Following the week's rumour and speculation about the future of Indy Racing League and Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George, the competing teams have taken the unprecedented step of issuing a statement in support of the man at the helm.

George was forced to deny suggestions that he had been removed from power at the Brickyard following a board meeting after last weekend's Indianapolis 500, although he did confirm that he had been summoned to the pow-wow to discuss means of improving the image of the IRL, and ways in which he could focus on that - ostensibly at the cost of loosing the reins at both the circuit at his Vision Racing concern.

“Contrary to published reports, I continue to serve as CEO of IMS," George claimed in a statement, "Our board of directors met yesterday, and we did discuss how to best confront challenges and exploit opportunities facing our businesses. This is nothing new and is something that we continually do as a board. But no changes in leadership or responsibility have been made.

"We don't normally comment on board deliberations concerning our family business. However, the widespread, inaccurate reports and rumours caused my mother and me to conclude that it was necessary to set the record straight. If changes are made in the management of the company that are newsworthy, we will announce them when they are made.

"I am still CEO and still president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, Hulman and Company, and CEO of the Indy Racing League."

The situation has now prompted the various competing teams to issue a declaration of their support for George, including those that came over from the now-defunct Champ Car World Series.

"During the past week, there have been many rumours and innuendos about our CEO Tony George," the missive read, "We, the IndyCar team owners, want to express our full support to Tony. As an innovator and leader of our sport, he continually strives to help and improve IndyCar racing, and for that we are exceptionally grateful."

The release was signed by AJ Foyt Racing, Andretti Green Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, HVM Racing, KV Racing Technology, Luczo Dragon Racing, Newman Haas Lanigan Racing, Panther Racing, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Team 3G and Team Penske.