Is that the identical as Marcus, quantity 12? With McLaughlin in quantity 3?
Ferucci actually favored the transition to Adam Kolsar as a race engineer when Armbrester was promoted to technical director, and Kolesar was used to his function as of June, giving him time to develop. With out Pensuke’s involvement, the workforce will retreat. I hope that the Technical Alliance will proceed.
Q: Ten years in the past, I went with my now husband to my first IndyCar race at Iowa Speedway. My husband’s first race was his first 12 months on the observe after getting free tickets from his school friends. I used to be instantly hooked after I noticed the automobiles flying round throughout the qualifying rounds. We by no means forgot how comfortable his buddy Invoice was when Ryan Hunter Lee gained the race. Since then we have now traveled to Highway America, St. Louis, Nashville, 500. All of those occasions have been particular in their very own manner, however you miss the race in your hometown (I dwell about 45 minutes from Newton).
There was all the time a good quantity of warmth exhaustion, however we all the time had a KOA pool and the races have been nice for years! From hatred of the 12 months of live performance to the ultimate partial pavement of the observe, it was painful to see all of the unfavourable feedback concerning the observe over the previous few years. With that gone, we really feel like we have pushed the previous canine out of its distress.
When coping with ache, it is helpful to recollect good instances, proper? One in every of my favorite recollections was watching New Backyard destroy the sector in 2016 with plates and damaged arms on his collarbone. What a present! What have been your favourite recollections of IndyCar at Iowa Speedway?
Liz, the proud Iowa transplant
MP: I like your perspective right here, Liz. You might be proper, and the longer you’re a fan, the larger the cemetery might be with the beloved occasions and vehicles which have left us. Ryan Hunter Ray owns Iowa, and amid his victory there, the actual thriller was dominated by Tony Canaan in 2014, however RHR and a few others rolled the cube with sluggish consideration and ripped the sector with new tires. RHR took the lead from TK on two laps. This was wild.
It additionally solidified its transfer as a go-to choice to observe all of the short-sights of the longer term when confronted with related circumstances. Christian Rasmussen’s victory in Milwaukee final month was a wonderfully executed Iowa 2014 playbook.
Q: I’m extraordinarily inspired by the cooperation of NASCAR and INDYCAR within the Phoenix doubleheader race subsequent March. That made me take into consideration different potential doubleheaders that would improve IndyCar’s schedule.
I feel Indycar can carry again the Iowa Speedway race by doing double headers with NASCAR.
The geographical space wherein IndyCar can enhance is positioned within the northeast, which isn’t at the moment current. If IndyCar groups up with NASCAR over the weekend, is it potential to both Watkins Glen and/or New Hampshire?
In your opinion, what was it that Fox instantly stated it opened the door to NASCAR’s cooperation with IndyCar?
Kevin P., Los Angeles, California
MP: Fox is extraordinarily essential to NASCAR. There’s a robust voice of affect as they host the primary 16 occasions of the season, together with the Daytona 500 (12 races and qualifying and All-Stars).
I hold listening to that the Phoenix Mashup won’t be invaded a lot over NASCAR weekend. If what I used to be informed is right, Saturday’s Indy Automobile Race will not be a characteristic, and the warm-up earlier than the Xfinity race (renamed the O’Reilly Auto Elements sequence in 2026) may need the feel and appear of a USF Professional 2000 operating the USF Professional 2000 earlier than the Indy Nxt. And if that is the case, IndyCar will come and go out and in instantly. This may be an fascinating expertise for a sequence that’s new to being a gap act.
NBC will air the Iowa NASCAR occasion, so it is arduous to think about the way it will work.
I hope that Phoenix’s double headers are the start of one thing good. Chris Greiten/Getty Pictures
Q: Is it mistaken to suppose that David Malukas might doubtlessly change into Kevin Cogan 2.0 on Penske? Disrespectful would not make sense, however it seems there are a number of similarities.
Vincent Michael, Richmond, Virginia
MP: Chances are you’ll have to do AJ utterly to pronounce Malooooooooooooooo, as he did with Cooooooooogan.
Davy might be an unwinning experiment like Pensuke’s Kogan in 1982, however I do not suppose the separation between Marca and Newgarden/McLaughlin can be one thing seen between Rick Mears (Pensuke’s champion with 4 wins from 11 races) and Kogan (sixth place with one pole and two podiums).
