Bernard likes the passion in IndyCar

Bernard has informal media chats at most events, and Sunday's biggest topic was the sparks flying between some of the drivers.

Will Power had been at odds with Dario Franchitti; Scott Dixon and Graham Rahal are still firing verbal jabs.

"What I like about it is their passion is coming through," Bernard said. "If it's just vanilla all the time, it doesn't show the fan base that they really want it."

Bernard has only been at IndyCar's helm for 17 months, but he knows the sport has a history of such conflict. Lately, he said, the passion has been "behind closed doors" and toned down by sponsor and media attention.

"I don't want to see fistfights or cussing, but showing a little passion is good," he said. Indy Star