As the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season prepares to begin on the Streets of St. Petersburg, a major structural shift is taking place behind the scenes. INDYCAR’s newly formed Independent Officiating Board is finalizing the launch of INDYCAR Officiating, a not-for-profit corporation designed to strengthen governance transparency and operational independence across both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone.
The initiative represents an evolution rather than a reaction. According to board leadership, the goal is not to overhaul the system, but to reinforce it with clearer separation between competition oversight and series management, enhanced transparency reporting, and additional technical resources.
Building a Framework for Transparency
Chaired by Raj Nair, alongside secretary and treasurer Ray Evernham and FIA appointee Ronan Morgan, the Independent Officiating Board has spent the past several months reviewing INDYCAR’s existing processes and personnel structure.
Key milestones have already been completed. The board has formally established INDYCAR Officiating Inc. as a not-for-profit entity, finalized its 2026 operating budget, reviewed established race control and technical procedures, and identified areas where additional expertise would strengthen operations. Among the most notable decisions was the determination to appoint a separate race director for INDY NXT by Firestone, creating clearer division and focus between the two championships.
“The board has been meticulous and thorough in our review of INDYCAR’s officiating process and procedures,” Nair said. “Among our major goals is to implement a more detailed transparency reporting structure to teams related to technical and race infractions, as well as establishing consistency of rule implementation and enforcement.”
While pleased with the early progress, Nair emphasized that implementation remains ongoing, with the board continuing its search for a managing director of officiating. Until that position is filled, the three board members will collectively oversee independent officiating operations.
Stability Within Race Control
Importantly, the new structure does not signal sweeping personnel changes. After reviewing steward positions and race control leadership, the board elected to maintain continuity.
Kyle Novak will continue in his role as race director and vice president of INDYCAR Officiating. Novak, who has served as race director since 2018, remains responsible for competition regulations across both INDYCAR and INDY NXT. His credentials extend beyond domestic competition; as one of 36 judges serving on FIA courts, Novak participates in the FIA International Tribunal and International Court of Appeal.
On the technical side, Kevin “Rocket” Blanch will remain as technical director, overseeing inspection procedures and ensuring compliance with aerodynamic and chassis regulations. Blanch’s experience within the paddock spans more than two decades, including a successful tenure at Panther Racing before joining INDYCAR in 2003.
Arie Luyendyk and Max Papis will also continue as chief stewards. Both former INDYCAR race winners have served in officiating roles since 2016, monitoring on-track activity, reviewing incidents, and enforcing penalties from race control.
“The officiating in INDYCAR is not broken,” Morgan said. “In fact, racing series around the world could learn from its procedures and operation. Independent INDYCAR Officiating should be framed as a sensible evolution when it comes to general process.”
Expanded Technical Oversight
While continuity remains central, the board has also identified areas for expansion. Nick Allen has been appointed technical inspection manager for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a race team mechanic and chief mechanic. Additional technical personnel for INDY NXT are expected to be added in the coming weeks, along with a dedicated INDY NXT race director.
Evernham highlighted the importance of reinforcing, rather than replacing, the existing system.
“One of the clear takeaways as we analyzed INDYCAR officiating and operations has been that INDYCAR already greatly benefits from knowledgeable and professional personnel in race control and technical inspection,” Evernham said. “Combined with the expertise that the board brings, we will work with the current team members while adding additional resources and support.”
The board members will be present at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and will share oversight responsibilities during the opening races of the season until the managing director of officiating is appointed.
A Defining Step Into 2026
The launch of INDYCAR Officiating arrives at a pivotal moment for the championship. With expanding broadcast reach, a competitive 18-race calendar, and renewed interest in American open-wheel racing, clarity and consistency in officiating become increasingly vital.
By formalizing operational independence and enhancing reporting transparency, INDYCAR aims to provide teams, drivers, and fans with greater confidence in rule enforcement and governance processes.
The 2026 season begins this Sunday, March 1, at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. As the green flag falls in Florida, INDYCAR’s competitive battles will once again command the spotlight. Behind the scenes, however, a newly structured officiating body will quietly shape the integrity of every lap.
written by Philipp Kraus // Media Credit: Penske Entertainment
