Tony George tells why he left IMS, IRL

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Tony George is finally commenting about his ouster as head of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League .

George had not made a public comment since the shakeup of track and series management late last month.

Friday morning he released a statement on the Vision Racing's Web site - the team he still runs. In it, he explains why he turned down the chance to stay in charge of IndyCar racing.

He writes: "I was asked to continue as CEO of the Indy Racing League, reporting to a new President and CEO of IMS. In my view, this would have created an unnecessary bureaucratic layer between the people in the operations of the IRL and the CEO of IMS that had not previously existed."

George hints more changes may still come, writing:

"I have offered my advice to the board on management reorganization, but also and perhaps more importantly, a reorganization of our board, which would provide a structure for better governance for generations to come. It is my belief that, with the recent unification of open-wheel racing, the focus should be on the future rather than the past."

George also attempts to calm fears that the Hulman-George family may not support the sport as it long has.

"I have been assured by my mother that no such reduction of support or commitment is intended or anticipated. I can assure teams, sponsors, media and fans that our family is sincere in its commitment to the Indianapolis 500, the League and the sport."

Click here to read the full statement on the Vision Racing site.