Q: Why are the drivers still driving around in the little cars? Is the fuel tank completely empty on new ideas at 16th and Georgetown? I’m 49 years old, so maybe not the target demographic, but I have to say that Marco Andretti has a valid point in his recent tweet about IndyCar’s marketing efforts. It’s one thing to languish, but quite another to actively turn people away from the series (and its amazing racing) with what seems to be childish marketing antics.
I’m a lifelong fan and have tried to bring my family along for the ride over the years, but am starting to get a feeling that my college-aged boys may not be able to pass the love of this sport down to their kids someday. I’d welcome some positive news.
Eric M. Stoller
MP: I was having this exact conversation with a title-contending driver last week. I think we’ve gone too far in trying to make our drivers into comedians with all of the silly social media copycat stuff in the desperate hope of making someone giggle for three seconds.
I appreciate how drivers have become more open and relatable to fans, but there needs to be a balance. There comes a point where having our stars constantly chase cheap laughs has a downside. It’s nice to know that some of our stars and heroes have a sense of humor, but good Lord, the best in the series also deserve to be revered for all that makes them the badasses that they are. When it comes to sports, hero worshiping isn’t a bad thing, but it’s hard to build that mythology when the stars are being served up as daily punchlines.
Q: Would a hydrogen ICE (Toyota/Hyundai) or a “software-defined vehicle” (Honda/Hyundai) be more interesting to Penske/Chevy/Ilmor to attract an additional OEM in short order for IndyCar? (And how much pull does Bryan Herta have to steer Hyundai to IndyCar?)
Gordon, Dallas, TX
MP: IndyCar is definitely in the “So, auto industry, what interests you for the future?” phase of figuring out where to take the series’ internal combustion engine and electrification formulas. And that probably sounds strange, considering how we’ve yet to go live with the new hybrid formula that’s been in development since 2019. But there is this odd dynamic where what’s new and on the way in 2024 already has the feel of being somewhat old, at least in terms of technology that might be considered relevant to car makers.
Going hybrid is a new and important development for IndyCar, but that’s about it. Chevy and Honda already race with hybrids in other series, and hybrid road cars have been around for decades, so there’s not a lot to promote here that jumps out as new and intriguing to the average car buyer. I wish that wasn’t the case. If IndyCar wants to keep itself connected to the auto industry, it will need to keep asking those questions — hydrogen ICE, spec, more electric power, and so on — and decide where to steer the series after hybridization happens.
Hyundai’s already had a serious pitch made to join IndyCar, but wasn’t ready to do so when that happened a few years ago. Fingers crossed that it might be interested in whatever’s next for IndyCar’s powertrain formula.
Q: Any word on a driver for Coyne or Foyt’s open seat? Getting down to the wire, isn’t it? [ED: This letter was submitted before Ferrucci’s confirmation at Foyt]
Kasey, Indianapolis
MP: With “Santucchi” as he’s sometimes called confirmed at Foyt, the team’s roster is complete. Coyne’s less solid than they’d like; I’d heard DeFrancesco was close, and then late last week, I heard the talks have stalled. Of all the drivers I’ve had mentioned as Coyne contenders, American rocket Colin Braun made me smile the most. Only on the rarest of occasions have we gotten into the new year and had Coyne’s lineup sorted. If anything, it’s an annual tradition to get to January/February and try to figure out who’ll end up in Dale’s cars. He’s always good for at least one surprise, so I’m looking forward to seeing which direction he takes.
Q: Big Possum has become primarily a dirt guy since it seems to be the last vestige of affordable, obtainable, exciting, kickass racing where drivers survive on talent and not their wallet, and has a super-loyal fan base — sold out the Chili Bowl for the last many years.
While watching the Chili Bowl last night, he observed a pretty strong NASCAR presence — drivers participating and signage about the track — which seems to him would be a pretty good audience for IndyCar to go after. Have some signage, sponsor a race or two, have some drivers appear, give away some tickets and merchandise, and for the grand finale either set fire to an F1 car or, for one dollar a swing, let fans bash an F1 car with a sledge hammer. Where does Big Possum apply for the job of marketing director of IndyCar?
Big Possum, Northern Michigan (almost to the Mackinac Bridge)
MP Big Dummy here likes what Big Possum is cooking, but can I just give you a dollar, keep the F1 car intact, and sell it for seven figures?
Yes, IndyCar could pay to put banners up and promote its series at the Chili Bowl, but do we think the attendees in Tulsa, Oklahoma, don’t know it exists? Or the fans watching via streaming are largely unaware of the series that’s more than 100 years old and located in the middle of sprint/midget/modified country? Just sayin’… Instead of preaching to the open-wheel choir, I’d rather hear about IndyCar spending that money at events where real awareness can be delivered to those who don’t know we exist.