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 more likely to be printed. Any questions obtained each Monday after 3pm shall be saved the next week.
Q: When AJ Foyt Racing loses a wheel gun failure with David Malukas’ gun, is that this the conventional time to get one other gun? Or is the distinction between Foy Racing and Pensuke or CGR, is that the man on the opposite facet of the wall prepared at hand it over to a tire changer?
About Andretti. I am going to fill him from the highest 10 by taking the potential of Colton Hertha’s high 5 end once more and never coming to the tire early on on the penultimate cease (the one earlier than the rain sprinkles). I simply do not know what that crew is doing. They seem to drop six shooters on their very own toes in virtually each race.
Jeff Smith, Penn State College
Marshall Pruett: It had a really Abu Dhabi 2021 f1 really feel. It did not make sense for the chief to pit the tires on Sunday. I’ve stopped earlier than the eye just lately, however it all is smart to see if everybody else can take a brand new tire and notice they’ve some great benefits of the tire.
Be aware that the rainfalls at Lap and Lap 209 in 195-196 was that Paloo, McLaughlin and New Backyard had been raining at Lap 209. The brand new tires had been giving peak grips at round 20-25 laps, so the highest three spent the second half of their last stint on a grip drawback with out warning. What actually helped was Rasmussen’s state of affairs when the pits opened on lap 213, when Indycar despatched out a sweeper to wash up the truck, so he ran via 250 lap 221.
These gradual laps behind the tempo automotive had been helpful to Palou, McLaughlin and New Backyard, who prolonged the tire lifespan, however ended up within the fingers of those that stopped via lap 221. With solely 29 laps left, most new units had been implausible with 20-25 laps, and there was no concern a few main drop-off of the glue and I used to be ready to run exhausting on the checkered flag.
Leaders had been on the countdown clock till the tires had been accomplished, with 13-14 exhausting laps on new tires earlier than prolonged consideration. Parow, who had been paying consideration, stayed earlier than Rasmussen with 13 laps – 26 races laps on tires. If the eye was brief, Rasmussen may have reached that drop-off level in 5-7 laps. Nevertheless, the way in which he performed by going inexperienced on lap 222 ensured that Riser and Forerrs had been there, resulting in an exhilarating end.
At Voyt, I used to be stunned that the changer on the underside proper needed to bounce and get his personal alternative gun. As for Andretti, Harta pitted from fourth on 195 laps and once more at eighth on 213 laps. This is what Colton needed to say: “This was a fairly up-and-coming day. We did not do a lot. I believe as soon as we had the reboot, the race was fairly stagnant, which is a disgrace.
Q: Do you marvel when and the place Tim Sindrick will resurface? I’ve not come throughout something particularly about this problem wherever else.
I speculate that there could also be some sort of contractual time passage (e.g., non-competitive clauses, if they’re nonetheless authorized).
Tom Fitzgerald, Las Vegas, Nevada
MP: I briefly spoke to Tim at Laguna Seca two weeks in the past. He seems to be good and enjoys being a father and husband. He has been so profitable after operating a significant racing group for 30 years in a row that he needs to take pleasure in life with out a certain quantity of stress or journey for the primary time.
Present standing: Chilly. James Black/IMS
Q: I have been a fan of IndyCar for the reason that early ’70s, so I do know that I am not within the goal demographics, however I am additionally obsessed with sports activities as somebody within the Northeast.
I do know Mark Miles mentioned they have not returned to the vans they have been to earlier than, however 2026 is a good alternative to return to Watkins Glen! NASCAR was screwed by shifting the cup race to Could (not inferior to Mom’s Day)…Pence and Fox have to get that open date in August and put it on the market.
Please hear. IndyCar was not a fantastic attraction between 2005 and 2010, however most of these years had been nonetheless IRL with 17 automotive fields and fixed date modifications. In 2016, Glenn was full of the final minute of the Boston fiasco and was drawn to the complete. The climate in 2017 was as scary as a crowd…the individuals there noticed an excellent race.
My concept: Double header. {Qualifications} on Fridays with one follow and a brief course. Saturday morning, there shall be a brief course of 90 lap races. On Saturday afternoons, we’ll change to an extended course for follow and qualifying periods. On Sunday, there was a 60-lap race on a protracted course.
Identical to the Indy NXT, we’ll add Trans Am as a separate assist collection. B-list nation rock acts shall be doing it with a Saturday evening live performance. (I’m a blues man myself, however this space is in nation pop/rock).
So long as I am throwing Hale Mary, Watkins Glenn may additionally assist with a 50% discount in camp costs on this race… They have been loopy for the previous few years.
Pensuke and Fox, make this occur!
Scott Wallace, Endicott, New York
MP: I will be within the heartbeat.