On the identical time, that season from New Backyard/McLaughlin cannot consider any extra time to assist the workforce get out of the wilderness by introducing wild playing cards like Marca. If this have been the late 2010s when New Backyard and Pageno and Energy have been molly flooring for everybody, Marcus would have been eaten alive.
However will a workforce that seems to have misplaced a few of its identification in 2025 seek for a brand new identification with new management? The very best time to check out new streaking expertise and see if he can add something new and dynamic. And if he goes on the cooooooooo route, lord, some heavy batters have been within the free company since 2027.
Q: As somebody who has adopted races for many of my life and hasn’t been in a position to watch the race, why was Dr. Jack Miller so dangerous within the early days of what we name the NTT IndyCar sequence?
Kurt Perberg
MP: He was a human who often will get taller within the type of a race the place no people have been discovered. I raced for a number of years with junior open wheels and touring automobiles after I was in my early 20s. I can say with complete confidence that Dr. Jack will destroy me and nearly everybody on the planet of motor racing.
However between Indylight and IndyCar purebred racers, he stood out as a human being amongst a lot of the elite abilities. He participated in three Indy 500. I’ll ponder that for a second. For all the pieces Dr. Jack “Racing Dentists” was missing, it wasn’t the ball.
Additionally, take into account him working full-time. And household. And there was no iracing. Or a simulator. Or pitfit. Make all the pieces that people use in the present day, change into an IndyCar driver with potential continuous coaching and information, assessment the limitless onboard for reviewing and residing with SIMs with engineers throughout the race, and make it limitless onboard. It didn’t exist in Dr. Jack’s time.
The older I get, the extra I recognize what he achieved. He was mirrored by followers, media and different drivers, as there weren’t many individuals like Miller on the time. The rise {of professional} am racing – primarily in sports activities automobiles – Dr. Jacks in the present day is under no circumstances uncommon within the racing world. However in his time, Miller was a misfit. (ed: If you wish to hear concerning the profession of a racing dentist your self, please test it out An interview with him For a number of years. )
Q: I am going to simply leap right here to say my spouse and our three boys are touring to Arizona for the IndyCar race in March. We make it every week’s journey. I simply purchased all 5 tickets and they’re very moderately priced. For all followers within the Phoenix space, entry these seats so you may hold Phoenix on a schedule! I’d undoubtedly suppose the lace is nice within the quick oval packaging. I stay up for seeing my first race in Phoenix.
Lake in Paul, Hills, Illinois
MP: IndyCar’s quick oval race was the perfect race yearly, so we will not wait to see what we have now at Phoenix. Earlier than the race weekend arrives, low season testing will have to be achieved to set aero and tire specs. The occasion marks its fiftieth 12 months of visiting Phoenix Raceway for the IndyCar occasion. I do not know if it is cool or gloomy…
Q: I had some questions after the IndyCar 2026 schedule was launched.
Will the Mexican race win one other shot? What’s the chance that it’s taking place in 2027?
Iowa is certainly useless and went to IndyCar? Or will you see them come again such as you did in 2022?
Conversely, will Phoenix keep right here? How robust is the deal between IndyCar and NASCAR on the weekend of shared races at this specific venue? Additionally, as we’re holding the second race on our 2026 schedule, have you ever heard of any check dates that can occur quickly?
Is it nonetheless a requirement to complete the IndyCar season earlier than the NFL season begins? In that case, I bear in mind there was speak about beginning the season earlier this 12 months just a few years in the past to keep away from the six-month offseason. Has this been considered now? So, what’s stopping IndyCar from spreading different races within the center or early February or accordingly?
Lastly, can INDYCAR modify the schedule, like F1, to rearrange a schedule to attempt to decrease journey distance between races sooner or later? If the brand new 2028 automotive is costlier than the present DW12, is not this a sensible option to save your workforce cash? That is simply an instance, however let’s check out the primary 5 2026 races in St. Pete, Phoenix, Arlington, Barbour and Lengthy Seashore. Is not it theoretically potential to change between Phoenix and barbers?
Xavier
MP: Mexico will get one other shot. (There is a 43.7% probability that it occurs… why would I do know the chances, brother?)
Iowa is useless. (There is a new grocery story chain known as Vy-Hee arising and do not pay silly cash to sponsor that.)
