The Randy Bernard era in INDYCAR is officially over.
Bernard, who took over as CEO of the series in 2010, has stepped down from the role following a special meeting of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway board of directors this afternoon. Speedway CEO Jeff Belskus will take over Bernard’s duties on an interim basis.
Bernard shepherded the series through several major events, including the tragic death of Dan Wheldon last fall and the introduction of new cars and engines this past season. He also succeeded in creating an expanded schedule in an effort to give more exposure to the sport.
However, he has been criticized for multiple matters, including: The cost of the new Dallara DW12s and its parts; a deficit that was caused by the cancellation of the August race at Qingdao, China; and a tweet he posted this past June shortly after the Indianapolis 500 that said a team owner wanted him fired.
“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,” said Bernard.
In the statement, Belskus said that a specific timetable in finding a permanent replacement for Bernard as INDYCAR CEO had not yet been established. He also reiterated that the series was not for sale — perhaps a nod to recent reports of series founder Tony George and a group of investors looking to purchase it from the Hulman-George family.