Q: I knew there was a widespread debate about Marca and energy, however what do you assume is the urgency to maneuver Marca to Pensk?
My understanding is that Malukas has a multi-year contract with Penske. So, what’s the hurt in protecting him with Voyt for one more 12 months to amass the seasoning? Different groups can not signal him, is it right?
Concerning the Fast Driver Modifications made by the System 1 crew this 12 months – Liam Lawson, and many others. – Do the IndyCar crew really feel that the drivers who influenced their profession hopes at IndyCar are too quick?
Lastly, Paul Tracy on the Racer Community, I’m wondering if Sim Racing has influenced this technology of drivers and Sim Racing has no outcomes, so have they pushed extra threat/drives in races? There is not any accidents, no harm to the automotive, no finish to the day. Your ideas?
Rick, Miami
MP: Responding to Energy/Malukas questions is one thing I’ve written in MailBag in current weeks about not understanding the urgency…
Theo Pourchaire seemed like he could be one thing particular, however it was lower when a greater enterprise deal got here. Linus Lundqvist was one of many collateral losses from the introduction of a constitution system, dropping his seat for the explanations mandatory to scale back the crew and was paid to drive, not a funded driver to purchase a seat on one other crew.
No, Sim Racers do not take any extra dangers. In that case, they’re going to be continuously crashing. In actual fact, it is the precise reverse. However they discovered to drive in a really totally different means that’s not tied to the 100% bodily sensation strategies used within the first century earlier than simulators turned commonplace.
Q: Nashville, Firestone will place massive tractor tires in 1 and three with a purpose to begin follow. No low line is being carried out.
Let’s have enjoyable. Within the last race of the 12 months, the driving force or crew members shall be lowered on the flip, turning the large Az tires into low grooves. The profitable crew has gained awards from racers. Penske Leisure CEO Marky Mark Miles has at all times mentioned that the tracks craze round Indycar and race. Thanks Fox and we are saying we’ll attain out to the truck.
Ron, Speedway
MP: This seems like a present wipeout! This can be a nice mashup to contemplate for IndyCar.
Q: I really like the brand new Corvette idea automotive. An in depth look into your goals. Is not it nice that the Corvette performs towards Le Mans Porsche as a hypercar? What do you want from the GM entrance workplace financially, politically and what do you could do to make that occur?
We additionally see that Roger Pensuke drove his private Porsche 963 RJP. A fortunate bastard. Was it a present from Porsche? My query is how good the race automotive drivers had been. Does any of his fashionable instances converse of his talents in a quiet tone? Has he been driving a Pensuke race automotive for years? I settled on using the simulator.
suggestion. Document the historical past of the digicam within the automotive. (ed: We did One thing alongside these traces (Just some weeks in the past). I’ve turn into an enormous fan of Australian supercars (racers). I believe they began it in the usual definition period. How will race followers stay with out it right now?
Peter Malone
MP:GM will go up towards the Cadillac and Le Mans hypercar Porsche, and towards the Corvette and the LMGT3 Porsche. I believe they’ll change the badge. Sure, Roger’s 963 was a present from Porsche. His initials are on high of the automotive. I’ve heard his contemporaries converse with respect about his driving abilities. He drove a Porsche RS Spider LMP2 automotive a number of years in the past.
I’ve talked in regards to the in-car digicam earlier than. Can they nonetheless be used on the Inside Web?
That is the Porsche RS Spider, and that’s the captain of the wheels. Getty Photos
Q: I believe Christian Rasmussen has a brand new villain in Indycar. He pissed me off, he knocked out Connor Daly from a race in Portland, however he left me to the sting of my seat as he handed Alex Pallow and polished the wall thrice to attempt to rap the automotive.
I do not bear in mind seeing lots of people within the Milwaukee Mile races and I can hear the screams of race followers cheering for Rasmussen, so I see numerous Paul Tracy, which is sweet and generally dangerous for the collection, by not remembering listening to the engine.
Alistair, Springfield, MO
MP: I recall drawing the fad of Ed Carpenter, who was Rasmussen ten years in the past, and Ed Carpenter because of the overly aggressive motion of his egg.
And now Ed has a wild stallion in his secure, which belongs to the identical membership. And Ed mentioned at a post-race press convention in Milwaukee: “Folks discuss issues they do not like all the things they do. We do not ask him to alter one factor. He is attacking, aggressive, and stressed about something.
Q: As for Scott Dixon, I do know all the things you mentioned is true, as all the things you mentioned is misplaced a little bit of their unimaginable 10/10 capability in qualifying.
Nevertheless, in a current podcast with Paul Tracy, (ed:and Weekend racer.com tales),, Scott talked about how a lot the burden of the hybrid system affected his capability to drive to the boundaries…that’s, {qualifications}. Along with his unimaginable ability, I discovered it very attention-grabbing that he nonetheless struggles with this in comparison with different drivers.