Phoenix stays right here. (For not less than one race in 2026. The wedding should be accomplished earlier than predicting how lengthy the union will final.)
A check date will happen. (When ought to I ask.)
Sure, it is nonetheless a requirement. (However that is not the case if nobody needs to see it.)
The longstanding points, together with 2025, have been the primary race following the following race. (This was resolved over three consecutive weekends to open the season in 2026, so return to spreading issues?)
Sure, IndyCar can schedule your journey to reduce journey distance. (Nonetheless, NASCAR hasn’t modified Phoenix weekends for this, so sure, however no.)
Additionally, if the IndyCar workforce wants to avoid wasting diesel gas to purchase a brand new automotive in 2028, the sequence is doomed. (No, significantly.)
Iowa was enjoyable whereas it continued. Travis Hinkle/IMS
Q: 1. Why would not IMSA have a neighborhood yellow? (I used to be at Watkins Glenn and for 3 hours of the race it was fcy).
2. It looks like nobody can cross the Pensuke Porsche with out hitting one other automotive (please ask Grosjean).
3. Do you are feeling like another person was holding “Mr. Zoomy,” his arms, a pit lane digicam bouncing off the crew and others?
David, Pennsylvania
MP: 1: IMSA has native yellow. 2: That is what it’s, proper? 3: Seven folks really feel aggravated, however Mrs. Zoomy loves it.
Q: I’ve simply reviewed an article concerning the new schedule and puzzled why Indycar occasions are in demand. One remark stated the Indy 500 was the one worthwhile race on the schedule.
Weekend occasions like Lengthy Seashore and Highway America each appeal to massive crowds, however aren’t they helpful? Does that sentiment concerning the sequence not require sufficient demand to manifest or is the promoter unable to generate income?
As a lot as I hate dropping a brief oval like Iowa, it was no venue apart from a sponsor apart from a neighborhood Hy-Vee. I went to Baltimore for the Grand Prix years in the past and it felt like Lengthy Seashore with an amazing crowd. I used to be shocked that the occasion was discarded.
Lastly, I learn the point out that the Washington DC race is checking the checkbox to cowl the northeast. Can somebody learn the map already? Racing in that space is nice, however it’s awkward that IndyCar cannot appeal to a good crowd to considered one of our most legendary venues, Watkins Glen.
Wildman, Missouri
MP: You consider that my dad and mom will elevate me, elevate me, ship me into the world and discover my manner. Kill me now.
Q: When the 2026 IndyCar schedule was introduced, there have been clearly essential social media feedback. Those that thrust me have been just a few folks in Detroit smacking canines. Now I brazenly admit that I wasn’t a fan of the primary Downtown Avenue Race. However I’ve modified my opinion ever since.
To me, Detroit is an fascinating race. It is avenue race, however not like St. Pete or Lengthy Seashore. For Detroit, it seems that drivers do not race with different drivers as a lot as they race the observe. Primarily, you survive the observe and compete with others for positions when potential. It is like 50% races on the observe, 30-40% races different drivers, 10-20% Mario Kart.
What are the drivers’ emotions about Detroit?
John Balestrieri, wait, Wisconsin
MP: That is an amazing perspective, John. The drivers I get pleasure from most have a tendency to thrive there. Since my first go to within the Nineteen Nineties, I’ve beloved the city. I’ve additionally lived for years within the actually tough components of San Francisco, the actually nice components of SF, and the tough/good components of Oakland, so I am snug in each environments.
I recognize these experiences. However that is not one thing that many IndyCar drivers have skilled, so I perceive why they do not see attraction in Detroit. I am mentioning all of that as a result of emotions concerning the place can actually have an effect on my views on race and occasions. I’ve by no means heard many flowery feedback from the bulk.
Q: Is there a chance that DRR could have extra IndyCar races in addition to the five hundred? They appear to all the time submit novels that make you surprise.
Casey
MP: I requested DRR just a few months in the past and there was a well-recognized expression of curiosity, however there isn’t a clever path as an entry that isn’t assured. With 27 grid caps, the DRR should qualify somebody to carry out the race. It is tough to do with out continually monitoring.
