Welcome to the RACER mailbag. Questions for RACER’s writers will be despatched to: mailbag@racer.com. We welcome your feedback and opinions, however letters with questions usually tend to be revealed. Questions obtained after 3:00 PM EST every Monday can be saved for the next week.
Q: Do you’ve got any details about when Dan Gurney’s guide can be launched? I heard it is two volumes and Dan’s widow Evie completed it a few years in the past. The vacations are approaching. Appears to be like like time.
Ray Schmudde
Marshall Pruett: My hope is till the All American Racers Reunion at Highway America subsequent July. It is held on the identical day because the IndyCar occasion in Nashville, however I do not assume I must let you know the place to seek out me that weekend.
Q: So 23XI desires to have Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick sworn in on their favourite subjects within the NASCAR case. (ED: And that is appears to take action. ) What questions would you prefer to ask Penske and have him reply below oath?For me, I might begin with the Indy 500 finishes in 2002 and 2023, after which I might completely blame Tom Cruise for all the P2P scandals.
Mark, Milford, Ohio
MP: To start with, my thoughts went straight to Chappelle Present the place Roger goes fully Tron Carter. I attraction to “FiF”.
So I do not assume we’ll get loads of solutions as a result of the Fifth Modification is an possibility, however I might prefer to know the sale value of IndyCar and IMS, why the connection with Will Energy resulted in such an unlucky method, and why the connection with Jay Fry resulted in such an unlucky method.
I am probably not within the 2002 and 2023 Indy 500s.
That does not imply I agree with the 2002 ruling. That victory at all times belonged to Barry Inexperienced and Paul Tracy, however I do not begrudge Penske for doing every little thing in his energy to get the outcomes he wished for his crew and drivers. The massive races are pushed by partisan methods by big firms and the rich crew homeowners with whom they’ve ties to win in any respect prices. Selections just like the one in 2002 go towards my sense of honest play, however I am not the child to be shocked by such issues anymore.
In 2023, I could not consider it was a Penske-related contract.
Q: What occurred to Beth Paletta’s plans to begin a crew, or a minimum of associate with somebody?Simona de Silvestro was probably the most fashionable drivers within the collection, however by no means appeared to seek out the suitable state of affairs. Do you assume she is going to resume her racing profession, maybe in Europe, after her Olympic journey is over?
Patrick, Brownsburg, Indiana
MP: Simona did effectively with HVM Racing till 2012 when the crew could not get a Chevrolet or Honda lease and had to make use of Lotus engines which killed the season. The crew led by Keith Wiggins and Shane Seneviratne punched effectively above their weight till 2011 and died after 2012, however in 2013 she did a fantastic job ending thirteenth for KV Racing.th Teammate and 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan completed eleventh.th.
As for her future, no, I do not know, until a crew or producer desires to revive her skilled profession. A veteran like Simona’s profession requires consistency and momentum, however her change to bobsledding has made her a lesser-known title as a four-wheeler lately.
In Beth’s case, her final joint entry was with Ed Carpenter Racing in 2022, and she or he does not bear in mind why plans to return with ECR or one other crew in 2023 fell by. Once I spoke to her in the course of the season finale, she was bullish about returning on one other part-time contract. With a number of exceptions, she was handled badly by too many whereas attempting to get a foothold within the collection. (ED: Paletta’s day job as vp of sport for System E could not depart him a lot free time to construct a crew in the meanwhile).
The final time Paletta Autosport fielded Simona de Silvestro in six races was in 2022. James Black/Penske Leisure
Q: I loved watching the HSR Traditional 24 at Daytona this weekend, and I could not assist however discover that a few of the vehicles had some fairly sturdy hitters as second drivers.
Are Le Mans winners and former IMSA champions simply in it for the enjoyable, or can they earn a good paycheck at occasions like this?
brad
MP: Previous execs undoubtedly receives a commission. Driving classic vehicles on take a look at days, serving to groups with chassis setup, teaching non-pro customers and automobile homeowners, and racing in HSR occasions are methods to assist the folks you refer themselves.
Q: One more reason why Kyle Kirkwood signed a contract extension with Andretti might be that he can be the primary alternative when Cadillac F1 is able to have two American drivers. What do you assume?
Lei Shuming
MP: Kirkwood is all about IndyCar. As I wrote a number of months in the past, primarily based on Andretti World’s 2025 IndyCar outcomes, if TWG Motorsports wished to deliver the most effective American to F1, they need to have finished so with Kirkwood. In 2024, Colton Herta would clearly be the No. 1 American on the crew. The choice to decide on Colton says so much. So if that is what Kyle desires, and what they need too, then it could have already occurred by getting an F2 seat and chasing tremendous license factors.
I additionally wish to consider that the folks at TWG are too good to repeatedly strip IndyCar groups and recruit their brightest expertise into the F1 program.
Q: Why not contemplate previous American V8 for IndyCar? NASCAR gamers have loads of motors. Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, and now Dodge. These engines sound nice. It ought to be less expensive than the turbo V6s at present in use, and we all know it might probably simply ship 750 horsepower over 600 miles.
