Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Tony George Removed as IMS Chief?

Certainly big news.

Inside Indiana Business reports:

The board of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) has apparently voted to remove Tony George from his role as IMS chief executive officer. SPEEDtv.com reports the decision was made during a board meeting Tuesday night. George will continue as CEO of the IndyCar Series.

The report suggests George's sibilings, who are on the board, have been concerned about the amount of money being spent on keeping the Indy Racing League afloat and changes to the track.

Speedtv.com says the IRL founder has spent more than $600 million during the past 13 years.

One name being mentioned as a possible replacement is Humprey Wheeler, who is the promoter for the racetrck in Charlotte.

He attended last weekend's Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 1970.
See Sports Illustrated's longer report on the alleged firing here.

Indianapolis Star reports that Tony George is denying the story. Read it here.

Wow, if Tony George was fired by his sisters and mother, I'd hate to be at their next family reunion.

8 comments:

varangianguard said...

His SISTERS dumped him?

That is the most amazing thing I've heard this year.

Wherever did they get the gumption?

Paul K. Ogden said...

I'm glad I don't have sisters.

varangianguard said...

IS he in, or out?

WIBC and WISH TV report Tony as saying he don't know nothin about no firing.

This is cracking me up.

Patriot Paul said...

Hmmmmm If Speed TV is wrong, I smell money in their pockets. Law Suit!


NEWS ALERT from the 93 WIBC NEWSCENTER

Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George says he has not been ousted from
that position, denying a report from Speed-TV.

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Paul K. Ogden said...

PP,

Nah, a defamation case involving a public figure like Tony George would require malice, a very high standard.

Downtown Indy said...

Basically Robin Miller, persona non grata to the Hulman family, just got punk'd (to borrow a phrase).

varangianguard said...

DI, that would be just as humorous.

Unigov said...

TG always seems to be lost, like someone who shows up at the wrong wedding. He's been in charge for 20 years.

The Bad during that time:
-Cart/IRL split
-Snakepit gone
-F1 fiasco
-Nascar tire fiasco
-TV ratings tanked
-Attendance down

The Good:
-SAFER barriers

The Indy 500 has gone from a premiere event (like the Kentucky Derby) to something on the level of AAA baseball. Few cars, fewer sponsors. Most of the drivers couldn't even get into the Busch series.

I have no answers, only snark.