Randy Bernard issues apology after predicting ‘carnage’ before Dan Wheldon’s death

Dan Wheldon, 33, died in an horrific 15-car crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, leaving fans stunned and plunging series officials into crisis management mode as the season-ending finale turned to disaster.

In an interview over the summer, Bernard said that "danger will be an important element of the sport" as IndyCar looked to attract bigger crowds, as well as rivaling NASCAR for increased excitement and risk.

Bernard, who has been in the post since last March, added that changes to restarts would mean more "carnage and wrecks".

But following Wheldon's tragic death, Bernard said: "I am sorry if my comments are interpreted in this way. Danger has been an inherent part of the sport since 1909.

"I don't know if what I said was taken out of context but, if you know me, you know where my loyalties lie. I'm very respectful to the drivers and the sport."