Robin Miller (journalist)
Encyclopedia
Robin Lee Miller is an American motorsports journalist
. He was an Indy car
pit crew member and drove in the USAC
midget
series in the 1970s. Miller is best-known for being a writer at The Indianapolis Star
from 1968-2001.
He has also written for Autoweek
and Car and Driver
and is currently a correspondent on Speed and Versus
.
in 1957, and attended his first Indianapolis 500
in 1959. In 1968, at the age of 18, he got to "stooge" for his driving hero Jim Hurtubise
at Indy. Miller was hired for free to do odd jobs with the pit crew, but was fired before the end of the month after he ruined the paint job on Hurtubise's car.
Miller become friends with chief mechanic Bill Finley, and driver Art Pollard
. From 1971-1978 (concurrent to his work with The Star), Miller began working on pit crews at the Indianapolis 500
. He was assigned to various jobs, such as the pit board and vent man, but never worked mechanically on the cars.
In 1972, he bought his first race car, from Andy Granatelli
. He raced a Formula Ford
, and then bought a midget car from Gary Bettenhausen
. He then competed in USAC midgets
. Miller qualified 5th for the 1980 "Hut 100", a race that featured several top Indy drivers of the time, a race that he considers a highlight of his career. However, he blew his engine and dropped out.
After about ten years, he quit driving due to his lack of mechanical knowledge, and massive debts.
in 1968. His first duties included answering telephones in the sports department. A year later, he was moved into the sports department as a writer. During his career, he became a polarizing figure. In 1981, he gained attention when he accused A. J. Foyt
of cheating, for which Foyt punched Miller, and the paper issued a retraction.
Miller worked for 33 years at the The Indianapolis Star
, becoming one of the nation's best known sports writers for Indy car
racing. He started covering the Indianapolis 500
in 1969. During the month of May for the Indy 500, in addition to his daily columns, Miller would have side gigs on WIBC
, WTHR
, and The Bob & Tom Show
. Miller also wrote and reported occasionally about NASCAR
, including extensive coverage of the Brickyard 400. Following the
1996 open wheel split, Miller was highly critical of the Indy Racing Leagure
and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
president Tony George
.
In January 2001, Miller was fired from the Star. The reasons given for his release were violations of the company's e-mail
policy as well as the ethics policy. He reportedly sent abusive e-mails to readers, sent pornographic material to co-workers, and sent defamatory e-mails about local community leaders (namely Tony George
and Colts
officials). He also was charged with accepting $2,500 from Kenny Brack
for work on his web site, and being paid to write promotional material for CART
, which violated company policy.
Miller filed a grievance over the dismissal, however, it was dismissed. An outside arbitrator ruled that the firing was justified due to "gross misconduct" on the job. Miller contended that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
conspired to have him fired, due to his ongoing bad press about the IRL
, and that behind the scenes, the Speedway would accept The Star as a business partner only if Miller was fired.
from 2001-2004. During that time, he also wrote freelance for Champ Car
's website. He was fired in March 2007 from Champ Car after he wrote a critical column that was perceived as undue criticism. The series eventually collapsed and merged with the IRL
.
In 2004, Miller joined Speed
as a writer and Indy Car "insider." He became a regular contributor to SpeedTV.com, SPEED Center, and WindTunnel with Dave Despain
. He remains at the position as of 2011. With many trusted sources throughout the paddock, Miller has broken several big stories regarding IndyCar racing and the Indy 500, including the 2008
IRL
/CCWS
unification.
, Miller has served as an analyst for IndyCar
coverage on Versus
. His duties include pre-race interviews and commentary. At the 2011 Iowa Corn 250, he helped start the popular "grid walk" feature.
in Indianapolis
, and flunked out of Ball State University
"after two very enjoyable quarters." He also spent one semester at IUPUI. His first car was a 1962 Ford Galaxie
. He has never married, does not drink, and currently resides in Indianapolis.
