Q: What the hell is this world coming to when an IndyCar driver is receiving credible death threats and the entire organization has to release a statement about it? I’m hoping that it’s a bunch of absolute morons behind a computer spouting off. That said, it is concerning and I sincerely hope that IndyCar steps up security for fans and provides the drivers with added protection.
Drivers like Pato O’Ward got mobbed on pitlane by supporters, too Perhaps IndyCar and its promoters should cease allowing fans to grid walk. I would hate to see this leading to fans being unable to have autograph sessions or paddock access. That’s the Catch 22: IndyCar loves fans to be up close and personal with drivers and their machines.
In light of what happened after Long Beach, maybe that will change because of nutcases like the ones behind these threats. I’m getting ahead of myself perhaps but congratulations (sarcasm) to them for ruining a great thing. Some would like to see the No. 78 parked for a few races. That’s a bit harsh but if it would teach his fans a lesson it may be something for IndyCar to think about.
As far as grid and paddock access goes, I have an idea. Perhaps promoters and IndyCar can get together and require ticket holders to upload a photo and have a laminated credential sent out with picture, seat location, barcode to let them into the event and paddock areas etc. At least that way you’ll know who people are. Metal detectors may be another idea. This is just nuts. It’s evident these people are not true IndyCar fans.
David Colquitt
MP: I think we’ve made up an issue that doesn’t exist. Pato gets mobbed because he’s the most popular driver in the series, and that’s happened for decades with whomever was the big star of the day. Anybody who suggested Canapino should be parked is an idiot.
It wouldn’t be the worst idea for IndyCar to spend some of the money it took from its teams’ Leader Circle contracts and put it towards a dedicated security guard for Ilott, O’Ward, and any other driver who was threatened, at the next few rounds. You can be a true IndyCar fan and be a terrible human being.
Q: Whatever happened to Carlos Munoz? His results over the entire course of a season were nothing crazy, but it seemed at IMS he was always up front. I confirmed this with a quick search. He was top 10 in five of his six 500 starts which included two second-place finishes. For someone who seemed so successful there and an event that typically extends drivers careers for success there, why did teams never scoop him up for the 500 one-off deals?
Kaleb Hartman, Anderson, IN
MP: I loved Carlos; always fought like hell. His parents were able to bankroll his racing for a while, but they weren’t infinitely wealthy. Last thing I heard was he could burn the last of his trust fund to go racing or use it elsewhere in life and he chose the latter.
Classic deal where they hoped he’d get picked up by a paying team and have a long career, but it didn’t happen. He was special at the 500, but there’s never a lack of talent to pick from.
Q: I was wondering why Indy NXT did not race at Long Beach, being it is a feeder series to IndyCar. Also, is tire stagger still a thing, or are the tires more consistent than the old days?
Tom Corso, Rancho Mirage, CA
MP: They weren’t invited. It’s been a long time since Lights was on the bill. Tire stagger isn’t a thing used on road and street courses.
Q: Was there any discussion at the LBGP about the pace car that crashed in Turn 1 on Saturday morning? It was a white sedan that I think was a BMW, but it happened pretty fast. It looked to us from grandstand five like the driver accelerated past the next car in line (in retrospect, a possible brake failure) and they went through two sets of tires sideways, driver’s side first. No tire squeal/lockup at all that we remember.
The passenger appeared to get out soon after help arrived and it took longer to get the driver out and tires reset. We didn’t see anyone leave in an ambulance and it looked like the driver should have been OK. My pictures show more fence and a bit of tow truck than car, but an AMR safety vehicle found its way down soon afterwards to help out and the marshals who ran down there came back with their fire bottles.
There’s been nothing obvious in news or searches that I’ve tried but again, maybe this is more of a thing on social media since I wouldn’t know. We’ve been at Long Beach and several other races for 30 years and never saw a pace car ride crash before. They’re typically really controlled. We do hope everyone’s OK.
Steve
MP: First I’m hearing about it, Steve. But I did hear about the active shooter on Ocean Blvd after the race; had to find a creative way to leave the parking lot because it was all yellow tape and police cars and fire trucks.
Q: How do teams monitor other team’s radios during a race? Do they have people assigned on the pit stand to do that? How many do they typically monitor?
Stu
MP: They use scanners with each other’s frequencies programmed in, just as NBC’s pit reporters and spotters do as they walk up and down pit lane. All depends on the team; some make a serious effort to monitor with dedicated staff, and others don’t bother and focus on their own race.
Q: I haven’t been to a NASCAR race in 21 years, or an IndyCar race, Are all the tickets to a NASCAR or an IndyCar race mobile entry only? And is the stuff you buy in the tracks cashless where you can only pay with a credit card?
Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY
MP: It’s one of those things where tracks have different owners and promoters, so there’s no single answer here because they all do things their own way. Mobile ticketing is pretty much the standard, but paper tickets are also still a thing.
Q: What is with the late start time for the Detroit GP? I was very interested but I am seeing a start time of 3:45pm. That means I won’t get home until 10pm in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.
Steve, Rockford, MI
MP: I’m told last year’s start time of 3pm was due to the race being on USA, and with its return to NBC, that’s the broadcast window they were given.