IndyCar Series news

George resigns as Indy chairman

01 July 2009

Tony George has stepped down as boss of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) after holding the role for almost two decades. With George remaining on the board of directors, the Hulman & Company management team - comprising of W. Curtis Brighton and Jeffrey G. Belskus - will now take the reigns.

As the man behind the organisation of almost twenty years of Indy 500 races, the resignation of Tony George from his post at IMS signals the start of a new era at the legendary venue. He also contributed massively towards the reconstruction of the pit complex and the design and building of the Speedway's Formula One track at the start of the millennium.

"Our board had asked Tony to structure our executive staff to create efficiencies in our business structure and to concentrate his leadership efforts in the Indy Racing League (IRL)," said Mari Hulman George, IMS board of directors chairman and mother of Tony. "He has decided that, with the recent unification of open-wheel racing and the experienced management team that IMS has cultivated over the years, now would be the time for him to concentrate on his team ownership of Vision Racing with his family and other personal business interests he and his family share."

Tony George was a key player in taking F1 back to America

The venue is now under the control of Hulman & Company, which dates back to 1850. The family group, whose history is mainly in the food and beverages industry, bought the Speedway in 1945 and is also the name behind wholesale groceries, liquors, tobacco and the popular Clabber Girl baking powder.

"Our family and the entire racing community are grateful to Tony for the leadership and direction he has provided since 1990," Mrs. George continued. "Jeff and Curt have both been with the company for many years in positions of top leadership. Tony, as well as the entire board of directors, has the utmost confidence in their capabilities. Both of these men have years of experience and leadership within our companies. In addition, each of our companies has effective presidential leadership and that will remain in place."

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