Tony George's Resignation From IRL Comes As Surprise To Mother
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Tony George Resigned From IRL Despite
Being Asked To Stay On As League's CEO |
Tony George's resignation as IRL CEO Tuesday "came as a surprise" to his mother, IMS Chair Mari Hulman George, who indicated that she "still can't explain" why he stepped down from the position, according to Curt Cavin of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Hulman George said, "I was surprised, and I'm still surprised. I don't really understand. I'm disappointed that he didn't want to continue." George has declined to comment on the situation until next week. Cavin reports George is "expected to negotiate a contract with the board to serve as a consultant to the IRL and perhaps the Speedway." Both subsidiaries "will report to his successor," IMS CEO Jeff Belskus. Hulman George said that George "didn't want to be an intermediary between" IRL President & COO Brian Barnhart and IRL Commercial Division President Terry Angstadt and Belskus, all of whom were hired by George. Hulman George described the "family power struggle" that led to George's stepping down as CEO of IMS and Hulman & Co., in addition to the IRL, as "not that unusual." But she "acknowledged there is no certainty for the company as it moves forward." Meanwhile, Hulman George said that she "did not consider retiring as board chairman" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 7/2). Cavin Wednesday wrote George's departure "strengthens" IMS President Joie Chitwood's situation, as it "appears he has a good relationship with Belskus." Cavin: "The bottom line here is, and the message sent clearly from the majority of the board, they want a financially responsible company. If Chitwood and others are effective in achieving that, they'll continue to work there" (INDYSTAR.com, 7/1).
STALLED ENGINES: YAHOO SPORTS' Jay Hart wrote, "If NASCAR is having a difficult time finding adequate sponsorship for all of its teams, where does that leave the IRL? And if you're a driver, namely Danica Patrick, how concerned are you about the future of a sport that provides you your job?" Patrick is in the last year of her contract with Andretti Green Racing, and it is "no secret that Patrick is shopping her services to NASCAR." The IRL would "lose its most marketable asset" if she were to leave. The move "wouldn't necessarily be a death blow, but it obviously wouldn't help a sport that needs all the help it can get" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/1).
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