RM: They're all in the ABC video tape library but, unfortunately, nothing is available to the public.

Q: Other than the fact that turbos sound cool, why do you think they should go back to them? Given the fact that the current engines are fast and incredibly reliable (next to nothing attrition rate). Also, you need to start a petition to get you back on the air somewhere doing an open-wheel show for an hour or so. Not just the three minutes you get on Wind Tunnel. Though I don't always agree with you, I would still be one of the first to sign it.
Eric in Indy

RM: First off, thanks for the support and I desperately want an open-wheel show but, so far, nothing has materialized. The Cosworth deal in Champ Car was actually cheaper than the current Honda lease in IRL – and the engines were more powerful and ran longer before being swapped out. If the IRL doesn't go to turbos, then pray they at least make the new engine sound like a racing engine and not that obnoxious noise it's made the last decade.

Q: As long as Indy racing is abandoning venues that are often spoken of in the same breath as the great European tracks such as Spa and Monza or dinky little skateboard tracks like that sub-mile bullring outside Des Moines, open wheel will never be taken seriously in this country or the world, and never recover financially. If NASCAR wants to run that kind of venue, good for them. Open wheel is not NASCAR. And until the Powers That Be finally get that, they will be nothing

more than a second-rate series with one (moderately) big race.
Brendan J. Paredes, Sheboygan, Wis.

RM: I think everyone would agree Elkhart Lake and Cleveland need to be on the schedule to replace a couple of those ISC ovals. I think it's obvious the IRL finally figured out that CART's diversity is a much better plan than all ovals.

Q: I was wondering, with the ROP now the first few days of open track, do they still use rookie stripes? I remember it being a really big deal to pull those three pieces of tape off the back of the car. If I were a vet, I know I would want to know if I were coming up on a first timer.
Randy Easton, Westfield, Ind.

RM: Good memory, but that's a tradition that's been gone for some time now. I'm sure hanging those three pieces of tape would upset the aero package and make the engineers scream. But it was cool to see a rookie react after getting through that final phase. They should make Marty and Milka hang an orange triangle off their rear wings.

Q: I’d gladly give $25 (or even $50) to help Paul Tracy make it to Indy. If there’s adequate feedback/support please let us know who to make the check out to and where to send it.
Nelson Bergman, Belleville, Ill.

RM: Yours is one of many e-mails I've received pledging money for P.T. and while that's certainly admirable, it would take about 10,000 contributors at $50 a shot to make it happen and we're out of time for this May.