The worst moment in his career was when he lost his friend Art Pollard
during practice for the Indy 500 in 1973.
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
. He was an Indy car
American Championship Car Racing
Since 1916 there has been a recognized United States national automobile racing National Championship for drivers of professional-level, single-seat open wheel race cars. The championship has been under the auspices of several different sanctioning bodies since 1909. Since 1911, the Indianapolis...
pit crew member and drove in the USAC
United States Automobile Club
The United States Auto Club is one of the sanctioning bodies of auto racing in the United States. From 1956 to 1979, the USAC sanctioned the United States National Championship, and from 1956 to 1997 the organization sanctioned the Indianapolis 500...
midget
Midget car racing
Midget cars, also Speedcars in Australia, are very small race cars with a very high power-to-weight ratio and typically use four-cylinder engines.-Cars:Typically, these cars have 300 to 400 horsepower and weigh...
series in the 1970s. Miller is best-known for being a writer at The Indianapolis Star
The Indianapolis Star
The Indianapolis Star is a morning daily newspaper that began publishing on June 6, 1903. It has won the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting twice, in 1975 and 1991. It is currently owned by the Gannett Company.-History:...
from 1968-2001.
He has also written for Autoweek
AutoWeek
AutoWeek is a fortnightly automotive enthusiast publication based in Detroit, Michigan. One of 32 titles published by Crain Communications Inc, its parent company, AutoWeek is unique as the only consumer title among its sister publications....
and Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
and is currently a correspondent on Speed and Versus
Versus (TV channel)
Versus is a sports-oriented cable television channel in the United States. It was previously known as Outdoor Life Network and was launched on July 1, 1995, focusing on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports...
.
Racing career
Miller first visited the Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayIndianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States, is the home of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400....
in 1957, and attended his first Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
in 1959. In 1968, at the age of 18, he got to "stooge" for his driving hero Jim Hurtubise
Jim Hurtubise
In 1957, Hurtubise started his NASCAR career running two races. Over the next twenty years, he would race 36 races, winning one race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and amassing eleven top ten finishes.-Award:...
at Indy. Miller was hired for free to do odd jobs with the pit crew, but was fired before the end of the month after he ruined the paint job on Hurtubise's car.
Miller become friends with chief mechanic Bill Finley, and driver Art Pollard
Art Pollard
Art Pollard , was an American racecar driver.Born in Dragon, Utah, Pollard died in Indianapolis, Indiana as a result of injuries sustained in practice for the 1973 Indianapolis 500. The car clipped the wall coming out of turn one and did a half-spin as it headed to the grass on the inside of the...
. From 1971-1978 (concurrent to his work with The Star), Miller began working on pit crews at the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
. He was assigned to various jobs, such as the pit board and vent man, but never worked mechanically on the cars.
In 1972, he bought his first race car, from Andy Granatelli
Andy Granatelli
Anthony "Andy" Granatelli was the CEO of STP.Along with brothers Vince and Joe, Andy first worked as an auto mechanic and 'speed-shop' entrepreneur, modifying engines such as the 'flathead' Ford into racing-quality equipment...
. He raced a Formula Ford
Formula Ford
Formula Ford is a single seater, open wheel class in motorsport which exists in some form in many countries around the world. It is an entry-level series to motor racing....
, and then bought a midget car from Gary Bettenhausen
Gary Bettenhausen
Gary Bettenhausen is a retired American auto racing driver. He was born in Blue Island, Illinois, raised in Tinley Park, Illinois, and currently resides in Monrovia, Indiana.-Racing family:...
. He then competed in USAC midgets
Midget car racing
Midget cars, also Speedcars in Australia, are very small race cars with a very high power-to-weight ratio and typically use four-cylinder engines.-Cars:Typically, these cars have 300 to 400 horsepower and weigh...
