The Last Waltz

Tony George Departs From Family Businesses

The IRL and IMS face a drastic change after longtime CEO Tony George relinquishes leadership of the open-wheel series, the speedway and family business Hulman & Co. as previously rumored. IMS CFO Jeff Belskus will succeed George at the track, and IMS General Counsel Curt Brighton takes the reins at Hulman & Co. While IMS likely will feel some growing pains after 19 years of continuous leadership, the IRL faces the most uncertainty in the wake of George's resignation. The announcement "shook the sport," as the circuit for the first time must fend for itself without the generous backing of the George family. That could be an issue, as the league has not made a profit in its 14-year existence. IMS Chair Mari Hulman George says the family remains committed to the IndyCar Series, but it is George's funding the IRL to the tune of more than $500M that "ultimately factored most" in his ouster.