Belskus, who commands a decent level of respect from IndyCar owners and drivers, also mentioned he would not be opposed to keeping the position of IndyCar CEO on a long-term basis.

“I would consider it, and I’m not going to rule out any option at this point,” he said.

With numerous initiatives for the 2013 season needing immediate and ongoing attention in the wake of Bernard’s departure, Belskus reaffirmed that the IndyCar Series has continued on (mostly) uninterrupted since everyone returned to work on Monday.

“Nothing is stopping here,” he remarked. “We are pressing ahead. I want to accomplish everything we can accomplish as quickly as we can accomplish it. The future is bright here and we need to make the most of it.”

One of the criticisms the writer has heard from all corners of the paddock since Sunday has been the lack of a clear and concise plan to move forward without Bernard, and for the series a whole. As Belskus explains, other than the obvious management change that took place, he and the series do not have a new plan to reveal as they are executing the one that had been in motion under Bernard’s leadership.

“We’ve had a plan for 2013 for many months and we continue to execute on that plan,” he said. “That includes the deep dive I’m doing over there on the status of those initiatives. The organization is focused on moving forward with those plans. Some things have already been implemented.

“We have a schedule; we’ve announced the schedule. We’re excited about it with the double-headers, the venues and primetime television. We’re focused on strengthening the lines of communications [within the series], and with our television partners to find ways to increase promotion and awareness of our events. And we know, most importantly, the long-term success of the IndyCar Series is growing our fan base.”

Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, and covers the IndyCar Series. Before joining SPEED, Pruett worked in open-wheel racing for 20 years as a mechanic and engineer. He also contributes to RACER, Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett.