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Leagues and Governing Bodies

Beaux Barfield Named IndyCar President Of Competition, Ready To Enforce Rules

Beaux Barfield yesterday was named IndyCar President of Competition and he will “go to work right away revamping the Izod IndyCar Series rulebook and the way it's enforced,” according to John Oreovicz of ESPN.com. In his time as Chief Steward for the American Le Mans Series, Barfield “built a reputation for fairness and integrity” and he is “taking those traits to a series that has been dogged by controversial calls (or non-calls) for the past decade.” The IndyCar rulebook “was primarily developed" by Brian Barnhart, who will become IndyCar President of Operations. More controversial was Barnhart's “interpretation of the rulebook, particularly in the area of blocking on the track.” In many respects, as race director, Barnhart “represented the last of the old guard from the days when IndyCar was known as the Indy Racing League.” IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard “has been keen to kill off the IRL and all the negative connotations that came with it.” Barfield said that he wants to “promote a culture of consistency when it comes to enforcing the rules and subsequent penalties.” Barfield: “I don't want to walk in here like I'm wielding a big stick and gunslinging. I have to sit in the drivers' meeting and explain to the drivers exactly what my expectations are, and I need to be very clear about that, so I manage those expectations” (ESPN.com, 1/4). Barfield said, “There will be general changes.” But he added, “If you essentially put too many words in any given rule as an official you paint yourself into a box. That’s what you have to be careful of and my job is to articulate the gray areas.” Barfield’s contract “is only for one year” (SPEEDTV.com, 1/4).

REVAMPING THE SCHEDULE
: In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin noted the Milwaukee Mile is the only oval track he thinks has a chance to be included on the ’12 schedule. IndyCar is “a year away, if at all, with places like Phoenix, Michigan and others.” As for Milwaukee, Bernard “has said he needs a title sponsor for IndyCar to promote the race itself.” The second option, “which now seems a go, is landing a promoter.” If all the financial hurdles can be cleared, “there figures to be two possible dates: July 1 or Sept. 30” (INDYSTAR.com, 1/4).

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