New Board to Oversee Race Control, Technical Inspection, and Rule Enforcement
In a groundbreaking move aimed at increasing transparency and consistency in officiating, IndyCar has officially announced the creation of INDYCAR Officiating Inc., a fully independent, not-for-profit organization that will take over officiating duties for IndyCar IndyNXT starting in the 2026 season.
The move, announced on December 11, 2025, introduces a three-person Independent Officiating Board (IOB) that will govern the organization, hire a Managing Director of Officiating (MDO), and establish its annual budget. This new structure is set to mark a significant shift in how officiating decisions are made, completely independent of IndyCar or Penske Entertainment leadership.
A New Era of Accountability
The Managing Director of Officiating, once appointed in early 2026, will hold full authority over race control operations and technical inspections, ensuring the IndyCar and IndyNXT rulebooks are enforced impartially. This individual will report solely to the IOB, free from influence by any teams or series organizers.
INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles expressed enthusiasm about the new structure:
“We have remained committed to independent officiating for 2026, and we are pleased to announce this next step. The INDYCAR team owners and the FIA have selected a world-class board with high character, incredible knowledge and an intense passion for motorsports and INDYCAR racing.”
Meet the Independent Officiating Board
The three members of the Independent Officiating Board were selected through a combination of team owner votes and appointment by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA):
- Ray Evernham: A renowned motorsports veteran, Evernham is best known as Jeff Gordon’s crew chief during three NASCAR Cup Series championships and as the former owner of Evernham Motorsports. He later transitioned into media and consulting roles, bringing decades of competitive insight to the board.
- Raj Nair: With over 30 years of experience in the automotive and racing sectors, Nair previously served as Ford’s North American President and CTO. He brings deep technical expertise and a history of overseeing global motorsports initiatives for Ford, including NASCAR, IMSA, and FIA WEC.
- Ronan Morgan (FIA Appointee): A respected figure in international motorsport, Morgan has served as chairman of the stewards for more than 100 global race and rally events. He played a key role in organizing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and is currently President of the FIA Drivers’ Commission and a member of the World Motor Sport Council.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem celebrated the collaboration:
“INDYCAR is an American icon and I am proud of the relationship we are building together. The FIA’s independent expertise in delivering consistent officiating oversight across our World Championships, combined with INDYCAR’s innovation and competitive spirit, will support the continued growth of the series.”
Reactions Across the Paddock
The announcement has drawn strong support from teams and leadership across the paddock.
Chip Ganassi, team owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, praised the process:
“This was a thorough process, and I am confident in the independent officiating board that has been elected by the team ownership in our sport. I look forward to their guidance as they take the next step of hiring a managing director.”
Mark Miles, CEO of Penske Entertainment, echoed the sentiment:
“We are excited to launch this new structure of INDYCAR officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, added:
“I am pleased with the direction INDYCAR is taking with independent officiating. The team owners have selected two excellent board members and the addition of a FIA appointee will add another layer of experience and expertise.”
What’s Next?
The most anticipated next step will be the appointment of the Managing Director of Officiating, expected in early 2026. This individual will be responsible for assembling the officiating team, including race control and technical staff, and implementing the new system in time for the season opener.
written by Philipp Kraus / Media Credit: Penske Entertainment
