Q: A long, long time ago in racing terms, you wrote at least one article about a “Global Racing Engine” (GRE) concept. While that idea might have died then, I am asking, especially in light of Honda’s intentional “shouting” engine supply pronouncement last week, if Honda and Chevy can, or are willing to, allow the GRE concept to be applied using their engine blocks and whatever other parts could be shared? For the purposes of example, Kawasaki and Suzuki did, for a while, build enduro bikes using shared resources, and there are many auto industry examples of course.
As it relates to engine manufacturers in other fields, I also once asked you in a long ago chat you hosted if any motorcycle brands have ever been invited to consider involvement in IndyCar, i.e. Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Ducati — which, I know, is related to a plethora of iconic automotive brand names (some of which have been rumored to have been approached). Outside of cars and bikes, I am aware of Pratt and Whitney, I think, through your writing. Have there been others? (Outside of traditional manufacturers.)
Finally, I do not understand why IndyCar still calls itself that name. Let the fans call it that. To try to attract new customers, and to help broadcast interests, why not brand the series with the best-known name, the Indy 500? The 500 is not just another race, it is a major league, worldwide brand that still gets attention and needs to be used to gain more attention for the series’ other events.
Plenty of others, yourself included as you have stated in this Mailbag, have not been listened to regarding many areas, so I do not expect feedback or inclusion, but the Mailbag still offers hope (and, sadly, non-democratic related despair).
Come to think of it, IndyCar might consider creating an FAQ page on its site regarding FAQs submitted here (FAQ2RM — Frequently Asked Questions to RACER.com’s Mailbag). That acronym bit might have been funny in Robin’s days.
Pat, VA
MP: The GRE concept might be the hot ticket as we move forward. I’m unaware of non-automotive brands wanting to join on the engine side, but do recall in the early years of the aero kit being considered, introducing ORECA to IndyCar and sat in on that brief meeting in Sebring. I also remember there were hopes that other industries might take an interest in making aero kits, like a Boeing, for example, to showcase the company’s aerodynamic prowess and use its participation in IndyCar and the Indy 500 as a marketing tool to earn development contracts from within the auto and racing sectors.
If there’s an old story of Husqvarna exploring an IndyCar engine program, we’ll need Mailbag readers to share those tales.
A number of kind and misguided folks from the series and paddock continue to ask my thoughts on an array of things — usually items that are spoken of in private like opinions on a driver, or a ruling, or a policy — but that’s where the outreaches end.
FAQ U RM would be perfect.
Q: When Roger Penske bought IndyCar and IMS, at his initial press conference he kept referencing the “IRL.” Robin Miller had to inform him later that using IRL was very detrimental and negative. Since that time, in my opinion, he has been a good owner of IMS but a poor owner of the series. We now have a 13-year-old chassis that Pato O’Ward said needed to be replaced, and then Hinch, Rossi and Conor Daly all said the same thing on their podcasts last week.
Will all of them get a negative letter from R.P., and is R.P. so arrogant or just not thinking well enough to recognize the advice of people who know what the series need? To me, his ownership of the series is hurting it by not going forward.
Paul, Indianapolis
MP: Yes. Speak a truth that isn’t Penske Entertainment’s, and you get hammered, which I’ve mentioned many times here. What’s interesting to observe is how more drivers are speaking their truths — in conflict with the big bosses — while fully aware of the hammers headed their way.
I can’t speak to arrogance or the taking of advice, but most of the super successful and wealthy people I know have 1000-percent belief in their views and their ways, and limited interest in listening to those who aren’t as successful or wealthy tell them how to do better.
Q: I don’t ever see IndyCar racing at Watkins Glen unless they hook up with IMSA during the race weekend. I have heard Mark Miles wanting a race at in the Northeast. Here’s a suggestion: They should look at racing at New Jersey Motorsports Park, where they have two different layouts. Another option is to have the race at Bader Airfield, which that was supposed to be an F1 track but for some reason is on hold.
Alistair, Springfield, MO
MP: Last time I was at NJMP, Grand-Am drivers were being lifted out of Daytona Prototypes and given fluids via IVs. Interesting track, but depending on the time of year, we might bake our IndyCar drivers. Only other issue is I can’t recall a crowd there for a professional race that had more than a few thousand people. But if the time of year was right, and NJMP could draw a big crowd with IndyCar, and make a profit after paying IndyCar its sanction fee, I’d be all for it.