Welcome to the RACER Mailbag. We invite you to send your questions to any of RACER’s writers at [email protected]. We’re eager to hear what you have to say, but if you include a question, it’s more likely to be featured. Remember, questions submitted after 3 PM Eastern each Monday will be saved for the next week.
Q: With FOX stepping up its game in promoting IndyCar, how seriously are figures like Roger, Mark Miles, and the leaders at Penske Entertainment viewing the importance of this year for both immediate and long-term success?
I’m not overlooking all the positives since Penske’s acquisition, but with all the attention from FOX’s backing, this year is pivotal. Considering past controversies like the red flag at the 2023 Indy 500, last year’s push-to-pass scandal, and the potential exit of Honda without new OEM interests, I remain hopeful but cautious. There’s hope that past blunders were learned from to prevent issues this year, yet I fear complacency might still exist due to the typically close competition.
Like everyone, I wish to see the series gain the recognition it deserves beyond its existing fans. My concern is this year repeating old patterns, staying stagnant for casual observers and racing enthusiasts who check in mainly for the Indy 500.
— Alan Bandi, Sarver, PA
MARSHALL PRUETT: Roger’s business acumen in racing is unmatched, so I bet he’s fully tuned into what’s riding on 2025 for his series.
IndyCar, like any sports league, has its challenges—probably more than I’d prefer, and that goes for the paddock folks too. But I see no obstacles that would stop great races in the upcoming 17 events. If the racing stays top-notch and both new and loyal viewers turn up in droves on FOX and buy tickets to watch live, 2025 should be fantastic.
Post-2025, though, is where concerns focus: engine supply deals wrap up in 2026, and introducing a new car has been delayed from 2027 to 2028. Plus, there’s a pressing need to cut costs quickly.
So, if you’re just here for the races and a break from reality, truly, tune out the industry noise. Enjoy the skills of stars like Pato, Newgarden, Palou, and Herta. Let things naturally progress from there.
Q: I can’t seem to find out how FOX plans to manage potential scheduling conflicts between IndyCar and NASCAR, such as the one on March 2 where IndyCar runs earlier, and NASCAR follows later in the afternoon. If IndyCar runs late, what’s FOX’s plan? Does it stay on until the race ends, or switch over to NASCAR? There are many ways a Sunday could unfold. What’s FOX’s general approach?
— Spencer
MP: I chatted with FOX Sports, and they told me there’s an hour-long buffer between Sunday’s IndyCar race and the NASCAR Cup race. They’ll decide on a case-by-case basis if they need to switch from IndyCar to NASCAR, and if so, the announcers and on-screen ticker will guide you to where you can catch the rest on FOX’s various channels.
Here’s my take: NASCAR is clearly FOX’s dominant series, and they’re keen on enticing NASCAR viewers to also watch IndyCar. Making Cup fans miss out on their race would sabotage that goal. So, with time constraints, I’d expect FOX to favor its NASCAR audience and relocate IndyCar coverage.
Also, the overlap concerns only March through May before streamers and NBC take over NASCAR from FOX, leaving fewer chances for potential scheduling snafus.
Q: With the Honda-Nissan merger recently called off, what impact could this have on Honda’s decision to remain with IndyCar after their contract ends in 2026?
Given Nissan’s recent struggles—their quarterly profits plummeting from $2.1 billion to $33 million and a 25% stock drop—Honda isn’t in great shape either, losing 15% in stock value this year. To me, it’s not about new cars, IndyCar’s worth, or upcoming plans; it’s about Honda’s financial survival. They needed this merger, so continuing IndyCar seems unlikely.
What’s Penske’s backup plan if this happens?
— Glenn, Palos Verdes Estate, CA
MP: There’s zero impact. I’ve never once heard Nissan mentioned in my talks with Honda Racing US folks since the year started.
If Honda opts out, Roger Penske’s Ilmor Engineering company, where he’s a co-founder and co-owner, is the obvious go-to for supplying engines across the board. Alternatively, he could request proposals from Cosworth and other expert racing engine creators for a spec engine. But given Ilmor’s recent success with Chevy in the Manufacturers’ championships, it seems like an easy fix.
