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Randy Bernard Named CEO of Indy Racing League

Longtime CEO of Professional Bull Riders Inc. (PBR), has been named CEO of the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights.

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Bernard's hiring was announced recently by Jeffrey Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp., the home of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and owner of the Indy Racing League. Bernard will begin March 1.

“Randy is the right person at the right time to head the Indy Racing League,” Belskus said. “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.”

Bernard said that for the 15 years he has been the CEO of the PBR, he’s been “blessed to work with such a great sport, and I enjoyed the success that we all shared together.”

”But I was ready to make a change in my life,” he said. “Josie George was determined that the change should be with the Indy Racing League, and after significant research, I was excited about the opportunity. I truly believe I can make a difference with the Indy Racing League, and I see tremendous potential. The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights have intense action, high-stakes competition, extreme athletes, a diverse international schedule, great sponsors and a very passionate fan base.”

The announcement was made at a news conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway attended by members of the IMS Board of Directors including Nancy George, Josie George and Jack Snyder. IMS Chairman Mari Hulman George, who was traveling, and board member Kathi George Conforti, who lives in California, were not in attendance.

Bernard thanked the Hulman-George family “for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this great tradition. I have had the opportunity to meet with Ms. George, Josie, Nancy, Kathi, Jack Snyder and Jeff Belskus several times and really look forward to sharing their vision.

“I also look forward to working with Terry Angstadt and Brian Barnhart. They both are highly regarded, and I am confident we will make a great team.”

Ms. George, who has served as chairman of the family-controlled corporation since 1990, praised Bernard’s selection. “Our family has been the steward of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1945 and has owned and operated the Indy Racing League since its founding in 1994. This is our family business, and we have a new generation of family members beginning to be involved. I believe Randy is an excellent choice to head our growing IZOD IndyCar Series and assure that it will continue to be a positive asset for racing and for our family business.”