Q: I am surprised at the seeming lack of buzz or enthusiasm for Ferrari as a potential third engine manufacturer. Is this because you don’t think it will happen/fatigue from the long-courtship and false starts around a third engine manufacturer? Getting Ferrari to be a third engine manufacturer would seem to be a huge deal. I am sure IndyCar, Honda and Chevy would welcome the new investment, and Ferrari is an absolute marquee name with terrific resources. Andretti Autosport would seem like a natural pairing. Please let us know how real the possibility is of Ferrari joining as a third engine manufacturer, and would they consider running a team too?

Andrew H., Chicago

RM: I think people got a lot more excited when they saw that R.P. admitted he was talking to Ferrari, so it’s a lot more real than anything we’ve seen in the past few years. But I don’t know anyone at Ferrari so have no idea who they might consider, or if they would be allowed to run a team. But, as The Captain said, stay tuned.

Q: The doubleheaders these last two weekends have been great. Any chance that with less tracks on the schedule next year we see more of them? It would give more bang for the buck to spectators, and make 20 races a possibility. Also, how is Alex Palou without a sponsor yet? How does Dale Coyne keep him going?

Bob Akerman

RM: NBC likes the idea of IndyCar/NASCAR doubleheaders so I think we’ll see a couple of those, and as far as IndyCar, it all depends on which tracks return and which ones might desire a doubleheader. My information is that Palou brought a nice seven-figure check to Mr. Coyne.

Q: Love the doubleheaders; I am sure the mechanics, not so much. Any word if we might have more than the Detroit race next year as a doubleheader? We are a month away from the 500; how many cars do we have going for the 33 spots?

Ron, Toronto

RM: I don’t know, way too early to ask. But I imagine Road America would entertain the concept again. IndyCar says 34-36 cars at IMS.

Q: I think the IndyCar points system is awful. Points are awarded right down to last place, and the gaps in points awarded from a win to a middling finish are too narrow. A driver with two seventh-place finishes (who watching cares?) would top a driver with win and a DNF. Consistency should be rewarded, but champions should be winners, not regular midfield finishers. Dixon has dominated this season with three wins, yet he’s a couple of DNFs away from being behind Colton Herta, whose best is fourth. The system keeps title races tight, but like the abominable ‘double points’ finale, it is annoying and artificial. It demeans the championship. What do you think?

Jenkins, Canada

RM: I always liked the old F1 system because it only rewarded consistent performance (top six) but I understand IndyCar wants to have a playoff-like system for obvious reasons. I simply hate double points at the season finale. Hokey and unnecessary – it doesn’t make one more person watch NBC.

Q: Now that the ticket holder surveys are in, what are the chances for someone to get a single ticket for the Indianapolis 500 this year that wasn’t already a ticket holder? Second quick question, how good was Peter Revson at Indy? He’s one of the few Americans to win in F1, and if memory serves me correctly, he would have driven for Penske in 1974 in the car Mike Hiss qualified on the outside of the front row. Had it not been for that fateful day in South Africa, one has to think what could’ve been.

Todd J. Burnworth, Fort Wayne, IN

RM: Yes, you can go online right now and buy a single ticket. Revson was obviously damn good and well respected in USAC, F1 and sports cars. He was scheduled to drive for R.P. before losing his life that March.

What might Revson have achieved with Penske? Image by Motorsport Images

Q: Will teams be able to block off all the intake/vents for the aeroscreen for qualifying at Indianapolis? In the past we have seen helicopter tape sealing many areas of the car.

Javier, Coral Gables, FL

RM: From IndyCar’s Bill Pappas: “The nose ducts are not an option at Indy. The duct we used at Iowa would most likely not be an option because it impacts drag and downforce. The helmet duct most likely will be mandatory, we would allow the opposite side helmet duct an option. The vents under the windscreen must be run fully open.”

Q: Is it just… I’ll call it ‘pandemic rust’, or is there something else causing the staggering amount of slip-ups and rather large mistakes on pit lane this year?

Eric Z, Lancaster, NY

RM: Good question, but it’s been obvious there have been more unforced errors on pit stops this season that any I can recall.

Q: I know you placed a moratorium on Marco Andretti racing questions, but if you would indulge me and allow one that is not strictly racing related, I would appreciate it. While watching the Saturday morning practice session from Road America on NBC Gold they showed a new prototype air vent that was being tested by three teams. Marco was one of the three drivers testing the vent, and when they showed him sitting in his car on pit lane, they had a close-up and I noticed he had a sticker of a pineapple on the top of his helmet. I am wondering if that is something that he has always had, or is he wearing it as a tribute to Alex Zanardi? As always, thank you for your time and consideration.

Matt Fletcher

RM: Good eyes. Yes, Marco is honoring/celebrating/pulling for Zanardi as he recovers from his critical head injuries. The pineapple was Alex’s signature sign when he ran CART.