To Randy Bernard

Dear Randy Bernard,

Where shall I start? The current situation you are in is not ideal for anybody. The constant rumors of you being terminated from your current position is just wrong.

The job you have done as CEO of IndyCar has been very fulfilling and a change that this fan has welcomed. Things will never be perfect for everyone but you have clearly been trying to better the series and bring back the many fans lost over the past 17 plus years. You got Milwaukee back on the schedule after financial struggles killed the race for one season. Fontana came back and was a fantastic season finale, better than many expected. Pocono is coming back next year and as someone who lives ten minutes from the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state border during the summer, you can bet your house I will be there and do all I can to bring a few people to their first IndyCar race. Sure, there are other tracks the hardcore fans (including myself) want on the schedule but it is not as simple as clapping your hand and it will magically appear.

You are trying new things. Some fans are not sure about doubleheaders but I look at it this way, IT IS MORE RACING! WHO IS AGAINST THAT? Heat races were popular at Iowa and I hope they return and are added at other ovals. The new car provided really good racing. Removing downforce from the cars turned Texas from two hours of holding your breath and saying the Rosary to probably the best race of the year and that is very tough to say because both Indianapolis and Fontana featured a lot of passing and great battles for the win. The USAC National Driver's scholarship bridges the gap for  the American dirt track drivers. Hopefully it can expand and give more USAC drivers a shot in the IndyCar ladder system.

Ratings may be less than desired but the product is great. Eventually people will have to see how great the racing is and watch. NBC Sports Net has a great broadcast crew that is engaging with one another and are truly excited when calling the race. Next year looks good for ABC as they have arguably the top races and will show Texas in prime time.

It is disappointing all of this is being over looked. The media cannot stop spreading the same gossip. No talk about the season we just had, or the championship race we just saw (by the way, Ryan Hunter-Reay won the championship for all those who forgot), or the what is ahead for 2013. A man that has worked as hard as you is constantly being shown the door by those on the outside looking in. The past keeps getting in the way of the future and that is not good for the sport.

No matter what happens Mr. Bernard, I would like to thank you for all that you have done for IndyCar and, if you are let go, I apologize for your untimely end as CEO. You will be missed by all and I hope there are no hard feelings between you and the fans, who are grateful for everything. But until the board of directors come forward with their decision, we can only hope and pray for the best.

Sincerely,
For The Love of Indy