Reports surfaced Friday that IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard has been or will be shown the door. Denials were quickly issued. Who or what should fans believe?
IndyCar CEO Randy BernardAnd you think Bobby Valentine had it rough in Boston.
That's nothing compared to the constant firestorm of rumors and speculation surrounding the future of Izod IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard.
Since late May, Bernard - who took over in charge of IndyCar in early 2010 - has had to deal with reports of team owners trying to oust him and series founder Tony George aiming to replace him, among other things.
The rumor mill hit critical mass around 4 p.m. Friday, when Twitter became abuzz with reports that Bernard was finally reaching the end of his tenure. The main report came from the Indianapolis Business Journal. Citing unnamed sources, the publication reported that IndyCar owners voted Bernard out of his position.
However, just minutes before IBJ released its bombshell, Associated Press auto racing writer Jenna Fryer pulled a Lee Corso and went "not so fast my friend."
Umm, I just talked to Randy Bernard, who says nobody has told him he's fired.
— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) October 26, 2012
Indianapolis Motor Speedway also issued a denial, albeit a "soft" one, according to Fryer.
Fryer then closed the case in her mind:
And that's all I can do, folks. If IMS and the man himself deny it, I don't meet AP sourcing standards. Peace out.
— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) October 26, 2012
While it's no secret that Bernard has his detractors in the paddock, he has done enough, in this observer's opinion, to deserve at least another year on the job. He pulled together a 19-race schedule for 2013, including some potential smart moves like a Triple Crown of prestigious races and doubleheader weekends at three venues.
I believe the knock on Bernard - who has two years left on a five-year contract - is that he is not a racing lifer. He took over IndyCar after turning Professional Bull Riders into a marketable brand. However, Bernard has really tried to embrace the racing side of the operation.
He has overseen a transition to new cars and the return of engine competition. He has really pushed for a true feeder system to funnel promising young open-wheel drivers to IndyCar. He listened to concerns of unhappy drivers and relieved long-time race director Brian Barnhart of his duties.
There is one black mark on Bernard's time in IndyCar - the death of Dan Wheldon. Had Bernard not offered a $5 million bonus for an "outsider" to win the 2011 finale, some say, Wheldon would still be with us.
Hogwash. Racing incidents happen.
Now that the dirty laundry has been made public, though, I think a decision is imminent. Bernard will probably be shown the door, and Tony George will slide back into the position he held until 2009.
Whatever the decision is, we all need to know soon. An entire series and its fans can't be left twisting in the wind, drawing comparisons to the NHL.
Tweeted driver Graham Rahal:
Come on people either keep Randy or fire him but this is foolish and embarrassing for this sport.
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) October 26, 2012
I couldn't have said it better myself.