Mark Miles teleconference (Update 3)

UPDATE #3 Full transcript can be found here on our home page.

11/04/15 Last update from Miles teleconference. Full transcript will be posted later.

One journalist asked about negative coverage from Boston noting that it seemed to be coming from one observer. Miles replied that he tended to not put a lot of stock in those who "buy their ink by the barrel." Said again that race was important to the city and that he expected it to go ahead.
Noted that competent people are exploring the possibility of a race in Western Canada.
Said he didn't know of any discussion about returning to Watkins Glen.
While noting that the series' focus was on Boston, Miles said it would be imprudent for series to not consider alternative plans if the series was not successful in Boston.

11/04/15 More from Mark Miles' teleconference.

Trends in Canada for television audiences are up, particularly in the 25-34 demographic.
There will be a safety test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 6th. Honda and Chevy will provide teams with 2016 super speedway aero kits.
More tweaks will be added to encourage IndyCar teams to give Indy Lights drivers an opportunity to test Indy Cars. Also, as reported by AR1 nearly two months ago, Miles said efforts are in place to provide incentives for IndyCar teams that run Indy Lights cars.
Hopes to have Honda agreement done within the next few days, and never felt as though "a gun was to our head" with Honda. He believes they are committed to IndyCar.
A NASCAR-style playoff is not in the cards for IndyCar in 2016. Said he saw Chip Ganassi's suggestion that IndyCar adopt such a playoff, and that he had not spoken with Ganassi about it.
Looks forward to continuing discussions with Mexico City.
Says he hopes to name Derrick Walker's replacement soon, and reiterates that person will not be an unknown quantity or stranger to the sport.

11/04/15

Hulman and Co. CEO Mark Miles is currently conducting a media teleconference. Below are a few bullet points from the teleconference with more to follow.
Miles is pleased at reception of schedule, specifically citing attendance at Phoenix announcement. Also said tickets were on sale and organizers were pleased with early numbers.
Boston – Excited about Boston on the schedule. Race is off to a good start commercially and that sponsorship activation has exceeded organizers' expectations. Miles' understanding is Mayor's office wants race to happen. However, they are making it clear that they want agreements finished to eliminate uncertainty of the situation. Expectation is everything will be worked out.
Rule 9.3 – #9 Chevrolet (Scott Dixon) and #15 Honda (Graham Rahal) were tested in wind tunnel at Charlotte after Sonoma. Conclusions from testing was that for short ovals, road courses and street courses the Honda aero kit was not competitive. Series has allowed Honda to propose making specific changes to the aero kits. Honda has provided series with parts they would like series to consider approving under 2015 rules. Series will have response to Honda request shortly.
Both manufacturers will be allowed to make changes to their aero kits for 2016 per rule 9.2
"Honda is allowed to bridge the gap to Chevrolet, not surpass Chevrolet," series spokesman Mike Kitchel said.
Without such allowances, Honda teams figured to suffer in keeping and signing sponsors.

More to follow….