(Update: 6-29 5:55pm) O2 Racing owner Mark Olson has denied the allegations saying in part "We did participate in public and private discussions with INDYCAR officials, team owners and drivers with regard to the integrity of the championship, but we never once encouraged or even suggested to anyone that they withdraw from an event."
When asked if they'll appeal the ruling Olson replied "We will respond appropriately".
Less than 2-weeks after withdrawing both of their Firestone Indy Lights entries from the David Hobbs 100 in Milwaukee, 02 Racing Technology has been suspended by INDYCAR. Both the team's and team owner Mark Olson's license/membership was suspended until December 31, 2012 citing several rule violations.
Violating rules 1.1, 2.11 (C), 9.3 (A), and section 14 of the Event Entry Form, Olson allegedly attempted "to impede the conduct of the event by encouraging others to breach contracts with INDYCAR and withdraw from the David Hobbs 100".
"The mere act of attempting to impede the conduct of the event is something we will not tolerate," said Roger Bailey, executive director, Firestone Indy Lights. "We believe we have a great championship with Firestone Indy Lights that will help develop drivers and teams to prepare to move to the top level of open-wheel racing in North America, and we must maintain the integrity of our series."
The specific rules INDYCAR is citing in the violation are:
When asked if they'll appeal the ruling Olson replied "We will respond appropriately".
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Less than 2-weeks after withdrawing both of their Firestone Indy Lights entries from the David Hobbs 100 in Milwaukee, 02 Racing Technology has been suspended by INDYCAR. Both the team's and team owner Mark Olson's license/membership was suspended until December 31, 2012 citing several rule violations.
Violating rules 1.1, 2.11 (C), 9.3 (A), and section 14 of the Event Entry Form, Olson allegedly attempted "to impede the conduct of the event by encouraging others to breach contracts with INDYCAR and withdraw from the David Hobbs 100".
"The mere act of attempting to impede the conduct of the event is something we will not tolerate," said Roger Bailey, executive director, Firestone Indy Lights. "We believe we have a great championship with Firestone Indy Lights that will help develop drivers and teams to prepare to move to the top level of open-wheel racing in North America, and we must maintain the integrity of our series."
The specific rules INDYCAR is citing in the violation are:
- Rule 1.1: Actions threatening the integrity of INDYCAR, Firestone Indy Lights and/or orderly conduct of an event.
- Rule 2.11 (C): Conduct creating adverse notoriety with respect to INDYCAR, Firestone Indy Lights or an event.
- Rule 9.3 (A): Attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct or conduct detrimental to racing, INDYCAR and/or Firestone Indy Lights.
- Section 14 of the Event Entry Form: Engaging in tactics which would disrupt or delay the events.
It's unclear if O2 Racing Technology and team owner Mark Olson will appeal the ruling.