Ed Kelly
MP: I do not doubt what Dixie mentioned. However how would the hybrid weight that appeared within the first race on July 7, 2024 describe one pole of 17 races in 2022, with the 9 races earlier than Midohio on July 7, the 2023 zero pole, and no hybrid?
There isn’t a doubt that the rear weight has worsened as a result of the rear weight prefers to tilt the automotive’s steadiness in the direction of the automotive’s nostril, however the hybrid weight has not out of the blue turned many poles into a scarcity of outcomes.
Q: Let the fairgrounds know that they did a tremendous job in relation to tv appearances and nice racetracks and race! I hope to be there subsequent 12 months – ask them to supply numerous mobility disordered parking and seating.
Dave
MP: I am going to get it proper.
Q: Can IndyCar survive on a spec engine with out producer involvement?
Michael Veretta, Ontario, Canada
MP: After all. But when all of the producers’ cash is gone, Pensuke/Fox should resolve how they are going to transfer ahead with out a race hosted by Chevy and Honda, with out main advert spending from manufacturers on tv, on-line, print and radio. Groups with shut ties with the model might want to discover cuts or new cash to cowl the price of the engine lease, as some groups are usually not given an bill and others can pay some or all the charges. The producers can use hundreds of thousands of {dollars} of loop-in drivers and hundreds of thousands of {dollars} of driver sims that drivers can use previous to all races, so groups want to unravel one thing like simulator time.
The producer serves as the principle monetary arteries within the race collection, far past the straightforward provide of engines.
Q: I took half within the Milwaukee race and thought it was wonderful. The climate was nice, the race was thrilling, the group was huge and enthusiastic.
The eggs point out that they don’t seem to be lifeless in any respect and require correct promotion. There was a state honest fan zone, loads of locations to eat and drink, and loads of stay music. The race did not require costly nation music stars, gifted native cowl bands and a fantastic environment.
The state festivals make Milwaukee a bit distinctive, however there isn’t any purpose why they can not repeat their success elsewhere like Iowa. What do Milwaukee attendees estimate?
Kevin P., Los Angeles, California
MP: I spent a little bit of time within the fan zone on a Sunday morning, however I could not see any clear sidewalk behind the grandstand. I believe there have been 150,000 to twenty,000 individuals.
Milwaukee has bought a full home worthy of it. Chris Owens/IMS
Q: If Will Energy just isn’t re-signed by Penske, I believe he is an ideal match for Arrow Mclaren. Siegel may turn into a fantastic IndyCar racer in a 12 months or two, however his season has been depressing up till now. I do not know why there was no discuss of the ability being provided his seat to Aroma Claren. Are you able to give me your ideas?
David Lind of Alexandria, Louisiana
MP: The rationale there isn’t any discuss is as a result of the crew mentioned they’re persevering with their present lineup of drivers.
Q: Why did Rasmussen get previous Palou and Scottie? Nobody else with recent tires may have achieved it?
Paul, Indianapolis
MP: His automotive was higher handled and he was extra aggressive.
Q: I want to get your concepts on the ultimate “Keep Out or Pit” choice for the IndyCar race in Milwaukee. From a strategist perspective, what thought processes do they undergo when deciding whether or not to come back to or be outdoors in such a state of affairs?
As for the end result of the technique, the one actual winner in that alternate was Rasmussen, and Paloo/Newgarden gave the impression to be a strategic loser. It appeared like everybody else was kind of completed within the place they had been in entrance of the solar bathe. Did the ten groups name a foul technique or did they simply make the proper name to them and get crushed by another person? Palou was positively nonetheless quick, he missed 8 seconds from McLaughlin in third place.
The state of affairs was virtually all the things else, similar to fueling races and Dixon in Parow, as he set Rasmussen merely to Rasmussen? Understanding how all the things unfolds, do you assume 10 groups will change their choices?
Stephen, Las Luces, New Mexico
MP: Traditional hindsight race. The drivers behind the highest three or 4 had nothing to lose – they weren’t going to recover from the chief – they pitted and had been rewarded. Palou pitted 13 laps earlier than consideration and was able to go all the way in which to the tip. In hindsight, like Lewis Hamilton, he ought to have fought for the pits whereas main Abu Dhabi, however it’s not one thing that involves thoughts as intelligent or pure, giving up on monitor place whereas main playing. The one a part of the ten groups that got here to thoughts was nothing however victory. I used to be in Milwaukee if I had the time to strive loopy and pit from the lead on a 13-lap tire. However in different circumstances, no, they did the proper factor.
