Welcome to the RACER Mailbag. Questions for any of RACER’s writers can be sent to mailbag@racer.com. We can’t guarantee that every letter will be published, but we’ll answer as many as we can. Published questions may be edited for length and clarity. Questions received after 3pm ET each Monday will appear the following week.
Q: While lots of IndyCar fans (and haters) like to complain about the IndyCar engine and chassis situation, I actually think driving cost out of the series via long-life equipment is exactly the right way to go. Teams are still looking to join the grid.
Having said that, Honda’s recent talk about spec engines points in a future direction I think makes sense for the series. Any future engine program should be based on a spec block and should be shared with the NASCAR Cup Series.
The block is just a big dumb lump anyway. Having it as a spec part would mean the barrier to getting other manufacturers involved would be a lot lower. The NASCAR angle is based on the fact that the Cup Series desperately needs the variable horsepower the IndyCar turbos offer (not to mention the soon-to-come hybrid). It would also allow NASCAR to lure Honda into its sandbox, and IndyCar could then land returns from Toyota and Ford.
Do you think IndyCar would be receptive to using a spec block as the basis for a future engine program and partnering with other series in this way?
Don Anderson, Oak Park, IL
MARSHALL PRUETT: I think it’s an idea that they’re willing to consider, but IndyCar hasn’t made big, unilateral decisions on things like this without heavy input from manufacturers in a long while, so I doubt it would progress beyond an idea until buy-in is received from the majority.
Q: You have talked about three new possible full-time teams for the 2025 IndyCar season: Prema, Pratt Miller and Abel. Can you make a percentage guess on how likely it is that each will be on the grid next season? Also, if they are there, which one is likely to be the most competitive? Where would they get the engines (since it seems that engines are in short supply), and where would IndyCar find the pit stalls at some of the tracks?
Paul, Indianapolis
MP: All depends on who they have as drivers and engineers. If it’s Callum Ilott in a Prema entry and he has a veteran IndyCar engineer who knows ovals, the team is good enough to be highly competitive in its first season. If a Prema goes with a newcomer from F2 and brings over one of its best engineers, we know they’ll both need time to fill some significant knowledge gaps.
Of the three, Pratt Miller has the deepest amount of IndyCar experience due to its serious engineering/technical support for the Team Chevy program from 2012-22, so with a strong driver added, this is a squad that could impress from the outset.
Abel is also quite good and has the potential to do well if a stellar budget is apportioned and high-level crew are acquired in every area. Then it comes down to the driver. I’ve long been impressed by RC Enerson and think he’d turn a few heads if he was surrounded by a quality program.
As for percentages, who knows, since those could change tomorrow. I do know that of the three, Abel’s the only one to buy a chassis — a new car, at that — and is amassing the equipment and staff needed to go full-time, so they’re P1 for me. I keep hearing Prema could have a more formal statement of intent around May, so that’s encouraging. And Pratt Miller has some good momentum as well, but I’m not yet clear if they need a Don Cusick (or similar) to invest in the program to bring it to life, or if they have a realistic shot at securing their own funding to move forward. Across the three, only Abel has done the things that would put them on the grid in 2025. For Prema and Pratt Miller, it’s waiting to see if talk turns into action.
Q: I am taking my brother to this year’s Indy 500 for his 70th birthday, potentially for the week: qualifying through to the race. I was wondering if you had a canned itinerary you could forward me covering qualifying (recommended ticket packages), other local races to hit while in the area and where I should look for seats on Sunday for a couple of first-timers? Price is an object, but I have some flexibility given the significance of this event. Looking at passes less race day tickets — I was thinking Silver Badges at $600 each, then (TBD) for race tickets (no idea what those run).
Charlie Taylor, San Carlos, CA
MP: Hello from a former San Carlos resident (who grew up in Belmont and San Mateo). I don’t have a canned itinerary to offer since the event has always been one of work for me on pit lane or in the media center, and I’ve never sat in the grandstands, but thanks to a lot of trusted fans who read the Mailbag, I’m sure they’ll make some suggestions in the comments.
Q: I realize that the IndyCar season hasn’t even started, but I have a question concerning this year’s Indy 500. With the number of the series’ full-time entries, along with drivers for the 500 that have been confirmed (Helio, Carpenter, and some others), do you have an idea on who else will fill the remaining seats? Rumor is Ryan Hunter-Reay and Conor Daly will be in at DRR, which sadly pushes Stefan Wilson out. JR Hildebrand has interest, and Foyt is definitely in the mix for him. Abel again sounds like he will go with RC Enerson, though that could change. It’s early, but it looks like there could be 35 or 36 drivers battling for 33 spots, which is a good thing.
I was glad to hear that Bill Abel will be back. Having new, passionate owners like he and Don Cusick is certainly a positive for the 500 and for IndyCar. If Cusick and Stefan aren’t back this year, that will certainly be an absolute shame, considering how Stefan was taken out last year. Any any insight as to who will be driving for who will be appreciated!
Ted Yezman, Sonoma, CA
MP: We ran a story in early December that said RHR and Daly are expected to represent DRR at Indy, and I’ve heard nothing since then to believe otherwise. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is meant to run a fourth car and I’ve only heard Takuma Sato’s name mentioned as its driver. Foyt’s running a third and JR is a leading candidate; Stef Wilson and Cusick have also been mentioned. Abel’s returning with Enerson, which is good. Charlie Kimball is said to have an interest in running again, and Beth Paretta’s name has also been spoken of as someone who would like to return. Bump Day could be busy.