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IndyCar
INDYCAR: Miller’s Mailbag, 11.1
The Mailbag received more emails than ever after Randy Bernard's firing. With such great volume, it's been broken it into two parts to give fans their voice.
Randy Bernard's firing has resulted in the biggest response Miller's Mailbag has ever received. (Photo: IMS Photo)
As you might have expected, this week’s Mailbag is the largest, most passionate and heated in the 10 years I’ve been doing it for SPEED.com. I received more than 450 emails in a three-day span after Randy Bernard’s ouster. I couldn’t use them all but I tried to get as many first timers in print as possible and it’s something like 15,000 words – all from you fans – that we’ll split into two parts today and tomorrow. Send your emails for next week's Mailbag to
It’s your forum this week.
Thanks, Robin Miller.
The recent decision by the board of Hulman and Company to fire Randy Bernard has finally, more than anything else, given me relief from the mental torture and brain damage caused by being an Indy car fan for the previous 18 years since The Split. I no longer care what happens or feel any desire to follow the series anymore. Your conclusion to the "In With The Old, Out With The New" column was exactly right.
Pete in Tucson
I want to extend my congratulations to the board members at IMS and the car owners. In the second dumbest move since the split they managed to remove (HE DIDN’T RESIGN) the best thing that happened since the split. Randy's ideas for the future were great. The return of Pocono. Standing starts. A bright future ahead. He seemed to care about the fans which I can say firsthand the previous regime didn't. He was a good ambassador for the sport and good person. But he was an outsider wasn't he? Somebody the car owners and a few high corporate people didn't have their hooks in. He wasn't the puppet that everybody wanted. I can see why IndyCar keeps losing money. It’s stupid decisions like this that alienate the already dwindling fan base.
Give me the truth. He sure as hell didn't step down. That press release from IMS was unprofessional and treats the fans and the public like they were morons. I gotta say this though. Anybody that still hangs around IndyCar is just that -- a moron. I have been watching Indy car races since I was 6. I watched the last great 500 in ‘95 and have attended numerous races at Mid-Ohio. The split was the dumbest thing anybody could have ever done. Now it's been topped. So again congrats to the people at 16th and Georgetown. The series is moving in the right direction. And you just botch the whole damn thing up.
Kyle B. from Ohio
What a joke IMS and IndyCar have become. The Hulman family, the board, TG, the owners...they all deserve each other. I live in Indy and have attended all but one 500 since '74 (boycotted '96), but I'll take a vacation with my family next Memorial Day, and find something else to watch on TV next season...which shouldn't be hard to do. I've had it with theses idiots.
Tom Prather, Indianapolis
In 2012 I attended 12 races plus the 500 qualification weekend and watched the other three races on television. In 2013 I might attend the Iowa race and watch a few others on television if I don’t have anything else I can do. Being an INDYCAR fan is like having a wife that subjects you to emotional abuse. No matter how much you love her there comes a point when you have to say I’ve had enough. That time has come for me and I realize it’s time for the divorce. I don’t know, maybe we can stay friends, or maybe I’ll just remember the good times and move on. Only time will tell and in any case things won’t ever be the same again. And when the time comes that I’m ready to start going out again there’s NASCAR, the cute sports cars that got my eye at Mid-Ohio and Baltimore (and even the not so cute ones at Barber) and the local tracks. Who knows, I might even fall in love again.
Lynn K, Deep River, Iowa
As a longtime open wheel fan, I've witnessed and cringed at the sad state of affairs from the series split to re-unification, and how the "Board" has handled things as of late. Truly as a PROFESSIONAL racing series, that should command a worldwide audience we have yet another major debacle tearing asunder all the work and rewards Bernard had brought us. I am 100% confident, that if TG takes over the series, the VAST majority of fans will stop attending AND watching Indy Car races in 2013 & beyond. Just when we were on the verge of a momentum swing to bring a GREAT racing series back to the international spotlight, we have yet another debacle. Bernard may not have been the "perfect" CEO but at least he gave us hope. And did his best to revive the series. I'll wager NOT ONE person in the racing world would take that job right now. And it is also quite apparent that "The Board" has every intention of giving TG the reigns again. I, for one, won't be attending anything that has him running it. And will put my pre-purchased tickets for next year’s races on e-bay, and take the first bid, no matter how low it is.