Sure, I do know it’ll require a chassis redesign, however in the long term it is going to be less expensive to have 4 engine producers. Plus, a giant nod to the Ford vs. Chevrolet vs. Dodge vs. Toyota conflict. You do not have to fret about efficiency steadiness as a result of the motor already has the identical efficiency. The extra engines Roush, Hendrick, Childress, TRD, and Penske make, the cheaper it prices everybody.
NASCAR appears to be doing effectively with out the expense of a hybrid system. Truthfully, do any race followers actually care about hybrid techniques in race vehicles? The added weight of a V8 is offset by the elimination of the hybrid system. NASCAR makes use of Sunoco gasoline/ethanol and IndyCar makes use of Shell renewables, however I do not see that being a technical hurdle. Are you able to think about 33 vehicles with non-turbo V8s from 4 totally different producers roaring down Indy’s entrance stretch?
Gary, Anza, California
MP: There have been two or three as an alternative of 4, however sure, from 1997 (really 35 that yr) to 2011, Indy had 33 naturally aspirated V8 engines. And a minimum of within the days of the Indy Racing League V8, when vehicles had been as deafening because the Cup V8, nobody cared, and virtually nobody outdoors of Indy confirmed up. Once we switched to a flat aircraft crankshaft in 2001 (I feel it was 2001), the pitch went up and the sound turned much less throaty and positively extra conventional circle truck.
Historical past has proven that earlier than this variation, the romanticism that made Indy vehicles sound like Cup vehicles was a business failure and a loser within the recognition sport. (The flatplane change additionally did not draw crowds, however its timing coincided with many of the CART IndyCar Sequence’ finest groups leaping to the IRL beginning in 2001.)
Quick ahead to at the moment, and regardless that NASCAR continues to be far more fashionable than IndyCar, why would these producers spend cash to race the identical engines in a collection that has a smaller fan base and tv viewers?They’re already on the prime with the vehicles and engines they use within the Cup.
I might like IndyCar to develop and use their very own cool V8 as an alternative of simply copying and borrowing NASCAR’s signature objects.
Q: When will IndyCar come to Sebring for testing earlier than St. Petersburg?
rob
MP: February, particular date TBA.
Q: Caio Colletto has been introduced as AJ Foyt Racing’s second driver, what do you consider Collette as a driver and what does his addition imply for the crew? Is he nearer to Marcus or Kirkwood, or is he nearer to Benjamin Pedersen or Sting Ray Robb?
Tom Knisley, Blaine, Minnesota
MP: He’s a unicorn and a rocket within the sense that he’s capable of finding vital sponsors to pay for his seat. It stays to be seen if Hauger would have made the leap to the championship had Collette been within the Andretti NXT machine final season. Indubitably, it is a quick and refined driver to come back out of NXT. He has a fantastic tutor in Ferrucci and may maintain his personal effectively elsewhere. He’ll do silly issues like every other rookie, however count on him to face out extra usually than many would count on from somebody with no profile.
quick cash. James Black/Penske Leisure
Q: I am glad to see RLL staying with IMSA. Who do you assume would be the driver? Will we ever get an opportunity to see Graham Rahal within the automobile for Daytona? Do you assume this partnership will assist deliver RLL again to the highest sooner or later?
For enjoyable, how a few second automobile at Daytona with Paul Tracy, Robbie Gordon, Max Papis and Elio? We’re certain they’re going to win.
david
MP: I do not know if Graham is an efficient match. He’s 6 toes 3 inches tall and the roof of his automobile is as much as his waist. I perceive that the one GTD Professional effort in 2026 might turn into two in 2027, so that will be nice. If McLaren had been so as to add IMSA GTP to their program, they might hope RLL can be given an opportunity, however Zach Brown is the proprietor of United Autosports, which runs the WEC hypercar effort, and one wonders if somebody apart from Zach’s UA USA crew would get it. American settlement.
I might like to see the previous timers you talked about, however they are going to be destroyed. The 24-hour most assault achieved by Daytona within the Professional class is one thing else.
Q: Collett’s announcement to Foyt didn’t point out whether or not the partnership with Penske would proceed. Was it a one-year collaboration typical of Marcus? Or will it proceed?
Fred, initially from Indiana, lives in Missouri.
MP: I attempted to contact Group Penske president Jonathan Diouguid final week, however he was heading to the ultimate WEC race in Bahrain. I am going to strive once more when he returns to North Carolina.
Q: IndyCar and NASCAR appear to be getting nearer and nearer with each showing on FOX, however how lengthy do you assume it is going to be till a NASCAR race is held in Lengthy Seashore?
mike latino
MP: I do not see it. They’ve shared stations many occasions prior to now…like final yr once they had been each on NBC. Roger Penske and Penske Leisure personal the Lengthy Seashore Grand Prix, with Roger’s IndyCar Sequence being the featured race and co-headlined by IMSA, which has considerably lowered the grid to suit right into a second paddock.
