Trackside with Curt Cavin & Kevin Lee | WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan

Trackside tonight: Newgarden, Pagenaud and more

Posted 12/13/2011 10:17:00 AM

Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee is tonight from 7-9 Eastern on 1070 The Fan (WFNI-AM) in Indianapolis and via the internet at www.1070TheFan.com. The show will also be available in podcast form at www.1070TheFan.com/Trackside.

Guests include drivers with recently announced 2012 IndyCar rides: Josef Newgarden and Simon Pagenaud, and Iowa Speedway CEO Doug Fritz (he's confirmed this time). Plus, other potential driver destinations. Expect several more deals announced in the next week. And, the latest on the 2012 schedule and several reports already of possibilities for 2013.

Listener topics and questions are welcome at Kevin@1070TheFan.com and via Twitter at @KevinLee23.

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Feb. 22: On Barrichello, Phoenix and St. Pete

Question: I know that ABC gets first dibs on TV, but it would seem so much simpler to block the season out with NBC getting the first three races, then ABC the middle of the series, and then finish with NBC. Switching networks race to race can’t help ratings, is annoying, and hurts promotion of the next weeks race. (Rich, Fishers, Ind.) Answer: I assume you meant NBC Sports Channel because ABC wanted exclusive network rights when it signed the contract four years ago. Packaging the races, as you suggest, is nice in theory, but it doesn’t allow ABC to have first pick. The network has other commitments to work around, and it can’t just take those six, for example. The other thing is, it wants the cream of the crop when it can, and IndyCar wants its cream of the crop to be on the network. Anyway, it’s always a difficult puzzle to work through. Sometimes I’m amazed that series schedules ever get done given all the conflicts. Question: Great to see Marco’s enthusiastic tweet about PIR after this morning’s run. Really looking forward to a return by IndyCar. Can you ask readers to “like” IndyCar2Phoenix on Facebook? We want to help support getting a race here. Thanks! (Keith, Phoenix) Answer: Consider it done. Look, everyone in IndyCar wants the race to return. But it has to make financial sense to the promoter and the series. I know we’ve said that to death, but it’s true. Phoenix is owned by a publicly traded company. It does not give money away, and IndyCar doesn’t have a lot to give away. Question: Re: Rubens, what are you talking about?! You’re in a state of disbelief about what? That he signed or didn’t sign? (Brian, Indianapolis) Answer: I can’t believe he’s serious about racing in IndyCar. I wasn’t surprised he did a test at Sebring, but I expected it to end there. The beauty of IndyCar is how close the drivers race, but that’s not something I’d expected someone of his accomplishments to be interested in at this stage of his career and life. As for signing, I doubt he has yet. They might have a handshake, but it depends on funding. Latest news: He’ll be at Infineon over the week for his second test. EJ Viso is driving with KV, too. Question: Who will be the first driver outside of the Ganassi and Penske camp to win a race this year? Perhaps Barrichello? I’ll put my nickel on Hunter-Reay. How about you? (Allen, Raleigh, N.C.) Answer: Hunter-Reay a good choice, but I’ll go with Kanaan. Regardless of which driver it is, I think it will happen at St. Pete.

