Randy Bernard new CEO of the IRL

Randy Bernard, the former CEO of Professional Bull Riders Inc., has been named the new CEO for the Indy Racing League. Bernard, who was hired by Indianapolis Motorspeedway president and CEO Jeff Belskus, will begin his tenure on March 1.

“Randy is the right person at the right time to head the Indy Racing League,” Belskus said. “He brings a superb sports marketing and promotion background, proven CEO skills, energy, and enthusiasm at a time when the IZOD IndyCar Series is positioned for growth.”

Bernard had promoted one of the PBR's eight events in it's inaugural 1994 season, before being named its CEO one year later. The PBR enjoyed a very successful stint under his control, with their 2009 attendance up 12 percent and ratings up 30 percent.

Bernard said that for the 15 years he has been the CEO of the PBR he has been “blessed to work with such a great sport, and I enjoyed the success that we all shared together. But I was ready to make a change in my life. Josie George was determined that the change should be with the Indy Racing League, and after significant research I was excited about the opportunity."

Bernard continued, “I truly believe I can make a difference with the Indy Racing League, and I see tremendous potential. The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights have intense action, high-stakes competition, extreme athletes, a diverse international schedule, great sponsors and a very passionate fan base.”

The 2010 Izod IndyCar Series will kick off on March 14 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Copyright © 2004-2010 OpenWheelWorld.net