NASCAR wants to maneuver IndyCar out of the principle paddock to accommodate 36 to 40 vehicles, however that hasn’t occurred. The one method NASCAR might hit LB is that if Roger and town resolve to carry a second occasion only for NASCAR, however I do not see why Roger would do this until he desires IndyCar racing to be much less particular and fewer worthwhile.
Q: The primary few corners of the Mexico Metropolis F1 race had been a bit smelly. Fingers had been pointed in every single place. Max Verstappen knew his actions wouldn’t be reversed. Good for him.
However… there’s a value to pay for drivers who take such loopy possibilities. If bollards are positioned in these run-off areas, an on-the-spot penalty can be imposed. No steward intervention. Why not?
Boxster Bob, Monterey, California
Chris Medland: Bob, I do not assume bollards are unhealthy in any respect, however I additionally do not assume they essentially clear up the issue. I’ve seen this nook utilized in a run-off space in lots of locations, however generally drivers are usually not capable of go across the nook or are usually not notably penalized (I feel Sochi was the same nook prior to now, and now Barcelona too).
I feel it is clear that we’ve got to do one thing in Flip 1 in Mexico. As a result of it is a frequent downside. However I do not see why a gravel lure would not be a good suggestion there. Automobiles journey a lot slower than on grass. And I feel that meets your standards for imposing an on-the-spot penalty.
Verstappen was one of many few drivers in Mexico who was capable of bypass the primary nook. Mark Thompson/Getty Photos
Q: In Brazil, Max Verstappen made three enhancements between qualifying and the race: a set-up change, a brand new PU and loads of new, unused tires. What share enchancment do you assume there was in every?
Ken
CM: Contemplating how poorly the automobile was earlier than the race, the set-up was clearly an enormous enchancment, however so was the facility unit. On a monitor with a excessive altitude (second highest after Mexico Metropolis) and the place you really want sturdy efficiency on the run to Flip 1, it helps when you can run the facility unit aggressively, so you may run 90% on these two features (most likely 60% setup, 30% PU).
The one new tires he used within the race that he could not have had had been the gentle tires for the ultimate stint, and I feel if he hadn’t had an early puncture on the onerous, he won’t have used them anyway. In idea, he might have completed in the identical place if not for that final pit cease (though I feel he was pushing onerous the entire race, so the drop-off would have been actually massive). So I may be being beneficiant after I say 10% is due to the tires.
final phrase
From Robin Miller’s Mailbag, November 13, 2013
Q: You confuse me generally. It looks like virtually each week, followers write of their mailbags asking for extra innovation, extra pace, new aero kits, new engine producers. And but you retain saying, “I do not assume these modifications will change TV viewership.” Nicely, I fully disagree. IndyCar must hear and embrace what followers wish to see of their sport.
I do know, I do know, “In case you hearken to what the followers say, you too will turn into a fan.” Proper? Sorry, however on this case, I feel it is time for the IMS board to hearken to the followers, not the advertising corporations that counsel street programs in early Might. We desperately want innovation. I really like when Chipster requested Ben Bowlby to design the Delta Wing. And kudos to Ben, he was progressive however forgot that in an open wheel racing collection the automobile needs to be an open wheel automobile. Oops!
Relating to pace. I noticed Sneva attain 200mph and that was a giant deal. That was 36 years in the past. Once I was a child, I assumed I might undoubtedly break the 250 mph file by the point I used to be an previous man. Nicely, I am 48 years previous and probably the most we are able to do is 237 in 1996? Why go backwards? poor!
This is the deal…we want a sport changer ASAP. Velocity, innovation, and know-how are COOL! That is what IndyCar ought to be like, one year a yr! Heck, I am extra enthusiastic about FIA System E’s progress in improvement, which pisses me off. We wish IndyCar to be on the forefront of racing! Why aren’t we the premiere collection? I watched extra F1 races this yr…and I do not like street/avenue programs. However these vehicles are terrible and enjoyable to take a look at.
So…what do you actually assume strikes the needle? The one factor I’ve seen you write about is opening the rulebook. Are you able to and Marshall Pruett put your heads collectively and provides us the highest 5 concepts to enhance IndyCar?
mike mammoser
Robin Miller: On TV and even on the monitor, folks cannot inform the distinction between a 200 and a 220. I am simply attempting to take a look at this as a non-fan place. What makes me drive to the monitor? The pace could also be totally different, however you wish to see overtaking and onerous driving, and IndyCar has that, nevertheless it makes no distinction.
Individuals will proceed to imagine monitor data and all of the sudden there can be six totally different vehicles flocking to races and TV. And my level is, the one individuals who appear to care about this stuff are already watching IndyCar. Actually, there can be extra advertising and extra curiosity as the principles open up and Fords, Audis, and Dodges come to city. And if Indy 500 cash paid $1 million to begin and $10 million to win, perhaps McLaren or Crimson Bull would construct the automobile. I liked the previous days and went to purchase the final roadster to play a present with my hero Herc, however these days are lengthy gone. Nobody desires to construct a automobile until there may be assured to be no competitors. It is unhappy and terrible, however I feel that is the truth. At the least for now.