Q: With the specified Mexico Metropolis race being suspended from the 2026 schedule, have been you questioning if consideration was paid elsewhere in Mexico? It is all Indycar is increasing its fanbase, however plans to host this occasion at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez are doing the identical factor that Components 1 does yearly, so it is a bit flattering with me. Somewhat than following different sequence within the wake of it, I might prefer to see IndyCar differentiate itself.
I perceive the perks of the AHR circuit – I assume it’s the highest high quality venue within the nation and on the largest inhabitants heart. I’m not underestimating the significance of those components. However are there different reliable venues that may assist the IndyCar race?
I am clearly new to what different choices would possibly exist. Pat is from Monterrey and I feel the cart/champion automobiles have been doing avenue racing within the early 2000s. The principle aim of this might not be to draw American vacationers, however to run avenue circuits in vacationer locations like Cancun and Puerto Valerta. Are there any ovals with the best services? I feel that Indycar can actually introduce the brand new inhabitants as one thing totally different.
Tom, lemon,
MP: I am positive different venues are being mentioned, however I solely know that Mexico Metropolis is the principle focus. Until there’s a sudden change in tone, IndyCar needs a turnkey occasion in Mexico, and it is Autodromo Hermans Rodriguez. This 12 months, we host F1, Components E and NASCAR, and we might be exhibiting up exterior of the Racing Collection and wish races. Each different place requires a whole lot of heavy lifting and I’ve not seen the sequence go into making their very own new, massive productions someplace in Mexico.
Autodromo is like IndyCar’s Airbnb. I walked into a beautiful rental for 3 days and a couple of nights in Mexico Metropolis earlier than heading house.
Airbnb assessment: No bit noise and personal bogs, however nonetheless extremely advisable. 5 stars, I am going to keep right here once more. Zak Mauger/Getty Pictures
Q: I’ve a need to race in Mexico Metropolis. Are you contemplating returning to Monterrey, the place Kurt and Champion automobiles competed in, regardless of being probably the most populous metropolis in Mexico?
To begin with, it’s Pat’s hometown, so the gang might be much more wild and cheers on the boy from his hometown. However on high of that, it is totally different from merely operating on an F1 observe that is prone to see folks evaluating lap instances between IndyCar and F1.
Alan Bundy, Salvar, Pennsylvania
MP: See above.
Q: I do not perceive the dearth of Northeast races. If IndyCar can companion with NASCAR (enemy No. 1), why cannot they companion with IMSA in Glen to race Saturday six hours in the past?
And this complete factor avoiding the NFL is a joke. With the NFL on, the world of sports activities will not be stopping. It is simply silly. NASCAR, NHRA and IMSA will proceed by October. Indycar appears to be like like a scary little child about this. Thanks, Boston Consulting.
Derek, Rochester, New York
MP: All of the validated information exhibiting that IndyCar might be killed in TV scores if he opposes the NFL… pretend information? NASCAR has been extra well-liked than IndyCar many instances, so it has posted robust numbers. That is an exception. There are sufficient followers to lose some within the NFL with out getting any huge scores. That is not the case with Indycar. IMSA is hammered if it goes in opposition to the NFL. The identical goes for NHRA. If the controversy occurring is that Indycar ought to ignore what’s greatest for the workforce and sponsors and cost in September and October, then whereas soccer owns the airwaves, it is a good way to hurt the sequence.
Additionally, as we entered September, we ignored the truth that Fox was devoted to school soccer and the NFL. I write this on a Saturday morning. It was a pre-match present all morning earlier than 11pm or 5 straight school video games. With Huge Fox. The identical occurs on related Sundays, however all mornings and afternoons earlier than transferring on to the Simpsons and the remainder of the nights of non-sports programming. However sure, if you happen to ignore that there’s completely no weekend house obtainable at Fox throughout the soccer season…
IMSA doesn’t need an IndyCar race on considered one of Marque Endurance’s weekends at Sahlen’s 6-hour Glen. The Michelin Pilot Problem Collection is a characteristic of Saturday’s races.
Q: One of many issues I generally tend to grind my gear about racing throughout the board today is that I am all the time searching for groups and sequence to seek out extra methods to enhance my race, however I hardly ever see any basic modifications within the tracks apart from resurfaced, or the tracks themselves apart from the occasional nook repriling.
With all of the developments in information and evaluation, groups will come out figuring out precisely find out how to navigate every circuit, until it is an entire new observe or not in use for years.
