Robin Miller has been called a talented journalist, controversial, a curmudgeon and many other things during a legendary career in motorsports journalism.
Whether in the Indianapolis Star, online at racer.com or on the radio or television, people listened when Miller offered his opinions on the sport, particularly in the Indy car racing industry.
Miller died early Wednesday at the age of 71 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
“Racing has lost one of its most well-respected journalists and most beloved personalities,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NTT IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske. “Robin Miller achieved his dream as his lifelong passion for motorsports led him on a path to becoming the premier reporter in open-wheel racing. For more than 50 years, Robin covered the sport he loved with a fierce drive, a great sense of humor and uncompromising honesty. I know that Robin was truly touched by the support he received across the motorsports community over these last few months as he battled his illness. As many of Robin’s friends honored him and his legacy earlier this month when he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame during Brickyard weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it was a fitting tribute to his life’s work at the place that meant the world to him.”
Making his first visit to Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a youngster in 1957, Miller soon made his way into the pits, working in various capacities for numerous teams.
He broke into the journalism world with the Indianapolis Star in 1968. Soon motorsports became his primary beat and his often-controversial opinions were a fixture in the publication until 2001.
Among the many famous incidents involving Miller was the much-publicized confrontation with A.J. Foyt after Miller accused Foyt of cheating. Foyt punched Miller and the Star printed a retraction. Over the years the pair became close.
During the years that followed, Miller worked as a writer and reporter for ESPN, SPEED and later NBC Sports Network, appearing on air and writing pieces for the various websites associated with those media organizations.
In recent years, Racer Magazine and racer.com have been the home for the majority of Miller’s written work and his “Mailbag” was a popular read for motorsports enthusiasts.
Miller received the Bob Russo’s Founders Award at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.
“Bill Russo was a World War II fighter pilot who worked for Speed Age Magazine and the drivers all trusted him because he traveled with them,” Miller recalled. “I thought, what a job that would be to cover auto racing like that. Then he became the PR director at Ontario Motor Speedway, which was so far ahead of its time.
“He did it all and was such a wonderful, wonderful guy. I’m so glad I got to know him, and I wish you could have all known him, too.”
Ironically, Miller also presented the Robin Miller Award to veteran motorsports announcer Bob Jenkins in May. Jenkins died on Aug. 9 after his own battle with cancer.
Miller also dabbled in driving race cars. He started in Formula Fords in 1972 and eventually moved to midget racing, competing in events sanctioned by USAC and other groups before retiring in 1983.
While many in the industry have varying opinions about Miller and his work, no one will argue that he’s been a mainstay in the motorsports world and that his presence will be greatly missed.