Why Bernard Was Beloved

It has been a week now since the announcement that Randy Bernard would be removed from CEO of IndyCar. Over the past week, we have reflected on his decisions and what caused his removal. Many have called out to forget the political side of the business and focus on the drivers and the racing.

Yes, the racing was fantastic last season and I cannot wait for 2013 but Randy's departure has more to do with the series' constant ability to stub it's toe at the wrong time. Randy's popularity with the fans had more to do with his ability to get things done, something IndyCar was lacking for well over a decade. Instead of having engine summits and talking to the manufactures, Bernard added Chevrolet and Lotus. He got people to sit down and get the new car done after the series had balked on it for a few years.

The ladder system was firmly established with the Road of Indy and funding is provided to ease the transition for champions from U.S. F2000, Star Mazda and Indy Lights to the next level. The USAC scholarship provides drivers a chance to move from the short tracks to the paved oval of IndyCar including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

After losing Milwaukee for one season, Bernard brought it back and brought back Fontana and Pocono as well. He was doing his all to bring back old favorites such as Phoenix, Michigan and Road America. While the TV deal has not been ideal, for 2013 Bernard worked with ABC to get Texas and Iowa on network, with Texas being a prime time show.

Let's not forget the reports of a race in Italy and the possibility of FIAT joining the series. Sure, not everything worked as planned. No one could have planned the events of Las Vegas, the draw to decide the second race at Texas was not popular and failing to land China hurt but all the positives fair out weigh the negatives.

No one before him has done this much for the series. And that is the fear moving forward. Who will work as much as he did? Who will try all he can to push the profile of the series? More importantly, will anybody in IndyCar step up their game to help the series?