The RACER Mailbag: Fan Questions Answered - March 19
Race fans are increasingly curious about the future of motorsport venues and coverage. Here's what top racing journalists had to say about current developments:
Race fans watching from grandstands
Las Vegas Grand Prix Future While F1's contract with Las Vegas ends this year, it's unlikely the event will conclude given significant infrastructure investments. Though IndyCar could theoretically replace F1, historical attendance suggests filling grandstands would be challenging without aggressive promotion and more accessible ticket pricing.
IMSA Coverage Changes The 12 Hours of Sebring's Peacock-only streaming coverage marks a significant shift from traditional broadcast methods. While beneficial for cord-cutters, this may not serve fans who prefer network television viewing.
Road America Format Update IMSA's decision to extend Road America to a 6-hour race reflects positive fan feedback. This change comes as Indianapolis Motor Speedway's race reduces to 2h40m, with no additional costs to teams since it's a straight format swap between venues.
IndyCar Technical Notes
- Oriol Servia continues as IndyCar's pace car driver
- Both Honda and Chevy provide complimentary engines to top teams, while others pay for leases
- The 2027 chassis is not expected to be less expensive than current models
- V6 turbo engines remain preferred over four-cylinder alternatives due to durability requirements and sound characteristics
The current 2.2-liter V6 turbo format continues to be optimal for IndyCar, balancing power output (750 hp), reliability (2500-mile minimum), and fan experience.