Q: There’s nothing towards Nolan Siegel, however it’s nonetheless bothering me that Theo Pourchaire made such a uncooked take care of McLaren. “Teddy Porkchops” confirmed an actual promise and was enjoyable to look at. Siegel appears a bit above his head, and am I questioning if McLaren now regrets their choice? Is there an opportunity that Teddy will return to the collection, or did the ship sail?
Steve, Michigan
MP: I believe we sailed, however that is a disgrace.
Q: I’ve at all times been an enormous Alexander Rossi fan, however I really feel like Rasmussen’s wonderful victory in Milwaukee was the final nail within the co-op of his profession. Are you the place he goes from right here?
Paul, Glasgow Scotland
MP: It does not seem like that. He was cherished by the crew and cherished by Rasmussen, and completed in fourth. The proper day for age ECR. Rossi managed to win simply in Nashville this weekend. Now he is scaring individuals the identical means he did on his rocket quick peak with Andretti? no. However this isn’t a binary state of affairs. The crew has the following technology of Rockets for Christians and the elite veterans for Alexander. I will not change something. Let’s revisit on the finish of 2027 and see the place issues are with Rossi. He is 35 years outdated and I am projecting a bit right here, but when he is , you may see his future with crew management with ECR, on the level the place he needs to retreat from driving.
Data and intelligence and affect of all of the necessary issues that convey excellence to ECR and one other crew’s crew will have an effect on too many necessary issues, dropping your post-driving contributions.
Rossi’s work with ECR is nowhere close to. Joe Skibinski/IMS
Q: We perceive that Honda is contemplating choices to proceed with IndyCar. If they do not replace, how will that have an effect on Chevrolet? Do you assume a single producer does not have the assets to assist all of your groups?
Markska
MP: Chevy has all of the assets to assist the complete subject. Simply watching Revs and Energy come down to advertise lifespan, and the lease shall be lowered from 4 engines to 2 or three, serving to to widen the engine pool to cowl all automobiles. I believe the lease value may even go up. Producers will subsidize every engine lease. That is simple to justify when competing with different producers, but when Chevrolet competes with itself, it is not clear whether or not GM will give the identical excessive stage of funds for this system.
Q: Sunday’s race in Milwaukee was one of the best race of the 12 months and probably the greatest races after some time! Christian Rasmussen’s driving was completely wonderful! Early on, I assumed one thing was mistaken together with his automotive or he was going to place it on the wall. He hangs it and the oval edge driving model was enjoyable to see.
Alex Paulow’s move was epic! And reward for Palou. He not solely allowed him to move, but additionally fought exhausting for the victory! Rasmussen’s drive jogged my memory of some drivers early in my profession that I loved watching. Jody Shacker from the Porsche 917 and System 5000 (1973), System Atlantic (1976/77), Gill’s Villeneuve from the Camaro Grasp Carl Schaefer (Nineteen Seventies-80s)… There are all those that had comparable types of races on the Atlanta roads within the 70s. Christians have a shiny future. I am so glad that Ed Carpenter noticed the probabilities! I am a brand new fan!
Tim, Germantown, Tennessee
MP: The nice outdated “Razzle Dazzle” was precisely who you noticed on Sunday via the USF Championship Ladder and the Indy NXT march. Pure, uncooked, and non-apology pace. Definitely very Jill.
Q: I noticed rumours that Alex Palou is on the Purple Bull radar for the second F1 seat…Does it have enamel on it? It is a top-tier automotive, however is Alex all in favour of taking part in second solely to Max Verstappen and his destroyed System 1 profession?
Additionally, I simply have this concept floating there. What occurs if Penske takes Verizon to Prema when he loses energy? They want funds, have amenities, and he has data of methods to win. It might be fairly a narrative for him to take them straight to the entrance.
thought?
Joey, Florida
MP: I do not know what Purple Bull is all in favour of or is probably not all in favour of. Nevertheless, anybody who just isn’t all in favour of making drivers obtainable to F1 groups is Chip Ganassi and does not want Purple Bull cash. Verizon is signed by Penske Workforce Penske. In the event that they select to signal one other place with him, I might want to picture a contract with Penske, however I should permit such a factor, however that’s not his cash. Verizon loves him, so it is not like he’ll proceed on with one other crew. One thing heartwarming.
Q: Apart from Will Energy, are there another drivers who’ve seats up in 2026 resulting from a brand new contract?
James
MP: Solely what we wrote The current foolish seasonal tales.
Q: Did Keefin Simpson really feel a slight energy earlier than/guiding him to his wreck? I do not know if he selected the mistaken facet after making an attempt to rap him many instances, or if he is been blocked.
WIS, West Allis, Atilla Veyssal
MP: No.
Q: So Honda will not decide to IndyCar. Will the brand new 3.4L twin-turbo Gibson V6, directed by the LMP2, match the following technology IndyCar chassis? Can I alter it for about 700 horsepower?