Feb. 21: On Sarah, Phoenix and engines

Question: Do you think the Andretti Autosport and Panther Racing tests at Phoenix are to evaluate the track for a season-ending replacement for Fontana as well as smaller oval data gathering? (Rick, Toronto) Answer: Obviously there is testing information to be gained, but clearly it’s at least in some way a feasibility test for the new Indy car. As for staging a race there, I can’t see any way it’s happening in 2012. But yes, perhaps in 2013. Question: Can you believe Rubens say making all those statements about ovals and now …? Who’s next: Ralf Schumacher? (Chuck, Avon, Ind.) Answer: It’s certainly beyond what any of us could have guessed not long ago. Having said that, the IndyCar schedule is heavy with road courses and street circuits and I’m sure Iowa and Milwaukee don’t seem that intimidating, Indy looks like a nice challenge and Fontana is wide even though it’s fast. So that just leaves Texas, which I’m sure has Rubens’ attention as it should. But to answer your question, yes, I’m still in a state of disbelief. Question: I’m sure my Dad isn’t the only one that feels this way. Between the lack of ovals on the schedule and Sarah Fisher (his favorite) not getting an engine before Indy despite having a budget, an American driver and a new shop in the works in Speedway, he might be done with IndyCar racing and be content rooting for Sam Hornish Jr. and Danica in the NASCAR. Randy, get Sarah an engine or the PR nightmare will kill all the great momentum. (Matt, Decatur, Ind.) Answer: I just can’t believe Sarah’s team won’t get an engine. I just can’t. She and her people, including the incredible help from Wink Hartman, have done everything right. They have hired the Indy Lights champion, announced plans to build the shop in Speedway and of course showed their strength on the track by beating the field last October at Kentucky Speedway. They say they have $1 million budgeted for an engine, which, by the way, is more than all most every other team in the paddock is spending. Chevrolet hasn’t agreed to expand from its stated 10 cars and for the moment Honda’s 12 are spoken for. And we know where Lotus’ behind-the-game program stands. So where does that leave Sarah and the league? Stuck. As you note, this is absurd and time is running out. Question: Do you still think Sarah Fisher will be on the grid at St.Pete? I think she will in a Chevy unless KV goes four cars or with Honda if Rahal is just one. (Bret, Kirkland, Ill.) Answer: I’d like to think Chevrolet, but I’d bet Honda. Question: In regard to all the races that don’t take place at 16th and Georgetown: Now that there are three engine manufacturers competing is there any chance IndyCar will have a pace car that looks ready for a racetrack instead of child seats? (Jeff, Terre Haute, Ind.) Answer: LOL. I think you’re forgetting that the pace car program has morphed into a marketing platform. It’s about money more than muscle. Question: In the last two weeks I met both Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon in the Indianapolis airport. They each took time to speak with me for a minute or two. Both were very cordial, friendly and they came across as normal, everyday guys. This is what is great about IndyCar. What other sport is there where a fan could meet two of the top stars at get that kind of personal interaction? (T.J., Bloomington, Ind.) Answer: First of all, you’ve got to quit spending so much time in airports, although I realize that’s your job! But you’re right about the IndyCar guys and gals, and I’ve been saying it for years. Go down the list and you’d get the same kind of interaction with virtually all of them.

Feb. 16: On Tony Stewart and Adrian Sutil

Question: Would you ask Tony Stewart, if he wins the Daytona 500, since no one will have driven he new Indy Car on an oval before the Indianapolis 500 and everyone is on equal footing coming into Indy, now Chevy is in the formula, if he’d run the race. Great publicity for Chevy and a big buzz in May. (Nancy, Torrance, Calif.) Answer: I think he’d enjoy doing it, but I think, based on recent conversations I’ve had with him, he’s solely focused on the various race teams he has and particularly the Sprint Cup program. Question: Recently, in a Marshall Pruett article regarding Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing talking about the possibilities of having Luca Filippi and Michel Jourdain join their operation, he also mentioned that there was a chance “of another F1 driver from 2011 on the shopping list of an IndyCar team.” With this in mind, the only F1 driver I can think of without a ride this year is Robert Kubica. Is this possibly who Pruett is referring to or am I missing something? (Michael, Indianapolis) Answer: I haven’t talked to Marshall about it, but the driver mentioned in several corners is Adrian Sutil. Question: Just wanted to tell everybody I booked my flight and accommodations for the race at Barber. Need to do my bit to help the IICS grow. From Boston to Barber here I come! Looking forward to it! (Mike, Littleton, Mass.) Answer: Be sure to walk the facility on Saturday as there are numerous spectacular viewing points. Also, visit the museum. Well worth it. Buy a garage pass if you can. Always great to be close to the action. Question: Since you get questions from everywhere (including Australia), where do you typically get the most from? (Nick, Dixon, Ill.) Answer: Obviously central Indiana due to our local readership and the higher interest in the sport. After that, I’d say the Midwest and then California. But I probably get a dozen a day from other countries. Question: New innovation, heat races at Iowa. Great idea, much like midget and sprint car racing. Whose idea was this and will Iowa be the only location? (Linda, Bettendorf, Iowa) Answer: I think it was Beaux Barfield’s idea, and yes, Iowa will be the only location at least in 2012. Question: I just read the release about heat races to determine starting positions at Iowa in June. Fantastic idea! Back to the roots of short track racing! Here’s hoping the concept is expanded. Think NASCAR will follow suit? (Jay, Indian Harbor Beach, Fla.) Answer: Yeah, probably. LOL. Now, get back to Coaster’s and enjoy, well, you know what to enjoy. Question: Will there be/should there be a penalty to Lotus for not meeting their allotment? And how about a standing start after every yellow flag at all the street/road course? (Josh, Indianapolis) Answer: I don’t know about a penalty for Lotus this year. Maybe next year if it’s not up to speed. As for standing starts, I think one per race is enough. Question: Name a more interesting silly season than the one that is about to close, and why. 50 words maximum. Go! (Clint, Chicago) Answer: Two words: I can’t. Question: I guess a three-wide start at the Indy 500 is not going to happen since the drivers cannot make two wide starts. What a disappointment. My compromise would be to have every driver who wants restarts to be single file, just drop back to the back of the line. Everyone else can start two-wide. (Zack, Atlanta, Ga.) Answer: I like that. Question: I see that speeds will slow down a bit with the DW12 at Indy. I remember when the speeds were slower when the first normally aspirated cars came out in 1997 and year by year speeds would gradually go up. I believe the DW12 will as well. (Sam, Lewis, Ind.) Answer: Let’s be clear: The speeds were slower in the fall test. Let’s wait to see where they are come the middle of May. I think you’ll see 220s.