. Miller qualified 5th for the 1980 "Hut 100", a race that featured several top Indy drivers of the time, a race that he considers a highlight of his career. However, he blew his engine and dropped out.
After about ten years, he quit driving due to his lack of mechanical knowledge, and massive debts.
The Indianapolis Star
Miller was hired at the The Indianapolis StarThe Indianapolis Star
The Indianapolis Star is a morning daily newspaper that began publishing on June 6, 1903. It has won the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting twice, in 1975 and 1991. It is currently owned by the Gannett Company.-History:...
in 1968. His first duties included answering telephones in the sports department. A year later, he was moved into the sports department as a writer. During his career, he became a polarizing figure. In 1981, he gained attention when he accused A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
of cheating, for which Foyt punched Miller, and the paper issued a retraction.
Miller worked for 33 years at the The Indianapolis Star
The Indianapolis Star
The Indianapolis Star is a morning daily newspaper that began publishing on June 6, 1903. It has won the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting twice, in 1975 and 1991. It is currently owned by the Gannett Company.-History:...
, becoming one of the nation's best known sports writers for Indy car
American Championship Car Racing
Since 1916 there has been a recognized United States national automobile racing National Championship for drivers of professional-level, single-seat open wheel race cars. The championship has been under the auspices of several different sanctioning bodies since 1909. Since 1911, the Indianapolis...
racing. He started covering the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
in 1969. During the month of May for the Indy 500, in addition to his daily columns, Miller would have side gigs on WIBC
WIBC
WIBC is a radio station owned by Emmis Communications in Indianapolis, Indiana. The studios are located at 40 Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. The transmitter and antenna are located, according to the FCC, near Post Road and Burk Road on the far east side of Indianapolis...
, WTHR
WTHR
WTHR, channel 13, is a full-service television station serving the Indianapolis, Indiana metropolitan area. An affiliate of the NBC television network, its studios at 1000 N. Meridian Street anchor the south end of Indy's Television Row...
, and The Bob & Tom Show
The Bob & Tom Show
The Bob & Tom Show is a syndicated US radio program established by Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold at radio station WFBQ in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 7, 1983, and syndicated nationally since January 6, 1995....
. Miller also wrote and reported occasionally about NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
, including extensive coverage of the Brickyard 400. Following the
1996 open wheel split, Miller was highly critical of the Indy Racing Leagure
IndyCar
IndyCar is the trade name of an American-based open-wheel auto racing sanctioning body. IndyCar sanctions three racing series, the premier IZOD IndyCar Series with its centerpiece Indianapolis 500, and developmental series Firestone Indy Lights and the U.S...
and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States, is the home of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400....
president Tony George
Tony George
Anton Hulman "Tony" George was the former President and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hulman & Company, serving from 1989 to 2009. He was also formerly on the Board of Directors of both entities. He founded the Indy Racing League and co-owns Vision Racing...
.
In January 2001, Miller was fired from the Star. The reasons given for his release were violations of the company's e-mail
E-mail
Electronic mail, commonly known as email or e-mail, is a method of exchanging digital messages from an author to one or more recipients. Modern email operates across the Internet or other computer networks. Some early email systems required that the author and the recipient both be online at the...
policy as well as the ethics policy. He reportedly sent abusive e-mails to readers, sent pornographic material to co-workers, and sent defamatory e-mails about local community leaders (namely Tony George
Tony George
Anton Hulman "Tony" George was the former President and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hulman & Company, serving from 1989 to 2009. He was also formerly on the Board of Directors of both entities. He founded the Indy Racing League and co-owns Vision Racing...
and Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
officials). He also was charged with accepting $2,500 from Kenny Brack
Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest...
for work on his web site, and being paid to write promotional material for CART
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
, which violated company policy.