My query is, apart from value, why do circuit structure modifications hardly ever happen, particularly on tracks with a number of potential configurations? I perceive that it’s costly, however automobiles are inclined to race on tracks and make racing extra predictable if the observe would not change. I am not saying I do that yearly, however I feel we must always require the circuit to maintain up with the automotive to maintain issues contemporary. NASCAR seems to be the one main sequence that tends to lean in the direction of this philosophy (Cota Quick Course, Bristol on Dust, and so on.).
I wish to get your concepts on this.
Paul, New York
MP: You answered your query with the query “I perceive it’s costly.”
It’s also value sharing that the observe doesn’t direct the racing sequence. If a brief or lengthy course is used wherever you might be, it’s a sequence and a truck name, and a sequence is a sequence with the facility to reject something you do not like as a result of Indycar, NASCAR, or IMSA brings the product with you.
The great thought right here is the fastened setting for vehicles, fields and courts to play by automobiles and athletes. Gamers and machines are evolving. So, predictability is not a problem yearly, not less than within the three sequence I discussed.
Iowa Speedway, 2024. Workforce Pensuke is the dominant power of that observe. Scott McLaughlin wins within the first race, with Will Energy successful within the second race. Are there any of the identical vehicles, new pavements this 12 months? Pat O’Ward wins the primary, whereas Alex Pallow wins the second. The wild happens in two races in a hard and fast setting.
Q: After the announcement of the IndyCar schedule, Lengthy Seashore despatched an annual e-mail relating to ticket renewals and common gross sales. Normally they’ve an entire abstract of the assist sequence that exist already, however this 12 months they only stated, “There is a assist sequence that is coming quickly.” Their schedule hasn’t been posted but, so we’re us Lastly Will NXT be returned to Lengthy Seashore?
Jacob, Southern California
MP: I heard it could be 2027.
Q: I’ve a query concerning the offseason. Whereas being protected, fascinated with your new automotive and your targets of shedding pounds and gaining horsepower. Are you pondering of eradicating the air stress jack system contained in the automotive out of your automotive? The system might be a low CG system, however not too mild. Possibly 20-30 kilos? Most seater sequence use the entrance and rear of the handbook jack to boost the automotive. The pit cease could also be sluggish, however that is the identical for everybody. thought?
Andy R, Detroit
MP: Fascinating ideas. The pneumatic cylinder will not be heavy, so it would not save a lot weight. The issue right here is the pit cease. F1 CARS PIT SOLO, with a ton of house entrance and rear for utilizing the handbook jack. IndyCar often has a number of automobiles with tails from the nostril, the place all the pieces, if not most, could be holed on the identical time, with little or no house left to enter or exit with out a lengthy lever-based handbook jack. The F1 jack operators know that it is in itself getting in the way in which and out of the way in which, however there’s extra open house to get again to them, and no pit partitions to dam them both. For now it is a lot simpler to stay to what works.
Q: One of many gadgets thrown out of the Maipenske disaster was the institution of an impartial authorization physique. Possibly I missed it however I have never heard any extra about this since. Are there any updates you already know?
Larry Miller, Key West
MP: Simply What I wrote on Racer.com.
Q: Why is Rinus asserting the world that he’s leaving DCR, until he has a touchdown spot?
Gary from the highway
MP: Sure.
Q: Easy query: Why do not you will have an app? Or am I an fool?
Tom
Mark Glendenning: If it means “Why do not you will have an app on Racer.com,” the reply is that we do. Racer + app (Obtainable right here) It’s supposed to stream racer community content material, however requires a information feed from Racer.com. Its content material is simply accessible in a relatively rudimentary format, however there may be ongoing debate about constructing a extra totally purposeful information factor.
The ultimate phrases
September 23, 2014, from Robin Miller’s mail bag
Q: Do you bear in mind Senna was undecided in 1992 whether or not he would drive for McLaren, and he examined considered one of Pensuke’s indie automobiles with Firebird? Simply guessing, how do you suppose Senna did with Indy?
Late vertices
Robin Miller: Emerson Fittipaldi was attempting to persuade him to come back to the race at a kart, which is not less than an Indy 500, so he appeared eager on the thought after the check. Driving for Pensuke together with his expertise, I feel he was doing nicely. Are you able to think about Mansell, Senna and Fittipaldi in Indy?