Feb. 15: On IndyCar engines and standing starts

Question: No Lindy Thackston covering IndyCar? What has the racing world come to? (Bruce, Sheffield, Mass.) Answer: She certainly did a nice job. I know a lot of people will miss her on the broadcast. Question: With regard to Randy Bernard’s closing remarks, if you read the various forums, especially Track Forum, you can see there are some pretty nasty people posting there. My mom always told me If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything. Perhaps those folks don’t have moms. I think he said something that needed to be said. (Pete, Massillon, Ohio) Answer: I suppose, but I don’t engage in such nastiness. It’s counterproductive. Question: Very happy with much of what Beaux Barfield has brought to IICS. That said, I have my first gripe with his decision making. Why on earth would you take a way double file restarts from Indy? Last year’s restarts were some of the most exciting we’ve seen in a very long time. Here’s to hoping he’ll reverse that decision. (Oak, Cold Spring, Ky.) Answer: I’m not surprised they changed their mind, but I thought the double-files should stay. Question: What are you hearing about the DW12′s oval performance? It’s nice to see the general gloom and doom quieting down. Also, if they get a deal put together for Barrichello, will he be entered in the 500? (Brian, Indianapolis) Answer: Yes, he’ll be in the 500. I’m told he’s not concerned about any of the ovals except Texas, and that’s one that has the attention of all of the drivers. As for the DW12, the feedback has been generally positive, and I knew (and said) that the bugs would get worked out in time. It was interesting to me that Will Phillips, IndyCar’s vice president of technology, listed the slower speeds at Indy as the No. 1 disappointment of the new car program. Question: I plan on winning Powerball Wednesday and taking the 25 million payout. I want to run two drivers full time this season. Will I be able to get an engine for my two teams? (Andy, Myrtle Beach, S.C.) Answer: Yes. It’s my understanding that while supply is still somewhat of a concern, the real issue (with Chevrolet and Honda) is supplying more than their allotment at the stated price point. So, anyone determined to have one of their engines, such as yourself, can get one, but it’s going to cost you more. Question: What happens if Lotus, which “can’t meet its allotment” of teams, as you wrote yesterday, comes out and kicks Honda and Chevy’s tails on the racetrack, in part because they can focus on fewer teams? What kind of outcry can we expect if that occurs? (David, Fishers, Ind.) Answer: You know the answer to that question. LOL. Question: I am fine with standing starts. Honestly, I think it would fix a lot of problems. The green is thrown at nearly every road/street course while some portion of the field is still negotiating a slow curve, which significantly spreads the field out from the get-go. However, I do have a problem with mid-season rule changes. I think it is unprofessional and reflects poorly on the series. If they can’t have it ironed out at the beginning, wait until next season. (Scott, Hartselle, Ala.) Answer: I think they’ll have that figured out before St. Pete, and I don’t think we’d see a standing start until Toronto, although I suppose it could happen earlier. My reasoning on Toronto is that it’s an ABC race, and it’s far enough into the season for everyone to have their legs with the new equipment. Question: I’ve heard that CEO Randy Bernard has “cooled” on his interest to have a 2012 Ft. Lauderdale street race season finale. Is this possibility completely dead? (Jim, Villa Park, Ill.) Answer: He said he cooled on it being the season-ending race this year. He doesn’t want to rush a good thing, and there’s some logic to that.

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Trackside with Cavin & Kevin
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Email: kevin@1070thefan.com

Phone: 317-239-1070

Trackside With Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee February 13th, 2012

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