This time it's official. As of July 1, Tony George is out as CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Instead he'll focus his efforts on the Indy Racing League and will continue on as member of the board of directors of the Speedway and the family's Hulman & Company.George's mother, Mari Hulman George, made the announcement Tuesday. It comes four weeks after several news outlets, including FanHouse, reported the move was imminent -- only to have George deny the reports then.
"[George] has decided that with the recent unification of open-wheel racing and the experienced management team 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," Hulman George, the IMS' chairwoman of the board, said, while also praising her son's "leadership and direction."
Jeffrey G. Belskus, a Terre Haute, Ind., native, will assume the job of president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. Belskus has worked for Hulman and Company since 1987, and has served as chief financial officer for the family corporation.
Also promoted Tuesday was W. Curtis Brighton, who was named chairman of the board and CEO of Hulman & Company.
Joie Chitwood will remain president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"These changes underscore our family's commitment going forward to all of our companies, especially our commitment to the growth of the Indy Racing League and the sport of open-wheel racing," Hulman George said.
George, 49, ran the Speedway since 1990 and became a highly controversial figure in racing when he formed the Indy Racing League in 1996 as an alternative to the established Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series.
He also spearheaded the unification between America's top two open-wheel series last year and his Vision Racing is a single car team in the IndyCar Series. He is responsible for bringing NASCAR, Formula One and the MotoGP to the Speedway.
Tuesday's statement did not include any comments from George, and Speedway officials said he would not be commenting immediately.
