Bernard Out As CEO

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway board of directors voted Sunday during a special meeting to remove Randy Bernard as Chief Executive Officer of the INDYCAR. IMS President and CEO Jeff Belskus was appointed interim CEO, a position he held for 7-months prior to Bernard's signing.

"We are very grateful for the tireless effort that Randy has invested into learning, understanding and working to grow the IndyCar Series over the last three racing seasons," Belskus said. "As both Randy and our organization have reflected on the past season and as we look toward the opportunities ahead and how to best take advantage of them, we agreed that the timing was right to pursue separate paths."

Bernard, however, will stay involved with the series under an 'avisory' role.

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the entire INDYCAR community, its teams, drivers, loyal partners and fans," Bernard said. "The last three years have produced some exciting, and some difficult, times. But we have created a foundation for INDYCAR that positions it to grow over the next several years, and I am proud of what everyone at INDYCAR has been able to accomplish since I came on board."

"I want to thank the Hulman-George family, especially Josie (George), for giving me the opportunity and privilege to work with the organization and to help set a course and direction for INDYCAR," Bernard said. "With the family's firm commitment to the betterment of the sport and the dedication of our teams, drivers, partners and fans, INDYCAR is better poised for success than it has been in many years."

Bernard joined INDYCAR, then the IRL, in March 2010 after a 15-year stint as CEO of the Professional Bull Riders, Inc.

"I have developed a passion for the sport of INDYCAR, and I look forward to being involved at a strategic level as an advisor to the INDYCAR leadership," Bernard said. "As INDYCAR fans, we need to unify behind the sport in order to move it to the next level, and I look forward to providing input and being part of that unified voice along the way." 

Belskus went on to restate that the Hulman and Company is not interested in selling the series.

"The organization is full of talented professionals, and we will continue to prepare for what will be a very exciting 2013 racing season," Belskus said. "Once again, INDYCAR is not for sale, and the organization remains completely committed to owning and operating INDYCAR."

Posted in: