Cavin: IndyCar 2016 has promises, few new guarantees

Question: We all know the criticism and the hell that has been raised by IndyCar fans over the short and weak schedule of this year's season. The brunt of the blame has been directed to CEO Mark Miles. Could he go from villain to hero if an amazing schedule is unveiled for next year? (Robert, Los Angeles)

Answer: Yes, it's possible, although I wouldn't count some of those new events just yet – haven't we all seen the movie where the IndyCar schedule-maker shows an unfinished product only to not deliver a race? How many venues were IndyCar supposed to go to and didn't over the years? For now, Road America is the only one I can say with almost 100 percent certainty is coming. That race is slotted for June 26, and as I reported earlier in the week, a full test is being planned for September (Sept. 15 and 22 have been mentioned as possibilities.) Is it possible Phoenix and Homestead return for 2016? Yes. Are they guarantees at this point? No. Same with Mexico City; it's not a signed contract yet. (Remember how IndyCar had its bags packed for China?) The key to a great schedule will be keeping what IndyCar has, which includes Fontana, Milwaukee and Pocono. If Miles can do that, add Road America and maybe one other, well, yes, you could call that a major upgrade. As for the span of the schedule, the St. Pete promoter confirmed today the event will be March 11-13, which is two weeks earlier than in years past and guarantees an earlier start to the season. Part of the St. Pete change is due to Easter being March 27; plus, the promoter didn't want to go head-to-head with the Sebring endurance race March 19-20. Look for IndyCar's Toronto race to move back to July, likely with only a single race again. Back to Road America for a minute: CART or Champ Car raced there all but one year from 1982-2007.

Question: Do you expect to see Simona De Silvestro at Andretti Autosport next year: There's a story on motorsport.com that says she'll be driving Formula E for them, but would that rule out any kind of IndyCar program, other than the 500, or is there flexibility there?

Answer: I'm not optimistic as the focus is on getting Justin Wilson a full-time ride. I don't think it can be overstated how much of a positive influence Wilson has been on the team in recent races. (He's doing the final five of the season in the No. 25 car.) As I like to say, he's a pro, and his technical feedback is terrific.

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