Jim T., Clearwater, Fla.
Just found some Clabber Girl products in my pantry.... in the trash they go! You and RP were professional in how you addressed the IMS Board's judgement, but let me go ahead and say what everyone else is thinking: IMS Board, you can take your worthless media releases and shove them up your … I'm done.
Kyle in Rochester, Minnesota
Unbelievable! Why would Indy Car fire the best thing they’ve had in years? It makes no sense. I feel like I’m having a bad dream and I need to wake up.
Bill Phypers, Brewster, NY
I'm absolutely gutted about Randy Bernard's firing. In three years, he has re-invigorated Indy car racing in every way and has set the table for its continued growth. I simply cannot fathom why anyone would want him gone. I mean, what the hell are we doing here? What are we trying to accomplish? After years and years and years of this crap, you'd think the Indy car community would understand and appreciate all of Randy's good work. I guess they - whoever "they" is - are only interested in themselves. Like so many passionate fans, I find it difficult to turn my back on IndyCar, but frankly, I'm angry that my loyalty continues to be taken advantage of like this. I hope whoever is responsible is happy, because at this rate, IndyCar is destined to remain professional racing's B-team or collapse completely. I can't wait to see who these idiots get to replace Randy!
Jeff Castallano
Mark this as one of 2784683939202letters you're going to get wondering how on earth the IMS board could oust Randy Bernard. Yeah, yeah...Qingdao, TV ratings and Dallara prices. How RB can be terminated on the basis of 3 years (really 2) of trying to fix 15 years of TG's ineptitude is beyond me. I wonder if it's time to start recognizing that TG isn't the only one within the H-G family that has no clue how to run a race series. Bless the family for being stewards of the Indy 500, but honestly, what have they done for season-long IndyCar racing since the heyday of USAC? Everyone blames TG for the downfall of IndyCar racing...well, it seems to me that the family went along with TG for 15 years, then came to their senses and have inexplicably gone back to insanity. Why anyone would pump money into this series as a stakeholder is beyond me. Who's happier right now...TG and some of his team owner brood or the NASCAR/Grand-Am brain trust down in Daytona?
Clint, Chicago, IL
I'm 30 years old and although considered a young follower I have followed Indy cars from as far back as I can remember and haven't missed a 500 in almost 15 years. I've gone to bat for IndyCar when everyone thought I was crazy for following the "low tier" racing series, I watched and supported through the CART/IRL Split, I stuck with it after watching Paul Tracy get screwed by “IRL" brass and I've followed for all of the years of no talent ride buying. When Randy Bernard was hired to run the series I thought open wheel racing was FINALLY on the path of resurrection. After following the turmoil behind the scenes for the last two years I feel like there has been a snake lurking in the shadows. Randy was a blessing to series and a breath of fresh air for all of us believers. I as a fan believe he was unfairly and unjustly terminated for making the best of an inherited disaster. I've never been more disappointed in the IndyCar series and although I swore I would be a fan no matter what, the time has come to say goodbye. It's a shame to say goodbye to the series that was finally coming together with some of the best talent in years. As much as it's going to kill me to sell my Indy 500 tickets and break my tradition it's time to throw in the towel. I hope the Hulman family realizes the mistake they've made.
Justin, Monticello, IN
I feel very strong that this is a very wrong move for IC. Not everything Randy did was right but his heart and his effort were in the right place. Do we really want IC to go back to “I Am Indy” with Gene Simmons? Do we just want one engine? As a die-hard OW fan don't we want to see some of the local sprint car drivers make it up to IC. Rick Mears did not have any road racing experience when RP hired him? The problem is that TG is jealous of Randy and what he has done for ICR. John Barnes is mad because he cannot run up front like he did back in the old IRL days before Penske, Chip and Andretti came back. KV Racing cannot run up front because there are better drivers and competition now than there was in Champ Car. Do we really want Brian Barnhart running things again? Give me 4 good ones and put it in the show. PUKE! The pole sitter should lead the first lap? Screaming at the drivers for racing close? Waving the green flag when it is raining and then throwing a 3-time Indy 500 champion under the bus over that call? I have been coming to the Speedway every year since I was 10 years old in 1970. I really don't know if I will renew my 12 tickets for 2014. I wrote letters to TG about what I would like to see as a fan and never got a response back? At least RB reached out to the fans. Tony George, ask yourself if your Grandfather would really be proud of you for what you have done to ICR to last 16 years? I am just about done with all of the drama. So sad of what ICR and the IMS has become.
