It has been rumored since May that Tony George’s days as the head of the IRL and Indy Motor Speedway were numbered, but George never fed into the speculation. That’s why his Tuesday announcement that he was leaving his position in both organizations was not exactly shocking, but it still came as a suprise.

George had been running IMS since 1990 and was the leader of the IRL since it’s inception in 1994. The schism caused in open wheel racing with the formation of his splinter organization was devestating to the sport and despite the reunification of both series, the damage is far from repaired.

George will still serve on the board and will still run his race team, but he will have no day to day duties with the operations that he helmed.
It seems the board of directors for the track, which is comprised of several family members amongst others pressured him into this resignation.

His legacy at the race track will be one of expansion. It was George who opened the venue up to NASCAR, Formula One, and Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

He spent loads of money upgrading the updating the track. Famously he was once quoted as saying (about the track), “This place wakes up in the morning and eats money.”

Hit the link to read more about George’s resignation and the people who will be taking over for him on the Indy Star’s website.