Q: So with what seemingly is heading towards freezing of engine development, how does Honda not wind up getting its butts kicked at Indy until there is a new engine formula, which seems like it is far in the future? Honda seems like the manufacturer that also wants least investment at this point. Dixie’s post-race comments were telling.
Jeff, State College, PA
MP: I hear you, but from the five points-paying races this year, Honda’s won two, and took the sixth at the non-points Thermal Whateverthehellitwas Challenge, so it’s looking pretty close to even in the win column.
While it was clobbered at the 500, there’s no evidence to suggest Honda’s taken its foot off the development throttle. It was only a year or two ago when Chevy got clobbered by Honda at Indy, so this time, the tables were reversed. It happens.
If, for example, Honda were to announce it’s leaving after the 2025 season, I would expect the company to put all of its money and effort into going out as winners next season for two reasons: The pride HRC US takes in its products and, more importantly, because half or more of the field will have paid $1.45 million per engine lease, and unless someone wants to see tons of lawsuits appear, there’s no way a manufacturer can afford to leave a major series today without giving its best to its paying customers.
Q: What a difference a year makes. Last year, I was cheering on Newgarden during the final two laps, wanting the American driver who tried 12 times to finally break through and win himself an Indy 500. This year, with how everything has shaken out within that organization, I wanted anyone else. Especially wanted it for either Rossi or O’Ward. Do you think Pato will break through and finally get his Indy glory?
Eric, Wisconsin
MP: I do. There were cheers unlike anything I can recall hearing when Pato took the lead from Josef in the final laps, and while the cheers weren’t as loud when Josef got him back in Turn 3 on lap 200, there were a lot of happy fans and a lot of support for him as he won his second 500. I also heard about a decent number of boos for Newgarden, which is sad, but he’s also not exactly the most sympathetic character in the series.
Arrow McLaren was super strong, but Newgarden’s No. 2 Chevy was a fraction better. Pato’s signed to the team for a long while, so for me, it’s less a question of whether Pato can win — he showed us he can on Sunday — and more on McLaren to make its cars better than Penskes.
Q: With the many storylines coming out of the Indy 500, the one that impresses me the most is Pato O’Ward. In my 50 plus years of watching IndyCar, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a driver so gutted by a loss. It brings back memories of the many times Mario was interviewed after his car broke, again, while leading the 500. After seeing the tears and hearing the emotion and the passion with which he drives, I am now a huge fan of Pato. If the series were smart, they would be scheduling a race in Mexico for 2025 or ’26. The attendance to see this exceptional driver and person might be second only to Indy.
Rick Schneider, Charlotte
MP: Vamos, Pato!
Q: This letter is not to complain about how long the first caution was in this year’s 500, but rather to explain to anybody who wants to know why it may have gone longer than they thought it should have.
The impact to the SAFER barrier took place right in front of where I was sitting on the exit of Turn 1/beginning of the short chute. Three of the styrofoam whosawhatsis that absorb energy between the steel and the concrete walls had to be replaced. When the truck with the replacement parts arrived, two crew members jumped out and started running the parts over to the impact zone. The whole AMR Safety Crew was flat-out hustling their buns off the whole time.
One of the pieces dropped right into place, but the other two fought them. The crowd was cheering them on as two-three crew members jumped on top of the wall, and sat on, jumped on, and kicked and punched into place the new styrofoam pieces as fast as they could. As soon as the parts were in place, the crowd cheered even louder as they all ran as fast as they could to their trucks and hauled butt out of there.
Quickly, the sweeper truck, which was already staged in place and waiting, swept up any styrofoam bits left behind, and took off as well. As soon as all the trucks were clear, the series signaled one to go.
There was no messing around, no delays, and I don’t see how they could have made that caution one second shorter than it was. I was very impressed with the AMR Safety Crew.
Dylan Burgett, Villa Park, IL
MP: Thanks for the report, Dylan. You won’t find a better response team in racing.
Q: The best visual from this year’s race was a guy wearing a shirt that said Team P2Penske in the team Penske layout.
John, Seville, Ohio
MP: That made the rounds among drivers and team owners and it was hilarious.