Randy Bernard, IndyCar's chief executive, has issued an apology after predicting more "carnage and wrecks" prior to British driver Dan Wheldon's death at the weekend.
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."
IndyCar have revealed that the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS) and the world governing body will help them look into the factors that led to Wheldon's death, although it could be several weeks before any findings are released.
In the wake of the accident, former driver Mario Andretti said: "The league is very responsible and has been doing a fantastic job and staying ahead of the curve on the safety side. But it's a never-ending project."
Derek Warwick, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, said: "I sometimes question the depth of talent in IndyCar races. The inexperienced generally end up having accidents. They need to tweak what they're doing a little bit."