Miller: IndyCar Has 'Dodged Bullets'

updated: 10/24/2011 7:53:25 AM
Miller: IndyCar Has 'Dodged Bullets'

InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report

IndyCar officials and series drivers are slated to meet today in Indianapolis to discuss safety. The session will follow a weekend of services to honor Dan Wheldon, who died after a crash during the season-ending IndyCar event in Las Vegas. Longtime Motorsports Journalist Robin Miller says Indy-style racing has "dodged bullets for 15 years" on high-banked ovals like the venue in Vegas. He believes the series should return to ovals, which are better suited for open-wheel racing. Miller shared his thoughts on Wheldon and where IndyCar goes from here during a conversation with Inside INdiana Sports Contributor Bill Benner.

Today's drivers' meeting is not mandatory. Some will not be able to attend after taking part in the Gold Coast 600 over the weekend in Australia. Sebastien Bourdais won the Dan Wheldon Memorial Trophy as the top international driver in the event.

Wheldon's death is not the only tragedy marring global motorsports this month.

Motorcycle driver Marco Simoncelli died this weekend from injuries suffered in lap two of the Malaysian Grand Prix. SpeedTV.com reports officials ended up canceling the race.

Simoncelli had success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway winning the 250cc race in 2009. He finished 12th in this year's MotoGP and seventh in the 2010 event.

Source: Inside INdiana Business, SpeedTV.com

October 24, 2011

News Release

A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus on the death of MotoGP competitor Marco Simoncelli from injuries suffered in the Grand Prix of Malaysia on Sunday, Oct. 23:

�We are deeply saddened at the passing of Marco Simoncelli. He was one of the most charismatic figures in the World Championship and had a fantastic future ahead of him in MotoGP. Marco was one of the most popular riders at the MotoGP event at Indianapolis, as his talent on the motorcycle and his ability to connect with fans both were very special. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family, team and fans.�

Simoncelli, 24, from Italy, competed twice in the MotoGP class at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, finishing seventh in 2010 and 12th in 2011. He won the 250cc race in 2009 at IMS. Simoncelli was the 2008 250cc World Champion.

Source: Indianapolis Motor Speedway