Terry Gobble, Urbana IL
It’s your forum this week.
Thanks, Robin Miller.
The recent decision by the board of Hulman and Company to fire Randy Bernard has finally, more than anything else, given me relief from the mental torture and brain damage caused by being an Indy car fan for the previous 18 years since The Split. I no longer care what happens or feel any desire to follow the series anymore. Your conclusion to the "In With The Old, Out With The New" column was exactly right.
Pete in Tucson
I want to extend my congratulations to the board members at IMS and the car owners. In the second dumbest move since the split they managed to remove (HE DIDN’T RESIGN) the best thing that happened since the split. Randy's ideas for the future were great. The return of Pocono. Standing starts. A bright future ahead. He seemed to care about the fans which I can say firsthand the previous regime didn't. He was a good ambassador for the sport and good person. But he was an outsider wasn't he? Somebody the car owners and a few high corporate people didn't have their hooks in. He wasn't the puppet that everybody wanted. I can see why IndyCar keeps losing money. It’s stupid decisions like this that alienate the already dwindling fan base.
Give me the truth. He sure as hell didn't step down. That press release from IMS was unprofessional and treats the fans and the public like they were morons. I gotta say this though. Anybody that still hangs around IndyCar is just that -- a moron. I have been watching Indy car races since I was 6. I watched the last great 500 in ‘95 and have attended numerous races at Mid-Ohio. The split was the dumbest thing anybody could have ever done. Now it's been topped. So again congrats to the people at 16th and Georgetown. The series is moving in the right direction. And you just botch the whole damn thing up.
Kyle B. from Ohio
What a joke IMS and IndyCar have become. The Hulman family, the board, TG, the owners...they all deserve each other. I live in Indy and have attended all but one 500 since '74 (boycotted '96), but I'll take a vacation with my family next Memorial Day, and find something else to watch on TV next season...which shouldn't be hard to do. I've had it with theses idiots.
Tom Prather, Indianapolis
In 2012 I attended 12 races plus the 500 qualification weekend and watched the other three races on television. In 2013 I might attend the Iowa race and watch a few others on television if I don’t have anything else I can do. Being an INDYCAR fan is like having a wife that subjects you to emotional abuse. No matter how much you love her there comes a point when you have to say I’ve had enough. That time has come for me and I realize it’s time for the divorce. I don’t know, maybe we can stay friends, or maybe I’ll just remember the good times and move on. Only time will tell and in any case things won’t ever be the same again. And when the time comes that I’m ready to start going out again there’s NASCAR, the cute sports cars that got my eye at Mid-Ohio and Baltimore (and even the not so cute ones at Barber) and the local tracks. Who knows, I might even fall in love again.
Lynn K, Deep River, Iowa
As a longtime open wheel fan, I've witnessed and cringed at the sad state of affairs from the series split to re-unification, and how the "Board" has handled things as of late. Truly as a PROFESSIONAL racing series, that should command a worldwide audience we have yet another major debacle tearing asunder all the work and rewards Bernard had brought us. I am 100% confident, that if TG takes over the series, the VAST majority of fans will stop attending AND watching Indy Car races in 2013 & beyond. Just when we were on the verge of a momentum swing to bring a GREAT racing series back to the international spotlight, we have yet another debacle. Bernard may not have been the "perfect" CEO but at least he gave us hope. And did his best to revive the series. I'll wager NOT ONE person in the racing world would take that job right now. And it is also quite apparent that "The Board" has every intention of giving TG the reigns again. I, for one, won't be attending anything that has him running it. And will put my pre-purchased tickets for next year’s races on e-bay, and take the first bid, no matter how low it is.
Jim T., Clearwater, Fla.
Just found some Clabber Girl products in my pantry.... in the trash they go! You and RP were professional in how you addressed the IMS Board's judgement, but let me go ahead and say what everyone else is thinking: IMS Board, you can take your worthless media releases and shove them up your … I'm done.
