IndyCar chief Randy Bernard steps down

The board of directors of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation made the announcement following a specially-convened meeting on Sunday. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO Jeff Belskus will serve as IndyCar's interim CEO.

"We are very grateful for the tireless effort that Randy has invested into learning, understanding and working to grow the IndyCar Series over the last three racing seasons," Belskus said in a statement.

"As both Randy and our organisation have reflected on the past season and as we look toward the opportunities ahead and how to best take advantage of them, we agreed that the timing was right to pursue separate paths."

Also speaking via a statement, Bernard said that he believed that he was leaving the series in a stronger position than when he arrived in 2010.

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the entire IndyCar community, its teams, drivers, loyal partners and fans," Bernard said.

"The last three years have produced some exciting, and some difficult, times. But we have created a foundation for IndyCar that positions it to grow over the next several years, and I am proud of what everyone at IndyCar has been able to accomplish since I came on board."

Bernard also called on IndyCar fans to continue their support when the new administration is put into place to help protect the sport's future.

"I have developed a passion for the sport of IndyCar, and I look forward to being involved at a strategic level as an advisor to the IndyCar leadership," Bernard said.

"As IndyCar fans, we need to unify behind the sport in order to move it to the next level, and I look forward to providing input and being part of that unified voice along the way."

Belskus , who also served as IndyCar's interim CEO between July 2009 and February 2010, said that no timeline had been established for the announcement of a permanent replacement.

He said that the series' future leadership structure would be re-evaluated as part of a current strategic planning process that includes assistance from global business management firm The Boston Consulting Group and would incorporate consultation with IndyCar stakeholders.

Belskus also repeated his insistence that the series is not for sale. Its founder and former chief Tony George has been attempting to purchase IndyCar and recently stepped down from the board amid his efforts.

"The organisation is full of talented professionals, and we will continue to prepare for what will be a very exciting 2013 racing season," Belskus said. "Once again, IndyCar is not for sale, and the organisation remains completely committed to owning and operating IndyCar."

Bernard oversaw a complete overhaul of the IndyCar Series during his tenure, including the introduction of the new DW12 chassis and accompanying technical package, the return of multiple engine manufacturers, and a revamp of key backroom staff.

However he also attracted criticism from certain quarters of the paddock, particularly with regard to the commercial terms of contracts with suppliers such as Dallara.