Rochester, N.Y.—Remember this date: June 30, 2009.

For me, that date has always been an easy date to remember. Ever since I entered this world, the date had significance. My oldest sister, and then 11 years later, my youngest sister were born on this date. Now, whenever I celebrate their birthdays, I will also be celebrating the anniversary of the beginning of the end of the greatest con in sports history -- the Indy Racing League.

Tony George has not only been officially removed from power of IMS, but he subsequently quit as the CEO of the IRL. This latter move should not surprise anyone who understands George, i.e. anyone who is not one of his sycophants. George has always been one to take his ball and go home when he couldn't get his way. He didn't get his way at today's board meeting, so he ran off to his room in a huff, slammed the door shut, jumped on his bed, and buried his head in the pillow kicking his feet up and down.

You can't blame Tony George for doing this. He knows what will become of the IRL when the IMS money faucet is turned off. He's not a complete idiot (at least we don't think so). But, it isn't necessarily because he doesn't want to be at the helm when it all falls apart. It's because he's never been capable of running a business. Nothing on his resume has shown otherwise. He may be the worst businessman in sports history.

It takes no talent whatsoever to pull a temper tantrum driven power grab when you have seemingly all the money in the world to throw away along with control of that money pit, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. No talent whatsoever.

Tony George has never created anything from scratch, unlike many of the owners he has had to deal with -- first as hated enemies in CART and then as beloved "allies" in the IRL. And, he never grew the money he had been given to care of. He has become the ultimate example of the infamous racing axiom -- to make a small fortune in racing, start out with a large fortune.

The reaction over today's announcement has at times been laughable. Take Tony Kanaan's as quoted in speedtv.com: "When I first heard about this last month, I'll admit it was a big worry because I knew Tony put out all the money. So I'm glad to hear the direction the Hulman-George family is taking for the league."

I don't know whether to laugh or cry at this absurd quote. Is Kanaan really that dumb not to be able to read between the lines in the press release? Does he really think the IRL will continue to be funded by IMS when the sisters specifically made this move to prevent that very thing?

Even though Kevin Kalkhoven sold Champ Car down the river, he gets it. As a successful businessman, and perhaps for that very reason he abandoned Champ Car, he knows there is trouble down the road. "We'll have to wait and see. I don't know where we go from here. My immediate concern is the racing and our budgets. Clearly, we have a problem right now with boring races and old technology so we need new cars and engines as soon as possible. And we must reduce the costs of this series."

Hmmm, I thought Tony George solved all those problems. After all, isn't that why he created the IRL...?

The owners, especially those who pulled Benedict Arnolds, will most likely be trying their best to convince themselves all will be okay. Take Chip Ganassi's quote: "Anytime there’s uncertainty you are concerned, but I think the Hulman-George family has shown a stewardship for Indy-car racing for many, many years and I hope it continues. It sounds like that's their plan and that's excellent."

Come on Chip, we know you're smarter than that. At least smarter than Kanaan. But he is probably going through the denial phase right now. Give him time, and he will snap out of it and see the path this is all heading for.

Which path is that? I spelled out three most likely scenarios a few weeks ago. Already the rumors are out there NASCAR is interested in picking up the remains. There are also rumors Penske is putting together an owner takeover, either alone or with other compatriots.

Some may say the damage is already done. This is true. The damage is beyond reparable. This is perhaps true. Some will even say it is not constructive to wish for the demise of Tony George, or even dance on his grave. On the contrary. Everyone must be held accountable for their deeds, good or bad. And Tony George is finally being held accountable.

For make no mistake about it. There may have been many people whispering in Tony's ear. There may have been many people who worked certain angles. There have been certain people who helped destroy CART. However, as some astute message board posters pointed out, only one person, just one was ever capable of creating the initial problem. And that one person is Tony George.

Thus, everything that came from this ability and decision, including the complete and utter destruction of the sport of American open wheel racing, is solely Tony George's fault.

Therefore, I will forever remember this day for a reason beyond familial. June 30, 2009 is the day the clock started ticking towards the demise of the IRL and Tony George. It is the day the greatest con in sports history started to come to an end.

Copyright © 2009 by and Deep Throttle. All Rights Reserved.