Miller filed a grievance over the dismissal, however, it was dismissed. An outside arbitrator ruled that the firing was justified due to "gross misconduct" on the job. Miller contended that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States, is the home of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400....
conspired to have him fired, due to his ongoing bad press about the IRL
IndyCar
IndyCar is the trade name of an American-based open-wheel auto racing sanctioning body. IndyCar sanctions three racing series, the premier IZOD IndyCar Series with its centerpiece Indianapolis 500, and developmental series Firestone Indy Lights and the U.S...
, and that behind the scenes, the Speedway would accept The Star as a business partner only if Miller was fired.
Subsequent jobs
Miller worked as a racing writer/reporter at ESPNESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
from 2001-2004. During that time, he also wrote freelance for Champ Car
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
's website. He was fired in March 2007 from Champ Car after he wrote a critical column that was perceived as undue criticism. The series eventually collapsed and merged with the IRL
IndyCar Series
The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and...
.
In 2004, Miller joined Speed
SPEED Channel
Speed , is a cable and satellite television network broadcast to various parts of North America, but primarily the United States...
as a writer and Indy Car "insider." He became a regular contributor to SpeedTV.com, SPEED Center, and WindTunnel with Dave Despain
WindTunnel with Dave Despain
WindTunnel with Dave Despain is a live viewer call-in show exclusively for auto racing fans that debuted on Speed Channel on February 22, 2003...
. He remains at the position as of 2011. With many trusted sources throughout the paddock, Miller has broken several big stories regarding IndyCar racing and the Indy 500, including the 2008
2008 IndyCar Series season
The 2008 IndyCar Series season was the 13th season of the IndyCar Series. Its premier event was the 92nd Indianapolis 500 on May 25. The first race was held March 29 at Homestead. It was the 97th recognized season of top-level American open wheel racing....
IRL
IndyCar
IndyCar is the trade name of an American-based open-wheel auto racing sanctioning body. IndyCar sanctions three racing series, the premier IZOD IndyCar Series with its centerpiece Indianapolis 500, and developmental series Firestone Indy Lights and the U.S...
/CCWS
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
unification.
Versus
Starting in 20112011 IndyCar Series season
The 2011 Izod IndyCar Series season was the 100th season of American open wheel motor racing. The season consisted of seventeen events over the course of a seven–month season. Its premier event was the 95th Indianapolis 500, run on Sunday, May 29. It was the final season running the IR–05 Dallara...
, Miller has served as an analyst for IndyCar
IndyCar Series
The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and...
coverage on Versus
Versus (TV channel)
Versus is a sports-oriented cable television channel in the United States. It was previously known as Outdoor Life Network and was launched on July 1, 1995, focusing on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports...
. His duties include pre-race interviews and commentary. At the 2011 Iowa Corn 250, he helped start the popular "grid walk" feature.
Personal
He graduated from Southport High SchoolSouthport High School
Southport High School is a high school located at 971 East Banta Road in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Located in Perry Township, on the south side of the city, Southport is a part of the Metropolitan School District of Perry Township....
in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, and flunked out of Ball State University
Ball State University
Ball State University is a state-run research university located in Muncie, Indiana. It is also known as Ball State or simply BSU.Located on the northwest side of the city, Ball State's campus spans and includes 106 buildings...
"after two very enjoyable quarters." He also spent one semester at IUPUI. His first car was a 1962 Ford Galaxie
Ford Galaxie
The Ford Galaxie was a full-size car built in the United States by the Ford Motor Company for model years 1959 through 1974. The name was used for the top models in Ford’s full-size range from 1959 until 1961, in a marketing attempt to appeal to the excitement surrounding the Space Race...
. He has never married, does not drink, and currently resides in Indianapolis.
The worst moment in his career was when he lost his friend Art Pollard
Art Pollard
Art Pollard , was an American racecar driver.Born in Dragon, Utah, Pollard died in Indianapolis, Indiana as a result of injuries sustained in practice for the 1973 Indianapolis 500. The car clipped the wall coming out of turn one and did a half-spin as it headed to the grass on the inside of the...
during practice for the Indy 500 in 1973.