Randy Bernard Officially Introduced As Indy Racing League CEO

Bernard Lays Out Six Initial Goals For IndyCar Series

New IRL CEO Randy Bernard during his introductory press conference yesterday "laid out six initial goals for the IndyCar Series, including creating a positive environment, developing relationships and becoming profitable -- not by cutting costs, but by increasing revenue," according to John Oreovicz of ESPN.com. Bernard on March 1 will assume the role vacated by Tony George, and what he "doesn't bring is experience in or preconceived notions about auto rating." But Oreovicz wrote that "might not necessarily be a bad thing," as the "racing insiders running the sport for the past 15 years did a pretty good job of running it into the ground." Bernard: "I'm not going to try to come here and pretend that I'm going to become an open-wheel racing expert in one or two years. But I'll market the sport the very best we can, and if we can't put more people in the seats and the (TV) ratings don't go up, then I would say I haven't done my job." IMS Corp. President & CEO Jeff Belskus said Bernard is the "right person at the right time to head the Indy Racing League." Belskus: "He brings a superb sports marketing and promotion background, proven CEO skills, energy and enthusiasm at a time when the Izod IndyCar Series is positioned for growth." Oreovicz wrote Bernard is "facing a number of key challenges, including a significant overall decrease in auto racing sponsorships and a potential struggle to maintain auto manufacturer involvement." Bernard also "acknowledged the current lack of champion-level American drivers in the series." Bernard: "What we found in this sport is that Americans want to see Americans win. There's no question about it. That's very important, but at the same time, I truly believe open-wheel racing and the Indy Racing League wants to be known for having an international presence" (ESPN.com, 2/2). Bernard added, "I believe that we already have stars, but I believe that it has to be our focus to make them bigger. And (that includes) the team owners." In Indianapolis, Patrick Dorsey notes IMS Corp. BOD member Josie George "first contacted Bernard after long following his career from a distance." George: "He's the hardest worker I've ever seen in my life. He never stops. He's the right guy for the job." Bernard "soon will move from his Colorado home to the Indy area" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 2/3).

UP IN THE AIR: SI.com's Bruce Martin reported the appointment of Bernard left IRL Commercial Division President Terry Angstadt "in limbo." Angstadt said, "We'll make it work. As long as I have a meaningful role to play, I'm not leaving, but I'm not naive. That is his call. In the last year, we have brought significant money into the IndyCar Series. We're just getting started." Angstadt was "key in striking deals with APEX/Brazil and Izod taking over as the first series sponsor in 10 years," and a source noted Bernard "comes with a strong CEO background, which complements well with the experience that Angstadt has." The source added, "The conclusion that we have come to is somebody has to be in charge. We need accountability" (SI.com, 2/2).