I have been listening to all the explanations IndyCar wants Honda and GM, however I have not seen it. They (Honda, largely) claimed costly hybrid models, which had been at greatest massive zero, and after going their means they don’t seem to be glad but. Already rip the band support.
Possibly the Nissan-based Gibson V6 is greater and heavier than the present 2.2L engine, however aside from the pointless hybrid models, I believe it is the laundry. With out the price of a hybrid, one other engine could be economically viable. Time to go in a distinct path.
Oh, and with ignoring hatred, working exhausting, and making some nice efforts within the NASCAR Cup Sequence storage, Katherine Reguet has large props.
Mike, Marietta, Georgia
MP: IndyCar offered hybridization to the producer. Honda mentioned sure. It was written within the provide settlement. Honda stored Indycar in a written, legally binding phrase. IndyCar is chargeable for hybridizing to IndyCar.
The brand new Gibson engine is greater than the brand new IndyCar engine and isn’t designed to mount on a brand new automotive. I am positive if somebody needs to bankroll numerous modifications to it, they’re going to slurp in there.
It is an IndyCar hybrid. Stickers by no means lie. Joe Skibinski/IMS
Q: Has anybody spoke to Race Management concerning the rationale why the 4 warnings had been known as so as? My pal and I sat on 4 turns and it was nothing in any respect. We felt it, seemed up, and it was over. As quickly because the yellow was known as and the sweeper was unfolded, I knew it had ended for the entrance runner who did not pit.
It was a single small cloud cluster that was rapidly blown away from the sky. I believe the overall truck temperature and robust northwest winds have neutralised the truck moisture. We joked that they closed the roof for a short time at a Brewer baseball sport (simply east of the miles) so Race Management needed to copy them.
Extra significantly, do rain and humidity guidelines differ relying on the kind of truck? I seen that matters just like IndyCar’s F1 digital security automotive are generally lined in MailBag questions. Maybe this was a time when comparable choices had been made? I am all for the security of the driving force and crew. Indycar is great at this. If the actual purpose for the yellow was the well-known David Hobbs “Krag,” then that is comprehensible. I hope there’s extra unimaginable explanations.
Everett, Milwaukee
MP: It isn’t one of many weights of whether or not you are one small cloud or two over time… For those who’re seen raining hitting an Aeroscreen in an oval form, you will cease racing. Sure, the principles range for several types of vans. Street and avenue programs are handled in a different way from oval shapes.
Q: When will IndyCar get a brand new chassis? Can I open extra rulebooks along with the brand new chassis? When there have been a number of chassis, I cherished it and had extra freedom. My automotive is boring right now.
PS Patooward is right about Detroit vans.
Steve, Rockford, Michigan
MP: Welcome to IndyCar! New chassis for 2028. Open extra… how? You will be disenchanted to seek out out that it is a single provider plan with a brand new automotive, similar to your present automotive.
Q: After I first found carts from the Catalan facet of the world between 1997 and 1998, the protection right here was very restricted. One of many issues that helped me study sports activities as a teen was the Auto Course Kart Yearbook, led by Jeremy Shaw. They had been performed superbly and served as stunning memorials for these years. After all, I’ve all of them. (They usually even translated it into Spanish for a number of years!)
As somebody who’s obsessive about the historical past of sports activities, I’m now making an attempt to purchase an outdated yearbook. I simply bought the lads and machines from Indycar Racing between 1991 and 92 and positively attempt to get extra of them. However why do not you may have an IndyCar yearbook anymore? The Champ Automotive yearbook resulted in 2006, however I do not assume IRL has progressed in any respect. F1 has a minimum of a pair yearly.
I do know that the publishing scene just isn’t the identical as 30 years in the past, however I believe the IndyCar Yearbook is meant to occur. What do you assume?
Jordi Domènech
MP: I learn an attention-grabbing article within the newspaper earlier this week. This mentioned there was a current 40% decline in printed supplies (books, magazines) being bought. So we’re not in a rush to make IndyCar’s first 12 months, NASCAR, or IMSA.
The IRL had Indy 500 years, doubled the 12 months throughout the season. I’ve most of them. And most auto programs for the reason that Nineteen Seventies, most of IMSA, and virtually all the cart/champion automotive 1st. I hope to turn into an merchandise once more yearly, however I concern that custom will disappear.
Q: I am afraid of the worst – even worse than Michael Schumacher: Is there any information about Alex Zanardi? It appears that evidently he is been years since even the information was talked about.
Please tell us. thanks!
Pineapple Head/DFW
MP: That is not the subject I am following. Alex’s spouse Daniela is variety sufficient to supply an replace after they really feel assured, and I respect that and hope others observe swimsuit.
