IndyCar CEO: Rules package was off for Fontana race

The CEO of IndyCar said Wednesday that the series went too far with the rules package for last weekend’s race at California, where many drivers sharply criticized what they said was dangerous pack racing.

Despite the admission, chief executive Mark Miles warned that criticism of IndyCar by its teams and drivers won’t be tolerated going forward.

The Saturday race at Fontana – won by Graham Rahal – was largely considered one of the most entertaining races in recent memory because of the flag-to-flag competition. At times, drivers were five wide, dicing for position.

But there were multiple complaints about the dangers of pack racing on an oval track, with competitors questioning the safety and evoking the 2011 crash in Las Vegas that killed Dan Wheldon.

Miles called the criticism “damaging” to IndyCar – particularly following an event that was embraced by fans. He said IndyCar has been too lax until now about allowing stakeholders to damage the brand.