Q: Just a quick question about the Indy Rookie Orientation Program. What are the four phases? I've tried to search the internet but can't find it anywhere.

Dave, La Crosse, Wis.

RM: They are: 200-205 mph, 205-210, 210-215 and 215-plus.

Q: Just curious to understand what Tony Cotman is doing for the IRL that Brian Barnhardt didn’t do in the past. Is Tony just freeing Brian up to do other things? Is Tony as well received by the IRL as he was at Champ Car?

Richard Silert

RM: Cotman is helping out in Race Control as well as calling the Indy Lights races, plus adding his insight (which is considerable) and common sense. TC is the most respected official I've seen in the last 20 years.

Q: With there being a few weeks to tinker with the new car and do some wind tunnel work, do you think that the champ car teams will have any chance at all at qualifying in the top 10-15?

Doug, Murrieta,Ca.

RM: Maybe the fourth row but most either don't have the right suspension or wheelbase or even a backup car to really hang it out and get involved in a shootout. Nor do they have the expertise with the Dallara chassis. Unless there's a major upset, AGR, Ganassi and Penske will own the first three rows.

Q: I will be attending my 15th 500 this year and love the place. What I wanted to ask is how about you hooking up with SPEED or ESPN and hosting your own open wheel (INDY) show. The show could cover all of INDY for the month of May just like the old RPM 2Nite.

Gregg, Ross, Ohio

RM: I like your style but it's too late for anything this year. If you hit the lottery, please write me back and you can be the executive director of our show. I want to do a weekly open wheel show all season but so far it's just a wish.


Q: Right on about the publicity issue of already qualified drivers not running on opening day. I mean shouldn't you be shouting your league from every possible angle and roof top you can. Definitely a very poor marketing decision by the IRL, you would think they would have more common sense.

Keith Plegge

RM: Unification after 12 years, DanicaMania, Rahal vs. Andretti and perfect weather and you have opening day for ROOKIES ONLY!!!! If 30 cars and everybody runs last Sunday, maybe you draw 10,000 people instead of 845.