Q: With the discuss of the necessity to cut back extra ovals and crowd attendance, it jogged my memory that I am positive I might been kicked earlier than. How brief is the oval form?
The race at Richmond seemed fairly stable prior to now. Iowa is also fairly respectable. Are brief tracks like 5/8 mile IRPs doable? Saturday evening’s 300 lap shall be with the silver crown and midget because the silver crown and midget pack the home. Or maybe pairing up a Half Mile Khan County truck in Excessive Financial institution in Bakersfield after Lengthy Seaside or earlier than Laguna Seca? They had been in a position to do it on Undercard on NXT, together with a maybe one other regional tour collection.
Technically, the extra totally different the markets it’s from different markets, it might appear technically farther. However are they too brief?
Mike, Brownsburg
MP: Nice questions, nice concepts, and I do not know the size. But when Indycar sees a truck, if they’re lengthy sufficient to run 27 automobiles with out placing them on high of one another and really feel that security requirements meet the requirements, I’ve to consider they’re open to the idea.
That is the place your journey to the IndyCar schedule in Kern County begins. Jonathan Moore/Getty Photos
Q: Do you may have any insights into how promoters assume? That is in regards to the Io Wine Dicar race and its low turnout.
I do not assume it is the afternoon begin time as NASCAR stuffed the place a number of weeks later. I seemed up ticket costs for current races and the grandstand ranged between $70 and $130 for six. (You should buy 10% a number of months in the past.) It does not appear to work. So, if the promoter returns, would you think about promoting all of the seats in the home for $30? It can most likely be inside the vary of an area dust monitor race on a Saturday evening.
If it is not producing a minimum of the identical income, you realize that they don’t seem to be within the product and time to seek out one other venue.
Rick Navratil
MP: I do know numerous race promoters and I am going to discuss to them as a lot as doable so there could also be some obscure concepts. In lower fee pricing, all of it relies on the collection and whether or not vans like Iowa are paying for the racing collection to come back to city with NASCAR, or whether or not collection like IndyCar are paying for Iowa vans like in July.
Q: Why do not you get 6 quick qualifiers with a further set of tires to be used solely within the last qualifying session? It reduces the disadvantages of racing tires as it’s quick six.
Mike, Houston, Texas
MP: The reply is a bit much less attention-grabbing, however they get what they pay from Firestone and the present contract doesn’t embody extra tire set allocations. It would not have been a giant deal within the outdated days when tires had been free and absolutely funded by Goodyear and Firestone. Nevertheless, as there’s a actual price range, distributing unpaid tires just isn’t a part of the enterprise mannequin as a result of we work internally.
Q: CGR shared a video clip of the automotive’s testing at Nashville Tremendous Speedway on August nineteenth. How does this work with regard to the principles of IndyCar? Do alternatives for “closed” testing rely solely on the skills of the crew, together with truck leases? Are there any restrictions on how usually, how lengthy or the place such closure assessments happen? Is it frequent for a single crew to check it on the venue earlier than future races? Do technical alliance companions often participate in these take a look at periods?
Ok. Campbell, Nashville, Tennessee
MP: There’s an open collection take a look at for all groups, a non-public take a look at, and select the crew that has permitted the monitor to make use of to attempt to be taught what the crew thinks it’s helpful. Andretti went to Portland in three automobiles shortly after the Laguna Seca, utilizing, for instance, one of many Non-public Days. Similar as Ganassi in Nashville. My guess is that the crew pre-selected Nashville and may very well be a spot for a championship showdown in 2024, though the automotive was good, not nice. It makes good sense when selecting a venue prematurely, however as we all know, the one worth of this take a look at is that third Dixon within the championship distances from Lundgaard within the fourth. The second factor that catches O’Phrase is a giant stretch.
Sure, there are very intentional limitations on when, the place, the place, and with fewer private take a look at days, the crew has very intentional restrictions on the place they’re getting used. As for technical partnerships, sure, actually. Inside Ganassi and Meyer Shank there’s a cross-team plan the place 5 mixed automobiles arrive at a selected truck and take a look at and be taught to get 5 advantages. It is the identical as a five-combined automotive with Penske and Foyt.
Q: Right now’s e-mail inbox included a press launch from Penske Media Company (PMC) together with different nice articles from MailBag and Racer.
I perceive that that is Jay Pensuke’s wheelhouse and never a part of Pensuke Leisure, however a loyal IndyCar fan since 63.
That is very true when he’s really on a really brief checklist of two-thirds of possession heirs left in IndyCar, IMS and Penske Leisure. This revelation will give us a candid pause on all the reasons given now and sooner or later concerning Penske Leisure’s capability to advertise occasions like Iowa and different Indy Automotive racing.
