IndyCar Series Starting To See Some Positive Signs Amid Turbulent Offseason
That prompted team owner Roger Penske to call into question the BOD's "credibility over the Bernard firing," while fans were "threatening to never watch another race again." However, Penske last week generated "some positive press" for the series when he offered a ride in the '13 Indianapolis 500 to NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.
While Stewart has “yet to publicly respond to Penske's offer," IMS has started an "online petition where fans can encourage the two-time Brickyard 400 winner to accept the ride." Broadcast partner ABC “seemed amenable to discussions with IMS about moving up the start time of the 500 to accommodate Stewart," but IMS has “not said if it's willing to move its start time, and the Indy 500 is a strong enough race that it doesn't need this additional buzz." But Fryer noted this “shot to the arm right now is good for IndyCar, even as its teams had been doing their part to continue pressing ahead despite the turmoil." AP