IRL Assumes Officiating Duties After Recent Mix-ups by USAC

INDIANAPOLIS — Maybe it took A.J. Foyt’s fists to break the ice for the Indy Racing League, which announced Monday it was taking over full sanctioning responsibilities for its series from the U.S. Auto Club.

“Recent events have led us to conclude that the Indy Racing League needs to move officiating in-house to ensure better communications with our teams,” said Leo Mehl, the IRL’s executive director.

In the Indy 500, which Arie Luyendyk won under a green flag, USAC officials failed to turn off the yellow lights that preceded the final lap.

Later, Luyendyk, who was punched by Foyt for invading the winner’s circle at Texas Motor Speedway and claiming victory. Foyt was celebrating with apparent winner, Billy Boat, at the time. After a scoring review, Luyendyk was declared the winner.