PMC is on the coronary heart of the world of leisure prints and seems to have a wealth of contacts from that area. (This helped me to raised perceive how “I am Indy” Gene Simmons was as soon as a part of the Penske Indycar/IMS period in 2006 at IRL.)
Steve, Bonner Springs, KS
MP: Jay and Dragon Racing left Indycar for System E greater than a decade in the past, so we have by no means seen him or heard of his involvement in Indycar since his father purchased the collection and Speedway. His PMC enterprise has turn into stronger and has been in a position to mix each worlds for a very long time, however that is one other space the place I’ve by no means seen exterior proof of PE and PMC cooperation. If they’ve or do now, I simply do not know it.
Earlier than Fox’s buy-in, sure, PMC considers IndyCar a doubtlessly robust media ally. Fox’s new funding brings a a lot stronger media entity within the constructing.
It has been some time since I had the excuse to run a Dragon Racing Indy Automotive shot. Ed Zurga/Getty Photos
Final week we invited readers to reply to a letter asking about eggs that had modified elevation. Listed here are some examples of the response:
Re: An oval form with an altitude. I believe there is a change in elevation within the Nazareth Observe the place the excessive level got here out from flip 3 and the low level was in the midst of flip 2.
Brad, Yorktown, Indiana
To a query from Janis on MailBag final week, the one factor that instantly involves my (outdated) thoughts is that Ontario’s Motor Speedway is being abolished. It seems that I do not forget that the backstretch was designed to be greater earlier than flip 3 to make it simpler to see from the entrance stretch. I is perhaps mistaken.
Mark, Colorado Ski Nation
Is it necessary to climb into Monza (or Avus) banking? I am too younger, however did Trenton change somewhat within the kidneys? How about counting hollows on a rangone? The North Flip Switch from Daytona Seaside to Pavement?
Abraham Jimross
There have been a number of elevation modifications in Nazareth. ESPN SpeedWeek has a lap-on digicam automotive, exhibiting modifications in elevation. Satan’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas had a backstretch that was a lot greater than the entrance stretch. This makes it a lot simpler to see from the grandstand.
Mike, Houston, Texas
You possibly can consider the three that hosted the IndyCar race. Ontario Motor Speedway, Twin Ring Motegi oval, Walt Disney World Speedway. All three returned straight, rising greater than the entrance straight, to advertise higher gaze.
Jeff, Sherylsford, North Carolina
The Dover Mile is situated on flat Delaware land on pool tables. However it actually is the form of a bowl. The outside partitions are virtually constant rims, however the financial institution has a 24-degree flip. Take a look at the boarding digicam and see how the automotive falls to each ends and climbs the hill straight up. I am not a NASCAR man, however I have been to some races and two IRL races. Watching Richard Petty all the way in which down the wall whereas I used to be 12 years outdated is one thing I’ll always remember.
Dave
Janis, from Florida, requested if there was an oval form at an altitude. sure! It exists, however there’s nonetheless. I am not speaking about elevations like Street America or Laguna Seca, however the truth that there are ovals like Ontario Motor Speedway and the rear is greater than the entrance is for higher viewing. This meant that the brief shot between turns 1 and a pair of went uphill, and the brief shot between turns 3 and 4 went downhill.
Subsequent is the North Wilkesboro Speedway, with a distinguished downhill on the entrance straight and an uphill on the again. The oval hatred does not appear to grasp the stunning sort of egg, regardless of the stereotypical NASCAR cookie cutter. There was banking on one finish, and flat banking on the opposite finish, with totally different levels of banking, or several types of banking, totally different radii (e.g., oval, D-shaped, diamond-shaped). Add dust tracks with totally different surfaces that change because the circumstances do. I would like to clarify why brief monitor oval races had been so in style. They’re virtually not the identical.
Jim Thurman, Mojave Desert, California
Nazareth was a part of the “altitude change ellipse” membership. David Taylor/Getty Photos
Q: What number of advance notifications will my crew obtain for schedule releases? As of 10am on August twentieth, it was checked at 10am. All Marriott resort rooms within the Larger Dover space are bought out race weekends…
Sean, Maryland
Kelly Krandoall: It does not sound like they’re going to get an excessive amount of discover. From my understanding, by the point NASCAR begins to ship it to the crew, it is only some minutes to be despatched publicly. The motive force says the identical factor. When everybody else does, they’ve heard about it and see it on social media.
Q: Will you ever see NASCAR collisions or All-Star races on the street course?
Chris Feigler, Latham, New York
KC: I’ve discovered to by no means say something on this enterprise. Since each are Fox Sports activities races, it is a collaboration of what they and NASCAR need, and what they really feel greatest suited to them.
Q: If NASCAR is to maintain up the playoffs, that is my loopy concept::ET removes playoff factors utterly. As a substitute, copy baseball and use strikes.
