Due to a controversy over tire performance, 20 cars took the parade lap before the race, but only six took the grid for the start. All 14 cars running on Michelin tires pulled into the pits at the end of the opening lap.

The ruling throws out 10 class action suits that were consolidated into one action, seeking punitive damages as well as compensatory damages for ticket costs, travel expenses and food.

Judge Barker ruled that the fans had no basis for the lawsuit. "It’s to be assumed that the Michelin teams made the decision they believed to be in their best competitive and professional interests, and in doing so, they owed no legal duty to let the preferences of the spectators trump their own good judgment," Judge Barker wrote.

“Michelin is very pleased with Judge Barker’s decision dismissing the entire class action lawsuit with prejudice,” said Michael Fanning, vice president of corporate affairs for Michelin North America. “Michelin has always felt that our quick action to voluntarily refund all tickets to the 2005 race and to purchase 20,000 tickets to the 2006 race was the right thing to do in the interest of the fans and the sport.

“We and our partner teams now look forward to a very competitive 2006 U.S. Grand Prix and to continuing Michelin’s winning season in Formula One.”