It took me a moment to realize that the material was there as an improvement over the gaping holes and cracks in the track. I guess everyone is getting their "Driving around endlessly in circles going nowhere" yaya's out by commuting these days.
It would be IRLs fault. The city wouldn't have an obligation to keep public roads roads maintained to a closed course racing standard year round, although i'm sure at least a smooth pavement guarantee was part of what ever contract their commerce and tourism boards had with the IRL. But, ultimately it's the sanctioning body's responsibility to ensure the safety of the proposed race course. Roads in Michigan are all shitty to begin with anyway, with all the snow
I'd say blame is 50/50 with city and contractor that did the work.
They did quick repairs that would match the road surface (guessing so they could be left in place after the race and/or for asthetics) After the race was red-flagged the race crews used quickset concrete to fix the fixes and those held for the rest of the shortened race.
If it's not already on here, I'll try and find the chaotic MotoGP race where a rider went down on the first corner and spilled oil everywhere - whereupon the dozy marshalls just stood by and didn't bother to wave the red and yellow striped caution. I think about six or seven bikes went down, followed by six or seven furious bikers swearing their way to the track officials office.
Reddit
Digg
Stumble
Facebook