- Drivers who declare a number of wins are eligible for the playoffs with out strikes.
- A driver with a victory and 5 high 5 will qualify for the playoffs on one strike.
- The 16-driver playoff grid is accomplished in two strikes with one of the best placement drivers.
- The opposite drivers have been on three strikes and have been provisionally out of the playoffs.
- All races:
- The winner of the race will take away the strike.
- The very best positioned driver with three strikes has additionally been faraway from the strike.
- The worst three drivers shall be struck, besides that a minimum of 4 drivers are usually not hit.
- If 5 – 6 drivers stay, all drivers with strikes shall be hit perpetually.
Ignacio, Uruguay
KC: There are a lot of concepts and plenty of discussions from the committee compiled by NASCAR. However in the long run, tv additionally positive factors a voice. I hoped one thing could be applied in 2026, however when NASCAR talks to its TV companions, I get the impression that NASCAR just isn’t going to try this. However once more, we will assure that there shall be numerous conversations inside the business about potential modifications. Personally, I want to get the primary 10 or 12 drivers in factors after the common season and do this, which is the 2004 authentic Chase format model.
Q: Regardless of shifting to Michigan a number of years in the past, I’ve been attending all main racing occasions at Watkins Glen since I used to be 2 (28). Through the years, grass and gravel had been eliminated and asphalt spills expanded into the partitions, so I’ve to peel off.
I perceive the will to restrict automobiles buried in axles, however I believe NASCAR, which has no truck restrictions, has actually made the standard of racing on tracks within the collection. Definitely you may nonetheless move 1, however the automotive is now in a position to drive 100m deep and have a a lot shorter brake zone.
Are you curious if I am the one one who feels this manner, and if restrictions are enforced, or if there’s any debate about updating the “self-enforcement” monitor? (It really works.)
Jared
KC: NASCAR is an attention-grabbing case research as a result of it doesn’t wish to be concerned in making rulings on truck restrictions and never being concerned in telling drivers what they’ll do. I believe there’s a divide between drivers who do not consider that truck restrictions must be an object, and people who consider that they need to be pressured to remain on the course as a result of that’s the course for a purpose.
Q: I believe NASCAR has moved the 2026 race at Watkins for Mom’s Day. Are they severe?
I might say that I’m a lifelong resident of upstate New York and may have camps about 20 miles away from the truck, however Could is commonly the wet month of the 12 months. And whereas there is not a lot snow, Mom’s Day snow just isn’t extraordinary. Did NASCAR think about the unpredictable climate with this transfer? Once we get our standard moist Could, there’s an infield the place 90% of our followers shall be muddy by Saturday morning.
On high of that, one of many huge issues driving the nice attendance that the race enjoys might be having probably the most trackside camp of the NASCAR monitor. When colleges are nonetheless in progress and the typical chilly temperatures in Could are within the late 40s, I do not know if there are such a lot of camps.
I do know that NASCAR owns the power and may do something they need, however did they assume via this?
Rick Carpenter of Wayne, New York
KC: Effectively, I believe they have been fascinated with it, they usually’ll inform you what they’ve. Jusan Hamilton, managing director of NASCAR’s aggressive operations operations, mentioned NASCAR checked out climate information factors after the announcement of the schedule, and that it was averaged within the 70s on the time, and that the possibilities of rain had been comparatively low in comparison with August. Hamilton additionally mentioned the varsity continues to be in assembly at the moment, in order that they consider that Central New York’s inhabitants is far greater and that “you could possibly attain a non-typical fan demographic over the summer time.”
Q: Will Kathrine Legge be using full-time within the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Components collection or NASCAR Cup collection?
Kurt Perberg
KC: I have not heard something. All of it comes right down to funding and what she brings to the desk. Presently, she seems to be placing collectively a deal to run a handful of races, however it should take extra time to convey her to the crew for a full-time experience.
The ultimate phrases
August 29, 2018, from Robin Miller’s mail bag
Q: I really like the tales of previous drivers. In comparison with a few of my ’60s or ’70s readers, I used to be the old school ’80s, and my first introduction as a teen was the 1985 Indy 500. I do know he gave TV commentary within the late 90s. Have you learnt what he is been doing these days and what good tales are you speaking about? As a facet be aware, I consider I used to be one of many few individuals who really loved appearing on Miami Vice, so I am positive I used to be a devoted fan!
Doug Thorne, North Richland Hills, Texas
Robin Miller: Not too long ago, Danny has performed numerous golf at his Pebble Seaside house, traveled the world with private appearances, performed a little bit of System One steward when requested, and enjoys being Danny Sullivan. I believe his greatest story is the persistence he confirmed to make it as a race driver with a sudden odds. He is an efficient man and a superb ambassador for IndyCar.
