Q: Regarding all the Honda stuff, I assume this goes much deeper than at a dollars and cents level, correct? If it was just about money, with an overabundance of teams, entries, and sponsors (in some cases), couldn’t Honda simply request the engine subsidy they absorb be reduced or eliminated in future years to make the budget align? That seems to be a simple answer. Or is asking each team to pay $500k or a $1 million more in 2025 or 2026 unreasonable? If the simple answer isn’t be pursued, there must be something much deeper going on, right? What am I missing?
Mark Schneider
MP: The financial balance in the paddock is one where some teams could easily absorb a doubling of the annual engine lease price, but approximately half could not. It’s a rarity for teams who rely on paying drivers to come across one who has an extra $1.25 million to give; in most instances, it’s a fight just to get the amount those teams need to properly operate.
What Honda was saying in simple terms is that for what it costs them to compete in IndyCar, there’s just nothing close to a reasonable return in brand promotions or car sales. If IndyCar was delivering a TV audience that was double or triple the size of what it was in 2023, and the series was playing in front of packed houses at every stop on the tour, you’d hear no concerns about costs.
If IndyCar can find a way to add tons more value, that would be amazing and I’d guess Honda would be fine with paying a premium price if it felt it was getting a premium product that warranted the big outlay in return. But until that happens, bringing the price down is the smart call to keep them coming back.
Q: Rush cover question. Have you heard Geoffrey Keezer’s piano cover of Limelight? If not, give it a listen. Best version is a live one on YouTube, but the Amazon version is perfectly fine (although actually quite different). Stick with it, he does the “verse” twice before he unleashes the good stuff.
Luke
MP: The Mailbag is the gift that keeps on giving. I’ll give it a listen. I’ve probably listened to Natural Science (off the same record as Limelight) from Rush’s 1998 Different Stages concert a dozen times over the last week. One of the great deep cuts from the trio from “Tronno.”
Q: Have you heard any updates on Alex Zanardi’s condition?
Mark Shunk
MP: I have not, and it’s just because I haven’t asked. I don’t believe his wife Daniela would remain quiet if there was a big change in his condition, so I respect her approach to the topic.
Q: I read the Mailbag every Wednesday at my desk during my lunch break, but may have to stop after seeing the suggestion from Ed in Westfield regarding WEC (or other styles of cars) on the grid at Indy. I had to spit out my sandwich.
As you suggested, my response to changing the grid to WEC cars or any other design other than open wheel would be ‘&^%$ no!’ and to immediately dump my season tickets to the 500.
No offense to Ed, but I can’t imagine anyone attending an IndyCar race would have any other response. I became been a fan of IndyCar exclusively because the cars looked so cool to me as a kid, and while an update would be nice, I still love the open-wheel IndyCar look. I would assume that a very large majority of fans would feel similar. WEC, IMSA, sports cars, etc all offer a great racing product and I’m fans of all. But for me, the IndyCar is king.
You asked for responses from fans who are happy with the series — well, here I am. Yes, things can always be improved, and we should not settle for the status quo, but I am not going to submit to the gloom and doom.
I remain a huge fan, and that will not change until they stop racing or I’m gone. We have outstanding drivers, iconic tracks, and the most competitive racing series around.
F1 racing has become nearly unwatchable, while IndyCar continues to surprise every week. The memories I have made this year alone: taking my teenage daughter to her first 500, my son and I’s first (not last) visit to Road America, are worth more than a 100 new chassis.
On a separate note, Doug Boles is such a dynamic personality, and his passion and enthusiasm for the Indy 500 are infectious. Is there a way IndyCar could use him to promote the whole of IndyCar in addition to the 500? His energy could be a huge boon to the series. Mr. Penske, please find a way to utilize him more!
Here’s to green flags in a few months.
Josh, Lousiville, KY
MP: Thanks, Josh — great stuff, and yes, Doug’s one of the greatest assets within the organization.
Q: Over the holidays my wife started watching a series called “Sullivan’s Crossing” on the CW app. I, with nothing better to do, was in the room, playing with my phone. I was shocked when every other commercial break featured an advertisement for the 2023 edition of “100 Days To Indy.” The show being watched was definitely a series targeted at women. Is IndyCar trying to get more women interested? I will say that the ad did feature some of the best-looking drivers.
Bruce
MP: Bless your heart, Bruce. IndyCar’s seen one of the greatest increases in women racers working in the series and its metrics for female fans is rather strong. How’s this: I can’t say if there’s a specific initiative in place by the series, and the series doesn’t control which commercials The CW airs within its shows, but it’s the one half of the world’s population that deserves all of the outreach and appreciation IndyCar and every other series can offer.
Q: Gasoline engine, electric motor — no?
Gary Allen, Brooklin, ON
MP: Gasoline motor, electric engine — yes?