Q: I thought it would be a good time to ask about costs associated with IndyCar testing (non-simulator related). If you had a ballpark idea, what does IndyCar or its teams typically have to pay to rent tracks for testing? Are these costs tied into agreements for race events? Do drivers have to pay their own way for travel? Since Thermal is a club track, can it charge as much as it wants for track time? Does Firestone need a lead-up time (for non-tire testing) to make sure the number of tires required are available?
Rob, Rochester, NY
MP: I wish there was a ballpark figure to offer, Rob. It’s a bit like asking to quote a figure to buy a car; are we talking a Kia or a Bentley? It can be tens of thousands for a small, remote track, or tons more for a big facility. Teams pay for private tests; they pay IndyCar for the official tests.
Testing costs are unrelated to events, unless an official test is worked into the event. Each driver negotiates for a range of things, including travel costs. Some have it covered in full, others in part, and a few cover their own. Independent businesses can charge whatever they want. Yes, tests are scheduled well in advance to give tire and fuel vendors time to ship their products or handle work ahead of the test, and to give officials time to schedule travel.
Q: With United Autosports-McLaren Hypercar WEC rumors circulating, will the United Autosports/McLaren Hypercar team persuade Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Patricio O’Ward to drive a third entry at the Le Mans 24 Hours by 2027? If McLaren joins the Hypercar category by 2027, how about the engine options? W1-derived 4.0-liter MHP-8 V8TT Hybrid or Senna/750S-derived 4.0-liter M840T V8TT + Hybrid or Artura-derived 3.0-liter M630 V6TT?
When will the final unveiling of the Dallara IR-27 IndyCar Series chassis car for 2027 happen? Why has IndyCar struggled to find new engine manufacturer for the 2027 season onwards?
Therius Oktavario, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
MP: Maybe. Yes to all as options. Who knows. For reasons we’ve documented to death since 2013.
Q: If my memory is correct, Thermal ran heat races at the 2024 exhibition due to the facility not being able to pit the entire grid. What have you heard about what the race format will be for 2025?
Bob Garber
MP: The entire grid had its own pit boxes in preseason testing in 2023 and again in 2024, so there’s no relation between pit boxes and holding heat races. The heats were a made-for-TV thing to try and add some spice to the non-championship event being televised on NBC.
What’s coming in 2025 is a traditional points-paying race, so I’d expect it to be like any other road course race on the IndyCar calendar.
Q: I was wondering if you could share information regarding any changes to the technical personnel of teams as they prepare for the coming season? I am especially wondering if Coyne and/or Rahal have been able to boost this area.
Many thanks, although I’m expecting you to say watch this space as a RACER article will be coming soon and will supply this info! Fair enough.
Oliver Wells
MP: I’ll see both teams next Tuesday at Thermal and will have a better idea then. I’m unaware of any major changes at the moment.
Q: For a few weeks now I’ve seen the poor attendance for the Indy GP mentioned — which is exactly the reason I’ve been going the last few years! It’s awesome getting to spend a race day at the Speedway and enjoy the new facilities without the massive crowd. And a couple years ago, when Colton Herta won in the rain, was hands down the best race I’ve seen in person. I get that it’s got to be annoying for the teams to have to prep a road course car when all they want is to be getting ready for the 500, but selfishly I hope this race sticks around a while longer.
Jeff, IL
MP: It’s often a good race, as you noted, Jeff. But I’ll always hold the line on what I’ve been saying for years: IndyCar cannot afford to go to places/hold races where it looks small and unimportant. Not while it’s in this forever-long effort to reclaim its former glory. Touting growth and success and then having a few too many ghost-town races destroys the argument.
Q: Have you heard of any potential candidates for the Indy NXT director role? I see the job posting is still live. Is there anyone already at IndyCar or with Indy NXT that could do the job? You would assume they would want to get someone in there sooner rather than later.
Don Jeffers, Lansing, MI
MP: Yes, many! From former drivers to current IndyCar team members. I have one friend who’s perfect for the job and anxiously awaits to hear if they’re in contention. The fact that the position has remained unfilled for the first two months of the offseason is troubling.
Q: What happened to Pipo Derani? I haven’t seen his name on any roster. It would be a shame for him not to have a ride next year!
Jack
MP: He informed his factory Cadillac Action Express Racing team he was leaving to find a more lucrative opportunity elsewhere and massively overplayed his hand. At least so far. I’m told he might have something in the WEC or ELMS.
Q: In some of the past Mailbags, I have read the comments about the team charters not available to any “outside” teams or newcomers. Also, I read none of the FOX TV revenue is shared with any of the teams. I find this appalling. Why would I, as a new team owner, want to spend a tremendous amount of money just to join Club Indy? And how is it that none of the TV revenues are split amongst the teams? That’s pathetic!
During the early 1980s, there was a FISA/FOCA war between the ruling parties and the F1 teams. Basically, the issue had to do with perceived bias towards certain teams and a lack of shared revenue (sound familiar?). Some of the F1 teams actually boycotted the San Marino Grand Prix.
I was wondering if a war similar to this is brewing in the IndyCar paddock? I could see the teams standing together and saying, “No TV money? Then, no race.”
Jerry, Houston
MP: Jerry! From Houston! Mailbag legend!
No risk of an IndyCar team owner boycott here. They just signed the thing a little over a month ago. The FOX deal was signed many months ago. Every owner signed knowing exactly what they do and don’t get in the charter, and revenue sharing of any kind was never an option. Penske Entertainment isn’t in business with IndyCar’s team owners.
It keeps all the revenue it takes in from FOX, Gainbridge, etc. Could that change years from now when the second generation of the charter is established? Yes, but Penske doesn’t look at its entrants as partners like NASCAR does, where it funnels heavy dollars back to its charter teams from its media contracts.
If IndyCar on FOX generates the kind of ratings that are desired, the relationship could change — greater payment from the broadcaster to Penske — and make it hard for Penske to keep all the cash. That’s what teams need.