Trying to make the Brick Yard (Oval) into a Road Course is like trying to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse. It's the worst track on the Formula 1 schedule.
The issue isn't Michelin - it's safety.
These drivers are highly professional, competitive athletes. They would never sit out unless it was a real issue.
I suspect we haven't heard the end of this and more information will come out soon.
They've run there 6 previous times without tire problems. One would think they would have had all of their European ducks-in-a-row by now.