Welcome to the RACER Mailbag! We’re always thrilled to hear from our readers, so if you’ve got a question for any of our writers, feel free to send it over to [email protected]. Keep in mind, including a question increases the odds of your letter being chosen for publication. Just remember that any inquiries arriving after 3 PM ET on Mondays will be held for the following week’s edition.
Q: Longtime RACER fan here, throwing in my first question: How does IndyCar set itself apart from F1 in the eyes of new fans? An intimate Sunday at The Thermal Club, surrounded by the best racing enthusiasts, sounds like a start! Instead of an underwhelming scene like the one at Texas Motor Speedway with maybe 5,000 spectators, at Thermal, fans get unparalleled access to drivers, cars, and announcers, all for $475 over the weekend. That’s quite reasonable—considering I shell out more for a Bears game ticket or a photo pass at GPLB. Why not embrace the small crowd as a chance to foster a unique and close-up experience? The picturesque backdrop with mountains and palm trees looks great on TV, blending beautifully with the atmosphere. How about incorporating some celebrity endorsements to elevate the event further? The privileged air of Thermal Club spells exclusivity, but perhaps allowing fans a glimpse of the fantastic cars there could present a more aspiring image rather than an elitist one. What are your thoughts, Marshall?
Bob (lifelong race fan)
MARSHALL PRUETT: Bob, you hit on a crucial point about the vibe at Thermal. F1 is known for its exclusivity and high costs, making IndyCar’s attempt to match that model without F1’s massive audiences seem out of place. Unfortunately, IndyCar ends up seeming less significant. As per Mark Miles, CEO of Penske Entertainment, there were only about 3,000 fans at Thermal. To someone casually tuning in, it looks like the race is happening with no audience to witness it, which doesn’t really shout "must-watch." Let’s be honest, the setting at Thermal is amazing and I’ve genuinely enjoyed every trip there since 2023 pre-season testing. Nonetheless, if growing IndyCar’s visibility is the aim, hosting races in remote locations with sparse crowds just doesn’t cut it. Bringing in at least 10,000 to 15,000 spectators would not only fill the stands but also enhance the event’s credibility.
Q: As a seasoned IndyCar follower who fondly recalls CART’s glory days, I’ve noticed a certain lack this season. Does this season’s roster lack star power or am I missing something? Despite my years as a fan, even I’m not familiar with many of the drivers currently on the circuit. While I recognize the talent, I’m doubtful that names like Scott Dixon or Will Power would be recognized by the general public if I were to start talking about IndyCar at a bar in Australia. Sure, there’s Josef Newgarden, Pato O’Ward, and Colton Herta, among others, but how many would spark recognition here? Wouldn’t a sprinkle of veteran presence, like Paul Tracy, Dario Franchitti, Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., or even Tony Kanaan, bring back some interest and perspective?
Jason Mulveny, aka Bananaspeed, Sydney, Australia
MARSHALL PRUETT: Jason, you bring up a valid concern about star power. The core names like Palou, Herta, Power, Dixon, O’Ward, and Newgarden have been around for a few years now. Yet, nothing distinctively different stands out for 2025 compared to previous seasons. The nostalgia for the CART era’s all-star lineup is understandable, but IndyCar hasn’t seen a crossover star like Danica Patrick since she left in 2011. Helio Castroneves shifted to an Indy-only focus since 2024, and Dario retired after his 2013 accident.
Moreover, broadcast partners could step up to spotlight these talented drivers. FOX, being new to the role, deserves some time to address the lack of driver recognition. Given that many legendary names you mentioned haven’t been in the spotlight for years, they may not resonate with younger fans who didn’t witness their heyday. Inviting old legends into broadcasts might serve nostalgic fans, but it likely won’t shift the needle for broader audiences. Let’s give FOX a chance to rectify this and potentially turn the tide before we demand drastic changes.
