Q: I just caught your article about the new F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. This seems to me as potentially another nail in the coffin for IndyCar in terms of losing its status as the preeminent open-wheel racing series in the U.S. — if it hasn’t happened already.
I saw that new book, The Race Girl, you guys advertised in your newsletter and purchased the Kindle version, mostly for the wife as I’m not much on reading whole books. She blasted through it in two days and now I’m going to get the printed one. From what I see this would make a really good movie, although probably a bit much to fit in a two-hour one.
After reading your article about the F1 movie this morning, I’m wondering why IndyCar doesn’t do something like that. I’m still stumped that NASCAR beat IndyCar to the punch in staging a street race in Chicago, and now this. It kind of all hits home when we learn that IndyCar has no marketing manager!
As much as I admire R.P., he can’t be blind to what is happening: F1 and NASCAR is swallowing up his young potential race fans!
Denny, Garnett, KS
MP: According to those at the IndyCar media days last week who were shooting sunshine and rainbows from their backsides about all of the big things the series has coming — but refused to talk about in any detail — there’s a bunch of big things coming.
Having spoken to a number of folks who received the messaging points from Penske Entertainment that were parroted at the media days, most of it was vague or it was the stuff we already know: We’re going hybrid in summer; there are multiple teams looking to join IndyCar; there are some new tracks that could join the calendar, and “100 Days To Indy” Season 1 will be made available and spread throughout Europe. Those are all good and positive things. Full stop. But the one thing I didn’t hear about was some sort of big move or game-changing action item.
The impression I got is IndyCar is trying to come up with some of those big items, and through asking drivers to shoot sunshine and rainbows, the series has bought itself some time to figure out its next steps under the cloak of “If you only knew what we knew.” It’s the “fake it until you make it” approach, which I don’t fault, because I think we’ve all had to embrace a bit of bluster at one point in our lives while trying to sort out how we’re going to improve our situations.
As for the Brad Pitt F1 movie, yeah, I’d love to hear that someone wants to make a high-profile IndyCar movie, but by the time the Pitt flick arrives, I do wonder if it will be on the downside of the “Drive To Survive” bubble. If the movie landed two or three years ago, I’m sure it would be a giant hit. And it still might be monstrous success, but it feels to me like it’ll miss the America Loves F1 craze by a year or two when it debuts.
Q: Last week, Will Coffey inquired about the notion of using the F2 or Super Formula chassis in IndyCar, noting their similarities. I would like to expand on this a little to provide some food for thought…
The F2 and SF chassis aren’t merely similar — they actually use the same tub. The series have very different engines — a 3.4L turbo V6 for F2 and a two-liter turbo inline-four for SF — and differing suspensions setups for their tires. Or at least, that was the case until this year — I keep getting mixed information about whether the F2 car is actually an all-new tub or if the old one has merely been updated with new body and anti-intrusion panels (like the SF car was last year).
Ultimately Will’s idea here is not too far off-base. The tub is certainly adaptable. But it’s also long in the tooth and would likely not please the people complaining about the age of the chassis, and it’s an open question as to whether the chassis could even handle the upgrades needed to bring it up to oval safety spec.
However, it would not at all be a bad idea for Dallara to design a universal tub for Indy, F2 and SF. The three series are on a similar performance tier despite what the Super License points allocation would have you believe — and as an aside, if you think IndyCar gets screwed by the SL point allotment, look at how big a middle finger the FIA gave Super Formula! It gets the same points allocation as Formula Regional EU by Alpine! Formula E awards more SL points! So the only real issue is the need to make it work on big ovals without compromising it elsewhere.
Bonus points if they could pull a Tatuus and make it work on multiple performance tiers. Tatuus’ old F4 tub, the same one used in the USF championships, has been adapted to countless F4 and F3-tier championships. Imagine going from Indy NXT to IndyCar with the same tub. I know that idea’s been thrown around before, but I think nowadays it’s probably worth considering more than ever before.
Sadly, I doubt the FIA would go for sharing a chassis between its feeder series and IndyCar.
FormulaFox
MP: Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Q: Regarding Dawntreader — I see that you’re friends. I loved his series of posts on the Ilmor pushrod Indy motor. And since it is winter, how about posting the pics of the Nazareth secret test with all the snow there?
Ron
MP: I’d love to see those. Yes, when we were much younger and better looking, I got to know Patrick Morgan a little bit in 2001 when we used Ilmor-built Oldsmobile engines in the IRL. Just as smart, kind, and generous today as he was back then.
Q: Every year the Chicago Auto Show takes place, and I am always disappointed by IndyCar’s involvement with the show. While there is usually an IndyCar on display, there are no appearances by drivers, giveaways, or autograph opportunities. This would seem to be a no-brainer event to have a larger presence at, as most attending (and their kids) have at least a passing interest in automobiles.
What do the teams and drivers do during the off-season to promote interest in themselves as well as the series as a whole? Do you have any recollection of a serious off-season promotion by a team and driver? I’m sure you noticed I didn’t want to waste any time asking about IndyCar’s effort in this endeavor.
Brad, LaPorte, IN
MP: I hear what you’re saying, Brad, but this isn’t the question we ask of stick-and-ball athletes — what has Lamar Jackson done to promote the NFL or Mike Trout done to promote MLB during the offseason? — so I’m not sure it’s fair to hang that on a Josef Newgarden or Alex Palou like it’s their job to promote the place where they work on the weekends.
Granted, IndyCar drivers for the most part are some of the biggest advocates and greatest givers of their time to do exactly what you mention, and that’s to show up at all kinds of IndyCar-related events. But if we’re doing a takedown of teams and drivers for not attending the Chicago Auto Show, that feels like an overreach.
It’s probably not the answer anyone wants to hear, but IndyCar teams and drivers do not exist to promote the series. They’re there to compete and represent their sponsors and partners. Anything they do that’s above and beyond to help the series is a generous offering, not their duty.