ESPN

Moderator

  (3:00 AM)

We should be getting started soon with Rick Mears. We will keep you posted.

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

I'm here and ready for your questions!

A.J. LaFollette

Rick, your current role with Penske Racing is usually described in vague terms like "advisor". Could you describe to us what types of work you perform for the team during a race?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

Basically I do much of the same things I did when I was driving. I work clsoe with the engineers and the drivers and sponsors.

Columbia, MO

After yor retirement did you ever think about getting back into the car and running some more to try and get a fifth 500 victory?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

No I didn't. I had had all the fun I could stand. It was the right time to go. When I made the announcement I knew it was right. I've never had an urge to go back. The desire went away, that is why I got out.

Jasper, IN

Rick, do you feel that the 500 has lost some of the magic or glamour that attracted people to the race in the first place?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

I feel like it has lost some, with the split and everything. It's a shame. This is the greatest race in teh world and always will be. It is still the greatest race. Just noticing how many people are here, it has lost some of the luster.

Tiger1605

How hard was it to go from being in the car feeling things and knowing what changes you wanted to listening to other drivers and making calls on changes?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

That's a good question. I struggled with that at first. I always had the advantage of feeling the car. I found a new appreciation for what the engineers do. All drivers are different and they have to figure that out. It was a tough adjustment.

Mick (Danville KY)

Rick, You always sign your autograph with "Thanks" when and why did you start this?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

I still do that! It all just kind of started by accident. The first time I was asked I put Thanks because I appreciated that they wree asking me. A lot of athletes lose sight of who pays their bills. The fans are the people that make it all happen.

Tony - Cudahy

Who do you like to win this years race?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

There are so many guys running strong right now. So many teams are capable. I think both our guys have a good shot.

Clint Rodgers, San Luis Obispo, Ca

I heard that your son might drive stock cars in the future, is that still a possibility? What about a seat on the Cart circuit? It would sure be great to see a Mears competing in an Indy car again. Nobody ever got around the Brickyard like Rick Mears did. Thanks for the great memories!

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

We almost had another one iwth Casey, my nephew. Clint is still knocking on some doors that he is working on. Nothing is contrete yet though. He would like to run in CART also.

Borg_Warner (Chicago)

Hi Rick-- It's great to see you back at the speedway.Like many great racers, your successes came at a high price. You were seriously injured in a pit fire and several terrifying accidents. If you knew at age 21 what you know now, would you do it all over again?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

I sure would. We have had some good injuries and that isn't' fun but it's part of the territory. I love the sport. It was my hobby. When you are able to make a living at your hobby the reward outlives the risk.

Tony - Cudahy, WI

Rick, What would be the closest comparison to driving a car at 200MPH?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

It's hard to compare it to anything. I went up in a F18 and it was similar. I guess one thing, if you took a roller coaster, all the pressures on your body, it is siimilar to being on the track.

Richard Baker (Lubbock, TX)

What's your thought on the state of open-wheel racing since the CART/IRL split? When are we going to get *one* open wheel circuit that everyone can live with?

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

I really don't know when we will get one, that would be ideal though. The state of racing is still strong today, CART or IRL, both are going well. THey do need to try and get together, which they have been doing. When it will happen, I have no idea.

Jason from Richmond, VA

Who did you consider to be your biggest rival on the track? By the way, I'm a huge fan, Rick - just haven't had much interest in Indy-car racing since you retired. You were the best I ever saw, man.

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

It varied throughout the years. Older drivers retiring or whatever. Probably over the long haul it was Mario Andretti. Earlier in the years, Bobby Unser.

Brian, Chicago

Rick, I grew up in Speedway and you were my hero as a kid. Talk about Preparation for a race. How would you get ready for the 500, what does a driver do that is like or unlike what a quarterback or a point guard does before their big game

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

It's probably pretty relative. Myself as I was growing up, I wasn't into the training as much as some of the guys are today. It has become more competitive than it used to be. I tried to stay fit. I didn't do a routine but I hit the weight room and worked on cardiovascular quite a bit.

Rick Mears

  (3:00 AM)

Thanks to everybody for writing in and taking the time to chat. I have to get back to business but be sure to tune in on race day. Thanks everybody!!