Kyle in Rochester, Minnesota
Unbelievable! Why would Indy Car fire the best thing they’ve had in years? It makes no sense. I feel like I’m having a bad dream and I need to wake up.
Bill Phypers, Brewster, NY
I'm absolutely gutted about Randy Bernard's firing. In three years, he has re-invigorated Indy car racing in every way and has set the table for its continued growth. I simply cannot fathom why anyone would want him gone. I mean, what the hell are we doing here? What are we trying to accomplish? After years and years and years of this crap, you'd think the Indy car community would understand and appreciate all of Randy's good work. I guess they - whoever "they" is - are only interested in themselves. Like so many passionate fans, I find it difficult to turn my back on IndyCar, but frankly, I'm angry that my loyalty continues to be taken advantage of like this. I hope whoever is responsible is happy, because at this rate, IndyCar is destined to remain professional racing's B-team or collapse completely. I can't wait to see who these idiots get to replace Randy!
Jeff Castallano
Mark this as one of 2784683939202letters you're going to get wondering how on earth the IMS board could oust Randy Bernard. Yeah, yeah...Qingdao, TV ratings and Dallara prices. How RB can be terminated on the basis of 3 years (really 2) of trying to fix 15 years of TG's ineptitude is beyond me. I wonder if it's time to start recognizing that TG isn't the only one within the H-G family that has no clue how to run a race series. Bless the family for being stewards of the Indy 500, but honestly, what have they done for season-long IndyCar racing since the heyday of USAC? Everyone blames TG for the downfall of IndyCar racing...well, it seems to me that the family went along with TG for 15 years, then came to their senses and have inexplicably gone back to insanity. Why anyone would pump money into this series as a stakeholder is beyond me. Who's happier right now...TG and some of his team owner brood or the NASCAR/Grand-Am brain trust down in Daytona?
Clint, Chicago, IL
I'm 30 years old and although considered a young follower I have followed Indy cars from as far back as I can remember and haven't missed a 500 in almost 15 years. I've gone to bat for IndyCar when everyone thought I was crazy for following the "low tier" racing series, I watched and supported through the CART/IRL Split, I stuck with it after watching Paul Tracy get screwed by “IRL" brass and I've followed for all of the years of no talent ride buying. When Randy Bernard was hired to run the series I thought open wheel racing was FINALLY on the path of resurrection. After following the turmoil behind the scenes for the last two years I feel like there has been a snake lurking in the shadows. Randy was a blessing to series and a breath of fresh air for all of us believers. I as a fan believe he was unfairly and unjustly terminated for making the best of an inherited disaster. I've never been more disappointed in the IndyCar series and although I swore I would be a fan no matter what, the time has come to say goodbye. It's a shame to say goodbye to the series that was finally coming together with some of the best talent in years. As much as it's going to kill me to sell my Indy 500 tickets and break my tradition it's time to throw in the towel. I hope the Hulman family realizes the mistake they've made.
Justin, Monticello, IN
I feel very strong that this is a very wrong move for IC. Not everything Randy did was right but his heart and his effort were in the right place. Do we really want IC to go back to “I Am Indy” with Gene Simmons? Do we just want one engine? As a die-hard OW fan don't we want to see some of the local sprint car drivers make it up to IC. Rick Mears did not have any road racing experience when RP hired him? The problem is that TG is jealous of Randy and what he has done for ICR. John Barnes is mad because he cannot run up front like he did back in the old IRL days before Penske, Chip and Andretti came back. KV Racing cannot run up front because there are better drivers and competition now than there was in Champ Car. Do we really want Brian Barnhart running things again? Give me 4 good ones and put it in the show. PUKE! The pole sitter should lead the first lap? Screaming at the drivers for racing close? Waving the green flag when it is raining and then throwing a 3-time Indy 500 champion under the bus over that call? I have been coming to the Speedway every year since I was 10 years old in 1970. I really don't know if I will renew my 12 tickets for 2014. I wrote letters to TG about what I would like to see as a fan and never got a response back? At least RB reached out to the fans. Tony George, ask yourself if your Grandfather would really be proud of you for what you have done to ICR to last 16 years? I am just about done with all of the drama. So sad of what ICR and the IMS has become.
Terry Gobble, Urbana IL
2013 INDY 500 Practice
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